When He Came

Rohan arrived at my office within minutes, knocking on the door. "Sonakshi, are you there?"

I looked up from my desk. "Yes, Ro. Come in."

He stepped inside, his expression unreadable, but his eyes held concern. "Are you serious?"

I leaned back in my chair, a small smirk playing on my lips. "Yes, dear. I'm damn serious."

Rohan sighed, crossing his arms. "I'm 100% sure you know exactly what you're doing, but… what's going on in that mind of yours?"

I met his gaze, my voice calm yet firm. "At the right time, you'll know. Just remember one thing—pawns are very useful to a king."

He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Okay. Then, see you later."

Standing up, I walked over and hugged him. "Don't worry, Ro. I know what I'm doing."

He kissed my forehead lightly. "Bye. Just… be careful."

After a couple of months, Aryan had rejoined the office under my strict conditions. Professionalism was mandatory, and I made sure he understood that.

One evening, as I was wrapping up some work, there was a knock on my cabin door.

"May I?" Aryan's voice was careful, controlled.

I glanced up. "Is there a problem?"

"No, So—no, Ma'am," he corrected himself quickly.

"Good."

"I just came to get a review of my presentation," he continued, his posture formal.

"I'll check it and send you the report by tonight," I replied briskly. "Anything else?"

He hesitated for a moment. "I need to talk to you. Can we meet somewhere?"

I studied him for a second before responding. "Fine. 9:30 PM sharp at Raj. My driver will pick you up from your home."

He shook his head. "No need. I can manage. I'll be working late at the office to finish my projects."

"Alright, then be at the office gate by 8:15 PM. We'll leave together."

"It's just 15 minutes away," he pointed out.

"Exactly. You can wait here. My driver will pick you up at 9:15 PM. I have a meeting there, and then we can talk."

Aryan nodded. "I don't have a problem. I'll wait there."

"Good. Then, bye."

He lingered for a second before asking, "Is everything really… normal?"

I held his gaze, my voice unwavering. "We'll discuss this later. For now, you may be excused."

Without another word, Aryan left the cabin, shutting the door behind him.

I leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly. Let's see what you're up to next, Aryan.