Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-25:The Fragile Fortress

Atharv sank back into his office chair, letting out a long sigh. The meeting had gone smoothly, but his mind drifted elsewhere—back to the subtle changes that had begun to unfold between him and Inaara.

It wasn’t much, yet it was enough to ease the heaviness that had settled in his chest for too long.

He’d started to show his apologies not just through words, but through the small, attentive actions he hoped would reach her heart.

And slowly, almost imperceptibly, things were shifting.

They now spoke softly over dinner, sharing the details of their days.

Sometimes, in the gentle glow of evening, he’d join her on the terrace with a cup of tea, the notes of an old Hindi song playing softly in the background.

They didn’t always need words; somehow, the silence between them had taken on a new texture. Comfortable.

Familiar.

It was as if their unspoken thoughts flowed between them, bridging the gap he had once so carelessly created.

Yesterday, he’d tasted a dish she made. It was simple but filled with a warmth that stayed with him long after he finished.

He had known she could cook, but to actually savor it... it had been more than just a meal. He could still recall the taste, rich and soothing.

The memory brought a small smile to his face, a warmth settling in.

Tomorrow would be Saturday. An idea formed in his mind, half-formed yet stubborn.

A street food outing—not quite a date, he told himself, though his heart stirred at the thought.

Just an evening spent together, tasting the city’s flavors, like they had once done. Maybe this time, it could be different.

As Atharv sat in his office, mind drifting to plans for tomorrow evening, a knock on the door snapped him back.

He straightened, his usual composure settling over him, as Rachit, his PA, stepped in.

“Sir, should I inform the pilot to be ready for takeoff tomorrow at 11 a.m.?”

Atharv’s brow furrowed. “Takeoff? Am I going somewhere?”

Rachit looked momentarily taken aback. A short silence fell before he replied, “Sir, the Texas trip is scheduled for tomorrow, to finalize the deal.”

The reminder landed heavily on Atharv. Texas. He’d completely forgotten. How could he have forgotten?

A ripple of disbelief mixed with frustration swept over him. He never forgot his business trips—especially one as important as this.

And yet, in all his careful planning, his mind had been somewhere else entirely.

Rachit waited patiently, a hint of surprise in his gaze, as Atharv gave a reluctant nod.

“Yes, make the arrangements. Inform the pilot.”

As Rachit exited, the room felt emptier than before, a hollow settling in his chest.