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✧ Raj Malhotra's POV ✧

Today, I turn 26, and yet I'm still searching for my soulmate. Every year that passes deepens the emptiness inside me, and my inner wolf's cries echo through the silence of the night.

Finding a soulmate is one of the most sacred and profound experiences for a wolf; it's a bond chosen by the moon goddesses themselves. Our souls are meant to intertwine, forming an unbreakable connection. The mere thought of rejection sends a shiver down my spine-an excruciatingly painful experience no wolf should endure.

"When I finally find her, I will cherish her with every fiber of my being," I mutter, almost as if trying to convince myself.

"Right, Raj?"

"Yes, partner," my wolf, Rudra, replies through our mind link. He is an intrinsic part of me, as essential as my heartbeat or breath.

The yearning for my Luna, my queen, consumes me. I can almost envision her in my life-her soft laughter filling the halls of our home, her gentle touch calming my soul. I see her cradling our pups, sharing our joys and sorrows, and being the first person I see every morning and the last at night.

"We will find her one day, Raj. And when we do, we'll love her unconditionally," Rudra assures me with a confidence I wish I shared. I nod, hoping that day comes soon because the longing is beginning to wear on me.

✧ Author's POV ✧

Lavanya carefully blows on her spoon, tasting the spicy masala of the biryani she's spent the last twenty minutes preparing. The rich, complex flavors burst on her tongue, eliciting a satisfied moan. Just as she's about to take another bite, the sharp sound of breaking glass interrupts her thoughts.

Startled, she turns around to see her roommate, Tanu, standing amidst a mess, her face frozen in a guilty expression.

"C'mon, Tanu, that was the last piece of the set," Lavanya sighs, her voice a mix of frustration and amusement. Tanu, always clumsy, has managed to break yet another glass from the set they'd recently bought together.

"I'm really sorry, Lavanya," Tanu murmurs, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she bends down to pick up the shards.

"It's alright, just be more careful next time," Lavanya says, though she can't help the small smile tugging at her lips. Tanu's clumsiness has become a running joke between them.

Tanu, who is half-Indian and half-British, is reserved and tends to avoid physical contact, a stark contrast to Lavanya's vibrant and talkative personality.

Despite their differences, the two women have shared an apartment for two months now. They aren't incredibly close, but living together has been convenient.

As Lavanya finishes her meal, she notices the extra food she's cooked. "Hey, Tanu, I made some extra biryani. You should eat before it gets cold," she offers.

Tanu nods gratefully, her shy smile warming Lavanya's heart. "Thanks, Lavanya. I'll have some after I clean this up. And good luck with your first day at work."

"Thanks! I'm going to need it," Lavanya responds with a playful wink, gathering her things before heading out the door.

Lavanya arrives at Malhotra Industries, nerves bubbling in her stomach. She takes a deep breath to steady herself before confidently approaching the reception desk.

"Excuse me," she begins, her voice tinged with the slightest hint of nervousness. The receptionist, who had been focused intently on her computer, finally looks up with a warm, welcoming smile.

"Good morning! How can I help you today?" the receptionist asks, her tone gentle and reassuring.

"I'm Lavanya Mithal, here to start my internship," Lavanya replies, her nerves beginning to ease under the receptionist's kind gaze.

The woman types something into her computer before looking back up with a smile.

"Welcome, Lavanya. You're assigned to the 17th floor. Miss Sharma will show you to your desk."

"Thank you so much," Lavanya responds, flashing her a bright smile. "Have a wonderful day."

"You too, Miss Mithal," the receptionist responds.

"Please, just Lavanya," she adds with a playful pout.

The receptionist laughs softly, nodding. "Alright then, just Lavanya. I'm Seema, by the way."

Lavanya winks and gives her a quick thumbs-up before heading to the elevator.

On the 17th floor, Lavanya steps out and immediately spots Miss Sharma, who gives her a once-over with a barely concealed sneer.

"Cheap," she mutters, just loud enough for Lavanya to hear.

Lavanya feels a flash of irritation but quickly suppresses it. This is her first day; she can't afford to start on the wrong foot. Instead, she throws herself into her work, determined to prove her worth.

During lunch, Lavanya joins her new colleagues in the cafeteria. As they gather around a table, Chetra, one of the more outspoken interns, groans loudly.

"Ugh, Miss Sharma is driving me insane. She dumped a mountain of work on me and expects it done by the end of the day!"

Manav, another colleague, pats her shoulder sympathetically. "She's the worst. And the reason she's so hostile to us? It's because we actually have to work to earn our positions here."

Lavanya shakes her head in disbelief. "What's her problem, anyway?"

"She's from a wealthy family," Manav explains with a shrug. "She's here to cozy up to Mr. Malhotra and the other high-ups. But ever since you arrived, she's been seething with jealousy."

Lavanya snorts, trying to stifle her laughter. "What a weirdo."

"That's one way to put it," Manav replies, chuckling along with her.

The day wears on, with Lavanya immersing herself in her work. By the time she gets home, she's exhausted. She takes a long, relaxing shower and waits for the pizza delivery she'd treated herself to.

After devouring her meal, she sprawls out on her bed, knowing that Tanu will likely come home late or not at all. As she drifts off to sleep, her thoughts unexpectedly wander to the tall, handsome CEO she'd glimpsed from afar earlier that day.

***

Raj Malhotra is currently in Canada for a business trip that will last two months. Despite the city's bustling energy, he feels a persistent unease gnawing at him. Something is missing from his life, something important that he can't quite put his finger on.

"Rudra, what is this strange feeling?" Raj asks his wolf, a frown creasing his forehead.

"I sense that something significant is about to happen," Rudra replies, his voice carrying a weight that only deepens Raj's concern.

"Like what?" Raj presses, but Rudra can only offer a vague response.

"I'm not sure yet, but it feels like we're missing out on something important by being here."

Raj sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. He grabs a glass of whiskey from the minibar and takes a long sip, though he knows it won't ease the discomfort gnawing at him.

His thoughts are interrupted by the creak of the door as Varun, his best friend and second-in-command, enters, phone pressed to his ear.

"I miss you too, Riya."

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

"Okay, love you. Goodnight, Riya."

Raj feels a pang of sadness as he listens to Varun's soft, affectionate tone. He longs for someone to call him "baby," to whisper "I love you" and "goodnight" at the end of a long day. The ache in his chest deepens.

Varun, aware of his friend's distress, finishes his call and sits down across from Raj, his expression a mix of longing and frustration. He knows his friend is struggling, and he reaches out to squeeze Raj's hand gently.

But the touch only intensifies Raj's heartache. Overwhelmed, he pulls his hand away and strides out of the room, leaving Varun behind with a heavy sigh.

"He needs to find his mate soon, or he'll lose himself,"Varun murmurs, his own wolf, Ronnie, echoing the sentiment in agreement.

Varun glances at his phone, the wallpaper a smiling picture of Riya, and a tender smile tugs at his lips. But the ache of separation lingers as he heads to bed, hoping that Raj finds his Luna before it's too late.

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I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Do comment to motivate me. I swear You guys aren't gonna regret!!

Ruhi ❤