VR Tower — Executive Floor, Morning
The scent of fresh coffee filled the glass-lined boardroom. Sara flipped through the reports, focused and calm. Aarav stood at the far end, eyes on a screen—expression unreadable.
The meeting ended early. One by one, the directors filed out, leaving only the two of them and silence thick enough to breathe.
Sara finally looked up.
Sara: "You've been quiet all morning."
Aarav: "Observing."
She raised a brow.
Sara: "Observing what?"
Aarav (meeting her eyes): "How the world bends when you speak."
Her heart stuttered, but she masked it with a small, professional smile.
Sara: "Careful, Mr. Rathore. Flattery in office hours is a violation of company policy."
He crossed the room slowly, stopping close enough for her to smell his cologne.
Aarav (low, teasing): "Then fire me."
Before she could answer, his phone buzzed sharply—breaking the tension. He checked the caller ID; his face hardened.
Aarav: "Stay here."
He stepped out, shutting the glass door. Through it, Sara watched his jaw tighten as he spoke.
Something wasn't right. The confident man she knew looked… cornered.
When he returned, the edge of danger followed him.
Sara: "What happened?"
Aarav (quiet): "Nothing I can't handle."
He reached for her hand instinctively—then remembered where they were and stopped halfway.
Sara (softly): "Aarav."
Aarav: "Later. I promise."
The mask slipped back over his face as Dev re-entered with files, and the CEO the world knew replaced the man she loved.
But Sara's instincts whispered: something was coming.
And this time, their secret might not stay safe.