9.

I’m really really sorry❤️. I know I’m really late. Actually my pre-board exams are ongoing and I didn’t get time to write the chapter.

As an apology I will give you all a

double update. The second update will come at 11 PM❤️.

Mira's POV

I open the door and sit inside the car. Zar is also here. The driver starts the car. I am about to say something but stop midway when I see ASR holding a small bouquet in his hand.

"This is for you. For your new job" he says extending the flowers towards me.

I stare at the bouquet and then at him, my mouth slightly open in shock. Still, I take the flowers and look down, feeling... something I can't understand.

Why is he acting like this? He has been ignoring me ever since I joined the office and now he is behaving as if we are close friends.

"How was your day?" he asks pulling me out of my thoughts.

I look at him and force a small smile. "It was good" I reply.

He gives me a small smile in return. Is he bipolar or what?

I clear my throat. "Actually... sir I wanted to tell you that...." I pause for a second gathering my words. "You know, day before yesterday, our picture came in the newspaper saying we are getting married and al......"

Before I can finish he cuts me off. "First of all don't call me 'sir' And second ignore that news. Media loves to drag things that don't exist or aren't happening"

I nod feeling awkward. Now there is nothing left to say and it seems like he has nothing to add either. The silence between us feels heavy.

I turn to Zar and find him looking at me. I smile at him and gently run my fingers through his fur. "How are you baby?" I ask my smile widening.

Zar nods his head his tail flicking slightly.

I keep stroking Zar's head but he moves closer to me, my heart beats faster. To be honest I’m still scared of him. He hasn’t done anything to me, but he is a tiger a mafia tiger.

"I hope you are liking the atmosphere of the company" Abhiraj sir says breaking the silence. "And if not tell me. I'll make changes"

I look at him and then at Zar. "No, sir everything is fine" I say.

Suddenly, Abhiraj lifts his hand towards my face. My breath catches in my throat. What is he trying to do?

"There was something in your hair" he says plucking out whatever it was.

I blink realizing I was overthinking. Quickly I fix my hair and look away. Mira what is happening to you?

My heartbeat is literally throwing a party right now.

I see Zar looking at me with a small smile on his face. He looks so cute.

He slowly lifts one paw, brings it close to my face and softly touches my cheek. His gentle touch makes me melt on the spot.

"Aww you are so cute, my baby" I whisper to him my heart warming. I look down shyly feeling soft inside.

"Ahem ahem" I hear a cough and turn my head.

Abhiraj is looking at me his expression unreadable.

"Are you okay sir?" I ask a little concerned.

He nods but then speaks in a firm voice. "Don't call me sir. Call me by my name Mira."

Hearing my name from his mouth does something strange to my stomach. A fluttery feeling spreads inside me.

Then out of nowhere he asks "Do you have a boyfriend?"

His sudden question catches me off guard. I blink, surprised but quickly shake my head. It would be rude if I didn’t answer.

A smirk tugs at his lips. "Why is an angel like you still single in today’s time?" he asks his deep voice sending a strange warmth to my cheeks.

Is he… flirting with me?

That thought alone makes my heart race. But why does this feel like a dream? He isn’t a normal man. He is Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh...the mafia king of Asia. A man known for hating women.

Yet here he is speaking to me like this.

I clear my throat. "Actually I’m waiting for the right time" I say softly and glance at him.

His eyes are already on me. In fact he has been looking at me ever since I sat inside the car. But strangely his gaze doesn’t make me uncomfortable. It’s intense but not in a bad way.

The car slows down and stops. I look outside. We are in front of my apartment.

I frown and turn to him. "I didn’t tell you my address. Then how....?"

A small smile plays on his lips. "I think you forgot who I am Mira" he says in a low voice.

Right. He is Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh. Nothing is impossible for him.

I take a deep breath and grab my bag and bouquet. "Okay sir. Thank you so much for the lift" I say politely and reach for the door handle.

But before I can open it I feel a soft tug on my dress.

I look down and see Zar staring at me with big round puppy eyes. His small paw clutches my dress as if he doesn’t want me to go.

My heart melts.

"Ohh sorry Bye bye" I say leaning down to pat him. "We will meet soon"

He gives me a cute smile in return making me smile back.

"Bye" hearing Abhiraj’s voice. I gave him a small smile before stepping out and closing the door behind me. Jiya was already waiting for me outside.

I glanced at their car one last time before heading inside my building. As soon as I entered inside the house, Jiya made me sit on the couch standing in front of me with her hands on her waist.

"Why did he give you this bouquet? Did he propose to you? Did you say yes? Did you both kiss? Or did you guys make lo...."

I quickly placed my hand over her mouth, stopping her from finishing her sentence.

"How dirty minded you are! He gave me this because we joined the company" I said giving her a look.

Jiya narrowed her eyes at me suspiciously. "Are you sure?"

"I’m telling the truth" I scoffed removing my hand and walking toward the bedroom.

"But why did he give you flowers? There are more than eighty interns who joined but he only gave them to you. Why?" she asked crossing her arms.

