Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-31:Balancing Act

New Year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. So, it’s your chance to write the most beautiful story for yourself. Wish you a Happy New Year 2025

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The evening light outside was fading, painting the skies a soft shade of orange that slowly dissolved into twilight.

Inaara stepped out of her room, her resolve sitting heavily on her chest.

Navya's words played over and over in her mind, like a song stuck on repeat—“Make him see a life beyond all this.”

As much as Inaara wanted to ignore it, a small part of her knew that Navya was right.

Maybe, just maybe, Atharv needed to hear her thoughts, her views—something he had probably never considered.

She descended the stairs quietly, the faint rustle of her cotton kurti brushing against her legs.

The penthouse was drenched in a strange, unsettling silence that seemed to echo her uncertainty.

The walls, though pristine and luxurious, felt impersonal. Large windows framed the expanse of the city below, glittering like tiny stars.

Yet, amidst all this opulence, Inaara felt small—like a lone figure caught in a vast storm.

Walking into the kitchen, she found Asma, the head chef, chopping vegetables methodically.

The rhythmic sound of the knife against the board momentarily steadied Inaara’s nerves.

“Is Atharv home?” she asked, her voice soft but steady.

Asma looked up, startled. “Yes, madam. He’s in his study.”

Inaara gave a small nod, her heartbeat quickening. The very thought of facing Atharv made her throat tighten.

She turned to the counter and picked up the gleaming silver coffee pot. If I have to do this, she thought, let me start with something simple.

Her hands worked carefully, pouring the rich, dark liquid into a fine porcelain mug.

The faint aroma of coffee filled the air, mingling with her unease. Taking a deep breath, Inaara steadied her grip on the cup and walked towards the study.

The hallway leading to Atharv's study seemed longer today, almost stretching into infinity.

The polished wooden floors creaked softly under her footsteps.

When she finally reached the heavy door of his study, she paused, her heart hammering against her ribs.

The silence on the other side of the door felt thick and impenetrable. Should I turn back? The thought whispered at the back of her mind.

But she shook her head lightly, squaring her shoulders. No, you came this far. You have to try.

Gathering her courage, she knocked twice—soft yet deliberate.

A second later, the door clicked open, controlled remotely from inside. Taking that as an invitation, Inaara pushed the door open and stepped in.