The next morning in Rathore Enterprises was just as bright and buzzing, but for Sanaya, the air had an added charge. After last night's truth-and-dare dinner, after dancing with Veer under her mother-in-law's amused eyes and Abhimaan's stone-cold glare, things had shifted. Something had sparked.
Sanaya walked into her department, greeting Jiya, Aarav, and Kavya with a cheery "Good morning," while silently praying no one would bring up the dinner drama. But she wasn't that lucky.
"So…" Jiya slid up next to her. "That dance with Veer last night? Whew!"
Sanaya laughed awkwardly. "Don't start!"
Even Kavya cracked a smile. "The way Mr. CEO was looking like he might explode…"
Aarav added with mock solemnity, "We're planning his bail in advance."
Sanaya chuckled but her eyes flitted to the glass office upstairs.
He was watching her.
Their gazes locked, and in that moment, she could almost feel the intensity hit her skin like sunlight. He looked… dark. Possessive. Not the cool, smug CEO from yesterday. No, today's Abhimaan looked like he was seconds away from losing his patience.
And somehow, she didn't mind it.
---
Office Chaos and Freya's Flirting
It was around 11 AM when Freya made her grand entrance.
"Good morning, boys and girls," she said, strutting through in her ivory blazer and sky-high heels. Her long hair was curled to perfection, and her red lipstick screamed danger.
Sanaya stiffened.
Freya sauntered into Abhimaan's cabin with a confident sway. The glass didn't block Sanaya's view of her placing her hand just too casually on Abhimaan's desk.
Within seconds, her laugh echoed out. Loud. Flirty.
Jiya whispered, "Ugh. Someone please switch her lipstick with superglue."
Aarav whispered back, "She's trying too hard."
But Sanaya said nothing. She kept working, jaw tight. Until…
"Sanaya?" came Priya's voice. "The CEO wants to see you."
Perfect.
---
CEO's Office
She knocked once and stepped in. Freya was still there, leaning dramatically over Abhimaan's desk.
Abhimaan looked up immediately. "You're late."
Sanaya blinked. "I came the moment Priya told me—"
He stood. "Freya, we'll continue this later."
Freya pouted. "Of course."
As she walked out, she gave Sanaya a very sweet smile.
Once alone, Abhimaan turned to her. "Are you enjoying the view from your desk?"
Sanaya narrowed her eyes. "Is this about last night?"
"I don't remember giving you permission to dance with another man."
She crossed her arms. "I don't remember needing your permission."
He stepped closer. "He held your waist."
"It was a dare."
"You smiled."
"You weren't even looking at me—"
"I was," he growled. "The entire time."
Sanaya stared at him, heart racing. "You didn't stop me."
"And you didn't stop Freya today."
His jaw clenched.
"Oh, that's different," he muttered.
"Why? Because she's your favorite?"
"Because she doesn't make my blood boil," he hissed, suddenly pinning her to the wall. "But you—you drive me insane."
She gasped. "Abhimaan—someone might—"
"Let them," he growled.
And then his lips were on hers.
No teasing. No pause.
It was possessive. Desperate. His jealousy poured into every kiss, each one deeper, harder, as if he was trying to stake a claim. Her hands gripped his shirt, fingers fisting the fabric.
"You're mine," he whispered, between kisses. "No more dares with Veer."
Sanaya pulled back slightly, breathless. "Only if you stop letting Freya flirt."
He smirked. "Deal."
---
After Work at Home – Rathore Mansion Madness
Sanaya returned home first. She barely had time to change into a comfy kurta when chaos erupted.
Viraj stormed in, throwing himself dramatically on the sofa. "Sanaya bhabhi! My life is over."
She blinked. "What happened now?"
"I failed my chemistry practical," he moaned. "I think the teacher has a personal grudge."
Pihu walked in next, scrolling her phone. "He called potassium 'yellow water' in his viva."
Viraj groaned. "Traitor!"
Sanaya giggled. "Well, yellow water sounds... scientific."
Then came Abhiraj, straight from the office, silent as ever. He walked in, nodded at Sanaya, and went to the kitchen.
"Does he ever smile?" Sanaya asked quietly.
Pihu whispered, "He smiled once. In 2018. We think it was a mistake."
Viraj added, "Some say he has a laugh stored in a USB drive."
They laughed until tears rolled down Sanaya's cheeks.
---
Dinner with the In-Laws and Veer
Later that evening, the dining room was beautifully set. Ruhanika, in an elegant saree, and Aksh, with a calm smile, welcomed her warmly.
"Sanaya beta, sit here next to me," Ruhanika said.
Abhimaan took a seat across from them, quiet and unreadable.
Veer arrived fashionably late. "Did someone say food or was I just psychic?"
Everyone laughed.
During dinner, Ruhanika fed Sanaya lovingly. "You're too thin. Start eating more or I'll start sending lunch to your office."
Aksh chuckled. "Just like your mother, Ruhanika. You've adopted her now."
Sanaya smiled shyly. "I'm lucky."
Abhimaan silently watched, his fingers tightening around his fork.
Then came the dreaded idea.
"Let's play Truth or Dare!" Pihu cheered.
"Yesss!" Viraj added. "Dinner games are our tradition!"
Abhiraj rolled his eyes. "Pass."
"Nope," Pihu grinned. "No escape."
Sanaya looked at Abhimaan nervously, but he simply leaned back in his chair, eyes unreadable.
---
Truth or Dare: Trouble Begins
Pihu spun the bottle. It pointed at Veer.
"Truth or Dare?"
"Dare."
Pihu smirked. "Sing a cheesy 90s song for bhabhi."
Veer stood, dramatically clutched his chest, and began, "Tujhe dekha toh yeh jaana sanam…"
Everyone burst out laughing. Even Abhiraj let out a breath that might have been a chuckle.
Next was Sanaya.
"Dare!" Jiya grinned. "You can't escape."
Sanaya hesitated.
Pihu's eyes twinkled. "Dance with Veer."
The table went silent.
Abhimaan's eyes locked on hers.
Veer stood. "Only if she's okay."
Sanaya took a deep breath and stood.
The music played on someone's phone. It was soft, sweet.
She and Veer swayed slowly.
Abhimaan's jaw was ticking.
By the time the dance ended, Sanaya could barely breathe—not from Veer, but from the heat of Abhimaan's glare.
---
Later That Night – Fireworks
Sanaya entered their room and shut the door behind her.
Before she could speak, Abhimaan pulled her close. "You love testing me, don't you?"
"It was just a dare—"
"Everything with you is a dare."
He backed her into the bedpost, lips brushing her ear.
"Now it's my turn."
His kiss this time wasn't just jealous—it was hungry. Fierce. She melted against him, fingers in his hair, surrendering to his possessive passion.
And when he pulled back, breath ragged, he whispered, "You're mine, Sanaya. Always."
She smiled. "And you're mine. But you better stop Freya tomorrow."