Chapter:5 The Warning

Isha’s POV

The week flew by, but my thoughts stayed firmly on Aarav. There was something about him that I couldn’t shake. No matter how hard I tried to focus on work, my mind always wandered back to that last meeting. The way he looked at me, the way his words hinted at secrets—everything about him was a puzzle. And I was beginning to realize that I was more than a little curious.

Ananya, as usual, was eager for an update. We met for lunch at our favorite spot, and before I could even settle in, she was leaning forward, her eyes bright with excitement. “Spill. What’s happening with the mystery fiancé?”

I sighed, stirring my drink. “He’s… confusing.”

“Confusing how?”

“He’s polite, respectful, and when we’re talking, it feels like there’s something real there. But then, he pulls back, like he’s guarding something. And when I try to ask about his work or his life, he changes the subject.”

Ananya raised an eyebrow. “Guarded, huh? Maybe he’s just trying to protect you from something.”

“Protect me from what?” I scoffed, though her words hit closer to the truth than I liked to admit.

She shrugged, her expression thoughtful. “You said it yourself—he’s into import and export. That’s a big business, and not always clean.”

The idea sent a shiver down my spine, but I pushed it away. “You’re reading too much into this, Ananya.”

“Maybe. Or maybe you’re not reading enough.” She paused, giving me a serious look. “Just be careful, Isha. Sometimes, getting too close can be dangerous.”

Her words echoed in my mind long after we said our goodbyes. As much as I wanted to brush off her concerns, a part of me knew she was right. Aarav Thakur was a mystery—a mystery that could either be thrilling or dangerous.

And I was starting to think it was both.

Aarav’s POV

Aarav stood in his office, staring at the city below, lost in thought. The conversation with Isha at the café had lingered in his mind. She was smart—too smart. She asked the right questions, the kind that made him wary. She had a way of seeing through the cracks in his façade, and that was something he hadn’t anticipated.

Dev’s voice broke through his thoughts. “She’s getting too close.”

Aarav turned, his expression unreadable. “I know.”

“Then why haven’t you pushed her away?”

Aarav’s eyes darkened. “I need the alliance with her family. The Kapoors hold power and influence that we can’t afford to lose.”

Dev stepped closer, his tone more urgent. “But what if she finds out the truth?”

Aarav’s jaw clenched. “She won’t. I won’t let her.”

Dev’s expression remained skeptical. “You’re playing with fire, Aarav. The Oberois are already testing our boundaries. If Isha gets caught in the crossfire—”

“She won’t.” Aarav’s voice was cold, a finality in his tone that silenced any further argument. “I’ll make sure she’s safe. But for now, I need to keep her close.”

Dev nodded, though the concern in his eyes lingered. “Just remember, not everything can be controlled.”

Aarav didn’t respond. He knew Dev was right. Isha was a complication he hadn’t planned for, and every day she got closer, the harder it was becoming to maintain the balance. But he couldn’t walk away now.

Too much was at stake.

Isha’s POV

Later that evening, Aarav called and invited me to dinner. My heart raced at the thought of seeing him again, even though a part of me knew it was risky. I had promised myself that I would keep things light and detached, but as I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my dress, I realized that was easier said than done.

We met at an upscale restaurant in the city. The moment I saw him, I felt that familiar pull—a magnetic force that seemed to draw me in, no matter how much I tried to resist. He looked as calm and composed as ever, his dark eyes betraying nothing.

“Isha,” he greeted, his voice warm. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I smiled, trying to steady my nerves as we took our seats. “I’m glad we could meet again.”

“I am too.” His eyes lingered on mine, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room. “I wanted to get to know you better.”

I laughed softly, feeling the weight of his gaze. “Well, that makes two of us.”

We spoke for a while, the conversation flowing easily. He asked about my work, my family, and my interests, and for once, he seemed genuinely open, as if he wanted to connect. But every time I tried to turn the conversation toward him, he would steer it back to me.

Finally, I decided to take a chance. “Aarav, can I ask you something?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Of course.”

I hesitated, then took a deep breath. “Why do you always avoid talking about your work? It feels like there’s something you’re not telling me.”

For a moment, his expression faltered, and I saw a flicker of something—uncertainty, maybe even fear. But then, just as quickly, the mask was back in place.

“My work is complicated, Isha. And I don’t want to bore you with details.” He leaned forward, his eyes locking onto mine. “But I promise, when the time is right, I’ll tell you everything.”

“Why not now?” I pressed, unable to hide my frustration.

He reached across the table, his hand brushing mine. “Because some things are better left unsaid—at least, for now.”

I stared at him, trying to read the truth in his eyes. But all I found was the same mystery, the same walls he kept so firmly in place.

“Trust me,” he said softly, and for a moment, I wanted to believe him.

But as we finished our meal and walked out of the restaurant, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was playing with fire. Aarav was hiding something—something big. And as much as I wanted to know the truth, I had a sinking feeling that it was only a matter of time before everything unraveled.

And when it did, I wasn’t sure if I’d be ready for the fallout.

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