Paakhi POV

After bidding Viren goodbye I walked towards the elevator in the lobby to see it going up. So I decided to take the stairs to the second floor rather than waiting for it.

While climbing the stairs I was searching for the spare keys in my bag when I bumped into someone for the second time on the same day. Thankfully my speed wasn't too fast otherwise I would have definitely lost my balance.

I looked up to see Neel in front of me wearing a dark blue t-shirt, black jeans, and converse. His hair was set in his same ruffled and disheveled glory.

"Woah! Paakhi, I know I'm a sexy distraction but still look where you go,"  he said in his annoying voice.

"You know I was going to apologize to you, But now I think you should have fallen down so that your brain would have come to the right place," I said smiling sarcastically.

"Haha...I like your sarcasm and that's why we can't be friends" he said laughing humourlessly.

"And who said I would like to be your friend?" I asked making a vomiting face.

He glared at me while I smiled coyly at him.

"Okay then, I have some work I'll leave." I said passing by him, when he suddenly said "By the way? When is Adi's test reports coming in? " this made me immediately halt in my steps, "Test results?" I asked confused. 

'Did Adi give an exam? Nah, That's not possible...It's Adi we are talking about. She and study are polar opposite, Then What?'

"Ya, she told me that she might have herpes! And that's why we didn't meet for a week..." he asked suspiciously trying to decipher my reaction.

'Oh god! This girl is going to be the death of me.' I mumbled to myself.

"Umm...Yaa, She hasn't received it yet." I lied on his face.

"Okay then,"  he said and we parted ways.

I walked inside our Apartment to see both Maanu and Adi lounging on the couch, both of them busy on their mobile phone and television playing in the background.

I walked towards the television and switched it off, gaining both of their attention.

"You are back!" Adi leaped from the couch excitedly.

"Yes, So what?" I asked skeptically.

"So what? Have you lost it? " Adi asked dramatically. "I have been waiting for you to return, So tell me everything about your date" she replied back gleefully.

"First of all, it wasn't a date! " I stated to which she just rolled her eyes "And second of all, Did your medical report came in today?" I asked scrutinizing her.

"What medical reports?"Maanu asked alarmed. "What happened to you?" she asked analyzing her and then added, " Now do you guys realize why I pester you guys to Excercise!"

"Not you too!" Adi whined hearing Maanu lecturing us about exercise.

 "And Maanu, Herpes has nothing to do with exercise" I dead-panned.

"Not the kind of exercise you do," Adi interjected. I looked at her amusingly and chuckled when I Saw Maanu's scrunched up face.

"Anyway, back to your date," Aditi said trying to change the topic.

"No no no... First, tell me why did you lie to Neel?" I asked adamantly.

"Why are you behaving like a mother?" she groaned.

 " Am I? I wouldn't know, because I never had one." I said and shrugged.

"Actually, we too never had one. The one I had could hardly pass as a human and therefore she must not be compared to a divine person such as a mother."Adi said angrily.

I know she didn't move on from her past. It still holds her back from reliving her life.
Adi must have noticed my upset demeanor because she shortly shifted the subject.

"Oh god! Okay, I'll tell you if you'll tell me about your date. Deal?" She negotiated.

"It wasn't a date and okay, Deal," I replied back.

"Okay, Follow me," she said walking towards the couch and taking a seat. I too followed her and sat beside Maanu.

"So I didn't want to see him and the only thing that came into my mind when I saw him unexpectedly  was this." She answered.

"You told him you have STD because you didn't want to see him? You, Aditi Mehra, Didn't do the deed for the last one week?" Maanu asked teasingly.

"Of course I did, but not with him," Aditi replied nonchalantly.

"What?!" Maanu and I asked perplexed. " Are you seeing someone?" Maanu asked suspiciously. To which Adi just shrugged.

"What? Answer us?" I asked impatiently. "Nope babe, That is enough about me. Now you tell, Deal is a Deal. Otherwise, you know your punishment." She said referring to the punishment we decided two years back regarding any bet among us.

"Thank god, This time it isn't me receiving the punishment," Maanu said and shuddered as if revulsed by the day when she had to serve Adi for a whole day.

"It wasn't that bad," Adi said laughing. " Really, Ask me?" Maanu replied, " I was your servant for 24 hours, And you made me third wheel you and that guy, And You even made me give you a foot massage."

"Hey, It wasn't my fault you lost the bet." Adi fired back mischievously.

"Anyway, Now let's move onto Paakhi's date with her Mr.Khadoos," Adi said excitedly.

" For the last time, it wasn't a date," I said grinding my teeth. 

And told them everything from the start but skipped some instances such as when he hugged me and told me things from his perspective because it felt intimating.

"What? He made you cry, then apologized and now you're friends?" Maanu asked perplexed.

" You made a friend on your date?" Aditi asked looking at me as if I'm insane.