"Believe me he’s in love with you! And as your mother, I approve of him. You won’t find anyone better than him" she added dramatically.

I glared at her. "Your little brain is overthinking! There’s nothing like that and we can never be together. He hates women, don’t you know that? And besides I will never marry a mafia man. He’s dangerous" I said taking out my clothes from the cupboard.

Jiya shrugged. "Okay I know he hates women but he gave you flowers! And he never acts dangerous around you. That means only one thing.....he likes you. Also" she smirked "you were staring at his picture in the magazine today touching his face. So it's a yes from your side too"

She bumped her shoulder against mine playfully and I pushed her away.

"Go chop the vegetables. I’m going to freshen up" I said grabbing my clothes and entering the bathroom.

As I stood under the shower her words echoed in my head. Somehow, she’s right... but I know we can’t be together in this life.

Still he treats me differently from others. And he gave me a bouquet.

"Stop Mira" I whispered to myself shaking my head as I took a quick shower.

Jiya's POV

"Good night" Mira said and switched off the lights.

I closed my eyes hoping to sleep but his face appeared in my mind again. My eyes fluttered open and a soft smile unknowingly formed on my lips.

Dev… A few months ago I only had a small crush on him but now… now it’s turning into something deeper. The more I get to know him, the more my heart craves him. His presence, his silence, even the way he avoids me.....it all affects me more than I want to admit.

My thoughts drifted back to the moment in his car where everything felt so one-sided.

Flashback

I stepped into his car my heart beating a little faster.

"Hi, sir" I greeted him hoping he would at least look at me. But he just gave a small nod his expression unreadable.

His driver started the car and the silence between us grew heavy. I kept stealing glances at him, trying to catch his attention but he was completely focused on his iPad typing something.

I took a deep breath gathering the courage to speak. "How was your day?" I asked my voice soft but hopeful.

For a moment he looked up, his sharp eyes meeting mine but then he turned back to his screen.

"Tiring" he replied shortly.

I lowered my gaze, feeling a little embarrassed. Am I annoying him? His face showed no interest as if he didn’t even want me here.

I sighed quietly and turned to look outside the window. But after a few moments, I felt something strange....like someone was watching me. I shook my head dismissing the thought because no one is here to look at me.

The entire ride, I didn’t say another word. I didn’t want to disturb him. Even though I had a crush on him, I had no right to force him to talk to me. He had his own life and I didn’t want to be a disturbance.

Finally the car stopped. I stepped out and turned to look at him one last time. He didn’t even glance at me.

"Good night sir. And… thank you for the lift" I said with a small smile.

Again, he only nodded not bothering to reply. I closed the car door carefully my heart feeling heavier than before.

Flashback Ends

I blinked, pushing back the sting of tears. Why does this hurt so much? I don’t even know the reason.

I started liking him the moment I saw him at the orphanage, playing with the children. That day, I saw a different side of him. The cold distant Dev Malhotra became someone warm and caring. He held those kids so gently, as if they were his own. In that moment, no one could believe that he was the dangerous Dev Malhotra.

But I need to forget about him. It’s just a crush Jiya. That’s all.

One day when I find the love of my life, I will forget him. Right? Right? My own thoughts questioned me and I had no answer.

But one thing is clear...I will not annoy him anymore. We can’t force someone to talk to us or notice us. And I have bigger things to focus on. My career is more important. I need to collect money for Mira’s wedding.

I smiled at the thought. Mira, my everything.

She is not just my sister, she is my parent. She raised me, protected me and taught me how to fight against the world. She has been my biggest support my strongest pillar.

I just hope she finds someone who will love her the way she deserves. If I could give her all my happiness I would do it in a heartbeat. She deserves the entire world.

And as for me… I need to let go of these feelings before they hurt me even more.

Abhiraj's POV

I smile thinking about her reaction when I gave her the bouquet. She looked so cute. Her surprised face the way her eyes widened it was exactly how I imagined.

It was all my plan. I made her wait there on purpose so that I could take her with me. It was me who ordered the media to print that news. They don’t have the power to publish my name with someone without my permission. If they tried they wouldn’t be alive to see another day. Everything happened exactly how I wanted.

But one thing annoyed me when she called Zar baby. I felt jealous. Why him first? I know she will become his mother but still she should have called me baby first. It’s not fair.

I know she must be confused because of my behavior. One moment I pull her closer and the next I act distant. But I don’t have another option. If I don’t do this, she will never come to me on her own. And I will never let that happen. Not in this life. Not in any life. Because in every life she belongs to me.

I think about Dev. He has feelings for Jiya. I can see it. Whenever I mention her name in front of him, his expression changes. He starts saying strange things, acting worried.

He won’t admit it but I know. And I don’t mind. Jiya is a kind hearted girl. She will love and support my Dev with everything she has.

Just one month. That’s all I need. In this one month, I will make you mine, by your own choice, my sweetheart. My Mira.

I glance at Zar. He is sleeping peacefully, his small hands curled up near his face. A soft smile appears on my lips. He was so happy today. The way he ran around the mansion just because she called him baby and cute. He was glowing with joy. My boy.

