“In a world built on power, love was never part of the design.”

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

I woke up and saw the invitation of the Ador Luxury Gala I was happy and excited at the same time. I quickly got freshen up and went downstairs to tell my family.

"Mumma I got the invitation for the gala" i said running towards her and hugged her tightly.

"Are Beta calm down and what happened why are u running around hm u will fall" she said while pulling away and wiping the sweat from my forehead.

"Maa I got invited to the Ador Luxury Gala can u imagine and I am so excited that I can't even believe it" I said to her in one breath.

"Wow that so amazing news I am so proud of u Beta god always bless you" she said while kissing my forehead.

"Where is dad I want to tell him about the news" I said and suddenly we hear loud noise from living room. We went only to get shocked

"Dad what is this" I asked surprised there is Balloon every where.

"Are Beta you got invited na so I am celebrating it, come here" he said and I went to him and hugged him

"Papa you are the best thank you so much love u dad" I said while crying and he wiped my tears

"Beta don't cry now go and select what u have to wear right go and buy whatever you want okay" he said while patting cheek, I nodded and went to call my assistant.

After that I started getting g ready doing my makeup qnd after that my beautiful dress came and wore that and the way it looks is gorgeous and sexy. The mirror had never lied to me — but tonight, it seemed to hesitate.

My hair was swept up in a sleek twist, exposing the curve of my neck — deliberate, strategic. Power, after all, was perception, and perception was what I sold for a living.

The Sharma Industries logo gleamed from the clutch on my vanity. The empire I had rebuilt from my father’s fading legacy was now one of Mumbai’s most respected luxury branding firms. People didn’t whisper my name anymore — they said it aloud, with respect, sometimes envy, often awe.

Tonight was the Ardor Luxury Gala, where the country’s biggest brands gathered to flaunt success disguised as charity. I’d attended every year, but this time was different. The whispers had shifted.

A new name.
A new threat.

Ayaan Malhotra.

CEO of Malhotra Company — the man who’d turned a startup into a global brand consultancy in record time. The industry loved him: sharp, unpredictable, disarmingly charming.

I’d read his interviews, seen the headlines. He was the kind of man who smiled while dismantling his competitors.

And apparently, he’d set his eyes on my clients.

I adjusted the strap of my gown and reached for my phone. My assistant had sent one last message:

“Confirmed: Ayaan Malhotra will be attending. He’s one of the event’s keynote sponsors.”

Of course he was.

The corners of my lips curved, but it wasn’t quite a smile. “Let’s see what makes him so dangerous,” I murmured, tucking my phone away.

I stepped into my heels, each click against the marble echoing like a promise.

By the time my car pulled up to the Oberoi Grand Ballroom, the city had folded itself into twilight. Mumbai shimmered in gold and glass — a city that looked like success and smelled like ambition.

The red carpet was a glittering blur of sequins and smiles. Cameras flashed. Every face was familiar, yet every handshake was calculated. I moved through the crowd like I was born for this world — because I was.

“Nyrah Sharma! You look radiant,” someone called.

“Thank you,” I replied smoothly, posing just long enough before slipping inside.

The ballroom was breathtaking — golden chandeliers dripping like molten stars, tables arranged with white roses and crystal glassware. The scent of vanilla and old money lingered in the air. Music pulsed low and elegant.

I could feel eyes follow me. Some admired. Some measured.

But then, a new energy rippled through the room.
Subtle, magnetic. The kind that draws attention without trying.

And when I turned toward the entrance — I saw him.

Ayaan Malhotra.

Tall, composed, in a tailored black suit with gold cufflinks that caught the light just enough. He had that quiet arrogance only self-made men carried — the kind that said I know I shouldn’t be this good, but I am.

He was shaking hands, smiling, but his gaze swept the room like he was mapping territory. Like a man accustomed to owning every space he entered.

And for a second — just a second — his eyes met mine.

Steady. Curious.
Unapologetically direct.

My heart didn’t skip. It paused.

Then I blinked, breaking the contact. My wine glass was cool against my fingers. I took a slow sip, letting the burn remind me who I was.

This wasn’t attraction. It was recognition.
The calm before a war neither of us had admitted was coming.

When I got to know about the invitation I wasn't excited or happy I was just curious about the Sharma Industries I want to See who is the CEO because in one year it hot famous and earned many thing.

After thinking that I went quickly freshened up and went downstairs and took a seat on the dinning table.

"Beta u are invited at the gala right" dad asked of course he knew about that and I just nodded.

"So it's in the evening right then go and start selecting your suit for the gala" mom said and I just nodded.

And after that I went to select the so called dress to wear for the gala and I curious about the Sharma Industries let's see.

After selecting I went to the office for some important work and sfter doing that I came home and got ready for the so called event.

my car pulled up to the Oberoi Grand Ballroom, the city had folded itself into twilight. Mumbai shimmered in gold and glass — a city that looked like success and smelled like ambition.

I am seeing mumbai after 2 years and still its beautiful.The red carpet was a glittering blur of sequins and smiles. Cameras flashed. Some face were familiar and some not, yet every handshake was calculated. I moved through the crowd

The ballroom was breathtaking — golden chandeliers dripping like molten stars, tables arranged with white roses and crystal glassware. Music pulsed low and elegant.

I was talking to some people when I felt like someone was watching me and when I watched in that direction there was a girl and when I looked at her something felt off.

She averted her gaze and started talking to some people I excused my self and went to her but someone called me and I went there and after sometime, when I came she was not there.

Soon the event was started and I was looking through the crowd to find her but no she wasn't there.

"Hi Ayaan, do u know that Sharma Industries's CEO Is Nyrah Sharma" Mr Kapoor said

"Hi, oh and I guess she didn't came tonight" I said drinking the wine and looking everywhere but no sign.