Ira quietly shut the front door behind her, the faint echo of Kunal’s car already fading down the street.

She took a breath, ready to slip into the comfort of home, but the moment she turned, she was met with three pairs of eyes waiting for her...her mother, her brother, and her father.

“Kunal left already?” her mother asked, curiously.

Ira nodded, smoothing her dupatta nervously.

“Pity..” her father said with a small smile, shaking his head. “He could have stayed for dinner. It’s been a while since he joined us.”

Ira forced a tight smile, before walking towards them.

Soon, the four of them gathered around the dining table.

Plates clinked softly, spoons against bowls, but the atmosphere felt heavier than usual.

After a few minutes, her father looked up from his food and turned to her. “So, Beta… how was the interview?”

The question froze her mid-bite. Ira’s fingers tightened around her spoon.

He was smiling warmly, expectant, but that smile faltered when he noticed her hesitation.

“Um… it… it was good, Papa..” she said quickly, her eyes flickering toward her mother.

Her mother sighed, setting her spoon down. “Tell them, Ira..” she said softly.

Both her father and Raghav frowned, their attention focused on her instantly.

“Tell us what?” her father asked, his brows knitting together.

Ira swallowed hard. “Papa… I will be working at the Rathore Residence.”

The words seemed to drop like a stone in water. Both her father and Raghav froze mid-chew.

“What?” her father said..

“The Rathore Residence?” Raghav’s spoon clattered against his plate as he leaned forward.

“Wait, Ira..that’s where you went for an interview?”

She nodded, her palms clammy.

“Ira, what were you thinking?” Raghav’s tone held anger now, protective fury flashing in his eyes.

“I know, I know you’re both worried..” she said quickly, trying to calm them. “But we need to gather money fast, so i need this job. You know how things turned out at my last work, Raghav.”

Her stomach twisted at the memory. The way her old employer’s eyes had lingered on her, shameless and hungry.

She shivered despite herself, disgust running through her at the thought.

Raghav clenched his fists on the table.

“I will be fine.” Ira pressed on. “I won’t be working there for long. Okay? But we need the money...and fast.”

Her father’s brows furrowed deeply, his face heavy with worry. “What kind of job is it, Beta?”

She hesitated, then answered carefully. “It’s just… a little errand task. A caregiver position..for their son, Devraj Singh Rathore.”

Her father exhaled heavily, leaning back in his chair. “Ira…” His voice carried both fear and helplessness.

“I know, Papa..” Ira said softly, her eyes glistening with determination. “It’s dangerous, you don’t have to worry, I'm just there for work. Trust me. I will be fine. I went there today… and they were kind. At least, Mrs. Rathore was.”

Her parents shared a long, silent look, one of worry laced with resignation, before turning their eyes back to Ira.

She offered them a reassuring smile, though inside, her heart was restless.

“Beta… please, be careful. Okay? This is the Rathores we are talking about. And if you feel any threat, call me or your brother.” His eyes held fear.

Ira’s chest tightened at the way he said it,  as if he was begging her to understand without scaring her.

She reached out across the table, gently placing her hand over his rough, calloused one.

“I will, Papa.” she said softly, with a small smile even though her heart was pounding. “I promise.”

Her father studied her face for a long moment.

He finally gave a stiff nod, though his shoulders still carried the weight of unease.

Raghav’s jaw ticked, his spoon untouched. “Just don’t forget that promise, Ira.” he muttered, his protective eyes locked on her.

Ira gave him a tiny nod in return, trying to ease the storm in his gaze.

Inside, she knew both her father and brother would never stop worrying, because they were right. She was stepping into the lion’s den.

But she also knew she couldn’t back out now and most importantly, the money.

Dinner continued, though the usual warmth was gone.

Ira could still feel their fear.

But she understood. Even she thought she was insane for accepting this. Still… she had her reasons.

And she would not turn back. Working in the Rathore will get her to make that cash fast to clear her father’s debt.

Devraj leaned back against the headboard, his laptop balanced on his lap as his eyes scanned through company figures.

The familiar rhythm of numbers, but the sudden ping of a new email dragged his attention away. A folder had been dropped into his inbox.

His brows knitted.

Right on cue, his phone began to vibrate on the bedside table. He picked it up.

“I’ve sent you the file..” Advik’s voice came through “Details on this Ira girl.”

Devraj’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll check it.”

“But damn…” Advik let out a low whistle, “that girl is one hell of a beauty. Also, she seem to be clean. No bad record or something.”

