Mumbai greeted them with heavy clouds and restless traffic.
By the time Arman Khurana and Anika Kapoor reached the hotel, the evening sky had already turned dark. Rain tapped softly against the glass entrance as the valet took Arman's car.
Inside the lobby, everything looked luxurious—warm lights, polished marble floors, and the quiet murmur of business travelers checking in.
Anika stood beside Arman at the reception desk, holding the project file close to her chest.
She still couldn't believe she was here.
Alone.
On a business trip.
With Arman Khurana.
The receptionist typed quickly on the computer.
"Yes, Mr. Khurana. Your suite is ready."
Arman frowned slightly.
"Suite?"
"Yes sir. As requested."
Arman's expression didn't change, but Anika's eyes widened slightly.
"One suite?" she asked quietly.
The receptionist looked confused.
"Is there a problem, ma'am?"
Arman exhaled slowly.
"No. It's fine."
The receptionist handed them the key card.
"Enjoy your stay."
The elevator ride was silent.
Anika stood in one corner while Arman stood near the door.
Neither of them spoke.
The quiet felt awkward.
Finally Anika sighed.
"You did this on purpose."
Arman glanced at her.
"Did what?"
"The one suite thing."
He raised an eyebrow.
"You think I planned a hotel shortage in Mumbai?"
She crossed her arms.
"You enjoy making situations uncomfortable."
His lips curved faintly.
"Relax, Ms. Kapoor."
The elevator doors opened.
"I have self-control."
She rolled her eyes but followed him down the hallway.
The suite was spacious.
A living area.
A large balcony overlooking the city.
And one bedroom.
Anika looked around carefully.
Then she said firmly,
"You take the bedroom."
Arman shook his head.
"You're the guest."
"I'm the employee."
"And I'm the CEO," he replied calmly.
"So?"
"So I'm used to uncomfortable couches."
She stared at him for a second.
"You're stubborn."
"Very."
Finally she sighed.
"Fine."
Later that night—
Rain poured outside the tall glass windows.
The city lights reflected against the wet streets below.
Anika stepped out of the bathroom after changing into comfortable clothes.
Her hair was slightly damp.
And for the first time since morning, she looked relaxed.
She walked into the living room—
And froze.
Arman stood near the balcony door.
His shirt sleeves were rolled up, tie gone, top buttons open slightly.
He looked less like a strict CEO and more like… a man who had finally relaxed after a long day.
He turned when he heard her footsteps.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Arman's gaze lingered on her.
"You look different."
Anika raised an eyebrow.
"That's what happens when people stop wearing formal clothes."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
She walked toward the kitchen counter to grab a glass of water.
But she could feel his eyes following her.
Finally she turned.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"That didn't look like nothing."
Arman stepped closer.
Slowly.
The distance between them shrank.
The rain outside grew louder.
"Anika," he said quietly.
"Yes?"
"You drive me crazy."
Her breath caught slightly.
"That sounds like a personal problem."
His lips curved slightly.
"Maybe."
The tension between them thickened.
The air suddenly felt warmer.
Arman took another step closer.
Now they were standing dangerously near each other.
Close enough that she could hear his breathing.
Close enough that he could see the nervous flicker in her eyes.
"You argue with me," he murmured.
"Constantly."
"You started it."
"You don't listen."
"You don't give me a reason to."
He laughed softly.
And for the first time—
It wasn't sarcastic.
It was real.
Then his expression softened slightly.
"You're different from everyone in my company."
Anika's voice came out quieter now.
"That's not always a good thing."
"It is to me."
The words hung in the air.
For a moment…
It looked like Arman might say something more.
Something important.
But suddenly—
His phone rang loudly.
The moment shattered.
Arman looked at the screen.
Rhea.
His expression hardened instantly.
He declined the call.
But the mood had already changed.
Anika stepped back slightly.
"I'm going to sleep."
Arman nodded.
"Good idea."
She walked toward the bedroom door.
But before closing it, she looked at him once more.
Arman still stood near the balcony, staring at the rain.
And for the first time—
Anika wondered if the man everyone feared…
Was actually lonelier than he looked.