The terrace was quiet, save for the distant hum of traffic from the city below. The cool night breeze brushed against Naina’s skin, but it did nothing to calm the unease settling in her chest.
Aarav Malhotra stood before her, his presence unnervingly steady, his dark eyes holding something that felt far too calculated. She wasn’t used to people looking at her like this—like she was a puzzle they intended to solve.
“I don’t believe we were meant to meet tonight,” he said casually, his deep voice cutting through the silence.
Naina crossed her arms. “Then why do I get the feeling you knew exactly who I was before I even walked in?”
His smirk was slow, amused. “You’re observant.”
“I’m an architect,” she shot back. “It’s my job to notice details.”
Aarav leaned slightly against the railing, the city lights casting sharp shadows across his face. “Then tell me, Naina, what have you noticed about me?”
She hesitated. It felt like a trap—like he was testing her. But if he wanted an answer, she’d give him one.
“You’re powerful,” she said slowly. “Not just because of your presence, but because everyone in that room tonight seemed to acknowledge it without you saying a word. You expect control—no, you demand it. And something tells me you don’t hear the word no very often.”
The amusement in his gaze darkened, something almost approving flickering in his expression. “Interesting.”
“Was I wrong?”
“No.” His voice was softer now, but still just as commanding. “But you missed one thing.”
Naina arched a brow. “And what’s that?”
He took a deliberate step closer, closing the space between them. She refused to move, though she could feel the shift in the air—he wasn’t touching her, but it felt like he was.
“I don’t believe in coincidences,” he murmured.
Her pulse stuttered, but she refused to let him see it. “And what does that mean?”
Aarav tilted his head slightly, studying her as if he was still deciding something. Then, finally, he spoke.
“It means that your presence at this event wasn’t just a fortunate accident.”
Naina frowned. “My professor insisted I come. That’s all.”
His smirk deepened, as if she had just confirmed something. “Did he now?”
A prickle of unease crept up her spine. “What are you implying?”
Aarav didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek, black business card. Without breaking eye contact, he handed it to her.
She hesitated before taking it, her fingers brushing against his. The card was simple—no title, no fancy design. Just his name, his contact, and a single line beneath it.
Nothing you want is impossible.
Her eyes flicked back to his. “What is this?”
“A choice.”
She exhaled sharply. “You’re being cryptic on purpose.”
His lips twitched, but his gaze remained unreadable. “You’ll understand soon enough.”
Before she could press him for more, a voice called from inside the ballroom, breaking the spell between them.
“Mr. Malhotra! The press is waiting.”
Aarav didn’t move immediately. He held her gaze for another long second before finally stepping back.
“This isn’t the last time we’ll meet, Naina.” His voice was certain, almost like a promise. “Not even close.”
And just like that, he was gone, leaving behind only his business card and the lingering weight of his words.
Naina looked down at the card, her grip tightening around it.
She had a feeling that whatever she had just walked into—it was far bigger than she had realized.
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