My dad always used to say that enemies come disguised as friends.
And as I sit here, surrounded by so called "business partners" who would sell their own companies for a shot at someone else's downfall, I can't help but think of that night.
The night I met her again...
"Mr. Rodriguez?"
I snap out of my thoughts, blinking back into the sterile boardroom where a dozen eyes are fixed on me.
"Yeah?"
"What do you think?"
I straighten in my chair and speak, even though I know most of them won't listen.
"I think this project is too ambitious for its own good. It'll burn money faster than it'll make any. But if we redesign it ,make it more comfortable, more accessible for the average person it might just succeed."
A few heads nod reluctantly. They're older than me, more 'experienced' but none of them have the balls to call out stupidity masked as luxury.
"I think everyone agrees with Mr. Rodriguez," someone finally says. "But since it's already late, let's pick this up in the next board meeting. That will be all. Thank you for attending."
Thank God.
As soon as I step out of the conference room, Jake comes rushing toward me.
"Is everything alright, Jake?" I ask, noticing the frantic look on his face.
"Yes, sir. Everything's under control it's just that Mr. Jones has been trying to reach you. He's called at least ten times in the last half hour."
Aryan?
Why the hell is he calling during office hours? That guy never stops working.
"Thanks, Jake. I'll handle it. You can go now."
He nods and walks off, leaving me with a buzzing phone in hand. Aryan's name flashes on the screen again.
I answer.
"Hello?"
"Finally! I've called you a million times."
"I was in a meeting."
"Yeah, sorry. But I need a small favor."
"Favor? Wait a minute THE Aryan Jones asking for a favor? Are you the same guy who once said, 'Do the work yourself or don't do it at all?'"
"Haha. Very funny. But I'm serious."
"Fine. What is it?"
"Is your guest room free?"
"...Yeah? Why?"
"I actually need a place to stay."
"Sure, man. Come over whenever. I mean, we did share a dorm for four years—"
"It's not for me."
"What?"
"It's for someone else."
"Aryan, you know I don't like living with random people."
"She's not random."
"She?! You want me to share my house with a woman?!"
"Oh, come on! It's my sister, not some random prostitute from the street."
"Your sister?"
"Yeah."
As soon as he says that, something in me freezes. My thoughts start spiraling.
"Hey, man. You there?"
"Hm? Yeah. I'm here. Is everything alright?"
"She's fine now... but her house burned down last night."
What?! Her house... burned down?
Is she okay?
I mean, we're not that close, but still...
"Is she okay?"
"Yeah. She's getting discharged from the hospital today."
Silence hangs between us for a second before Aryan asks, "So what did you decide?"
I sigh.
"Fine. But only because she's your sister."
And because of other reasons... reasons he doesn't need to know.
"Wait really?! Thank you! I owe you one."
"I've got to go now, but I'll drop her off at your place around 5 p.m."
The line cuts before I can protest.
I check my watch.
3:00 PM.
Shit.
I've got two hours to clean the house.
"Jake! Cancel all my meetings. I have an emergency."
I race to my car and start the engine.
I'm shoving throw pillows into place like my life depends on it.
Kitchen—clean.
Guest room—spotless.
Living room—tolerable.
I've never cared what anyone thought of my home. But right now? Everything has to be perfect. Everything has to be perfect for her .
The doorbell rings.
My heart stops.
I smooth down my shirt and open the door.
"Hey, man. Sorry for the last-minute trouble," Aryan says, giving me a fist bump like we're back in college. Honestly I don't even how we are friends let alone best friends we are the complete opposite .
"You met my sister at the party, right?"
I nod, and then she steps forward.
And just like that, I forget how to breathe.
Aishwarya.
Her eyes find mine, and she smiles.
God that smile should be illegal
I can't look away.
"I've got a meeting to run to," Aryan says quickly, glancing at his watch distracting my admiration towards his sister . "But if you need anything, just text me, okay princess?"
She nods, clearly still tired. The bags under her eyes are faint, but there. She looks fragile, like a single touch might break her.
Aryan turns to me. Suddenly he's two inches from my face. Ummm is he gonna kiss me or....?
"One scratch on her body or even a single tear from her eye then mark my words I will make your life living hell and you would wish to die " He says with a death stare
I know he means it.
I also know if that ever happened, I wouldn't need him to send me to hell , I'll already be the
I just nod.
"Good. Now really gotta go."
And then the door closes.
Silence.
Heavy. Awkward.
"I... I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable," she says softly, barely above a whisper. "I didn't want to come. But Aryan insisted. Said he trusted you."
"It's okay," I say quickly. "Really. Let me show you your room."
I lead her down the hall.
"This is it," I say, pushing the door open. "Bathroom's through there. Closet's empty. Fresh sheets. If you need anything I'll be in the room right beside you but don't worry I won't invade your privacy " I say and I mean it
She smiles again. "Thank you, Noah. Really."
" And by the way I actually have a zoom meeting in a few minutes so I'll be occupied for an hour or so , so you can just relax or sleep cause you look really tired " I say observing her face and noticing the dark spots under her eyes
" Yea I could really use some sleep " She says loosening her body which clearly indicates that she's starting to feel comfortable. Safe
" Okay then , I'll wake you up when dinner is ready "
she just nods and heads to her room
The door shuts behind her with a soft click.
I lean against the wall and exhale.
the fact that she is living in the same house in the room right beside begins to sink in and I have a feeling that it's gonna eat me alive
God. This is going to be torture.
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