Yuvan reached office early, tension coiled in his stomach. His eyes kept darting around, searching for her.
He imagined her hurt, quiet, avoiding him—maybe crying, maybe unable to meet his eyes.
But when he opened the conference room door…
Sachi was there.
Calm.Professional. Exactly the way she always looked.
Her hair neatly left opened, files arranged, coffee in hand.No trace of last night on her face.
She saw him entering. And she smiled politely.
It punched him harder than any argument would've.
He walked to his seat, feeling strangely embarrassed—almost guilty to even look at her.But Sachi didn't flinch.
The meeting started, and to his shock…
She was more focused than usual.
Sharp. Confident. Leading discussions. Correcting data. Laying out plans with flawless clarity.
Not once did she avoid him. Not once did she falter. Not even a flicker of discomfort.
Yuvan sat there, watching her, sinking inside.
How can she… just forget everything?Did last evening mean nothing to her?Or is she pretending?…Or did I hurt her that much?
His throat tightened.
Sachi wrapped up early today and left.
In the evening, Yuvan lingered near the parking lot, pretending to check his phone, but actually waiting for her.
Every car, every footstep—he straightened.
But she didn't appear.
Finally he saw Varun passing by.
"Where's Sachi?" Yuvan asked casually, though his palm felt sweaty.
"Oh! She left already," Varun said.
Yuvan blinked.
She left…
A strange heaviness settled in his chest.
While he stood in the parking lot, restless and overthinking,Sachi was across the city—
Laughing with her mom, teasing Urvi, eating home-cooked food.
Yuvan sat in his car long after the parking lot emptied out.
Next Day – Board Meeting
The boardroom was filled with senior directors—MM, Sanjay, Sushant, and others.
As always, everyone greeted MM with respect… except Yuvan, who sat with his usual arrogant, uninterested expression.
After few discussion, Sushant stood and connected his laptop to the screen.
"Monthly performance report for Panvel Magnus Mall," he announced.
Slide after slide showed the same thing—
Growth.Stability.Customer rise.Revenue climbing.
People smiled.Heads nodded approvingly.
MM's chest swelled with pride."Excellent work, Yuvan," he said warmly.
Even the directors chimed in.
"Brilliant improvement.""Well-executed plans.""Smart restructuring."
Sanjay sat stiffly, looking like he'd swallowed something bitter.
He didn't clap.He didn't smile.He didn't even look at Yuvan.
But for the first time…
Yuvan didn't care.
He was staring at the report…
And thinking of someone who wasn't even in the room. Sachi.
The one he had hurt. And now… the guilt weighed more than any praise.
2 weeks later
The office lobby was glowing with marigold garlands, fairy lights, diyas lined in corners. Everyone came in traditional wear.
And then Sachi walked in.
A pastel peach saree, soft curls, jhumkas, and a small bindi.
Yuvan literally forgot to breathe for a second.
Rekha muttered to Megha, "Our Sachi is looking like the Diwali bonus."
As Sachi looked at him, Yuvan immediately looked away and pretended to be fixing his kurta sleeve like it was rocket science.
Neha smirked.She noticed everything.
Three days after Diwali, things went back to normal routine.Late afternoon, Varun walked to Sachi's desk.
"Hey, Sushant sir is calling you."
She nodded and went to his cabin.
Sushant: "You're handling branding for The Haven project, right?"
Sachi: "Yes."
Sushant: "Good. Mr. Harish is good friend of MM and even I know him personally. I want you to join me. Tomorrow morning flight. They want a detailed branding plan."
Sachi: "Sure, I'll be there."
Later the same day
Yuvan stopped near Sachi's desk.
"Sachi, join me tomorrow for the Crestline meeting. We need to present the updated pitch."
Sachi looked up calmly."Oh… I already have plans for tomorrow. I won't be able to join."
"Oh… okay."He tried to smile normally but failed miserably.
She didn't mention Bangalore. She didn't explain. She just logged out and left for the day.
That bothered him the whole night.
Yuvan returned to the office after the Crestline meeting, still slightly annoyed she didn't come.
He looked around and asked Neha."Sachi?"
