AR-JAZZ CASINO

" How are you these years? ", Shashi asked with red wet eyes. He looked at the woman in front of him, his first love that he thought he had forgotten but now as she stood in front of him with a tray of wine in her hands. He realized that he never forgot her. She still has a place in his heart which he has buried over the years.

Shalu's eyes are filled with pain seeing him after a very long time, " everything is fine. ", she replied as she tried to control her tears to fall down. She's still guilty for leaving him back then without any word.

Shashi took a deep look at her and felt she looked beautiful even at this age. Even in the uniform of the waitress. He also can see that she looks tired and dull. There are black rings under her eyes referring to her lack of sleep.

" You don't look fine. Are you alright? ", Shashi asked as he took some steps towards her but she stepped back, seeing this he stopped.

" I'm fine Shashi. ", shalu shakes her head resurring him. But soon her body swayed and the plate in her hand almost dropped if not Shashi held her in his arms.

Taking the tray away from her hands, he passed the tray to his assistant, " Shalu.. hey.. shalu... ", Shashi patted shalu's pale yet beautiful face. His heart pained seeing her unconscious in his arms.

He lifted her in his arms as he took her to his apartment, he instructed his assistant to call the doctor on his way back to the apartment.

**

SHASHI's APARTMENT

Shashi anxiously looked at the doctor who was examining the Shalu. As the doctor finished examining, he turned towards Shashi, " there's nothing wrong but it's due to over working and having no proper sleep. I have given her an injection she'll be awake in a while. ", the doctor said as he closed his medical box.

" Thank you doctor. ", Shashi was relieved after hearing his words and then signaled his assistant to bid the doctor bye.

As his assistant and doctor left, Shashi sat on the couch waiting eagerly for her to wake up. He still can't believe that she's in front of him, in his room, on his bed. It felt like a dream.

An hour later, Shalu opened her eyes and find her in unfamiliar room, she got nervous and hurriedly sit on the bed. She looked around and found Shashi sitting on the couch and working on his laptop. As soon as, he saw Shalu siting on the bed nervously, he put down his laptop and sit beside her.

" Shalu relax.. you are at my apartment. ", Shashi tried to calm her.

Shalu looked at him and visibly got relaxed, " why I'm here? ", she asked in confusion.

" You fainted due to tiredness. I have talked with your manager and took 3-4 days off for you. Don't worry. ", Shashi said but he saw her getting panicked.

" No.. no.. Shashi.. I'm fine.. I don't need day off.. and my salary will also be cut off.. ", Shalu waved her hand hurriedly.

Shashi frowned, " why not! You need rest. You can't go on like this.. ".

Shalu looked at him and then glared at him, " shashi. I know you are doing this for me but I can't take days off and I'm really in need of money.. I can't slack off! ", her glare makes him a little taken a back.

" Why you need money? ", Shashi tried to probe her but Shalu ignored him.

Shashi saw as she turned her head away, he sighed and then said, " okay.. I won't ask more. I have asked maid to cook soup for you. She will be here in a while. ", after saying that he left the room. He closed the door behind him. And then he messaged his assistant to investigate shalu's information.

And soon he received every information about her. He was sad that she already has a son whom she loves so much that she's working two jobs so that she can collect money for his operation.

But shashi's feelings for Shalu is too deep. He doesn't mind if she has son or not. He's ready to accept him anyway!

This time he doesn't want to miss his love.

But in the joy of meeting his first love, Shashi forgot that he already has a family.

**

NEXT DAY - K MULTINATIONAL GROUP

A sleek BMW motorcycle pulled up at the entrance of the K MULTINATIONAL GROUP, a prestigious corporate building. The bike halts with a controlled grace, hinting at both power and elegance in its rider.

As the rider removes their helmet, the identity is revealed to be Khushi. Her appearance is striking: her hair cascades down her back like a waterfall, blending an aura of serenity with a hint of untamed wildness. This juxtaposition reflects her dual nature, perhaps calm and composed on the surface but with an underlying spirit that's vibrant and free.

Khushi's attire complements her confident demeanor. She wears a black leather jacket, suggesting a touch of edginess and resilience. Beneath it, a grey shirt adds a subtle contrast, while her black jeans accentuate her long legs, embodying a blend of casual sophistication and practicality.

She throws the key at the security guard who catches it efficiently. Khushi walked lazily inside the company. As soon as she entered the receptionist greeted her.

" Good morning ma'am. ", the receptionist stood up as she greeted her respectfully. She doesn't know who the girl is but as Khushi visits frequently she knows she's the special guest of the vice President of the company.

Khushi smiled politely at her and then walked towards the special lift which leads to the top 40th floor, which only has two cabins. Vice President and president of the company.

As the lift reaches its destination with the ding, the lift opens and she meets her Assistant Kumar outside the lift waiting for her.

Khushi nodded at Kumar as she stepped out of the lift, her steps purposeful yet unhurried. Kumar, always impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit, fell into step beside her as they headed towards the vice president's office.

"Any updates for me, Kumar?" Khushi asked, her voice calm but carrying an air of authority.

"Yes, boss," Kumar replied promptly, handing over a slim folder. "The quarterly reports are ready for your review. The meeting with the marketing team has been rescheduled to 11 AM, and Mr. Patel from the R&D department has requested a brief discussion on the new project proposal."

