Blueprints of Love

1. A Ghost from the Past

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over Mumbai as Savi Bhosale stepped out of her car, the sound of honking horns and chattering pedestrians filling the air. Today was meant to be just another typical day filled with meetings and deadlines. She adjusted her saree, smoothing the fabric down as she walked up the steps to her business partner Aryan's apartment. A sense of unease settled in her stomach, but she brushed it off.

"Just another meeting," she muttered under her breath, pressing the doorbell. The soft chime echoed through the hallway, mingling with the sounds of the bustling city outside.

The door swung open almost immediately, revealing Aryan with a bright smile. "Savi! You made it!" He gestured for her to come inside, his enthusiasm contagious.

"Of course. Wouldn't miss our strategy meeting," she replied, masking her nerves with a practised smile. As she stepped into the living room, her heart dropped. There, lounging comfortably on the couch, was Rajat Thakkar-her long-lost college crush, now a renowned architect. He looked as charming as ever, his easy smile and relaxed demeanour immediately drawing her attention.

"Savi! It's so good to see you!" Rajat said, rising from the couch, his voice smooth and inviting.

"Rajat," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Memories of their college days flooded her mind: late-night study sessions, shared laughter, and the heart-wrenching moment she had overheard his thoughts on love. She quickly pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself to stay composed.

"What a surprise," she added, adopting a no-nonsense demeanor. "I wasn't aware you'd be here."

Rajat noticed the slight tension in her voice, an edge that hinted at something deeper. "I'm just here to discuss the project with Aryan," he said, casting a sideways glance at her. "But it's great to see you again. How have you been?"

"Busy. You know how startups are," Savi replied tersely, avoiding eye contact. She didn't want to engage in a conversation filled with nostalgia. The last thing she needed was to revisit those buried feelings.

Aryan, sensing the sudden shift in the atmosphere, cleared his throat. "Alright, let's get started. We have a lot to cover." He gestured for them to sit, and Savi took a seat as far from Rajat as possible, hoping to create some distance.

As Aryan laid out the agenda for the meeting, Savi found it increasingly difficult to focus. Rajat's presence was overwhelming, his charm still as potent as it had been years ago. Every time he spoke, she felt her heart flutter, and she cursed herself for allowing such feelings to resurface.

"Now, about the eco-friendly initiative we're planning," Aryan began, glancing at Savi for her input. "Savi, what are your thoughts on the materials we should consider?"

Savi took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay professional. "We should prioritize sustainable materials that reduce the carbon footprint. It's crucial for our brand," she replied, her voice steady.

"Absolutely," Rajat chimed in. "I've worked on several projects where we incorporated bamboo and recycled materials. They not only look great but are also environmentally friendly."

Savi felt her resolve wavering as she listened to him speak. There was a certain spark in his eyes when he discussed his work, and she couldn't help but admire his passion. "That sounds good, but we need to ensure they meet the structural integrity required for high-rise buildings," she said, attempting to regain control of the conversation.

"Right, right," Rajat said, nodding. "Maybe we can set up a meeting next week to go over the specifics? I'd love to collaborate on this."

"Sure, sounds good," Savi replied, her tone clipped. She wasn't going to let him distract her, not today. "But let's focus on the immediate tasks at hand."