RS Enterprises
Ananya sat in her plush, organized cabin, tapping away at her keyboard, completely engrossed in work. The modern space around her was bustling with energy, the quiet hum of machines and the rhythmic typing on keyboards filling the atmosphere. But amidst her busy morning, a sudden thought struck her mind—Shree's lunch!
"Oh God!" she whispered to herself, glancing quickly at the digital clock on her desk. It was 11:50 AM, and she had an urgent meeting scheduled in just 10 minutes. Panic surged through her momentarily as she tried to think of a solution.
“Ab kya karu?” she muttered, getting up swiftly and stepping out of her glass-walled cabin. Her eyes scanned the office, filled with employees bustling about. Then, as if on cue, she spotted Kirti sitting at her desk, diligently working on her laptop.
( What should I do now )
"Kirti!" Ananya called out, urgency lacing her tone.
Kirti looked up immediately and hurried over, sensing the seriousness in Ananya’s voice. "Yes, ma'am?"
"Kirti, tumhe pata hai Maheshwari Institute kahaan hai?" Ananya asked, her words rapid but clear.
( Kirti, do you know the way to Maheshwari Institute )
Kirti nodded without hesitation. "Yes, ma'am. I know the place."
Ananya sighed with visible relief. "Theek hai, to ek kaam karo—Maheshwari Institute jao aur yeh box Shree Mathur ko de dena," she instructed, handing her a neatly packed lunchbox.
( Okay, then do one thing—go to Maheshwari Institute and give this box to Shree Mathur ?
Kirti’s brows furrowed slightly, a silent question hovering in her eyes. Ananya quickly added, "Main usse inform kar dungi. Aur yeh dekho," she said, scrolling through her phone and pulling up a picture. The image showed a girl with strikingly soft features, long hair flowing down in elegant waves. Her eyes sparkled with intelligence and a sense of quiet self-assurance.
( I will inform her , and see this )
"She’s a Literature student there so you can found her around the Literature classes," Ananya clarified, her voice softening momentarily with a hint of affection.
Kirti nodded again, carefully taking in the details. "Okay, ma'am ".
"Accha, drive karna aata hai?", Ananya asked.
( Can you drive )
"Haan, aata hai," Kirti responded confidently.
( Yes )
Ananya's face brightened. "Great! To meri car le jao. Or haa office tabhi laut kar aana jab woh lunch finish kar de," she instructed firmly. "Aur uske baad usko ye bhi de dena," she added, handing Kirti a small box. Kirti glanced at the box curiously but didn’t pry further.
( Great! Then take my car. And yes, return to the office only after she finishes her lunch )
( And after that give her this too )
"Okay, ma’am. I’ll take care of it," Kirti assured, her tone determined and professional.
Ananya smiled, her usual composed demeanor returning. "Perfect. Thank you, Kirti." With that, she turned back to head to her meeting, mentally crossing off one task from her long to-do list. Kirti, meanwhile, rushed to grab her things, excitement building within her at the sudden responsibility entrusted to her.
********************
Kirti stepped out of the sleek black car, her hair slightly tousled by the breeze, and glanced up at the impressive facade of the Maheshwari Institute. The towering building, with its ivy-covered walls and regal architecture, was a testament to the institution's prestige. Taking a deep breath, she adjusted the strap of her satchel and walked forward, her steps firm with determination.
As soon as she entered the campus, the buzz of students talking and laughing filled the air. She scanned her surroundings, feeling a mix of nervous excitement. Spotting a girl with a stack of books in her hand, Kirti approached her with a polite smile.
"Excuse me," she called softly. The girl looked up, a little startled. "Could you tell me where the Literature department is?"
The girl, slightly caught off guard, blinked and then pointed towards a long corridor. "That corridor. Keep going straight and then turn, and you’ll see it."
"Thank you," Kirti replied warmly, flashing a quick smile before heading off.
She walked briskly down the hall, her mind racing with the thought of Shree. However, just as she turned the corner, she collided with something solid. A gasp escaped her lips as she felt herself lose balance and, within seconds, both she and a tall figure beside her stumbled and fell to the ground.
Kirti’s heart skipped a beat as she tried to steady herself. Flustered, she looked up and her breath hitched.
The man who had fallen beside her was already gazing at her with wide, surprised eyes. He seemed frozen, his expression one of shock, as if time had slowed down around them. His disheveled black hair, chiselled features, and the sharp lines of his jaw made him look almost unreal. But it was his eyes that captivated her — dark, intense, and suddenly filled with something unexplainable.
For Siddharth, it was as if the world had shifted on its axis. In the split second when they fell, he had been annoyed, ready to blurt out a quick apology. But then, his gaze had locked onto hers — large, expressive eyes that sparkled like stars — and everything else ceased to exist. He could feel his pulse quicken as if someone had lit a spark inside him.
