✧ Lavanya's POV ✧

After two grueling months, I feel like my soul has been drained. Every day at work feels like a battle, and Miss Sharma has been a constant thorn in my side.

I shudder to think of the trouble she’ll make once she finds out that Dhruv and I hang out together. Thankfully, Dhruv told her we’re more like siblings, which seemed to placate her for now, but her rudeness remains a persistent annoyance.

“If she weren’t my mentor, I’d show her who’s boss,”

I mutter under my breath, grumbling as I prepare for lunch. The final month of my internship is fast approaching, and I’m desperately hoping for a chance to transfer to another department.

Please, let it come soon.

As I make my way to the cafeteria, I notice that Manav and Chetra have already started eating. I’m waiting for Dhruv, who’s late as usual. Where is he now? I sigh, hearing footsteps approaching and look up with relief as Dhruv finally arrives.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m late,” Dhruv says, holding his ear with one hand and a plate of food with the other, looking adorably flustered.

“Come on, sit. I’m starving,” I say, pouting at him. He chuckles in response, his usual carefree grin making me feel better instantly.

“Aww, my bestie was waiting for me. But you know,  Mr.Malhotra is coming today, and I have a ton of work,” he says, sighing heavily.

Manav and Chetra stop eating, their curiosity piqued. “Really?” they ask in unison, leaning forward with interest.

“Yeah,” Dhruv replies, setting his plate down with a slight thud. “There’s a big presentation today, and boss wants everything to be perfect.”

Manav leans in conspiratorially. “I heard a rumor about Boss,” he says, his voice dropping to a whisper as if sharing a state secret. Chetra nods in agreement, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“What rumor?” I ask, puzzled, leaning in closer to catch every word.

Manav smirks and whispers, “That Raj sir is gay. Many employees say he interacts more with men than women.”

Chetra nods eagerly, adding, “I’ve heard that too. But I think he keeps his personal life private. I don’t think he’s actually gay. Maybe he’s just shy or something.”

Manav and Chetra exchange knowing looks, as if they’ve cracked some secret code. “Believe it or not, but he’s definitely gay,” Chetra insists, as if she’s certain of it.

I sigh, rolling my eyes. “Alright, let’s finish our food. We have a lot of work ahead,” I say, trying to redirect the conversation to something more productive. This office gossip is getting ridiculous.

Manav and Chetra fake-cry in exaggerated despair, and I can’t help but chuckle. “You guys are too cute,” I say, shaking my head in amusement. They’re impossible, but I love them.

We finish our meals, sip on coffee, and chat for a bit, the tension from the day slowly melting away. Just as I’m about to get up, Dhruv stops me, grabbing my wrist with a playful grin.

“Surprise!” he announces, revealing VIP passes to a club with a flourish, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I squeal with delight, unable to contain my excitement, and throw my arms around him, hugging him tightly.

“Thank you, thank you so much!” I exclaim, rubbing my nose against his shoulder in a moment of sheer happiness. This is going to be amazing!

“Ew, what are you doing?” Dhruv exclaims, pulling away with a look of mock disgust, but I can see the laughter in his eyes.

I laugh, pouting playfully, and he ruffles my hair, making it a mess.

“Hey! Now I have to fix this!” I glare at him, but he just smirks, clearly enjoying my frustration.

“Okay, babe, be ready by 7,” he says, his voice softening slightly. I love it when he calls me that.

I bounce with excitement and hurry to finish my pending work, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.

---

✧ Raj Malhotra’s POV ✧

After two exhausting months, I finally return to Delhi. Despite the change of location, the unease still lingers, like a shadow I can’t quite shake off. I head straight to the mansion with my so-called secretary, Varun, trailing behind me.

Varun’s incessant lovey-dovey behavior with Riya during the flight was grating on my nerves. Do they ever stop? When we arrive, Naman, my best buddy, greets me warmly at the entrance.

