Her voice dropped to a whisper, and she added, "I didn't mean to hurt you, Mani. I just missed you at the competition, and I wanted to play a small prank on you. I didn't think it would hurt you this much."

Manik's eyes filled with affection as he gently joined their foreheads, his skin warm against hers. "Aww, I wanted to be there, Baby Girl, but my flight got delayed," he explained, his voice soft and soothing.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close as he continued, "You don't need to feel bad, Nandini. This is my punishment for not being there for you when you wanted me. I should have been there to see you receive your trophy." His voice was filled with regret, but also with love and adoration for her.

Nandini's voice was barely audible as she whispered, "It's okay, please don't feel bad. It's not your fault." Her eyes fluttered closed, and she reveled in the warmth of Manik's body, feeling him so close after what felt like an eternity.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Raman and Ishita watched from upstairs, witnessing the tender moment between the two. They exchanged a warm smile, their hearts filled with joy and affection for the young couple.

Without a word, Raman and Ishita nodded in unison, as if blessing the couple, their faces reflecting their happiness and approval of Manik and Nandini's love for each other.

Manik's eyes sparkled with fond memories as he recalled the day Raman and Ishita moved in next door with their adorable two-year-old daughter, Nandini. He was eight years old at the time, and little Nandini had instantly captured the hearts of the entire Malhotra family.

Manik's parents, in particular, had been smitten with Nandini, showering her with love and affection. Having always yearned for a daughter of their own, they had welcomed Nandini into their lives with open arms, spoiling her rotten and making her the apple of their eye. As Manik grew up, he had watched Nandini grow from a precocious toddler into a bright and beautiful young woman, and his own feelings for her had evolved from liking to crush and at end LOVE.

"Mani, I want to eat golgappa" Nandini demanded bringing him from his thoughts.

Manik's eyes refocused on Nandini, a smile spreading across his face as he chuckled at her sudden demand. "Golgappa? Now?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

But Nandini's face was set in a determined expression, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Manik knew that look all too well, and he couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, okay, I'll get you golgappa," he surrendered, pulling her close for a quick kiss on the forehead.

Nandini's face lit up with excitement as she exclaimed, "No, I'll come with you! Let's go on a ride!" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and Manik couldn't help but laugh at her infectious enthusiasm.

"As you say, my lord," Manik's grin widened as Nandini jumped onto his back, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck.

He chuckled, feeling her warm breath on his ear, and exclaimed, "Chalo!" as he sprinted towards the garage. The sound of his sports bike roaring to life echoed through the air, and Manik felt a rush of adrenaline as he settled Nandini onto the bike, her arms still wrapped tightly around him.

With a final rev of the engine, they sped off into the night, the wind whipping through their hair as they laughed and whooped with joy.

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The conference room was filled with an air of apprehension as the heads of every department gathered around the large wooden table. Their faces were etched with worry and fear, their eyes darting nervously around the room.

The sudden emergency meeting had caught everyone off guard, and the tension in the room was palpable.

Whispers and murmurs circulated among the department heads, speculating about the reason behind the meeting. The owner's reputation for calling such meetings only when something was amiss did little to alleviate their concerns.

One of the department heads leaned in close to his colleague and whispered, "What do you think is the reason for this emergency meeting?"

His colleague's eyes darted around the room before responding in a hushed tone, "Maybe it's about the recent project we lost to Saxena Enterprises."

The first department head's expression turned grave. "I heard it was because someone leaked our presentation. If that's true..." His voice trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.

A third employee chimed in, their voice barely above a whisper. "If that's true, then that person is doomed. Sanskar sir hates betrayers. They won't know what hit them."

Sanskar Maheshwari, a man known for his unwavering resolve and unshakeable integrity, strode purposefully towards the conference room. His steps were firm and calculated, each one exuding an air of confidence and authority.

His eyes, cold and piercing, seemed to bore into the souls of those around him, as if daring anyone to cross him. His face, set in a stern expression, was a mask of unyielding determination, leaving no doubt that he would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

As he entered the conference room, the air seemed to thicken with anticipation, and the department heads exchanged nervous glances, sensing that the meeting would be a turning point, one that would leave a lasting impact on the company and its employees.

"Hello, gentlemen," Sanskar began, his voice echoing through the room and silencing everyone. "I'm sure all of you are aware that we've lost two consecutive projects to Saxena Enterprises." His tone was sharp, yet firm, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Sanskar. The department heads exchanged uneasy glances, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and apprehension. The weight of Sanskar's words hung in the air, and the tension in the room became almost palpable.

"I've heard, Mr. Bhatra, that you've gifted a diamond necklace worth 10 lakhs to your daughter," Sanskar said, his sharp gaze piercing through Mr. Bhatra like a dagger.

Mr. Bhatra's forehead creased with tension as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Y-yes, sir. It was a birthday gift for her. My brother lent me the money to buy it," he stammered, his voice trembling slightly.

Sanskar's eyes narrowed, his expression unyielding. "The same brother, I presume, with whom you severed ties after taking his share of the property through deceitful means?" His voice was laced with disdain. "And now, he's forced to work in a garage just to make ends meet?"

