VIREN POV

"Everyone please welcome Mr.Dimitri Ivanov..." I said smugly.

Everyone was alarmed to see our business rival in front of us.

He moved forward and shook my hands. I looked at Aarhan to see him bemused by what was happening. Because this man in front of us is known to be my biggest competitor.

But when people like Boris become a threat to my family then I can do anything. And in this instant, Enemy of my enemy became my friend.

" Mr. Viren Singh, Thank you for having me," he said in his mixed Russian -American accent.

"Pleasure is all mine, I hope your flight was comfortable." I asked entertained.

"Unfortunately it was not, I was so excited to be here that I couldn't relax," he answered back with a tinge of sarcasm in his voice.

I glanced towards my right to see Boris discreetly trying to step away from us.

'Not so easily ' I thought.

"Mr.Ivanov let me introduce you to my family." I said turning towards him and continued "This is my father, Mr.Manav Singh and this is my uncle, Mr.Dev Singh and you already know my brothers Arhaan and Shaurya" I  introduced them.

After all the formalities were exchanged, I turned towards Boris with a smile and said " Oh, Mr.Ivanov meet the newest member of my family, My future father in law."  

I saw him visibly tremble when  Ivanov swiveled towards him.

"OH! Mr.Vladimir, Pleasure meeting you here. Finally, I found you." Ivanov sneered.

"Mr.Iva...Ivanov, I..I was..was .." he was pathetically sweating and trembling.

"Mr.Boris, Are you okay?"Dad asked him while offering a glass of water.

He greedily yanked the glass of water from him and gulped it down.

"I'm okay," he said leaning on a seat.

"Not for long." Ivanov declared.

"Mr.Ivanov, You are being rude right now." My dad said defensively.

"Rude? Pardon me, Mr. Singh. But this Ublyudok betrayed us." Ivanov sniggered.

"Us?"  Arhaan interjected.

"Yes, Us! "

"Have you ever wonder, how all your projects are given to my company?" Ivanov asked Arhaan.

Arhaan pondered for a moment and sudden realization dawned on him as he whispered  "He's been trading our ideas to you?" to which Ivanov nodded "But? Our latest projects were not given to your company." Uncle asked Ivanov.

Ivanov glared at Boris "Because this bastard betrayed me too."
That caused uproar in the Conference room and board members started discussing amongst them.

Once the silent room was now filled with the murmurs and accusations. I looked at Boris to see him staggering, I could even see his vision glaze over.

So I rushed towards him and supported him before he could faint. 

"Call the ambulance" I barked at Shaurya When I realized he is having a stroke. I patted his face to keep him conscious.

"Give him this"  dad said passing me a tablet of Aspirin. I shoved it in his mouth and asked him to chew it.

After a few minutes, his labored breathing subsided, "What an overacting." Ivanov mumbled.

"Are you okay?" I asked and when he nodded, I stepped back and saw my dad talking to Arhaan. They seem to be in a deep conversation.

"You seem to be quite worried about your father in law's condition," Ivanov smirked.

I passed him a dirty look, He chuckled seeing my irritated expression and thoughtfully said: " You Viren Singh are very different from what world perceive you to be." 

I looked at him weirdly and said " Don't tell me you are falling in love with me." I asked sarcastically.

" Of course I'm, How can I resist your charm," he said while leaning towards me. Before I could reply, Arhaan stood up and cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention.

"Everyone, As you know what happened was really unfortunate and uncertain but a decision has to be made. And Mr.Boris the medical team is waiting for you downstairs but before you leave, We will like to inform you that Singh enterprises are calling off our deal with you and we are even filing a case against you. " Arhaan completed his announcement.

"You have no evidence against me. " Boris blustered.

"I will provide all the pieces of evidence against you." Ivanov interjected.

Before Boris could react, Medical workers came in and escorted him out. Then the board members also left one by one.

"Viren, How did you get to know about him betraying us?" Uncle asked me.

"Well, When we started losing our projects one by one, I got agitated and decided to look into the matter personally. So I flew to Russia and disguised myself as a new intern in his company.

Fortunately that day, Boris's assistant's assistant quit his job. So I was appointed in his position. I started working there for a few days and one day I was called for a meeting to take notes. There I observe Boris's rude behavior with our clients. I was observing everyone when I heard a whisper from Boris's assistant. She intentionally whispered that Ivanov's company is more professional than ours. And that made clients turn their backs on us." I told them.

"And then how did you meet Mr.Ivanov?" Arhaan asked amused.

"This is not your bedtime story-time," I said sarcastically to conceal my stigma. "I have an important meeting, I'll see you guys soon," I said and walked off from there.

I was walking towards my office when I heard Ivanov behind me "Why didn't you tell them how we met?" 

