Chapter 4

Chapter 3:  

Abhira  hurried to get ready for work, darting from her bedroom to the living room, grabbing her laptop and handbag. This was her usual morning routine—always running late for her 9:00 AM meeting. Asha chased after her with breakfast, which Abhira usually ate on the go. She headed out the door, heels clicking, wearing her confidence and boss-girl attitude like armor.When she arrived at Cyber Hub, she smiled and waved at the familiar shopkeepers and vendors. Everyone knew her, and she knew everyone. The security guard greeted her warmly as she entered the building with her key card. She took the elevator to the 20th floor, her office reminiscent of the one in Suits. Pooja, the receptionist who adored her, welcomed her with a bright smile. Abhira was cutting it close, with just two minutes to spare before her meeting. Her assistant, Mayur, met her at the door with the minutes of the meeting and informed her that the clients were already waiting in the conference room.The meeting was about a business merger, and Abhira nailed it. The clients were thrilled and handed her a check as a token of their satisfaction. As they exited the room, Abhira felt a hug from behind. It was Sara.Sara often teased, "I'm your whole world, Abhira." Abhira wanted to believe her, but deep down, past betrayals had left her wary. She was done with love and family after everything she'd been through.As Abhira and Sara walked towards their cabins, Priyanka, the HR manager they fondly called Pri, joined them. They chatted about life, office gossip, and the difficult client they had just dealt with.Afterwards, Abhira headed to the office of her boss, CEO Ms. Jessica—a formidable woman and Abhira's new idol. Jessica had groomed Abhira in ways she never imagined, teaching her the importance of principles but also the value of money. Jessica saw a younger version of herself in Abhira, recognizing her pain and potential. Though she couldn't change Abhira's past, she was determined to help her achieve her dreams.Abhira handed Jessica the check and shared the minutes of the meeting. Jessica was thrilled; Abhira was the best closer and fixer in the city. Abhira, equally pleased with the 5% commission she earned, bid Jessica goodbye for the day.Abhira's day was filled with business calls, meetings, and some pro bono cases. Around 7:30 PM, Pooja interrupted one of her meetings, hesitant to enter the conference room. Abhira knew something was up—Pooja wouldn’t interrupt unless it was important. Excusing herself, she approached Pooja, who informed her that someone had been waiting in her cabin for the past two hours.Finishing her meeting, Abhira made her way to her cabin, which was as elegant as Rachel's in Suits. Entering, she apologized for the wait, introducing herself as Abhira Sharma. When she looked up, she was shocked to see Armaan Poddar, back after three years.He looked exhausted and overworked, but his eyes were what concerned her the most. They spoke of trouble. She remembered him saying, "Even if I'm dying, don't help me." Yet here he was, and that said volumes."Let's go," Abhira said softly, needing ten minutes to wrap things up. She instructed Mayur to cancel her pending meetings due to an emergency and informed Jessica she needed to leave early—a rare occurrence for her.She led Armaan out of the building. They walked to Cyber Hub, took a cab, and reached Abhira's flat in 45 minutes, the journey filled with silence. Abhira grew increasingly worried; Armaan's silence usually preceded a storm.Once home, Abhira asked Armaan to make himself comfortable and offered him water, which he refused. He placed the glass on the table and walked to the balcony. Abhira stepped away to take a call, and when she returned, she found Armaan sitting on the bench, lost in thought."I'll get some coffee for you," she said gently. But before she could leave, Armaan grabbed her hand, pulled her into a hug, and cried like a child. Sitting on the bench, he hugged Abhira's waist, and she, seeing him in this state, grew more worried but let him cry, saying nothing.