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IT'S NOT OVER Chapter 15
Reyansh shook his head, the exhaustion a mere shadow compared to the emotional turmoil he was in. "I'm not hungry," he mumbled, his voice thick with despair. "I should take Avi home. Thanks for looking after her."Saarayu hesitated, a flicker of worry crossing her features. Before he could turn away, she reached out and gently placed a hand on his arm. The warmth of her touch sent a jolt through him, a sudden awareness of her presence cutting through the fog in his mind."Sit," she said, guiding him towards the chair with a surprising strength. Reyansh opened his mouth to protest, but the words wouldn't come. He felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, both physical and emotional. Seeing her concern, he allowed himself to be led to the table, his hand lingering in hers for a moment longer than necessary.Saarayu pulled out another chair and sat down next to him. She had prepared a simple meal, but the aroma that filled the air was warm and comforting. Without a word, she start
IT'S NOT OVER Chapter 16
The first sliver of sunlight peeked through the blinds, painting golden stripes across the floor of the guest room. Reyansh, his eyes etched with exhaustion, stood by the window, a deep frown creasing his brow. He hadn't slept a wink, his mind replaying the events of the previous day on a relentless loop.With a heavy sigh, he turned towards the door. He needed to face Saarayu, to discuss the plan that had formed in the quiet hours of the night. He needed to be honest with her, however much it might hurt.He pushed open the door and found Saarayu in the kitchen, humming softly as she poured cereal into a bowl. Avi, perched on a highchair, clapped her hands in delight as colorful flakes tumbled onto her spoon.The sight of them, a picture of domestic normalcy, sent a pang through Reyansh's chest. Yet, it also fueled his resolve. This peaceful scene, this makeshift family, was exactly what he was fighting for.Saarayu looked up as he entered, her smile faltering slightly when she saw hi
IT'S NOT OVER Chapter 17
"There have been some… threats," he admitted cautiously. "Someone seems to be after me, for reasons I don't understand. That's why there was an… incident yesterday."Dr. Sudha's eyes widened in alarm. "Threats? What kind of threats?" She looked around the room, her gaze flitting to the windows and doors as if searching for a hidden danger."I'm not sure," Reyansh hedgedAs everyone settled onto the couches, Saarayu emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming pot of coffee and a tray of mugs. The tension in the room was palpable, a mix of concern and curiosity hanging heavy in the air.Dr. Sudha reached out and took a sip of the coffee Saarayu offered, sending her a grateful smile. "Thank you, dear," she murmured. Then, turning back to Reyansh, she continued, "There's something you should know, Reyansh. Back in our college days, as part of a cultural activity to win prize money, I approached your parents for an interview. Your father, a brilliant businessman they said, and your
IT'S NOT OVER Chapter 18
Avi's lower lip trembled, her eyes flitting between Saarayu's reassuring smile and Dr. Sudha's kind but unfamiliar face. The promise of ice cream was tempting, a sweet reward, but leaving Saarayu's side was a daunting prospect. Sensing Avi's hesitation, Saarayu knelt before her. "It'll just be for a little while, my little love," she explained, tucking a stray curl behind Avi's ear. "Dr. Sudha is a very nice lady, and she'll take good care of you. Besides, wouldn't you like to see the ducks at the park? They might even share their bread crumbs with you!" The image of fluffy ducks and yummy treats sparked a flicker of curiosity in Avi's eyes. The fear of the unknown began to recede, replaced by the allure of a new adventure. Reyansh watched the exchange, a silent understanding dawning on him. He saw the love and care Saarayu showered on Avi, the way she could soothe the little girl's anxieties with a simple word or a playful promise. He knew, in that moment, that Avi had found
IT'S NOT OVER Chapter 19
"Who is this little angel, Sudha?" he rasped, his voice weak but filled with a hint of amusement.Dr. Sudha knelt beside the couch, placing a hand on Avi's head. "This, Raghu," she explained, her voice filled with tenderness, "is Avi. The little one I told you about from Reyansh's place."Avi, ever the social butterfly, approached Dr. Raghu cautiously, her gaze flitting between his kind eyes and the unfamiliar surroundings. She shyly extended a chubby hand towards him, a silent question hanging in the air.Dr. Raghu's smile softened further. He reached out and gently grasped Avi's tiny fingers in his own, his touch light and careful. A wave of warmth washed over him, a sense of unexpected connection with this curious child."Well, hello there, Avi," he croaked, his voice barely a whisper. "It's very nice to meet you.""Well, hello there, Avi," he croaked, his voice barely a whisper. "It's very nice to meet you."In that quiet moment, a connection sparked. Dr. Raghu, recovering from a
IT'S NOT OVER Chapter 20
Back in their own apartment, the familiar buzz of the city seeped in through the open windows. Saarayu busied herself in the kitchen, the rhythmic clinking of pots and pans a comforting sound. A mischievous glint flickered in her eyes as she glanced towards the living room, where Avi sat sprawled on a colorful play mat, surrounded by a sea of scattered toys. "Well, miss adventurer," Saarayu said in a mock-stern tone, her voice laced with playful reprimand, "you left me all alone today, didn't you?"Avi, momentarily distracted from her toys, looked up at Saarayu with wide, innocent eyes. A tiny frown creased her forehead, her lower lip trembling ever so slightly. "Mamma no happy?" she babbled, her voice barely a whisper.Saarayu couldn't help but melt at the sight. Hiding a smile behind her hand, she walked towards Avi and scooped her up in a hug. The warmth of the little girl's body pressed against hers filled Saarayu with a sense of unexpected affection."Oh, you silly goose,"
IT'S NOT OVER Chapter 21
Reaching her desk, Swati began settling in. A quick glance through the glass window revealed her handsome new boss engrossed in his work. "So, he can watch me too, can he?" she mused with a slight shrug, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. Having witnessed his preference for black coffee and a set lunch break schedule, she decided, "Black coffee, then." With that, she headed towards the reception to meet Kavya."Hello," Swati greeted with a smile."Hi there! Swati, I presume?" Kavya instantly extended a hand, a dimple flashing in her cheek as she smiled. "I'm Kavya, welcome to Malhotra Designs!"Swati returned the handshake, her own smile warm and genuine. "Kavya, can I call you by your name?" she inquired politely."Absolutely, that's what I'm here for," Kavya replied, putting Swati at ease.Great," Swati continued. "Kavya, speaking of which, it seems like it's about time for Mr. Malhotra's black coffee." She glanced at her watch.Kavya nodded. "Right you are. Black coffee, no s
IT'S NOT OVER Chapter 22
When Swath i struggled to reach the files, the urge to help her was almost overwhelming. But he held himself back. He didn't want to appear weak, especially not in front of her. He knew she'd likely heard the rumors – rumors about his coldness, his aloofness. It was a carefully crafted persona, a shield built after witnessing the vultures descend upon him after his parents' deaths. He let her perceive him as the uncaring boss, a role he'd perfected. The sight of her dragging the chair, her face paling under his gaze, had been a silent comedy. He knew she was nervous, probably intimidated by his reputation. And yet, there was a determination in her eyes that intrigued him. When she'd finally retrieved the file, her triumphant "Yes!" was like a burst of sunshine in the sterile confines of his office. It was a stark contrast to the calculated actions of his past assistants, one of whom he recalled feigning a fall for a touch. Now, watching her through the glass window, completely engro