Chapter 17: An Unwelcome Reunion

Meera stepped into the towering glass building of MA AKA Malhotra Enterprises on her first day, her nerves battling with her excitement. The polished floors, bustling employees, and air of authority made her feel like she had truly arrived at a turning point in her career. She adjusted her blazer and reminded herself to stay focused.

"This is your chance. Meera," she whispered. "Do your job, work hard, and prove yourself."

After a quick orientation with Priya, she was shown to her office. It was spacious, with a large desk, a sleek computer, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. She couldn't help but smile as she ran her hand over the smooth wooden surface.

"You've come a long way." she murmured.

Just then, Priya poked her head in. "Ms. Sharma, welcome again. The CEO wants to meet with you briefly. I'll take you to his office."

Meera blinked. "The CEO?"

"Yes, Mr. Malhotra. It's a standard meet-and-greet for senior hires. He likes to personally welcome new team members."

Meera felt a chill run down her spine. Could it really be him? She had been trying to convince herself it was just a coincidence, but now doubt crept back in.

"Of course," she said, forcing a calm smile.

As she followed Priya to the top floor, her heart pounded. She stepped into a plush corridor with muted lighting and artwork lining the walls. Priya knocked lightly on a tall, wooden door.

"Come in." a deep voice said from the other side.

The sound sent a shiver through Meera. She recognized it instantly.

Priya opened the door and gestured for Meera to enter. "Good luck, Ms. Sharma."

Meera stepped inside, her breath hitching as her eyes landed on the man behind the massive desk.

It was him.

Arjun Malhotra.

He had changed, yet he hadn't. His sharp features were more defined, his jawline covered with a hint of stubble. His tailored suit screamed power, and his piercing gaze locked onto hers with the same intensity she remembered.

For a moment, the air seemed to freeze between them.

"Meera." Arjun said, his voice smooth but cold.

"Mr. Malhotra." she replied, her tone professional despite the storm of emotions raging inside her.

He stood and gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Please, sit."

She hesitated but finally sat down, clutching her bag tightly.

"It's been a while." he said, leaning back in his chair, studying her.

"I wasn't aware you owned this company." she said evenly. "If I had known..."

"You wouldn't have applied?" he interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

Her jaw tightened. "I prefer to keep my personal and professional lives separate."

Arjun smirked, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of something softer. "That's admirable. And yet, here we are."

Meera straightened her posture. "I'm here to do my job. I'd like to focus on that."

Arjun tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "Good. I expect nothing less. I hired you because you're the best candidate for the position. Don't mistake this for anything else."

His words stung, though she wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was the detached tone or the way he avoided acknowledging their shared history.

"I understand." she said, her voice steady.

Arjun's gaze lingered on her, as if searching for something. "You'll report directly to Raj for now. He'll brief you on the projects. And if there's anything you need, my door is always open."

"I'll keep that in mind." she replied, standing.

"Good luck, Meera," he said, his tone softening just enough to make her heart skip.

She nodded and turned to leave, her mind spinning.

Back at her office, Meera sat at her desk, trying to steady her breathing.

"What have I gotten myself into?" she muttered.

Her phone buzzed with a message from Raghav.

Raghav: "How's the first day going, Mrs. Verma?"

Meera smiled faintly and texted back.

Meera: "It's good. Just settling in."

But her mind was far from settled. She had come here to build a future for her daughter, not to revisit the past.

Meanwhile, in his office, Arjun stood by the window, watching the city below. His mask of indifference had cracked the moment he saw her.

"She's still the same," he murmured. "But this time, I won't let her slip away."

.

To be continue...