The office buzzed with anticipation. Today was a big day - Roohi, now the CTO, was set to meet the new CEO, the son of their previous one. She had heard great things about him - Aryan Malhotra, a young but accomplished leader, known for his sharp business acumen and empathetic leadership.

As she adjusted her blazer, she took a deep breath. It still felt surreal that she had climbed to this position. A part of her wished she could run home and tell Vivaan first, see the way his eyes softened with pride. But she knew he was busy in his art studio, lost in colors and emotions that only he understood.

A soft knock on the glass door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Ma'am, the CEO has arrived," her assistant informed.

Roohi nodded, smoothing her hands over her outfit before stepping into the conference room.

A tall, well-built man stood by the window, his hands in his pockets as he gazed outside. His posture was confident but not intimidating. As he turned, Roohi found herself observing him carefully,there was something oddly familiar about him. The warmth in his eyes, the slight tilt of his head when he listened, even the way he adjusted his cufflinks... It all struck a strange chord in her heart.

"Roohi Ahuja, right?" he said, offering a handshake. His voice was deep yet gentle, carrying an ease that made people comfortable.

"Yes,sir" she replied, shaking his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Malhotra."

"Aryan, please," he smiled. "Formalities make me uncomfortable."

She chuckled lightly. "Alright, Aryan Sir. Welcome aboard. I've heard a lot about you."

"And I, about you," he said, taking a seat across from her. "Your leadership has been nothing short of remarkable. My father spoke highly of your dedication. He always believed you were meant for greater things."

Roohi smiled, touched by the words. "Your father was an amazing mentor. He gave me a chance when I was just another employee trying to prove herself."

"And now you're the CTO," Aryan noted, admiration in his tone. "Seems like he was right about you."

Roohi hesitated before asking, "So... you've always wanted to take over your father's position?"

Aryan shook his head with a small laugh. "Not really. I had different dreams once. But life has a way of changing things, doesn't it?"

His words made something stir in her- a strange familiarity, as if she had heard something similar before.

For a moment, she simply observed him. The way he smiled with a quiet sadness behind it. The way his fingers tapped against the table absentmindedly, a habit she had seen before.

But where?

"You okay?" Aryan asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.

Roohi blinked, realizing she had been staring. She cleared her throat quickly. "Yeah, sorry. I just—" She paused, shaking her head. "You remind me of someone."

Aryan tilted his head curiously. "Someone close?"

She nodded but didn't elaborate. It was ridiculous, wasn't it? There was no way.

Maybe it was just her mind playing tricks on her.

The meeting continued, filled with discussions about projects, goals, and the company's future. But in the back of her mind, Roohi couldn't shake off the strange feeling.

By the time she left the office, the thought still lingered.

At Home – Vivaan's Studio

Roohi pushed open the door to Vivaan's art studio, the scent of paint and turpentine filling her senses. He sat in the middle of the room, his back turned to her, completely lost in his world.

She smiled, stepping closer. "Busy?"

Vivaan paused mid-stroke and turned slightly, a small smile appearing when he saw her. "You're home early."

"I wanted to see you," she admitted, sitting beside him.

His eyes softened at her words, but he simply nodded. That was Vivaan—never too many words, but always deep in meaning.

She looked at the canvas in front of him. Her breath caught.

It was a painting of a young boy, smiling wide, his eyes full of life. But it wasn't just any boy—it looked like an younger version of someone she knew... But she couldn't figure out who it was?

She froze.

"Vivaan..." her voice came out barely above a whisper. "Who is this?"

Vivaan didn't answer immediately. He simply stared at the painting, his fingers tightening around the brush.

Finally, he said, "Someone I once lost."

Her heart pounded. She had never seen this side of Vivaan—so raw, so vulnerable.

Roohi's mind reeled. The familiarity, the strange pull she felt towards Aryan.

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