Chapter 13

It was 10 p.m. at the factory office. Most of the lights in the building were already dim, but a few cabins were still lit because some employees were working overtime. Inside Ashutosh's cabin, he was sitting on his chair.

Files were open in front of him on the desk. But he wasn’t looking at them. Instead, his eyes were fixed on the office floor outside the glass wall.

There, Reeva was still working at her desk. A scarf still covered most of her face, and she was busy typing something on her computer. A few other employees were also sitting nearby, finishing their overtime work.

Ashutosh quietly watched her movements. Meanwhile, the manager standing beside him was actually doing all the work, checking files, signing documents, and arranging papers.

After a while, the manager finally sighed and looked at Ashutosh. “Sir,” he said carefully, “how long will you keep looking at that girl like this?” Ashutosh didn’t even turn his head.

His eyes were still on Reeva. “What do you mean?” he said casually. “Can’t I even look at her now?” The manager scratched his head awkwardly. “No, sir… that’s not what I meant.”

He hesitated for a moment and then said, “I mean… if you love her, then why don’t you just go and propose to her?” Now Ashutosh finally looked away from Reeva. He slowly turned his head and looked at the manager.

“Who told you that I love her?” he asked calmly. The manager raised his eyebrows as if the answer was obvious. “Sir,” he said, trying not to smile, “you come to the office every day and watch Reeva on the pretext of work.”

He gestured toward the files on the table. “And the truth is… You hardly do any work.” Ashutosh frowned slightly. The manager continued, “You sit in the cabin and make me do all the work.” He lifted a pile of files.

“Except for some important work, everything else is handled by me.” Then he leaned slightly toward Ashutosh and said with a knowing smile, “And while I do all the work… You sit here and watch Reeva. If it's not love, then what is it? And anyway, other beautiful girls in our office come from the city, but you liked a girl from the village.”

Ashutosh glanced at the manager from the corner of his eyes and said calmly, “Yes, I like her… but never thought about love and as for the city girls, they're not my type, and I also give you extra salary for doing that extra work, don’t I? That too by hiding it from my father.”

Hearing this, the manager immediately bent his head toward the table dramatically and said, “Sir, when did I ever refuse that?”

Then he straightened up again and continued, “But what I’m saying is something else. If you keep watching Reeva like this from afar, someday someone else will come and take her away… and then you’ll just stand there watching her with someone else.”

Ashutosh’s expression changed slightly after hearing that. For a moment, he looked again through the glass wall toward Reeva, who was still busy with her work.

Then he asked thoughtfully, “First, tell me… why does Reeva always keep her face covered?”

The manager shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know much,” he replied. Then he leaned back in his chair and started explaining, “Five months ago, there was an accident in our factory. One of the workers got seriously injured, and because of the accident, he died.”

He paused for a moment before continuing. “After that, we have to repay his family. According to our factory’s protocols, Abhay sir decided to help his family.”

“So, after checking her qualifications, Abhay sir hired his daughter.” Ashutosh listened quietly. The manager then added, “But she had one condition.” Ashutosh raised his eyebrow slightly. “What condition?”

The manager replied, “She said she would only work here if she was allowed to keep her face covered all the time.” He spread his hands helplessly. “And Abhay sir agreed to it.” “After all, she was the daughter of one of the old workers of our factory.”Top of Form

Meanwhile, Reeva was sitting at her desk, typing quietly. A faint smile slowly appeared on her lips.

She didn’t lift her head…
She didn’t turn around…

Yet she knew. Ashutosh was watching her. From his cabin.

It wasn’t something new for her. For the past few months, this had become almost a routine. Every day, Ashutosh would come to the office, sit inside his cabin… and keep looking at her through the glass wall.

He thought she didn’t notice. But she had noticed it from the very beginning. That’s why sometimes… without even looking up… she could feel his gaze on her.

Her fingers paused slightly on the keyboard. That small smile deepened for a second. But then it slowly faded away. Her expression turned serious.

She lowered her eyes and whispered to herself, “What are you even thinking, Reeva…?” Her grip on the mouse tightened a little. “There’s a difference between you and him… like the earth and the sky.”

