Avyukta's POV

The driver pulled over the venue. I opened the door and I walked beside Dad. The venue was an open garden decorated with the Diwali theme. The diyas lined, fairy lights on the trees, people mingling, pretending they aren't here for business politics, but they are.

"Oh, Rajesh!"

I heard someone called out to Dad. Dad greeted the man with a handshake.

I wonder how I will survive this night, because I'm already feeling so done. The man looked at me, "How are you, Avyukta beta?" I nodded faking a smile, "I'm well, uncle."

Then I found Swastika, as she raised a hand at me. I exhaled. So I finally got my company.

I walked towards her. My posture was straight. The night breeze had a faint smell of marigolds and diyas.

Then I felt a tug at my dupatta.

Who the fuck—

I turned and there he was. Out of all people...

Vyom Singhania.

Tall. A midnight blue bandhgala. Immaculate. Broad shoulders. Sharp jaw. Every inch of him was screaming that Singhania ego.

I know what's between us as I've sat with Dad in board meetings and knew the way our employees talk about the Singhanias.

My dupatta had found his watch's clasp and somehow decided to be caught up on his watch's clasp.

Like, come on... Why his watch...!?

I looked at him from my dupatta.

His hazel eyes met mine. Hazel. I don't care...

---

Vyom's POV

I was talking to Hriday. He was trying to lift my mood from the Singapore project and my mind was nowhere but wondering who could be behind the Uzan group If not Rajesh Rai.

And then her scent filled my lungs as she passed by— Lilies and vanilla.

And I saw it happening- her tulle dupatta struck at my watch's clasp.

See, I love my watch, but because of what just happened— I love it more.

What a choice...

She wore a deep-pink coloured lehenga. Gold jhumkas reflecting the fairy lights and diya flames.

Her eyes were already accusing me with the fierce poise in them. Hairs falling in soft curls over her shoulders. Her glowing skin and those glossy lips I won't mind having pressed against mine.

Who is she...? Miss, do I know you? Why I don't know you!? OH, WHY THE FUCK I DON'T KNOW YOU...!?

"Seems like your dupatta wants to greet me, Miss...?"

I tilted my head questioning.

I don't like to be engaged in conversation with women,

but something in her was like a magnet to the only element in me.

Damn...

I slowly reached for her dupatta at my watch's clasp. God...I swear I wanted to pull it closer.

Instead, I freed her dupatta without taking my eyes off her— neither I wanted to, nor I could.

She said- "It's Miss Rai. Avyukta Rai."

...Rai.

RAI!

For once I wanted to stop thinking, stop being pulled into her but, it wasn't magnetic anymore.

It was gravity— how can I resist...

I smirked, "Sure, Miss Rai. So, no greetings?"

I held the freed dupatta's corner towards her to take it.

She grasped it from me as she narrowed her eyes.

Those devastating eyes, but the fire in them wants me to burn more...

Ma'am. Stop looking at me that way or I might kiss your gloss off as revenge from your father.

"Well, we don't need greetings between us, do we, Mr. Singhania...?"

So she knows I'm her father's rival.

She continued, "When we already have grudges..." she mirrored my smirk.

Ouch...

Okay... Now that isn't a rival's typical daughter. And apart from looks, I liked the attitude more than I'd like to admit.

Really.

Interesting...

Fucking interesting...

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(Hey guys, do comment about this chapter. I want to know if you guys like the way Vyom and Avyukta meet.

Also, I'd love to have a comment if you are genuinely liking the story.

Stay tuned, darlings!🍷)