Fifteen days had passed, and in those fifteen days, Karan Kapoor hadn’t left a single stone unturned in keeping Adira occupied. Every day brought a new challenge, a new task, and a pile of meetings that demanded her presence. Karan ensured her schedule was so tightly packed that there was barely room for a breath, let alone a break.
Every assignment he handed her seemed crucial , product reviews, investor calls, new marketing pitches, collaborations, client meetings ,everything was labeled “urgent” and “important.” And because Adira had always been someone who valued commitment and professionalism, she never said no. She couldn’t.
Karan knew that too well.
In these fifteen days, Adira had buried herself in work completely. Ever since that small mishap at the factory last month a single oversight that nearly led to her business suffering . She had learned her lesson the hard way. Now she made sure not to repeat any mistake, however small. Every file, every presentation, every decision went through her double check.
The pressure was immense, but so was her determination. She wanted her brand not only to recover from the past setback but to soar beyond expectations. Her father’s name, her family’s trust, and her own self-respect were tied to its success.
Back in Shimla, Rudra Shekhawat wasn’t at peace. Ever since Adira had gone to Mumbai, she had turned into someone he hardly recognized, always working, always busy.
He would call her in the evenings, hoping to have a long father-daughter conversation like before, but most days she would answer with a tired smile and say softly,
“dad, I’m in between meetings. Can we talk after dinner?”
Sometimes, dinner never came , at least not at a reasonable hour.
Still, Adira made sure she called him, even if just for a few minutes before sleeping.
“How are you, dad? Did you take your medicine?”
“Yes, princess. You don’t worry about me,” Rudra would say, though it was him who was worrying about her.
He had seen her work hard before but this, this was different. This was an obsession.
Meanwhile, Abeer was watching everything unfold from the shadows.
For fifteen days straight, he had been observing Adira’s movements , not directly, but through the discreet updates given by his men. Every morning, she would leave for the office before 8 AM, and return only after dinner, often around 10 or 11 PM.
He wasn’t surprised that she was working hard ,she always had that fire in her. What surprised him was who she was working with.
His informant had mentioned one name repeatedly: Karan Kapoor.
“Sir, he’s been in her office almost every day,” the man had reported.
“Sometimes, even after office hours. They’ve been working late together.”
Abeer’s brow had furrowed at that.
He knew Karan was an investor, and yes, it made sense for him to show some involvement. But Karan Kapoor wasn’t just any investor , he was a man with multiple companies under his control, dozens of projects demanding his attention. So why this sudden exclusive interest in Adira’s brand?
Something didn’t sit right with Abeer.
He had known Karan long enough to understand his charming, and calculative nature. And if there was one thing Abeer despised more than betrayal, it was manipulation involving someone he deeply cared for.
And though he hadn’t said it aloud, not even to himself Adira was still someone he cared for more than he’d ever admit.
Fifteen days of endless work had taken a toll. The late nights, the skipped meals, and the constant stress had started showing.
YOU ARE READING
HIDDEN HEARTS
RomanceHer passion for food to be known by all She is endowed with a sweet and kind nature. Families are aware that she is unable to keep anything from her father. They fail to realize, though, that she is keeping her greatest life secret from everyone...
