ECLIPSED HEARTS - Twisted Fates & Unveiled Truths

A Card, A Command, A Connection

Before Shivani could complete her sentence, Suresh stepped forward, placing himself between her and Arjun. Flashing a courteous smile, he addressed Arjun politely, "Don't worry, sir. Our team is more than capable of providing you with the finest service."

Hearing this, Shivani clenched her jaw and stormed off toward the corridor, her heels echoing on the polished marble floor.

Suresh's voice rang out sharply. "Director Jia!"

Jia, who had been standing nearby with a rehearsed smile on her lips, responded promptly, "Yes, Manager Suresh?"

Suresh turned to her and said, "From this moment, you'll be in charge of all hospitality and services related to Mr. Thakur's stay."

Jia, clearly cornered with no room to decline, forced a graceful nod. "Of course, sir. I'll do my best."

As her eyes briefly met Arjun's, unease settled in her chest. *Did he recognize me? Is that why he requested I handle his affairs personally?*

Just then, Arjun looked in her direction, catching her lingering gaze. Their eyes locked for a moment, a silent tug of the past hanging between them, before Jia quickly averted her eyes, as if caught in a moment she wasn't meant to live again.

---

Jia stood slightly apart while Arjun spoke with Suresh. From behind, an irritated voice called her name.

"Director Jia," Shivani hissed as she leaned in close, her voice sharp with envy. "You're lucky you got assigned to Mr. Arjun Thakur. But do you even have the courage to refuse such an opportunity?"

Suppressing a smirk, Jia raised a brow and turned her head just enough to respond with calm precision, "I have no intentions of declining... But should anything go wrong, Director Gupta will be held responsible for Ms. Naina's accommodations. Don't forget that."

Handing her Naina's room card with a smile that barely reached her eyes, Jia added sweetly, "Thanks for your efforts, Director Shivani."

Taking the card, Shivani frowned, suspicious, realizing Jia had slyly passed on the notoriously difficult guest to her. "Miss Naina? That drama queen?" she muttered under her breath. "You cunning little-"

Before she could finish her thought, Jia had already walked away, heading confidently back to Arjun.

She gestured toward the elevator. "Mr. Arjun, this way please."

They entered the elevator, standing side by side. Jia, trying to mask her emotions, glanced at him briefly.

*Six years... and he hasn't changed a bit. Still just as young. Just as dangerously handsome.*

She turned away, biting down the surge of emotion. *Seems like he doesn't remember me... why would he? It was only one night... a night long buried in silence.*

Ding. Floor 56.

Jia escorted Arjun to his suite. He stepped inside, walking straight to the massive balcony, slipping off his sunglasses and tossing them casually toward his assistant, Varun, who caught them effortlessly.

Jia stood by the door with Varun, offering her signature hospitality smile.

"Mr. Arjun, if you don't need anything else, I'll-"

Before she could finish, Arjun turned sharply and interrupted, his voice firm and unyielding. "I *do* need something."

Caught slightly off guard, she softened her tone. "Of course, sir. Please tell me."

His eyes locked on hers. "I want *you* to be available to me at all times."

Jia blinked, then smiled gently. "No problem, sir. Here's my business card. You can reach me directly, anytime."

As she handed him the card, a silent breath escaped her lips. *Thank God he didn't bring up what happened in the corridor...*

She walked away calmly, but as soon as the elevator doors closed behind her, she pressed a hand to her chest.

*Why is my heart still racing like this? What just happened in there? And what did he mean by always being available? Does he think I'm some genie who shows up at his command?*

Steeling herself, she called the Head of Security. "Manoj, I want guards stationed at the emergency exits of the 55th, 56th, and 57th floors. No one gets access without my permission."

Manoj chuckled, "Why so serious? He's just another rich guest."

Jia's tone was ice. "Guests are everything, Manoj. Better safe than sorry."

"Alright, alright. Whatever you say," he replied with a laugh.

Hanging up, Jia whispered to herself, "He's not just some rich brat. He's Arjun Singh Thakur-the heir to one of Lucknow's most powerful families."

As her mind reeled, her phone buzzed. One glance at the screen made her stomach sink. It was Aarush's teacher.

She gasped. *Oh no! I forgot to pick Aarush from school!*

---

**Kindergarten**

Jia parked in haste and ran toward the gate, breathless. *I have to pick up my little prince!*

As she approached, she saw the teacher standing with Aarush, eyeing her with a strange seriousness.

Jia slowed her pace. *Why does she look so stern? Did Aarush misbehave?*

The teacher greeted her softly, "I heard about Aarush's grandfather passing... My condolences."

Jia froze, suddenly recalling the excuse she had used for Aarush's absence. *Oh God... I completely forgot about that lie.*

Composing herself quickly, she responded with practiced grief, "We never expected to go through such a time. Thank you for understanding."

Then with a brave smile, she added, "But don't worry. We'll stay strong."

She took Aarush's hand and walked him to the car.

As they drove home, Jia teased playfully, "What will you say next time? That your dad passed away?"

Without missing a beat, Aarush replied in his soft, innocent voice, "But... he already did, didn't he?"

Jia turned her face toward the window, hiding the ache in her heart. "Yes... yes, he did."

*I was the one who told him that-just to protect him from unwanted questions...*

But what will happen now... when Arjun Thakur-his father-has returned?

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