Six Years Ago....She Disappeared
Jiya Yadav never thought she would cross paths with *him* again. That one fateful night has now turned her life upside down. Arjun Singh Thakur, the commanding CEO, has become her hotel's VIP client. The problem? He...
A sleek black car pulled up at the entrance of Dynasty Hotel, its tinted windows shielding the identity of the one inside. Within seconds, bodyguards in crisp suits took their positions around it. Jiya Yadav, composed and graceful, approached the rear door. She bent slightly, her voice smooth and welcoming.
"Miss Naina, welcome to our hotel," she announced, raising her head in anticipation. But the windows were dark—too dark to see inside.
A soft click followed, and the door opened.
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What Jiya saw next sent a jolt through her chest. A man stepped out, tall and imposing, his aura demanding attention. He wore a navy-blue designer suit that whispered opulence, and his gel-styled hair, paired with expensive shades, completed his commanding appearance.
Her breath caught.
*Those eyes...*
Blue. Icy. Familiar.
*No... it can’t be.*
She froze, heart pounding, time slowing. She had been expecting a high-profile guest—but not him. Not after all these years.
The man turned to her, his gaze sharp. "Are you..."
Jiya’s palms turned clammy.
*Please don’t say it. Don’t recognize me,* she begged inwardly.
"...Manager Gupta?"
Relief washed over her like a crashing wave. She exhaled slowly, forcing a smile onto her lips.
"Welcome to Dynasty Hotel, Mr. Thakur. I’m Jiya Yadav, Director of Housekeeping. Please, allow me to escort you." She gestured toward the elevators.
Arjun Thakur—yes, *that* Arjun—nodded and walked ahead. Jiya lingered behind, watching the confident stride of the man who once held her heart captive.
*That scent... still the same,* she noted quietly, catching the faint trail of his cologne. Her mind raced. *He thinks I’m someone else. Good.*
*But why him? Why now?*
Before she could find answers, the elevator chimed open. Out stepped Manager Suresh and—finally—Shivani Gupta.
Suresh greeted with a courteous bow. "Mr. Arjun, sincere apologies for the delay."
He motioned to his colleague. "This is Director Shivani Gupta. She’ll personally handle your hotel stay."
Shivani beamed, stepping forward like she owned the place. "Mr. Thakur, forgive my tardiness. I didn’t expect you so early. I’m here to cater to all your preferences. I even made sure to use your favorite color—blue—throughout your suite."
Arjun didn’t flinch. He walked right past her, standing silently by the elevator.
Shivani, flustered but persistent, followed with a syrupy voice. "We’ve prepared your favorite dishes. Ingredients flown in from Australia just for you."
"Enough," Arjun said, his voice cold and final.
Jiya seized the moment, quietly backing away, hoping to escape before Arjun could glance her way again. *Let Shivani take this one,* she told herself.
But fate, as always, had its own plans.
Just as she turned the corner, his voice rang out behind her, loud and clear.
"I want *her* to attend to me."
Jiya halted mid-step, her pulse skittering.
*No. No. He couldn’t mean me... could he?*
She turned, cautiously. "Pardon?"
Arjun pointed at her, his gaze steady. "I’d prefer this lady to oversee my services."
Shivani’s jaw tightened. She stepped forward, plastering a strained smile. "Director Jiya isn’t familiar with the specifics of our Presidential Suite, and I fear—"
"Don’t worry," Manager Suresh interjected, diffusing the tension. "All of our staff, including Director Jiya, are highly trained. She’ll handle it."
Shivani, humiliated, offered a curt nod and walked off.
Suresh turned toward Jiya. "Director Jiya. From now on, Mr. Thakur’s stay is under your care."
Jiya gave a polite nod, hiding the storm within. "Of course, sir. I’ll do my best."
She glanced toward Arjun again. Their eyes met—and this time, the look he gave her was deep, searching. She looked away quickly, as though he had uncovered a secret she’d buried years ago.
*Did he recognize me after all? Is that why he chose me?*
**To Be Continued…**
Thank you for reading the first chapter of *Eclipsed Hearts*. If Jiya and Arjun’s past intrigued you, I invite you to leave a review and rate the story—it keeps the inspiration flowing and the chapters coming.