Khushi flipped through the folder briefly, nodding in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Kumar. Please inform Mr. Patel that I'll meet him at noon, and ask the IT department to send someone up to get the projector in the boardroom ready."

Kumar jotted down the instructions on his tablet, making a mental note of everything. "Will do, boss. Is there anything else you need right now?"

"Not at the moment," Khushi replied, her attention already shifting to the tasks ahead. "Let's proceed with the review first."

Kumar nodded once more, falling back slightly to give her space as they entered the vice president's office together.

As soon as they entered, they saw a girl in her mid 20's with pale skin in business attire sitting on the chair working on her laptop but as soon as she heard someone opened the door, she looked up and she got excited seeing Khushi. She stood up and she walked to Khushi and hugged her, " My little darling you are finally here. ".

" Hey lav. ", Khushi smiled as she hugged her back. She broke the hug as lavanaya pulled her towards the resting area.

" Little darling, tell me how's your life after Marriage? Does that man is nice to you or he's bullying you? ", lavanaya asked with a curious gaze. Khushi has always been a little sister to her. Khushi is 19 and will be turning 20 next month. No one can imagine that the mysterious president of the K MULTINATIONAL GROUP is only 19 years old. Khushi has a very great IQ. She has a double degree of business and medicine. She has always craved knowledge and even lavanaya was astonished when Khushi learned various things.

" Lav! He's not bad. He's handsome. And he doesn't match the rumors. ", Khushi replied casually as she took the tea from Kumar.

" You say he's handsome! Obviously he's ugly man who's half feet in the coffin. ", lavanaya narrowed her eyes possessively. She doesn't like the fact that her little darling got married to that Raizada man. Her darling deserves the best. And that person doesn't seem like a good person.

Khushi sighed, " he's recovering very well. And the scar is all because of the poison in his body. As soon as the poison is eliminated. He will live long. ", her words make lavanaya roll her eyes.

" Forget it. Just tell me if what I instructed has been done!!? ", Khushi turned to Kumar and then looked at lavanaya.

Kumar grinned mysteriously, " it's done. ", Khushi chuckled as she played with the tea cup in her hands.

Lavanaya chuckled, " you have layed the trap and I doubt he'll escape it. ", an evil glint flashed her eyes.

Khushi clicked her tongue playfully, " Garima!! Oh Garima!! I would like to see how you would react after coming across the white moonlight of your husband!!? ", whereas lavanaya and Kumar shared a glance as they shared the same thought of lighting a praying candle in their heart for Garima.

****

RAIZADA MANSION - ASR STUDY ROOM

The warm light of sun peek through the curtains, as the sun light fall on his face, his face glow like gold. There's not a single trace of scare left on his face. His face is strikingly handsome with a commanding presence, characterized by a strong jawline that hints at determination and resilience.

The centerpiece of his allure is his eyes, reminiscent of peach blossoms in spring—warm yet with a hint of icy reserve. They are a unique shade of hazel or amber, with flecks of green or gold that catch the light, adding depth and mystery. His brows are well-defined and often furrowed slightly, adding to his brooding charm and intensifying the allure of his gaze.

His nose is straight and finely sculpted, complementing the overall symmetry of his face without overshadowing his other features. His lips are firm and often set in a neutral expression, contributing to his stoic demeanor. Yet, when he smiles—rarely but genuinely—it softens his features and reveals a glimpse of warmth beneath his exterior.

His well defined fingers played with his jade ring while his other hand drummed on the study table. His head rested at the back of his chair, as he leaned on his chair lazily with eyes closed, Aman stands behind his chair as he tells him about his investigation about khushi's Nani and about his business as well.

" ASR.. the team we dispatched to find Miss. Khushi's Nani has returned empty handed. Except for the jungle and the village near the jungle, our team has searched the whole of Delhi. And the Lucknow team also confirmed that they couldn't locate her. ", Aman recited the investigation report.

As his finger drummed on the study table, " don't stop.. keep investigating. And also send a team to the jungle near Delhi and also that village. Don't skip any place. ", he instructed.

" Okay ASR. ", Aman nodded his head in acknowledgment.

" And what about the preparation of tomorrow's bidding!!? ", arnav asked with his husky voice. The iciness in his voice is like a thousands of years of snow mountain, which has never been blessed,  with the warmth of the sun.

Aman replied respectfully, " our bid has already been quoted. And we will surely win this bid. ", his voice held confidence.

" Hmm.. ", that was only his cold reply.

" But.... I got to know that the next door venue has also organized a bid. But it looks like someone is playing big with Miss. Khushi's family. ", Aman voiced out as he got to know, the venue next to them has also held a bidding. But it looks like a big game.

Arnav opened his eyes as he looked at the jade ring, as he rolled the jade ring on his fingers, " oh!! ", his eyes twinkle with Deep thought.

" Yes.. the seller is in a hurry to sell that golf club land but behind the scene, he's supported by K MULTINATIONAL GROUP. ", Aman told him.

Arnav chuckled, " looks like tomorrow we will see a nice show. ", he's looking forward to the next day.

####

A/N —

White Moonlight: A love from the past that you were never able to get over. Usually unrequited, but an ex that you broke up with could also count.

Thank you for your patience. Ignore the errors and enjoy reading..😘