The winter air in Mumbai was crisp, carrying the subtle chill that marked the end of December. The city was alive with festive lights, colorful decorations, and the soft hum of anticipation for the upcoming New Year. But inside the towering Rajpoot Enterprises building, something even more special was brewing—something not even Ruhi could anticipate.
Abhay Rajpoot sat in his sleek, glass-walled office on the top floor, staring out at the city skyline. His sharp features were illuminated by the faint glow of the evening lights, but there was a softness in his eyes that rarely appeared—a warmth reserved for one person.
Ruhi.
Despite the layers of secrets, betrayal, and the chaos surrounding their lives, she had become an irreplaceable part of his world. Her presence was like an unexpected melody that played softly in the background of his otherwise ruthless life. And with the New Year approaching, Abhay had decided to do something he'd never done before—surprise her.
[Scene 1: The Planning Begins]
Abhay leaned back in his leather chair, his fingers steepled under his chin. "Vikram," he spoke into his phone, his voice low and commanding.
Vikram's voice crackled through the speaker. "Yes, Boss?"
"I need the rooftop cleared for New Year's Eve. No staff, no security—just me and Ruhi. Arrange everything. Lights, decorations, and… candles."
There was a brief pause on the other end before Vikram chuckled softly. "Candles, Boss? Didn't know you had a romantic side."
Abhay's lips curled into a faint smile. "If you're done with your jokes, get to work."
"Got it, Boss. It'll be perfect."
Hanging up, Abhay allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. Ruhi deserved this. Not because she was beautiful, not because she was part of his complicated life—but because she had touched a part of his heart he thought was long dead.
[Scene 2: The Day Before New Year's Eve]
The office was buzzing with holiday cheer. Employees exchanged gifts, laughter echoed in the hallways, and festive decorations adorned every corner. Amidst the chaos, Ruhi sat at her desk outside Abhay's office, meticulously organizing files.
She wore a simple white blouse paired with a soft pink saree, her hair tied loosely, with a few strands framing her delicate face. Abhay, hidden behind the slightly ajar door, watched her for a moment longer than he should have.
With a slight smirk, he pushed the door open. "Ruhi, I need you in my office."
Ruhi looked up, her expression neutral, hiding the slight flutter in her chest whenever he called her name. "Yes, Sir."
She walked in, closing the door behind her. Abhay didn't speak immediately. Instead, he stood by the large window, his hands in his pockets, staring at the skyline.
After a moment, he turned to her. "Cancel all my meetings tomorrow evening."
Ruhi frowned slightly. "But Sir, you have—"
"I know," he interrupted softly. "But I have something more important planned."
Her curiosity was piqued, but she nodded. "Understood."
As she turned to leave, Abhay's voice stopped her. "Wear something… special tomorrow."
Ruhi paused, her heart skipping a beat. She didn't turn around, afraid he'd see the blush creeping up her neck. "Yes, Sir."
[Scene 3: New Year's Eve - The Surprise]
The next evening, Ruhi arrived at the office as instructed. The building was eerily quiet, the usual hum of activity replaced by a serene silence. She wore an elegant navy-blue gown that hugged her figure gracefully, her hair cascading down in soft waves. She felt both nervous and excited, unsure of what to expect.
As she stepped out of the elevator on the top floor, she was met with soft, golden lights leading toward the rooftop. The door was slightly ajar, and beyond it, the night sky stretched endlessly, sprinkled with stars.
She pushed the door open—and gasped.
The rooftop had been transformed into a breathtaking scene. Fairy lights draped along the edges, flickering like stars. Candles floated in small glass bowls filled with water, casting a warm, golden glow. In the center was a small table set for two, adorned with white roses and crystal glasses.
And there, standing by the table, was Abhay.
Gone was the sharp, ruthless businessman. Tonight, he looked different. His usual suit replaced by a simple black shirt and tailored trousers, sleeves rolled up, revealing the strength in his forearms. But it wasn't his attire that caught her breath—it was the softness in his eyes when he looked at her.
Abhay stepped forward, offering his hand. "You're late."
Ruhi chuckled softly, placing her hand in his. "Blame the traffic."
He led her to the table, pulling out the chair for her like a perfect gentleman. The air between them was charged—not with tension, but with something fragile and beautiful.
They ate in comfortable silence at first, the soft music playing in the background blending with the distant sounds of the city. After a while, Abhay broke the silence.
"You know," he began, swirling the wine in his glass, "I've never done this before."
Ruhi looked at him, surprised. "Had dinner?" she teased.
Abhay chuckled—a rare, genuine sound. "No. Planned something like this."
Ruhi's heart softened. "Why now?"
Abhay didn't answer immediately. He stared at the flickering candle between them, as if gathering his thoughts.
"Because somewhere between all the chaos, the lies, and the bloodshed… you became important to me."
Ruhi's breath hitched. She didn't know what to say, so she reached across the table, gently placing her hand over his.
For a man who controlled empires and crushed enemies without blinking, Abhay Rajpoot found himself vulnerable under her touch.
[Scene 4: Midnight Magic]
As the clock neared midnight, Abhay stood, extending his hand once more. "Dance with me?"
Ruhi hesitated, then smiled softly, placing her hand in his. They danced under the starlit sky, the city below oblivious to the fragile love story unfolding above.
As the clock struck twelve, fireworks exploded in the distance, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Abhay pulled Ruhi closer, his forehead resting against hers.
"Happy New Year, Ruhi," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.
Ruhi looked into his eyes, her heart full. "Happy New Year, Abhay."
And then, under the kaleidoscope of lights, Abhay leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss—gentle, slow, and filled with promises of a future neither of them had expected but both desperately needed.
—End of Chapter 30—