4. Lion taming



Author’s POV

The morning after the gala, the Mehta mansion was buzzing. While the business world was reeling from the news of the merger, the "trio"—Aradhya, Devika, and Akshita—were huddled in Aradhya’s walk-in closet.

Devika Shinde was leaning against a shoe rack, her arms crossed. As a lawyer, she lived for facts, but as Aradhya’s best friend, she lived for the drama.

Akshita was sitting on a velvet ottoman, swinging her legs and munching on a croissant.



Aradhya’s POV

"He actually danced with you? In front of everyone?" Devika asked, her eyes wide.

"Aradhya, that man doesn't even breathe without a permit from his board of directors."

"It was just a dance, Devi," I said, picking out a sharp white blazer. "And a bet. I’m going to make him smile within a month."

Akshita giggled, almost choking on her pastry.

"Good luck! I’ve lived with him for twenty years and the only time I saw him smile was when he closed a multi-million dollar deal. Even then, it was more of a... scary smirk."

"He’s human, Akshu," I said, checking my reflection. "Deep down, under all that grey wool and expensive cologne, there’s a heart. I just need to find the key."

"Be careful," Devika warned, her voice turning serious. "The Deshmukhs are powerful, but they are also complicated. My father’s police reports mention... things. Especially about Devang. Don't get too close to the fire, or you’ll get burnt."

"Devang is just... Devang," Akshita defended, though she looked down at her lap. "He’s scary, but he loves me. He just doesn't know how to be 'normal'."

I squeezed Akshita’s hand. "Don't worry. I’m not there for the drama. I’m there for the business... and maybe a little bit of fun."

"A lot of fun," Devika corrected with a wink. "Now go. It’s 8:45 AM. If you’re late on day one, Anurag will probably fire you before you even sit down."

And with that I hung up the video call.



Anurag’s POV

I was in my office by 8:00 AM. The merger was signed, but the real work was starting now. Mira was placing a stack of files on my desk.

"Sir, Ms. Mehta’s office is ready," she said. "It’s right next to yours, as requested by Mr. Vikram."

"Fine," I muttered. I didn't want her that close, but my father insisted on 'complete integration.'

I looked at my watch. 9:00 AM sharp. The door to the executive floor opened, and the sound of clicking heels echoed through the glass walls.

She was on time.

Aradhya walked in, looking like a professional dream in white trousers and a silk top. She didn't wait for Mira to announce her; she just pushed my door open.

"Good morning, Partner," she said, leaning against the doorframe.

"Consultant," I corrected without looking up from my laptop. "Your office is next door. Start with the Q3 reports. I want a summary by noon."



Aradhya’s POV

Wow, straight to work. No 'how are you?', no 'coffee?'

I walked into his office and sat on the edge of his desk. I watched his fingers freeze over the keyboard.

"You know, Anurag, itna kaam karoge toh buddhe ho jaoge (if you work this much, you'll get old fast)," I teased.

He finally looked up. His grey eyes were tired but sharp. "I don't have time for your jokes, Aradhya. This merger is under a microscope. If we fail, the market will eat us alive."

"We won't fail," I said, leaning closer. I reached out and moved a stray lock of hair from his forehead. He flinched, but he didn't pull away. "But we can work and have fun at the same time. Remember our bet?"

"I remember," he said, his voice dropping to that dangerous low tone. "But you’re losing time. Three hours until the noon deadline."

I stood up, smoothing my blazer. "Challenge accepted. But don't be surprised if I bring you coffee. You look like you need it."



Author’s POV

The morning was a blur of phone calls and spreadsheets. Aradhya was surprisingly efficient.

She didn't just 'flirt'; she actually knew her numbers. By 11:30 AM, she walked back into Anurag's office with a tablet in one hand and two cups of coffee in the other.

"Here," she said, placing a black coffee in front of him. "No sugar, no cream. Just like your soul."

Anurag looked at the cup, then at her. He took a sip. It was exactly how he liked it.

"The summary is on your iPad," she continued, sitting in the chair across from him. "I found a 2% leak in the logistics department. Your manager there is overcharging for fuel."

Anurag opened the file. He scanned the data, his eyes widening slightly. He had missed that.

"Good catch," he admitted quietly.

"Does that earn me a smile?"

"No," he said, though the corner of his lip gave a tiny, almost invisible twitch. "It earns you a 'good job'. Now, get back to work. We have a meeting with the tech team in ten minutes."

Aradhya stood up, grinning. She had seen that twitch. The ice was starting to melt, even if it was just a drop.

As she walked out, she passed Agastya, who was coming in for a consultation.

"Hey, Doc," she chirped.

"Hey, Aradhya. How’s the lion taming going?" Agastya laughed.

"Slowly," she whispered. "But the lion likes his coffee black."

Anurag watched them through the glass, his jaw tightening. He didn't like how comfortable she was with everyone. Especially not how she looked when she smiled at other men.

He picked up his pen and went back to work, but for the first time in years, the numbers on the screen didn't seem as interesting as the woman in the next room.

To be continued...

(⁠人⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

Do tell me how the chapter was...

-Ciara

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