Chapter 8: Shadows and New Beginnings

The soft glow of Arjun Malhotra's desk lamp illuminated the sleek, modern interior of his penthouse office. His laptop screen displayed a folder labeled Meera Sharma. Inside were discreetly obtained updates -- recent work records, photos from her office events, and even a blurry picture of her leaving a café with a man.

Arjun's jaw clenched as he stared at the image of Meera walking beside Raghav. She was smiling and might be enjoying his company.

"Who is he?" Arjun muttered under his breath pointing at Raghav in the photo.

Raj, who had been standing silently in the corner, shifted uncomfortably. "His name is Raghav Verma. He's her new neighbor. Works as a software engineer. They've been spending more time together lately."

"And you didn't think to tell me sooner?" Arjun's voice was sharp, his eyes narrowing.

"I didn't think it was relevant, sir. You asked me to focus on her professional life

So ---" Raj replied cautiously.

Arjun leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the polished wood. "It's relevant now." he said coldly. "I want to know everything about him -- where he works, what he earns, his past relationships, everything."

Raj hesitated, his expression uneasy. "Sir, if I may… this might not be the healthiest way to deal with -- "

"Raj." Arjun's voice cut through like ice. "I don't need your advice. Just do what I've asked. That's all. "

Raj gave a reluctant nod and left the room, leaving Arjun alone with his thoughts.

Arjun turned his attention back to the photo of Meera and Raghav. Her smile was so genuine, so carefree, it made his chest tighten with jealousy. " How could she smile and walk like this with other man. "

"She's mine. Only and only mine. " he whispered to himself. "She'll always be mine. I will not let her move on like this. "

Meanwhile, Meera sat on a park bench, the crisp evening air carrying the scent of blooming flowers. She had just finished a long day at work when Raghav joined her, holding two cups of steaming chai.

"Thought you could use this." he said with a warm smile, handing her a cup.

"Thanks." Meera said, taking the chai gratefully.

They sat in companionable silence for a moment before Raghav spoke again. "I've been meaning to ask you something."

Meera glanced at him, intrigued. "What is it?"

"Well." he began, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "we've been spending a lot of time together, and I really enjoy being around you. I was wondering… would you like to go out with me? On a proper date?"

Meera froze, her thoughts racing. She hadn't expected this, though she knew Raghav's feelings for her were more than friendly.

"I--" she started but couldn't speak further.

"Look, no pressure." Raghav said quickly, his tone light but sincere. "I just think you're amazing, and I'd like to get to know you better. If you're not ready, that's okay too."

His honesty caught her off guard. He wasn't demanding or pushy -- just genuine. And after everything she had endured with Arjun, his kindness felt like a balm to her wounds.

"Okay." Meera said finally, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Raghav's face lit up. "Really?"

"Yes. I mean -- " she said with a soft laugh. "But I warn you, I'm terrible at dating."

"I'll take my chances." he said, his eyes twinkling and they both laughed.

Across the city, Arjun stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse, his mind restless. The thought of Meera with someone else, sharing her laughter and smiles, was unbearable.

He picked up his phone and dialed Raj.

"Sir?" Raj answered immediately.

"Find out where she's going tonight." Arjun ordered.

"Tonight?" Raj echoed, surprised.

"Yes. I don't care how you do it. I need to know."

As he hung up, Arjun's grip on the phone tightened. If Meera thought she could move on without him, she was wrong.

That night, Meera stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her simple black dress. She hadn't been on a date in years, and nervousness bubbled in her chest. She went to the parking.

"Relax, Meera," she told herself. "It's just dinner."

When Raghav arrived, he greeted her with a bouquet of flowers. "For you." he said with a shy smile.

"They're beautiful." Meera said,seems genuinely touched by his gesture.

As they left for the restaurant, Meera allowed herself to feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something good.

But neither of them noticed the sleek black car parked a few feet away, its tinted windows hiding the man inside. Arjun watched as Meera laughed at something Raghav said, his jaw clenched in frustration.

"This isn't over, Meera." he muttered to himself. "Not by a long shot."

.

To be continue...