**Arsh's POV:**

Today marks my return to Lucknow after three long years. This city, which once thrived with the grandeur of Nawabs, now feels like a collection of buried secrets whispered through its ancient streets. The memories it holds weigh heavy on my heart, painting the city as a frightening maze that I have no desire to navigate again. I have no emotional ties here; Lucknow is not a place that beckons me back with open arms. Arsh Ali Shah stands firm, devoid of weaknesses. I've learned my lessons well; no one else will ever hold that power over me again. In a world filled with familiar faces, none hold special significance for me anymore.

My purpose for being back, however, is strictly professional. Perhaps, this time, I can shift my perspective and see Lucknow through the lens of opportunity.

"Sir, we should first assess the area that's causing the project delays," Aarav suggested, pulling me from my reverie. I nodded in acknowledgment, only half-listening as his words floated around me.

"Hmm..." I murmured absently.

Aarav picked up on my distracted tone. "What's going on, man? You've left Mumbai, but your tongue is still stuck there!" he teased lightly.

Annoyed, I snapped back, "Just focus on the road and drive properly-" but I couldn't finish my sentence. Suddenly, a girl appeared in front of our car, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Whoa! Watch out!" I shouted, urging Aarav to hit the brakes.

The tires screeched as he slammed the brakes, and the car lurched to a halt. We both sat in stunned silence for a moment, processing what had just happened. Aarav broke the tension with a sigh of relief. "Thank God I stopped in time. Otherwise, I'd be heading to jail in my prime," he said, adopting a mock-somber tone. "And don't forget, I'm not even married yet!"

While Aarav's words droned on in the background, my mind was fixed entirely on the girl standing before us. Her startled expression was etched in my memory, a snapshot of vulnerability. I couldn't shake off the adrenaline coursing through me as I considered the weight of what had nearly occurred.

In Black Abaya was on her, a hijab was on her head, and her whole face was covered with a veil; only her two eyes were visible, which she had tightly closed as if she was accepting that we would kill her. Thinking this, I smiled a little. My close friend, my

P. A sahab saw my smile and said, "I am so serious here and you are enjoying it, bastard."And he made a face like a fox and said again, "Shadi toh Teri bhi nhi-" I cut him in the middle and said, "Don't talk about it; let's get out of this situation, N.O.W." He said flatly, "Okay, boss," while saluting me.

As we stepped out of the car, I watched Aarav approach that girl, curiosity bubbling inside me. "Ma'am, are you okay?" he asked, his voice cutting through the tension. Her eyes fluttered open, and I caught a glimpse of unshed tears that stirred something deep with a desire to reach out and wipe them away.

Why was I feeling this way? Did I care about her? Questions raced through my mind, adding to my restlessness. When she didn't respond, Aarav pressed on, "Ma'am, are you listening? Can I help you?" But she brushed us off, cold as ice, practically dismissing us as if we were nothing more than shadows.

Then, everything changed. She turned towards me, and I couldn't tear my gaze away. Just as she approached, she stumbled, reaching for my car for support. Instinct kicked in and caught her, my hands gripping her tightly. At that moment, a rush of yearning washed over me; I wanted to pull her close.

As she fell into my embrace, her eyes fluttered shut, and to my shock, she fainted in my arms. Time froze. I was entranced, aching to see her face, veiled and mysterious, wanting to uncover the story behind those captivating eyes. What was happening? This wasn't just an encounter that felt electric.

Worry etched deep lines on my forehead as I gently patted her cheeks, hoping to rouse her from unconsciousness. The soft touch felt surreal against the gravity of the situation. Just then, I heard Aarav's urgent voice pierce through the silence, "Sir, we have to get her to the hospital!" His words snapped me back to reality. Without hesitating, I replied, "Yes, open the car!"

With a surge of adrenaline, I carefully lifted her in my arms, cradling her like a bride. The delicate weight of her body was both a comfort and a painful reminder of her vulnerability. As I laid her gently in the backseat, I felt an overwhelming responsibility wash over me.

The ride to the hospital was a blur of emotions. I couldn't help but steal glances at her, my heart racing with every rising beat. It felt as if my very existence hinged on this moment-her pale face and still form haunted my thoughts. The fear of losing her clawed at my insides, threatening to consume me.

Finally, we arrived at the hospital. The sterile environment was a stark contrast to the chaos swirling in my mind. The doctor rushed to examine her, and every second that passed felt like an eternity. Aarav and I stood by anxiously, the air thick with tension.

After what felt like ages, the nurse emerged with a look of assurance. "Excuse me, Miss Zoha has regained consciousness." At the mere mention of her name, Aarav's eyes lit up with relief, and without a moment's delay, he stated, "I would like to see her," before following the nurse into the room.

