4
Chapter 4
The Beginning of Trouble
Anaya barely listened to the rest of Riya's call.
Her attention was on Kabir, who was happily talking about a drawing competition while holding her hand.
"Mumma, if I win, they'll put my picture on the wall."
"That's amazing."
"And if I don't win, I'll still get chocolate."
Anaya smiled weakly.
"That's your backup plan?"
Kabir nodded confidently.
"Always."
Normally his antics would make her laugh.
Today, her mind was elsewhere.
Because Aarav had specifically requested her.
Not her team.
Not her boss.
Her.
And she knew enough about Aarav Rathore to understand that nothing he did was accidental.
---
The next morning, she arrived at Rathore Industries earlier than usual.
The gala preparations were entering an important stage, which meant frequent meetings and endless planning.
What she wasn't prepared for was the sight that greeted her.
The moment she entered the executive floor, every employee seemed to know who she was.
People smiled politely.
Some even greeted her by name.
Anaya frowned.
That was strange.
Very strange.
A young assistant approached her.
"Good morning, Ms. Mehra."
"Good morning."
"Mr. Rathore is waiting for you."
Of course he was.
The assistant led her toward a private office.
Not the conference room.
His office.
Anaya immediately became suspicious.
When she entered, Aarav was standing near a wall-sized screen displaying event layouts.
He didn't look up immediately.
For some reason, that irritated her.
"Good morning."
"You're late."
Anaya checked the clock.
She was exactly on time.
"You've become even more annoying."
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Aarav slowly looked up.
To her surprise, amusement flickered in his eyes.
"Good. There's the Anaya I remember."
Her heart betrayed her by skipping a beat.
She hated that.
Absolutely hated it.
"Let's discuss the event."
His tone became professional again.
For the next hour, they reviewed guest lists, security arrangements, and venue designs.
Everything was going smoothly until Aarav suddenly pointed at a section of the plan.
"This needs to be changed."
Anaya looked at it.
"It doesn't."
"It does."
"It doesn't."
"It does."
They stared at each other.
Neither willing to back down.
Finally Aarav leaned back.
"You haven't changed."
"Neither have you."
"That's disappointing."
Anaya rolled her eyes.
For the first time since seeing him again, the conversation almost felt normal.
Dangerously normal.
As if five years hadn't happened.
As if they weren't carrying an entire history between them.
A knock interrupted the moment.
An assistant entered carrying coffee.
Two cups.
One black.
One caramel cappuccino.
Anaya froze.
Aarav noticed immediately.
Because caramel cappuccino had always been her favorite.
Five years later, he still remembered.
The realization unsettled her.
The assistant placed the cup in front of her.
"Thank you," she murmured.
After the assistant left, silence settled between them.
Neither acknowledged it.
Neither mentioned it.
But both knew.
---
Around noon, Anaya finally escaped his office.
She needed air.
And distance.
Lots of distance.
As she entered the cafeteria, her phone rang.
Kabir's school.
Her heart immediately dropped.
"Hello?"
"Ms. Mehra, don't worry. Kabir is fine."
That sentence guaranteed she worried.
"What happened?"
"He has a slight fever."
Anaya was already grabbing her bag.
"I'll be there in twenty minutes."
She informed her team before rushing out.
Unfortunately, someone saw.
Aarav.
"Where are you going?"
She didn't have time for this.
"My son isn't feeling well."
The change in his expression was immediate.
"Is it serious?"
"No."
But her voice lacked confidence.
Without another word, Aarav grabbed his car keys.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm driving."
Anaya stared at him.
"No."
"Yes."
"I have my own car."
"Then why are you still standing here?"
Before she could argue further, he was already walking toward the elevator.
Infuriating man.
Five years later and he still bulldozed over everyone's opinions.
---
The drive was surprisingly quiet.
Anaya expected questions.
Thankfully, none came.
Until they reached the school.
Children were leaving with their parents.
Teachers moved around the campus.
Everything looked normal.
Aarav remained near the entrance while Anaya went inside.
Ten minutes later, she returned holding Kabir's hand.
The little boy looked sleepy but otherwise fine.
Then something unexpected happened.
Kabir looked directly at Aarav.
And Aarav looked directly at Kabir.
For a second, the world seemed to pause.
Anaya's stomach twisted.
Because the resemblance was there.
Not obvious enough for strangers.
But obvious enough for someone who knew Aarav well.
The same dark eyes.
The same stubborn chin.
The same serious expression whenever they were observing something.
Kabir blinked.
Then smiled.
"Hello."
Aarav stared at him.
Almost as if he forgot how to respond.
Finally he nodded.
"Hello."
Kabir stepped closer.
"Mumma, who's this?"
The question felt like a ticking bomb.
Anaya opened her mouth.
Nothing came out.
Aarav's gaze shifted toward her.
Waiting.
Watching.
The moment stretched painfully.
Then she forced a smile.
"He's... a client."
Kabir seemed satisfied.
"Oh."
He turned back to Aarav.
"My mum works too much."
Anaya nearly choked.
Aarav raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Kabir nodded seriously.
"She forgets to eat."
Traitor.
Absolute traitor.
To her horror, Aarav actually laughed.
A real laugh.
Deep and genuine.
For a moment, both Anaya and Kabir stared at him.
Because neither expected it.
Kabir immediately grinned.
"I like him."
Anaya wanted the ground to swallow her.
Aarav's eyes remained on the little boy.
Something unreadable crossed his face.
Something intense.
Something that made her nervous.
Very nervous.
Because for the first time since learning about Kabir, Aarav wasn't looking at him with curiosity.
He was looking at him like he was trying to solve a puzzle.
And Anaya had a feeling he was getting closer to the answer.
To be continued...