"I could kiss away your pain, but only if you'd let me."

Aahana felt a rush of disbelief when the chemist identified the medication. Had she heard him correctly? She had always associated success, good looks, and wealth with happiness. Atharva, with his undeniable charm and affluence, seemed to lead an enviable life, though marred by his temper and cold demeanor. The idea that someone like him would need antidepressants took her by surprise.

She knew such medication wasn't prescribed lightly. Having met Atharva's parents, who radiated warmth and instantly connected with her, it was hard for Aahana to reconcile this discovery with the picture-perfect image of his family. But she was reminded that beneath polished surfaces, there often lay hidden truths. Perhaps society's masks were more deceiving than she'd realized.

Driving back home, she couldn't help but keep thinking about him. She had so many questions in her mind to which she had no answers. It made her curious and puzzled altogether. She wanted to ask him, know him but she knew it wasn't the best idea. He wouldn't tell her a thing.

She recalled their interactions. The way he behaved around her was strange, but she had thought he was arrogant and rude. Busy. Now she knew not to judge a book by its cover. 

Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her chaotic thoughts. She pulled the car off the road and rummaged through her bag for her phone which continued to ring loudly, demanding to be answered.

Her eyes widened seeing the screen, and she immediately sat up straighter in her seat.

"Hello, Uncle. Good morning," she greeted, her voice polite and soft.

She heard him chuckle on the other end of the phone. "Good morning, dear. And please, call me Dad."

"Okay." Aahana relaxed. "How are you, Dad?"

"I am fine, dear. But I am quite disappointed."

She frowned. "Did I do something wrong?"

"I know how much you enjoy working, so I was certain you'd love to join Saxena Enterprises and work with Atharva. But you didn't come to the office on Friday." 

Aahana's frown deepened. "Dad, I didn't know about it, or else I would have."

There was a pause, then she heard him say, "I should have known my son."

"Sorry?"

"I think Atharva forgot to inform you. He is a busy man."

Aahana knew that was not the reason. She felt her heart sink when she realized Atharva didn't want her in his office. He did it purposely. "No Dad, it's okay. I don't think he would accept my presence there," she confessed hesitantly.

Harshvardhan sighed. "Atharva is like that with everyone, so don't worry about him. Join the office from tomorrow and give him some time, alright? I am sure he will come around."

Aahana wanted to ask him if he knew what was wrong with Atharva. Why he was taking those medicines. But she didn't want to worry him if he didn't know. She bit her lower lip and without a second thought, she nodded. "Okay. Can I join today? I mean I have nothing to do at home."

"Sure, dear. Let me call Maria and make the arrangements.

"Thank you so much." She smiled. 

"No problem, dear. If my son gives you any trouble, don't hesitate to call me."

"Okay, Dad. Take care."

She clutched the phone tightly and closed her eyes, the smile never leaving her face.

It would be her first day there and she didn't want to be late than she already was. That made her drive faster and in no time, she was in front of the mansion she called home but it wasn't really. Home was supposed to be warm and safe. She felt nothing close to that here.

She rushed out of the car and into the house. She didn't know if she was to work today or just look around, so she chose to wear something simple. She went for a knee-length dress that hugged her body perfectly, showing all her curves at the right places and yet made her look decent and elegant at the same time. Letting her straight hair down to her waist, she masked her eyes with liner and after coating her lips with nude lipstick, she grabbed her bag and keys, then left for the office.

Of course, she knew where it was. Everyone did.

She stopped at the reception in front of the familiar old lady who smiled at her brightly. "Hello, dear. It's good to see you again. How are you?"

"Nice to see you too, Maria. I am okay." Aahana tried to smile back but it didn't reach her eyes.

"Atharva is not bad. It's just...he has never been around girls."

Aahana's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?" She couldn't believe this at all. Atharva was ridiculously handsome and it would be a waste of such a fine creation if this was true.

"Uh, dear. I'm sure it's nothing..." Maria trailed off, a thoughtful look on her face. She didn't know why Atharva wanted to remain single all his life. She had asked him several times but he always gave empty responses. Shaking her head, she plastered an enthusiastic smile and gazed at Aahana. "Let me show you the way to your cabin."

Aahana was more curious now, but she let it slide. "No, it's okay. I don't want to bother you. Please just tell me where it is."