Thinking about everything I close my eyes and drift into sleep with only one thought in my mind...

Mira will be mine.

Next day

Mira's POV

"Yes, ma’am I have checked that" I say while walking with my mentor, my colleagues and Jiya.

Our mentor had given us a file to check earlier. Now we are on our way to Abhiraj sir’s office because he wants to check all of our reports. Honestly it’s not necessary but still he has called us. Why? I have no idea.

Our mentor knocks on the door. "May I come in sir?" she asks.

A deep voice from inside replies "Come in."

We step inside. It’s my first time entering his cabin and for a moment I forget how to breathe.

It doesn’t feel like an office it feels like another world. A dark world. A black heaven.

Everything here is black with a slight touch of white. The furniture the walls, even the floor...it’s all elegant yet intimidating. His single office is bigger than my entire building. In front of us there is a large desk and on the opposite side, there is a huge couch, big enough for twenty people to sit at once.

My eyes move to Zar. He is sitting on the couch, his eyes fixed on Abhiraj sir. When he notices me, I instantly smile at him expecting him to smile back.

But he doesn’t.

His face is blank. Cold. As if he doesn’t even know me.

What happened to him? I meet him yesterday and he behaves so warmly. But today something is different. Something is wrong. And I don’t like this change in his behavior.

Before I can think further, I hear Abhiraj sir’s voice.

"Show all of their reports."

Our mentor steps forward and places our reports in front of him. There are five of us...two boys and three girls including me.

He picks up the reports one by one skimming through them. The room is silent except for the sound of pages turning.

"Hmmm" he finally hums. "Everyone’s report is fine. Except these two"

He lifts two reports. One belongs to Khushi, my colleague. And the other… mine.

Why mine?

"Miss Khushi make the report again" he says without looking at her. Then his gaze shifts to my report. His fingers tap on the cover.

"And whose report is this?" he asks.

My breath catches in my throat. He doesn’t know? I swallow and step forward my hands slightly trembling.

"This is mine" I say nervous. I know my report is correct so why did he pick it?

He leans back in his chair his dark eyes watching me.

"Miss?" he asks tilting his head slightly.

He is asking for my name. I stare at him in shock. He doesn’t know my name?

"Mira" I say slowly my voice barely above a whisper. It hurts.

We just talked last night. He knows my name. And now… now he acts like he doesn’t even remember me?

"Miss Mira, you need to work harder. Your report is not effective or informative enough" he says in an ice-cold voice.

Again my heart clenches. Just yesterday, he was talking to me so nicely. And now he sounds so distant. So cold.

I lower my eyes and nod silently. My throat tightens and I don’t know why. Why does this hurt so much? I don’t like this side of him. Every time we meet he treats me so kindly. But now… this coldness from him… it feels wrong.

"You all may go" he orders.

We turn to leave. Maybe… maybe before I go he will look at me. Maybe he will give me a small smile. Maybe he is only acting like this because others are here.

I glance at him one last time hoping.

But no. He doesn’t even lift his gaze from his screen. He doesn’t even acknowledge that I am leaving.

I sigh and turn towards Zar. He is looking at me but… his face is cold too. Just like Abhiraj sir.

I quickly look down and step out of his office with the others.

Outside our mentor turns to us. "Mira, Khushi please work hard. If you have any questions I will help you" she says gently.

We both nod. "Thank you ma’am" Khushi replies and I mumble the same.

Suddenly Jiya grabs my hand and pulls me to the corner.

I look at her confused. "Jiya?"

Her eyes are filled with questions. "Why is he behaving like he doesn’t know you?" she asks frowning.

I shrug my shoulders. What can I say?

"I don’t know" I whisper. I don’t want to think about it. I don’t want this to affect me.

"But..." She is about to say something, but I quickly cut her off.

"Please, Jiya" I say looking at her with puppy eyes. Just let it go.

She sighs understanding. "Okay" she nods. We walk back to our floor and start working.

But my mind is not calm. What is happening to me? Why am I letting such a small thing affect me this much?

I clench my fists. Mira be strong. Don’t think about him being sweet to you. Because he is known as cold ice. What else can I expect from him.

Abhiraj’s POV

The moment they leave the office, Zar runs toward me, attacking me. It’s not harmful but he’s clearly angry with me.

"I’m sorry I’m sorry" I say trying to hold his legs. He glares at me and I smile seeing how much he loves his mumma.

"I’m sorry my boy but if I didn’t do this, we wouldn’t be able to get her" I explain but this time, he just glares at me and walks back to his seat. He sits there not even looking at me. I feel hurt. It’s hard for me to see him act like this.

I know she’s hurt by my behavior, I can see it in her eyes but I don’t know what else to do. This is the only way I can make her come to me.

I walk towards Zar and sit on the couch.

"Please forgive your dad" I say softly but he ignores me.

"Okay you can go to her if you want" I say and his eyes light up with excitement.

"But not now. You can meet her tonight" I add and he looks away again sulking like a child.

I hear my phone ringing and I walk over to my table to pick it up.

I put it to my ear and…