"Good morning, ma'am," a cheerful voice greeted her as she entered the HR department.
Sanaya smiled at Priya, one of the friendlier employees she'd quickly grown fond of. "Good morning, Priya."
She was starting to get used to this now—the morning greetings, the quiet buzz of work, the scent of freshly brewed coffee in the air, and the occasional awkward run-ins with her husband in the hallway. Husband. Even now, the word still felt surreal. Especially when said husband barely acknowledged their bond in the office.
Her desk was neatly arranged, files waiting for her review. But before she could sit, the loudspeaker crackled. The familiar deep voice of the CEO echoed throughout the office.
"All departments, please gather in the common hall for a short announcement in five minutes."
Sanaya blinked in confusion. She glanced at Priya, who had the same puzzled expression.
"What's it about?" Priya asked.
"No idea," Sanaya murmured. "Let's go find out."
Within minutes, the common area of Rathore Enterprises was bustling. Employees murmured with curiosity, whispering theories and gossip as Abhimaan walked in with his usual intimidating calm. Dressed in a tailored black suit, he looked every bit the powerful CEO—stoic, unreadable, and devastatingly attractive.
Sanaya tried not to look at him. Tried not to let her gaze linger too long. But like always, he didn't spare her even a glance.
"Thank you, everyone," he began, his voice steady. "As you all know, we've successfully completed our first quarter of the year with exceptional performance. To celebrate the hard work you've all put in, Rathore Enterprises will be hosting a Business Party this Saturday at The Leela Grand. Formal dress code. Bring your best, and be on your best behavior."
There was a beat of silence—then cheers, claps, and excited chatter filled the room.
"Finally! A party!" Priya giggled, linking her arm with Sanaya's. "Now that's something I've been dying for."
Sanaya smiled. "It does sound nice."
"But don't you think Mr. Rathore could've looked more excited?" Priya whispered dramatically. "I mean, he just looked like someone told him he had to donate a kidney."
Sanaya almost laughed at that. It was true—Abhimaan's expression remained unchanged, even as employees clapped and celebrated. She turned slightly, noticing Freya inching closer to him with her trademark red lips and overly confident strut.
"Mr. Rathore," Freya purred, "I'm already planning what to wear. Do you think I'll look good in red?" Her hand brushed his arm lightly.
Abhimaan didn't pull away. Didn't respond. But he also didn't stop her.
Sanaya looked away, jaw tightening.
---
Later that Day — Sanaya's Desk
"So," Priya grinned, dragging a chair to Sanaya's desk. "What are you wearing to the party? Don't say something boring."
Sanaya smirked. "I haven't thought about it yet."
"You better. Because trust me, these events are like... corporate warzones of fashion and silent judging."
"I thought they were about networking."
"That too. But mostly fashion." Priya paused, then leaned in. "Between you and me, I heard Freya is planning to wear something that'll make Mr. Rathore melt."
Sanaya gave a tight smile. Melt? The man was an iceberg.
Before she could say anything, a familiar voice cut through.
"Ms. Sanaya."
She turned—Abhiraj Rathore stood behind her, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
"Yes, sir?"
"Mr. Rathore wants to see you in his cabin."
Sanaya stood up, adjusting her kurti. "Right away."
Priya gave her a wink. "Go, go. We'll discuss outfit drama later."
---
Inside the Cabin – Abhimaan's POV
She walked in, calm and collected, like always. But he could see through her mask now. Every twitch of her brow, every small flicker of hurt in her eyes when he let Freya get too close.
She sat down across from him without being asked.
"You called me, sir?"
God, he hated when she called him that. He hated this distance more than anything—but this was the only way he knew how to protect her. To keep her away from the darkness that lived inside him.
"There's a file I need your signature on. It pertains to the SaffronTech proposal. You were part of the review board, right?"
She nodded, taking the folder. Their fingers brushed, unintentionally, and she quickly looked away.
"Is there anything else?" she asked after signing.
His eyes lingered on her face for a moment too long. "Wear something blue to the party."
She froze.
"I mean..." He cleared his throat. "You look good in blue."
He cursed himself mentally. What the hell was that?
She stood, flustered. "I'll keep that in mind, sir."
---
That Evening – Rathore Mansion
After office hours, Sanaya returned to the mansion. It was quiet, but not for long. The moment she stepped in, she was greeted by Viraj's dramatic voice.
"Bhabhiiii! You're home!"
He ran down the stairs, tripping halfway and catching himself in a very ungraceful slide.
Sanaya burst into laughter. "Viraj!"
"Why do you look so tired? Did Bhai make you read all the financial reports aloud?"
"Something like that," she laughed.
Pihu joined them next, munching on chips. "We heard there's a party!"
Sanaya nodded. "Yup. Coming Saturday."
"Time to shop!" Pihu squealed. "We're going to be the coolest clan in the room."
Abhiraj appeared at the hallway corner, as serious as ever. "Don't make a scene at the party."
"Aww come on, bhaiya," Viraj whined. "Let us be ourselves!"
"Your 'self' once danced on a table with a tie around your head."
Sanaya blinked. "Wait—what?"
"Old story!" Viraj gasped. "No need to reveal all my secrets, bhaiya."
The entire living room burst into laughter. Sanaya hadn't laughed this freely in a long time.
She realized then, this strange chaotic family... it was starting to feel like home.
