2. She's breathtaking



Author's POV

The Deshmukh mansion was glowing. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and the air smelled of expensive perfume and imported lilies. This was Deshmukh's private gala-a night for the elite. No press, no cameras, just power.

Anurag stood near the grand staircase, looking like a king in a charcoal grey three-piece suit. He was talking to a group of investors, his face a mask of professional boredom.

"Bhai!" A cheerful voice broke his concentration.

Akshita Deshmukh, the youngest of the family, skipped toward him. She looked like a doll in a soft pink gown, her eyes bright with excitement.

"Everything looks so pretty! Can I start the dance floor yet?"

Anurag's expression softened. "In a bit, Akshu. Where is Devang?"

Akshita pouted. "You know him. He said parties are for 'boring people' and went to the basement. I think he's cleaning his... whatever he cleans. He's not coming."

Anurag nodded, relieved. Devang's dark energy didn't fit this polished crowd. But just as he turned back to his guests, the main doors opened.

The room went silent.



Aradhya's POV

I knew I wasn't on the guest list, but since when did a 'No' stop me?

I walked in wearing a deep blue silk saree. It hugged my curves perfectly, the pallu draped elegantly over my shoulder. I didn't want to look like a businesswoman today; I wanted to look like a storm.

"Aradhya!" Akshita's scream of joy echoed through the hall.

Before I could even scan the room for Anurag, his sister rushed over and hugged me. "You came! I told Bhai he should invite you, but he was being such a grump!"

"Well, I decided to invite myself, Akshu," I whispered, winking at her.

I looked past her and saw them-Vikram and Shalini Deshmukh. The titans. I walked up to them with a respectful smile. "Mr. Deshmukh, Mrs. Deshmukh. Namaste. I hope you don't mind an uninvited guest."

Vikram Deshmukh's eyes were sharp, like Anurag's, but heavier with age. "A Mehta is always a guest, even if they forget to RSVP," he said, his voice like gravel.

Shalini Deshmukh scanned me from head to toe. "Blue silk. Bold choice, Aradhya. Most girls stay in pastels to look innocent."

"I gave up on 'innocent' a long time ago, Aunty," I replied smoothly.

But then, I felt a familiar chill on my skin. I didn't have to turn around to know he was standing behind me.



Anurag's POV

She was here. In my house. Without an invitation.

And she looked... breathtaking. The blue silk was a direct provocation, a reminder of our meeting.

"Excuse us, Maa, Papa," I said, my voice tight. I didn't wait for an answer. I grabbed Aradhya's elbow-not hard, but firm enough to show I wasn't asking-and led her away from the crowd.

"Anurag, slow down! Saree pehni hai maine, marathon nahi bhag rahi! (I'm wearing a saree, not running a marathon!)" she hissed.

I didn't stop until we reached a silent, dimly lit corridor near the library. I let go of her arm and stepped into her personal space, pinning her between the wall and my body.

"Why are you here, Aradhya?" I demanded. My voice was low, echoing in the empty hallway.



Aradhya's POV

The corridor was quiet, the music from the hall muffled. Anurag was so close I could see the flecks of silver in his grey eyes. He looked furious, but there was something else there too. Tension.

"I missed your charming personality, Mr. Deshmukh," I teased, though my heart was doing a little dance in my chest. "And I wanted to see if you looked as good in a suit as you do in my head."

"This is my family's private event. You weren't invited for a reason." He leaned closer, his hand resting on the wall right next to my head. "You think you can just crash my life whenever you want?"

"Maybe," I whispered, looking up at him. "Are you scared I'll find out you're actually human?"

The air between us felt thick, like it was charged with electricity. He didn't move. He just stared at my lips, his breathing becoming slightly uneven. For a second, I thought he might actually lose that famous control.



Author's POV

Anurag's gaze was intense. His heart was hammering against his ribs. He wanted to tell her to leave, to stay away from the Deshmukh secrets, but her proximity was doing something to his brain.

Just as he moved an inch closer, a gasp broke the silence.

"Bhai? Aradhya?"

They both jumped apart instantly. Akshita stood at the end of the corridor, her mouth wide open, looking at them.

"Oh my god," Akshita giggled, her hands over her face. "I was looking for you both for the cake cutting, but... did I interrupt a 'moment'?"

Anurag adjusted his cuffs, his face turning back into a mask of ice, though a faint hint of red touched his ears. "Nothing was happening, Akshu. Ms. Mehta was just... leaving."

"Leaving? No way!" Akshita ran over and grabbed Aradhya's hand. "She just got here. Come on, Aradhya, don't listen to him. He's just moody because he hasn't had his black coffee."

Aradhya smirked at Anurag, her eyes dancing with victory. "See? Your sister has better manners than you."

As Akshita dragged Aradhya back toward the party, she looked back over her shoulder at Anurag and mouthed: "Your tie is crooked again."

Anurag stood in the dark corridor alone for a moment, exhaling a breath he didn't know he was holding. He touched his tie. It was perfectly straight.

He cursed under his breath. She was going to be the ruin of him.

To be continued...

(⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

Do tell me how the chapter was...

^^^-Ciara ^^^

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