SUNAINA'S POV

I am shocked with the way my life is dropping atom bombs on me, and this person, Mr. Adhvait Mehra, being the one occupying it all. When Dev uncle told us about the alliance, I was shocked—like, so shocked.

Though I gave this alliance a chance only because of my maa, I would be lying if I said I don't feel attracted to him. He is so charming, and I hate to say it, but he attracts me like a magnet. I feel butterflies when he gazes at me with those intense eyes.

I don't feel uncomfortable under his gaze; rather, it leaves that strange, warm feeling in my heart.

My traitor mind keeps going back to the conversation we had when I went to show them their rooms.

Get a grip sunu.

I haven't packed yet. Maybe I should start doing it now, because as per my calculations, I'll have at least 6 hours of sleep if I sleep by 1 a.m.

Nodding to my thoughts, I first decided to take out my suitcases. I was about to climb onto the chair when I heard a knock.

Hein? Kon haii ab?

(Huh? Who is it?)

Confused, I stepped out, but no one was there. Oh, how wrong I was—because the moment I turned around, I let out a loud shriek.

There he was, leaning against the wall in fresh sweatpants and a T-shirt. His hair was messy and wet—maybe he had just taken a shower like me—and he was smelling so yummy.

God, Sunu, focus.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, confused.

"Aapne hi toh bola tha ki if I need something, mai aap se bol sakta hu," he said innocently.

(You said that if I need something, I can ask you for it.)

Oh, I know how innocent he can pretend to be—but still, maybe he really needs something. Who knows?

"Yeah? Tell me, what do you want?" I asked genuinely—of course, he is a guest.

“Aapka number, senorita," he said, showing me his phone. What the hell?!?!

(Your number, senorita.)

That-

That was so smooth.

My eyes widened in surprise, and I was probably blushing too. Damn it. Why are you so obvious, Su?

"Uh—what?" I asked, still surprised. I was sure I heard something else.

"You heard me, senorita," he said, smirking at me. Can I wipe that annoying smirk off his damn face?

You know what—

Beta, number toh nahi dungi itni aasani se aapko.

(I'll not give you my number so easily for sure.)

"Nahi milega," I said, smirking back at him.

( You won't get it.)

WHAT? Even I know how to smirk.

“Kyuuuu," he said—more like whined. (Why?)

I should’ve recorded this. 

A well-known businessman whining, it would definitely have gone viral.

"Earn it," I said, shrugging, and closing the door in his face.

Shaking my head, I focused on packing and went to bed.

He's cute.

NEXT DAY

The buzzing of my alarm woke me up. Freshening up quickly, I got ready and, taking my phone, headed downstairs for breakfast.

"Good morning, aunty," I greeted our cook.

"Good morning, Sunu beta," she replied with a smile.

"So, what's for breakfast today?" I asked, peeking into the bowls.

"Cheese sandwich, poha, and some freshly baked croissants," she replied, chuckling.

"Awesome, I'll go and set the table," I said, walking out.

I was setting the table with some cutlery when Pari came in, eyes half open—more like dragging herself—and slumped into a chair.

"Good morning, Pari," I said softly, ruffling her hair. She sat up and hugged my waist, nuzzling into me, making me chuckle.

"Good morning, Sunu dii," she said, her voice muffled.

"So, what do you want for breakfast?" I asked, still lazily running my fingers through her hair.

"Kya banaya hai?" she asked.

( What have you made?)

"Well, there are cheese sandwiches, poha, and croissants. I can tell the chefs to cook something else too—just tell me what you want," I said.

"I'll have a cheese sandwich and some chai,"she said, smiling.

"So, what are you waiting for? Food is here, Pari is here—come on, start eating!" I said, and she nodded and sat up straight. I helped her serve her food, and then came Eshu.

"Good morning, Eshu" I said softly, smiling warmly at her.

"Good morning, Sunu di," she replied, still a little sleepy.

"Come on, sit here," I said, tapping the seat next to me. Pari was already sitting on my right.

"Sure," she said, settling down beside me.

"Slept well?" I asked gently.

"Yeah," she said, offering a small, tired smile—the kind that says I’m okay, just not fully here yet.

"So, what do you want for breakfast?" I asked.

"Just some poha and a cup of coffee would be fine," she replied, giving an awkward smile.

