A Normal Day That Wasn’t So Normal

Arjun Malhotra spent the night in a state of restless contemplation. Sleep, usually a simple biological necessity, eluded him. His mind was a battlefield of a single, recurring thought: Why did Iha call a stranger 'Mama'?

He stared at the ceiling, trying to rationalize it. She’s just a child, he told himself. She doesn't know what a 'mother' feels like. Perhaps in that moment of fear, that woman’s face was the only comfort she found. She’ll forget. By tomorrow, it will be as if it never happened.

But a heavy instinct in his chest told him otherwise. He didn't realize that Iha forgetting wouldn't be as easy as he hoped—and he certainly didn't know that the word "Mama" was about to steer his life into an entirely different lane.

Next Morning: Anu’s Flat

The morning sun filtered through the kitchen window as Anu prepared breakfast, a soft, mindless tune escaping her lips.

"Morning, Anu," Chaitra murmured, rubbing sleep from her eyes as she walked in.

"Good morning, Chaitra!" Anu chirped, her energy a stark contrast to her friend's grogginess.

"What time did you even get back last night?" Chaitra asked, leaning against the counter. "Did you even eat?"

"I had dinner at Aunt Jaya’s," Anu explained, flipping a pancake. "The traffic was a nightmare on the way back, so it was pretty late. I didn't want to wake you up."

The two friends finished their morning routine and headed out, unaware of the storm brewing at their respective workplaces.

The Malhotra Mansion

Inside the sprawling mansion, the day began with the familiar scent of incense. Srujana was performing the morning pooja with her mother-in-law, Bhuvaneswari.

Arjun descended the grand staircase, looking sharp in a tailored suit, carrying a freshly dressed Iha. Srujana immediately approached them, offering the Aarthi and a warm blessing.

"Good morning, darling!" Bhuvaneswari cooed at her granddaughter. Iha responded with a toothy, radiant smile that could melt the coldest heart.

"Hey, my little angel!" a booming voice called out. Dharmender, Arjun’s father, walked toward them with open arms.

Iha wiggled out of Arjun’s grasp and ran toward her grandfather. He scooped her up, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Why is my angel so energetic today?"

In response, Iha kissed his cheek. Dharmender clutched his chest dramatically. "I can’t handle this much cuteness... my heart is melting!"

"Oh, stop it!" Srujana teased, feigning jealousy. "Baby, don't you love me anymore? I’m so sad!"

Seeing her grandmother’s "sad" face, Iha leaned over to give her a kiss too. Srujana’s face lit up instantly. "You certainly know how to win everyone over, little one. Come, I made your favorite—strawberry pancakes."

At the mention of her favorite food, Iha’s eyes sparkled. She happily followed her grandmother to the dining table. The family was halfway through breakfast when Isha arrived, dressed for college.

The moment Iha saw her aunt, she stopped eating. Her eyes widened, sparkling with hope. "Mama!" she chirped.

The table went silent. The clink of silverware stopped.

Arjun’s expression shifted instantly, his gaze turning sharp as a blade as he looked at Isha. Isha felt the heat of his glare and offered a forced, nervous smile.

"Iha baby... Mama told you, right? She has some work to finish," Isha said quickly, trying to soothe the child. "Once her work is done, we’ll meet her, okay?"

Iha looked disappointed for a heartbeat, but the promise of seeing "Mama" again was enough. She nodded happily and went back to her pancakes.

The Corporate World

Arjun arrived at the office with Iha in tow. While not a daily occurrence, Iha was the undisputed celebrity of the Malhotra Empire. The moment word spread that the "Little Boss" was in the building, the usual Monday morning gloom evaporated. Employees who usually spent the first hour gossiping were suddenly working at lightning speed, hoping to finish early just to steal a glimpse of her.

"Sir, you have a meeting in five minutes," Rajat, Arjun’s secretary, said as they entered the executive suite.

Pranav, Rajat's assistant, stepped forward to take Iha. Arjun had custom-built a luxury playroom and bedroom connected to his office just for her. As she was led away, employees peeked through doorways and around corners, trying to wave at her without their "Cold CEO" catching them. To them, Arjun was a terrifying force of nature; but for Iha, they would risk his wrath.

Meanwhile, at Anu’s Company...

The atmosphere was the exact opposite of calm. People were scurrying around with panicked expressions.

"What's going on, guys?" Anu asked, walking toward her desk. "Why is everyone so tense?"

"Anu! How are you so 'chilly' right now?" her friend Rahul gasped. "And why are you so late?"

Anu gave him a judging look. "Late? My brain must be fried, because I’m exactly on time."

"Normally, yes," Rahul whispered frantically. "But not today! The Boss called an early meeting for everyone. You dummy, didn't you see the message?"

Anu’s face went pale. She scrambled to check her phone. There it was—a high-priority message from Vikram, the CEO’s assistant. She was the only one who hadn't arrived early.

"Is it just me?" she whispered.

"What, you wanted ten more people to be in trouble with you?" Rahul teased. Before she could respond, Vikram appeared.

"Anu, Yashwanth sir wants to see you in his cabin. Now."

Rahul grinned as Anu walked away. "Go on, baby. Boss hasn't had breakfast yet; he’ll probably have you for lunch instead!"

Anu entered the cabin to find Yashwanth fuming. "Anu! What is this behavior? I give you support, and you take it for granted? Do you have any idea what’s at stake? We are looking at a collaboration with the Malhotra Empire! One slip-up, one bit of negligence, and we lose everything!"

Anu stood there, eyes wide. "I’m so sorry, Sir. I was busy yesterday and didn't check my phone. It won't happen again."

Yashwanth took a deep breath, cooling down slightly. "The Malhotra Empire is the biggest player in the industry. I need you to lead the presentation. Everything depends on this."

Anu walked back to her desk, her mind spinning. Rahul and Arthi immediately pounced on her for gossip.

"Did you survive the fire?" Rahul asked, holding a sandwich.

"He wants me to prepare the presentation for the Malhotra collaboration," Anu sighed.

"What?!" Arthi squealed. "That’s amazing! Do you know how hot their CEO is? They say he’s cold as ice and doesn't let any woman near him. He’s the most eligible bachelor in the country!"

"Yeah," Rahul added. "What was his name again? Oh, right. Arjun Malhotra."

The moment the name left Rahul's lips, Anu felt a strange jolt. Her heart rate spiked, and a peculiar warmth spread through her chest. She didn't understand why, but for a few seconds, she couldn't breathe.

She shook the feeling off, trying to stay professional. "If you want to see this 'hot' CEO, we actually have to get the collaboration first. Now, focus! We have a presentation to build."

"Yes, Ma'am!" they replied in unison, fueled by the excitement of finally seeing the legendary Arjun Malhotra.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***