As he vanished behind the door, a strange sense of calm filled my heart. It was as though a burden had been lifted, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Now, you might be wondering how I know her name. Let me introduce myself-I'm Arsh Ali Shah. And I must say, I find her name lovely. Zoha. It has a ring to it that sends shivers of excitement down my spine. 'Mine Zoha'-now doesn't that sound just perfect?

As soon as the doctor discharged her, my heart raced with anticipation while I waited in the parking area. I couldn't shake the image of her captivating eyes from my mind, but there was so much more I wanted to discover about her. This was the last moment I would have to seher unless, of course, Arsh, the master of making people wait, played his usual games.

After a few moments that felt like an eternity, she appeared, a stunning figure adorned with a hijab that framed her face perfectly. I felt a thrill at the thought of lifting that veil to see her smile up close.

I caught glimpses of her in the car mirror, a secret observer in my little world. I could see her chatting with Arav, and it ignited a firestorm of jealousy within a volcano of emotions ready to erupt. With every second they lingered in conversation, the urge to explode with envy surged stronger. This was strange territory for me; jealousy wasn't a usual companion for Arsh. But here I was, feeling it for the first time, completely captivated.

As I stared at my phone, the screen lit up with Aarav's name flashing across it. Frustration bubbled up inside me, and I muttered under my breath, "Now, why is this bastard calling me? He should be talking to her instead." Unfortunately, I couldn't avoid the call. When I answered, Aarav's voice came through, soft and somewhat conspiratorial. "Bhai, woh tujhse milke... Tera thanks karna chahti hain."

She wants to meet me. A tidal wave of relief washed over me at those words. My heart swelled with peace, but just as quickly, Aarav's voice interrupted my moment of bliss. "Saale, ab bol bhi, kya kahu?" His teasing tone made me pause. I was about to launch into a response, saying "I am com-" but then a more strategic thought struck me. I quickly rephrased my words, telling him instead, "Tell her that I've left for the office."

Aarav nodded, his usual enthusiasm dimming a notch, and replied with a simple "Okay," before disconnecting the call. I slipped my phone back into my pocket, a sly smirk creeping onto my face.

After bidding her goodbye, Aarav slid into the driver's seat of his car, the engine purring to life. He turned to me, a teasing grin on his face. "Why didn't you go up to her, Arsh? Are you scared to face girls or something?"

I chuckled at his playful jibe but felt a surge of emotion underneath. If only I knew how restless I was to see her up close, to gaze into those captivating eyes that had set my heart racing within just two minutes of meeting her. Despite my eagerness, I knew it was too early to pursue anything.

The banter between Aarav and me continued, though most of the nonsense came from him as usual. I found solace in our friendship, even if most of our conversations were lighthearted and silly. Eventually, after a whole day filled with adventures and mischief, we finally arrived at our hotel, the memories of the day still fresh in my mind.

**Author POV**

He stepped into his hotel room, the soft click of the door echoing in the quiet surroundings. With a sigh, he tossed his blazer onto the plush sofa, the fabric landing with a gentle thud. The day's heat still clung to him, compelling him to seek the refreshing embrace of a shower.

As the warm water cascaded over him, he closed his eyes, letting the steam envelop him like a comforting embrace. Yet, just as he began to relax, the image of two captivating eyes flashed before his mind's eye. They belonged to the enigmatic Zoha. Struggling to shake off the distraction, he turned off the water, the sound of the droplets hitting the tub fading into silence.

He ran his fingers through his damp hair, tousling it absentmindedly before wrapping a plush bathrobe around himself. The soft fabric offered a sense of comfort as he stepped out of the bathroom, the air now mingling with the faint scent of soap and warmth.

Dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored white trousers, he left the top three buttons of his shirt undone, a casual yet intentional look that complemented his relaxed demeanor. Just as he adjusted his collar in the mirror, the ring of the room bell broke through his thoughts.

He opened the door to find a steaming cup of coffee on the tray, its rich aroma wafting towards him in an inviting swirl. Grabbing the mug, he made his way to the expansive window that dominated one side of his room. The view of Lucknow spread out before him like a vibrant tapestry, the city alive with movement and color.

Taking a slow, deliberate sip of his coffee, he let the warmth spread through him, grounding him in the present yet pulling him back to thoughts of Zoha. The events of the previous night played in his mind, her pride radiant and undeniable. He set the mug down carefully on the coffee table, his gaze shifting to the cityscape as he pondered his next move.

With a confident smirk curling at the corners of his lips, he mused aloud, "I'm coming to make you mine, my Angelo. But not so fast, it's time for a strategy. I'll have my morning star soon enough, my star-MINE Zoha" he said, taking a deep breath and in a husky voice.

"soon to be Mrs. Zoha Arsh Ali Shah."

The words left his lips like a promise, filled with determination, as he envisioned the future he was ready to create.