The beginning

Aarushi’s POV

"Don’t go, please… No!"I jolted awake, breathless—my heart pounding with the fading echoes of a desperate voice. Disoriented, I lay still, slowly grasping that it had all been a nightmare: a cruel, persistent dream that seemed to haunt me . Why does everything seem to fall apart? Why do these shadows follow me, even in sleep? Sometimes, I wish I could blame someone—maybe even fate—or simply ask, Why me, God?

Unable to find peace in bed, I pushed aside my blanket and wandered to the balcony, letting the cold breeze wrap around me. It was a sharp reminder—almost stinging—that in this overpopulated world, loneliness can still carve itself into the deepest corners of one’s heart. I gazed upward, searching out the scattered stars beyond the city lights, forcing a weak smile.Standing there, I became lost in a whirlpool of old memories. I tried to recall those rare, golden days—moments when my laughter was genuine and happiness felt real. Now, those memories seem more like fragile fragments of a distant dream. I am left wondering if true happiness ever really existed, or if I had been fooling myself all along.

Still restless, I returned to my tiny, cozy room—a familiar sanctuary bursting with books and notebooks, comforting in their quiet companionship. My eyes drifted to the table clock: 2:23 am. Too early, and too late for sleep. I accepted that insomnia would keep me company tonight, as it often does.

I decided to sketch, hoping the act of drawing would soothe my mind. Sketching is my solace, where lines and shades help me express in silence what words cannot capture. Over time, these sketches and my ever-growing stack of books have become my greatest loves—filling voids, if only temporarily.

Pausing, I glanced at a cherished photo frame perched on my study table. In the faded image, I was seated beside Nikhil and Somya, all three of us in our crisply ironed school uniforms. We were smiling—wide, innocent, believing in forever. That photo is more than a memory; it is my anchor, my evidence that at least once, I belonged.Nikhil and Somya are not just my friends; they are the heartbeats of my world. Whenever everything else feels uncertain, I look at that photograph and remember I am not truly alone. Even if happiness seems distant tonight, it is never entirely lost.

Yug's pov

I arrived at my office, ‘The Pratap Enterprises’, right on schedule. As I strode through the grand entrance, my footsteps echoed across the polished marble floors, a subtle reminder of my presence and authority in this building. Every head bowed in greeting, employees offering quiet respect—some mingled with a hint of nervousness. Honestly, I didn’t mind it. There’s a distinct power in being someone people look up to, or perhaps even fear just a little.

Instead of using the regular elevator, I made my way to my private lift—reserved exclusively for me. It whisked me silently up to my own floor, one that was dedicated entirely to my needs and comforts. This space was like a personal fortress: my office, a sleek and well-equipped meeting room, a gym for stress relief, and even a plush lounge for unwinding during the busiest days. Everything here had been designed to my exact specifications.

Only a select few ever entered this domain; besides Aakash, my trusted confidant, and close family, nobody was permitted unless they received my personal invitation. Even those who tried their luck never crossed the threshold unless I allowed it. Privacy was sacred, and this floor was a testament to that.

As soon as I settled in, Aakash approached with a sense of urgency, updating me on the ‘PR Project’—the single pursuit that had consumed my focus for half a year. This wasn't just any assignment; it was my dream project, the culmination of months of planning, negotiation, research, and tireless dedication. Losing it was never an option, so I’d thrown myself into every detail, refusing to let obstacles hinder my progress.

Now, with only one month left before the final deal was set in stone, it felt as if everything hung in the balance. I could visualize the moment—standing in my office, surrounded by reminders of past victories, determined to make this project another landmark achievement in my journey.

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