The next morning…
Riya woke up with a heavy headache.
Her body felt weak, and her throat was dry.
"Ugh…" she groaned, slowly sitting up.
She touched her forehead.
Why do I feel so hot?
A fever.
Just what she needed.
But missing work wasn't an option.
Not when her boss was Arjun Mehra.
She forced herself out of bed and got ready.
At the office…
Riya walked in, trying her best to look normal.
But her steps were slow.
Her vision slightly blurry.
"Miss Riya."
She froze.
Of course.
Him.
"Yes, sir?" she said, turning toward Arjun.
He was already watching her.
His sharp eyes scanned her face.
"You're late," he said.
Riya clenched her jaw.
"I'm just five minutes late," she replied weakly.
"Late is late," he said, cold as ever.
But then—
He paused.
Something changed in his expression.
"You don't look well," he added.
Riya blinked.
Was that… concern?
"I'm fine," she said quickly.
Arjun didn't look convinced.
But he didn't say anything further.
"Come to my cabin," he ordered.
Inside the cabin…
Riya stood there, trying to stay steady.
Her head was spinning.
Arjun sat down, watching her closely.
"Sit," he said.
"I'm fine, I can stand—"
"That wasn't a request."
Riya sighed and sat down.
The moment she did—
A wave of dizziness hit her.
Everything blurred.
And suddenly—
Her body leaned forward.
Before she could fall—
Strong arms caught her.
Riya's eyes widened slightly.
Arjun.
He was holding her.
His grip firm… yet careful.
"What are you doing?" he said, his voice low but tense.
"I… I'm okay…" she whispered.
But she wasn't.
Not at all.
Arjun's jaw tightened.
Without another word—
He picked her up.
Riya froze.
"W-what are you doing?" she asked, shocked.
"Stop talking," he said.
"I'm taking you to the hospital."
"No!" she protested weakly. "I don't need—"
"You're not in a condition to argue," he cut her off.
His tone left no room for debate.
At the hospital…
Riya lay on the bed while the doctor checked her.
"High fever," the doctor said. "She needs rest."
Arjun nodded.
"Make sure she gets proper treatment."
Riya looked at him.
Why was he doing this?
Just yesterday, he was humiliating her.
And today…
He was here.
Taking care of her.
It didn't make sense.
After some time…
The doctor left.
The room was quiet.
Riya slowly turned her head.
Arjun was sitting beside her.
Looking at his phone.
But he hadn't left.
"You didn't have to do this," she said softly.
Arjun didn't look up.
"I did," he replied.
"Why?" she asked.
This time, he paused.
Then finally looked at her.
"Because you're my responsibility," he said.
Riya's heart tightened slightly.
Responsibility.
That's all she was to him.
Nothing more.
"Don't misunderstand," he added coldly. "This doesn't mean anything."
Riya looked away.
"Of course," she said quietly.
Silence filled the room again.
A few minutes later…
Riya felt something warm on her forehead.
She blinked.
Arjun had placed a cold cloth there.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"You…"
"I said don't misunderstand," he interrupted again.
But this time—
His voice wasn't as cold.
Riya couldn't help it.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
"You're a very confusing person," she said.
Arjun frowned slightly.
"Focus on getting better," he replied.
That night…
Riya woke up suddenly.
The room was dimly lit.
For a moment, she was confused.
Then she realized—
She was still in the hospital.
She turned her head.
And froze.
Arjun was there.
Sleeping on the chair beside her bed.
His arms crossed.
His face calm.
Peaceful.
Completely different from his usual cold self.
Riya stared at him.
He stayed… all night?
Her heart softened.
Just a little.
"Maybe…" she whispered.
"You're not as heartless as you pretend to be."
As if sensing her gaze—
Arjun slowly opened his eyes.
Their eyes met.
For a moment—
Neither of them spoke.
Then he straightened up.
"You're awake," he said.
Back to his usual tone.
Riya smiled faintly.
"Yes."
But something had changed.
Between them.
Something small.
Something silent.
Something real.