It had been months since the kidnapping incident, and my life had changed drastically.
Now, I was living with Ishanvi. She had been my constant support, always looking out for me and Pihu.
But lately, I couldn’t help but wonder if accepting Kiaan’s help that day was a mistake.
Ever since I was discharged from the hospital, I’d run into him so often that it felt… almost intentional. Like now, for instance.
He stood in my store, glancing around with that amused smirk he always wore.
I’d ensured that the dress he ordered was perfect, every detail carefully inspected. But here he was, claiming that the dress came without a tag.
"Mr. Kiaan, I honestly didn’t know the tag was missing," I said, keeping my voice calm. "I made sure everything was in order before we delivered it to your house. But if there’s any issue, I’ll replace it right away."
He leaned back slightly, folding his arms. "Well, it’s okay this time. But make sure it doesn’t happen again. I’d planned to gift it to the state minister’s wife for her anniversary, you know. It would’ve been embarrassing if they noticed something wrong."
The state minister’s wife? This was no ordinary purchase then. I nodded, offering another apology, and asked one of my staff members to bring out a replacement dress.
Just then, I heard a familiar voice from the entrance.
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Ishanvi outfit
"Akshi." I looked up, startled, and saw Ishanvi walking in. She looked briefly at Kiaan, then turned her gaze to me.
"Hello," Kiaan said, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Ishanvi didn’t respond, her face a perfect mask of indifference.
Kiaan glanced at me, then back at her. "I think your friend doesn’t like me," he remarked with a smirk.
Ishanvi didn’t miss a beat. "Good that you know."
His smirk only grew wider. "Oh, you finally spoke to me. I was beginning to think you were deaf."
Ishanvi’s expression didn’t change as she shot back, "I only hear what’s worth listening to."
Kiaan scoffed, then turned back to me. "Please make sure the dress gets delivered to my house. And I’d prefer you come in person this time to ensure everything is perfect."
With that, he turned and left, his bodyguards following him. I watched him go, feeling a mix of irritation and apprehension.
"Ishu, you shouldn’t have spoken to him like that," I said, turning to Ishanvi.
"Really?" she replied, arching a brow.
I nodded. "Yes. He’s powerful and influential, and he could—"
"I don’t care," she cut me off firmly. "I really don’t. Don’t get involved with him any more than you already have. He’s dangerous, Akshi."
I nodded, but I couldn’t ignore the countless times I’d already run into him. And then, to my surprise, she added, "And don’t go deliver the dress yourself. Get one of your staff members to do it."
I agreed, or at least, I thought I did. But later, when Kiaan sent me a message, everything changed.
The information he had… it was unsettling. I didn’t know how he’d gotten it, but I couldn’t afford to take any chances.
Ignoring Ishanvi’s warning, I found myself standing outside Kiaan Mehrotra’s grand house, feeling both anxious and uneasy.
When I stepped inside, I was met by a sea of bodyguards, each one keeping a close eye on me as I made my way through.
They didn’t stop me; he must have told them I was coming. And there he was, sitting on a plush couch, sipping tea with a relaxed smile as if he’d been expecting me all along.
"Hello, Akshi," he greeted, motioning to the seat across from him. His voice was calm, almost too calm, as he watched me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.
"Mr. Mehrotra," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.
He chuckled, setting his teacup down. "Oh, come on. I think we’re past formalities by now."
I didn’t respond, keeping my eyes fixed on him, trying to gauge his intentions.
"I see you didn’t bring the dress," he noted, a hint of amusement in his tone.
I managed a small nod. "I thought you called me here to discuss something important."
He raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "Straight to business, I see. I like that."
There was a pause, and then he leaned forward, his voice dropping. "You know, Akshi, it’s not just about a dress or a missing tag. People in my position have eyes and ears everywhere. They hear things… things that maybe you wouldn’t want to share with just anyone."
