ch 29 Its Not Like That
The next morning, I got ready for the office and stepped downstairs into the mansion's grand hall only to freeze mid-step.
The entire place was glowing. Fresh flowers, shimmering lights, and golden drapes adorned every corner. The soft hum of staff voices and the clinking of decor echoed through the space. Everyone seemed busy, running here and there, arranging things with purpose.
Confused, I frowned slightly and walked up to Meera, who stood near the lavish sofa, a tablet in her hand, giving instructions to the staff.
"Meera di..." I asked, looking around, "what's all this? Did I miss something?"
Meera looked up from her tablet, her lips curving into a warm smile. "It's Kabir and Prerna's sangeet today," she said casually, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
I blinked, processing her words. "Sangeet...? Kabir sir's sangeet?" I asked, disbelief clear in my tone.
Meera chuckled softly and reached out, playfully squeezing my cheek.
"Yes, Ashiana. Prerna Singhania- she's Mr. Mahesh Singhania's daughter.
One of our important clients. Kabir and Prerna met during a joint project two years ago and.
.. well," she smiled knowingly, "since then, they've been together. Now they're finally getting married."
I blinked again, a mix of surprise
"Oooooooo..." I dragged the word dramatically, grinning as Meera laughed at my reaction. "That's amazing, Meera di! You guys are going to have so much fun tonight."
Then, under my breath, I mumbled to myself, "Umm... I should probably book a hotel for tonight. They'll all be enjoying as a family... what will I even do here? It'll just look awkward."
I smiled quickly to cover up my muttering and said cheerfully, "Okay, Meera di! I'm heading to the office now. If you need any help, just let me know and... I'll come first thing tomorrow morning, okay?"
Before Meera could even ask why I said tomorrow morning, a familiar deep voice spoke behind me.
"And why tomorrow morning, Miss Ashiana?"
I froze for a second that unmistakable calm, commanding tone could belong to only one person. Slowly, I turned around to see Aarav standing there, dressed in his usual sharp suit, hands in pockets, his intense gaze locked on me.
Aarav took a step closer, his towering frame making me tilt my head slightly just to meet his eyes. Behind him, Aditya stood quietly, arms folded, clearly holding back a smile at my flustered state.
"Umm... sir..." I began, my voice trembling slightly, "actually... I–I mean, I'll just feel awkward here. I'm just an intern at your office... you already did so much for me... and I'm living here, in your mansion..."
I paused, fumbling with my words, fingers nervously playing with the strap of my bag. "And... and no one from the office is coming... so how can I just... I mean, it'll look awkward, right? So many people will be there, what will they think of me? I'm... I'm not even your family."
My voice softened to almost a whisper as I looked down, "I'm an outsider..."
The air stilled for a moment. Aarav's eyes darkened slightly, not in anger but in a way that made my heart race. He leaned a little closer, his tone low and deliberate.
"Who told you you're an outsider, Miss Ashiana?"
Aditya smirked faintly from behind him, watching the scene unfold like he'd been expecting it.
I looked up at him and said in confusion
''s.. sir''
Aarav's gaze didn't waver sharp, calm, but carrying that quiet intensity that always made my breath hitch.
He stepped even closer, voice dropping low enough that only I could hear.
one brow arching. "You think because you're not family you don't belong here?"
I blinked, confused, my voice barely above a whisper. "S-sir... I just— I didn't mean—"
He cut me off, his tone calm but firm, "You're here because I decided you should be. And when I decide something, it stays that way. No one in this house questions that."
I looked up at him, eyes wide, heart pounding. There was no anger in his voice only authority, something possessive hidden beneath his composure.
Aditya chuckled quietly, shaking his head. "There he goes again can't even let her skip one family function."
Aarav shot him a silent look before turning his eyes back to me.
"You'll stay," he said simply. "And you'll attend the sangeet with everyone. That's not a request, Ashiana."
I swallowed hard, still trying to understand why my chest felt so tight, and whispered softly, "O-okay... sir..."
I giggle and added, ''but only if you wear traditional today in kabir sir's sangeet not just this formal.. vese apne vo movie dekhi h.. meri favourite h.. kabhi khushi kabhi gam.. usme vo.. kajol bolti h na.. , Lucknow da kurta, Pathani salwar ... tab lage mard, varna lage bekaar...''
I giggling playfully and added, ''ku meera di... sahi kaha na mene..'' I said and wiggled my eye brow
Meera burst into laughter, covering her mouth with the tablet, "She's got a point, bhaiyaa!"
Aditya smirked immediately, leaning against the railing. "Oh, I definitely second that. Lucknowi kurta, Pathani salwar... imagine our cold, ruthless Aarav Malhotra in that. The world might just stop spinning."
Kabir, passing by, heard the tail end and grinned wickedly. "Wait, what did I miss? Aarav bhai in a kurta? Oh, this I've got to see."
Aarav exhaled through his nose, that sharp jaw clenching slightly as his eyes locked on me — amused, faintly dangerous. "You seem to be very interested in my wardrobe, Ms. Ashiana," he said in that deep, composed tone.
I giggled nervously but still teased, "Just saying, sir... it'll be a good change. A human touch in your robot life."
Aditya laughed, "Oh, she's brave today."
Meera clapped her hands excitedly, "Done! Decision made. Aarav bhai, you are wearing traditional tonight. I'll pick it myself."
Aarav looked heavenward for a moment, then back at me, his eyes narrowing slightly but his lips tugging at a faint smirk.
