The soft clinking of silverware filled the cozy dining room as Maithili personally served the food. Shikar sat across from her, watching Hriday with quiet amusement.

"Seems like Mom is very happy today,"

Hriday teased.

Even Shikar noticed it—usually the servants handled the serving, but today Maithili was doing it herself.

"Mom, put some more vegetables on your plate,"

Hriday said, pointing at the carrots she had carefully been avoiding.

Maithili made a face.

"I don't like carrots, Hriday."

"Maithili, Hriday is right,"

Shikar added, enjoying the scene.

With dramatic flair, Maithili scooped up all the remaining carrots—only to dump them straight onto Shikar's plate.

"Now you eat! Bade aaye mujhe bolne waale!"
(You were the one telling me!)

She then calmly added more paneer to her own plate.

Shikar looked at Hriday in disbelief.

"Why do I always suffer? You said it—and I'm the one punished!"

Hriday grinned.

"Dad, because Mom loves me more."

He winked at Maithili. She blew him a flying kiss, which he dramatically "caught" mid-air.

Suddenly, Maithili narrowed her eyes.

"By the way, Hriday... why do you have different colored buttons on your shirt?"

Hriday looked down.

Gauri had stitched one earlier. Maybe she accidentally used a slightly different shade. It wasn't her fault—he had been distracting her the whole time.

"Yes, it doesn't look pleasant for a meeting,"

Shikar added.

"Change it. Wear something else."

"But Dad, it looks good on me! And now I like this shirt even more."

Shikar stared at him suspiciously.

"Maithili, is this really our son? The one who never cared about clothes is suddenly attached to a mere shirt?"

Maithili looked equally shocked.

"Dad, it's precious."

"Oh really?" Maithili raised a brow. "I don't remember gifting it to you. And your father definitely doesn't give such gifts."

Hriday felt cornered.

"M-Mom... it was a gift from Mayank. Yes! Last birthday!"

"On his birthday or yours?"

Shikar asked with a sly smile.

"Dad! Obviously mine! What kind of question is that? I'm getting late for the office. If you're coming, come. I'm leaving!"

He escaped before more questions could follow.

Shikar chuckled while Maithili looked confused.

After a moment, Shikar turned to her.

"Maithili, send that girl... what's her name... Gauri. Yes. Send her to the office today and tell her to meet me. I'll give her the joining letter."

"You can give it here too,"

Maithili said.

"I could. But I want her to see the office. Meet her team. It's important."

Maithili nodded.

Meanwhile...

Gauri stood in front of the towering office building, staring up at it nervously.

Inside, she approached the receptionist.

"Shikar sir?"

"Sir is in a meeting. Do you have an appointment, ma'am?"

Gauri shook her head.

"No, but... he asked me to come."

"Oh yes! Mr. Shekhawat asked you to meet Narayan sir. He's his assistant. I'll escort you."

Inside the elevator, another man entered. His name tag read Mechanical Department. He smiled at the receptionist.

"Hello, Kajal. Abhi tak ruthi ho mujhse?"
(Still upset with me?)

He tried to hold her hand.

Kajal pulled it away.

"Don't create a scene, Rahul. We're not alone. And I didn't forget what you said last time. Don't talk to me again."

Rahul exited awkwardly.

Kajal sighed and looked at Gauri.

"Sorry... can you keep this to yourself? It's complicated."

"Of course,"

Gauri replied gently.

Narayan, a man in his late fifties, welcomed her warmly.

"I've seen your qualifications. Don't worry, I'll assign you basic work first. Once you're familiar, we'll decide your department."

He handed her files.

"Underline any mistakes you find."

Gauri nodded and began working diligently.

Her phone rang.

"Hello, Aunty."

"Did you reach safely? Should I send the driver?"

"No need, Aunty. I'll manage."

"Make sure you eat lunch. Focus on work."

Gauri smiled at the warmth in Maithili's voice.

Elsewhere, Hriday sat in his cabin.

"Sir, these files need your signature,"

Vivek said.

"You could get Dad's signature too. Why always me?"

"Last time you insisted on signing them yourself to reduce Mr. Shekhawat's stress,"

Vivek reminded calmly.

Hriday sighed.

"Oh yes... I forgot. Vivek, did Gauri come today?"

"Yes, sir. The same Gauri who once worked as your cook in Kolkata. The one whose uncle's land you wanted. The one who called you 'archaeopteryx' and made you furious—"

"I didn't ask for a biography!"

Hriday snapped.

"Get out."

"Sorry, sir. But I'm contracted here for twenty years. You'll have to see my face."

Hriday stared at him.

Was Vivek always this bold?

After he left, Hriday immediately called Gauri.

No answer.

He called reception.

"Yes, Mr. Shekhawat. Miss Gauri met Narayan sir and is currently working."

"Alright."

He cut the call.

He needed to see her. Now.

He stepped out of his cabin—and bumped into Mayank.

"Where are you running?"

Mayank smirked.

"I have something important."

"Oho. Important... or someone important?"

Hriday ignored him and rushed off.