She took a slow breath. “He is the owner of Rana Corporation…”

“And you…?” Her voice lowered even more. “You don’t even know what will happen to you tomorrow.” Her eyes softened slightly, but there was pain hidden behind them. “And here you are… dreaming about him.”

She shook her head lightly, trying to push away those thoughts. “This isn’t for you.” With that, Reeva forced herself to focus back on her work.

*

Pushataini Haveli

The living area was quiet, but Sandhya looked restless. Her eyes kept going toward the entrance again and again.

Finally, she sighed and said with concern, “Why hasn’t Ashu come yet? I don’t know why he works so much…”

Her voice carried both worry and pride. But sitting beside her, Abhay smirked slightly. “He doesn’t do any work in the office,” he said casually. The moment those words left his mouth, Sandhya turned toward him sharply.

“You keep quiet,” she snapped. Her tone was firm, almost protective. “My child works very hard,” she continued, clearly offended. “Look at the time, he must still be busy with office work.”

She gave Abhay an annoyed look. “And then there’s you… sitting here comfortably and just taunting my child every time.”

Abhay raised his hands slightly in surrender. “Okay, okay…” he muttered.

After that, he didn’t say anything aloud. But inside his mind, a completely different thought was running. "Here… his mother, who thinks her son is working day and night…"

A faint smile appeared on his face. "And there… her son, who sits comfortably in his cabin…" He glanced at Sandhya. "Watching my poor, innocent personal assistant all day…"

Abhay almost chuckled to himself. "And making his manager do all the work." He shook his head slightly. "And my dear son thinks… his father doesn’t know anything."

Abhay picked up a glass of water and took a sip quietly, hiding his smile. Meanwhile, Sandhya was still looking toward the door.

*

Shergill Mansion

"Great… just great. At 1 a.m., I stood outside her room like a complete idiot." Shlok stood outside, pacing slightly, completely confused.

"I’ve come here after a lot of convincing myself … but how do I go inside now?" His eyes shifted toward the door of Dhwani’s room, and immediately panic hit him again.

What if Dhwani sees me inside her room?
What will I even say?
“Hi… I was just randomly visiting your room at midnight?”

He made a face at his own thoughts. "Great, Shlok. Brilliant idea.” He ran a hand through his hair, sighing in frustration, biting his lips. "First, go inside if youf get caught… then think what to say."

He nodded to himself as if that plan made sense. “Yeah… I’ll figure something out later.” But then the real question hit him again… "HOW do I go inside?"

His eyes moved toward the balcony. For a moment, he seriously considered it. "Should I go from the balcony…?" He imagined himself climbing like some hero, and the next second, another image flashed…

Him slipping and falls straight down. He winced. “No… no…” he whispered quickly.

“What if I fall while climbing?” He touched his back instinctively. “My back will be broken… and then instead of impressing her, I’ll be lying in the hospital.”

He sighed deeply. “Why is this so difficult…” He stood outside her room for a moment, thinking quickly. "By now… Dhwani must have slept, he thought."

He looked around and then nodded to himself. “Okay… first I’ll go to the study room, take the spare key… then quietly go inside, see her engagement dress… and come back.”

A small smirk appeared on his lips. “Simple.” But the next second, he sighed. “Oh God… I should’ve just asked Samrat.” Then he immediately shook his head. “No… If I had asked him, he would have made fun of me for the next ten years.”

Within a few minutes, Shlok returned from the study room, holding the spare key in his hand. He walked quietly toward Dhwani’s door. But the moment he placed his hand on the door. It slightly moved on its own.

He pushed it a little more. The door was already open. For a second, he just stared at it. Then he looked at the key in his hand… and back at the door. A strange expression crossed his face. “It’s already open…” he muttered.

“Faltu mein itni mehnat ki.” Shaking his head, he slowly pushed the door open a little more and peeked inside carefully. The room lights were still on.

[Worked so hard in vain.]

The first thing he noticed. Painting materials were scattered all over the floor. Brushes… colours… canvas sheets.

But… Dhwani wasn’t there. Shlok stepped inside slowly. His eyes scanned the room. Then he looked toward the balcony. The balcony door was closed, and the curtains were drawn.

