The soft morning sunlight filtered through the white curtains, casting a warm glow across the sophisticated blue-and-white walls of my room. My room? No—Kathir Rathore's house. Reality hit as I blinked a few times, adjusting to my surroundings. My gaze instinctively flickered to the clock, and my eyes widened in shock.
9 AM?!
"What the—?!" My breath hitched as I threw the blanket aside and jumped out of bed. I'm late for work! Without wasting another second, I dashed toward the bathroom, shutting the door behind me with a loud thud.
But as I took a deep breath, my initial panic faded into a new problem.
I scanned the bathroom, only to find it completely empty except for a bottle of body shampoo, a bottle of hair shampoo, and a neatly folded white towel. My belongings were nowhere in sight. No toothbrush. No clothes. Not even a hairbrush. How am I supposed to get ready like this?!
Pressing my fingers to my temples, I bit my bottom lip in frustration. I should've known this would happen. Of course, Kathir didn't think about such things. If he wanted me to stay here, shouldn't he have made sure I had everything I needed?
Rolling my eyes, I sighed. "Guess I have no choice but to ask him."
With that thought, I stepped out of the room, my eyes darting around the hallway. The house was eerily silent. As I descended the stairs, I caught sight of Winston, sprawled out on the carpet, sleeping peacefully.
I think that's his favorite spot more than his actual room.
Just then, something on the coffee table caught my attention. A brown bag. My brows furrowed as I approached it, curiosity getting the best of me. Peeking inside, my fingers brushed against familiar fabric.
Pulling out a red blouse and black jeans, I stared at them in disbelief. Wait… aren't these mine? My toothbrush, my comb, my other essentials—they were all inside.
How the hell did my things get here?
A suspicious thought struck me, and my eyes narrowed. Did… did Kathir steal my things from my house?!
Before I could process my frustration, my phone buzzed in my hand. A new message.
Sanjay:
"Hey, Vidya, is everything okay? Your colleague Emma said you were sleeping at her place, and she went home to grab your stuff. Are you both working together now?"
I exhaled sharply. Of course. That manipulative man. He even got Emma involved in this? I wanted to be mad, but at the same time, I couldn't exactly explain the truth to Sanjay.
So instead, I typed a quick reply.
"Everything's fine, San. I'll be home today at 8 PM as usual. No worries."
Sending the message, I let out an annoyed chuckle. Kathir Rathore, you truly are something else.
Shaking my head, I grabbed the bag and headed back to the bathroom. After a refreshing shower, I finally felt like myself again. Now that I'm fresh, I should cook something for Renuka Aunty.
Humming to myself, I made my way to the kitchen, excitement bubbling within me. Cooking was my favorite thing to do, and no matter what, it always brought me comfort. I quickly got to work, chopping carrots and potatoes, letting the familiar rhythm of the knife hitting the board calm my nerves.
Once everything was prepared, I carefully made my way to Renuka Aunty's room. As I gently helped her into the wheelchair, making sure she was comfortable, a thought crossed my mind.
Why not have breakfast somewhere different today?
"For a change," I said with a smile, "let's have breakfast in the library."
Pushing her wheelchair toward the lift, I took her downstairs, rolling the food trolley alongside us. As we entered the library, a sudden chill ran down my spine.
The air-conditioning was too high.
"This man is so careless," I muttered under my breath, rubbing my arms. "How can he forget to turn off the AC?"
My eyes wandered around the library, taking in the cozy blue sofas and towering bookshelves. A particular section caught my eye—a black window at the far end, half-covered by what seemed to be old bookshelves.
I couldn't see past it, but something about that area felt… different.
What's behind that window?
A small smirk tugged at my lips. I should explore that place soon.
Shaking off the thought for now, I settled on the couch beside Renuka Aunty and carefully scooped a spoonful of puree. She couldn't move a single part of her body, and every time I fed her, my heart ached for her. But I didn't see her as a patient anymore. She was my friend. Taking care of her felt comforting, like looking after my own mother.
