My Cruel Love
Even when he didn't want to, Arman's eyes wandered to the mirror—and there it was. Maya's reflection. That simple, innocent smile… the sweet curve in her voice… the way she tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear with a delicate motion—it was like a beautiful memory playing on loop.
But just then, Abir's words came crashing back like a bolt of lightning—
"Do you really have that right?"
A wave of anger rose inside Arman—toward himself, and toward Maya.
She felt like a liar—no, worse. Someone who had messed with his heart. What else could she be?
Why was she back? Why did her presence stir up everything he had fought to bury?
Lost in thought, Arman's car pulled up in front of the office. He sat there quietly for a moment. Then, slowly, he opened the door and stepped out. The others followed from the backseat.
Out of the corner of his eye, Arman glanced at Maya—then quickly looked away. Handing the car keys to the nearby security guard, he said curtly,
"Please park it."
Abir, already busy on his phone, messaged Miraj to let him know they had arrived.
Together, the group entered the building. All five of them stepped into the elevator—Maya and Arman standing side by side, Abir, Ruby, and Sameera behind them.
There was a subtle tension in the air.
When they reached the hall on the upper floor, Arman gently pushed the door open.
And as he and Maya stepped inside—
POP!
Colorful confetti rained down from above. Shimmering paper and flower petals showered around them as if waiting to welcome their arrival. The room erupted in applause and cheers.
Faces around them beamed with joy. The atmosphere wrapped around Arman and Maya in a celebration of success.
No one could deny Maya's role in sealing this major business deal. In fact, most believed it was her unwavering dedication that led to Arman's triumph.
That's why, today, Maya was admired more than ever. Respected. Recognized.
One by one, people came forward to congratulate them both. The room buzzed with warmth and smiles. Even Mr. Daniel was present. After a brief word with Arman, he turned toward Maya—but she looked right past him and walked away, as though his presence meant nothing.
Caught off guard, Mr. Daniel stood awkwardly in place. Abir, watching from nearby, couldn't help but chuckle. Sameera noticed and nudged him with a whisper,
"What's so funny?"
Abir, with a mischievous glance, replied,
"I'll tell you later."
Then the cake-cutting began.
Everyone insisted that Arman and Maya cut the cake together. Maya hesitated at first, but eventually agreed. She walked over and stood beside Arman at the table where the cake was placed. Arman picked up the knife and waited.
With trembling hands, Maya reached toward his. The moment her hand touched his, she flinched slightly. Arman felt it too. He glanced sideways at her. Maya was looking down, her head lowered.
That touch… it felt so familiar to Arman. Like someone incredibly close. Someone his soul recognized.
As if—he had been searching for that very touch. The kind that only his Little Mayaboti could give.
Why did Maya's touch feel like that?
Why did her presence make it feel like Mayaboti was never far?
Sameera:
"What's taking so long, brother? Cut the cake!"
Her voice snapped Arman out of his thoughts. Shaking everything off, he focused and gently pressed the knife into the cake. As soon as they finished, Maya quickly withdrew her hand.
Arman took a slice and first offered it to his mother. His entire family was there—his mother, father, uncle, aunt. He fed each of them one by one.
Then, holding another piece, he turned to Maya and said,
"Thank you, Maya. This deal wouldn't have been possible without you. I mean it—thank you from the heart. Keep moving forward like this."
As he raised the cake toward her mouth, Maya didn't say a word—just smiled softly and took a small bite.
Just then Sameera came up, faked a dramatic cough, and teased,
"Ahem! Ahem! Brother, don't I deserve the honor of being fed cake by you too?"
Abir suddenly appeared beside her, placing a hand dramatically on her shoulder and sighing,
"We're not that lucky, Sameera. That kind of affection is reserved for others."
Annoyed, Sameera shrugged his hand off her shoulder and snapped,
"I told you not to call me a snail! And now you're doing it in front of everyone?"
Then she turned away in mock anger.
Abir grabbed a plate from a waiter and walked over to her.
"Come on, my precious snail—oops, sorry! My dearest Sameera, don't be mad. No one's going to feed us cake, so let's feed each other."
He held a bite to her mouth. She took it and returned the gesture with a mischievous grin. But then, before he could react, she smeared the remaining cake all over his face and said,
"That's your punishment for calling me a snail."
With that, she grabbed her gown and darted away.
Arman shouted after her,
"Careful, Little rascal! You're going to fall!"
Maya, blushing at Sameera's earlier tease, had kept her head down—but after witnessing their antics, she burst out laughing.
Arman watched her, completely entranced. A soft smile crept across his face.
Meanwhile, Abir stood frozen, completely stunned.
Ruby came up, smirking, and handed him a tissue.
"Wipe your face. Everyone's laughing at you."
Abir looked at her in confusion.
"Why is everyone laughing?"
Ruby rolled her eyes and muttered,
"Because Sameera just smeared cake all over you."
Abir blinked.
"Oh yeah… she did."
He began wiping his face. One tissue wasn't enough. Ruby handed him a few more.
With a sly grin, Abir teased,
"You know, instead of tissues, if you offered the edge of your scarf—now that would've been so cinematic… so romantic."
Ruby shot him a glare.
"As if! Dream on. I'm here to eat, not to play your heroine."
With that, she turned away dramatically.
Abir, not missing a beat, smirked and muttered,
"Maybe not today, Ruby darling… but one day, you'll be wiping my face with your scarf yourself."
To be continued…