“Where is she…” he whispered under his breath. Just then, He heard a faint sound of water running from the washroom. Shlok’s eyes shifted toward the bathroom door.

For a moment, he stood there, completely still. Then a slow, dangerous smile appeared on his face. “Perfect…” he whispered.

He quietly stepped further into Dhwani’s room, closing the door just enough so it wouldn’t make any sound.

The soft light of the room fell on his face as his eyes moved around carefully. Colours… brushes… half-finished sketches… everything was scattered on the floor, making the room feel alive, like it carried a piece of Dhwani in every corner.

From the washroom, the faint sound of running water continued. Shlok glanced in that direction for a second, then quickly looked away.

“Okay… focus,” he whispered to himself. “I just need to find her engagement dress… see it… and leave.” A small, almost childish excitement flickered in his eyes. "If I twin with her… she’ll definitely notice."

For a moment, he almost forgot everything else, his anger, his plan, his revenge. He started looking around slowly, opening the wardrobe slightly, careful not to make noise. His fingers brushed against a few dresses. “Where did Dadi keep it…” he murmured under his breath.

Just then, a sudden sound of someone clearing their throat came right near his ear. “Ahem.” Shlok’s entire body stiffened. His heart almost jumped out of his chest.

For a split second, he thought, Dhwani…

He froze. Then slowly… very slowly… he turned his head. And there, standing right beside him, was Devil Shlok. Arms crossed. Eyes narrowed. Face full of irritation.

Shlok blinked once… then exhaled in relief. “Oh God…” He placed a hand on his chest and whispered angrily, “Idiot! For a second, I thought I was caught… I almost had a heart attack!” But Devil Shlok didn’t look amused.

Instead, his expression darkened even more “Heart attack?” he said coldly. “You should be worried about something else.” Shlok frowned slightly. Devil Shlok stepped closer. “You’re forgetting something very important.”

His voice turned sharper. “Your revenge.” Shlok’s expression shifted slightly.

Devil Shlok continued, “What are you doing here, hmm?”

He gestured around the room. “Sneaking into her room at night… trying to match outfits for the engagement… trying to impress her?”

His tone was filled with sarcasm. “I thought you planned to hurt Dhwani… not impress her.” Shlok clenched his jaw slightly. Before he could respond, a soft voice came from behind. “Shlok…”

He turned his head. And there appeared Angel Shlok, glowing faintly, with a calm smile on his face. He walked closer gently. “Don’t listen to him,” Angel Shlok said softly.

Shlok looked between the two, confused and irritated. Angel Shlok continued, “What you’re doing right now… is not wrong.” He pointed toward Shlok’s chest.

“You’re just listening to your heart.” Devil Shlok scoffed loudly.

“Oh please…” Angel Shlok ignored him. “You came here because somewhere deep inside… You care.” His voice softened. “You want to see her… understand her… be close to her.”

Shlok’s eyes flickered for a moment. Angel Shlok smiled gently. “So don’t overthink it.” “Just do what your heart says.” Devil Shlok’s patience finally snapped. His eyes flared with irritation as he started marching toward Angel Shlok. “Oh, enough of this emotional nonsense.”

“SHUT UP!” Shlok’s hushed but sharp voice cut through both of them. Both Angel and Devil froze. His breathing is uneven. “Both of you… just stop it,” he whispered angrily.

For a moment, silence fell. Then Shlok looked straight at Devil Shlok, his eyes narrowing slightly as if something had finally clicked in his mind. A slow, calculating expression appeared on his face.

“Areee,” he said quietly. “I’ll impress her.” Devil Shlok raised an eyebrow. Shlok continued, his voice low and controlled, “I’ll go close to her… make her trust me…” His lips curved into a faint, dangerous smirk.

“And then… I’ll break her heart.” The words hung heavy in the air.

Angel Shlok’s face fell instantly. But Devil Shlok, he smiled. A dark, satisfied smile. “Now you’re talking,” he said approvingly. He patted Shlok’s shoulder.