"Here you go," I said, scooping a generous portion of poha onto her plate and pouring a hot cup of coffee.

"Thank you," she said, her smile returning just a little.

"You're most welcome. Now come on, start eating before it gets cold," I said, nudging her plate closer.

After a few minutes, "I’m done," she declared like someone finishing a five-course meal—even though she’d barely eaten.

"Stop. Itne se poha mein ho gaya tumhara? Sit back and have this sandwich," I said quickly, cutting her off just as she was about to get up.

( Stop! You just had some poha and you're already done? Sit back and eat this sandwich.)

"No, it’s fi—" she began, but I interrupted her by gently shoving a sandwich into her mouth, gesturing with my eyes for her to take a bite. She bit into it reluctantly, prompting Pari to laugh.

"Pari, you too—have some more," I said, turning to her while helping eshu take another bite like she was a stubborn toddler.

"Aap hi khila do mujhe bhi," she said, smiling up at me with that mischievous glint in her eyes.

( Feed me too. )

"Okay then, come on, take a bite," I said, offering her a fresh sandwich in my right hand. She leaned in and took a big bite like a pampered kid

"Bas ho gaya, I can’t—" Eshu tried to protest again, but I lightly pushed the half-eaten sandwich back into her mouth, silently telling her to eat.

(That's enough I can't -)

"Ohho Eshu di, kha lo naa," Pari teased, still chewing her own bite like a baby bird.

(Ohho Eshu di, have it.)

"Finish it quickly, come on," I said, feeding them both another bite at the same time.

"Good morning, ladies. What’s going on here?" Mr. Mehra said, taking the seat across from me with that effortless presence he always carried—casual, but somehow magnetic.

"Sunu di is feeding us," Pari said with a mouthful, pointing at me.

"Bhai dekho na, I’m full. At least you tell Sunu di to stop," Eshu said after swallowing her bite.

( Bhai see, I'm full. At least you tell Sunu di to stop.)

"Nope. You barely ate anything. Come on, finish it—there are hardly three bites left," I said, holding the sandwich in front of her.

"She’s right, Eshu bacha. Come on, finish it," he said, smiling gently.

And just like that, both of them finished their breakfast.

I don’t usually eat much in the mornings, so I just had a sandwich and a cup of chai.

"Haww dii, aapne hume to itna saara khilaya, but you only had a sandwich?" Pari said, her voice dripping with exaggerated drama.

( Haww dii, you stuffed us with food but you only had a sandwich.)

“Uh—I usually have just this much for breakfast," I shrugged.

"Not fair! You know what? Pari, hold her right hand, I’ll hold her left hand. Bhai, feed her another sandwich!" Eshu declared with a mischievous grin.

Before I could react, I was trapped—Pari grabbing one hand, Eshu the other—like some kind of hostage.

“No, Mr. Mehra, I dare you," I shot him a challenging glare.

"Now my baby sisters have ordered, I have to follow it," he said, smiling mischievously.

No, I’m serio—" I started to protest, but he cut me off by stuffing a sandwich into my mouth before I could finish. I glared at him as I chewed, furious yet helpless.

Just as I was about to say, "Don’t—" another bite was forced into my mouth, making both girls beside me giggle.

"You know wha—" I tried again, but predictably, he interrupted me by shoving yet another bite in.

"Bas," I said, "I can't have another bite," and gave them puppy eyes. ( Stop.)

"Fine," all three said in unison.

"Thank you," I said, rolling my eyes and taking a sip of water—only to choke the next minute when I saw him take a bite of my unfinished sandwich while looking at me with a teasing smile.

"What... ar... are... you... doing..." I managed to say between coughs, still recovering from the unexpected choking, my eyes wide in disbelief.

"Eating," he replied casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

"But that’s my jhutta," I said, utterly scandalized. ( Jhuta - leftovers.)

"Haan toh jhutta khane se pyaar badhta haiii," he said, winking at me with zero shame—finishing the last bite.

And just like that, my traitor hormones betrayed me. Again. My cheeks flushed with heat I couldn’t hide.

( Yes, they say love grows when you share even the leftovers of each other.)

"Awwwwwwwwww," both the girls cooed in unison, only making my cheeks burn even more.

"Uh—excuse me, I have some last-minute packing to do," I said, and rushed out of there.

