Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh

Chapter 85: Her Move

The next day, Aarav stepped into his office, a sense of anticipation buzzing in the air. As he entered his cabin, his eyes widened at the sight of an array of colourful bouquets lining his desk. A smile spread across his face as he approached them, his heart lifting at the cheerful blooms.

He picked up one of the bouquets, its vibrant colours brightening the otherwise formal atmosphere. Curiously, he opened the card attached to it, reading aloud, "Congratulations on the engagement!" His heart swelled with joy, a mix of pride and happiness coursing through him.

Just then, Manvi entered the cabin, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the flowers, each bouquet a burst of colour against the polished wooden desk. "Itne saare bouquets!" she exclaimed, her tone a blend of surprise and delight, the atmosphere immediately brightening with her presence.

"Haaan! Dekho na, kitni saari ladkiyon ne bheje hain. Yeh waala toh ek dum acha hai," Aarav replied, his teasing tone hinting at a playful jealousy as he flashed her a cheeky grin, the corners of his mouth lifting in a way that made his eyes sparkle.

Manvi chuckled softly, her heart warmed by his lightheartedness. "So sweet," she remarked, her gaze dancing over the cheerful arrangements.

"Sweet? Tum jealous nahi ho rahi ho?" he pressed, a playful challenge in his tone, his eyes glimmering with mischief as he leaned in slightly, enjoying their banter.

"Main kyun jealous hun? Ab koi aapko bouquet bheje ya flirt kare... rahenge toh aap mere hi," Manvi replied confidently, a warm smile playing on her lips, the lightness of the moment wrapping around them like a soft embrace, easing the playful tension between them.

Aarav returned her smile, his heart swelling with affection, a warmth spreading through him as he basked in the shared joy. However, as Manvi's gaze drifted around the desk, it landed on a bouquet of black roses, their dark petals stark against the vibrant colors surrounding them. Intrigued and slightly unnerved, she felt a chill race down her spine.

The black roses were like a shadow amidst the light, their velvety texture, a stark contrast to the brightness of the other flowers. With a frown, she reached for it, her fingers brushing against the cool, silky petals, an unsettling feeling creeping into her heart. As she pulled the bouquet closer, she couldn't shake the sense that something was off, as if this bouquet carried a weight far beyond its physical presence.

Her smile faded, replaced by a flicker of concern as she tore her gaze from the roses to Aarav, wanting to shield him from whatever dark omen this bouquet represented. The joy of the moment felt fragile, as if it could shatter with a single word.

When Manvi opened the accompanying card, her heart sank, the weight of its words crashing over her like a wave of icy water. "Inki tarah tumhari zindagi bhi kaali hone waali hai! Congratulations, Aarav." The chilling message sent a shock of disbelief coursing through her veins, a sense of foreboding wrapping around her like a suffocating shroud.

In a swift, instinctual motion, she concealed the card and bouquet behind her back, her resolve hardening as she vowed to protect Aarav's happiness from this ominous note. The vibrant colours of the other flowers seemed to mock the darkness of the black roses, and she felt a cold dread settling in her stomach.

"Aaravji, main aati hun," she said, her voice steady and composed, though inside, her heart raced with concern, each beat a reminder of the unease clawing at her

Aarav nodded, his attention momentarily distracted, unaware of the storm brewing just beneath the surface. As soon as he turned his gaze elsewhere, Manvi slipped out of the cabin, urgency propelling her forward like a wildfire. She quickly found a peon nearby, her expression serious and focused.