Aarav's phone vibrated at midnight.
He stared at the screen like it was a snake.
Rohan (PA): Sir, the board meeting is tomorrow. Investors are angry. They want you present.
Aarav closed his eyes.
Two worlds were pulling him apart.
He typed back:
I will come. One day only.
The next morning, he dressed differently.
Not in his torn shoes.
Not in his faded shirt.
He opened a locked suitcase under his bed.
Inside were polished leather shoes, an expensive watch, and a black suit that still smelled like power.
For one hour, the poor man disappeared.
At the office tower, guards saluted him.
Employees whispered his name.
Glass doors opened like magic.
Mr. Malhotra, welcome back, Rohan said nervously.
Inside the boardroom, men in suits waited like kings.
You vanished for six months! one shouted.
Stock is falling! another added.
Aarav stood calmly. I needed to remember who I was without money.
Silence fell.
He signed files worth millions like they were grocery bills.
Power returned to his voice.
But his heart stayed in the street… with Meera.
That evening, he met her near the tea stall.
You're late, she said. I thought you forgot me.
I was… working, he replied.
She handed him a small packet. For you.
Inside was a stitched handkerchief with his name: Aarav.
I made it, she said proudly. So you remember me at work.
His hands shook.
This poor girl had given him something richer than gold.
Meera, he said, what if I become someone else one day?
She laughed. As long as you stay you.
That night, Meera's mother fell sick.
Hospital bills piled like mountains.
Meera cried outside the ward.
Aarav stood helpless.
One call could end this pain.
One signature could save her.
But if he paid…
she would know.
He quietly slipped money into the nurse's hand and left.
The nurse later told Meera, Some charity trust paid.
Meera wiped her tears. God is kind.
But Aarav knew…
God was wearing a mask.
Next day, Meera held his hand. I will repay God one day.
Aarav forced a smile.
The lie was growing bigger.
And lies are heavy.
Far away, a journalist printed tomorrow's headline:
'Reclusive Billionaire Aarav Malhotra Returns to Business World'
With his photo.
The storm was closer now.
And soon…
Meera would meet the man she never loved.