The second the glass doors clicked shut behind Aarohi, the entire office seemed to breathe again. The tension that had built like storm clouds during her time inside Rithvik Veerayut's office slowly dissipated, replaced with murmurs, glances, and whispered guesses.
Aarohi tried to walk as normally as possible, her heartbeat still erratic from the intense encounter. She clutched her notebook a little tighter than necessary, and despite her attempt to look unfazed, a light flush bloomed on her cheeks.
As she reached her desk, the first to approach her was Rhea.
"What happened?" Rhea whispered urgently, her eyes wide. "Did he scold you?"
Before Aarohi could answer, Pim, another colleague known for her bluntness, leaned in. "We all thought you'd be eaten alive. What did the devil say to you?"
The others subtly gathered around, pretending to look busy, while their ears strained to catch every word.
Aarohi looked around at the curious faces and smiled softly, a bit embarrassed. "He didn't scold me," she said, shrugging gently.
Rhea gasped. "Wait… what?"
"He just… asked me a few things. Told me about work expectations. That's it," Aarohi replied with a calm voice, though the scene inside the office was still playing like a movie reel in her head.
Pim blinked. "You mean he didn't slam the table? Or raise his voice? Not even one scary glare?"
"Well…" Aarohi hesitated, remembering the intensity of his eyes, the chill in his voice. "He did glare. But not in a bad way. More like… evaluating."
Rhea raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow. "Evaluating?"
Aarohi smiled again. "He's just serious about work. That's all."
"Hmm," Pim said suspiciously, clearly disappointed. "I was ready for a drama."
Rhea narrowed her eyes at Aarohi, clearly sensing there was more to the story, but she let it go. For now.
As the day progressed, Aarohi buried herself in her tasks. But no matter how many spreadsheets she reviewed or emails she typed, her mind kept drifting back to that office. To him.
The way he stood by the window, silent and regal. The way he looked at her—not like a man would look at a woman—but like a king would study a soldier. It wasn't attraction, it wasn't hostility. It was something more complex. More dangerous.
Hours later, the day finally came to a close. The sun dipped low, casting golden shadows across the floor. Aarohi packed her things, waved goodbye to her colleagues, and walked out with Rhea.
The two shared a cab back to their apartment. It was a modest two-bedroom in the heart of the city, nothing luxurious, but it had become their shared sanctuary since moving in a few months ago.
The moment they stepped inside, Aarohi slipped out of her shoes and let out a sigh. "Home sweet home."
Rhea flopped onto the couch dramatically. "I thought I'd die of boredom today. Except for your little adventure with Mr. Iceberg."
Aarohi smiled as she walked to the kitchen. "I told you, it wasn't anything crazy."
Rhea gave her a long look. "You've been zoning out all day. And now again. Spill."
Aarohi poured water into a kettle and set it to boil. "It's nothing."
Rhea sat up straighter. "Don't tell me…" she narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you liked his voice?"
Aarohi didn't answer, but the tiny smile that tugged at her lips was answer enough.
Rhea shrieked. "No! No, no, no. Aarohi! Anyone but him!"
Aarohi laughed, walking over to the couch and plopping down beside her. "I didn't say anything!"
"You didn't have to! You're glowing like a K-drama heroine after the first encounter with the cold male lead." Rhea threw a cushion at her playfully.
"He was… intense," Aarohi admitted. "His eyes. His voice. The way he stands like he owns the world."
"That's because he does. He's richer than half the country, Aarohi."
"I know," Aarohi said softly. "But it wasn't about that. It's the way he speaks. Like… like there's something hidden behind every word."
Rhea stared at her like she was growing another head. "Don't you get anyone normal in your imagination? Why does it have to be Mr. Glacial Charisma?"
Aarohi giggled. "Because that's the fun part."
"Fun?" Rhea placed a hand on her chest dramatically. "You're going to fall for a man who probably doesn't believe in birthdays."
They both laughed and continued chatting, teasing each other as they cooked dinner. The mood was light, comfortable, the kind of bond only true roommates and friends could share.
Over bowls of hot noodles and stir-fried vegetables, Rhea continued her mock warnings.
"If you even think about catching feelings, you better tell me. Because I will prepare an intervention."
"I'm not catching anything," Aarohi insisted.
"Uh-huh."
"Just intrigued," she added.
"Famous last words."
They finished dinner and cleared the table. Both girls retreated to their rooms, the night outside silent except for the occasional sound of passing cars.
Aarohi slipped into her bed, hugging her pillow. Her thoughts drifted again, this time more vividly. Rithvik Veerayut's gaze haunted her. The way he commanded silence without effort. The way he didn't even look at her fully, yet it felt like he saw everything.
She was about to doze off when her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
Aarohi frowned but picked it up.
"Hello?"
There was a pause, then a low, amused voice. "Did you meet him?"
Aarohi blinked. The voice was familiar. Distant, yet close to her heart. A connection that wasn't visible to the world but was tangled deep inside her story.
She smiled, understanding instantly. "Yes. I did."
"How was he?" the caller asked.
"Cold," she said softly. "But powerful. He doesn't waste words. His eyes speak more than his mouth ever could."
"And?" the caller pressed.
"I think he's exactly who I expected him to be. Maybe more."
A pause. Then: "So what's your next plan?"
Aarohi leaned back on her pillow, her smile turning enigmatic. "Let's just say… I'll show him that even ice can melt. You'll see."
There was a soft chuckle on the other end. "Careful. You're playing with fire and frost at the same time."
"I know," she whispered. "But some stories are meant to be written that way."
Click. The call ended.
Aarohi stared at the ceiling, heart beating fast. Not from fear. But from anticipation.
She closed her eyes, her lips curled into a faint smile. Whatever happened next—she was ready for it.
To Be Continued…
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