Neha, typing coolly:"She left for an official trip. Bangalore."
Yuvan froze mid-step.
"…Bangalore?"
Neha nodded.His eyebrows twitched.
Lunch with MM
While having lunch with MM, MM casually said:"Sushant should also be back tomorrow. He's in Bangalore for that Haven project meeting."
Yuvan's spoon stopped in midair.
Why didn't she tell me? Why with Sushant?
Sachi and Sushant reached the client's corporate office at Bangalore.
Sushant: "You'll present first. They liked your previous concepts."
Sachi nodded confidently.
Inside the meeting room, the client team genuinely appreciated her:
"This is clean work.""Your understanding of brand psychology is good.""Let's finalize Phase 1."
Sushant gave a rare smile."Good job, Sachi."
She smiled back, grateful.
Meanwhile…Back in Mumbai…Yuvan kept checking his phone for no reason.
***
Two days passed since the Bangalore trip. Everything at work continued as if nothing had happened. Meetings. Emails. Reports.Sachi stayed the same—calm, efficient, polite.Yuvan… didn't.
On the third morning, Varun entered Yuvan's cabin with a small document.
"Yuvan, few signatures needed."
Yuvan flipped through the papers—then froze.
Sachi's promotion letter.Approved. Processed. Ready.
His eyes narrowed. When did this happen? Who approved this?
He looked up sharply."Varun… who initiated this?"
Varun blinked, confused. "Uh—MM. He offered Sachi a challenge. If she managed you to come to work… he'd promote her. And she did."
The pen slipped slightly in Yuvan's grip.That challenge… was for me.
A strange mix of pride and irritation crawled through him.Pride because she deserved it.Irritation because she didn't tell him herself.
He signed the paper quietly but felt something hollow open in his chest.
By evening, he found himself outside Magnus Empire building, leaning against his Harley.He didn't know what he would say. He only knew he needed to talk to her.
His heart steadied the moment he saw her.
But then—Sachi was walking with Sushant.
Fine. Professional. Nothing unusual.
Except… Sushant opened his car door for her.And Sachi got inside.
Something snapped inside Yuvan.
Before she could shut the door, he strode forward, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her back.
"Sachi—how much time do you want me to wait?"His voice was sharp with something between anger and desperation.
Sachi stumbled, startled."Sushant, I—I'm so sorry—" She tried to pull her wrist free. "Yuvan, leave my hand. What's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with me?" he exploded."No, Sachi. What's wrong with you?"
The parking lot air turned heavy.
He stepped closer, eyes burning with frustration, jealousy, fear—things he didn't even recognise in himself.
"Tell me. What challenge are you planning next? Huh?"His breath was unsteady."So things didn't work with me, now you're after Sushant?"
The words were sharp. Unfiltered. Not him.But they came out anyway.
Sachi went absolutely still.
And then—
SLAP.
A clean, sharp crack echoed in the air.
Sachi's eyes were cold, furious, and deeply hurt.
"You're pathetic," she whispered.
Then she pulled her wrist away, and walked without turning back.
Yuvan stood there, frozen, her words ringing in his ears.
Pathetic, the silence around Yuvan felt heavy—almost suffocating.
Sushant walked up to him, adjusting the sleeves of his shirt, expression calm but sharp.
"I heard everything," he said quietly. "Just so you know—Bangalore's client is important. I was visiting them, that's why I insisted Sachi accompany me."
Yuvan didn't react.
Sushant added with a faint smirk,"Don't worry, Yuvan. I'm not stealing your employee."
That landed deeper than anything else.
For the first time, Yuvan actually felt pathetic.
He didn't argue. Didn't defend himself.He just stood there as Sushant walked away.
Next morning Sachi entered the office looking like nothing had happened.Same posture.Same calm tone.Same efficiency.
But the calm was different—colder, cleaner, almost distant.
Even Megha whispered to Neha,"Neha… something is too right with Sachi today."
During the team meeting, Sachi presented her points flawlessly.She discussed strategies, data, performance…
But not once—not even by mistake—did her eyes meet Yuvan's.
Every time she needed information, she addressed the table, not him.
