The rhythmic clicking of her heels echoed through the grand hallway of Mehra Enterprises as Ananya stepped out of the elevator. Her movements were brisk, calculated, radiating the confidence of a woman who owned the space around her. She adjusted the lapels of her blazer, smoothed a non-existent wrinkle on her sleeves, and walked towards her office, her head held high.

As she pushed open the glass doors of her cabin, the familiar scent of strong coffee hit her.

And there stood Dev, her ever-efficient secretary, already holding out a steaming cup of her usual black coffee with a wide, suspiciously happy smile on his face.

Ananya raised a brow, taking the cup from his hand. "You're unusually cheerful today, Dev." She took a sip, savoring the bitterness before continuing, "Let me guess... Mahira?"

At the mention of her name, Dev's smile widened, his ears instantly turning red.

"I-uh-maybe..." he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck, trying (and failing) to act casual.

Ananya smirked. "Maybe?" She leaned back against her desk, arms crossed. "Tell me everything."

Dev groaned, knowing there was no escape. "We just... had dinner."

"Just dinner?" she drawled, feigning disappointment. "No hand-holding? No stolen glances? No butterflies?"

His face was crimson now. "Ananya ma'am, please-"

"Oh my god, you did!" Ananya gasped dramatically, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You held hands, didn't you?"

Dev groaned, covering his face with both hands. "This is so unfair! I came here to work-not to be interrogated about my love life."

Ananya chuckled, sipping her coffee. "Dev, if you really wanted to work, you wouldn't be grinning like a lovestruck teenager at eight in the morning."

He let out a defeated sigh. "Okay, fine. I may have held her hand."

Ananya mock gasped again. "Dev, this is huge!"

"She tripped on the stairs, and I had to hold her hand!" he defended, but his voice lacked conviction.

She smirked. "Yeah, yeah, sure. And did you let go immediately?"

Dev opened his mouth, then shut it.

Ananya laughed. "That's what I thought."

He groaned. "Ma'am, can I please leave before you make my soul leave my body out of embarrassment?"

She waved him off. "Fine, fine. Go before I start planning your wedding."

Dev nearly ran out of her office, his ears still red.

Ananya shook her head fondly.

Some things never changed.

*****

The day had been long, and the sun was beginning to set as Ananya wrapped up her final meeting. But there was one last meeting to attend, a crucial one with Mr. Kaushik, a well-established businessman in his 50s. He had been known for his cold, calculating demeanor, but there was something about his presence that Ananya found both intimidating and exhilarating. He was a man who didn't easily warm to others, yet she had a certain belief in her ability to make the connection.

Her mind was sharp, her focus unwavering as she greeted him with the necessary professional warmth when he entered her office.

"Mr. Kaushik, it's a pleasure to meet you," Ananya said smoothly, standing up to shake his hand.

He returned the handshake with a firm grip, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he studied her. She met his gaze with confidence.

"Likewise, Ms. Mehra," he said, his voice deep and measured.

They sat across from each other, and she immediately dove into the subject at hand, presenting her ideas for potential collaborations. Her voice was steady, the words flowing with clarity. She could feel Mr. Kaushik's interest piquing as they discussed numbers, projections, and future plans. He had a sharp mind, and she appreciated the challenges he presented, pushing her to think on her feet.

As the minutes passed, she noticed his demeanor shifting. The coldness that had initially filled the room began to melt. He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest, but his eyes were now gleaming with a different sort of admiration.

"You're just as brilliant as they say," Mr. Kaushik remarked, his tone now carrying a note of approval.

Ananya couldn't hide the pleased smile that tugged at the corner of her lips. She had always prided herself on her sharpness, but hearing it from someone like Mr. Kaushik felt rewarding in a way that only came from earning the respect of your peers.

"Thank you. I do try," she replied, her voice calm yet full of conviction.

By the end of the meeting, the atmosphere was less tense, and they had both come to a mutual agreement on how to move forward. She had won Mr. Kaushik's approval, and that would be a valuable asset in the coming months. He stood up and extended his hand, offering a rare smile.

"I look forward to working with you, Ms. Mehra," he said.

"As do I," Ananya replied, shaking his hand firmly.

He left her office, and she allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. It had been a productive meeting, but she couldn't help but feel the weight of the unfinished business in her mind-the strange behavior of Rihaan that had been nagging at her all day.

