THE PARTY WAS in a full swing, with couples on the dance floor, drinks passing and business talks. But, Priya was standing at the farthest corner of the ballroom, a look of disconcert on her face. She idly held a glass of apple juice. As a representative of ASO and being an assistant to Abhay Sinha, she had been obligated to attend this merger party. Or else, she'd have been home giving into the whirlwind of thoughts about Ramya that were not making her land anywhere. To complicate matters, her forgotten memories were coming back in tidbits. She realized the nightmares she was having were not just dreams. After seeing Ramya's portrait at Abhay's home, she understood everything.

Her doctor had warned her, her memories could come back anytime. It could be a trigger related to the time or place of the accident. Or they might not come back. For a long time, she wished she could remember the unfortunate day. Now, when she was getting them back, even if they were in pieces, she was dreading it.

Ramya had been murdered. Her father had been murdered. For now, she could only recall the eyes of the murderer. Green cat-like eyes.

Why? She wanted to shout out loud. Why would anyone want to kill them? Was it robbery or enmity? Was Abhay and his family in danger? Do they have enemies who would want to kill? Who the hell was the murderer?

"Penny to your thoughts," Gagan said, tapping her shoulder playfully and rounding her to stand in front of her.

Priya's response was a grim smile. She had no mood to entertain the man who was trying to charm her by means of cheesy smiles and boring pick up lines.

"Great party," Gagan said, looking around the ballroom, but having side glances at Priya, "Isn't it?"

"Yes."

"You look beautiful tonight. Not that you weren't before."

"Thanks." If he was expecting to engage Priya in a long-winded conversation with him, then he was going to be disappointed.

A moment of silence passed with Gagan standing there awkwardly while Priya didn't care been in her own thoughts.

Finally, Gagan decided to speak, "I have been thinking for a long time. The first time I saw you..." Priya frowned, turning to look at him. "Your radiance blinded my eyes. You are my perfect dream girl material. I..." Priya cocked up an eyebrow at his blatant words. She knew what was coming next. But she waited for him to say the words before she made a fool of herself for assuming things. "I want you to be my..." his words struck in his throat and his eyes widened as he looked over her shoulder.

Priya turned around and understood why he looked like a deer caught. Abhay was standing there, an icy rage in his eyes as he glared at Gagan. One look at Abhay, and she sighed, thinking about the tragedy his family faced. They were thinking that Rahul and Ramya died in an accident. What if they got to know that it was a brutal murder? She swallowed hard.

"Good... Good evening, Mr. Sinha. Hope you enjoy the night," she heard Gagan say. As she turned back, she saw him scurrying away hurriedly, as if his butt was on fire.

"I have to say," Abhay said, coming to stand next to Priya, "You outdid yourself tonight."

"Pardon?" She said, craning her head to look up at him. He wasn't looking at her though and the intensity of his glare only seemed to increase as he gazed in the direction where Gagan escaped.

He cleared his throat and turned his head opposite as he said, "You look beautiful."

Her brows drew together as she looked down at herself. Compared to the women present at the party wearing expensive gowns and sarees, she was wearing a shimmer black saree with a half-sleeved blouse. No makeup except for kajol and a hint of rosy lip gloss. Her hair was left loosely around her shoulders to bring out her face. She wasn't in the mood to play the makeup game. Though simple, she carried herself with elegance.

"You are kind to say that, sir," Priya said simply. "But, thank you."

When he looked back at her, his face had a frown. "You are beautiful."

She gave a small smile. She turned her head slightly, running her eyes over him. In her sadness, she didn't notice. He was hot, in the black suit and white crisp shirt. His hair looked kinda messy as if he had run his fingers through them many times. His eyes held an intensity that made her toes curl.

You're so gorgeous, she wanted to say to him. But, she couldn't anything to his face.

"You don't look bad yourself," she said instead, feeling her throat dry all of a sudden. She crossed her arms, and took a sip of the juice, averting her gaze from him.

He let out a soft chuckle. "You know what I like about you?"

She looked at him curiously.

"Even if anyone compliments you, you take it lightly." Then, he gave a smile that almost melted her into a puddle.

"What are you drinking?" he asked.

"Apple juice."