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Mr. Bhatra, whose face had turned a deep shade of crimson. His eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape from the uncomfortable truth that Sanskar had just exposed.

Just as the tension in the room was reaching a boiling point, the lights suddenly flickered and went out. The projector screen behind Sanskar sprang to life, casting an eerie glow over the room.

A video began to play, showing Mr. Bhatra accepting a briefcase full of cash from one of Saxena Enterprises' assistants. The room erupted into a chorus of shocked whispers and gasps.

As the lights flickered back on, Mr. Bhatra's face was ashen, his eyes wide with terror. He knew he was caught red-handed, and that Sanskar had irrefutable proof of his betrayal. The room seemed to be closing in around him, and he knew that his fate was all but sealed.

"Sir, I'm sorry, please forgive me, give me a last chance," Mr. Bhatra begged, his voice shaking with desperation. But his pleas fell on deaf ears.

Sanskar's expression remained unyielding as he tossed a termination letter onto Mr. Bhatra's face. "I don't give chances, I give punishment," he declared, his voice cold and unforgiving.

As he turned to walk away, the door burst open and a team of police officers strode in, handcuffs at the ready. "Mr. Bhatra, you're under arrest for corruption and embezzlement," one of the officers announced, as they closed in on the trembling executive.

Sanskar's eyes never left Mr. Bhatra's face as he was led away in handcuffs, a satisfied glint in his eye. Justice had been served, and the company would finally be rid of the cancer that had been eating away at its core.

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As stepped into the grand 17-floor building, the bold letters "SANGAM" emblazoned on the facade seemed to gleam with pride. She walked into the expansive lobby, where a sleek reception desk sat prominently. The receptionist, neatly dressed and focused, tapped away on her keyboard.

The lobby itself was bustling with activity, as several people sat waiting, some typing away on their laptops, while others chatted quietly among themselves. The atmosphere was professional, with a hint of understated elegance. Her eyes adjusted to the bright lighting, and she took a moment to take in her surroundings before approaching the reception desk.

"Hi Tina, is Rahul sir around?" Swara asked, her voice friendly and familiar.

Tina, the receptionist, nodded and replied, "Yes, Swara ma'am, Rahul sir is with the boss in his cabin. They're still dealing with the aftermath of Mr. Bhatra's... incident."

Swara's expression turned somber as she shook her head. "Mmm, I never thought Mr. Bhatra would betray the company. Especially considering... " She trailed off, her eyes widening slightly as she anticipated the fallout.

Tina's expression mirrored Swara's concern. "Yes, ma'am. It's not going to be a good day. The boss is... not happy, to say the least."

Swara's eyes darted toward the elevator, her mind racing with the implications of Mr. Bhatra's actions and the impending consequences. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was likely to be a challenging day.

As the elevator doors slid open, Swara stepped out onto the 17th floor and made her way to the cabin. She knocked softly on the door, and a deep, commanding voice bade her enter.

"Come in," the voice said.

Swara pushed open the door and stepped inside. Her eyes roamed around the spacious cabin, taking in the sleek, modern décor. The walls were painted a stark black and white, a color scheme that seemed to reflect the occupant's somber and disciplined personality.

A massive window dominated one wall, offering a breathtaking panorama of the city below. The neatly arranged table in the center of the room was stacked with files and papers, a testament to the occupant's tireless work ethic. A plush sofa sat in one corner, the only hint of comfort in an otherwise austere space.

Sanskar Maheshwari, the company's enigmatic CEO, sat behind the desk, his piercing eyes fixed intently on Swara as she entered. Rahul, her colleague, stood beside him, his expression somber.

"Good afternoon Sanskar sir, these are files you asked for" Swara gave files to Rahul who is Sanskar's Personal Assistant.

"Miss Swara is presentation ready for our next project?" Rahul question for which Swara gave positive response before leaving the cabin.

As Swara entered the room, Sanskar's gaze was drawn to her, and he couldn't help but notice how breathtaking she looked. Her simple yet elegant white salwar suit was perfectly complemented by the vibrant red dupatta draped elegantly around her neck.

Her long, straight hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of silk, reaching till her waist. The soft rustle of her hair seemed to mesmerize Sanskar, and he found himself transfixed by her beauty.

The red and golden bangles adorning her wrists caught his attention, their soft, melodious clinking sound weaving a spell around him. Sanskar's eyes lingered on Swara, taking in every detail of her appearance, and for a moment, he forgot about the meeting, forgot about the tension, and forgot about everything else.

Swara, sensing an intense gaze upon her, turned to meet Sanskar's piercing eyes. But instead of the serious expression she expected, he surprised her with a playful wink. Swara's eyes narrowed, and she frowned, feeling a surge of irritation at his unprofessional behavior.

She glared at Sanskar, trying to convey her displeasure, but he seemed unfazed, his expression remaining calm and collected. Swara's attention returned to the file discussion with Rahul, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of annoyance.

Rahul, who had witnessed the entire exchange, shook his head discreetly, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. He was well-acquainted with Sanskar's antics and knew that his boss's unpredictable behavior is only for Swara his FORCEFULLY SECRET FIANCEE.

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Hey readers! 👋

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alleviate meaning bring problem

Somber meaning serious/ dark