Two Shattered Souls

11- Realization

After meeting with Navya, she made her way back to the office. Her new cabin, located next to Shredyansh's cabin, was a constant reminder of the changing dynamics within the company. This was the second time the legal department had shifted locations.

Just as she approached the entrance to her cabin, Arin emerged from within, his eyes locking onto hers with a hint of confusion. "Ma'am, haven't you gone yet?"

Aadya's eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded Arin, her expression a mask of puzzlement. "Gone?" she repeated, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "Where?" she asked, her tone gentle, yet probing.

Arin's expression turned sheepish as he realized the miscommunication. "I didn't see you in your cabin, so I thought you also went with the boss," he explained.

Aadya's eyes widened, her interest piqued. "Shredyansh has gone?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of surprise. "Where?"

Arin's response was straightforward. "Home!"

Aadya's whisper was barely audible. "Home...." She paused, her eyes locked onto Arin's. "When?" she asked, her voice low and even.

Arin's reply was matter-of-fact. "About an hour ago."

Aadya's mind began to wander, her thoughts consumed by the sudden change in Shredyansh's behavior. Over the past two to three days, he had been acting strangely, and today's abrupt departure only added to her confusion.

She racked her brain, trying to recall if she had said anything to offend him during their conversation. "What's going on with him?" she wondered. "I didn't say anything wrong, did I?"

Aadya's reverie was interrupted by Arin's gentle query, "Ma'am?" She snapped back to reality, her eyes focusing on Arin's expectant face.

"Yes...?" she replied hastily, still shaking off the remnants of her daydream.

Arin gestured toward the cabin. "I've left some files on your desk. Could you please sign them?" Aadya nodded, and with a brief smile, Arin took his leave.

As soon as Arin departed, Aadya steeled herself and stepped into her cabin. Her eyes landed on the three files neatly arranged on her desk. With swift efficiency, she retrieved a pen from the holder and signed each file in turn. Task complete, Aadya gathered her belongings and files, and then made her way out of the cabin. Her next stop was Nia's glass-walled office, conveniently located in front of her own.

Nia looked up from her computer as Aadya approached. "Here are the signed files, Nia," Aadya said, handing them over. "Could you double-check them? I'm heading home now and if you want you can also go."

Nia's eyes sparkled with concern as she asked, "Home? Are you alright?"

Aadya reassured her with a gentle nod and a brief explanation. "Just some work," she said with a warm smile.

With that, Aadya bid Nia farewell and disappearing from view as she headed out of the office.

Over the past month, Nia and Aadya had forged a strong bond, one built on mutual respect and warmth. Despite being the main pillar of such a big power house, Aadya treated Nia with kindness and humility, never once making her feel like she was working for a queen of Aeon. Their friendly rapport had grown steadily, with Aadya taking care to communicate nicely with Nia and avoid overloading her with tasks. Nia, in turn, had proven herself to be an exceptionally talented individual, boasting expertise in IT, business, and law. What's more, Nia was one of the select 100 trainees who had undergone rigorous bodyguard training under Shredyansh's personal tutelage, a testament to her impressive skills and dedication.

After leaving the office, Aadya headed straight to the villa. As the black Mercedes and black SUV (Bodyguards) approached the entrance, the watchman swiftly opened the gate, allowing both vehicles to pass through. She stepped out of her car and hurried into the villa, her footsteps quick and purposeful. She made her way upstairs, stopping in front of Shredyansh's room, her presence marked by a sense of anticipation.

But as soon she opened the door to Shredyansh's room, she was met with an empty space. She called out his name, "Shredyansh?" but the only response was silence.

She tried again, her voice a little louder this time, "Shredyansh?" But there was still no answer. She gone into the balcony, but it too was deserted. The room showed no signs of recent occupation, and Aadya's curiosity turned to concern. She set her bag down on the table and stepped back out into the hallway, wondering where Shredyansh might be.

As Aadya descended the stairs, she began calling out for the household staff. "Myra Aunty? Martha Aunty?" she repeated, her voice echoing through the hallway.

Martha, dressed in her crisp uniform, hastened to respond, "Yes, madam?" She appeared before Aadya, who had stopped midway down the stairs.

"Aunty, has Shredyansh come home?" Aadya asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

Martha nodded, "Yes, madam. Boss arrived a while ago."

Aadya's anxiety spiked, her words tumbling out in haste. "Where is he?" she pressed, her expression etched with worry. A single thought dominated her mind: Shredyansh is fine, he would never come home suddenly like this.

Martha replied, "He might be in his room?"

Aadya hastily nodded, "No, he is not in his room."

Martha's voice was barely above a whisper as she replied, "Sorry, madam, I haven't seen him since he arrived." Aadya's expression turned grave, her concern deepening.

Taking a deep breath, she asked, "Where is Myra Aunty? Perhaps she's seen him? Or the remaining staff...?" 

Martha explained, "Myra wasn't feeling well, so she left at noon today. And the other servants are also leave after mid-day, so it's just me here now."

Aadya's face lit up with concern as she heard about Mayra's illness. "What happened to Myra Aunty?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth.

Martha replied, "She had a fever today."

Aadya's expression softened, and she said, "Take care of her.......and thank you. You can go now." She accompanied her words with a warm smile, and Martha nodded before taking her leave.

As soon as Martha departed, Aadya's gaze drifted back to the stairs, her mind still reeling with concern. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss with Shredyansh.

She recalled trying to call him before leaving the office, but he hadn't answered. Now, it seemed, he wasn't even bothering to call her back. Aadya's search for Shredyansh continued as she made her way to the study room, but he was nowhere to be found. Her unease grew with each empty room, and she couldn't help but wonder where he might be. With a deep breath, Aadya stepped out of the study room, her mind racing with the question: where could Shredyansh be?