Shiv

My eyes flicker to my phone screen for the nth time as I wait for a reply to my previously sent text. The message I sent Mariam sat unread for the past few hours, and it has been doing nothing but gnawing at my patience.

I've always been a patient person, waiting till the start minute before I actually blow up from anger. But Mariam's case is different. The woman has a hold on me which I can't seem to loosen, and honestly speaking I really don't have any intentions to loosen it either. For the first time someone has caught my eye, and I don't plan on letting her go. Not now, nor later once I claim her.

It's past work hours, and as much as I wish to leave, I won't. I know she's here. Her sweet scent still lingers in the air, and I can hear her humming across the empty office.

I had pulled up her number from her personnel file, the same one she had brought along with her on the day of her interview. The day since when I've been following her every step and movement like a stalker.

Some may call it creepy but I call it devotion to the one I love. but even if I watch her from the sidelines most of the time, my mind still repeats the memories I've spent close to her. The softest brushes of her skin against mine, the way her lips curve up into a beautiful smile, her long hair which she rarely lets down, and the way she's built so beautifully that I'm ready to leave my everything and become a devotee ready to be blessed with her presence.

The sudden buzz of the phone pulls me back from my daydreaming. I take a deep breath before picking up my phone, my heart racing with anticipation as I look at the notification on the light-up screen. The excitement fades away as I stare back at the email sent to me.

"abey yaar,"

A frustrated sigh leaves my lips as I open the email from my father. My eyes linger on the screen for another minute before I sprawl back into my office chair.

I need the project report by tomorrow morning, Kanishk has already sent it over with the needed corrections. — your father.

Sheryansh Khurana isn't one to joke when it comes to work. He's nothing but direct in the matter, doesn't matter if it's his son or his business partner's. If it wasn't for the Rajvanshis and the Khuranas working together, this empire wouldn't be standing so high up. But as always, with power and money comes selfishness and everything negative. Kanishk's father takes it on Kyra and everything she does now and then. And my father takes it out on the one woman I love the most in this world. Mom.

No matter how much I ignore it, I can't help but notice the sadness and need for love in her eyes. It's maddening how people can marry out of love and then that love is what brings their marriage to the peak of breaking apart.

It's easy to run away from these situations like Ishaan did. Choosing an entirely different career so no one can drag him back in once he leaves. But I can't bear to see anything fall apart more than it already has. The Khurana mansion craves to hear Mom laugh again.

"Shiv?"

Her scent is the first thing that hits me. The sweet vanilla that flows from her, makes my senses go wild. I close my eyes and take a deep breath as she walks towards me, her long hair swishing behind her and her eyebrows cast downwards in worry. I can't help but stare at her as she walks through the room, every step graceful and elegant.

It's unbelievable how she went from calling me by my last name to the name that only my closest people call. Even though it took three people, Me, Kyra and Anvi, to convince her that she doesn't need to be so formal with me, she's finally come to a stage where she's comfortable calling me Shiv. And there is nothing more I enjoy than to hear her sweet melodious calling my name.

Mariam inches closer to my table, before stopping by the chairs placed in front of me.

"Are you okay? What are you doing here so late?" Her voice is laced with clear worry. And it's no surprise. She's the kind of woman to look after everyone around her, be it someone she's known for years, or someone she met a few minutes before.

That's one thing about Mariam that makes everyone awe at her. But my reaction to it isn't one that others give typically. Calling it toxic possessiveness or even craziness, but I can't see my girl innocently help the people who secretly hope the worst for her. And this isn't something that I only think, it's something I've acted upon already.

I didn't hesitate to fire and torture the man who made her uncomfortable in the name of getting help from her. He's still rotting in the company basement. Probably will rot to death for all I care.

No motherfucker deserves less than a bullet through his head for touching something I love and obsess over.

It's crazy how one can kill someone like this. If I were to be asked a few months ago if I'd kill for someone, it'd be a straight no. Not because it's a crime, but more because I know what distress it'll bring to my sweet mother. She doesn't do good with violence, and unfortunately for her, she fell in love with a man who resorts to violence if he doesn't find any other way out of a situation.

I'd rather die for my people than kill. But when it comes to this woman. The one standing in front of me, looking like a fucking goddess, I wouldn't hesitate to pick a gun and take a few lives.

If loving her makes me a criminal, then I willfully accept my guilt and whatever consequence that follows.