"Stop smiling, And you know I can't tell my family that I went to an underground strip club in Russia." I said remembering that day when I discretely followed Boris to an underground strip club. It was horrific, I mean I'm not a prude but still walking around and seeing couples on each other really messed up my mind.  

When I was about to leave the club, two girls dressed as sexy angels pushed me down on the couch and tied both my hands to a pole above me. I started yanking on my hands to free myself when out of nowhere one of them sat on my lap.

Okay don't get me wrong, I'm a man and a sexy girl sitting on my lap drove my hormones high. 

But I maintained my posture and recalled my intention to be here and asked them to move over in a harsh voice, which was the gravest mistake of my life because the next thing I know they left me tied to a pole.

What I didn't know was that there was a man in the shadows who was enjoying my misery. It was none other than Mr.Dimitri Ivanov.

He Came over and started irritating me. But when we noticed Boris talking to a gang member, He helped me out and then we followed them. Where we got to know that Boris took a loan from a gang and is betraying both Ivanov and me to earn some money.

"Ya it was hilarious though !" he exclaimed happily.

"Stop smiling like a creep and go back to your country, Your work here is done." I said in a monotonous tone.

"Oh, You hurt me Viren." he said dramatically.

"Why are you being so friendly?" I asked disdainfully. 

"Because we are friends now," He said nonchalantly taking a seat in my office.

"Another friend in the last 24 hours?" I asked remembering my meeting with my crazy girl yesterday.

"Another friend? Who is it?" Ivanov asked skeptically.

"None of your business. And now leave before I kick you out." I said to him.

"Whatever, I'm hungry so I'll leave and meet you soon," he said referring to the business merge we have aimed at.

"Ya, I'll discuss it with others and then get back to you." I said and saw him leaving my office.

I grabbed some files And resumed my work.

________________________________________________________________________________

PAAKHI POV

The Next Day I woke up with a big smile on my face. Everything seemed to be merrier today.

After my morning routines, I was lounging on the sofa watching morning bulletins on the television, When shortly my mobile phone started ringing.

I saw the caller and instantly got excited when I saw Nona calling.

"Nona! How are you? And when are you coming back?" I rambled excitedly.

"My dear, I'm fine and I'm Back from Chandigarh. When are you coming to meet me?" she replied happily.

"Now! I'll be there in 30 minutes." I exclaimed leaping up from the couch and running towards my room to grab a fresh pair of clothing.

"Oh nice, I'll prepare breakfast for everyone then," she said excitedly.

"Sure. Bye." I said and hung up.

Then while sorting out my clothing options I shouted "GIRLSSSS!!! Nona and Nana are back. So get your lazy butts off the bed and get ready." from my room.

I was reaching out to grab a pair of jeans in front of me when I heard a loud thud, That resonated in the whole house.

I rushed outside my room to see Maanu exiting her room with a panic strained face.

We looked at each other and then sprinted towards Adi's Room to see her all rolled up in her blanket on the floor.

She was wiggling vigorously to free herself but her wiggling concluded in her knocking off her side table, due to which a stack of fashion magazines toppled over her head.

Seeing her rubbing her head, Maanu and I rolled over in laughter.

"Ha-ha ...." Adi laughed humorlessly. " This happened because of you!" She said pointing towards me.

I just shrugged innocently and waddled out of there towards the washroom.

"Hey, I have to pee," Maanu said banging on the washroom door.

"First come, First serve" I shouted from inside and started my shower.

"I hate having a single washroom in this apartment," Maanu whined from outside.

Looking at stacks of female products loitering on our sink cabinet and the mess in the laundry basket, made me instantly agree with her. It is really a hassle in the morning because of one washroom in our apartment.

After taking a bath, I changed into a plain white tee and paired it with black ripped jeans.

Just as I exited the bathroom I was slammed into the sidewall, I looked at the source to notice Maanu running past me into the washroom.

"Hey!" I shrieked.
But she just ignored me and slammed the door shut on my face.

I glared at the door for a second but then continued my trek towards the living room, Where I saw Adi upside down on the couch, watching television.

"What are you doing?" I asked dumbfounded.

"Watching television" She announced nonchalantly as if this is how normal people watch television generally.

"Why do I even ask you a question, When I know your mind is full of straw" I teased her.

"Hey, That's rude." Adi whimpered dramatically.

"Stop being a cry baby and go make your bed. " I ordered.

She didn't move an inch. So I did the only thing that I know would make her gallop, " If you don't move in a second, Then on your day off, You are going to Clean the whole house from scratch."

I didn't have to wait for a long time, because hearing the word 'cleaning' she fled from the living room as if it was on fire.

I smirked and started putting back cushions on the couch that were somehow lying on the floor.

I was just cleaning the center table when Both Maanu and Adi returned all dressed up.