“Absolutely right.” Then he snapped his fingers impatiently. “So why are you standing here looking at my face? If you want to inpress her,” He pointed toward the wardrobe. “then find the dress. Quickly. Before she comes out.”

Behind them, Angel Shlok closed his eyes in frustration. He literally lifted his hand as if he wanted to bang his head against the wall. “Unbelievable…” he muttered.

But Shlok was no longer listening. His focus had shifted. He quickly turned back to the wardrobe and started searching properly this time.

But just then… the sound of running water stopped.

Everything froze. Shlok’s eyes instantly shifted toward the washroom door. Angel Shlok and Devil Shlok also looked in the same direction. All three of them understood at the same time. Dhwani was about to come out.

Angel Shlok and Devil Shlok looked at each other. “Time to go,” the Devil muttered. “Definitely,” Angel agreed.

And the next second… Poof!

Both of them disappeared.

Shlok looked at the space and clenched his jaw in irritation. But before he could think further… the sound of the washroom door opening echoed in the room. Shlok’s eyes widened.

“Shit.” He looked around quickly.

No time.

No place.

No plan.

In a split second, he rushed forward and hid under the bed. His heart was pounding loudly in his chest as he tried to control his breathing. And the next moment, Dhwani stepped out of the washroom.

Shlok lay flat under the bed, barely daring to breathe. From there, he could only see Dhwani’s feet moving slowly across the floor. His heart was pounding loudly in his chest. "Bas… she shouldn’t see me," he prayed silently.

But then, Dhwani stopped right in front of the dressing table.

Shlok’s gaze lifted slightly, and the moment his eyes fell on her. They widened instantly.

She had just come out of the shower… her hair slightly damp… her skin glowing softly under the light. She was wrapped in a towel, clearly fresh from a bath.

Shlok’s breath hitched. The very next second, he shut his eyes tightly.

“What a crazy girl…” he muttered silently to himself. “Who takes a bath at midnight?” He turned his face slightly, trying to distract himself.

But his eyes betrayed him. Again and again, they drifted back toward her. No matter how much he tried to control himself. A strange restlessness crept inside him; he felt changes in his body.

Meanwhile, Dhwani stood in front of the mirror, completely unaware of his presence. She looked at herself quietly. Then slowly… she slides the towel down slightly reveal her clevage.

Her hand moved toward her chest. Her fingers paused there for a moment. And a soft smile appeared on her lips. Shlok frowned slightly from under the bed.

"Why is she smiling like that…?" Curiosity got the better of him. This time, he didn’t close his eyes. Instead, his gaze shifted slightly toward the mirror in front of her.

And then his entire expression froze. In the reflection, he saw it. A tattoo… With his name. Right there on her chest… close to her heart.

For a moment, everything inside him went completely still. His eyes widened even more disbelief, clearly visible in them.

"What…?"

His mind went blank. All the anger… all the assumptions… all the bitterness… faded for a second. He just kept staring. Unable to process what he had just seen. "She… She has my name… tattooed?"

Dhwani walked toward the sofa, lost in her own thoughts, completely unaware that Shlok was under the bed. She picked up her clothes, unwrapped the towel, letting it drop to the floor, leaving every inch of her bare skin exposed.

Seeing this, Shlok’s entire body went rigid. He hadn’t meant to look, but it was already too late. His eyes caught the sight of her for just a fraction of a second, her bare shoulders, the smooth warmth of her skin in the fading light.

 And in that single unguarded moment, his breath left him completely. He squeezed his eyes shut and snapped his head down, jaw clenched tight, but the image was already burned into him. Even behind closed eyes, he could see her.

And then his body betrayed him. Heat pooled in his body, spreading with a warmth he had no power to stop. He felt himself stir and tried to control. He clenched his fist, knuckles whitening, as he fought to hold himself still.

"Control yourself, Shlok," he told himself sharply. "How can you lose control like this?" He exhaled slowly, pressing his thumb hard into his palm, forcing his heartbeat to steady.

By the time Dhwani had finished dressing in shorts and a shirt, and without cleaning the room, she turned off the light and went to sleep. Shlok hadn’t moved an inch, head still bowed, eyes still shut, still quietly fighting himself.

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