"Yes I made a friend because it wasn't a date. " I said standing up and strolling inside the washroom to change into my Nightwear.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIREN POV

After dropping Crazy girl home, I drove towards The Den.While driving only one thing was on my mind, That is The turn of events today.

I really can't understand the turbulence in my heart whenever I see that crazy girl. Her dark brown orbs that are often perceived as mysterious or secretive haul me in.

Today I broke the promise to myself, Promise to never trust anybody, Promise to never feel for anybody, Promise to never talk about how I feel.

From the last 4 years, I have never talked to anyone about myself, I never shared my feelings with anyone, not even with my brothers. Then Why did I felt abject, When she told me about her past.

I thought I stopped feeling a long time ago but this girl, My crazy idiot girl, Made my frozen heart feel empathetic. The feeling I never thought I could ever feel.

'And now You made a friend!' My conscience interjected.

Oh yes! Friend. 

I was still mulling over my thoughts when my phone rang, I connected it with my Bluetooth and answered it.

" Viren, My son, Where are you?" Came a dulcet Voice of my mother. "Mom, I have some work, So I won't be coming home. You go to sleep." I replied back.

"Viren?" hearing her mellifluous tone, I immediately knew what she's asking, "Mom I'm okay. Don't worry! " I know she'll not be able to sleep with all these thoughts in her mind.

"Visit for breakfast tomorrow." She ordered in her motherly tone.

"Mom?! you know I won't be coming back till she's here," I said angrily.

"Viren, It's been - " 

"Mom please," I interjected.

"Okay, Take care," she said and hung up.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened immensely, Thinking about Sara really infuriates me.

After reaching Den, I parked my car and rode the elevator to the 25th floor. Entering the apartment I discarded my coat on the back of the couch and walked towards the bar.

I served myself a drink and started scrolling through some work emails. I was replying to a mail When my phone pinged with an incoming message.

I clicked on it to see a text from an unknown number stating 'Viren Singh, your time is up.'

I thought for a while who could send this threatening text to me but nothing came into my mind. Being a ruthless bastard, I have many competitors who want to kill me.

I dialed a number and waited for my call to connect. 

"yes?" came a brusque reply of my head security from the other side.

"Increase the security" I replied back.

"Yes, Sir."  He said and I hung up.

I really like how my staff is self competent and don't need lengthy discussions to work accordingly.

I always have security around me, They follow me and my family discretely but after this text, I had to increase it for the sake of my family.

I got up, sauntered into my room, and changed into my nightclothes.

After doing my night routine, I laid in my bed and was asleep in a few seconds.

        ---------------------------------
The Next day, Before going to the office I decided to visit our family doctor who is also my maternal uncle.

Entering his clinic I was met with his assistant who gulped seeing me entering with three athletic, bulky men in suits.

" S.Sir, Dr.Vikram is..is.."

"Oh Viren, What a pleasant surprise, Come in..." Came a booming voice of my uncle, Dr.Vikram Sinha.

I ignored his assistant and passed into his cabin.

"What owes me your presence son?" Uncle asked in his proficient tone.

"From the last few days, my breathing becomes unusual," I replied to his question.
"Unusual? What makes you define it as unusual?" He asked concerned.
"I mean that I skip a beat sometimes or my breathing becomes turbulent." I said with a distant look.

His expression immediately changed from Concerned to amused in a flick.

"Viren, My child the disease you're suffering from has no medication." He said amused,

"What?" I asked bewildered.
"What is it, Uncle? Cancer? Arrhythmia?" I asked appalled.

"This is much more than that. You, my son, have lost your heart." He said while teasing.

"What are you talking about? How can I lose my heart?" I asked disturbed.

"Okay, Answer me. Does your heart skip a beat when you see a particular person?" He asked while smirking.

I pondered over his words and he must have noticed the realization on my face because his plain, boring, quadrangle room was instantly filled with his booming laughter.

"Who is it, Viren?" He asked teasingly.

"I think because of your age, You have forfeited all your awareness," I said sarcastically.

"I'm your mother's twin. Do you want me to tell her you called her old?" He asked taunting me.

I just glared at him and left his clinic to go to the office.

During the ride to the office, my mind was playing the talk with my uncle. What does it mean? Is he right? Or was he just teasing me?

Entering the office building I came face to face with the only person whom I abhor now.

She has changed a lot from the last time I saw her.

Her shiny brown hair, Lost its glossiness and was currently in a ponytail at the base of her skull and her face looks as if she had not seen the sun for a while.

"Bhai?..." She breathed out.

Before she could utter anything else, I passed by her and went towards the elevators.

Hearing the word Bhai from her mouth made me recall all those memories that were now buried deep.

I reached my floor and walked towards my Secretary who was standing there with today's memo in her hand.

Before she could say anything I saw Aarhan walking out of his cabin.
He greeted me with a disappointed expression on his face.

