Always & Forever (Billionaire Love- Virat Kohli)

|08| The Triangle

Anushka was thriving in her new role. It was only her second day at the publishing house, and she had already edited 60 pages from the stack of papers assigned to her. Her proficiency and efficiency were clear, but she was grappling with more than just her workload.

Though she was enjoying her job, Anushka wasn’t entirely satisfied. Virat had hired her under the guise of “Swati,” and she struggled with the pretense. Anushka wanted to come clean about her true identity, but she was afraid of the consequences. What if Virat fired her once he learned she wasn’t Swati? Or worse, what if he started treating her as if she were a celebrity (even though she wasn’t—only her father and brother were)?

For Anushka, this job was a significant opportunity. It was her chance to prove to her family that she could achieve something on her own, without relying on her family’s name. The thought of revealing her true identity and possibly jeopardizing this chance was daunting. Hence, she decided to continue with her deception. After all, her lie wasn’t causing anyone harm.

Feeling mentally exhausted from overthinking, Anushka decided to take a short break. She stood up from her desk and left the cabin, hoping a brief respite would clear her mind. Since Virat was out for some work, she found herself missing his presence. It was unfortunate that he wasn’t around to chat with.

In the corner of the office, she noticed the coffee machine. Anushka’s eyes lit up. As a self-proclaimed caffeine addict, coffee was her essential fuel. She walked over to the machine to get a cup for herself.

Next to the coffee machine, there was a stack of styrofoam cups. Just as Anushka reached for one, someone else did too. She turned around, surprised to see Neerav standing there.

“Hi!” Neerav greeted her with a warm smile.

“Hi!” Anushka replied, equally pleased.

Neerav was the first person, other than Virat, to address her in the office. Anushka appreciated the gesture, feeling a bit relieved to have someone acknowledge her.

“Here, take this,” Neerav said, offering her a cup of coffee.

Anushka shook her head, though she appreciated the offer. “You keep yours. I’ll get one for myself,” she said with a smile, declining politely.

Neerav’s face fell slightly. He had hoped Anushka would accept his offer, which would have given him a chance to display some chivalry. His disappointment was subtle, but it was there.

Amused by Neerav’s reaction, Anushka couldn’t help but find his expressions entertaining. One moment he looked dejected, and the next, he was back to his cheerful self. It was like watching a brief, amusing performance.

As she prepared her coffee, Anushka noticed Neerav’s demeanor. He seemed lost in thought, and his cheeks had turned a deeper shade of red. She tapped lightly on his shoulder, pulling him out of his reverie.

Neerav looked around, unable to meet Anushka’s eyes. He was mortified by being caught in such a moment. He couldn’t explain it to her, nor did he know what to say. Admitting he was lost in his thoughts about her would only make things awkward.

Anushka, struggling to suppress her laughter, found Neerav’s embarrassment endearing. He was blushing like a schoolboy caught in a harmless mischief.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to try so hard to be a gentleman,” Anushka said, biting back a grin.

Neerav could only nod, feeling even more flustered.

“Actually, you’re very pretty. Who wouldn’t want to impress someone like you?” Neerav said, his tone shifting to a flirtatious one.

Anushka was taken aback. The compliment was unexpected, and it made her cheeks flush with a rosy hue. Neerav’s flirtation was new to her, and she wasn’t quite sure how to handle it.

“Ahem! I’ve finished my coffee. I should head back to work,” Anushka said, feeling awkward. It was unusual for her to be on the receiving end of such direct flirtation.

“No, please wait. I haven’t finished my coffee yet,” Neerav said, hoping to keep her there a bit longer.

“Well, who’s stopping you? You can continue,” a voice interjected from behind.

Anushka recognized the voice instantly. It was Virat.

Neerav and Anushka turned around to see Virat standing there. Neerav looked nervous, while Anushka felt a wave of relief wash over her at the sight of him.

Virat noticed Anushka’s gaze and winked, causing her to quickly avert her eyes and look elsewhere.

Virat then focused on Neerav, who appeared guilty. Virat wondered why Neerav looked that way. He hadn’t seen Neerav flirting with Anushka but realized something must have transpired.

The realization hit him: Neerav had been looking at Anushka in the same way Virat himself did. Did Neerav have feelings for her? It seemed premature, given that Neerav hardly knew her. Yet, Virat found himself pondering this possibility. He only knew basic details about Anushka—her name, her best friend, their studies, and where they lived.

Virat decided to give Neerav a subtle warning. If Anushka were to choose someone, he hoped it would be him, not Neerav.

“Swati, why don’t you return to your work? I’m sure you have more pages to finish,” Virat suggested politely, signaling Anushka to leave.

Anushka understood the hint and nodded. “Yes, I have plenty of pages left to edit. Bye.”

She considered thanking Virat for rescuing her from the awkward situation but decided against it. She didn’t want him to become upset with Neerav or anyone else. She preferred Virat’s kind and easygoing demeanor over any display of anger.

As Anushka walked away, Neerav cursed his luck. His moment had been disrupted, and it was frustrating.

Virat watched Anushka as she returned to her cabin. She was undeniably beautiful, more so than any girl he had met before. There was something captivating about her, both inside and out.

Virat made a mental note to learn more about Anushka the next day. She had stirred feelings in him that he hadn’t experienced before. Understanding who she truly was seemed like the right step.

Neerav, too, was reflecting on the effect Anushka had on him. He was surprised by how deeply she had impacted him, and he was left contemplating his own emotions.

Unaware of the thoughts and feelings of the two men, Anushka was lost in her own world. Her thoughts constantly drifted to one particular person—the same person she had met at Disneyland and who was now her boss: Virat.

Unknowingly, Anushka, Virat, and Neerav were all navigating the early, uncharted waters of love. Each was treading carefully, unaware of the impact they had on one another, and their lives were beginning to intertwine in ways they had not anticipated.