Vedant often lost track of time when he worked.
That evening was no different.
He closed his laptop absentmindedly, stretching his fingers before finally glancing at his watch.
8:00 PM.
He paused for a moment.
“Damn…” he muttered under his breath.
The office was almost empty now. The lights were dim, the corridors silent. He quietly arranged his files, picked up his coat, and walked out of his cabin.
In the parking area, he settled into his car. As his hands rested on the steering wheel, a wave of tiredness washed over him—but beneath it, there was a quiet sense of satisfaction.
He drove home.
As soon as he stepped inside, he noticed the lights were still on.
Raj was sitting on the sofa, waiting.
“Vedant, you’re late today,” Raj said.
Vedant took off his coat, offering a faint smile.
“Yes, Dad. Work took longer than expected.”
Raj gestured to the seat in front of him.
“Come, sit. I need to talk to you.”
Vedant immediately turned serious and sat down.
“Yes, Dad?”
Raj watched him for a few seconds before speaking.
“From tomorrow, you’ll officially join the office. Are you ready?”
Vedant didn’t hesitate.
“In fact, Dad… that’s exactly what I was preparing for today.”
A proud smile appeared on Raj’s face.
“So, you’re ready?”
“Of course.”
“Good. Go get some rest. Tomorrow is important.”
“Good night, Dad.”
“Good night, son.”
Next Morning
An urgent board meeting had been called.
Raj and Arvind sat at the head of the table, while the rest of the board members waited with serious expressions.
Raj tapped lightly on the table.
“You must be wondering why this meeting was called so suddenly…”
Arvind continued,
“We have an important announcement to make.”
At the same time, outside the building, two luxury cars pulled in.
The security guard rushed forward and opened the door of the first car.
Vedant stepped out.
Dressed in a sharp black suit, his expression was calm, controlled. His walk—confident.
He adjusted his coat slightly, then moved toward the second car.
This time, he opened the door himself.
He extended his hand.
A soft, elegant young woman placed her hand in his.
Mahi.
Simple, classy… calm on the outside, but her eyes carried quiet confidence.
Vedant helped her out naturally—not overly protective, not distant. Just… respectful.
Together, they walked inside.
The boardroom door opened.
All heads turned.
Raj and Arvind stood up.
“Everyone… meet Vedant Kashyap and Mahi Malhotra.”
Arvind’s voice was firm.
“From today, Vedant Kashyap will be the new CEO of this company.”
A brief pause.
“And Mahi Malhotra… will be the new Managing Director.”
He added,
“And you all already know Aryan Malhotra, our Executive Chairman.”
The room filled with applause.
Vedant and Mahi turned slightly toward each other.
He extended his hand.
She shook it.
The handshake was formal.
But their eyes… said something more.
For a moment, the world around them faded into the background.
A Little Later
The meeting ended, and people slowly began leaving the room.
Vedant closed his file, while Mahi gathered her notes.
Their eyes met for a second.
“Ms. Malhotra… five minutes?” Vedant said calmly.
She nodded.
“Of course, Mr. Kashyap.”
They walked to the CEO’s cabin.
As soon as they entered, Vedant closed the door.
Silence.
He placed his coat on the chair.
“Congratulations… officially MD.”
A small smile appeared on Mahi’s lips.
“Congratulations to you too… CEO.”
A brief pause.
Then Vedant turned serious.
“We want to personally handle the Army’s North Zone surveillance project.”
Mahi responded instantly.
“Then I’ll need to restructure the logistics and clearance teams.”
Vedant looked at her closely.
“You’ve already planned this?”
“Since last night.”
“Good,” he said. “I don’t like impulsive decisions.”
Mahi raised an eyebrow slightly.
“Neither do I.”
Silence again.
But beneath the professionalism… something softer lingered.
That Evening
A small get-together was arranged to celebrate the new CEO and MD.
The place was elegant. A round table was reserved.
Vedant, Mahi, Vani, and a few senior members arrived together.
The mood was light now—far from the tension of the boardroom.
As they reached the table, Vedant instinctively moved toward Mahi’s chair.
He was just about to pull it out for her—
When suddenly, Vani stepped in.
“Oh, MD ma’am… please,” she said quickly, pulling the chair before he could.
Vedant paused.
Just for half a second.
An awkward silence flickered and disappeared.
Mahi looked slightly surprised but smiled politely and sat down.
“Thank you, Vani.”
Vedant quietly took his seat.
The seating was simple.
Mahi in the middle.
Vedant on one side.
Vani on the other.
Everyone placed their orders. Laughter and casual conversation filled the air.
After a while, the AC breeze began pushing strands of Mahi’s hair across her face again and again.
Vedant noticed.
He was about to say something—
But Vani suddenly stood up.
“Hold on…”
She gently stepped behind Mahi and tucked her hair neatly aside.
“Better now?” she asked.
Mahi smiled.
“Much better.”
Vedant just watched.
His expression neutral… but there was a faint hint of amusement in his eyes.
A little later, spicy starters were served.
Mahi took a bite.
The next second—
“Oh… that’s really spicy…”
She quickly looked around for water.
Vedant immediately picked up his glass and reached toward her—
But Vani was faster.
“Here, drink this,” she said, handing her glass.
Mahi took it without looking and drank half of it in one go.
Vedant’s hand remained mid-air for a second… before he slowly placed his glass back on the table.
He glanced at Vani.
She was completely normal.
As if nothing had happened.
Dessert arrived.
Mahi stared at her plate, mixing it with her spoon, unable to decide what to try.
This time, Vedant didn’t wait.
He picked a piece of dessert and placed it directly on her plate.
“Try this.”
She looked at him.
“You’re sure?”
“Trust me.”
She took a bite.
“Hmm… good choice.”
Vedant casually looked at Vani.
This time, she was busy with her own food.
No reaction.
Vedant smiled faintly.
There was no jealousy.
Just… a quiet, playful competition.
Mahi didn’t fully realize what was happening.
But Vedant did.
And strangely…
He found it entertaining.
Around them, people laughed, joked, talked business—
And in the middle of it all…
An invisible game continued.
A simple one.
Who would take care of Mahi first.
.
.
“Who do you think cares for Mahi more… Vedant or Vani? 👀 Comment below ❤️”
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