“Welcome home, Raj,”

Naman says, pulling me into a hug. I nod and smile, patting his back. It’s good to be back, but there’s so much work to do.

After we break apart, Naman gives me a concerned look. “C’mon, Raj, freshen up, eat something, and take a nap. You’ve got to head to the office later, and I’m going with Riya; she’s waiting for me.”

Naman leaves, and Varun, who looks disappointed, pouts at me. I know he wants to meet Riya, but we have work to do.

“Later, Varun,” I say firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument. Work comes first.

He makes a sad face and heads off, while I take a much-needed shower and nap. Finally, some peace and quiet.

---

After my nap, I get ready for the office, feeling a little more human. We’re working on a new product launch, and I need to be on top of things. When I reach the office, everyone greets me, but I ignore them, focusing on my tasks. No time for pleasantries.

Varun joins me shortly, and we take the elevator to the 25th floor. The air is tense with anticipation as we step out. Let’s get this over with.

Entering my office, Varun informs me, “Sir, the conference room will be ready in 15 minutes. Please review these files in the meantime.” He hands me a stack of documents, his expression serious.

I nod, taking the files, and start going through them, my mind already running through possible issues and solutions. There’s no room for error.

After 15 minutes, Varun calls me to join the meeting. As I enter, everyone stands and greets me, and I acknowledge them with a nod, my expression unreadable.

“Sir, Mr. Mahajan will be giving the presentation,” Naman announces, and I take my seat, settling in for what I hope will be an efficient meeting.

Mr. Mahajan’s presentation is impressive, and I find myself genuinely impressed despite my initial reservations.

During the meeting, I notice Varun and Riya exchanging glances—Varun winks, and Riya blushes. Unbelievable. It’s so unprofessional, but I try to focus on the presentation.

After Mr. Mahajan finishes and leaves, I notice a faint, sweet scent lingering in the room. It’s reminiscent of my mate. Could it be?

My senses are on high alert, and I can feel Rudra, my wolf, practically jumping with excitement.

“He smells like our mate! He must have met her!” Rudra’s voice echoes in my mind, full of urgency.

Later...

I was curious all day and I decided to follow Mr. Mahajan as he leaves the building, trying to catch that scent again.

I approached Mr. Mahajan, trailing behind him as he waited in the entrance. The faint scent of my mate still clung to him, making me pause for a moment as I inhaled deeply, the familiar aroma stirring something possessive within me.

His back was to me, and I noticed the slight tension in his shoulders, perhaps sensing my presence.

When he finally turned around, our eyes met briefly before he quickly bowed, his expression a mix of respect and confusion.

"Hm, Mr. Mahajan, I must say, I was impressed with your presentation today. Keep up the good work," I said, my voice steady but laced with a hint of something deeper.

His face brightened with a smile as he bowed again. "Thank you so much, sir. It means a lot."

Just as I was about to continue, perhaps to probe further into that lingering scent.

What’s going on? But before I can say anything, an urgent message comes through about an Alpha rogue attack on a small pack. Not now!

I excused myself and leave immediately, my mind torn between duty and the strange pull I’m feeling. This isn’t over.

✧ Author's POV ✧

Lavanya watches the entire encounter unfold from a distance, her curiosity piqued. She sees the handsome man sniffing around her best friend’s back, his actions strange and confusing to her. The man, who is clearly someone of importance, leaves abruptly, and Lavanya jogged to Dhruv.

“Who was that?” she asks, her brows furrowed in confusion.

Dhruv looks at her with a hint of amusement. “Oh, that’s Raj Malhotra, the CEO. Let’s go,” he says, grabbing her arm to pull her along.

Lavanya’s eyes widen in realization. Wait, he’s Raj Malhotra? She recalls the strange behavior and the rumors. He’s definitely gay. How dare he be so shamelessly forward with my best friend in front of everyone!

“Pervert boss,” Lavanya mutters under her breath, still processing the bizarre encounter as she and Dhruv head back to their department. This place just gets weirder by the day.

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