he replied flatly, "It's nothing." Then, with a sharper tone, "I just got home, and you’re already questioning me? Who do you think you are? 

She started why didn’t you attend the concert? You know how important it was to me. Everyone was asking about you." 

Coldly, he shot back, "You know I’m busy. I don’t owe you explanations. Now, please, move aside.

The next day, his best friend visited him at the office. It had been four years since they last met. "You got married and didn’t even tell me?" his friend said, half-joking. 

"Just leave it. It’s a political marriage. You know about the will my parents left before they…..

He raised an eyebrow. "So, who’s the unlucky girl?" 

"She’s the daughter of the Summit Group’s chairman," Vihaan replied. 

Just then, a woman walked by— 

She was a vision, a golden glow, 

Hair like spun gold catching the dawn. 

Eyes that reflected a storm-tossed sea, 

A face that lingers like a dream.

Her steps, a rhythm, smooth and light,

 Long legs dancing in the night. 

A whispered breath, a fleeting glance, 

She wove the world into her trance.

Timeless beauty, wild yet free,

 A melody of mystery.

 With every move, with every sigh,

 She drew the stars down to earth with her smile.

Her voice, a low hum, resonated through the room.

He gestured toward her. "Oh, I see. Is it her?" "Yes," Vihaan answered. 

He studied him. "Hmm... Do you still think about *her*? It’s been five years, man. You should move on. What do you think?" 

He paused, his gaze lingering in the distance, before finally saying, "I don’t know." With a low voice. "Some things don’t just... fade away." 

his friend replied bluntly. "But hey, if you’re stuck in this, at least try to make the best of it. She seems... interesting." 

Vihaan glanced toward the door where the woman had passed by moments ago. "Interesting? She’s the daughter of the Summit Group’s chairman. That’s all there is to it." 

Just as the tension hung in the air, his friend’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and stood up. "Well, duty calls. It’s time for my appointment with an important client. Can’t keep them waiting." 

As he walked toward the door, he spotted Vihaan’s wife passing by in the hallway. He paused, offering a warm smile. 

"Hello, sister-in-law! I’m Arv, Vihaan’s only friend. Sorry for missing the wedding—things got a little hectic on my end." 

She turned, her golden blonde hair catching the light, and gave a polite nod. "It’s alright. I understand. It’s nice to finally meet you, Arv." 

Arv chuckled, glancing back at Vihaan. "You’ve got quite the catch here, my friend. Don’t mess it up." 

Vihaan rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. Arv waved as he headed out. "Take care, you two. And Vihaan—think about what I said." 

Once Arv was gone, the room fell silent again. Vihaan’s wife lingered at the door, her expression unreadable. "Your friend seems... interesting," she said softly. 

Vihaan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "He’s always been like that. Nosy, but well-meaning."

She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Do you... talk about me with him?"

Vihaan looked up, meeting her gaze. "Not really. Why do you ask?"

She shrugged, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Just curious. Anyway, I’ll leave you to your work."

As she turned to leave, Vihaan felt a strange tug in his chest—

Guilt's shadow, regret's weight,

A nameless ache, sealed by fate,

Leaving only emptiness to wait.

To be continued...........