𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - 𝟏 (𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤)

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕 -

The soft glow of the candlelight flickered against the pristine white tablecloth as Ekanshika sat across from Arsh in an exclusive fine-dining restaurant. The evening was supposed to be romantic-an intimate dinner after a long workweek-but as always, their conversation had taken a familiar turn.

Ekanshika had taken extra time to get ready for tonight, wanting to surprise Arsh. She wore an elegant wine-red Anarkali suit, its intricate golden embroidery shimmering under the dim lights. The delicate dupatta draped over her shoulder was embroidered with tiny beads that caught the light whenever she moved. Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, with a few loose strands framing her sharp yet delicate features. A pair of gold jhumkas swayed gently as she tilted her head, listening attentively. Her kajal-lined eyes, warm and expressive, held an unshakable devotion for the man sitting across from her.

But Arsh hadn't even noticed.

He was too engrossed in his phone, eyes fixed on the glowing screen, his fingers scrolling through financial reports. "Your company's stock value surged two percent today," he finally said, not bothering to look up. "If you finalize that merger next month, it could push it even higher. You should convince your board to move faster."

Ekanshika stirred her wine absentmindedly, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I know, but I also want to make sure it's the right decision. It's not just about numbers, Arsh. I want to build something meaningful."

Arsh sighed, setting his phone down, his expression impatient. "That's the problem with you, Ekanshika. You get too sentimental. Business isn't about emotions; it's about growth, profit, and power." He leaned forward, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "Speaking of which, have you talked to your parents about us?"

She blinked, caught off guard. "About us?"

"Our engagement," he clarified, his tone sharper now. "I told you, if we make it official, it'll be good for both of us. Our companies aligning would create a strong market presence." He reached for her hand, squeezing it lightly. The touch should have felt intimate, reassuring. Instead, it felt... calculated. "Your parents respect you. If you tell them, they'll agree."

Ekanshika's heart skipped a beat, but not in the way it used to when he spoke of their future. She had imagined their engagement so many times-romantic, filled with love, something out of a dream. But the way Arsh spoke about it, it felt like a business deal.

Still, she pushed the unease aside and nodded. "I'll talk to them soon."

Arsh gave a satisfied nod and picked up his phone again. "Good. We need to think ahead. A power couple like us? We'd be unstoppable."

The waiter arrived, placing their food before them, but Arsh didn't even glance up. He was already lost in his screen again, checking market trends and business news.

Ekanshika rested her chin on her hand, watching him. He looked perfect-dressed in an expensive suit, his confidence radiating from every move. He was everything she had once dreamed of in a partner-successful, intelligent, driven.

Then why did she suddenly feel so invisible?

She sighed, picking up her fork. It didn't matter. Arsh loved her. He wanted a future with her.

And love was enough.... Wasn't it?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

𝐒𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