The next morning, an email landed in Ira’s inbox confirming that the Khannas and Vermas would jointly handle the new project. That meant one thing: she had to talk to Reyansh Khanna again.

She sighed, rubbing her forehead. Perfect. Back to Mr. Khanna and his attitude.

But a tiny voice whispered: Will he be different this time?

At 11 am sharp, Reyansh arrived at her office for a scheduled discussion. Ira straightened her files, determined to be strictly professional — but also ready to defend herself if he crossed the line again.

As soon as he entered, she stood to greet him, voice cold but formal. “Mr. Khanna, let’s stick to business today. Personal comments are unnecessary.”

He gave a short nod, the hint of a smirk at the corner of his lips. “Of course, Ms. Verma. Mujhe bhi bakwaas sunne ka shauk nahi hai.”

Her scowl deepened. Why does he always find a way to provoke me?

Still, as the conversation turned toward numbers, projections, and strategy, Ira was surprised to see him actually paying full attention. His sharp gaze followed her every note on the whiteboard, analyzing each point with a calm, unnerving focus.

Somewhere in the middle of explaining a risk calculation, Ira found his eyes still fixed on her, even after she’d finished.

She paused. “Mr. Khanna, do you have a question?”

He shrugged lightly. “Do you always plan everything so precisely?”

She hesitated. Was that a genuine question?

“Yes,” she answered firmly. “Preparation avoids regrets.”

His expression shifted for a second — softer, maybe. “Regrets can’t always be avoided,” he said quietly.

Something in that tone made her chest tighten. What regrets is he talking about?

When she wrapped up the plan, he nodded, surprisingly genuine. “That was solid. I’m impressed.”

For a moment, Ira was thrown off balance. He is… impressed?

Trying to hide the slip, she forced a cool smile. “Thank you. Moving on…”

---

Halfway through, Ira introduced a new member of her team.

“Mr. Khanna, meet Neha Roy. She’ll be collaborating on this project from my side.”

Neha stepped forward, a little nervous but starry-eyed when she saw Reyansh. There was no hiding it — she was clearly drawn to him.

“Hello, sir, it’s really an honour to work with you,” Neha said, cheeks faintly pink.

Reyansh nodded politely. “Tell me about your skills.”

Neha listed her achievements with excitement, and Reyansh listened patiently, then nodded. “Good. Welcome aboard.”

Ira watched him praise Neha, a strange ache twisting in her chest. Why does he sound so encouraging with her? He never talks to me like that.

Then she scolded herself in her mind. Why do I even care?

---

Work picked up pace after that. The days became long and stressful, but the entire team pushed through with focus. Neha sometimes tried to start small talk with Reyansh during breaks, to which he was always polite but distant.

Ira noticed, and though she told herself it’s none of my business, it unsettled her. Why does it bother me?

---

One evening, after a detailed discussion over the financials, Reyansh looked at her with that unreadable expression.

“You should go home, Ms. Verma. Bohot late ho raha hai.”

She put down her pen, exasperated. “I know how to manage my own schedule, thank you.”

His lips curved ever so slightly. “Why do you always push yourself so much? Don’t you have…someone waiting for you at home?”

She froze at that, the question catching her off guard. “That’s none of your concern.”

He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary. “Maybe I’m just curious.”

She swallowed, trying to calm the sudden flutter in her chest. Why does he ask these things?

He raised an eyebrow, amused. “Suit yourself.”

---

That night, driving home, Ira’s thoughts spiraled.

Why did he suddenly ask about my personal life?

Why do I feel…seen by him sometimes, even when I shouldn’t?

On the other side of the city, Reyansh closed his laptop, leaning back in his chair. His mind felt oddly restless.

Why did I ask her that?

She’s a strong partner. That’s all. That’s what this is.

But his heart argued back. Then why does it matter if someone’s waiting for her?