*****

When Ananya finally arrived home, the house felt quieter than usual. The usual chaos that accompanied the kids-laughter, playful shouting, and the buzz of activity-was strangely absent. A wave of unease passed over her as she walked further into the house.

"Kids?" she called, her voice echoing through the empty space.

It wasn't long before she spotted them. Aanya and Aarav sat on the couch, their eyes downcast, their usual energy drained from their faces.

Ananya felt her stomach tighten. Something's wrong.

"What happened?" she asked, her voice gentle yet firm.

The kids exchanged glances before Aanya hesitantly spoke up. "Dada got angry."

Ananya's brows furrowed. Rihaan never got angry with them. Not like this. She crouched in front of them, her hands on their shoulders as she tried to process their words.

"When did this happen?" she asked softly.

Aarav shrugged, looking lost. "He just... got mad. It was... scary, mama."

Her mind raced as she tried to piece together what had happened. Rihaan-her Rihaan-rarely showed any anger, let alone to the kids. And certainly not in a way that made them scared.

She could see that the kids were shaken by it. They didn't fully understand what was going on, but they were clearly upset.

"Well," Ananya said, giving them a soft smile, "you know what the best thing about chocolates is?"

Both kids looked at her curiously, their brows furrowing.

"They always make you feel better."

At that, she reached into her bag and pulled out two small chocolate bars. The kids' faces lit up with excitement, and the momentary cloud of sadness seemed to dissipate, if only slightly.

"Here you go. Now, no more sad faces. Deal?" she said, handing them each a bar.

"Deal!" they chorused in unison, their spirits lifting as they eagerly unwrapped their chocolates.

Ananya stood up, glancing toward the room where Rihaan had been. She had to talk to him. She had to understand what had happened.

*****

As she walked into their bedroom, she found Rihaan sitting by the window, his back hunched. The soft light of the setting sun cast a glow around him, but his demeanor was far from calm. His shoulders were tense, and his hands were clenched in his lap.

She took a deep breath before crossing the room to sit beside him. She didn't say anything at first, simply wrapping her arms around him in a comforting hug. For a moment, he didn't move.

Then, slowly, he melted into her embrace, clutching her tightly, as if seeking protection.

She ran her fingers through his hair. "What happened, Rihaan?"

His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I'm not an adult."

Ananya stilled.

Something about the way he said it-the sadness, the fear-sent a strange pang through her chest.

She didn't question it. Not yet.

Instead, she gently stroked his back. "Okay."

He gripped her shirt tightly. "I don't want to be an adult." His voice trembled. "It's scary."

Ananya's throat tightened.

She pulled back slightly, cupping his face. "Rihaan, look at me."

He hesitated before lifting his gaze, his eyes glossy.

"Nothing is going to hurt you," she said softly but firmly. "I won't let it."

His lower lip trembled. "Promise?"

She pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Promise."

He sniffed, his expression softening just a little. She wrapped her arms around him again, her fingers gently stroking his back as she tried to comfort him.

After a few minutes, she pulled back slightly. "Now, let's go to Mehra Manor, hmm?"

He blinked. "Now?"

She smiled. "Yes. You, me, and the kids. We'll reach soon."

He studied her for a moment, then slowly nodded.

Ananya kissed his forehead again before standing up. "But first," she said playfully, "you have to do something."

"What?"

She smiled. "Go talk to your bears and apologize."

His eyes widened. "Oh no. Are they sad?"

She nodded seriously. "Very."

Without wasting a second, Rihaan ran out of the room.

From outside, she could hear him dramatically apologizing to the kids, followed by their giggles.

Ananya let out a breath.

She didn't know what was happening to Rihaan.

But she was going to find out.

*****

As she packed their bags, she kept glancing at Rihaan and the kids. He had already made them laugh, showering them with attention, playing silly games, and making ridiculous faces.

It was as if nothing had happened.

But she remembered.

As they piled into the car, Rihaan helped her with the bags, buckling the kids in with exaggerated care.

As she settled into the driver's seat, she stole a glance at him.

His usual childlike enthusiasm had returned, but now, she saw something else beneath it.

A shadow.

As the car roared to life and music filled the space, the kids cheered, Rihaan sang along, and laughter rang in the air.

But Ananya?

Her mind was occupied.

She couldn't shake the image of Rihaan's frightened face, his hands trembling in hers, the way his words had tumbled out-each one laced with fear.

What was really going on with him?

She needed to understand.

And she needed to protect him.