The city was drowning in rain.
Heavy drops hit the glass windows of the office building as thunder rolled across the sky. Most employees had already left, the floors nearly empty.
But Anika Kapoor was still there.
She stepped out of the building entrance, clutching her laptop bag, only to realize the rain had become worse. Within seconds the wind blew cold water across the pavement.
"Great…" she muttered.
She ran toward the parking area, but the rain was too strong. Her hair quickly became wet, strands sticking to her face. Her white shirt clung slightly to her skin as she tried to shield herself.
A car suddenly stopped in front of her.
Black. Expensive. Familiar.
The window rolled down.
Arman.
He looked at her silently for a moment, his dark eyes observing the rain-soaked mess she had become.
"Get in," he said calmly.
"I'm fine."
Another thunder cracked.
Anika glared at him. "I don't need a ride from the man who ruined my presentation."
Arman stepped out of the car instead.
The rain instantly drenched him too, but he didn't seem to care. He walked closer until they were only inches apart.
"You're stubborn," he said quietly.
"And you're arrogant."
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Rain fell heavily around them, creating a curtain between the world and this strange moment.
Arman suddenly removed his coat and placed it over her shoulders.
Anika froze.
"You'll get sick," he said.
His fingers brushed against her arm while adjusting the coat. The touch was brief… but electric.
Anika looked up.
They were too close now.
Her breath hitched slightly.
Arman's gaze dropped to her lips for a fraction of a second.
The rain slowed around them, or maybe the world had simply gone quiet.
His hand lifted slowly… almost as if he was about to touch her face.
Headlights flashed behind them.
"Arman!"
The sharp voice cut through the moment.
Both of them turned.
Rhea stood near the building entrance holding an umbrella, her expression tight.
Arman immediately stepped back.
The moment shattered.
Anika pulled the coat closer around herself, suddenly aware of how close they had been.
Rhea walked toward them slowly.
"Meeting's in ten minutes," she said coldly, looking directly at Arman.
Then her eyes shifted to Anika.
A silent warning.
Arman cleared his throat and opened the car door.
"Get in. I'll drop you."
This time Anika didn't argue.
But as she sat inside the car, one thought refused to leave her mind.
They almost kissed.
And somehow…
That scared her more than Arman Kapoor himself. 🌧️