The polished glass doors of Aurevia Innovations, etched with the company's sleek logo, closed behind Shaurya with a quiet hiss. The building stood as a beacon of innovation and luxury, with its shimmering facade reflecting the morning sun. Inside, the environment was a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and opulent design—automated lighting, art installations that shifted subtly with the time of day, and glass walls offering a panoramic view of the bustling city. Employees moved with purpose, their crisp suits and focused expressions embodying the high standards of the company. The air buzzed with the energy of innovation and ambition, the very ethos Shaurya had cultivated.

As he strode through the corridor, a few employees greeted him respectfully, and he acknowledged their presence with a nod, his steps confident and purposeful. Shaurya's office was situated on the top floor, its location a metaphor for his towering success.

Upon entering his office, he tossed his blazer over the back of his chair and sat down, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. The space exuded understated elegance—dark walnut floors, a minimalist desk made of glass and steel, and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed a breathtaking cityscape. A plush leather couch occupied one corner, while a sleek bar cart stood in another. The walls were adorned with abstract artwork, each piece handpicked by Shaurya himself. A large interactive screen dominated one side, displaying live analytics of the company's projects.

The clock on the wall read 9:15 AM. The day was already underway, and so was his agenda.

"Morning, Shaurya," Dhruv Rana called out as he entered the office without knocking, the rhythm of his steps more casual than the environment suggested. Dhruv was the one person who could walk into Shaurya's space without hesitation, a privilege only a handful of people had.

Shaurya looked up from his desk, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he saw his childhood friend and trusted COO. "You're late," Shaurya teased, raising an eyebrow as he gestured to the clock. "I thought you'd be here at the crack of dawn."

Dhruv grinned, his laid-back demeanor a sharp contrast to the high-strung office. "Well, unlike you, I don't thrive on caffeine and spreadsheets first thing. I need my beauty sleep."

Shaurya chuckled, the sound a rare but genuine display of warmth. "We both know that's not true." He leaned back in his chair. "Have you finished reviewing the investor presentation?"

Dhruv leaned against the desk, casually flicking through a few papers. "It's all set, don't worry. The slides are polished."

Shaurya nodded, "Good. Updates on Malhotra's?"

"Yeah. We have a meeting fixed next week to discuss the deal closing. Other than that everything is seamless." Dhruv informed with professionalism.

Shaurya gave him a nod of approval, straightening his posture as he got back to the agenda.

"So, the investors—what's the final count? You think they'll bite?" Shaurya asked, his voice shifting to the more serious tone his business persona carried.

"They're interested. It's a solid group—some big players who've been watching us for a while now. We're the ones in control here."

Shaurya's eyes narrowed slightly. "Good. I want to make sure they walk out of here convinced. No half-measures. This is our moment."

Dhruv nodded in agreement. "No doubt about that. Let's make sure they don't leave the table without signing."

As Dhruv moved to exit, Shaurya stood up and walked over to the glass window overlooking the city, his mind already working on the next steps. "Alright, let's make this happen. I'll meet you in the demo room in 15 minutes."

With a final nod, Dhruv left the office, leaving Shaurya to prepare for the meeting ahead. The day was shaping up to be another major milestone, but for now, it was just one more challenge he would rise to meet.

｡･:*˚:✧｡The Evening After｡･:*˚:✧｡

The dimly lit atmosphere of Dahlia, a high-end bar frequented by the city's elite, was a stark contrast to the sharp, serious ambiance of the office. The space was sophisticated yet inviting—velvet-lined booths, warm ambient lighting, and a bar counter gleaming with top-shelf liquors from around the globe. The air was filled with the soft hum of low conversation and the occasional clinking of glasses.

Shaurya and Dhruv entered through the velvet-lined doors, immediately drawing a few glances. They settled into a corner booth, the dark leather seats warm under them, and the polished wood table reflecting the amber glow of the overhead lighting. A quiet waitress appeared, offering them a selection of top-tier drinks. Shaurya ordered his usual—a neat whiskey. Dhruv, ever the experimental one, went for a cocktail he couldn't even pronounce.

As they sipped their drinks, the conversation turned light. Dhruv's quick wit brought a rare smile to Shaurya's face. After a while, they moved to the bar counter, their conversation flowing as easily as the drinks.

Dhruv spotted a striking woman seated at the bar and couldn't resist leaning in. "Wish me luck," he murmured to Shaurya before striding over with his trademark charm. Within moments, he had her laughing at his exaggerated tales of corporate mishaps.

Shaurya, meanwhile, sipped his drink quietly, observing the scene with amused detachment. Dhruv returned after a few minutes, grinning. "See, Shaurya, this is what you're missing. You need to loosen up, step out of your business shell, and just... live a little. How about trying to talk to someone tonight?"

Shaurya raised an eyebrow, his expression unbothered. "I'm perfectly fine where I am. Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on you."

"Yeah, yeah," Dhruv replied, shaking his head. "You crushed it today, man. Investors practically begging to join the party, and here you are, nursing a whiskey like a brooding hero in a romance novel," Dhruv teased, leaning casually on the bar. "All you're missing is a tragic backstory and a mysterious woman who walks in to 'fix' you."

Shaurya smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink. "And here I thought you had a whole library of cheesy lines reserved for your bar conversations."

"Oh, I do," Dhruv shot back, grinning. "But seriously, you need to stop scaring off everyone with that 'too good for this world' aura. Lighten up, smile a little more. You'll have people swooning in no time."

"I think I'll leave the swooning department to you," Shaurya replied dryly, his lips twitching as if holding back a laugh.

