How can he be so sure my dream will come true soon? Why did it sound so different from the way he usually speaks?
I walk into the house, take the stairs two at a time, and lock my room before collapsing onto my bed, placing the bouquet carefully on the nightstand.
Not just this time, his behaviour, his touch, everything has felt different lately. During the beach clean-up event, when we worked together, his hands lingered at my waist longer than usual. He has held me countless times, but that touch felt strange… and blissful. Even when he had lunch with Aditi and Karan, he wasn’t ready to let go of my hand immediately. I can feel the change in him, the way he’s become clingy, more attentive. It’s scary, yet oddly satisfying, and I hate myself for feeling that way.
He must have missed me, now that we’re both busy with our lives and barely have time to hang out.
Yes, that has to be the reason.Because there’s no other way to justify his actions, especially when he’s already in a relationship.
*****
“We are both proud of your involvement in your respective division projects. You gave your best and handled everything professionally. Now, it’s time to move on to the next phase, taking responsibility on your own.”
We’re seated in the meeting hall, surrounded by our fathers, mentors, and the division heads, while my dad finishes the introduction.
Recently, all three of us completed projects in our respective divisions, working separately. Naturally, this means we’re expected to step into the next business challenge.
“You must already be aware of our sub-brands spread across the city. One of them is B-Live, an online luxury wellness & fashion platform that has an upcoming new product line launch, and I want the three of you to work on it together.”
Reyansh’s father gives us a stern look, and we exchange confused glances because, honestly, this feels unreal.
Does this mean we’re supposed to handle an entire product launch on our own?
Until now, even when entrusted with projects, we’ve always worked under a mentor’s guidance. But this—this requires making our own decisions, relying solely on our knowledge, and executing everything ourselves.
Oh God. This is a massive responsibility.
“Yes, you heard it right. It’s been almost six to seven months since you started your internship, and it’s time you learn how to run the business independently. You’ll soon be posted to the B-Live branch and will receive the same kind of support you hadhere. Your focus should be on collective work and developing your own strategies to ensure a successful launch.”
Uncle pauses, waiting for our reaction.
Reyansh, Karan, and I nod in response, though I’m certain that the two other hearts are pounding just as loudly as mine.
“The posting dates will be announced soon. Meanwhile, use this time to study the project. Read these documents thoroughly, and you may use this meeting room for joint discussions before you are transferred to the branch. I hope everything is clear.” He gestures toward the three document folders placed on the desk. We each pick one up, slowly.
“Yes, sir,” we reply in unison, and he seems satisfied.
“You may also need to attend an international conference at the end of the launch, so be prepared for everything.” Dad drops another bomb, and I freeze in my seat, anxiety tightening my chest.
What? An international conference—for what exactly? This is going to be incredibly hard.
“Sure, sir,” we mumble together again.
“You may leave now.” We comply and step out immediately, learning there’s another meeting scheduled with the remaining officials.
“This is unbelievable. God, I’m going crazy,” Karan exclaims dramatically. I glance at Reyansh, who mirrors the same expression, except he stays silent.
“Come on, Amyra. We’ll go through the documents together,” Karan says, tugging my left wrist to pull me along. I’m about to move when another hand grips my right wrist, stopping me.
“We’ve never worked together,” Reyansh says, his voice dangerously low. “Why don’t we start it now?” The two men glare at each other, tension crackling between them.
“Guys,” I intervene, releasing a slow breath, “this is teamwork. It involves all three of us—not just me and Karan, or not just me and Reyansh. Please cooperate.” I pull my hands free, though I can still feel the silent daggers they’re throwing at each other.
This is going to be a rough path.
I just hope it doesn’t revive the old rivalry between Reyansh and Karan.
Chapter 22