"Fine," he said. "But remember, Ashiana... you started this."
I blinked, confused but still smiling. "Started what?"
He turned, walking away, voice low and smooth "You'll know... tonight."
as arav leaves from here
I tapped my hand on my forehead, panicking and said, ''ohhhh noo.... ohh noo.. ohh no.. now what meera dii.. i dont have anything good to wear.. and .. my.. my salary not come yet.. what''
Meera instantly put down her tablet, trying not to laugh at my panic. "Arre arre, slow down, Ashiana! Breathe first!" she said, catching my shoulders gently.
But I was too flustered to stop, "No, Meera di! You don't get it! Everyone will be dressed like film stars and I'll look like a background dancer who got lost on stage! I don't even have proper jewellery, or heels, or anything!" I said, running a hand through my hair in frustration.
Aditya chuckled from behind, arms crossed. "Relax, drama queen. You'll steal the show even in your office clothes."
I glared playfully at him. "Ha-ha, very funny."
Meera smiled warmly, shaking her head. "You're not going anywhere looking worried like this. Come with me," she said, holding my hand.
"W-where?" I asked, still panicking.
"To my room," she said with a mysterious grin. "You think I'll let my favourite girl go to Kabir's sangeet in a plain dress? Never!"
I widened my eyes. "but di.. thats not good.. how can I-....l!"
Meera giggled, pulling me along anyway. "Bas bas, no arguments. You're part of this family now. And tonight..." she winked, "someone will definitely not be able to take his eyes off you."
I blinked, confused. "Who?"
From behind, Aditya smirked and muttered under his breath, "Who else... the one you just challenged about his outfit."
I froze mid-step, whispering to myself, "Oh nooo... Aarav sir..."
We entered Meera's room,
and to my shock, one of the top designers in the world was already there. A whole trolley of stunning lehengas and gowns stood by the bed every piece looked straight out of a royal collection, shimmering under the soft light.
My eyes widened as I took in the intricate embroidery, the rich fabrics, the sparkle of each outfit. I turned to Meera, completely flustered, my voice stumbling over the words.
"Meera di... I–I can't... I mean, take thes.. I.. mean these are too much," I said hesitantly, shaking my head. "They look so expensive, I can't wear something like this..."
Meera grinned, clearly enjoying my speechless expression. "Oh come on, Ashiana! Don't make that face. These aren't for taking just for choosing," she said, gesturing for the designer to open the trolley.
The designer, a tall woman dressed elegantly in black, smiled warmly.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Meera. Here are the latest pieces from our collection .
... custom exclusives." She turned to me with a polite nod.
"And you must be Ms. Ashiana. Meera ma'am told me we have to make you look breathtaking tonight. "
I blinked, completely overwhelmed. "B-breathtaking? Me? No, no, I mean... these are couture pieces! I-I can't even afford to touch them properly!" I said.
Meera laughed softly and said, "You don't have to afford them, budhoo.. You just have to wear one."
I looked at her in disbelief. "But Meera di... these must cost more than my whole internship salary of three years combined!"
Meera rolled her eyes playfully. "Ashiana, do you trust me?"
"Of course," I said instantly.
"Then no more excuses. You'll wear one of these, and that's final." She turned to the designer. "Show her the pastel lehenga the one with the soft mirror work."
The designer carefully lifted a breathtaking peach-pink lehenga from the trolley. It shimmered under the light like sunrise on silk. I gasped softly, fingers brushing the fabric.
"It's... beautiful," I whispered.
Meera smiled knowingly. "Beautiful, just like the one who's going to wear it."
I blushed and looked down shyly. "Meera di... I really don't know how to thank you."
She squeezed my hand gently. "You don't need to. Just promise me one thing when Aarav sees you tonight, don't hide that smile."
My heart skipped. "Wh–what?"
Meera just winked. "You'll see."
Raghav walked in, his voice smooth and teasing. "So, what's my beautiful wife planning to wear tonight?" he said, slipping an arm around Meera's waist from behind.
Meera laughed softly, leaning back against him. "You'll see when the time comes, Mr. Raghav Malhotra. Patience," she said, tilting her head with a smile.
Raghav grinned, brushing a strand of her hair aside. "Patience? That's a dangerous thing to ask from your husband when you look like this already," he murmured close to her ear, making her blush.
I awkwardly looked away, pretending to be deeply interested in the lehenga's embroidery, though a shy smile tugged at my lips.
Raghav turned to me with his usual charm. "And what about our star intern, hmm? I hear you're stealing the spotlight tonight."
I quickly waved my hands. "N-no, sir! I'm just... trying not to embarrass Meera di in front of her guests," I said nervously, laughing.
He chuckled. " embarrassed? no.. no .. tonight will be something , when Aarav forgets how to breathe after seeing you."
I could feel my cheeks heating up. "Sir, pleaseee... its.. its nothing like that..''.
"Raghav!" Meera gasped, lightly smacking his arm.
"What? I'm just saying the truth," he said, raising his hands in mock innocence, a playful smirk on his lips.
Meera rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. "Okay, enough, Mr. malhotra. Go get ready. You're not charming your way out of work today."
Raghav laughed, kissed her cheek softly, and said, "Fine, fine, Mrs. Boss. But you-" he pointed at me with a grin "- better be ready to make a few jaws drop tonight."
I covered my face shyly, muttering, "You both are impossible..." while they laughed together, filling the room with warmth.