"Is it good?" He signaled a waiter passing by and reaching for a glass of apple juice on the tray. She watched captivated as he sipped his drink and how his Adam's apple bobbed when he swallowed. She gulped, a sudden hotness engulfing and she exhaled, turning her face away from him. Despite the air conditioner in the room, she fanned herself with her free hand.

"Are you feeling hot?" he asked, confused.

"Very much," she blurted out and bit her tongue at what she said. To her utter shock, she felt his hand on her forehead and she almost dropped the glass in her hand. She closed her eyes, feeling his warm hand on her skin sizzling more fire.

"Your temperature is fine," he muttered.

"I am okay," she shrugged his hand off and put distance between them.

For a few seconds, he was silent, gazing at her, making her more nervous.

"You look out of the loop today," he commented.

"I am fine," she lied, not meeting his eyes.

"You are not."

"I am."

"You are avoiding my eyes. You are lying."

She frowned. "Why do you care?"

"Is this about the morning incident?" he asked instead.

She pressed her lips. "No. You were right. I should have known my place and not crossed my limits."

There was a deep frown on his face as she uttered those words. He opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by Madhu.

"Priya, my old friend, good to see you." Madhu stepped toward Priya cheerfully and pulled her in a hug. Only after they pulled back, she noticed Abhay.

"Hello Mr. Sinha," Madhu greeted with a slight bow, "Fine party."

He nodded simply and left. Once he was out of earshot, Madhu turned to Priya, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Did you reject his love confession or what? He looks dejected."

"Don't joke."

"Anyone in this room can say he's totally smitten by you," Madhu paused and added, "So do you."

Priya laughed, and said, "Not possible." A waiter was passing by them and she placed the empty glass on his tray while Madhu grabbed one.

"Why not?" Madhu asked, taking a small sip, and said blatantly, "He is hot, you are sexy. Both will make a remarkable pair." She winked.

Priya glared. "You were recently promoted. Do you want to lose your job?"

Madhu rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't agree until you see practically." Saying, she surveyed the room and stopped finding what she was looking for. She smirked and nodded in the direction. "See even now he's looking in this direction. At you."

Priya followed her gaze and was stuck seeing him staring in their direction. He was sitting at the bar with Varun and Ramesh. But, his attention was on her. His friends also seemed to notice and they too looked in their direction.

"How can he be interested in me?" Priya asked, almost hopeful. She liked him from the beginning, but she wasn't one to throw herself at someone if he doesn't show any interest in her.

"Want to test?"

Priya hesitated. Then, nodded. That made Madhu surprised. It was unlike Priya, as she was always uptight and who would avoid complications.

"No speech on employee-employer relationship?" Madhu asked.

Priya was silent.

"So, you are interested in him," Madhu half-concluded.

Priya gave a shy smile as she nodded. That told everything.

"Oho!" Madhu nudged her shoulder with hers and teased, "Finally, my friend boarded the ship. Only to be sailed is left."

"What if..." Priya bit her lip, not liking the thought, as she threw a glance at Abhay, "the captain doesn't accept me on his ship."

Madhu stared at her friend, getting amazed. Priya seemed serious about their boss.

"There is only one way to find out," Madhu said with a mischievous glint on her face.

∞∞∞

Abhay couldn't take his eyes off Priya as she conversed with the guests, playing the host, along with Madhu. Next to him, Varun and Ramesh were talking but nothing seemed to go in his ears. He sipped his drink and was thinking deeply as he observed Priya. The ladies stopped against the wall opposite of his own, just as Anjali also joined them.

He frowned seeing his sister's dress. An off-shoulder sequin blue dress and it was expensive. He did not care about the money. But he did not like how much skin she was showing over her shoulder. Why couldn't she dress like Priya? Simple, but still looking gorgeous and elegant, he thought.

Priya's eyes met his, and he raised his glass in acknowledgment. She smiled. But even from this distance, he could say that it didn't reach her eyes. He berated himself for his rash behavior towards her this morning. Why should he have to utter those nonsense words to her? He was thinking that she was sad because of his behavior.

His friends noticed that Abhay was not following their conversation. They glanced at him, followed his gaze and shared a glance at realization. Their brows were lifted as they noticed the unexpected interaction between Abhay and Priya. Ramesh winked at Varun, who nodded in understanding.

Ramesh cleared his throat and leaned close to Abhay as he whispered, "Isn't Priya beautiful?"