Suddenly, the muscles in Devraj’s jaw ticked. He clicked open the file anyway, his eyes landing on the first image and froze.

She stared back at him.

Green eyes, bright and arresting even through a still frame.

A wide, unguarded smile stretched across her lips, the kind of smile that spoke of innocence… untouched by the dirt of this world.

His gaze lingered too long before he forced himself to scroll past.

“You see every woman you come across as beautiful..” Devraj muttered.

“Maybe..” Advik laughed, “but this one..this Ira Verma..she’s different. She’s—”

“Enough.” Devraj’s voice hardened “Stop talking about her.” Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call and tossed the phone aside.

His eyes flicked back to the laptop, to that photograph he had tried to scroll past.

Her hair caught him next, reddish strands that framed her face.

His mind caught on the detail. Is it natural? he found himself wondering, irritation rising at the thought..

Why do I care?

Slowly, against his will, his eyes returned to hers. Those green depths seemed to gleam even brighter the longer he stared.

His throat tightened.

With a sharp exhale, Devraj snapped the laptop shut, the sound echoing in the quiet room.

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, dragging a hand across his face.

“What the hell was that?” he muttered, almost angrily, as though spitting out the thought. His temples throbbed.

He reached for the glass of water, downing it in one gulp, but it did nothing to cool the unfamiliar burn slowly crawling in his veins.

Slamming the glass back on the table, he dimmed the lights until the room was cloaked in shadow.

He lay back down, closing his eyes, but he saw that same green eyes and he snapped his eyes open.

He clenched his jaw in the dark, hating the way a single girl’s image refused to leave his mind.

A few days later…

“Damn, Ira… this place is scary.” Ritika muttered, her voice hushed.

She pulled her scooter to a stop in front of the towering wrought-iron gates of the Rathore Residence.

The massive structure loomed in the distance.

Ira exhaled softly, forcing a small smile.

She unclasped her helmet, the breeze instantly brushing through her hair. Handing the helmet back, she glanced at Ritika’s widened eyes and chuckled. “Don’t make it sound like I’m entering a haunted mansion.”

But even as she joked, Ira’s heart beat faster.

Ritika leaned closer, gripping the handlebars tightly. “Please don’t die in there. I mean it, Ira. Everyone says Devraj Rathore is… ruthless. Ice in human form. I don’t even want to imagine what working for him is like.”

Ira bit her lip and shook her head. “You’re being dramatic.” She tried to make her voice light, but it wavered slightly. “Go now, you’re already late for work.”

“I hate that job..” Ritika muttered, starting the scooter. She gave Ira a look that was half worry, half affection. “I love you, okay? Don’t die on me. Call me when you get home.”

Her voice carried louder as the scooter pulled away, “Don’t die!”

Ira laughed softly, shaking her head, though her laughter barely masked the heavy drop in her stomach.

As soon as Ritika disappeared down the road, silence pressed in.

The gates loomed higher, almost alive under the morning sun.

The stillness was suffocating. Even the air here felt different, colder, sharper, as if the estate itself carried a soul.

Her fingers tightened around her tote bag strap, knuckles paling.

Why does it feel like I’m walking into danger instead of work? she thought.

Still, she forced her legs forward until she reached the silver button and pressed it.

Moments later the same guard she saw when she came last week appeared, his expression as unreadable as the first day she came here.

His eyes, hidden behind dark shades again.

“H–hi..” Ira greeted quickly, her voice breaking the silence. “Um… remember me? I’m here for work.”

The man didn’t speak, didn’t blink. He just studied her for a bit too long. Then, without a word, the gates clicked open.

Relief and dread tangled in Ira’s chest. She offered a small, polite smile, though the guard had already turned to lead the way.

Stepping inside, Ira’s sandals sank slightly into the fine gravel of the long driveway.

Felt like the first time she came, as usual guards are everywhere. And it's as quiet as ever..

Everyone here seems to just mind their business, not that she want to mingle or anything, but it was something she noticed when she came here the first day. Even the maids..

Maybe there are a lot more mystery in this place than she thought..

She looked at the guard the she was following...

"What is your name?" She softly asked, the guard stiffened for a moment as they continued their walk, he gazed at her and saw her smiling, he gulped and turned his head away...

She heart pounding, what was I thinking??

Suddenly, She could feel eyes on her, though when she looked up, there was only the stillness of the mansion.

