LOVE IN AIR

The next morning, Ridhima stood in front of the mirror, draping a soft beige saree with a delicate golden border. Her movements were graceful, but her mind was anything but calm.

Yash Thakur.

Why was he back? Was it just a coincidence, or... something more?

She picked up her earrings but paused, lost in thought. The memory of Yash's voice from last night played in her head. "I never thought I'd meet you like this, babes."

Her fingers clenched.

Just then, Veer stepped out of the bathroom, running a towel through his damp hair. His sharp gaze immediately caught Ridhima's reflection in the mirror.

She looked different today. The usual fire in her eyes seemed dimmed by something.

As she turned to leave, Veer grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"Wait."

Ridhima's breath hitched as he pulled her closer, her back almost brushing against his chest.

Veer's voice was calm yet firm. "What's wrong?"

She quickly masked her emotions and shook her head. "Nothing. I'm fine."

Veer's gaze flickered to her reflection, his fingers loosening but not letting go.

"You don't look fine, Ridhima." His tone was softer now, as if trying to read her through the silence.

She averted her gaze and gently pulled her wrist away. "I said I'm fine."

Then, without waiting for him to say anything else, she walked away, her saree softly swaying behind her—leaving Veer standing there, frowning, his confusion deepening.

Veer came downstairs for breakfast, adjusting the cuff of his shirt. His eyes instinctively searched for Ridhima, but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is Ridhima?" he asked, his tone neutral but slightly curious.

The servant quickly responded, "Madam already left for the office, sir."

Veer frowned slightly. She left without even saying anything? Something was definitely off about her today.

Before he could think further, his phone buzzed.

Yash Thakur.

Veer narrowed his eyes before answering. "Yes?"

"Veer, I need you at the office earlier than planned. Let's discuss the deal." Yash's voice was smooth, but Veer could sense something off in his tone.

"Fine. I'm on my way." Veer ended the call and grabbed his keys, heading out.

Ridhima's Unwanted Call

Meanwhile, Ridhima sat in the backseat of her car, scrolling through emails on her phone, trying to push last night's unwanted memories out of her head.

But then—her phone rang.

An unknown number.

Frowning, she picked it up. "Hello?"

The deep, familiar chuckle on the other end made her stomach twist.

"Ridhima," Yash's voice drawled lazily, sending a shiver down her spine.

Her grip on the phone tightened. "How did you get my number?" she snapped.

"Come on, babes . You should know by now—I always get what I want."

Ridhima clenched her jaw, her heart pounding. This bastard!

"What the hell do you want, Yash?" she hissed.

"Relax," he chuckled, "I just wanted to check in. You sounded a little... down last night. Not happy to see me?"

Ridhima felt rage bubbling inside her. As if he cared.

"Cut the crap, Yash. Just stay the hell away from me."

But his next words made her freeze.

"I just want to see if you still love me madly... or not."

Her breath hitched.

Her fingers dug into her saree as she tried to calm her racing heartbeat.

"You are delusional, Yash," she spat. "I hate you."

Another chuckle. "Hate and love are two sides of the same coin, Ridhima. I'll see you soon."

Before she could say anything, the call disconnected.

Ridhima stared at her phone, her hands shaking with anger and fear.

Why was Yash back? What did he really want?

And more importantly—what was she going to do about it?

Veer arrived at the office, his mind still occupied with how Ridhima had left so early. She had been acting strange since last night, but he decided to brush it off.

As soon as he entered the conference room, Yash Thakur was already seated with his father, Rajesh Thakur. Veer took his seat across from them, maintaining his usual composed demeanor.

The discussion about the deal went smoothly. After some negotiation, both parties agreed on the terms, and the contract was finalized.

Just as Veer was about to wrap things up, Yash leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Veer, since the deal is done, let's celebrate. You're newly married, after all."

Veer arched a brow. "Celebrate?"

Yash nodded. "Yes, my family would love to host you and your wife for dinner. A small gathering, just to welcome Mrs. Arora properly."

Without much thought, Veer nodded in agreement.

"A dinner invitation? "

"Alright, we'll be there," Veer said casually, standing up and shaking Yash's hand.

Yash's smirk deepened. "Perfect. I'll be waiting."

There was something too smooth about the way Yash said it, but Veer was too focused on business to notice.

Little did he know—this dinner invitation was anything but innocent.

Veer entered the room, loosening his tie after a long day. He froze mid-step when he saw Ridhima standing in front of the mirror, struggling with the hooks of her blouse. She had her back to him, completely unaware of his presence.

Veer assumed she was expecting one of the female staff for help. Without thinking much, he stepped forward and gently placed his hands on the fabric, ready to help.

The moment his fingers touched her skin, Ridhima's breath hitched, and she immediately recognized the touch.

Her body stiffened. This wasn't the staff—it was Veer.

She began to turn around, startled, but Veer stopped her by holding her shoulder.

"Don't move," he murmured in a husky voice. "Let me do it."

Ridhima swallowed hard, her fingers clenching into fists. "I can do it myself, Veer. Just go."

Veer let out a low chuckle, his breath warm against her skin. "Why? Am I not allowed in my own room?"

His fingers worked the hooks effortlessly, one by one, his movements slow—almost teasing. Ridhima felt trapped, her skin tingling under his touch.

"Veer, please..." she whispered, barely audible.

Veer's lips curled slightly. "For what?" he asked, his voice dangerously smooth as he leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over the side of her neck.

His hand, which had been at her back, slid down to her waist, resting there lightly.

That was when Ridhima snapped back to reality.

She quickly turned and pushed him away, her heartbeat erratic.

Veer stumbled slightly, looking at her in shock.

Without saying a word, Ridhima grabbed her dupatta, draped it quickly over herself, and stormed out of the room.

Veer stood there, completely confused and slightly embarrassed.

What just happened?