Ira

The boardroom felt heavier than usual today. Maybe because it wasn’t a routine pitch — it was the kind that could make or break us.

I took a deep breath, checking my laptop screen one last time. “Nervous? Mujhe toh aadat hai fight karne ki,” I reminded myself, straightening my blazer.

As I stepped inside, the cool AC brushed against my skin, but it wasn’t what gave me chills — it was him.

Reyansh.

Calm, confident, impossibly sharp in a charcoal grey suit. The man looked like he belonged to boardrooms and power. I’d heard a lot about him, but seeing him now felt different.

Our eyes met briefly, a curious flicker in his gaze.

I ignored it, focused on my slides. “Ladies and gentlemen, the proposal I’m presenting—”

But before I could continue, his deep voice cut through,

“Sorry to interrupt, but these numbers — have you tested them with market data?”

He wasn’t rude, just firm. But still — kaise bol diya aise beech mein?

My pulse spiked. “If you let me finish, Mr…?”

“Reyansh Khanna,” he replied, with a polite nod.

“Mr. Khanna, I will explain the supporting data if you give me a moment,” I said, holding my ground.

He nodded, studying me. “Of course.”

The tension was sharp, almost electric. I continued, refusing to let my confidence slip, answering every pointed question he raised.

When it finally ended, my legs felt like jelly.

Gathering my files, I tried to leave quickly. But my heels caught on the carpet edge, sending me stumbling forward.

Oh no.

A strong grip steadied me before I hit the floor.

Reyansh.

His hands, steady. Warm.

Our faces were suddenly too close. I could see a tiny scar on his jawline. His breath was calm, too calm.

For a heartbeat, nothing moved.

“Careful,” he murmured, voice unexpectedly soft.

I straightened up quickly, heat rising in my face. “Thank you,” I mumbled, awkward.

He stepped back, respectful, with a small hint of a smile I couldn’t read.

“Strong presentations need strong steps too,” he teased lightly.

I almost smiled — almost.

Then, composing myself, I walked out without looking back.

---

Back at her office

Ira sank into her chair, running a hand over her face.

Why does he make me so unsure?

She had fought so long to stay in control, to never need anyone.

And then he showed up.