Chapter 4

Author's POV

Megha sat in her car, heading toward one of Arjun's company's hotels, where the meeting for their newly signed project was set to take place.

Upon arriving, she took the elevator up and stepped out near the meeting room.

Opening the door, she quickly scanned the room, noticing that everyone was already seated.

Spotting an empty seat, she moved toward it—only to find someone else reaching for it at the same time.

But Megha quickly sat down without giving him a chance to react.

You are in my seat." Arjun said with an irritated face.

"I don't see your name on it." Megha gave him a sweet smile.

"I always sit here." He was utterly exasperated.

"Well, congratulations. Now you don't." She is enjoying it now and the smile on her face grown bigger.

Arjun stares at her face for a few movements, then calmly pulling the chair next to her, sitting way too close.

"Personal space, Oberoi." Megha reminded him.

"Well consider it as a team bonding." Now he has the same sweet smile on his face , and her smile slowly begin to fade as irritation creeped in.

Megha decided to ignore him for now and focus on the meeting, and Arjun did the same.

The meeting officially began, and both of them shifted their focus. Representatives from both companies laid out their preliminary strategies for the luxury smart hotel project. Megha's company, specializing in high-end design and luxury experiences, emphasized aesthetics and customer comfort. Arjun's company, leading in automation and smart technology, pushed for cutting-edge innovations.

Tensions flared subtly as both teams debated on integrating automation without compromising the luxury experience. Megha argued that while automation was crucial, it shouldn't strip the hotel of its warmth and human touch. Arjun countered that efficiency and smart systems would enhance customer experience rather than replace it.

"We don't want the hotel to feel like a science experiment," Megha pointed out.

"And we don't want it to be stuck in the past either," Arjun replied smoothly.

Despite their personal rivalry, their professional expertise was evident. Both made strong points, and their teams took notes, recognizing the potential in blending both approaches.

After an intense discussion, the first phase of the meeting wrapped up. Everyone dispersed for a short coffee break.

As everyone moved to the pantry to grab their coffee, only one cup remained—one that both Megha and Arjun reached for at the same time.

This time, Arjun was quicker, grabbing the cup before she could.

"That's mine," Megha stated, narrowing her eyes.

"I touched it first," Arjun countered.

"You touched the cup. I touched the coffee machine first. Possession is nine-tenths of the law," she argued.

"You just made that up," Arjun said, raising a brow.

"Are you going to fight me over it?" Megha challenged.

Arjun smirked and took a slow, deliberate sip—just to annoy her.

"I hope you choke," she muttered and left from there.

As the meeting wrapped up, everyone left one by one, leaving only Megha and Arjun behind.

Reaching the elevator at the same time, they stepped inside, silently deciding to ignore each other.

Just as the doors closed, the lift suddenly jolted to a stop.

"This is your fault," Megha accused, arms crossed.

"My fault? I didn't build this elevator," Arjun shot back.

"No, but your company installed the smart system that just efficiently trapped us in here," she retorted.

"I'd rather be stuck with an AI than you right now," Arjun muttered.

"Great. Why don't you ask your genius smart system to get us out? Oh wait—looks like it's just as unreliable as its creator." Megha smirked.

"You… Megha, I don't want to hear about reliability from someone like you," Arjun said, his words hitting a painful chord, stirring memories neither of them wanted to revisit.

Megha opened her mouth to argue but stopped herself. She knew it was pointless—and, for once, she didn't want to fight.

Arjun called for help, and after thirty long minutes, the security team finally got them out.

Without another word, Megha walked away.

♡

After leaving the hotel, Megha decided to head home—but not before some much-needed shopping and dinner with Shreya.

She drove straight to the mall, where Shreya was waiting outside a café with her younger sister, Aarohi. As soon as Megha stepped out of her car, Aarohi beamed and waved enthusiastically.

"Meghaaa di!" she called out, practically bouncing on her feet.

Megha smiled, instantly feeling lighter. "What's with all the excitement? Did you win a lottery or something?"

Aarohi linked her arm with Megha's as soon as she reached them. "Nope! But I get to spend time with my favorite person, and that's just as good."

Shreya scoffed. "Excuse me? I'm literally your sister."

Aarohi giggled. "You see her less often, so it's special."

Megha squeezed Aarohi's hand, warmth spreading through her chest. Aarohi had always been this way—soft, affectionate, and effortlessly sweet. Being an only child, Megha had never experienced the bond of having a sibling, except for a cousin she had no connection with. But after meeting Aarohi, it was as if she had found the little sister she never had.

"So, what's the plan?" Megha asked as they entered the mall.

"Shopping first! Then dinner. Oh, and can we get dessert too?" Aarohi asked, her eyes lighting up hopefully.

Megha chuckled. "You're lucky I can't say no to you."

Shreya shook her head with a sigh. "You spoil her too much."

Aarohi grinned, resting her head briefly on Megha's shoulder. "That's why she's my favorite."

Laughing, the three of them walked inside, ready for a fun evening.

After their shopping spree, the three of them settled into one of the food outlets in the mall for dinner.

As they waited for their food, Megha playfully took a bite of her dish and held it up to Aarohi. "So, my dear Aaru, when does college start?" she asked while feeding her.

