Junoon E tishnagi

Chapter 9: *Tension in the Elevator*

The day had finally come to an end at *Singhania Industries*. The once bustling office had quieted down as employees packed up and left for the day, eager to return home. Aarohi, still replaying the earlier interaction with *Pranali Rai Singhania* and her tense encounters with *Ansh*, took a deep breath as she gathered her things. It had been a whirlwind of emotions, and she was more than ready to leave the office and unwind.

Samaira had already messaged her, waiting downstairs with her scooty, but Aarohi needed to take the lift down. She stood in front of the elevator, waiting for it to arrive, her mind wandering. The hum of the building's air conditioning was the only sound that filled the otherwise silent hallway.

*Ding.*

The elevator door slid open, and to her horror, standing inside was none other than *Ansh Rai Singhania* himself. His presence filled the small elevator, his suit impeccable, his cold gaze immediately locking onto hers. Aarohi froze for a moment, her heartbeat quickening.

*Of all the people... why him?*

She hesitated at the threshold, debating whether to take the next lift or brave the tense ride with him. But Ansh, with his typical cold demeanor, broke the silence.

**Ansh (rudely, raising an eyebrow):**
"Kya hua? Andar aana hai ya nahin, Miss Aarohi? Don't waste my time."

His tone was sharp, dripping with irritation. Aarohi quickly straightened her posture and, feeling cornered, stepped inside the elevator. The door slid shut behind her with a soft *thud*, trapping her in a small space with the one person she had been trying to avoid all day.

**Aarohi (to herself, sighing internally):**
"Pata nahin kaisa khadus insaan hai. Jab dekho tab muh bana ke rehta hai..."

She thought she had whispered it softly, but Ansh caught it. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his expression unreadable but his lips curling into a faint, wicked smile.

**Ansh (coldly):**
"Aarohi, tum kuch keh rahi ho mujhse?"

Aarohi stiffened, her eyes widening. She hadn't expected him to hear her.

**Aarohi (quickly, panicking):**
"N-no sir, kuch nahin."

She tried to keep her voice steady, but the tightness in her throat betrayed her nerves. Ansh, noticing her discomfort, took a step closer, his body language casual but his intent clear. The tension in the small elevator was palpable. Aarohi could feel the heat of his presence beside her, and she instinctively took a step back, her fingers nervously clutching her bag.

Ansh leaned down slightly, his face now inches from hers. His voice dropped to a low whisper, and his breath brushed against her ear, sending an uncomfortable shiver down her spine.

**Ansh (whispering, with a wicked smile):**
"Abhi toh bas shuruwat hai, Miss Aarohi. Aur abhi se hi itna darr gayi ho?"

Aarohi's breath hitched, and she froze in place. His proximity was overwhelming, and the way he spoke felt like a subtle threat. She wanted to say something, to push back, but her throat felt tight, and her mind was racing. The elevator seemed smaller than ever, and she couldn't wait for the ride to end.

*Ding.*

The elevator doors slid open, and Aarohi quickly stepped out, practically stumbling in her haste to get away from him. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she hurried toward the exit, desperate to leave the suffocating tension behind. She could feel his gaze on her back, even as she made her way toward the door.

---

### Outside: Samaira's Concern

As soon as Aarohi stepped outside, she spotted *Samaira*, who was waiting near her scooty, her arms crossed as she checked her phone. The moment Samaira saw Aarohi rushing out of the building, her expression changed from casual to concerned.