Something Is Not Right

The nineteenth floor was quieter than Aarushi expected.

Not empty.

Just…

controlled.

People sat at their desks, focused on their screens. Soft sounds of keyboards filled the space, but no one spoke louder than necessary.

It almost felt like everyone here had learned to keep their presence small.

Aarushi walked slowly, trying to find where she was supposed to go.

Her mind, however, was not on the office.

It was still stuck in the elevator.

You are late.

The words replayed in her head again and again.

She had never seen him before. She was sure of it.

Then why did he speak like that?

Why did it feel like he already knew her?

Aarushi stopped near a desk, slightly unsure.

Excuse me, she said politely. I am here for the internship program. Can you guide me?

The girl sitting there looked up and gave a small smile.

Oh, you must be Aarushi. We were expecting you.

Aarushi blinked in surprise.

You know my name?

The girl nodded.

Of course. Everyone joining today was listed. I am Rhea.

There was something warm about her tone. Friendly. Easy.

Aarushi felt a little relaxed.

Rhea stood up and gestured for her to follow.

Come, I will show you around.

As they walked, Rhea explained things casually. Departments, work hours, who to report to. Aarushi tried to focus, but her attention kept slipping.

Finally, she asked the question that had been sitting in her mind.

Rhea, can I ask you something?

Hmm?

Who was that man who just came out of the elevator a few minutes ago?

Rhea stopped walking.

For a second, she just stared at Aarushi.

You mean… you saw him?

Aarushi frowned.

Yes. Why?

Rhea let out a small breath.

That is Veeransh Raudra Pratap.

Aarushi felt something shift inside her.

The name sounded familiar.

Not in a way she could place. But in a way that felt… remembered.

He is the CEO, Rhea continued. And trust me, you do not want his attention.

Aarushi gave a small, confused smile.

Too late, she thought quietly.

Rhea leaned a little closer, lowering her voice.

He is not like other people. He barely talks. He does not tolerate mistakes. And no one really understands what he is thinking.

Aarushi tried to process that.

It did match what she had just experienced.

Cold. Distant. Unreadable.

But there was something else too.

Something Rhea was not saying.

Or maybe something she did not know.

They reached a desk.

This will be yours, Rhea said.

Aarushi nodded and placed her bag down.

The day moved forward.

Tasks were simple. Basic work. Nothing difficult.

But no matter how much she tried to focus, there was a strange uneasiness inside her.

It felt like she was being watched.

Not constantly.

Just enough to make her aware.

Around noon, Aarushi stood up to get some water.

As she walked past a glass cabin, her steps slowed down.

She did not mean to look inside.

But she did.

And there he was.

Veeransh.

Sitting behind his desk, completely still.

His posture relaxed, yet powerful.

His gaze fixed… directly on her.

Aarushi froze.

For a moment, the world outside that glass cabin disappeared.

It was just him.

And the way he was looking at her.

Not surprised.

Not curious.

Certain.

As if he had been waiting for her to look.

Aarushi quickly looked away, her heartbeat rising.

This is ridiculous, she told herself.

You are overthinking.

But her steps felt slightly unsteady as she walked away.

Inside the cabin, Veeransh did not move.

His eyes followed her until she disappeared from his sight.

Then slowly, he leaned back in his chair.

A faint expression crossed his face.

Not anger.

Not calm either.

Something deeper.

Finally, he spoke.

She does not remember.

Kabir, who had been standing quietly near the door, stepped forward.

Not yet, he replied.

Veeransh’s gaze shifted to the empty space in front of him.

It has been long enough.

Kabir hesitated for a second.

And if she never remembers?

Silence filled the room.

For a moment, Veeransh said nothing.

Then his voice came out, low and steady.

She will.

There was no doubt in his tone.

No hesitation.

Just certainty.

Because this time, he was not going to let her slip away again.

Not after waiting for so long.

Not after losing her once.

Outside, Aarushi stood near the window, staring at the city below.

She placed a hand lightly over her chest.

Her heartbeat was still uneven.

She did not understand why.

Nothing had happened.

And yet, it felt like everything had.

For a brief second, a strange image flashed in her mind.

Dark skies.

Cold wind.

And someone standing far away… watching her.

Aarushi blinked, the image gone as quickly as it came.

She shook her head slightly.

Just stress, she whispered to herself.

But deep inside, a quiet voice disagreed.

Something is not right.

And whatever it was…

It had only just begun.

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