Aarohi happily accepted the bite, grinning. She adored Megha—not just because she treated her like a little kid, but because she truly cared. Megha always spoiled her, and even though she was an adult, Aarohi secretly loved every second of it.

"It starts next week, di," Aarohi answered before taking a piece of her own food and feeding Megha in return.

Shreya, watching the exchange, placed a dramatic hand over her heart and wiped away imaginary tears. "I know you two are each other's favorites, but could you at least pretend I exist?"

Megha and Aarohi burst into laughter before simultaneously picking up bites from their plates and holding them out to Shreya. "No, no, we love you the most, Shree!" they chimed in unison.

Shreya huffed but accepted the food with a satisfied smirk.

As they ate, Shreya turned to Aarohi. "By the way, if you need anything for college, buy it today. The company's going to be really busy soon, so we might not get another chance to come with you."

Megha nodded in agreement. "Yes, better get everything now."

Aarohi shook her head with a gentle smile. "No need, didi. I already bought everything I need."

Shreya and Megha exchanged a look before Shreya sighed. "Fine, but if you suddenly remember something last minute, don't blame us for not having time."

Aarohi giggled. "I promise! Now, can we talk about something fun instead?"

And just like that, their conversation shifted to lighter topics as laughter filled the air.

After finishing dinner, Aarohi excused herself to go to the washroom.

Megha and Shreya decided to collect their shopping bags and wait for her near the restroom. As they stood there, Megha absentmindedly peeked into one of Shreya's shopping bags—only for her eyes to go wide as saucers.

With a loud screech, she yanked out a delicate, see-through lingerie set. "Shreya! What the hell is this?!"

Shreya's eyes widened in horror. She snatched it back, looking around frantically to make sure no one else had seen. "Megha! What are you doing?! This is for my husband to see, not you!"

Megha's jaw dropped as Shreya continued with an exasperated sigh, "And you know how much he loves it when I wear—"

Before she could finish, Megha slapped her hands over her ears. "Oh God, please stop! I do NOT need details about your sex life. Keep it to yourself!"

Shreya burst into laughter, completely unbothered. "Oh, Meghu, you're such a prude! There's nothing to be shy about. In fact, when you get married, I'm going to gift you the same kind of—"

Megha's face contorted into pure horror. "No way! You know what? I'm not even inviting you to my wedding if you're going to pull something like that!"

Shreya smirked. "Oh, come on. You and Aaru are too innocent. Someone has to educate you."

Megha took a dramatic step away from her. "Stay away from us! I don't want you contaminating our pure hearts."

Shreya cackled, thoroughly entertained, while Megha shook her head in disbelief, making a mental note to never peek into Shreya's shopping bags again.

After they reached the basement parking, Rajat was already there, leaning casually against his car. As soon as he spotted them, his face lit up with a warm smile before he pulled Shreya into a hug.

He then turned to Megha with a polite smile. Right now, she wasn't his wife's best friend or his boss's rival—just someone important to Shreya. "Hey, Megha."

Megha returned the smile with a nod.

Rajat then turned to Aarohi and playfully pulled her cheek. "So, did you both have fun?"

Aarohi grinned. "Of course, Jiju! Shopping, dinner, and Megha di spoiling me? It was the best!"

Megha chuckled before asking, "Are you both taking her with you, or should I drop her?"

Rajat shook his head. "No need to worry, we'll drop her."

With that, they all exchanged goodbyes before heading to their respective cars, each returning home after a fun-filled evening.

♡

When Arjun entered his home, he found his grandfather sitting in the lobby, his expression unreadable. Smiling, Arjun walked over to greet him before settling down beside him.

"What are you up to, Dadu?" he asked casually.

His grandfather, however, completely ignored him.

Arjun sighed. "Come on, Dadu. Are we still stuck on that? Just forget it and move on, please."

Silence.

Shaking his head, Arjun got up. "Fine. I'll go freshen up. We'll talk later."

Without waiting for a response, he walked off, missing the way his grandfather opened his mouth as if to say something, only to stop himself.

Reaching his room, Arjun suddenly sensed another presence. Frowning slightly, he turned on the lights—only to spot a figure curled up under the covers on his bed.

His lips twitched into a smile as he stepped closer.

The person was fast asleep, their breathing soft and even. Arjun bent down, gently pulling back the covers just enough to brush a few strands of hair away from their forehead. His fingers lingered for a second before he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against their skin.

Without another word, he straightened up and headed toward the washroom, leaving the peaceful figure undisturbed.

After taking a shower, Arjun stepped out, drying his hair with a towel as he walked toward the couch. Settling down, he put on his reading glasses and went through his emails, finishing up some pending work.

Once done, he removed his glasses, rubbing his temples briefly before getting up. Moving toward the bed, he carefully slipped onto the other side without disturbing the person already there.

Just as he got comfortable, the figure beside him shifted slightly, unconsciously moving closer.

Arjun simply smiled, shaking his head fondly, before pulling the comforter over both of them. With that, he closed his eyes, letting sleep take over.

On the other hand, Megha had also drifted off to sleep, completely unaware—just like Arjun—of the mischief their grandfathers were secretly plotting.

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