He stared at her, completely captivated. Her long hair had tumbled over her shoulders, framing her delicate face, and her lips were parted slightly in surprise. Despite the awkward position, there was an ethereal grace in her presence, a soft elegance that drew him in like a magnet.
It was in that exact moment that Siddharth Maheshwari, the otherwise composed and unshakeable CEO of Maheshwari Enterprises, felt something within him shift irrevocably. A surge of emotions he couldn’t name washed over him. This girl — the one he had just bumped into — had somehow made his world tilt, his heart stutter.
“I— I’m so sorry,” he managed to say, his voice slightly breathless, but his gaze never wavered from hers. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, even as he scrambled to get back up, offering her a hand.
Kirti blinked, taken aback by the intensity in his gaze. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her hand in his, feeling a jolt shoot up her arm at the contact. As he helped her up, they stood facing each other, neither saying a word, both caught in the spell of a moment that neither understood but both felt deeply.
"It's okay, it was my mistake too," Kirti said hastily, turning away without listening to his response. But Siddharth’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, a mixture of admiration and intrigue etched on his face.
********************
Kirti continued walking, her mind racing. She reached the entrance of the Literature Department, waiting patiently until two familiar figures emerged from the hallway. Vihaan, her elder brother, was walking alongside Dhruv, his best friend.
As soon as she spotted them. she raised a hand in greeting. "Hi, Dhruv Bhai!"
Dhruv turned, smiling warmly. "Hi, Kirti! What are you doing here?"
Before she could answer, Vihaan stepped in, his brows knitted in curiosity. "Tum yaha kaise?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.
( What bring you here )
"Uh, woh…meri boss ne kuch kaam diya tha, wahi karne aayi thi," Kirti explained quickly, gesturing vaguely behind her.
( This, that…my boss had given me some work, I had come to do that ?
Vihaan looked puzzled. "College mein kya kaam?" he asked, sounding almost suspicious.
( What work do you do in college )
But before she could respond, a soft voice called out from behind them.
"Mera box?" Shree's voice rang out, slightly breathless, as if she had hurried over. Her eyes were locked on Kirti, who held the lunchbox in her hands.
( My box )
Everyone turned, confusion coloring the expressions of both Vihaan and Dhruv.
Kirti blinked, momentarily caught off guard, then smiled. "Shree Mathur?"
Shree nodded in affirmation. Kirti stepped forward and handed her the neatly packed lunchbox. Shree accepted it with a slight nod and turned on her heel, ready to leave.
"Excuse me," Kirti called out softly, halting her mid-step. "I was told to stay until you finish your lunch."
Shree paused, turning back with an unreadable expression. Her eyes scanned Kirti briefly, narrowing slightly, but her face remained composed. "Chaliye," she murmured, her voice calm and even.
( Let's go )
Kirti turned to leave but unexpectedly bumped into someone—again.
Startled, she looked up, and her eyes locked with the same intense gaze she had encountered earlier that day. It was Siddharth.
For a heartbeat, time seemed to stand still. There was something magnetic in the way his eyes held hers, a flicker of surprise mixed with something… deeper. He stood rooted, feeling his heart stutter and a sudden warmth spread to his ears.
"I’m so sorry," Kirti whispered quickly, breaking the spell.
"No, it’s my fault. I’m sorry," Siddharth countered almost immediately, his voice soft.
"Arey, Siddharth! Tum yaha?" Vihaan’s voice cut through the moment like a blade, shattering the strange silence.
( Hey Siddharth! Why are you here )
Siddharth tore his gaze away reluctantly. "Haan…kuch kaam se aaya tha Vihaan Bhai," he explained, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
( I came because of my work )
Dhruv stepped forward, smiling. "Siddharth, meet Kirti. Vihaan’s sister."
Siddharth blinked, visibly startled. "Oh…" he murmured, his surprise evident. Then, clearing his throat, he stepped forward and extended his hand. "Hi, I’m Siddharth Rajvansh."
Kirti glanced at him, her earlier unease replaced by a calm smile. "Hi, Kirti Agrawal," she replied, reaching out to shake his hand firmly.
Their touch was brief, but something lingered—a curious sense of familiarity, perhaps? Kirti pulled back first, turning to Shree. "Shall we?"
With a polite nod to the boys, she moved away with Shree towards the canteen.
“Ye Kirti Shree ko kaise janti hai?” Dhruv asked, frowning slightly.
( How does Kirti know Shree )
“Wo to pata nahi, par tu Shree ko kaise janta hai?” Vihaan questioned back, his gaze sharp with curiosity.
( I don't know that, but how do you know Shree )
“Arey, maine jis ladki ke baare mein bataya tha na… ye wahi hai—Shree Mathur", Dhruv replied, frustration evident in his voice.
( Hey, this is the girl I told you about… Shree Mathur )
Vihaan's eyes widened slightly, disbelief flickering across his face. “Lekin mujhe to ye bilkul bhi waisi nahi lagi.”