Dhruv wasn't done. "Honestly, Shaurya, I'm starting to worry. At this rate, your company will hit the trillion-dollar mark before you hit your first date this decade."

Shaurya gave him a pointed look, though the amusement in his eyes betrayed his attempt at seriousness. "Are you finished?"

"Not even close," Dhruv said, laughing. "You're like one of those billionaire romance heroes, you know? Broody, brilliant, enigmatic... but completely useless when it comes to having a good time."

Shaurya chuckled and shook his head, muttering, "I don't pay you to roast me."

"No, you pay me to keep you sane," Dhruv shot back, still grinning. Then his tone shifted slightly, a glimmer of thoughtfulness softening his expression. "Speaking of keeping sane... my parents set up a meeting for me next week."

Shaurya raised an eyebrow. "A meeting? What, like a board meeting?"

Dhruv groaned, rubbing his temples. "No, man. A meeting. With a girl. Apparently, she's the daughter of some family friend, and they're all giddy about setting me up."

Shaurya leaned back, clearly enjoying the moment. "Wait—Dhruv Rana, the master flirt, the charming Casanova of the century, is actually considering an arranged marriage?"

Dhruv burst out laughing, shaking his head. "I knew you'd say that! Look, it's not like I'm running to the altar. I'm just... meeting her. Entertaining the idea, you know? For my parents' sake."

Shaurya smirked, raising his glass. "So, let me get this straight. You, who spend half your life charming strangers at bars, are now going to sit across from a girl handpicked by your parents, and what—try to impress her  with your real personality?"

Dhruv laughed louder, pointing a finger at him. "Oh, you're loving this way too much. I knew I shouldn't have told you."

" I'm just saying," Shaurya teased, "maybe you should open with one of your legendary pick-up lines. You know, make a real impression."

"Don't tempt me," Dhruv replied, shaking his head. Then, sobering slightly, he added, "But honestly, I might give it a try. Who knows? Maybe they're onto something."

Shaurya's smirk faded into something softer. He raised his glass in a quiet toast. "Good for you. You deserve something real. Just... don't forget to charm her parents, too. I hear that's part of the deal."

Dhruv smiled, clinking his glass with Shaurya's. "Thanks, man. I'll try not to embarrass myself too much."

Shaurya's voice was genuine as he replied, "You'll be fine. Just be yourself—for once."

The two laughed, the weight of the conversation giving way to the familiar ease of their camaraderie, the night stretching on in a blend of teasing and unspoken support.

As Dhruv was still chuckling over their banter, a woman, striking and poised, walked up to Shaurya. She carried herself with confidence, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as they landed on him.

"Excuse me," she said, her voice warm and inviting. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. You look like someone with fascinating stories to tell."

Dhruv's eyebrows shot up, his grin widening as he nudged Shaurya under the table. "Well, well, look who's attracting the attention of the room now. Told you the brooding-hero look works."

Shaurya shot Dhruv a warning glance but turned to the woman with polite interest. "That's flattering, thank you. I'm afraid my friend here might have oversold me."

"Hardly," Dhruv interjected, clearly relishing the situation. "He's just being modest. Shaurya here is practically the real-life definition of a mystery wrapped in luxury. I'm Druv, by the way, the much less fascinating but very supportive friend."

The woman laughed softly, her attention fixed on Shaurya. "Mystery, huh? I wouldn't mind unravelling a bit of it."

Shaurya chuckled lightly, but before he could respond, Dhruv jumped in, his voice full of mock seriousness. "Oh, don't let his quiet demeanor fool you. He's secretly brilliant, a visionary, and don't even get me started on his dance moves."

Shaurya groaned. "Dhruv..."

"What?" Dhruv said, feigning innocence. "I'm just setting the stage. You're welcome."

The woman smiled, clearly intrigued. "Well, now I'm definitely curious. How does someone like you unwind after conquering the world?"

Shaurya met her gaze, his tone steady but kind. "Usually in quieter ways than this, honestly. I appreciate the compliment, but I'm afraid I'm not the best company tonight."

Dhruv leaned in, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Translation: He's tragically single and hopelessly awkward about accepting attention."

Shaurya gave Dhruv a look that promised retribution before turning back to the woman. "What he means is, I'm not exactly in the mindset for mingling right now. But I hope you enjoy your evening." His tone was gentle, his words delivered with the kind of sincerity that made it hard to be offended.

The woman nodded, offering a gracious smile. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Shaurya. Maybe next time."

"Likewise," he replied, his charming smile disarming as ever.

As she walked away, Dhruv erupted into laughter. "Man, you're a pro at rejecting people. That was so smooth, even I felt flattered."

Shaurya smirked, shaking his head. "I'm glad you're entertained."

"Entertained? That was the highlight of my night!" Dhruv said, still grinning. "You're like this untouchable, enigmatic guy women can't resist, but you're too busy being... I don't know, you."

Shaurya leaned back in his chair, finally smiling fully. "And you're too busy trying to turn my life into a rom-com."

"Someone's got to do it," Dhruv quipped, raising his glass. "Here's to another missed opportunity."

Shaurya clinked his glass with Dhruv's, shaking his head but letting out a small laugh.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

𓍯Author Ash𓍯

Well I love Dhruv and Shaurya's dynamic!

I know the first few chapters might feel a little slow, but trust me, they're building up to something really special. Stay with me through the setup, because things are about to get way more exciting—and you're going to fall for Shaurya and Dhriti just like I have. 💖

Thanks for sticking with me, and I hope you're enjoying the journey so far!

Happy Reading <3

Published on : 04/03/2025