Once I finished feeding her, I placed the empty bowl on the coffee table and turned to her with a gentle smile. But before I could say anything, my eyes drifted to the nearby bookshelf—where a small, colorful book sat among the larger ones.
A toddler's book?
I raised an eyebrow, suppressing a chuckle. Did Kathir read toddler books? That would be... impressive. Unexpected, but impressive.
"Aunty, do you want me to read a book for you?" I asked, excitement bubbling inside me.
She blinked once. Yes.
My smile widened as I eagerly grabbed the book, flipped it open, and cleared my throat dramatically.
"Once upon a time, in a small house, lived a family of three—a dad, a mom, and their six-year-old daughter, Eva."
I lost myself in the story, getting caught up in the expressions and emotions. As I narrated, I couldn't stop myself from acting out the scenes.
I jumped up from the sofa, raising my hands in mock horror. "One day, little Eva accidentally broke her mom's favorite vase!"
I mimicked the sound of shattering glass. "Cling! Cling!"
Gasping, I placed a hand on my chest. "Oh no! She heard her mom calling for her!"
I rushed to the side and crouched behind the sofa, peeking at Renuka Aunty with wide eyes. Her gaze sparkled, a clear sign that she was enjoying my story—and my dramatic performance.
I grinned, encouraged by her reaction.
Putting on a pout, I whispered, "Mom looks so sad. I have to fix this vase!"
Okay… maybe I had some hidden acting talent. Proud of myself.
Just then, Winston trotted into the library and barked at me.
I quickly placed a finger over my lips. "Shhh, Winston, I'm busy. You already had your breakfast, right?"
He completely ignored me, walking straight to the covered window—the very same one I had been curious about earlier.
Rolling my eyes, I refocused on Renuka Aunty and smiled before continuing the story.
"In the end, Eva successfully fixed the vase! Her dad lifted her into his arms and spun her around, saying, 'I'm proud of you, Eva!'"
Caught in the moment, I spun the book in my hands, mimicking the way the father lifted Eva. But I lost my grip, and the book slipped from my fingers—flying straight toward the direction Winston had gone.
I sighed and turned to Renuka Aunty. "Wait here, I'll be back."
With quick steps, I followed the book's path, stepping past the bookshelf and into the mysterious space beyond the black window.
And then—my heart stopped.
Kathir Rathore.
He sat there, completely relaxed, focused on his laptop. A whole other lounge. My breath hitched as I turned to the black window—and my stomach dropped.
From this side, I could see everything in the library.
But from the library, nothing beyond this window was visible.
Kill me now.
I froze. Had he been watching me the entire time?
Winston, the traitor, casually lay beside his legs as if this was his usual spot.
Kathir looked up at me, his sharp gaze locking onto mine. A slow smirk played on his lips before he reached down, picked up the book, and extended it toward me.
My heart pounded. No. No. No.
Heat crawled up my skin, and embarrassment clenched at my throat. Did he… see everything?
No, right?
I hesitated, then slowly lifted my hands, covering my face with my palms. Peeking through my fingers, I saw him still holding the book out, a slight furrow in his brows.
"Here. Your book."
I gulped.
Maybe… maybe he didn't see much?
Trying to act normal, I extended my hand to take the book.
But then—his eyes flickered down, trailing over my arm before locking onto my gaze again. Another smirk appeared.
Got it. Yes. He saw everything.
Just kill me now.
Without thinking, I snatched the book from his hand and ran.
I ran straight out of the lounge, past the library—leaving the trolley, leaving Renuka Aunty, leaving my dignity behind.
All I wanted was to disappear into thin air.
The cold air from the library barely registered as I rushed down the stairs, my heart pounding in my ears. My mind was still reeling from the utter humiliation of what just happened. Kathir Rathore had seen me act like a fool, telling a children's story with full expressions and sound effects. And worse? That smirk. That damn smirk.
I was debating whether I should pack my bags and run to another country when the sudden chime of the doorbell stopped me in my tracks.
