Unfinished (Some love stories don’t end. They just wait to be written right) - Chapter 4

 

Chapter 4: Bound by Business, Torn by the Past

The meeting room was packed, and the air smelled of roasted coffee and expensive perfume. Everyone sat upright, awaiting the final announcement on the Khanna collaboration structure.

Aditi stood in the corner, flipping through design files, trying to stay invisible. She had no desire to be involved any deeper in this deal—not when he was part of it.

The CEO of House of Anvika stood up.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Khanna for the smooth negotiations so far. And as per our strategic expansion, we’ll now move into Phase Two—executive coordination.”

He smiled at the crowd and turned to Aditya.
“Mr. Khanna, if you would like to announce your pick for the team lead on your side…”

Aditya stood.

Calm. Confident. Completely unreadable.

“I’ve reviewed the performance of the team. Considering the complexity and intensity of this launch, I’ll be needing someone dedicated—full-time. Around the clock. On calls, on-site, and during travel if required.”

He paused. His eyes scanned the room once—and stopped at her.

“I choose Miss Aditi Mehra to lead the collaborative wing. She has the precision and discipline I need.”

There was a stunned silence.

Aditi’s eyes shot up. For the first time in days, she met his gaze fully. Sharp. Cold. Unblinking.

“No,” she said firmly. “I’m already handling three major accounts. This wasn’t discussed with me.”

The CEO laughed nervously. “Aditi, I know you’re busy, but this is a huge opportunity for your growth. And honestly, nobody can handle it like you.”

“I decline,” she replied without hesitation.

Aditya’s expression didn’t change.
But his voice, low and calculated, cut through the room like a blade.

“You’re not declining an opportunity, Miss Mehra. You’re declining a professional mandate set by the company’s top client. Do you want to explain to your board why the collaboration failed due to your refusal?”

A tense pause.

Aditi felt every eye on her.
Her skin burned. Her fists clenched.

He was cornering her.
Deliberately.

She looked at the CEO, who looked down, embarrassed but helpless.

“Aditi…” he said softly, “we need this deal.”

Her breath caught in her chest. Her voice had deserted her. She gave one last look at Aditya.

He tilted his head slightly. Unapologetic. Steady.

Trapped.

She nodded once, curtly. “Fine. I’ll take the lead.”

Then she stormed out before anyone could see the crack in her composure.

Later That Day – Aditi’s Office

She slammed the door shut and leaned against it, finally allowing her breath to release. Her heart thundered.

“What the hell does he want?” she muttered under her breath. “First he disappears… now this?”

A soft knock broke her thoughts.

It was her assistant.

“Ma’am, Mr. Khanna asked for an hour-by-hour calendar sync. He wants direct check-ins. No communication gap. He said he’ll be sending a car every morning from tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. sharp to pick you up.”

Aditi blinked. “What?”

“And… he asked that you clear your schedule for the next two weeks. You’ll be working out of his temporary office.”

Her jaw dropped.

“He’s out of his mind.”

But something deeper—unsettling—rose in her chest.

Why is he doing this?

To punish her?
To remind her of the pain she buried?
Or worse… to test her?

She nodded mechanically. “That’s all. You may leave.”

As soon as the door shut again, she collapsed into her chair, her fingers digging into her temples.

You walked away once, Aditya. Now why are you forcing me to walk beside you again?

The Next Morning – 7:30 a.m. Sharp

The black Mercedes stood outside her apartment like a silent sentinel.

Aditi stood on the pavement, files in hand, dressed in a crisp grey blazer, her hair pulled into a severe ponytail. Her heels echoed as she stepped into the car.

Inside, Aditya already sat, typing on his laptop.

He didn’t even glance at her.

“Good morning, Miss Mehra,” he said flatly.

She didn’t reply.

The silence inside the car was suffocating. Two people breathing the same air, yet miles apart.

She finally spoke.
“Why me, Aditya? You have a full team. Why force me into this?”

He looked up at her slowly.

His eyes were still unreadable. Still too quiet.
But his words were sharp.

“Because I trust your work. Not your excuses.”

Aditi let out a short laugh. Bitter.

“You didn’t trust anything else before walking away.”

His jaw clenched. But he didn’t reply.

She looked out the window, biting back every word that screamed to be spoken.

This wasn’t love.
This wasn’t closure.
This was war in a silent battlefield.
And she had just been forced into the frontlines.

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