And she wasn’t wrong.

From the balcony above, Devraj sat in his wheelchair, silent..

His laptop rested closed on the small table beside him, his attention fixed on the two figures making their way to the mansion.

That hair. That vivid streak of red that caught the sunlight as if it had been set aflame.

Ira.

She looked smaller from this distance, delicate, her movements careful yet hesitant.

He noticed how tightly she clutched her bag strap..as though holding on to courage itself.

Devraj’s gaze sharpened. She said something to the guard escorting her, lips tugging into a nervous little smile when he didn’t reply.

The gesture made something in him twitch unexpectedly.

He didn’t look away. He watched as she reached the mansion mini steps, pausing when the guard murmured something before leaving her at the entrance.

Alone now, She straightened her dupatta, fixed a polite smile on her face..as if bracing herself..and finally she walked into the mansion..

Devraj’s jaw tightened. He should’ve turned away, returned to his work.

But instead, his eyes followed every small detail: the soft curve of her profile, the way her hair brushed against her shoulders, the fleeting glimmer of nerves in her posture.

His fingers curled over the armrest of his chair.

Ira stepped into the mansion once more.

The air inside was different now, cooler, richer, carrying a faint fragrance of polished wood and something floral that lingered faintly.

A few maids moved swiftly across the room, their steps quick, eyes lowered as they carried trays and dusted surfaces.

Ira was about to stop one of them to ask for something when a familiar, warm voice called out.

“Ira.”

She turned immediately, relief softening her nervousness as she spotted Mrs. Rathore walking gracefully toward her.

Her smile was the kind that instantly eased tension.

“Good morning, Mrs. Rathore.” Ira greeted respectfully, pressing her dupatta closer against her shoulder.

“Morning, my dear.” Mrs. Rathore returned warmly. “I see you are very punctual. Right on time.”

A small smile bloomed on Ira’s lips. “Thank you, Mrs. Rathore.”

Mrs. Rathore gave a nod of approval, then motioned with her hand. “Alright, let’s go.”

Ira followed quickly, her footsteps quiet against the marble as they moved across the grand hall.

“So..” Mrs. Rathore began as they ascended the wide staircase, “we’ll go see Devraj first. After that, I’ll hand you his medical reports. I trust you’ve gone through your tasks, yes?”

Ira nodded earnestly, her heart racing as she kept up with the older woman’s steps. “Yes, I have. I noticed his exercises are especially important for his recovery.”

A smile flickered across Mrs. Rathore’s face, genuine pride glinting in her eyes.

“That’s correct. Good. His progress depends on consistency, so I’m glad you noticed that.”

They continued climbing, turning down a long corridor where the walls seemed to stretch endlessly.

Ira felt it again, that strange chill that seeped into her bones the last time she had come here.

The silence of this floor was heavier, pressing against her chest, and she found herself clutching the strap of her bag tighter.

Finally, after another flight of stairs and a quiet walk down, they stopped before Devraj's door.

Mrs. Rathore raised her hand and knocked gently.

“Come in.”

The voice from inside was low and deep.

Mrs. Rathore’s lips curved into a smile as she opened the door, motioning for Ira to step in with her.

Ira inhaled sharply, whispering a small prayer in her mind as her sandals crossed the threshold.

Near the bed, Devraj sat in his wheelchair, his posture straight, his gaze focused on the laptop before him. His hands moved over the keyboard with an ease

But as soon as the door closed, he stilled.

Slowly, his head lifted. His eyes first caught his mother’s smile, then shifted, landing directly on Ira.

She froze under the weight of that stare. It was different from last time, closer, more piercing, like a stare pressing against her skin.

Her throat went dry.

“Devraj..” Mrs. Rathore’s voice broke the silence, gentle but firm, “Ira will start her work from today. Alright?”

He didn’t look at his mother. His gaze lingered on Ira. She swallowed hard, her pulse thudding in her ears.

“Hm.”

The small sound rumbled low from his chest, and though it was nothing more than a hum of acknowledgment, Ira felt her stomach tighten as if she had just been weighed and judged in a single glance.

Mrs. Rathore smiled as if that was enough. Turning to Ira, she placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “If you don’t understand something or need help, come find me, alright?”

Ira nodded quickly, her smile strained but polite. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” With that, Mrs. Rathore cast her son one last glance, then stepped out, the door clicking softly shut behind her.

And just like that, Ira was left standing alone in the room..with Devraj eyes still fixed on her.