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Vayran
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The air in my home office was thick with focus, my attention split between the polished voices in the meeting and the intricate details of the Desai Healthcare project laid out before me. The discussion was critical, a blend of strategy and execution that could determine the success of the entire venture. One voice in the meeting questioned the feasibility of the idea, their skepticism sharp. I was just about to respond when the door to my office slammed open.

I didn't need to look up to know who it was. Aaravika.

She stormed in like a hurricane, unapologetic and uninvited, holding a bundle of something in her hands. My eyes flicked to her for a fraction of a second before returning to the screen, my irritation kept on a tight leash.

"A moment," I said curtly to the group on the call. They quieted down immediately, sensing the steel in my tone.

When I glanced back at Aaravika, I saw my clothes-wet, clinging together in a soaked mess. I didn't need to guess what she'd done. The faint scent of oil hung in the air, confirming the sabotage. She threw the bundle onto my desk without a word, droplets splattering onto the papers I'd been working on. I clenched my jaw but said nothing, keeping my composure.

I turned back to the meeting. "We'll reconvene on this tomorrow. Send me the updated figures and projections by then."

"But, sir, we-" someone started, but I cut them off with a sharp glare that needed no words. The line went silent. I disconnected the call without waiting for their response.

The moment the call ended, I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms as I fixed my gaze on her. She was already pulling something out of her kurta pocket-a matchbox. She struck a match with a flourish, the tiny flame flickering to life before she tossed it onto the pile of clothes. Flames erupted instantly, devouring the fabric in seconds.

I watched the fire burn, my anger simmering low and dangerous. She didn't flinch, her expression one of smug satisfaction.

"Did you drop something?" I asked, stepping toward her. She blinked, confused. "Look down," I added, my voice sharp but calm.

"What did I drop?" she asked, her brows furrowing as she glanced at the floor.

"Your brain," I replied coldly. "Search for it, because clearly, you've lost it. What other explanation is there for a brainless kid ignoring every warning and invading my space?"

Her cheeks flushed with indignation, her mouth opening to retort, but I silenced her with a flick of my eyes toward the burning fabric. Her faux amusement only stoked the fire of my rage.

"So, do you have a death wish?" I asked, my voice eerily calm.

"Oh, this?" she said, gesturing to the burning clothes with mock innocence. "It's for bringing that hyena into my room without my permission."

I scoffed, rising from my chair with deliberate slowness. "That 'hyena' was necessary because someone needed to be reminded of reality. The world doesn't revolve around you, Aaravika, no matter how hard you try to pretend it does."

"And you thought you could teach me that by breaking into my space?" she snapped, her tone venomous. "Let me return the favor."

Her audacity stoked the fire in my chest. I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a menacing growl. "You're testing my patience."

She didn't back down. "And you're proving my point. You think you can control everyone and everything. Guess what? Not me."

My lips curled into a humorless smile. "Not you?" I echoed. "Let me remind you, Aaravika, this isn't a challenge you want to take on."

She crossed her arms, defiance etched into every line of her face. "Oh, so now you're scared? I thought you were the one issuing that #makeherregret challenge. Didn't think I'd fight back, did you?"

Her words were a spark to the volatile mix of rage and restraint I'd been holding onto. Without thinking, I closed the distance between us in two strides. My hand shot out, gripping her neck-not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough to command attention. Her back hit the wall, her eyes widening slightly before narrowing with that same stubborn fire.

"You think this is a game?" I hissed, my voice low and dangerous. "You think you can keep pushing and there won't be consequences?"

She struggled against my grip, but I didn't let go, my fingers tightening just enough to make her realize I wasn't bluffing.

"You don't scare me," she said, her voice strained but steady. I knew she was scared but still pretending to act brave in the predator's den.

My lips twisted into a cold smile. "You should be scared," I said, my tone almost a whisper. "Because if you keep this up, Aaravika, I might forget to stop next time."

Her breathing hitched, but she didn't break eye contact, her defiance unyielding. It was infuriating and intoxicating all at once. I released her abruptly, stepping back as she coughed slightly, rubbing her neck.

"This is your final warning," I said, my voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Stay in your limit. Stop playing games you can't win. Because the next time, Aaravika..." I let the threat hang in the air, unfinished but unmistakable.

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