I froze, glancing between the front door and the stairs, debating if I should just let someone else get it. But before I could make up my mind, my feet had already dragged me toward the door.
I pulled it open, still slightly breathless.
"Hey."
Raj stood there, smiling, his arms weighed down by two heavy bags.
I blinked, trying to compose myself before offering a small smile in return. His eyes flicked to the side, gesturing for me to move, and I quickly stepped aside to let him in.
He walked in, dropping the bags with a soft thud on the floor before turning to me.
"Where is Kathir?"
I frowned slightly, my curiosity piqued. What's in those bags? And why did he bring them here?
"Upstairs," I answered simply, still eyeing the bags.
Raj nodded, flashing another smile. "Please take care of these bags. I'll be back."
Before I could ask anything, he walked right out of the house again.
Okay… What was that about?
I stared at the bags, resisting the urge to poke them open when—
"Who's that?"
A cold, deep voice came from the stairs.
My body stiffened.
I slowly turned, only to find Kathir Rathore standing there, his piercing gaze fixed on the bags, then shifting to me.
Why does it feel like I'm about to get interrogated?
Before I could answer, Raj walked back in. But he wasn't alone this time.
With him were two people—an elderly woman and a younger woman, probably in her late twenties.
Raj smiled as he approached Kathir and pulled him into a hug. Kathir returned it, albeit in his usual unreadable way, before also embracing the two women.
I stood there awkwardly, watching the scene unfold, my mind racing with questions.
Who are they?
Kathir placed a firm yet gentle hand on his grandma's shoulder, his tone casual but carrying its usual authority. "How are you, Grandma?"
"I'm good, dear," the elderly woman replied.
Kathir's expression remained impassive, his gaze shifting to the younger woman.
"Where is your husband?" he asked casually.
The woman rolled her eyes, shrugging. "Busy. Like you."
Kathir let out a small smirk, tilting his head slightly.
Then, as if suddenly noticing me standing there like a lost puppy, the woman's gaze landed on me.
"Who is she, Kathir?"
The room fell silent.
And just like that, all eyes turned toward me—including Kathir's.
I felt my stomach drop as he studied me for a moment, his dark eyes scanning me like he was calculating the perfect answer.
"She is Vidya," he finally said. "Personal nutritionist and caretaker of our mom and Winston."
Oh.
The elderly woman raised her brows slightly, smiling as I forced a small smile of my own.
Okay… so they were related to him. But how?
Before my thoughts could spiral further, the younger woman stepped toward me, extending a hand.
"I'm Maya," she said, offering a polite smile. "Kathir's elder sister. And this is our grandma."
My eyes widened slightly. Elder sister? And grandma?!
I quickly shook her hand, still processing the information. I only knew about his parents and Raj. But this? This was completely new.
How private can one man be?
Maya turned back to Kathir, raising a brow. "Where is Mom's room, Kathir?"
"Upstairs," he replied simply, then gestured for them to follow. As he stepped toward the elevator, his gaze flickered to me for a brief second before he walked away.
I let out a quiet sigh, my mind still buzzing with everything I had just learned.
Kathir Rathore had a sister and a grandma.
And I had no idea.
Was I really working for this man and knew so little about him?
My thoughts were cut off when I noticed Raj lifting the two heavy bags again.
"Want any help?" I offered.
He glanced up, flashing a small smile before giving a thumbs-up.
"I'm fine," he said, then, lowering his voice, added, "Best of luck."
I blinked.
"Thank you… but why?"
Raj only shrugged, his smile holding something mischievous. "Nothing. Just a friendly wish."
With that, he hoisted the bags and walked toward the elevator.
I watched him with narrowed eyes, sensing that he was absolutely hiding something.
The elevator doors opened, and just before stepping in, Raj turned to face me again.
With a smirk, he repeated, "Once again, best of luck."
Before I could question him further, the doors closed.
What the hell was that about?!
I stared at the closed elevator, my lips parting in frustration.
Now even Raj was starting to annoy me.