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Not a dangerously attractive neighbour with an attitude and a Greek-god physique. And definitely not her grandfather’s worst enemy!

She groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead.

Nope. Nope. Nope.

This was not happening.

And yet…

Something told her—

This was only the beginning.

CHAPTER 2

Raichand Villa

Evening had settled over Serene Meadows, casting golden hues over the manicured lawns and winding pathways. The air smelled of fresh earth and blooming marigolds as Nandini made her way downstairs, still shaking off the remnants of her afternoon nap. The short rest had been much needed after her eventful morning—returning home, reuniting with her grandpa, and reliving memories she hadn’t realised she had missed so much.

And now, sitting in the Raichand Villa’s warm, familiar kitchen, she was being interrogated by Lakshmi Aunty.

Aunty cornered her, wielding a plate of freshly made parathas like a shield.

“You’ve gotten too thin, Nandini. Didn’t you say you used to cook for yourself in Mumbai? Even home-cooked food didn’t suit you there, or was it the weather?”

Nandini leaned against the counter, stealthily reaching for a hot paratha.

“The Mumbai weather was fine, Lakshmi Aunty. The startup life just… didn’t leave much time for eating.”

“Or sleeping, from the looks of it.” Lakshmi Aunty’s shrewd eyes missed nothing. “Your daadu told me about the investors.”

“They changed their minds at the last minute,” Nandini murmured, forcing a brightness into her voice that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “But I’m sure I’ll find a way to come out of this trouble! Because hey, I’m Nandini Raichand, Keshav Raichand’s super-intelligent granddaughter. If I don’t put my intelligent mind to work and get some stellar ideas for my startup, who will?”

Lakshmi Aunty gave her a fond but sceptical look before handing her a glass of water.

“Yes, but first, eat something before you collapse in the middle of your brainstorming.”

Before Nandini could respond, a sharp voice from outside interrupted their conversation.

“Mr. Raichand, this is becoming ridiculous.”

Aunty clucked her tongue. “And so it begins. Every day, same argument, different words.”

Curious, Nandini stepped into the spacious living room, leading to the open garden of their villa, where the old mango tree stood tall at the boundary between the two properties.And there he was!

Their neighbour, unfortunately, clothed now in a crisp business suit that did nothing to diminish his impact, stood at the property line. Even from here, his presence commanded attention. His broad shoulders pulled his jacket tautly, hinting at the sculpted chest beneath, and his stance spoke of boardrooms and billion-dollar decisions.

Her grandfather stood across from him, equally unbothered, equally stubborn.

Even though she had only been back for a short time, she had wasted no time in finding out their neighbour’s name from her grandpa and Lakshmi Aunty. How could she not? Especially after that close encounter with him at the pool, where he had been doing push-ups,shirtless!

And so, she finally got to know his name—Shaurya Ahuja.

Classy.

Shaurya meant valour, bravery, which oddly suited him. And he definitely didn’t look 35 years old. The man looked well within his 30s—toned, irresistible, and annoyingly fit for someone who was supposedly a workaholic.

“What is ridiculous? Those branches have been crossing the property line for decades,” Grandpa retorted, gesturing at the old mango tree. “Long beforeyoubought this place.”