Maria nodded. "If that's what you want, dear. Take the private elevator to the 29th floor. There's only one door which leads to your cabin."

"Thank you." Aahana flashed a small smile.

She took the elevator as instructed and reached the 29th floor. Looking around in awe, she walked towards her cabin when she was stopped by a man she immediately recognized as Pranav.

"Good morning, ma'am. Er...are you here to see sir?"

Interesting, she thought. She didn't know it was Mr. CEO's cabin.

"Good morning. No, I am here to work from now on and I am already late. I will see you later." She gave him a polite smile and continued walking.

"Ma'am, you can't go in," he said, hurrying after her. She waved him off and turned the doorknob. It was her cabin too, so she didn't know why he was stopping her. She pushed the door open and paused, starting at Atharva.

He sat there on his luxurious chair, his eyes locked on the laptop screen as he typed furiously but hearing the clicking of heels against the floor, he looked up and immediately tensed. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone as sharp as any other day. Shock was evident on his face, and he was having a hard time hiding it.

It proved how much he loathed her presence. It hurt her but she wouldn't let that deter her.

"Work, of course. You forgot to tell me, so Dad called today. Aren't you happy to see your beautiful wife?" she said sweetly and walked further inside, her eyes wandering around the interior. A genuine smile lit up her face when she saw the desk placed on the left side of the room, near the window. On it, there was a laptop but what caught her attention was the wooden nameplate. Aahana Kapoor, Chief Financial Officer was engraved beautifully in black ink. She strode to her chair and made herself comfortable on it.

"Pranav!"

The door opened and Pranav walked in with tentative steps, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead. He gulped and looked anywhere but at his boss.

"What did I tell you?" Atharva snapped, shooting daggers at his trembling PA who looked ready to die.

"I am sorry, sir. I told her but she didn't listen to me."

"Enough with the excuses," he boomed, making Pranav flinch. Even Aahana who sat quietly, staring at them, jumped slightly in alarm.

"Sorry, sir." Pranav looked down at his feet.

Atharva sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Show ma'am her cabin on the 25th floor."

Aahana's jaw dropped and she stood up to protest but Atharva held up his hand and motioned for her to get out.

Still, she didn't back down and glared at him. "I am staying here."

"Pranav!"

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir." Pranav nodded his head vigorously. He turned towards Aahana, his eyes pleading for her to come with him. Gritting her teeth in annoyance, she glanced at Atharva one last time and walked out, slamming the door loudly.

"I am sorry, ma'am," Pranav said quietly. 

She shook her head. "It's not your fault."

They walked down the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Aahana wanted to see the interior of the building and meet the staff. It was stunning and it reminded her of her father's office. The thought made her sad. She could no longer work there, and here she felt unwanted. She wasn't happy. But she didn't let it show on her face as she passed by the employees. She smiled at a few of them whom she recognized from the wedding party.

When she reached the 25th floor, she realized something bizarre. She had not seen a single female except Maria.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Er...sure, ma'am."

"Around how many people work here? I mean the total no. of males and females are..." She left her sentence hanging for him to answer.

"There are nearly 800 male employees. No female employees, ma'am."

"So, it is a male-oriented company?" She asked in surprise.

"No, ma'am. It's only the Delhi branch that doesn't hire female employees anymore."

Aahana was bewildered. "For how long has this been going on?"

Pranav shifted uncomfortably on his feet and avoided her gaze. "I don't know, ma'am. I joined a year before."

"I am sure you must have heard something." Aahana raised her eyebrow suspiciously. "Weren't you curious?"

"I-I...ma'am," Pranav stuttered. "The women workers were fired the day sir became the CEO."

"Fired?" Aahana yelled in shock. "That's ridiculous."

"I am not certain. I-I have also heard that they were transferred to work in the new hotels and malls of Saxena Enterprises."

"Oh."

"Yes, ma'am. Can I leave now?"

"No," she answered. "Why do you think Atharva has no girls in his office?"

He stilled. "I don't know, ma'am. Please can I leave?"

"Answer me first."

"I-I think h-he doesn't like girls."

"You may leave."

He visibly relaxed and quickly scurried off, leaving Aahana to ponder over Atharva and his extremity to avoid girls.

"Is he...gay?" It sounded more like a question coming out of her mouth, so uncertain and hesitant. Her hand immediately flew to cover her mouth and she sat there with wide eyes, not sure what to do.

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