The Art of Control and Manipulation

The gentle hum of water echoed through the guest room's attached bathroom as Zara let the warm shower cascade over her body. Droplets traced delicate paths along her skin, washing away not only the remnants of the night but also the lingering tension from the morning's unexpected interaction. She let out a soft sigh, tilting her head back, eyes fluttering shut as the heat soothed her senses. Whatever had transpired between her and Meera was now left behind—at least for the moment.

Meanwhile, Meera, on her way to the dining area, smirked to herself, her mind replaying the subtle tension from earlier. There was something undeniably satisfying about the unspoken reactions she had drawn out of Zara. With a final glance toward the guest room's door, she continued down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the vast estate.

While at Ethereon Pharmaceuticals

Veer stepped into the grand reception area of Ethereon Pharmaceuticals, his eyes immediately catching sight of Elara, who stood waiting for him near the entrance. She was effortlessly elegant, dressed in a fitted white blouse and a navy pencil skirt that accentuated her sharp, professional aura. The moment she noticed Veer approaching, a playful smile curved her lips, and she took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

"Good morning, Sir." Her voice carried a flirtatious lilt. "So, how was your night? Or should I say—how did you sleep after that intense stare last night?"

Veer chuckled, his gaze dropping momentarily to take in her figure before meeting her eyes again. "Morning, Dear. My night was… quite entertaining, actually. And if you're asking whether I dreamt about something—or someone—well, I'll leave that to your imagination."

Elara arched a delicate brow, amused. "Is that so? You're quite the tease, Sir."

Veer smirked, stepping closer. "Only when the company is worth it."

Their exchange carried on in a lighthearted manner until the moment turned professional. With a playful sigh, Elara gestured toward the hallway leading to the conference hall.

"Shall we?" she asked.

Veer nodded. "Ya sure, Let's get back to work."

And with that, they walked towards the lift pressing the twelfth floor's button. After reaching at there destination, they walked towards the grand doors of conference room, stepping inside where the board members were already seated, waiting for their arrival.

While at Khanna Estate.

Fresh from her bath, Zara descended the grand staircase of the Khanna Estate, her footsteps light yet composed. As she entered the dining area, her gaze fell upon Veer's parents and younger sister, Mahi, who were preparing to begin breakfast.

Mahi was the first to notice her and greeted her with a bright smile. "Good morning, Zara Di!"

Zara returned the smile, nodding. "Good morning, Mahi." She then turned to Veer's parents, lowering her head slightly in respect. "Good morning, Sir, Good morning Ma'am. I apologize for coming late."

Veer's mother, Anaaya Khanna, simply smiled, gesturing for her to sit. "No need to apologize, dear. Come Join us."

As the meal commenced, Zara gracefully took her seat. The table was adorned with an array of dishes, from fresh fruit to warm parathas and aromatic chai. Just as she was about to take a sip of her tea, she casually inquired, "Ma'am, Veer Sir isn't joining us?"

Veer's mother shook her head. "He left early this morning. He had some important matters at the office."

Zara nodded in understanding and resumed her meal. But before she could take another bite, Veer's father, Abhijeet Khanna, cleared his throat, his sharp gaze settling on her.

"Zara, where were you headed last night when your car overheated?"

A calm expression remained on Zara's face as she set her cup down. "Sir, I was going toward the city for a night stay as today is my interview for the position of a personal manager at a Pharmaceutical company. And company was quite far from where I live, so I had to leave early."

The moment those words left her lips, a distinct shift occurred. Veer's parents exchanged glances. Confusion flickered across their expressions, and it was Abhijeet who finally asked, "Which company it is?"

Zara smiled slightly. "Ethereon Pharmaceuticals, sir. It's one of the most reputed companies in India."

A stunned silence filled the room.

Abhijeet, mid-sip of his water, choked slightly, coughing as he struggled to regain composure. He somehow managed not to spit it out, but the impact was evident. He first looked at his wife, who seemed equally startled, then turned his gaze back to Zara, absorbing the moment.

Finally, he managed a single response, his voice oddly neutral. "I see… well, all the best for your interview."

With that, he rose from his seat and left the dining room, his mind racing with the realization that why Veer—his lazy son—now, had suddenly started to take an interest in official works.

Veer's mother, however, sat still, deep in thought. Slowly, a knowing smile played on her lips. She fed a bite of breakfast to Mahi, but her mind was elsewhere, slowly piecing together the reason behind Veer's unusual behavior.

A moment later, she turned to Zara again. "Does Veer know you're going to Ethereon Pharmaceuticals?"

Zara tilted her head slightly. "He knows I have an interview at a pharmaceutical company, but he doesn't know the exact name."

Anaaya hummed in acknowledgment, masking her amusement. "I was just curious." She didn't reveal that the company was owned by them—not yet.

As breakfast continued, Anaaya's curiosity led her to probe deeper into Zara's life. She asked casual yet pointed questions about her background, her family, and her journey. Zara, unaware of the deeper implications, answered everything truthfully—starting from her childhood, her struggles, and the painful reasons that led her to leave her family behind.

By the time she finished recounting everything—including the moments she had shared with Veer—Anaaya was silent. The warmth in her expression remained, but something had shifted within her. She had expected an interesting story, but what she had received was far more than that.

She now understood Zara's pain—the betrayal, the suffocating expectations, and the loneliness she had endured for so long. And perhaps, she understood why Veer had been so drawn to her.

Softly, Anaaya reached across the table and placed a gentle hand over Zara's. "You're a strong girl, Zara."

Zara blinked at the unexpected kindness. "Thank you, ma'am."

Anaaya gave her a knowing smile. "And I think Veer knows that too."

Zara's breath caught momentarily. But before she could respond, Mahi's cheerful voice cut through the air. "Didi, you should wear something pretty for your interview! First impressions matter, you know."

Laughter erupted at the table, easing the heavy atmosphere. But as Anaaya watched Zara interact with her daughter, she knew one thing for certain—Veer's life was about to change in ways he hadn't anticipated.

And maybe, just maybe… that wasn't a bad thing at all.