"Viren, We have a problem." He said urgently.

"What is it?" I asked shifting all my attention to him.

"Boris has called a board meeting. And rumors say that he's abolishing his agreement with us." He said anxiously.

"And dad is very furious with you..." He added in.

"When's the meeting?" I asked nonchalantly.
"It's in an hour? But why does it seem that you already knew this?" He asked curiously.

I just smiled and said, "Patience my brother, See you in a while."

"Sometimes, I'm scared of you." He laughed and added, "tell me if you need any help." And walked back to his cabin.

I too walked into my cabin and started my day with a cup of hot brewing black coffee.

I was signing a document when my phone buzzed. I picked it up and answered with a "Yes?"

"I'm here."  a very thick Russian accent resonated from the other side.

"Come up. The meeting starts in 5 minutes." I replied smugly.

"Can't wait" he replied back.

I hung up our call and walked towards the meeting room.

But before I can enter, I saw my dad, uncle, and brothers striding towards me.

My uncle stopped to greet me but dad just glared at me and moved on.

So uncle just placed his hand on my shoulder in a sympathetic way and followed dad inside.

I looked at my brothers and saw Shaurya busy on his phone.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"Bro you know, How much I hate these meetings. I mean I can't handle dad's scowls when I ask a question?" he groaned.

"Of course he would glare at you, I mean during a presentation for best quality beds for our new hotel, You asked the presenter how strong is it and how many people it can withstand during the action?" Arhaan said amusingly.

"What? Dad asked me to ask him questions and the first that came into my mind was this." Shaurya replied shrugging his shoulders.

"Do you think anything else except sex?" Arhaan asked disdainfully.

Before they could resume their banter, I decided to interrupt and asked Shaurya to wait here and receive my guest.

Arhaan and I walked inside the meeting room to see it filled with all the board members and One and only Boris Vladimir, who was sneering at me.

I just ignored him and took my seat beside my father and directly in front of Boris.

"Good morning Gentlemen, Thank you for coming and the issue for today's Meeting is Mr.Boris Vladimir's Accusation on Mr.Viren Singh." Arhaan addressed everyone in the meeting room.

"Mr.Boris can you tell everyone, What your accusations are?" My uncle asked  Mr.Boris.

"This man betrayed me, He fiddled around with my daughter and dishonored our professional relationship," he said angrily. "So I want to null my contract with Singh Enterprises."
 

"Mr.Vladimir, You can't do this, You know how much it will cost us." My uncle said anxiously.

I saw a gleam in his eyes even before he opened his nasty mouth, "There is something we can do..." 

"What is it? Mr.Vladimir we are ready for any negotiation." Instantly my dad added in his calm and collective voice.

I could clearly see the desperation in his eyes regardless of his calm demeanor.

"You know how he..." Boris said pointing towards me " Played with my daughter's image."

Arhaan sat up straight when he heard the edge in his voice, And impatiently ask "What is it Mr.Boris?"

"I want him to marry my daughter, And honor our family." The full force of what he said hit everyone like a thunderbolt because everyone was mirroring the same expression of shock.

I was to surprise for a second because I was expecting something but not this.

I looked at my father And saw him in deep thought.

I know he would not accept his offer but waited for him to say so before I say something.

"Mr.Boris, this is not a solution to any problem." Arhaan tried explaining it but this man was adamant to tie his slut of a daughter to me.

"Why not? You have a sister, right? Tell me if a guy does this to her, how would you react?" he said emotionally.

'What an actor!'

"You are right, Mr.Vladimir. Viren will marry your daughter." My dad said with determination in his voice.

I instantly looked at my father with perplexion apparent on my face.

"Dad?" I asked Quizzically. 

"You have disappointed me a lot Viren, Do one thing right in your life." He whispered my way.

For the first time, I felt like I was slapped without even touched.

" Okay then! We are a family now." Boris said leaping up from his chair excitedly and trotting towards dad for a hug.

After hugging dad he turned towards me but before he can touch me I announced " Gentleman before we pass congratulations, I would like to discuss some issues with you. As your future son in law, I will be dealing with your business in the future right?" I asked Boris with a smile on my face.

Seeing me smiling his happy expression changed into Defensive and he nodded his head.

"Okay then, So gentlemen I would like to show you something." Just as I said that Doors to the conference room opened, and in walked Shaurya with My guest behind him.

I looked towards Boris to see his face turned pale and sweat beading his forehead.

"Everyone please welcome......." 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

SORRY GUYS FOR LATE UPDATE BUT I WAS REALLY BUSY IN SOME PERSONAL MATTER.

Dedicated to foodieswasan for waiting so long!!

I HOPE YOU LIKE THE CHAPTER AND NEW UPDATE WILL BE SOON.

PLEASE  .....

VOTE

COMMENT

SHARE