Rehan’s POV
Abhi is totally and completely obsessed—like, “teenager with his first crush” obsessed. Ever since he discovered that Sunshine works in my office, he’s been hovering around me like a lovesick satellite waiting for gravitational permission.
The tantrums he’s throwing? God help me.
Every hour he comes with a new demand, a new drama. If irritating-me-to-my-last-breath was a sport, he’d win gold for India.
This morning, he shamelessly asked if he could come with me when I speak to Ankita about the transport arrangement. I said a strict No.
Not because I don’t trust him… but because Mr. Aggarwal already warned me, and knowing Abhi’s “intense-eyes-which-scare-people” look, I didn't want any more trouble.
But honestly? My mind wasn’t even on that.
Mia had her college competition today. Aggarwal uncle was out of Jaipur and had asked me to drop her home since she’d get late. For that, I desperately wanted Abhi’s new car.
And since annoying Abhi is one of my natural gifts, I placed a condition:
“If you let me drive your new car for a week, then I’ll help you convince Ankita to travel with you.”
He glared at me like I’d asked for his kidneys, but he agreed.
The keys were in my hand.
Victory tasted sweet.
In the office, I had to switch off my phone. The man had called me ten times and sent fifteen messages—in one hour. For a moment, I felt like I was married to him.
Ten minutes later, my landline rang.
“Hello?” I answered.
“What did you think? If you switch off your mobile, I can’t reach you?” Abhi hissed.
I swear on my sanity.
“I’m telling you, Abhi, if you irritate me like this, I’m done helping you.”
He went silent. I thought I won the round.
Then he said, “Better switch it on, or I’ll go to Mia’s college and pick her up myself. She knows me… she won’t mind.”
My soul left my body.
He would absolutely do that.
I slammed the receiver down before I could curse him.
I switched my phone back on. Within seconds—seconds—a message popped up:
“Checking if your phone is on.”
I facepalmed so hard my forehead stung.
Later, I informed Ankita about the transport options. Thankfully, she chose to go with Abhi in his car.
I messaged him.
Rehan: Done. She agreed. Happy?
His reply came immediately.
Abhi: OK.
Now come pick her up from college, I’m leaving from here.
And one more thing… she is looking amazing.
My heart stopped.
I knew exactly what he was doing.
Next time, I’m not telling him anything.
Abhi’s POV
I was still at Mia’s college when Rehan messaged me that Ankita agreed to travel with me. My happiness hit the roof. I wanted to hug Rehan, but irritating him is a joy I don’t often resist.
So I texted: OK.
And added that Mia looked amazing.
Rehan must have evaporated from stress.
Thinking of my Sunshine, I felt a wave of contentment. Another step closer. Another day won.
But time was my enemy.
I had only 30 days—30 days to make her fall for me. She was reserved, quiet, always kept to herself, never seen at cafés or outings. I didn’t know how I’d do it… but I would.
These two days felt like hell. Every hour dragged.
Rehan kept teasing me, but honestly, my brain had abandoned me. My heart was driving this car now.
On Sunday evening, I finally messaged her.
Me: Hi.
After half an hour—
Ankita: Hi
Just that one word made me grin like an idiot.
I waited twenty minutes (pure torture) so I didn’t look desperate.
Me: Warehouse opens around 9.30.
It takes one hour to reach.
I’ll pick you at 8.30.
Is it ok?
Ankita: Yes Mr. Abhinav.
Me: Thank you, Best of luck for your project.
Goodnight.
Ankita: Goodnight.
Rehan saw me smiling and looked like he wanted to throw a shoe at my face.
That night, sleep betrayed me.
I woke up at 5 a.m. and found Rehan getting ready for jogging. He smirked at my early appearance.
“So the great Mr. Abhi is awake early. Come jog. It will reduce your anxiety.”
Maybe it would.
We went.
He finally asked, “What’s bothering you?”
“Her smile never reaches her eyes. Her silence… there’s too much pain there. Uncle said she has a bad past. I don’t know what it is, but I want to fix it.”
Rehan squeezed my shoulder.
“You’ll kiss away all her insecurities. Just be patient.”
Kiss away?
I swear this man has more romance in his little finger than I have in my whole body.
Back at home, I turned my room upside down.
Nothing… NOTHING seemed good enough to wear.
Rehan entered and saw the chaos.
“What cyclone passed through here?”
“I don’t have anything good to wear! Why didn’t I go shopping!?” I panicked.
He picked up a blue shirt from the mess.
“Wear this. The shirt you were looking for.”
“How do you always know?”
“Because I’m your brain half the time,” he muttered.
After breakfast, I left and reached Ankita’s place at 8:05 a.m.—a full 25 minutes early.
Waiting was better than counting the cracks on my ceiling at home.
At 8:30, she stepped out.
Simple salwar, kohl-lined eyes, nervous smile.
And just like that, my heartbeat remembered its responsibilities and forgot them again.
She greeted me.
“Good morning. How long have you been waiting?”
“Just now came,” I lied smoothly.
Shamelessly.
Five minutes into the drive, she kept twisting her ring.
She wanted to say something.
Finally she whispered, “Thank you for getting my Scooty repaired… it’s running smoothly.”
“Oh yes, good. I’ll tell the mechanic.”
“But you didn’t tell me the cost.”
“I will once he tells me. Invoice etc.”
She nodded, then hesitated.
“And… about the coffee… I didn’t reply. I hope you didn’t get offended.”
“Do I even have the right to get offended, Ankita?”
Her eyes widened slightly.
“It’s okay. You didn’t reply. That’s your choice.”
I added softly, “I would’ve loved it if you replied… even if it was a no. But again—it’s your comfort. I respect that.”
Her eyes glistened for a moment.
Did I say something wrong?
To ease the tension, I switched on light music. She relaxed a bit.
I asked about her family; she told me she lived with her mother and didn’t finish college. She hesitated when I asked about childhood, so I dropped it.
Instead, I told her stories about me and Rehan—especially the ones where I embarrassed myself.
She smiled.
Maybe even laughed once.
At the warehouse gate, I paused.
“Ankita… if you ever feel uncomfortable here, about anything, come straight to me. I promised uncle. And I don’t break promises.”
She gave me a soft smile—one that tugged straight at my heart.
We walked inside together.
And just like that…
Day 1 of my countdown had officially begun.
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