Bhopal City, Ayaan's Office Complex
Ayaan stepped out of his car and onto familiar ground – his office complex in Bhopal. He was back to oversee family operations while Aydan recovered in secret.
As he entered his office suite, Om greeted him warmly. "Welcome back, Ayaan. Briefings are ready – but first, a concern."
Ayaan raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Om?"
"Our new PA, Riya... she's a handful – flirting shamelessly with everyone, especially me," Om said, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Constant smiling, touching arms while talking... distracting me from work."
Ayaan chuckled low in his throat, amused by Om's flustered state. "You're affected, Om. Didn't know you were so charming."
Om rolled his eyes. "Ayaan, focus – my distraction aside, she might be hired for more than admin tasks. And honestly, you won't listen to me anyway..."
Ayaan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Why's that?"
"Because I'm temporary, that's why. You'll just shrug off my concerns," Om said with a hint of dry humor.
Ayaan smiled wryly. "The one who has his own billionaire company – – doesn't want to run it, Om. That someone is you. Your 'temporary' status is self-imposed."
Om's expression faltered slightly, acknowledging Ayaan's point.
Ayaan continued "Now brief me on bhai matter what all did you found out"
Om collected his thoughts before briefing Ayaan on Aydan's matter.
"Aydan bhai was shot with 9mm bullets – typical mafia arsenal. Witnesses described two perpetrators fleeing on bikes with fake plates. We traced the bike models to a local dealership – owned by Vikas Rao, a rival family affiliate."
Ayaan's eyes narrowed, pieces falling into place. "Vikas Rao... father of Rohan Rao – Aydan's public enemy number one."
Om nodded gravely. "Exactly. This attack reeks of revenge or power play. I've arranged discreet meetings with our insiders in Vikas Rao's organization – hoping to uncover more evidence."
Ayaan leaned back, steepling fingers together. "Schedule a meeting with me and our family lawyer – time to review alliances, weaknesses... and potential retaliation strategies."
Just then, Riya appeared at the door, smiling brightly. "Gentlemen, refreshments? Coffee or tea?"
Om raised an eyebrow at Ayaan, as if thinking "see, flirting again…"
Ayaan shrugged off Riya's flirtatious tone, focusing on Om. "Coffee, black. Thanks, Riya."
Riya smiled, jotting notes on her pad. "Right away, Mr. Ayaan."
Ayaan looked at Riya. "Riya, please address me as Mr. Khan from now on."
Riya smiled and nodded. "Yes, Mr. Khan."
She glanced at Om briefly before exiting.
Om watched her leave, then turned back to Ayaan. "You're really not affected by her charms."
Ayaan chuckled dryly. "Focused on bhai's case, Om. Fill me in tomorrow morning."
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Ayaan walked into his luxurious Bhopal residence and headed straight to his private study.
His mother, Shifa Khan, entered the study. "How are you, beta? You look tired."
Ayaan smiled softly.
Shifa Khan continued, "Are you feeling well? You seem exhausted."
Ayaan reassured her. "I'm fine, Mother. Just preoccupied with work."
He changed the subject slightly to ask for something soothing. "Mother, I need some herbal tea."
Shifa Khan nodded and smiled warmly.
Shifa Khan returned with a servant carrying a tray of herbal tea. After the servant departed, she poured Ayaan a cup and sat beside him.
"Your tea, beta..." She paused, collecting her thoughts.
"I've been thinking, your father and I wish to see you settled down. When do you plan to marry, beta? You're not getting any younger..."
She smiled softly and continued "We want grandchildren soon, Ayaan. Your marriage is overdue."
Ayaan took a sip of his tea, choosing his words carefully.
"Mother, I understand your wishes, but marriage isn't on my mind currently. My focus is on business and supporting Aydan bhai – marriage will have to wait for a few more years."
Shifa Khan's expression turned gentle but slightly disappointed.
_____________________
Days passed,
Shifa Khan sat with her husband, Hasif Khan, in their luxurious living room. Soft evening light filled the space as they engaged in quiet conversation.
Ayaan entered, catching their attention. His mother's eyes widened instantly – Ayaan's head was wrapped in a bandage above his left eyebrow.
"Ayaan, beta, what happened?!" Shifa Khan exclaimed, concern etched on her face as she rose from her seat.
Hasif Khan stood up beside her, equally alarmed. "Yes, son, tell us – that looks serious!"
Ayaan shrugged casually, attempting to downplay the situation.
"Nothing serious, parents. Just a small injury from a minor accident at the office building site. Om's already looked into it – nothing to worry about."
His parents exchanged skeptical glances, unsure if they should press further.
____________________
Ayaan entered his room and headed straight to his bathroom to freshen up, removing the bandage to inspect the wound – a deep gash above his eyebrow.
After cleaning and re-dressing the cut, he walked over to his bed and sat down, lost in thought for a moment. His mind drifted back to the accident and the girl who saved him...
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. Rahul answered on the first ring.
"Rahul, I need a favor," Ayaan said. "Investigate a girl for me – she saved me today from that accident. She wears a hijab and has brown eyes... likely early twenties. Get me everything you can tonight."
_____________________
Time passed, and Ayaan's phone buzzed with an incoming message from Rahul. He opened the chat, eyes scanning the details:
"She's a Doctor
Works at City Hospital
No criminal records or controversies...
A photo attached - her bright brown eyes sparkling behind a gentle smile, framed by her hijab."
Ayaan's gaze lingered on her image. He stroked his hand gently over the phone screen, a soft whisper escaping his lips:
"Sunshine..."
His eyes remained fixed on her photo, captivated. Rahul's message ended with: "Still digging for more info, sir."
Ayaan's eyes remained fixed on her photo, captivated. He typed a response to Rahul:
"Enough info for now. Stop digging further."
He sent the message and leaned back against his pillows, still gazing at her image on screen. The soft glow of his phone illuminated his thoughtful expression.
"Sunshine..." he whispered again, as if savoring the feeling her photo evoked.