For the first time, Yuvan felt invisible.
After the meeting, he called her to his cabin.
"About yesterday—" he began.
Sachi didn't even sit. "If this isn't work-related, I'm not interested."
His breath caught. "Sachi, listen—"
"I don't want to talk about personal matters during office hours, Yuvan."Her voice was steady. Respectful.But cold.
She left before he could say another word. The door clicked shut like a verdict.
WEEKEND – EVENING WORKOUT
The gym smelled of sweat, metal, and loud music.Yuvan was punching the bag aggressively, his mind replaying the slap, her face, her voice.
Kabir walked in, towel over his shoulder.
"Bro, you look like crap," Kabir said openly. "What happened between you and Sachi?"
Yuvan froze. "What?"
Gauresh joined them, nodding seriously."Something definitely happened."
"I'm fine," Yuvan muttered, clearly not fine, and went back to punching the bag.
Then—he paused."Gauresh… my friend—"
Gauresh smirked. "Your friend?"
"Yes," Yuvan said sharply. "My friend admires a girl. For him, she is… she is— someone he respect her." But when she doesn't talk to him, or chooses someone else over me… I mean him—my friend—feels angry. Annoyed. Restless."
"Your friend feels jealous," Kabir said dryly.
Gauresh nodded. "And frustrated. And stupid."
Yuvan's jaw tightened.
Gauresh leaned closer."Then your friend isn't just admiring or respecting her. He's in love with her."
Yuvan didn't breathe.
Gauresh continued, shrugging."Look, I also admired a senior in my team back in the college. She's cool. But if she doesn't talk to me, I don't go crazy. Because I'm not in love with her. Simple.But your friend… he's madly in love. He's just too dumb to realise it."
Yuvan didn't react.
Instead—Memories exploded.
Suddenly, everything aligned.
He inhaled sharply.
"It's me…" he whispered.
He wasn't calm anymore.
He wasn't confused.
He knew.
He loved her.He always did.He just realized late. So late.
Without another word, Yuvan dropped his gloves, grabbed a water bottle, and burst into a run.
Kabir and Gauresh stared. "Since when does he have friends other than us?" Kabir muttered.
Yuvan ran through the gym, dripping sweat.He opened his bottle and splashed water over his face while running—like a madman.
Outside the gym, a clothing store caught his eye.He didn't slow down.
He rushed inside, grabbed a white T-shirt from the display, and tossed his wallet on the counter.
The salesman blinked. "Sir—?"
Yuvan already pulled off his black T-shirt right there.
He shoved the new shirt on, hopped back on his bike, and sped through the evening streets.
His heart was thundering.
He didn't know what he'd say. He only knew he needed to see her.
He reached her house, walked up, rang the bell—
The door clicked open. And without even looking fully at her Yuvan immediately dropped to his knees—head bowed low.
His voice came out rough, rushed, desperate.
"Sachi… I'm sorry. Since the day I met you—since that day—you changed something in me. I was in love with you and I never realised it. You can punish me, yell at me, do whatever you want. But before it's not too late… I want to say I love you. I love you, Sachi. It's always been in love with you."
He exhaled shakily, still kneeling.
Silence.
Then—
"Yuvan? …what are you doing down there?"
His head snapped up.
It wasn't Sachi.
It was Urvi, standing at the door with a plate of papad in her hand—eyes wide, lips pressed together as she tried very hard not to laugh. Behind her, Sachi stood frozen, mouth parted in shock.
Yuvan's soul left his body.
He immediately bent his head again and—trying to save the last ounce of dignity he had left—muttered,
"Uh—I was… tying my shoelace."
Urvi stepped aside with a dramatic grin.
Sachi stepped forward, arms crossed, trying not to show any emotion.
"What are you doing here, Yuvan?"
Yuvan stood up quickly, wiping the sweat on his neck."Bad timing, I guess?" he mumbled to himself, then louder, "I came to apologize for… that day."
Before Sachi could respond, her mom appeared behind her.
"Sachi, who is this?"
"Mom—he was just leaving—"
Yuvan panicked-bowed. "Good evening, aunty. I'm Yuvan—uh—your daughter's… boss."
