Shadows Of Us

Arjun sat alone in his sprawling office, staring out of the glass wall at the city skyline. The world below buzzed with life, but he felt nothing. His mind is stuck and kept returning to "Meera" -- her soft voice, her determination, the way her eyes lit up when she spoke about something she cared about and the most important the stolen glance they shared. 

"This is ridiculous. Just like my mind is hacked." he muttered to himself, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. 

He was "Arjun Malhotra", a billionaire, a man who built an empire within 4 years from his graduation through sharp decisions and unyielding focus. He couldn't afford distractions, and Meera… Meera was quickly becoming one. 

Love was a weakness. That's what his father always said. 

"Love makes you vulnerable, Arjun," his father's voice echoed in his mind. "And vulnerability is a man's downfall." 

Arjun clenched his fists, trying to suppress the growing ache in his chest. Meera wasn't like the other women who threw themselves at him, hoping to gain wealth or status. She was… different. That's what made her very dangerous for him. 

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. 

"Yes, Come in," he said, his voice sharp. 

Meera stepped inside, clutching a folder. She hesitated for a moment, sensing the tension in the room. 

"Sir, I've finalized the report you asked for," she said, keeping her tone professional. 

"Leave it on the desk please. "he said curtly, not looking at her. 

Meera frowned. His voice lacked the warmth it usually carried when he spoke to her. She placed the folder on the desk and waited, hoping he might glance up.But he didn't. 

"Is there anything else, Sir?" she asked, her voice softer now. 

"No," he replied flatly, his eyes still fixed on the city skyline. 

Her heart sank. Over the past few weeks, she had noticed the change in him. He was distant, cold, almost like he was deliberately shutting her out. 

"Understood." she said, turning to leave. 

But as she reached the door, she couldn't stop herself. "Sir?" 

"What is it, Meera?" he asked, his tone impatient. 

She hesitated, her fingers gripping the doorknob. "Have I… done something wrong?" 

Arjun finally looked at her, his dark eyes meeting hers. For a moment, his cold façade cracked, and she saw something -- something raw and conflicted. 

"No," he said after a pause. "You've done nothing wrong." 

"Then why --" she started, but he cut her off. 

"Meera," he said firmly, his voice rising slightly. "You don't need to question everything. Just do your work please." 

The words stung. She nodded quickly, blinking back the tears that threatened to surface. "Of course, Sir. My apologies." 

As she walked out of the office, Arjun leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. 

"Why are you doing this Meera?" he whispered to himself. 

---

Later that evening, Arjun attended a high-profile gala. The room was filled with influential people, flashing cameras, and endless champagne. Women surrounded him, vying for his attention, but his thoughts remained elsewhere. 

"Mr. Malhotra, you're as elusive as ever," said Priya, a stunning socialite who had been trying to catch his eye for years. 

Arjun gave her a polite smile. "I've been busy, Priya." 

"Too busy for a dance?" she asked, stepping closer. 

He hesitated, then agreed, hoping it would distract him. As they moved across the dance floor, Priya's laughter filled the air, but all he could think about was the way Meera's voice had trembled earlier that day. 

---

Meanwhile, Meera sat alone in her tiny apartment, staring blankly at the television. She couldn't focus on the show playing in front of her. Her mind was stuck on Arjun—his sharp words, his distant gaze. 

She hugged her knees to her chest, feeling a hollow ache inside. "Why is he acting like this?" she whispered. 

Her phone buzzed, and she saw a message from her best friend. 

Riya: "How's your day,my superstar? Ready to hang out tomorrow?" 

Meera stared at the screen for a moment before typing back. 

Meera:"It's a Long day. Let's catch up tomorrow. I need the distraction." 

As she set the phone aside, she let out a deep sigh. 

Somewhere across the city, Arjun sat in his car, parked outside the gala. The night's festivities had ended, but he didn't feel like going home. Instead, he stared at the city lights, wondering how long he could keep up this charade. 

"This is for the best. I am not doing anything wrong.It's good for us. " he muttered to himself, but the ache in his chest told a different story. 

In the quiet of the night, both Arjun and Meera lay awake in their separate worlds, their hearts heavy with unspoken feelings and unanswered questions. Longing for each other's company that they might not have ever.

.

To be continue...