Chaahat was on a zoom meeting with the designer team from K - Fab!

"Ms Bhatra, uh- Mrs Yadav, the fashion show will be hosted exactly in two months. The date isn't finalised yet. I think it is high time you joined the team in the office, rather than working online." Vedant Khoda said in a cold tone and Chaahat frowned.

"I am more comfortable working online, Mr Khoda." Chaahat said softly yet sternly.

"We are not talking about your comfort, Mrs Yadav. I believe stronger team work will bring better results than last time. All the team members are here, except you. I want you in the office starting next week, Mrs Yadav." Vedant Khoda said coldly.

"And I believe better results are gained when a person works in his comfort rather than under pressure." Chaahat retorted without skipping a beat.

"And I don't believe in wasting my time on pointless arguments, Mrs Yadav. See you on Monday." Vedant Khoda said in a tone that stopped further discussions.

Chaahat's lips thinned in annoyance and before she could come up with a retort, Vedant Khoda went offline.

Chaahat disconnected her call and punched hard on the couch she was sitting on.

"Who does he think he is?" Chaahat muttered furiously.

"The Great Vedant Khoda. The uncrowned prince of Khoda empire. The man who never takes no for an answer." Mithran said cheekily.

He had returned home from work a few minutes ago. As Chaahat was in a meeting, he didn't want to disturb her and was walking towards their bedroom when he heard VK's demand.

Frustration coursed through Chaahat's veins as she replayed the conversation in her mind. Vedant Khoda's dismissive attitude and insistence on her physical presence in the office ignited a fire within her. She refused to let him undermine her capabilities and determination.

"Well, the so-called prince cannot reign over me." Chaahat said furiously.

Mithran, noticing the frustration etched on Chaahat's face, walked over and sat next to her on the couch. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and asked, "What happened, Chaahat? You seem really upset."

Chaahat let out a sigh and explained the entire conversation she had with Vedant Khoda during the Zoom meeting. Mithran listened attentively, his brow furrowing as he absorbed the details.

"That guy has always had an ego the size of a mountain," Mithran remarked, his voice laced with annoyance.

"But you know what, Chaahat? I agree with him on this." Mithran said softly and Chaahat frowned at him.

"What nonsense!" Chaahat mumbled softly, angry with Mithran for siding with Vedant Khoda. Shouldn't he be on her side?

Why should he? Who is he to you anyways? Her conscience taunted and she didn't have a clear answer to that.

He is a friend. And friends should stick together. Finally her brain came up with an excuse.

"Obviously for not the same reasons." Mithran added, making Chaahat more confused.

"What do you mean?" Chaahat asked.

"How long are you planning to confine yourself? Locking yourself away from the world?" Mithran asked softly.

"I am more comfortable working online, Mithran. I can focus more when I am alone. That's why I prefer to work from home." Chaahat said without looking him in the eye.

"I love the way you love Chaahat. But don't let your love and grief be an albatross around your neck." Mithran said and Chaahat looked at him in shock.

What the hell is he talking about?

"Don't think I am being rude, Chaahat. But you will not be able to move on if you keep yourself away from the world. You need to get out. Interact with more people. Expand your horizons. Embrace new challenges and experiences," Mithran continued, his voice gentle yet firm.

Chaahat's initial confusion morphed into a mix of emotions-resistance, apprehension, and a glimmer of realisation. Mithran's words struck a chord within her. She had built a protective cocoon around herself, using it as a shield against the pain of her past. But maybe it was time to break free from those self-imposed barriers.

Tears welled up in Chaahat's eyes as she whispered, "Mithran, I... I don't know if I am ready. It's still so difficult for me."

What surprised her more is that she isn't as wary of showing her emotions before Mithran as she was before. She felt more comfortable with Mithran. That itself is a step forward in her life.

Mithran reached out and gently wiped away her tears.

"I understand, Chaahat. Healing takes time, and everyone's journey is different. But remember, growth happens outside our comfort zones. And I'll be right there beside you, supporting you every step of the way." Mithran said and Chaahat stared at him.

Ajay's and Uncle Madan's words rang loudly in her head.

A bad boy with a golden heart!

And that's right! She could say with a hundred percent clarity that Mithran has a heart of gold.

A heart that needs to be cherished.

Chaahat's heart swelled with gratitude for the unwavering understanding and support Mithran showered upon her. She realised that her fear of facing the world wasn't just about work; it was about opening herself up to life again, to embracing joy and new possibilities.

And only she can overcome it.

Just like how Mithran said, growth happens outside our comfort zones. And she needs to get out of her comfort zone.

Her physical appearance at work could be the first step out of her comfort zone.

Taking a deep breath, Chaahat made a silent promise to herself. She would confront and challenge her own fears. It was time to step out of her comfort zone, to prove to herself that she was capable of moving forward.

"You're right, Mithran. I can't let fear hold me back anymore. I will go to the office, not just for work, but to reclaim a part of myself that I've kept hidden for too long." Chaahat said, turning to Mithran with a newfound determination.

A smile spread across Mithran's face as he squeezed Chaahat's hand.

"That's the spirit, my ice princess. I believe in you, and I know that this journey will lead you to new heights of strength and happiness."

As they shared a moment of quiet understanding, Chaahat felt a spark of excitement within her. The challenges that lay ahead were daunting, but she knew that with Mithran's unwavering support and her own resilience, she could conquer them all.

Suddenly a thought crossed her head.

Was she using Mithran?

A/N

Here goes the next shot...

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SF ❤️