Sachi's mom looked him over, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Oh! Yuvan! She never mentioned anyone from her office… but you look much younger than I expected!"
Yuvan blinked, caught off guard. "...I am?"
"Yes, yes. And such a polite young man!" Her eyes sparkled with genuine warmth.
Sachi's jaw dropped, her hands tightening into fists on her lap. Urvi, standing beside her, couldn't hide her grin.
She reached out and gently grabbed his wrist. "Come inside! Have dinner with us!"
"No! He has work—he's busy—" Sachi said, her voice tight.
Yuvan quickly raised a hand, trying to save the situation. "I can take leave tomorrow, no problem."
Urvi snorted, trying not to laugh.
Sachi glared at both of them, muttering under her breath, "This is ridiculous."
Her mom ignored her completely, tugging Yuvan inside like he was a guest of honor. "Come, come. Don't mind her. I made paneer—you must eat!"
Yuvan nodded eagerly. "Absolutely, aunty."
Sachi's irritation grew with every step, her arms crossed tightly as she followed them. She shot Yuvan a look that clearly said you are unbelievable.
Inside, her mom fussed over Yuvan endlessly—asking about his work, his habits, and praising him for being so well-mannered and young-looking boss.
Sachi sat stiffly beside him, answering only when necessary, her lips pursed in frustration.
Yuvan, meanwhile, tried his best to behave, answering politely, nodding, and sneaking glances at Sachi every few seconds. She didn't even notice, too busy rolling her eyes and pretending he didn't exist.
Her mom laughed at Yuvan's careful manners. "Such a well-behaved young man. You must invite him at home more often, Sachi!"
Sachi placed her spoon down with a tight smile, feeling thoroughly exasperated.
Urvi giggled quietly from the side.
Across the table, Yuvan's heart raced. He tried not to let it show, but every small compliment, every smile from Sachi's mom made him feel… unexpectedly at ease.
After dinner, Yuvan stood at the door slipping his shoes on, his heart thudding in his chest. Sachi's mom walked him out warmly.
"Come again, beta! Next time I'll make something special for you."
Sachi, behind her, almost groaned.
Yuvan smiled politely. "Thank you, aunty. I'll… definitely come."
Sachi mouthed no you won't behind her mother's back.
But Urvi, leaning casually on the wall, shot Yuvan two enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Yuvan left with a strange mix of embarrassment and warmth swirling in his chest
Two Days Later – Office
Sachi entered the office cool, composed, back to her calm professional mask.
Yuvan entered a few minutes later, coffee in hand, hopeful.
"Sachi, about yesterday—"
"I'll send the report in ten minutes," she said without looking up.
"No, I meant—"
"You'll have the presentation before lunch."
He exhaled slowly.
She wasn't angry.She wasn't rude.She was simply… not available to him at all.
Meetings came and went. Every time Yuvan tried to stand near her or catch her eye, she shifted seats, stood beside Megha, or answered only in crisp one-line responses.
Megha, sitting beside Sachi during the afternoon meeting, narrowed her eyes at the energy.
Yuvan asked Sachi about one slide.She nodded once, answered without even glancing at him, and typed something immediately.
Yuvan ran a hand through his hair, irritated at himself.
This cold version of her hurt more than the slap.
After meeting everyone came out of the conference room and started discussing New Year plans excitedly.
"Goa!""No no, Manali!""Guys, I got passes for a New Year concert!"
Megha rolled her chair toward Sachi, who was typing intensely on her laptop.
"What about you? Any New Year plans?"
Sachi paused.
Every year…New Year had been the same for her.A quiet room.Work files.Trying to drown thoughts she could never share with anyone.Trying to bury guilt nobody even knew she carried.
She swallowed.
"Wait," Megha said suddenly, before Sachi could reply. "Of course—you'll be working, right?"
Sachi froze for a second.
It wasn't wrong.But it stung.
"I… I don't know," Sachi muttered.
Megha studied her, softer now. "Okay. If you were to go somewhere… anywhere… where would it be?"
Sachi blinked, thinking.
