Unrequited love really does suck. It’s the strongest kind of love yet the hardest one to move on from.
*****
I’m about to begin my nighttime skincare routine, standing in front of the full-length mirror, when a loud knock crashes against my bedroom door. Before I can react, it swings open and Reyansh storms inside, his face twisted in rage.
“What the hell, Amyra Bajaj!” he roars, striding toward me so fast that I stumble back until my spine hits the wall.
“Rey, what’s wrong? Why are you angry?” I ask softly, my voice instinctively turning submissive as he cages me in, his arms braced on either side of the wall.
“Why would you even accept Karan’s dinner invitation? And on top of that, you lied to me about being at home. Didn’t I warn you to stay away from him?” I’m exhausted, sick of everyone trying to control my life. I’m not built to tolerate this.
“What’s your problem, Reyansh?” I shove his chest, forcing him back a step. Confusion flashes across his face.
“This is exactly why I hid going out with Karan,” I snap at him, matching his tone, my throat burning from the force of my words.
And how did he even find out?
“Why should I stop myself from doing what I want just to follow your rules? Why should I ask your permission before deciding for myself?”
“You’re misunderstanding me, Amy.” His voice softens, sliding back into that familiar gentle tone he always adopts during our arguments.
“Then what, Reyansh?” I demand. “Why are you overreacting to something so small? Don’t you think this is odd and unreasonable, even?” I finally let my frustration spill, needing answers for his suffocating overprotectiveness.
“What do you mean?”
“Why does it bother you when I hang out with Karan? I get that you’re protective by nature, but isn’t it too much to try cutting off my friendship with him? And how do you even have the time to worry about this when you already have a girlfriend—” My words die mid-sentence.
Goosebumps erupt across my skin as Reyansh suddenly pulls me closer by the waist. Our bodies brush, heat colliding with heat. It’s the first time he’s ever initiated something this intimate, and my mind blanks out completely. My hands hover uselessly in the air, my feet glued to the floor.
“Don’t you ever dare say I shouldn’t have time for you,” he growls. “When you live in my mind twenty-four seven rent-free, Ames. You are what matters to me the most. No one even comes close, so don’t fucking question your place in my life.” His breath fans my face. My eyes betray me, tracking the sharp bob of his Adam’s apple, something I’ve always found unfairly attractive. But it’s his gaze that unravels me, dark and intense, heavy withemotions I don’t dare label. When I see his eyes dip to my lips, panic kicks in, and I push him away.
“Are you out of your mind?” I snap. “What are you even saying? These are words you should be using with your girlfriend.” I don’t understand him anymore. Not at all. What is he upto?
“Girlfriend?” he scoffs. “Aditi was the one who told me about your dinner with Karan. You don’t even remember our jogging plan when I visited Bajaj Mansion just for you. That’s so you, these days! I went to say hi to Aditi before coming to you; she slipped this news but I’m glad she did. Don’t you get it? Spending time with Karan will only fuel his feelings for you. He’ll start mistaking your kindness for your interest in him.” There’s raw desperation in his voice, almost a plea. And as much as I hate to admit it, he isn’t wrong about Karan’s intentions, the very truth I kept pushing aside.
“I get it, Rey,” I say firmly. “I’ll think about it. But right now, I want you out of my room.” I point toward the door. His jaw tightens, anger flickering in his eyes before softening his gaze.
“I’ll leave, Ames,” he says quietly. “I can never go against your wishes. But that doesn’t mean I’ll let you slip out of my life.” The door closes behind him, leaving me frozen in place as a throbbing headache blooms at my temples.
First, Aditi betrays my trust…Then, Reyansh blows my mind out with his confusing words, his circular logic and his intense declarations.
Why did he speak like that?
Maybe I’ve been ignoring something right in front of me for far too long.And I need to figure it out, soon.
Chapter 24
Amyra
“The day is finally here as we officially launch the new product line of our branch, B-Live—B-Live Aura. I extend my warm greetings to all the officials gracing the stage, including the young team that led this project from scratch. Before the unveiling, let’s hear from the core leadership team of B-Live Aura about their experience and journey through this process. Please welcome our Strategic Partnerships Lead, Mr. Karan Mahajan, to the stage.” The host makes eye contact with us, and I gently squeeze Karan’s arm in silent encouragement. He nods back, rises from his seat, and walks toward the podium, taking the mic as the hall fills with applause.
“Good morning to all the esteemed officials on the dais. I am deeply grateful for the trust our Chairperson and CEO have placed in us.” His gaze shifts briefly toward Dad and Uncle, gratitude evident, before he continues.
“B-Live Aura’s growth strategy is rooted in meaningful partnerships rather than mass promotions.
We’re collaborating with luxury spas, boutique hotels, and international yoga retreats—spaces where wellness is already a lived experience. Alongside this, our corporate wellness programs position the brand as both aspirational and practical.We’re also introducing limited-edition co-branded launches to create exclusivity and collectability, while our influencer strategy focuses strictly on credibility and alignment, never cheap endorsements.
Through these collaborations, B-Live Aura becomes part of the customer’s lifestyle ecosystem, not just a product they discover, but a brand they trust and return to. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the branch head, core team, and staff for their unwavering support. Thank you everyone.”
