In the largest and most opulent room of the villa, the morning light streamed gently through the tall, arched windows, casting a soft glow across the elegant furnishings. Yuvika lay sprawled across the grand canopy bed, her expression serene and peaceful, a stark contrast to the sadness that had once clouded her face. The traces of worry and grief seemed to have melted away, replaced by a faint smile that lingered even in her sleep. With her dark hair fanned out across the plush pillows and her soft features illuminated by the golden morning light, she looked radiant, as if the burdens of the past had momentarily lifted.
Standing by the side of the bed was her grandmother, her ghostly form shimmering faintly in the sunlight. Her white, ethereal presence exuded warmth, a stark contrast to the usual haunting images of spirits. Her expression was equal parts affectionate and stern as she observed her granddaughter's reluctance to wake.
"Yuvika, wake up," her grandmother said firmly, folding her arms. "You can't spend the day dreaming under the covers. Today is important—it's your first day at the company, and you have responsibilities now."
Yuvika groaned, her face burying deeper into the soft folds of the pillow. "Just five more minutes, Grandma," she mumbled, her voice muffled and thick with sleep. "I promise I'll get up after that."
Her grandmother rolled her eyes, a playful smile curving her lips. "That's what you said yesterday when I told you to wake up early. And what happened? You slept until noon!"
Yuvika peeked one eye open, her expression a mix of mischief and defiance. "But Grandma," she drawled, "you're back now. Doesn't that mean you can handle everything while I sleep a little longer?"
Her grandmother let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, no, young lady. I may be a ghost, but you're the one who's alive. It's your company now, your legacy to uphold. Now, no more excuses."
When Yuvika didn't budge, her grandmother smirked, her ghostly form glowing a little brighter. "Fine. You asked for it," she said, raising her hands. With a playful flick of her fingers, the blanket covering Yuvika floated into the air and sailed across the room, leaving her granddaughter exposed to the crisp morning air.
Yuvika gasped, sitting up abruptly. "Grandma! That's cheating!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with mock indignation.
Her grandmother crossed her arms, looking utterly unrepentant. "It's called motivation, darling," she replied, her tone teasing. "Now, up you get. The company won't wait for you to finish your beauty sleep."
Yuvika sighed dramatically but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. She stretched her arms above her head, shaking off the remnants of sleep. "Fine, fine, I'm up," she said, swinging her legs off the bed. "But you owe me breakfast for this."
Her grandmother chuckled softly. "Deal. But first, get ready. You have a big day ahead, and I'll be with you every step of the way."
As Yuvika began to prepare for the day, the bond between them—one forged in life and strengthened even in death—remained unbroken. The warmth and joy of having her grandmother back, even as a ghost, filled her heart, making the challenges ahead seem a little less daunting.
..
The dining hall was bright with morning light streaming in through the large windows, illuminating the grand table laden with an array of breakfast dishes. Priya sat quietly at one end, delicately nibbling on her toast as she sipped her coffee. She seemed lost in thought, her usual lively demeanor subdued.
Moments later, Arjun and Karan entered the room, both dressed sharply and looking refreshed after the morning routine. They exchanged a glance before greeting Priya with a casual "Good morning."
Priya glanced up briefly, offering them a small, awkward smile before quickly returning her attention to her plate. Her posture was stiff, her gaze firmly avoiding theirs, especially Arjun's.
Karan raised a brow at her odd behavior but shrugged it off, moving to serve himself from the buffet. Arjun, however, was intrigued. Usually, Priya's eyes lit up whenever he was near, and her smile was vibrant and welcoming. Today, there was none of that.
He walked over and slid into the chair next to her, as he always did. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked lightly, though he was already seated.
Priya stiffened, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Her hand gripped her coffee mug tightly, and she muttered a barely audible, "Sure."
Arjun frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair to study her. "Everything alright?" he asked, his tone genuinely concerned.
Priya nodded quickly, too quickly, her eyes still focused on her plate. "Yeah, everything's fine," she said, though her clipped tone and rigid posture told a different story.
Karan, now sitting across from them, noticed the tension and smirked. "What's up with you two? Did something happen?" he teased, grabbing a piece of fruit from the platter.
Priya's face flushed, and she shot him a quick glare before looking down again. "Nothing happened," she said firmly, though her voice wavered slightly.
Arjun leaned closer, his brows furrowed in confusion. "You sure? You're acting... different."
Priya finally looked up at him, but her expression was guarded. "I said I'm fine, Arjun," she said, her voice firmer now. She quickly turned her attention back to her toast, taking a bite as if to end the conversation.
Arjun leaned back, genuinely puzzled. This wasn't like her at all. Priya was usually warm and cheerful, especially around him. Now, she seemed distant, almost irritated. His mind raced, trying to figure out what could have caused the sudden shift in her behavior.
Karan, meanwhile, watched the exchange with mild amusement. "Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," he said, trying to lighten the mood.
Priya shot him another glare, but this time she didn't respond. Instead, she finished her coffee quickly and stood up, her movements brisk. "I have some work to do," she said, avoiding eye contact with both of them as she gathered her plate and mug. "Excuse me."
She left the room before either Arjun or Karan could respond.
Karan raised his eyebrows at Arjun, popping a grape into his mouth. "What's her deal?"
Arjun shook his head, still staring after Priya with a perplexed expression. "I have no idea," he muttered.
Karan shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "Maybe she's just having an off day. Women, right?" he said with a grin, though his tone was lighthearted.
Arjun didn't respond. Something about Priya's behavior didn't sit right with him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that whatever it was, it had something to do with him.