The early morning sun filtered through the large glass windows of the penthouse, casting a golden glow over the sleek interior. Vivaan was the first to stir, stretching his arms and yawning as he got out of bed.
Kartikey and Veeranshu followed shortly, each of them moving with a sense of purpose, accustomed to the rhythm of their powerful lives. They were men who thrived in the fast-paced world of business, and mornings were always a calm before the storm of meetings, deals, and the weight of their responsibilities.
All three of them dressed in their usual attire—sharp, tailored suits that exuded authority and power. Kartikey, in particular, chose a black suit that highlighted his strong frame, the crisp white shirt underneath adding a touch of elegance.
Veeranshu opted for a navy blue, while Vivaan went with a charcoal gray suit, both looking equally impressive. The suits were expensive, custom-made, the kind that made a statement without needing to say a word.
As they made their way to the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and they sat around the dining table, where breakfast had been laid out—scrambled eggs, toast, fruit, and yogurt, a simple yet hearty meal.
“I’ve got back-to-back meetings today,” Vivaan said, slicing into his toast. “It’s going to be a long one.”. “Same here,” Veeranshu added, sipping his coffee.
“But I think the deal with oberoi Enterprises is finally closing. We’re in the final stage.” Kartikey listened quietly, cutting through his eggs with precision, his mind already racing ahead to the day’s tasks.
He had a major merger on the horizon, and the weight of it rested heavily on his shoulders, though he’d never let it show. Even as his friends talked, Kartikey was already mentally preparing for the business calls, negotiations, and countless decisions that awaited him.
But despite the gravity of the day ahead, his thoughts briefly flickered to the café. To her—Uma.
He pushed the thought aside, refusing to let it distract him. He was Kartikey—CEO, a man of power, wealth, and control. He couldn’t afford to get lost in idle thoughts about a woman who was nothing more than a passing encounter.
After breakfast, the three of them grabbed their briefcases and left for their respective offices, each stepping into their day with the confidence and command they were known for.
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Meanwhile, in a cozy apartment on the other side of the city, Uma had already woken up, the soft sunlight peeking through the curtains and gently nudging her awake.
She stretched lazily in her bed, her thoughts drifting to the day ahead. Today was different—she had decided to take the day off, and so had Trisha.
After a quick shower, Uma got dressed in her favorite white anarkali, the fabric soft and flowing around her as she moved. The outfit was simple yet elegant, accentuated by delicate Indian earrings that added a subtle sparkle to her look.
As she stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair and letting it fall loosely around her shoulders, she smiled at her reflection. Today was going to be a day of relaxation, of laughter with her best friend.
“Uma, hurry up! The park’s going to get crowded if we don’t leave soon!” Trisha called from the living room, already dressed and ready, her excitement palpable.“Coming!” Uma called back, grabbing her bag and slipping on a pair of sandals before joining Trisha.
The two of them giggled as they made their way out, excited for a day off from the usual hustle of work.The park was not too far from their apartment, and as they arrived, Uma felt a sense of calm wash over her.
The greenery, the gentle breeze, and the sound of children playing brought a smile to her face. She and Trisha found a quiet spot to sit under a large tree, enjoying the peacefulness of the morning.
Hours passed, and in the towering skyscrapers of the city, Kartikey, Vivaan, and Veeranshu had been knee-deep in business.
Meetings came and went, phone calls were handled with swift efficiency, and deals were struck with the precision only CEOs of their caliber could manage.
But even the sharpest minds needed a break, and by the time the afternoon rolled around, they were ready to take a step back, to clear their heads.“Let’s take a walk,” Kartikey suggested, his tone decisive. “We’ve been stuck in meetings all day. I need some fresh air.”
Vivaan and Veeranshu didn’t need any convincing. They all agreed to head to the park nearby, a quick break before returning to their high-stakes world.
As they walked into the park, dressed in their sharp suits, they cut quite the figure—three powerful men, out of place among the casual park-goers, yet somehow commanding attention without trying.
The fresh air and open space were a welcome change from the boardrooms and office walls.But as they walked, something—or rather, someone—caught their attention.
Kartikey heard it first. A laugh. Bright, joyful, and unmistakable.He turned his head toward the sound, his sharp eyes scanning the park until they landed on a familiar figure. Uma.
She was running, her white anarkali flowing behind her, as she chased after a small child who was giggling wildly, his tiny legs carrying him as fast as they could.
Kartikey stopped in his tracks, his breath catching for a moment as he watched her, completely absorbed in her laughter and the simple joy of playing with the child. She was radiant, her face lit up with a happiness that seemed to pour out of her effortlessly. The carefree way she moved, the lightness in her steps—it was so different from the world he was used to.
Vivaan and Veeranshu, walking beside him, quickly noticed his distraction. They followed his gaze and spotted Uma, immediately exchanging amused glances.
“Oh, look who it is,” Vivaan said, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “The café girl.” Veeranshu chuckled, nudging Kartikey. “What are the odds, huh? I’m starting to think this isn’t a coincidence.” Kartikey glared at them both, trying to shake off the feelings that were stirring inside him.
“It’s nothing. I didn’t even see her at first.”
“Sure,” Vivaan said, the grin never leaving his face. “That’s why you’ve been staring at her for the past minute.”
Kartikey looked away, jaw tightening. He didn’t like being teased, especially when he didn’t understand what he was feeling.
There was something about her, something that pulled him in, but he couldn’t put it into words. And he hated that—hated not being in control of his own thoughts.
As they continued to walk, Kartikey found his eyes drifting back to Uma. She was still playing with the child, her laughter filling the air, her joy so palpable it was almost contagious.
For a moment, he wondered who the child was—her sibling? A relative? She held the boy in her arms now, cradling him as she and another woman, who Kartikey assumed must be her friend, began to leave the park.
“Do you think she saw you?” Veeranshu asked, smirking.Kartikey shook his head, his voice firm. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s go.” But as he walked away, leaving the park behind, Kartikey couldn’t help but feel that something had shifted.
His curiosity was piqued, and for the first time in a long while, he found himself wanting to know more about someone outside of his world.
Who was she? And why did she affect him this way?
He brushed the thoughts aside, reminding himself that he had more important things to focus on. But deep down, he knew that this wouldn’t be the last time his mind wandered back to her.
YOU ARE READING
Sinful contract (His sweet possession)
عاطفيةWhen billionaire Kartikey Singh becomes obsessed with the free-spirited café owner Uma, he's determined to make her his-by any means necessary. Trapped by a contract that forces her into his world.