The day of the Rathore Enterprises business party arrived faster than I had anticipated. It was being held at one of the top hotels in the city—opulent, elegant, and intimidatingly sophisticated. I looked at myself in the mirror, adjusting the lavender satin gown that hugged my body in all the right places. My heart thudded at the thought of walking beside him tonight, with hundreds of eyes watching.
Abhimaan had already left early for arrangements, typical Rathore move. No words, no goodbye, just silence and a message from his assistant.
"Sanaya, chal ready ho ja jaldi!" Pihu's voice echoed from outside the room. "Tumhara gown toh killer lag raha hai yaar!"
I smiled a little, walking out with a pair of heels in hand.
By the time we reached the venue, the ballroom was already buzzing with guests—business tycoons, media, high-profile employees. I spotted Veer talking to a group near the bar, waving at me with his signature charming smile. But my eyes searched only for one man.
And then I saw him.
In a crisp black tuxedo, standing tall, his sharp jawline accentuated by the soft golden lighting. Abhimaan Rathore, my husband, and the man who hadn't even complimented me once tonight.
He was surrounded by people, and unfortunately, one of them was Freya.
"Of course," I mumbled under my breath, seeing her leaning closer than necessary, laughing at something he said—though his face remained stoic.
Abhimaan didn't push her away. Not even a flinch.
It stung.
"Sanaya!" Veer appeared next to me with a drink. "You look… amazing."
I smiled tightly. "Thanks, Veer. You're looking handsome too."
He raised a brow. "Care for a dance later?"
I laughed. "Let's see."
But my eyes flickered back to Abhimaan. And what I saw made my blood boil.
Freya had touched his chest lightly, saying something, while Abhimaan didn't even bother to step back.
Jealousy burned like fire in my chest. Fine. If he doesn't care, neither do I.
I turned to Veer with a mischievous glint. "Let's go talk to that investor group. Maybe flirt a little?"
Veer blinked. "What?"
"Just follow my lead," I smirked, wrapping my arm around his.
As we walked past Abhimaan and Freya, I made sure to giggle—loudly—and touch Veer's arm more than necessary.
Abhimaan's jaw clenched.
Good.
---
Abhimaan's POV
I had noticed her the moment she entered the ballroom.
Lavender satin. Curled hair. Soft pink lips. My wife looked like a goddess—and every man in the room was staring.
I wanted to go to her. I wanted to tell her she was mine.
But I couldn't.
Freya's father was standing nearby, and rejecting his daughter publicly would be risky. So, I let Freya talk. Let her touch my arm once. Just once.
Until I saw her.
Sanaya. Smiling and laughing with Veer. Her hand on his shoulder. Her body leaned into his side.
And that laughter.
She never laughed like that with me.
My fists curled, rage bubbling beneath my calm exterior. I excused myself from Freya and stalked toward the bar. I watched as she whispered something in Veer's ear and laughed again.
She was doing it on purpose. I knew it.
She was mine. How dare she act like this? How dare he touch her?
---
Sanaya's POV
The party progressed with glances exchanged like weapons. I was sipping my juice when the mic blared.
"Let's make this evening more fun!" Viraj's voice echoed. "Truth and Dare time, corporate style!"
People laughed and clapped. I sighed, trying to back away, but Viraj and Pihu dragged me to the center where a small group had gathered—Freya, Veer, Abhimaan, and a few others.
"Sanaya bhabhi!" Viraj grinned. "Truth or Dare?"
I narrowed my eyes. "Dare."
"Wooo!" Pihu cheered. "Okay, simple one… dance with the person sitting to your left."
I turned my head.
Veer.
My heart dropped.
Before I could say anything, Veer stood and extended his hand. "Ready, partner?"
Everyone clapped. Abhimaan's face hardened.
I took Veer's hand.
And the music started.
It was a slow romantic tune. The kind that made your skin tingle.
As Veer held me gently, swaying with me, I could feel the storm brewing. Not outside. Inside Abhimaan.
His eyes were burning into mine, and I didn't look away.
Not once.
---
Abhimaan's POV
She danced with him.
In front of me.
Like I didn't exist.
Every second felt like a knife. Her hands in his. Her eyes smiling. Her movements graceful, seductive… intoxicating.
She knew what she was doing.
She was punishing me.
As the song ended, I couldn't take it anymore.
I walked out.
I needed air. I needed to think.
But I didn't expect her to follow.
---
Sanaya's POV
I found him in the corridor, near the terrace doors.
"Abhimaan!"
He turned sharply, eyes red with rage. "What was that inside?"
"What about you?" I fired back. "Freya was almost crawling on you and you didn't even blink!"
"I had no choice—"
"And I did?" I snapped. "You didn't even look at me the whole night."
"You were flirting with Veer."
"Because you let her flirt with you like I don't even exist!"
Silence. Heavy. Choking.
And then he stepped closer.
His voice dropped. "You're my wife, Sanaya."
"Doesn't feel like it most days," I whispered.
His hand curled into a fist.
"You think this is easy for me? To see my wife dancing with someone else?"
"I think it hurts when the man I married pretends I'm invisible."
His breath hitched. "You're not."
"Then show me," I challenged.
He stepped closer, face inches from mine.
I waited.
But instead of a kiss, there was silence.
He turned away. "I can't… not here."
And walked away.