✦|01

Author POV:

Aarohi Mishra, at just 24 years old, had already taken the business world by storm. As the CEO of Mishra Group of Industries, she was a force to be reckoned with.

After taking over her father's company, Aarohi's shrewd decisions and relentless drive had catapulted the company to the top, overtaking even their fiercest competitor, Rathore Industries. She had never failed in any deal, and her reputation was that of an unyielding and formidable leader.

For students of business and aspiring entrepreneurs, Aarohi was a role model. Especially among young women, she was revered as a goddess in the industry. Her chocolate brown eyes and dimples might have given an illusion of innocence, but those who crossed her knew better. A single glare from her could send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned business magnates.

However, Aarohi's empire was not built without enemies. Rathore Industries, which had long enjoyed its position in the top tier, now harbored a deep-seated grudge against her. Their rage grew as Aarohi's brilliance continued to overshadow them, and they tried everything in their power to bring her down. But little did they know, their opponent was a devil who would never spare anyone.

Nobody in their company knew that she had connections with the mafia. Aarohi was known for her wide-ranging connections, be it political or underworld. Even her father was unaware of her involvement with the mafia, though there were rumors that she let slide, unbothered.

One day, Aarohi discovered that her trusted personal assistant, Madhura, had been leaking confidential information to Rathore Industries. The realization of this betrayal was a spark that ignited Aarohi's fury.

She called Madhura to her office, her expression unreadable. As Madhura entered, she noticed the ominous silence. Aarohi sat behind her mahogany desk, her fingers steepled, eyes fixed on her assistant.

"Madhura," Aarohi began, her voice deceptively calm and cold, "do you know why I called you here?"

Madhura froze. Aarohi always called her 'Madhu.' Hearing her full name, she knew she was caught. "No, ma'am," she replied, her voice trembling.

Aarohi stood up, "I've always valued loyalty above all else," she said, walking around the desk to face Madhura directly. "But I recently discovered that someone has been leaking our confidential information to Rathore Industries."

Madhura's eyes widened in fear. "Ma'am, I... I don't know what you're talking about."

Aarohi's lips curled into a cold smile. "Save your lies Miss. I have proof." She snapped her fingers, and a security guard entered, handing her a file. Aarohi opened it, revealing documents and emails that unmistakably traced the betrayal back to Madhura.

"You've been a valuable asset to our rivals," Aarohi said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But you have no idea what you've unleashed."

Madhura's pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears. Aarohi motioned for the guard to take her away. "Take her to the basement. I'll deal with her personally."

In the dimly lit basement, Madhura found herself tied to a chair, fear gripping her heart. Aarohi entered, her presence exuded danger.

"You thought betraying me would go unpunished?" Aarohi's voice was a deadly whisper. "You will learn the cost of betrayal, Madhu."

Aarohi's associate stepped forward, holding a small knife. "This is just the beginning," Aarohi said, her eyes cold. "You will suffer for your actions, and then, you will disappear."

Madhura's screams echoed in the basement, a chilling reminder of the consequences of crossing Aarohi Mishra. She was not just a business tycoon; she was a devil in disguise, a woman who would stop at nothing to protect her empire, her father's empire.

After torturing her enough, Aarohi was going back to her cabin but stopped when her phone buzzed with an incoming call from her best friend Myra.

"Hey Aaru, let's go to the cafe. I'm pretty tired and need a refill of energy," Myra said, her voice carrying a hint of exhaustion.

Aarohi was cold to the entire world, but not to her close ones. She was a sunshine to her family and friends. "Sure, let's meet at our regular cafe," Aarohi replied.

After hanging up, Aarohi headed to their usual hangout, only to find the cafe closed and a signboard stating the building was for sale. Their favorite place to hang out was gone. Myra arrived shortly after, and they both cursed their luck.

"Let's find another cafe then," Myra suggested.

Aarohi nodded, and they both walked across the street to find a new spot. Fortunately, they stumbled upon a small yet elegant cafe around the corner of the street where Aarohi's office was located. As they entered, the aroma enveloped them, offering a sense of comfort they hadn't felt elsewhere.

Myra ordered their drinks while Aarohi sat at a corner table. When Myra returned with their coffees, she whispered, "The boss here is so handsome, Aaru. Look."

Aarohi glanced at the counter, expecting to see the boss, but instead, she saw an employee. "You're just unlucky, Aaru," Myra teased.

