The office felt normal again.
At least for everyone else.
For Anika—
It felt different.
Lighter.
Warmer.
Because now, every glance, every small moment…
Meant something.
She was in the lobby discussing a minor detail with Rahul again.
Nothing unusual.
Nothing personal.
Just work.
But from the other end—
Arman Khurana noticed.
Of course he did.
He watched quietly.
The way Rahul leaned in slightly.
The way Anika smiled politely.
The way the conversation stretched a little longer than needed.
Something in him stirred again.
That same familiar feeling.
Jealousy.
But this time—
He didn't ignore it.
"Anika."
His voice.
Sharp enough to cut through the space.
She turned.
Rahul straightened instantly.
"Mr. Khurana," he greeted.
Arman nodded briefly.
Then looked at Anika.
"Inside."
Anika sighed softly.
"Excuse me," she told Rahul and followed him.
Inside his cabin—
She closed the door and crossed her arms.
"What now?"
Arman didn't answer immediately.
He walked closer.
"You were busy."
"I was working."
"With him."
"Again?" she raised an eyebrow.
"We've had this conversation."
Silence.
Then—
Arman said something unexpected.
"I don't like it."
She blinked.
That was… direct.
"I told you that already," she said softly.
"I know."
"Then why repeat it?"
He stepped closer.
"No arguments this time."
Her heart slowed slightly.
"Then?"
His voice dropped—
"I just needed to say it again."
Anika looked at him.
And instead of getting annoyed—
She smiled.
Softly.
"You're jealous."
"I don't like the word."
"Too bad. That's what it is."
A small pause.
Then—
Arman did something unexpected.
He reached for her hand.
Gently.
"I don't like anyone else getting your attention like that."
Her expression softened instantly.
"You already have it," she whispered.
That hit deeper than anything else.
He stepped closer.
Their hands still intertwined.
"And I don't want to share it."
She smiled slightly.
"You don't have to."
Silence.
Warm.
Comfortable.
Then Anika teased lightly—
"So this is your protective side?"
"I prefer calling it… mine."
Her cheeks warmed.
"Careful, Mr. Khurana," she whispered.
"That sounds very possessive."
His eyes darkened slightly.
"It is."
A pause.
Then—
He pulled her closer gently.
"And you don't seem to mind."
She shook her head softly.
"I don't."
And that was all the permission he needed.
He leaned in—
Kissing her slowly.
Not rushed.
Not hidden in fear this time.
But still careful.
Still theirs.
When they pulled apart—
She smiled softly.
"You're getting bold."
He smirked slightly.
"You're making me."
And for the first time—
Jealousy didn't create distance.
It created closeness.
Because now—
They both knew where they stood.