Chapter 15: Crossroads

Arjun sat in his office, the usual hum of activity around him muted by the weight of his thoughts. His phone lay on the desk, the screen lit up with Meera'button - an entry he hadn't dared to delete all these years. He stared at it, his hand hovering over the call button.

"Sir?" Raj's voice broke through his reverie as he entered with a folder. "The team is ready for the afternoon briefing."

Arjun cleared his throat, masking his internal conflict. "I'll be there in five minutes. Leave the file."

Raj nodded but hesitated, his brow furrowed. "Everything okay, sir? You've seemed... distracted."

"I'm fine, Raj." Arjun said curtly, his tone sharp enough to end the conversation.

But as Raj left, the questions lingered. Was he really fine? The photo he'd seen of Meera with Raghav and Aarini still haunted him. Her smile had been radiant, her happiness undeniable.

He picked up his phone again, his thumb brushing over her name. A part of him longed to hear her voice, to know if she ever thought of him. But then the image of her family flashed in his mind. What would he even say?

With a frustrated sigh, Arjun set the phone down and stood, running a hand through his hair. "You don't get to ruin her life again." he muttered to himself.

At Meera's apartment, the sound of Aarini's laughter filled the small living room. Meera sat cross-legged on the floor, building a tower of blocks with her daughter.

"Higher, Mama!" Aarini cheered, clapping her tiny hands.

"Alright, but don't knock it over this time." Meera said, laughing.

From the kitchen, Raghav watched them with a warm smile. "You two make a good team." he said, bringing over a plate of biscuits.

Meera grinned up at him. "We're architects in the making."

As Aarini gleefully toppled the tower, Meera leaned back, her smile softening. "I've been thinking." she said, her tone more serious.

Raghav sat beside her, his expression curious. "About what?"

"About going back to work." Meera admitted. "Aarini's growing up so fast, and I want to make sure she has every opportunity. Plus, I miss having a career. I want to contribute more."

Raghav nodded thoughtfully. "I think that's a great idea. You were always so passionate about your work."

"But...I am confused." Meera hesitated. "It'll mean less time at home. I don't want Aarini to feel neglected and lonely."

Raghav placed a reassuring hand on hers. "We'll make it work, Meera. You don't have to do this alone. Day care schools are there and Aarini will understand - it's for her better future, after all."

Meera smiled, a wave of gratitude washing over her. "You're too good to me, you know that?"

Raghav chuckled. "Just returning the favor."

Later that night, after Aarini had fallen asleep, Meera sat on the balcony with her laptop, updating her resume. As she scrolled through old emails and work samples, she stumbled upon a folder labeled "Malhotra Enterprises."

Her fingers froze on the trackpad. Inside were documents, presentations, and photos from her time working under Arjun. She clicked on one image, a candid shot of the team at an office event. In the background, Arjun stood with his usual commanding presence, his piercing gaze directed at her even in the photograph.

Meera quickly closed the folder, her heart racing. "That was another life." she whispered to herself.

She looked back inside, where Raghav was tidying up the living room, and Aarini slept peacefully in her crib. This was her life now - a good life, a stable one.

The next morning, Arjun sat in a meeting, his mind half-focused on the discussion. Raj leaned over and whispered, "Sir, the details of the Mumbai expansion are in the report."

Arjun nodded absentmindedly, flipping through the pages. His eyes landed on a list of potential recruits for a new project. Among the names, one stood out -

Meera Sharma

His breath hitched. "Who added this?" he demanded, his voice sharp.

Raj looked startled. "It's from HR, sir. They must have compiled it based on relevant experience."

Arjun's grip tightened on the paper. The universe seemed to be playing a cruel joke on him.

"Remove her name." he said coldly, handing the file back to Raj.

Raj hesitated. "Are you sure? Her credentials are impressive. She..."

"I said remove it," Arjun snapped.

As Raj left, Arjun leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. No matter how much he wanted to see Meera, to have her near, he knew it wasn't his place. She had a family now - a family he couldn't disrupt.

But as much as he tried to convince himself to let go, the ache in his chest refused to fade.

.

To be continue...