The city lights shimmered like distant stars as Abhay Rajpoot's luxury car pulled up in front of an exclusive rooftop restaurant. The cool evening breeze carried the scent of freshly bloomed jasmine, blending with the aroma of exotic spices drifting from the open terrace.
Abhay had arranged this dinner under the pretense of casual concern, but his sharp mind knew better. Ruhi wasn't just an accident. There was something about her—something hidden beneath those star-like eyes and queen-like grace.
—--
[Scene 1: A Dinner of Deception]
Seated across from each other under soft, golden lights, Ruhi looked breathtaking. Dressed elegantly, her beauty seemed almost otherworldly, and Abhay found himself caught between suspicion and an unfamiliar emotion—a dangerous kind of fascination.
Abhay leaned back, sipping his glass of wine, his eyes never leaving hers.
"So, Ruhi," he began smoothly, "where do you live? What do you do?"
Ruhi's heart raced—not from fear, but from the magnetic pull between them. She maintained her composure, her mind sharp with rehearsed answers.
"I'm new in the city," she replied with a soft smile. "Currently searching for a job. I moved here recently, hoping for better opportunities."
Abhay studied her face, looking for cracks in her story. But Ruhi was flawless—trained to lie, to charm, to manipulate.
"A job, huh?" Abhay's lips curled into a slight smirk. "I happen to own several companies. Maybe I can help."
Ruhi's eyes flickered with interest—not in the job, but in the opportunity it presented. Getting closer to Abhay would make her mission easier: to observe his evolution and collect his DNA—hair, skin, blood, and more.
"That's generous of you," she said, her tone sweet yet guarded.
Abhay leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. "For some reason, I feel like I've known you longer than just a few days. There's… something about you."
Ruhi's breath hitched for a split second. This wasn't part of the mission. She wasn't supposed to feel anything. But there was something about Abhay—an aura, a pull—that even her training couldn't suppress.
—---
[Scene 2: The Job Offer]
After dinner, as they walked to his car, Abhay stopped suddenly.
"I have an idea," he said, turning to face her. "Why don't you work for me directly? As my personal secretary."
Ruhi masked her surprise. This was perfect.
"Are you sure?" she asked softly, feigning hesitation.
Abhay's gaze locked onto hers, intense and unreadable. "I'm sure."
Ruhi nodded slowly. "Alright… I accept."
—---
[Scene 3: A Dangerous Game Begins]
The following days were a whirlwind. Ruhi settled into her new role effortlessly, blending professionalism with subtle charm. She observed Abhay closely—his routines, his habits, his moments of vulnerability.
Her mission was clear: Get close enough to uncover his evolutionary secrets. Collect his DNA samples without raising suspicion.
But what she hadn't anticipated was the connection growing between them.
Abhay, too, found himself drawn to her more than he'd admit. Despite the System's cold logic, he couldn't shake the feeling that Ruhi was different. She wasn't just another employee; she was becoming a part of his life.
Their stolen glances, lingering touches, and unspoken words painted a picture of two people playing a dangerous game—one with hidden agendas, and the other with a heart unknowingly vulnerable.
—---
[Scene 4: The Cliffhanger]
Late one evening, as Ruhi prepared to leave his office, Abhay stopped her.
"Ruhi," he said softly, stepping closer. "Why do I feel like you're more than what you pretend to be?"
Ruhi's heart skipped. Was he onto her?
But she managed a gentle smile, masking her racing thoughts.
"Maybe because you're looking too closely," she replied softly, her eyes locking with his.
The tension between them was undeniable, electric, dangerous.
As Ruhi walked away, Abhay's eyes followed her, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"I'll figure you out, Ruhi," he whispered to himself.
—End of Chapter 17—