A smile coats my lips as I watch her struggle to ask me any more questions about why I'm still here. She thinks she's just another employee who doesn't get to ask questions, but she's far ahead of everyone else, myself included.

"Um, shiv? Are you okay? You look tense.." Her fingers play with the end of her dupatta which she holds in her hand. Her eyes cast downwards before they return to my own, the warm lights of the office making the brown in her orbs dance in an addictive way.

"I'm fine, I was just completing some leftover work," I lie.

I wasn't here to complete any work. Well, that is until Father decided to dawn his presence upon me. He had this knack for showing up unannounced and demanding my attention at the most inconvenient times. I was here to keep an eye on her. Make sure she leaves soon and safely without getting in trouble. But that isn't something I want to concern her with.

What if she finds it creepy? how am I supposed to win her over then?

"What work? Do you need help?" Her eyes sparkle in question, staring at me.

My heart flutters at her offer. As much as I wanted to spend time with her, I couldn't keep her waiting back here just so she could finish the work given to me.

I shake my head softly and pass her a charming smile, "It's okay Ms. Khan, I wouldn't want to keep you wa-"

"I won't mind, I have nothing better to do at home so I'd rather spend my time being productive," she takes a deep breath before continuing, "Plus, I want to learn from you,"

A soft red hue coats her cheeks, out of embarrassment, probably for being so straightforward. But my stomach turns as I look at her fidgeting in her surroundings, waiting for my response.

I hum lowly before stepping away from the desk and walking towards her. Her body turns, following my movement as I step right in front of her small figure.

Even with my tall presence standing above her, she doesn't cower the slightest. Instead, she stands still, her head held high but the slight trembling of her hands gives away her nervousness.

It does something to me. The way she trembles and blushes in my close vicinity. It makes me wonder about thoughts that wouldn't cross a normal mundane mind. 

"If it's learning that you seek, ms. Khan," I glance down at her lips before looking back at her chocolate orbs, "then I'll gladly help you,"

A million thoughts cross my mind as she continues to stand in front of me, her eyes widening in surprise at my offer. I could see the excitement and curiosity dancing in her orbs, making them sparkle even more.

"A-are you sure?" She shutters before casting her eyes downward.

"I would be honoured to have you learn from me," I whisper softly.

Her head snaps up to meet my gaze, surprise written all over her features. But soon enough, it turns into gratitude and appreciation as she gives me a warm smile.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Shiv," she says softly, almost whispering. "I promise I won't let this opportunity go to waste."

My heart swells with pride hearing those words from her mouth. It was rare for someone to show such determination and eagerness towards learning.

Without realizing it, my hand reaches out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear gently. Her skin is warm against my fingertips and it takes every ounce of self-control not to pull her into my arms or lean down and capture those plump lips of hers.

"I'm sure you won't," I reply with a small smile of my own before stepping back and clearing my throat.

"Now, why don't we get started with the work?" She nods eagerly and I step back, giving her the space to get her things.

Mariam

Work has always been something that I prioritise over anything else in life. Except, of course, my family. But still, once I've dedicated myself to a certain piece of something, I don't back away until it's finished to perfection. So it's safe to say that nothing distracts me while I'm focused on the task at hand.

And yet.

This man's presence is everything but not distracting. The way he keeps chattering away about how to file a certain page or about how to layout a certain slide, it's beyond my point of focus.

My eyes only close in on how his body moves ever so gracefully, even with the smallest movement. The way his hair bounces when he laughs at something I say, or the twinkle in his eyes once we finish each slide of the presentation.

Nothing has been more mesmerising than the way Shivyansh Khurana simply exists. It's like he doesn't even put in any effort and still, he sits like a king ruling over his people. He's the most precious piece of the chess board, the most power, and yet his power doesn't reflect when he's helping others.

To an outsider, Shiv might seem like the devil. Cruel, absolutely ruthless, and scary.

But the more I get to know him the more I know he says and does everything only in favour of his people. He's not the devil, he's the secret angel in the form of a demon.

A smile curves up on my lips as he lets out a groan of frustration, the seventh one in the past two minutes.

Yes, I was counting his groans, Don't ask why. I don't know myself.

"Do you need coffee?" I speak lowly, unwilling to ruin the serene environment surrounding us.

