I freeze.
Reyansh stands at the end of the corridor, gaze already locked on me, shoulders tense, jaw tight. He looks like he was seconds away from storming off to find me.
“Rey!” I call, barely above a whisper, yet he hears.
“Where were you? Why didn’t you pick up my calls? I’ve searched for you everywhere.” His voice vibrates with bubbling anger as he steps closer. I stay rooted near the elevator, breath catching halfway.
“I’m sorry. My phone was on silent. Sanchi stopped by, so I went out to meet her.” I deliver the lie calmly, hoping it sounds effortless. His expression darkens, and he closes the distance.
“I’m done with this, Ames. What’s happening to us? Why do you avoid me? We don’t hang out. We barely talk. Yet you have timeto meet others twice in ten days?” His frustration crashes into me, and my pulse stutters.
I can’t breathe.
“You’re answering me today.” His steps echo through the quiet corridor. “Why are you shutting me out? Why don’t you show interest in our friendship anymore?” He keeps advancing, and anxiety claws up my throat.
“First, you lock me out of your life, then you apologize, only to repeat the same distance. Just a few crumbs of conversation here and there is not what I desire, Ames. What did I do? Why am I being punished?” He stops inches from me, hurt blazing in his eyes.
I need to come up with something fast, or I’ll end up on the receiving end of his rare but terrifying anger.
“Rey, it’s—” I step forward, but the floor suddenly slides beneath me. His warning comes too late.
“The floor’s wet. Ames, stop!” My foot skids. The world tilts. I brace for impact…but strong hands catch my waist, steadying me before I hit the ground. A breath escapes me. His grip shifts, securing me upright, and when I lift my head to see who saved me, I stand frozen.
Karan Mahajan.
“Ka—” My voice dies as another one cuts in.
“Karan Mahajan!?” Reyansh blurts, stunned, anger tightening every line of his body.
Karan flashes a playful grin. “Glad you both still remember me.”
Reyansh storms closer, fury etched across his face. “What are you doing here?”
“That’s a lovely welcome towards a college-mate, you haven’t seen in two months.” Karan’s sarcasm only fuels the fire burning in Reyansh’s eyes.
“Cut the crap and answer me.”
“Relax.” Karan presses the elevator button, gaze flicking between us with smug amusement. “You’ll know soon. Uncle Surya asked me to bring you both, so let’s not keep the CEO waiting.”
Reyansh and I exchange a look of confusion. Why is Karan here? Why would Uncle ask him to bring us to his cabin? What exactly is happening?
The next few minutes pass in tense silence as we reach Uncle’s cabin. My dad is already inside, waiting.
“So, you’re here,” Uncle Surya greets warmly, while Reyansh and Karan stand on either side of me like opposing forces.
“First of all, congratulations to both of you for completing one month of internship,” Dad begins. “Secondly, we brought you here to meet your new fellow intern.” My eyes widened. I glance at Reyansh, and his face instantly drains of color.
“Meet Karan Mahajan,” Uncle continues. “Son of Rajiv Mahajan—respected industrialist, founder of Mahajan Industries, and a long-time investor in B&T Corp. He’ll be joining Strategic Partnerships as an intern on Rajiv’s request. He will work closely with both of you… especially you, Amyra, as you may team up on certain projects.”
The words sink in slowly, a jolt of realization hitting me. Karan will be here. With us. For months.
Oh God… this is going to be a disaster with the silent rivalry Reyansh and Karan share from their University days.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, Uncle,” Karan responds politely. “I’m sure Amyra and Reyansh will help me settle in and help me understand the company better.” His sweetness only fuels the heat radiating from Reyansh beside me.
“Alright, report to your mentor for further instructions,” Dad concludes. “Amyra, Reyansh...return to work.” We step out of the cabin, and tension instantly thickens.
“Just because you’re here doesn’t mean I’ll entertain you.” Reyansh’s outburst is cut short by his phone ringing.