"Ahaan," Abhay agreed subconsciously.

Ramesh and Varun shared a hi-fi behind him.

"Isn't the man who gets Priya a lucky one?" Ramesh asked.

As the question registered, Abhay frowned and turned his head to the side. He jerked back startled seeing his friend's curious face close to his.

"What the hell!" He glared, moving away from them both and rubbing a hand over his ear.

As he did so, they both shared a hi-fi, leaning against the bar counter and laughing hard.

Abhay looked back at where Priya was and found her not there. His eyes searched for her among the guests. But she was nowhere to be found.

"I guess another love struck passenger is ready to board the train," Ramesh said, which made Abhay frown and shift his attention to his friends.

"What?" Abhay asked.

"You have fallen for Priya," Varun said as a matter-of-fact.

At those words, Abhay gave a sarcastic laugh. "Me? Falling for Priya? Are you nuts?"

"You will be soon in love," Varun replied, for which Abhay rolled his eyes.

"Bullshit," Abhay muttered, "I just like her as a person. Don't get any ideas into your head."

Ramesh and Varun shared a look. "Don't you love Priya?" Varun asked.

Abhay cocked up an eyebrow. "See who is asking. Weren't you against the idea of Priya even in the company? What happened now?" he mocked.

"It was then," Varun said, frowning and without hesitating, "I got to know Priya," he paused and added strangely, "Not everybody is the same. People change."

"You are right," Abhay said, his lips curled to one side as his gaze looked distant, "People change."

Before his friends could say anything else, Abhay heard a voice behind him.

"Great party."

Abhay turned around and smiled seeing Vijay Sharma. He shook his hand and said, "Thanks for joining us tonight."

"Why not? It is my honor to work with you."

Abhay nodded. His expression changed seeing Vijay's son, Kunal, coming to stand next to him. His grim expression turned sour as he stood in front of Abhay. Surprisingly, he was well-dressed in a black suit and hair brushed neatly to the side, compared to the rogue version Abhay met at the beginning.

"Yes... you will be honored since you left your one and only son without a single penny," Kunal said to Vijay, though his eyes were on Abhay daringly.

Abhay smirked and shook his head in dismay. Of course, though outer looks were changed, human nature was hard to be changed drastically.

"Kunal," Vijay whispered angrily, utterly disappointed with his son. A tired sigh escaped from him, seeing his 'I don't care' attitude. The old man gave an apologetic look to Abhay and said, "I am extremely sorry. I am ashamed to call him my son."

"When were you proud of me?" Kunal countered.

"I told you not to come. If you are going to be like this, then get out of this place," Vijay said angrily.

"I am curious to see the person whom you want to take under your wing and not your son."

"I am surprised to hear this from you," Vijay let out a humorless chuckle, "I will be the happiest person if you really want to get your priorities together and learn something, if not from me. I want you to see you become a better person, Kunal."

Kunal was silent and looked the other way, not responding to his father. Abhay just kept an eye out on his other guests, not disturbing them, understanding Vijay's turmoil and also Kunal's careless behavior. While on the other hand, Ramesh and Varun watched the scene amused, still standing at the bar and enjoying their drinks.

"I hope I will never have a son like him," Varun whispered to Ramesh.

"Then you and Anjali should work on it. Especially you," Ramesh whispered back.

Varun swallowed. "Right. Guess I should start carrying a notepad in my pocket. I should note down the tips from Dad, Shekhar uncle, and Mr. Sharma."

Ramesh spit on his drink and coughed while laughing. Varun and his ideas!

Vijay glanced at Abhay and said, "Maybe we should leave. This is completely inappropriate. I don't want to ruin your party anymore."

"How can that be possible?" Varun said, joining them and so did Ramesh. "We need you tonight here."

Abhay was about to say something, when again Kunal butted in. He's starting to get irritated by Kunal.

"You go," Kunal said, looking around the crowd of guests, "I have to say hi to a special person." Abhay noticed how Kunal's face glowed instantly like a thousand watts bulb and smiled.

Abhay followed his gaze and his lips too curled up in a smile when he saw Priya coming towards them, along with Anjali and Madhu.