He shakes his head turning and falling back into his chair, "I can't figure out what to do with this last slide, I don't think my mind can conger up any more content,"

"Tell me see,"

I stand up from my place of sitting before stepping closer to his chair. The masculine fragrance of his cologne hits my nose as soon as I lean closer next to him, my eyes gazing at this laptop screen. My legs tremble slightly taking note of our closers and Shiv takes a deep breath before letting out a low sigh.

"There's just something missing, I can't figure it out," he says running a hand through his hair in frustration. My eyes take in his side profile, the sharp edge of his jawline and the way his nose crafts at a perfect angle.

Focus Mari.

I shake myself out of the state of admiration and take a moment to observe the slide, trying to come up with ideas on how to improve it. Shiv looks over at me with an expectant look in his eyes, and for a moment, I can feel my heart racing at the intensity of his gaze. I can feel it burning something unrecognisable through my skin, and it makes me shudder slightly.

"I think we could add some more visuals to this slide," I finally say, pointing towards a blank space on the screen.

Shiv's eyebrows furrow as he considers my suggestion. He nods his head in agreement before turning back to his laptop and typing away, adding more images and graphics to the slide.

As he works on it, I can't help but admire how focused he is on every little detail. His fingers type as at lightning speed and the roll shelves of his shirt give an open show of the veins popping out of his strong arms.

I wonder how they'd feel around my neck...

What- WHAT THE FUCK

"Perfect," he says suddenly, breaking me out of my dirty thoughts. He leans back against his chair with a satisfied smile on his face.

I glance at him and then back at the slide, feeling proud of our teamwork. Despite our differences in personality and work styles, we make a great team. It's almost like we balance each other out.

Shiv lets out another laugh that shakes me out of my thoughts. "I'm so glad you're here today," he says turning towards me with gratefulness in his eyes.

A warm feeling spreads through my chest at his words. "Me too," I say softly, trying not to let the emotions show on my face.

"Good job today," Shiv says with a smile as we gather our things to leave for the day.

"Thanks, you too," I reply with a smile of my own. We walk out of the office together and head towards the parking lot.

As we reach his car, Shiv turns towards me with a serious expression on his face.

"How are you going to go home?"

I tilt my head and raise an eyebrow at him, trying to read the expression on his face. My watch reads 10 pm, and I know I'll have to take a taxi to get home at this hour.

As if anticipating my thoughts, he moves closer and opens the passenger door for me. His kind gesture catches me off guard.

"Let me drop you home," he says, as I open my mouth to politely decline. But before I can speak, he interrupts with his own words, "It's already 10 pm, Mariam. I can't let you go home in a taxi, especially alone. Not to mention our houses are conveniently close by. It's no trouble at all." His voice is gentle yet firm, showing genuine concern for my safety.

As he assures me with a gentle smile, my heart flutters with warmth and reassurance. I pass him my best smile, grateful for his kindness as I step into the sleek interior of his car.

We turn onto a winding driveway lined with tall, elegant trees as we approach my house. He parks the car directly in front of the gates and turns to me with a gentle smile. As I prepare to thank him for the ride and get out, his hand suddenly wraps around mine, holding it tightly and causing me to catch my breath.

"Mari, can I talk to you about something?"

My heart thumps wildly against my chest, sending a rush of adrenaline through my veins as he poses his question. My mind instantly begins to race with endless possibilities and scenarios, but I fight to keep a cool exterior.

After a moment of gathering my thoughts, I respond with a slow nod and a calm voice, "Absolutely."

The air around us seems to buzz with anticipation as if it can sense the significance of this simple exchange between us.

He takes a deep breath before continuing, "I've been struggling with some personal issues lately and it's been affecting my work. Today was one of those days where everything just clicked into place because you were here."

My chest tightens at his honesty and vulnerability. It takes courage to open up about personal issues, especially in a professional setting. "I'm sorry that you're going through that," I say sincerely.

The corners of Shiv's lips lift into a small, hesitant smile as he nervously runs his hand through his tousled hair. His eyes flicker with uncertainty before he continues, "I enjoy your company... would you perhaps care to join me for a nice dinner?"

The soft glow of the street lights casts a warm light over him, highlighting the blush on Shiv's cheeks and adding a touch of magic to the moment. My heart flutters at his words, and I can feel my face mirroring his smile as I eagerly accept his invitation.

"Of course, Mr Khurana"