( I didn't felt like that )
“Yaar, ye sab chhodo… bhook lagi hai, canteen chalte hain,” Siddharth cut in, his tone casual, breaking the tension. With a shrug, everyone agreed, and they headed towards the canteen.
( Yaar leave it... I am hungry, let's go to canteen )
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Shree and Ananya were sitting in a secluded corner of the canteen, engrossed in a casual conversation. Just a few feet away, the boys occupied a table adjacent to theirs. While Dhruv and Vihaan were preoccupied with placing food orders, Siddharth’s attention was completely diverted, his eyes subtly yet intently focused on Kirti.
However, Kirti, sensitive to the feeling of being watched, glanced up and caught Siddharth’s gaze lingering on her. Sensing that he had been caught, Siddharth immediately averted his eyes, pretending to be engaged in something else. Confused yet unfazed, Kirti’s attention then shifted to Shree, who was savoring the homemade meal that Ananya had packed for her.
“Ananya kyu nhi aayi?” Shree inquired casually, raising an eyebrow as she glanced at Kirti.
( Why Ananya didn't came )
“Woh… ek urgent meeting thi,” Kirti responded politely, giving a slight nod to emphasize her words.
( Their was an urgent meeting )
“Accha,” Shree murmured, her voice thoughtful. Then, almost out of the blue, she added, “By the way, tumhe khana banana aata hai kya?”
( Ohh...btw can you cook )
Kirti hesitated, unsure of the sudden query but then gave a tentative nod. “Haa… aata hai.”
( Yes .. I can )
“Okay, to kya tum mujhe bataogi ki roti kaise banti hai?” Shree asked, her tone earnest yet tinged with curiosity.
( So can you tell me the recipe )
Startled but willing to help, Kirti began to describe the process in detail, explaining step-by-step how to knead the dough, roll out the roti, and cook it to perfection. Shree listened attentively, absorbing every bit of information with unexpected seriousness.
“Okay, thank you,” Shree said finally, a satisfied smile crossing her lips. Moments later, having polished off the last bite of her meal, she leaned back slightly. “Done,” she declared, wiping her mouth.
As if on cue, Kirti extended a neatly packed box towards her, eyes expectant.
Shree frowned slightly, looking puzzled. “Yeh kya ye?” she asked.
( What is this )
“Woh… Ma’am ne kaha tha ki jab Shree lunch finish kar le tab yeh de dena, so… here it is,” Kirti explained hesitantly, smiling softly.
( Actually mam told me to give you this once you finish your lunch so here it is )
With a curious expression, Shree opened the box to find a bowl of kheer, alongside a neatly folded note. Unfolding it, she read: “A treat for finishing your lunch.”
“Why does she treat me like a kid?” Shree muttered under her breath but couldn’t help the soft chuckle that escaped her lips.
Amused, she dug into the kheer, savoring each spoonful. Once she was done, Shree handed the empty box back to Kirti and, with a gentle smile of reassurance, excused herself from the canteen.
“Accha to mein chalti hoon, bye,” Kirti said a few moments later as she approached the boys’ table.
( I should leave now bye )
But before she could leave, Dhruv leaned forward, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. “Waise Kirti, tumhe yeh kaam diya kisne tha?” he asked, his voice tinged with intrigue.
( Kirti, who gave you this work )
“Actually mujhe yeh kaam boss ki assistant ne diya tha… Ananya Ma’am ne,” Kirti responded simply.
( My boss's assistent, Ananya Ma'am )
Satisfied with her answer, the boys exchanged nods, but none spoke further. Yet, throughout the conversation, Siddharth’s gaze remained fixated on Kirti, trailing her every movement. Eventually, she left, leaving the group with nothing but her lingering presence.
********************
Later that evening…
As Kirti prepared to leave the office, she unexpectedly bumped into Ananya in the elevator. Taking the opportunity, she cleared her throat, eager to share something she had almost forgotten.
“Ma’am, main aapko ek baat batana toh bhool hi gayi thi,” Kirti said hesitantly.
( Ma'am I forgot to tell you one thing )
“Kya?” Ananya replied, glancing sideways with mild curiosity.
( What )
“Woh… Shree ne mujhse roti banane ki recipe puchi thi,” Kirti explained carefully, not expecting much of a reaction.
( Actually Shree asked me for Roti recipe )
“Whhhhaaatt?” Ananya’s eyes widened in disbelief, and before Kirti could react, she practically screamed, “Ab toh ho gaya siyapa, kitchen ka satyanash toh ho hi jayega!”
( She will destroy the kitchen )
Without waiting for Kirti’s response, Ananya shot out of the elevator the moment the doors opened. Her face set in a mix of exasperation and panic, she ran towards her car, leaving Kirti standing in bewilderment, wondering why a simple roti recipe had caused such a dramatic reaction.
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Happy Navratri 🌼
[ A/N : Hey guys, I need people to make character account on Instagram so if you are interested...DM me on Instagram ]
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- Roohi
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