The sleek black car cut smoothly through the bustling New York streets, making its way to Kapoor Enterprises. Inside, Nisha sat in the passenger seat, her mind shifting between work and the unreadable expression on Aarav's face beside her. As they neared the company building—a towering glass structure that mirrored Aarav's success—she stole a glance at him. His jaw was set, his gaze focused and intense. This was the version of Aarav she had come to recognize all too well: the CEO. The powerhouse who commanded every room he entered, who had no patience for mistakes or frivolous conversation.
Nisha reached over and placed her hand gently on his, giving it a small squeeze. "I'll get down here," she said softly.
Aarav's steely expression softened just a fraction. He pulled the car over near the side entrance, away from the crowd. He gave her a quick, knowing look. "Text me when you're in."
With a nod, she gathered her bag and stepped out of the car, casting him a quick wave before heading toward the quieter employee entrance. She always insisted on them arriving separately to avoid raising any suspicions at the office. She wanted to keep their relationship private, maintaining a professional boundary. Aarav understood, even though he often wished he could walk through those doors with her, hand in hand, letting the world know she was his.
As Nisha disappeared down the block, Aarav's face returned to its typical cool mask. His fingers tightened around the steering wheel, and he drove forward the last few feet to the main entrance. The moment he stepped out, it was as if the temperature dropped. His aura radiated a silent command that sent a ripple of tension through the employees gathered nearby. They straightened, murmurs fading into hushed silence as he strode through the glass doors.
"Good morning, sir," the receptionist managed, her voice a little shaky under his gaze.
Aarav barely acknowledged her, his eyes straight ahead. Every step was calculated, his gaze sharp, taking in the slightest details around him. He wasn't here for niceties—he had a company to run, and he demanded nothing less than perfection. Anyone who couldn't keep up would find themselves out the door in no time. As he passed through the lobby, employees moved quickly to avoid his path, their movements reflecting a mix of respect and apprehension.
Inside his office, the atmosphere was no different. Staff worked with intense focus, careful not to draw his attention unnecessarily. The stories of Aarav's cold demeanor were not just office gossip; they were a reality everyone experienced firsthand. He was a hard man to impress, and an even harder man to please. But his reputation was ironclad. He had built Kapoor Enterprises from scratch, and his leadership, though intense, was undeniably effective.
Meanwhile, just a few blocks away, Nisha entered the building through a smaller, quieter door. She greeted her colleagues with a warm smile, earning nods and waves in return. Nisha's presence brought a different energy to the office. Where Aarav's arrival sent tension rippling through the team, Nisha's brought ease and comfort. She was calm, approachable, and always willing to lend a hand or listen.
As she made her way to her desk, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from her best friend in India, Meera, who had known her and Aarav since their college days.
Meera: Hey! How's life in the big city? Still surviving Aarav's glares?
Nisha chuckled, imagining Meera's playful tone, and quickly typed back.
Nisha: Barely! You know him… still as intense as ever.
Meera: LOL, poor you! Let's catch up soon. I miss our chai sessions!
Nisha smiled at the message, feeling a small pang of homesickness. She tucked her phone away, making a mental note to call Meera later. Amid the chaos and tension that often surrounded Aarav, it was these little connections with her friends and family that kept her grounded.
Settling into her workspace, Nisha greeted her team members and began her day. Unlike Aarav, who led with a demanding intensity, Nisha's style was softer, more collaborative. Colleagues often came to her for advice or a quick chat, finding her approachable and warm. Despite the busy schedule and high expectations, she maintained a balance that made her a favorite in the office.
While she worked, her mind drifted occasionally to Aarav, picturing him in his boardroom. She imagined him there, the CEO who commanded every decision, who allowed no room for error. A soft smile played on her lips; she knew the side of Aarav that no one else did—the man who melted in her presence, the man who sought her comfort in private, even as he intimidated everyone else in public.
A little later, Nisha's phone buzzed again. This time, it was Aarav.
Aarav: Meeting's done. Lunch later?
Nisha grinned, quickly typing back.
Nisha: Always.
That small exchange brightened her day, a little reminder of their connection amidst the professional distance they had to keep. Her day moved forward with its usual rhythm, balancing the demands of her job while adding her own warmth to the office environment. She found satisfaction in helping her team thrive, supporting her colleagues, and handling her projects with quiet diligence.
When the clock struck six, Nisha wrapped up her work, gathering her things to head home. She sent Aarav a quick text letting him know she'd be leaving first, as he was still locked in yet another meeting.
Nisha: Heading home. Don't be too late, okay?
She didn't expect a reply, knowing how focused he got during work, but she smiled anyway, knowing he'd see it soon.
Once home, Nisha changed into her favorite lounge clothes—soft pajama pants and a cozy sweater—before heading to the kitchen. Cooking was her way of unwinding, and the familiar process of chopping vegetables and stirring spices grounded her after a long day. She loved filling their apartment with the warmth of spices, the smell of freshly cooked food. It was a small comfort after the structured world of work.
Just as she was finishing up, she felt two strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. Startled, she paused, then smiled as the familiar warmth of Aarav enveloped her. His face pressed into the crook of her neck, his embrace firm yet tender.
"You're home," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth.
Aarav hummed in response, his voice low and a bit rough. "Missed you."
She turned off the stove, leaning into his arms and placing her hands over his. The tension from his day seemed to melt away as he held her, allowing himself to relax in the quiet safety of their home. With Nisha, he didn't have to be the CEO. He could just be Aarav.
"You're late," she teased, tilting her head slightly to allow him better access to her neck. "Long day at the office?"
"Always," he murmured, brushing a light kiss against her skin. "You know I work better when I know I get to come home to you."
Her heart fluttered. This was the man only she got to see. To everyone else, he was untouchable, hard-edged, commanding. But with her, he showed vulnerability, a softness hidden behind layers of steel.
"Dinner's almost ready," she said, though she made no move to leave his embrace.
"Dinner can wait," Aarav murmured, his arms tightening around her.
With a soft laugh, she turned in his arms, facing him. "You know, you're not as intimidating as you think when you're like this," she teased, looking up into his intense, dark eyes, her hands resting on his chest.
Aarav's eyebrow arched, his lips quirking into a smirk. "Don't let anyone else hear you say that. I have a reputation to maintain."
She smiled, reaching up to kiss him softly. "Your secret's safe with me."
They stayed wrapped in each other's arms, the rest of the world fading away. These moments made everything else worth it—the stressful days, the public pretense, the late nights. Here, in the quiet of their home, it was just the two of them.
Finally, Nisha pulled back, smiling playfully. "Alright, Mr. CEO. Dinner won't serve itself."
With an exaggerated sigh, Aarav released her, moving over to the dining table. A small smile lingered on his face as he watched her set down plates of his favorite dishes. "You really spoil me," he said, his tone softer, appreciative.
"Someone has to," she replied, grinning as she joined him at the table.
They ate together, conversation flowing easily between them. Aarav shared bits of his day, his frustrations, and the relentless demands of his position. Nisha listened, offering encouragement and advice. He felt the weight of his day ease with each word, the stress melting away in her presence.
As the evening wore on, the two found solace in each other's company. Despite their separate worlds, they shared a harmony that balanced them both. It was in these quiet, intimate moments that they were reminded of why they did everything they did. Here, in the warmth of their home, surrounded by the aroma of home-cooked food and the sound of their shared laughter, life felt beautifully complete.