Ira

“Mumma, bas five minutes!” I groaned, pulling the bedsheet over my head as my mother’s voice echoed through the hallway, “Ira, office nahi jaana kya aaj? Dekh clock mein kitna baj gaya!”

My eyelids felt heavy, but I couldn’t deny the truth — I was late. Again.

With a frustrated sigh, I threw the bedsheet away and dragged myself out of bed. As soon as my feet touched the cold marble floor, a shiver ran through me. Another day, another war to fight — in office, and sometimes, in this house too.

Quickly freshening up, I stared at my reflection. 25 years old, CEO, successful, strong. But somewhere, still that same girl who craved a peaceful home. “Bas, Ira. Enough of overthinking.” I reminded myself, dabbing a bold shade of lipstick and putting on my navy-blue blazer over a crisp navy blue tank top paired with beige colour trousers . My hair fell sleek and straight over my shoulders — power look on point.

As I stepped into the living area, I saw Papa reading the newspaper quietly, and Dadi giving me her usual critical look. “Beta, shaadi kab karogi?” she asked out of nowhere, making me roll my eyes internally.

“Mujhe late ho raha hai, dadi,” I smiled, avoiding her trap.

My little cousin brother Ishaan, all of 17, peeked from behind the sofa, flashing his mischievous grin. “Didi, treat kab de rahi ho?”

“Jab tu board exams mein pass hoga,” I teased, patting his head before grabbing my laptop bag.

One last glance at Maa — she looked worried as usual, but proud. I gave her a quick hug. “Maa, main late ho rahi hoon, baaki shaam mein baat karenge.”

“Khush reh beta,” she whispered, her voice carrying a thousand emotions.

Out of the house, my luxury sedan waited for me — a symbol of everything I had built with my own sweat and tears. From a middle-class house with daily taunts and manipulation to this — my empire.

---

Reyansh

6:00 AM. Gym time.

The weights clanked rhythmically as I pushed through my final rep. Sweat dripped down my chiseled arms, reminding me of the years I’d disciplined my mind and body. Calm from the outside, but I know how to fight when needed.

After a quick shower, I changed into a classic grey suit paired with formal white shirt — subtle, yet powerful. Checking my reflection, I fixed my hairs .

My mother’s voice echoed from the kitchen, “Reyansh, breakfast kar lo pehle!”

“Maa, I’ll eat something at the office,” I called out.

She sighed but didn’t argue. Dad, ever the serious one, just gave me a short nod as I crossed the hall.

Driving off in my BMW, I felt that familiar calm before the work storm — but today was different. A joint meeting with another company’s CEO — a woman, apparently young and fierce. Let’s see if she really lives up to the reputation, I thought with a half-smile, adjusting my watch.

---

Back to Ira

The traffic was a nightmare, but I finally made it. Entering the glass doors of my company gave me the boost I needed — my kingdom.

Today was going to be a crucial meeting. Some big collaboration. Focus, Ira.

As I stepped into the conference room, the air changed. There he was — the man himself. Tall, calm, strikingly handsome in a dark suit, his presence demanding attention without even trying.

Our eyes locked for a moment.

Something shifted.

Is this how second chances begin?