Rathod Enterprises, Delhi
Ahir's Office
Ahir was deep in conversation with his assistant Aarav, discussing a high-stakes project when his phone buzzed on the desk. He glanced at the screen and immediately noticed the caller ID — "Maa calling."
A soft, involuntary smile curved his lips — hidden behind the sleek, stoic mask he always wore in the office. Without delay, he picked up.
"Hello, Maa," his voice softened instantly.
From the other end came the concerned voice of a middle-aged woman — Yashika Rathod, his mother.
"Ahir beta, it's been three days since you last came to the haveli. We haven't even seen your face. When are you coming home? We're all so worried about you — and you know why, don't you?"
"You never take care of yourself. It's always work, work, and more work."
Ahir leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead. His mother's voice brought warmth to his otherwise cold and corporate world.
"Maa, I had some urgent deadlines. I was getting back too late at night, so I thought it best not to disturb anyone's sleep. That's why I stayed at the villa. But the work's wrapped up now — I'm coming to Rathod Haveli today. You don't need to worry anymore. Just rest, okay?"
"Arre, if a mother won't worry about her child, then who else will? Especially when the child is a workaholic like you!" she sighed, chuckling affectionately.
Ahir chuckled too — a rare moment of softness that no one in the office would ever witness.
*****
Hoshiarpur,
Saira's Home,
Saira emerged from her room, dressed in a simple yet graceful salwar kameez, her dupatta fluttering as she rushed through the hallway. She headed straight to her mother in the kitchen.
"Mumma, is Rishi ready yet?"
Her mother, stirring something on the stove, turned and said, "Not yet, darling. You should go to the temple on your own. It's getting late — go get the blessings quickly."
"Okay, Mumma. I'll go alone. If I wait for that monkey, I'll miss the morning aarti," Saira replied, slipping on her sandals and adjusting her dupatta.
"Just be careful. And don't get into any arguments on the way," her mother warned half-teasingly.
Saira pouted. "I don't try to argue, Mumma. But if something wrong is happening in front of me, I can't just walk away from it."
Her mother smiled knowingly. "Yes yes, my brave girl, always fighting for the right thing. Now go — and come back soon."
"I will. Promise."
*****
Delhi – Ahir's Office
Just as he was about to get back to work, his mother's voice returned on the line briefly.
"And beta, make sure you're home by evening. Dadi has something important to discuss with you."
"Yes, Maa."
With that, the call ended.
Ahir turned to Aarav again.
"Aarav, did you send me the resumes for the new personal assistant applicants?"
"Yes, Boss. I emailed all shortlisted profiles. Once you decide, just let me know. I'll inform them right away."
"Good. Now get ready for the next meeting. You know I have to get this project — no matter what."
"Understood, Boss."
Once alone, Ahir opened his wallet and pulled out a small, worn photograph — a girl's picture. His eyes softened as he looked at it, tracing the edges with his thumb like it held a piece of his soul.
"I don't know where you are… but I will find you. Soon."
⸻
Hoshiarpur
Back from the temple, Saira sat at the breakfast table with her younger brother Rishi. They both ate quickly, sharing light banter. Before leaving, Saira touched her mother's feet and kissed her cheek.
"Best of luck, meri laadli," her mother whispered, a silent prayer in her eyes.
⸻
AR College, Delhi
(One of the premier educational institutions established by Ahir Rathod)
As soon as Saira entered the sprawling campus, sunlight bounced off the large stone buildings, and a buzz of student life filled the air. Just then, someone sneaked up from behind and covered her eyes.
She didn't even need to guess.
"Koyal, stop messing around. We're already late for our exam. You know how strict our professors are about punctuality."
Koyal giggled and removed her hands. "Alright alright, Ms. Topper. Let's go. Don't want to lose that number one spot, right?"
Saira gave her a mock glare and replied, voice suddenly turning earnest.
"Koyal, you know things haven't been the same since Papa passed away. Mumma had to hold the entire family together. She gave up so much for Rishi and me… sometimes I feel like she forgot herself in the process."
"That's why I worked so hard to get this scholarship — so that at least my education wouldn't become a burden on her shoulders. And if Rathod Enterprises accepts my job application, then maybe… maybe a lot of things could finally change."
She paused, hopeful. "I know getting a job there isn't easy, but I had to try."
Koyal squeezed her hand supportively. "You don't just deserve that job, you've earned it."
"Now let's move. We're already cutting it close."
"Right behind you, madam!"
The two girls rushed off toward their classroom, their laughter echoing through the corridors like a promise of dreams yet to be fulfilled.
⸻
To Be Continued…
Will Saira and Koyal make it to class in time?
Will her dream to work at Rathod Enterprises bring her closer to someone she never imagined?
Keep reading…
"Billionaire Ceo hubby's dark desires " ❤️
⸻
Your feedback is truly precious to me.
See you in the next chapter.
Ram Ram 🙏