Aarohi shrugged, unfazed as myra said "From now on, this is our usual hangout space."

Aarohi shook her head at her silly friend as Myra continued to recount her day at the boutique. Myra was a very well-known fashion designer, her creations set trends for months at a time.

"I think I need to find a new assistant," Aarohi mused.

"Why? What happened to your old one?" Myra inquired.

Aarohi recounted the story of Madhura's betrayal, to which Myra responded, "Don't worry. There's a whole line queued up to be your assistant. And I'll take some time out to join the interview with your team and find the best one for you."

Aarohi beamed at her friend. "You're the best, My-ra."

Myra rolled her eyes but then nudged Aarohi discreetly. "Hey, look. He's back from the kitchen."

Aarohi followed Myra's gaze and saw the cafe's boss returning to the counter. His presence was commanding yet somehow understated. He was tall, probably around six feet, with an athletic build that suggested he took care of himself. His dark hair was slightly tousled, giving him a rugged charm.

But it was his eyes that caught and held her attention. Ocean blue and deeply expressive, they seemed to hold secrets and stories untold. For the world, his eyes might seem frozen as ice, but Aarohi could see the emotions he held within. His deepest feelings, hidden from others, were clear to her. She found herself unable to look away.

Myra leaned in and whispered, "He's cute like a bunny and handsome as a hero at the same time, isn't he?" Aarohi smiled at her friend's description but couldn't deny the truth in it. There was a magnetic pull to this man, something that made her want to know more, to understand the depth behind those striking blue eyes.

Aarohi tore her gaze away from him and glanced back at Myra with a smirk.

'My prince charming,' Aarohi whispered.

 Aarohi found herself stealing glances at him, intrigued by his calm demeanor amidst the bustling café. He moved with an effortless grace, his focus unwavering. Despite the busyness around him, he seemed to be in his own world, a world Aarohi suddenly wanted to be a part of.

When he looked up and their eyes met, Aarohi felt a jolt, a connection that was instant and electric. She quickly looked away, her heart racing. This was new, unexpected. She was used to being in control, but something about this man made her feel a flutter of anticipation.

She didn't know his name or his story, but she felt a pull towards him that was impossible to ignore.

'I will make him mine,' Aarohi whispered to herself, her eyes glinting with his reflection. This wasn't just a fleeting attraction; it was an obsession. She wanted him, and Aarohi Mishra always got what she wanted.

***

Arjun's life followed a simple routine. He'd wake up early, jog, get his little brother ready for school, then head to his café. There, he'd craft delectable desserts, famed for their irresistible flavors, drawing in patrons from far and wide to indulge in their sweet delights.

After closing up shop, he'd spend time with his brother, sharing a meal and some quiet moments together. Sometimes, his best friend Krishav would come to lend a hand. Despite Arjun's reservations about Krish's involvement, Krishav, a business tycoon in his own right, had known Arjun since their school days. 

They shared a bond forged in childhood, having attended the same school and college. Krishav know Arjun in and out which made him an irreplaceable presence in his life, even if Arjun didn't always wanted his friend's interference in his affairs.

Arjun wasn't one for big gatherings or parties. He liked his solitude, finding comfort in the calmness of his café and the company of his brother. He kept his life private, not letting many people in.

But one day, everything changed when he spotted her – Rooh, little did he know that soon she will be His Rooh.

Arjun wiped his hands on his apron as he returned to the counter of his quaint café. It had been a busy morning, but seeing the satisfied smiles on his customers' faces made it all worthwhile. As he glanced around the cozy space, his eyes fell upon two women who had just entered. One of them, he noted, was particularly striking. She exuded an air of confidence that was both alluring and intimidating.

When her friend whispered something to her, Arjun couldn't resist stealing a glance in their direction. Their eyes met briefly, and Arjun felt a jolt of electricity shoot through him. He quickly averted his gaze, his heart pounding in his chest.

Somehow Arjun felt her gaze cutting through his defenses. He felt a warmth he hadn't known in a long time, a stirring of emotions he couldn't quite explain.

Arjun realized then that this woman was different, that she might just break down the walls he'd built around himself. And though he resisted, he couldn't help but be drawn to her, curious about the world she might bring into his life.

Little did he know, this chance encounter would be the beginning of something unexpected, something that would change both of their lives forever.

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