"Vijay sir," Priya said brightly, as they came closer and her steps fastened until she stopped in front of them. Anjali and Madhu joined the group. She held Vijay's hand in hers and asked, "How are you?"

Vijay placed a hand on Priya's head and nodded, smiling warmly. "I am glad you remember me. Thought you completely forgot me after working with Mr. Sinha," he teased.

"Mr. Sinha is excellent. But no one can take your place. You are always the best for me," Priya said, making Vijay laugh whole-heartedly, and forget his previous argument with his son.

"I miss you, dear."

Priya smiled, feeling her throat tighten. He was like a father figure in her life and he always reminded her of Manish, her father.

Kunal cleared his throat and said, "Hi Priya. How are you?"

It was then Priya noticed Kunal and should say she too was surprised by his attire. She blinked, looking Kunal up and down. She nodded her head and smiled genuinely.

Kunal's eyes brightened, as it was very rare for Priya to notice him. "You look good as always," he said.

"Thank you. So do you. I am really surprised to see you like this," Priya said in awe.

Kunal smiled shyly and ran a hand over his neck feeling awkward. Priya chuckled.

"If you are done with your pleasantries," Abhay said grimly, and Priya glanced toward him, "I'd like to introduce my sister to Mr. Sharma." Priya frowned, seeing the sudden change in him. He was sweet earlier, then why the sudden harshness?

"Anjali," Abhay said, leaning closer to Priya and bringing Anjali forward who stood behind her, "Remember the surprise I was talking about?" he asked.

Anjali nodded. She was excited to know what it was as he strangely encouraged her to attend today's party. While Shekhar and Sharadha decided to stay back and have some grandparents time with Aisha. Also, she wanted to meet Vijay too, as she always admired him for being a self-made man and his achievements in the fashion world.

Abhay turned her toward Vijay as he made introductions, "Meet Mr. Sharma. He was the CEO of Sharma Textiles. As you already know we merged our companies together."

"Hello, Mr. Sharma," Anjali said pleasantly, extending her hand. Vijay accepted her hand with a gentle smile.

"Glad to finally meet you Ms. Sinha," Vijay said, taking her hand, "Mr. Sinha and Mr. Mehra spoke very highly about you."

"They did?" Anjali murmured, surprised.

"Yes, so much that, I am looking forward to working with you."

"What do you mean?" Anjali asked and turned to her brother. Abhay and Varun were watching her expressions as they shared secret glances. "What is happening, Bhaiya?"

"You are the new CEO of AS Textiles," Varun said excitedly.

Anjali's eyes widened. So did Priya and Madhu in surprise.

"What?" Anjali asked, shocked.

"You are the CEO of AS Textiles, Ms. Sinha," Kunal said mockingly, earning a glare from everyone.

"I did not accept this," Anjali said, still reeling from shock.

"There is no need. We know you wanted to work for a long time," Varun said, "We thought of giving a surprise to you by making an official announcement."

Anjali clenched her fists and pulled them to the side. "With whose permission?" she gritted the words. Abhay and Varun frowned, as they realized that she did not look happy as they expected.

"Isn't this what you want?" Abhay asked.

"I want to work, yes! But not using my brother's or my boyfriend's connections or any recommendations. I want to come up from the basic level and gain some experience initially. Just like you and Rahul bhaiya."

Abhay felt proud of his sister and also ashamed of himself. This was what Priya was talking about in the morning. He does what he wants to do and rubs his intentions on other people, giving them no choice.

Anjali looked at Varun. "Even you, Varun?"

Varun bowed his head. "I didn't want you to go through the hardships we went through."

"You never allowed me to work in the outside companies and even refused to work in our company," she said to Abhay and then to Varun, "You also weren't thrilled when I said I want to work. Now, suddenly, you make me sit in a boss chair. Don't I have a choice in what I should do with my career?" Anjali said hurt.

Seeing them both bowing down and not responding to her questions, Anjali rolled her eyes. Without a second glance, she walked back to the group and said politely to Vijay.

"I apologize, sir. But, I have to deny the position."

That surprised everyone. Out of everyone, Kunal was happier.

"May I know why?" Vijay asked.

Anjali twisted her fingers, as she said, "CEO is a huge position. Before that, I want to work under someone and gain some experience."

"Experience is achieved as you get adapted to the assigned work and show excellence with your leadership," Vijay said.