A few days passed, and the storm outside had long since subsided, but the memories of that night with Adriti still lingered in my mind. The way her head had rested on my shoulder, the soft whisper of her voice when she said she felt safe with me—those moments played over and over in my thoughts. I'd found a rhythm with her, a quiet understanding that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day. I had not anticipated how much I would look forward to seeing her, hearing her laugh, or simply sharing the most mundane of moments. It was a change I wasn’t sure i was ready for, but it felt right. And yet, life moved on, as it always did.

One evening, just as the sun was dipping below the horizon, I received a call that I had been expecting. Pandit Corporation had just closed a major deal, one that required my immediate attention. It was a big win for the company, but it also meant a business trip abroad—one I couldn’t avoid. The timing was less than ideal, but there was little choice in the matter. My team needed me there, and as CEO, my presence was crucial. After hanging up, I sat for a moment in silence, staring at the city skyline from my office. It had been a hectic week, but now this trip added another layer of complexity. And then, almost without thinking, a thought struck him.

What if I didn’t have to go alone?

The idea came to me unexpectedly, but as soon as it did, it felt like the right one. I’d been wanting to spend more time with Adriti, to see where this connection between us could go. A business trip to Singapore seemed like an opportunity we both could use—time away from the distractions of daily life, a chance to just be with each other without the usual pressures. That night, over dinner, I broached the topic with her. “Adriti,” I began, stirring my food absently, “I’ve got a business trip next week. It’s to Singapore, and I’ve been thinking...” I paused, trying to put the idea into words. “It’s a pretty big trip, and I was wondering if you’d be interested in coming with me.” Adriti looked up from her plate, her expression shifting from curiosity to surprise. “Come with you? On a business trip?” she asked, her voice a little hesitant. I nodded, feeling the heat rise in my chest. “Yeah. It’s for a few days, and I know it’s a bit out of the blue, but I thought maybe it could be... fun. There’s some downtime between meetings, and you’d be free to explore the city. I wouldn’t mind the company. And... well, I could use the break from everything, honestly.” She sat back in her chair, considering his words. “But what about your work? Won’t I be in the way?” she asked softly, not meeting my gaze.

I smiled, trying to reassure her. “Not at all. It’s a pretty intense trip, but there’s downtime. You’d have time to yourself. And when I’m not busy, we can spend time together. I just thought it would be nice to share the experience with you. It’s not going to be all business.” Adriti seemed to be contemplating my offer, her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of her glass. “I don’t know, Ishaan. I’ve never really thought about doing something like that. What would I do while you’re in meetings?” “I’ll make sure there’s time for us to hang out,” I said, leaning forward, my voice earnest. “And Singapore’s beautiful. You can explore, shop, eat—all of that. I just... I’d really like you to come.” There was a moment of silence, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face. She was always so careful about everything, never one to make a hasty decision. I held my breath, hoping she would say yes.

Finally, she looked up at me, her eyes searching my face. “I think I’d like that,” she said slowly, her lips curling into a small smile. “I just wasn’t sure if it would be too much. But... it could be nice. To get away for a bit.” A rush of relief flooded through mine. “It’ll be good,” I said, my voice lighter now. “I promise, we’ll make it work.” And just like that, something shifted between us again. I hadn’t expected her to say yes so easily, but now that she had, I was more than ready to take that next step. A business trip wasn’t exactly romantic, but with Adriti by my side, it felt like the perfect chance to explore something deeper between us. The next few days were a whirlwind of preparations—packing, last-minute business calls, and tying up loose ends at Pandit Corporation. But all the while, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of having Adriti there with me. This trip, which had once seemed like a simple business necessity, now felt like an opportunity for something far more personal. When the day of departure arrived, I was already at the airport, checking in and going over the final details for the meeting. I was looking forward to the business side of the trip, but more than anything, I was excited to share this experience with Adriti. As I waited for her to arrive, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this trip might be the start of something new for both of them. Something that wasn’t just about business, but about finding our own space in the world—together. When Adriti finally appeared, her bag slung over her shoulder and a nervous but excited smile on her face, I felt my heart leap. This was it. A new chapter was about to begin.And I couldn’t wait to see where it would lead.