Chapter:4 Testing the Waters

Isha’s POV

The days following Aarav’s unexpected visit felt like a blur. My mind was constantly replaying our conversation in the garden, his words, and that look in his eyes—a mixture of sincerity and mystery that pulled me in deeper. Despite everything, I was beginning to feel something, and it scared me.

Ananya called me the next day, full of excitement as usual. “So, how’s Mr. Tall, Dark, and Mysterious? Did he sweep you off your feet yet?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “It’s not that simple, Ananya. There’s something… complicated about him.”

“Complicated how?”

I paused, trying to find the right words. “He’s polite, respectful, and he listens, but… it feels like he’s masking something. Like he’s only showing a part of himself.”

Ananya let out a sigh. “Well, if he’s as interesting as you say, then maybe it’s worth digging deeper. Sometimes people put up walls to protect themselves.”

“Maybe,” I agreed, though a part of me still felt uncertain. “I just don’t want to get involved in something that’s more than I can handle.”

“Whatever happens, you’ll figure it out. Just don’t overthink it too much, okay?”

“I’ll try.”

But even as I said it, I knew I was already in too deep. Aarav wasn’t the kind of man you could easily forget. And despite my best efforts to keep my distance, I could feel myself being pulled into his world.

Aarav’s POV

The tension in Aarav’s office was palpable as he reviewed the latest reports. Dev stood across from him, his expression serious as always.

“They’re moving faster than we anticipated,” Dev said, his voice low. “The Oberois are pushing into our territory, and we’ve received threats.”

Aarav’s eyes darkened. “They’re getting reckless. And desperate.”

“What’s the plan?”

He leaned back in his chair, his mind calculating the next move. “We hit them where it hurts. Make it clear that crossing us has consequences.”

Dev nodded, but hesitated before speaking again. “And the Kapoors? You’re still going through with the engagement?”

Aarav’s jaw tightened. “Yes. The alliance with the Kapoor family is necessary. It will give us the leverage we need.”

Dev gave him a skeptical look. “And what about Isha? She’s smart. She’ll start asking questions.”

Aarav’s expression softened, just for a moment. “She already is. But I’ll handle it. She doesn’t need to know the details.”

“Are you sure? This isn’t just about business anymore.”

Aarav’s eyes flashed with a hint of irritation. “I know what I’m doing, Dev. The engagement is strategic, nothing more.”

But even as he said the words, a part of him felt the weight of his own lie. The truth was, he had felt something shift during their last conversation. For the first time in years, someone had looked past his mask. And that terrified him.

Isha’s POV

A few days later, Aarav and I met again, this time at a quiet café in the heart of the city. It felt less formal than before, and for once, I was glad to be outside the watchful eyes of our families. As we sipped our coffee, I decided to test the waters.

“So, how’s work been?” I asked, keeping my tone casual.

Aarav’s expression remained neutral, but there was a hint of wariness in his eyes. “Busy, as usual.”

“Anything exciting?”

He hesitated. “Just the usual challenges. We’ve been expanding, so there’s a lot to manage.”

“Expanding where?” I pressed, trying to read his reaction.

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re quite the detective, Isha. Always asking questions.”

I shrugged, trying to hide my curiosity. “Just trying to get to know you.”

For a moment, his eyes softened. “I appreciate that. Most people don’t bother.”

I felt a pang of sympathy. “Well, maybe they should.”

We sat in silence for a moment, and I could feel the distance between us closing, just a little. But as we continued talking, I couldn’t help but notice the way he skillfully dodged my questions, steering the conversation back to safe topics. It was frustrating, but also intriguing. Aarav Thakur was a mystery, and I couldn’t help but want to solve it.

As we finished our coffee, he offered to walk me back to my car. We strolled along the street, and when we reached my car, he paused, turning to face me. “I know you have questions, Isha. And I promise, I’ll try to answer them—when the time is right.”

I stared at him, searching for any sign that he was being genuine. “When will that be?”

He gave me a small smile, one that hinted at secrets I wasn’t sure I was ready to uncover. “Soon.”

With that, he opened the door for me, and I slid into the driver’s seat, my mind whirling with thoughts. As I drove away, I glanced at him through the rearview mirror, watching as he stood there, hands in his pockets, his expression thoughtful.

The further I got from the café, the more I realized that despite everything, I wanted to know more. Aarav Thakur was pulling me into his world, and the deeper I went, the harder it would be to turn back.

But a part of me didn’t want to.

A part of me was ready to see what lay beyond the walls he had built, even if it meant stepping into the unknown.

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