Yuvan happened to pass behind them at that exact moment.
She answered quietly, still typing.
"Somewhere with snow, maybe. Something peaceful."
Yuvan stopped walking for a second.
Snow?
He stepped out of the department and into the corridor, pacing.
But she wouldn't come with him.He couldn't send her alone.And a team trip? Impossible—everyone already had plans.
He leaned on the wall, frustrated.
There had to be something.Someone.
And then—He froze.
Her sister. Of course. Urvi.
But he didn't have her number.
He immediately called Varun.
"Varun, check Sachi's employee profile. I need her emergency contact details."
Varun, confused but obedient, checked.
A moment later, he sent a number.
Urvi.
Yuvan exhaled.
Perfect.
For the first time in days, he felt like he finally had a way to bring a real smile back to Sachi's face.
Back home from office, the moment Sachi pushed open the door, she froze.Urvi's shoes were already by the rack, and the faint smell of warm cocoa drifted through the apartment.
"Urvi?" she called out, unsure.
"Kitchen!" Urvi's voice sang back.
Sachi walked in to find her sister stirring two steaming mugs of hot chocolate, foam rising beautifully, topped with extra whipped cream in Sachi's mug—exactly the way she liked it.
Sachi blinked in surprise.
They settled onto the couch, wrapped in the soft yellow glow of the living room lamp. The first sip warmed Sachi from inside out, "Wow… are you serious? How do you always make it this perfect?"
Urvi smirked, lifting her chin proudly. "Magic hands. Certified."
Then Urvi casually nudged her shoulder. "So… what are you doing for New Year?"
Sachi sighed, eyes drifting to her mug. "Nothing. As usual. Work."
Urvi's expression instantly turned dramatic. "Ugh! As usual? No. Absolutely not." She leaned closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. "How about… we drink this same heavenly hot chocolate in Manali?"
Sachi nearly choked on her sip. "Manali?"Her brows shot up, heart skipping. The idea tempted her—snow, silence, mountains… but reality snapped back in.
"No, Urvi. I have work to finish. I can't just—"
"Sachi," Urvi said firmly, eyes narrowing in her classic sister stare. "You are going. With me. End of discussion."
Sachi opened her mouth, but Urvi raised a hand like a traffic cop.
"I'll plan everything. You don't worry. I'm the boss."
A tiny smile escaped Sachi despite her reluctance. She didn't argue further. Instead she lifted her empty cup and stood up.
"Fine. But don't make it too dramatic."
"Deal," Urvi grinned victoriously.
Sachi walked into the kitchen with her cup—completely unaware that Urvi's phone was already buzzing.
Message sent to Yuvan: Mission completed.
In his office cabin, Yuvan leaned back in his chair as the notification flashed on his screen.A slow, relieved smile spread across his face.Finally… step one done.
4 hours earlier
Urvi had been at a café near her boutique, stirring her iced coffee when Yuvan arrived, slightly nervous, slightly excited.
He sat opposite her. "Thank you for meeting me."
"Oh please," Urvi waved him off. "After that legendary proposal stunt in front of me yesterday? I had to see what you're planning next."
Yuvan's ears turned red. "It wasn't supposed to— I didn't know— I thought Sachi opened the door, not you!"
Urvi burst out laughing. "You were kneeling! Saying 'punish me if you want, but I love you' like some dramatic K-drama hero."
He covered his face with one hand. "Please. Stop reminding me."
"No, no. I'm cherishing it," she smirked. "Anyway, what's the plan now?"
Yuvan exhaled. "I… want her to have a good New Year. She said she wants snow, but she won't go alone and she won't come with me. So… I need your help. Take her to Manali. I'll arrange everything there. I'll join you two with whatever excuse I can manage."
Urvi's smile softened a bit. "You really love her, don't you?"
Yuvan nodded, not even trying to hide it.
"And you want to keep her happy without forcing anything?"
He nodded again.
Urvi tapped her cup thoughtfully. "Okay. I'm in. I'll convince her—and trust me, she won't be able to say no."
Now, sitting in her living room hours later, Sachi had no idea the universe was quietly rearranging itself—for her.