Behind me, I could still hear their laughter echoing through the room.

DAMN YOU, GIRL!!!

GET A FUCKING GRIP ON YOURSELF!!!

Giving myself a little pep talk, I retouched my lipstick, grabbed my handbag, and headed downstairs. Midway down the stairs, my phone buzzed with a call from Mrs. Vashisht.

Huh? What the hell? After that incident, she never called me again. Frowning, I ignored her call and continued down.

"Where are the girls?" I asked him, noticing neither Eshu nor Pari were in the living room.

"They’re getting ready. Since they’re on holiday today, they wanted to go out—with you and me," he said, looking up briefly from his phone. "If you’re busy, we can tell them and head home directly."

"I have an important meeting in like 30 minutes with a client. After that, I’m free. So is it okay if we leave after that?" I asked, checking the schedule my assistant had sent.

"Sure. How about we dine out today—for both lunch and dinner?" he suggested.

"Fine with me, but I’ll pay for one meal," I said, crossing my arms.

"Not happening," he said, casually dismissing me.

"And who are you to say that? I’ll do what I want anyway," I said, rolling my eyes.

To answer your question, Miss—I'm your supposed fiancé, if you say yes, of course. And there’s no way in hell I’d let my girl pay, when all I want to do is spoil her. And I request you—please," he said, standing up and stepping closer to me.

"Fine, whatever," I muttered, trying to move aside. But before I could, he grabbed my hand, stopping me—and with one swift pull, yanked me toward him.

“what are  you  doing?” I stuttered.

What the hell, stop stuttering, you pagal.

"bohot khubsurat lag rahi hai aap aaj," he said, gently tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear.

( You look very beautiful today.)

"jaan se maarna chahti hai aap mujhe," he added, his knuckles brushing against my cheek, sending a warm blush rushing to my face.

( Are you planning to kill me?)

“Le… leave… me…” I whispered, barely finding my voice.

"Am I making you uncomfortable, senorita?" he asked, his gaze so soft, so intense—it was impossible to look away.

“No, you’re not, but I don’t want to get teased by your devil sisters,” I said, pushing him slightly and moving away, which earned a chuckle from him. Just then, I received another call—this time from my assistant.

“Hi ma’am, good morning,” she said.

“Good morning, Sona. What is it?” I asked, sitting on the sofa. He sat opposite me, scrolling through his phone, making me roll my eyes at his addiction to it.

“Ma’am, actually the meeting that was supposed to happen in 30 minutes has been rescheduled to the next 5 minutes at the request of their CEO. Should I confirm?” she asked hesitantly.

“Sure. Tell them this is the last time we’re agreeing. No last-minute reschedules will be entertained,” I said sternly.

“Okay ma’am, and your schedule is free after that,” she confirmed.

“Cool. Thank you,” I said, hanging up.

“Hey guys,” Eshu said, walking in with Pari.

"Hey girls, you both look beautiful,” I said, smiling at them.

“Thank you,” they replied together in perfect sync.

“When are we leaving?” Pari asked.

“Well, your Sunu di has a meeting in five. After that, she’s all ours for the day—so we’ll leave as soon as her meeting wraps up,” he said, looking at me with a small smile.

"Okay, cool,” eshu said, taking a seat beside him, while Pari sat on the opposite side.

“You guys mind if I attend the meeting here?” I asked.

“Nope,” all three replied in unison, their cuteness making me chuckle softly.

“Hello ladies and gentlemen, I’m Sunaina Vashisht, CEO of VIHA Legal Services. Is everyone here?” I began.

From the corner of my eye, I could feel three pairs of curious eyes watching me intently

" We apologize, ma’am, but our CEO is running a bit late. She should be here shortly,” one of the representatives said.

“Do I look like I’m free the entire day, Mr.? This is the height of unprofessionalism. Contact your CEO and let her know—if she isn’t here in the next two minutes, this meeting is over,” I said sharply.

“We’re very sorry, ma’am,” a man replied nervously.

“What I need right now is your CEO in front of me—not your repeated apologies, sir,” I snapped, my patience running low at their unprofessionalism.

“Yes ma’am, we—”

He was cut off by a voice I recognized instantly.

“I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen, for the inconvenience caused. Please begin,” said my supposedly mother.

Aha interesting.