I looked at Adi to see her wearing high heels with her outfit.
"I always wonder, How you are so comfortable in those. I mean Whenever I wear those I end up with a bruise." I said enviously.

"Don't cast an evil eye on them" she exclaimed warding them from me.

"Shut up guys, Let's go before Adi gets late for her job." Maanu said grabbing her keys and mobile phone from the table.

"Wait.." I said and sprinted to my room to grab my denim jacket.

"Now what?" Maanu yelled after me.
After grabbing my jacket, We started our walk towards the cafe.

"I love this early morning breeze." Adi muttered with her eyes shut.

"By the way, 7:30 am is not early morning." Maanu mouthed.

"For a girl who use to wake up at 1 pm, 7:30 is surely an early morning" I interjected.

"True," Maanu chuckled, and the next thing I know Adi punched me on my arm.

"Hey, " I cried out while rubbing my arm.
"What did I do?" I asked her innocently.
"You very well know what you did" she retorted and stepped ahead of us.

"Drama queen" Maanu whispered shaking her head.

"I heard it," Adi answered back glaring at her.

I know they are gonna have an argument now, so I interjected when I saw Nana waiting for us at the front of the cafe.

"Nana!!" I shrieked and sprinted towards him.
When he saw me arriving he unwrapped his arms wide open,

"Nana, I missed you," I said snuggling in his warm chest.
A feeling of nostalgia hit me hard.

"I missed you too, dear" se said caressing my hair.

Abruptly I was shoved to the side that I nearly lost my balance.
I looked at the culprit to see Adi springing herself at Nana.
"Nanaaaa!!!! I missed youuuuu!!!!" She squealed and didn't realize the impact of her jump on him.

"Honey, I'm not that young anymore..." He said chuckling.

"Aww, handsome! " she said pulling his cheeks.

We all laughed at her expression and then Nana came forward to hug Maanu.
They were exchanging some pleasantries when We heard the bubbly voice of our Nona.
"Harsh...I asked you to bring girls in and look at you." She said in a scolding manner.

"Forgive me love, But seeing these girls after such a long time, I couldn't stop myself." He said holding on to his ears.

"Awwwww" we girls cooed, Ensuing Nona to blush.

I adore how both of them are still in love.
When you see a pair like them then the desire to find a soul, Who will treat you like his everything, ultimately deepens.

I was forfeited in my thoughts when Nona came forward and patted my face with her warm hands.
"How are you?" She asked gazing in my eyes."I'm fine Nona, " I said grinning.

She kissed my forehead and said Come in darling, I made all your favorite food."

We followed her towards the back of the cafe, Where they have their house.

We entered to See Savita aunty and Abhay uncle Setting the table.

We ran towards them and hugged them both.

"Waah! Kya khushbu hai, Vallah vallah...."
(Wow!! What an aroma!!!! " )Adi said delightedly.

"True, We missed your food Nona," I said peeking at all the dishes in front of me.

"Only my food?" Nona asked dramatically.

"Aww, You know I didn't mean that," I said giving her a side hug and a small peck.

"Okay, Okay, Let's eat before the food gets spoiled and Adi gets late for her day." Maanu said taking a seat beside Uncle Abby.

The breakfast was full of laughter and Nana cracking his lame jokes.

After breakfast, Adi rushed to her work and Maanu went out with Nona to get some supplies for the cafe.

I was working in the kitchen with Uncle Abby when Aunt Savy asked me to cover a waitress's shift outside.

It was a slow afternoon, So many workers went on their lunch break.
I was wiping the bar when I heard Two girls chattering.
I glanced up to see Riya walking towards me with a huge smile on her face.
"Paakhi!!" She squealed and hugged me. I returned the hug with equal affection.

"So I'm here to have lunch with my sister." She said referring to someone behind her.
I tilt my head a little to see the woman from the engagement party.

'Sister?'

That means she is Viren's sister too.
But then why is she with that man.
Doesn't her family know about her cheating husband? Or most importantly does she know about her husband?

"Umm...Paakhi, Are you okay?" Riya asked in a concerned tone.

"Ya, Sorry. Please follow me." I said walking towards the booth.

"By the way, Sana this is Paakhi and Paakhi this is my sister Sana."  We shook hands and then I excused myself to fetch the menu cards.

Everyone returned back from their break so I went outside to clear my head.
Seeing these beautiful flowers make me feel at peace.

I was disturbed from inside. I was feeling as if a weight is sinking me down.

Looking at Sana, nobody can tell that she is a Singh. Because all the ladies in the Singh family are well-groomed and elegant.
But Sana seemed to be unkempt. Her hair was matted and her face looked pale.

" Paakhi!" Maanu called, Walking towards me.
"Hey, You are back early," I confessed.

"Ya, Nana wasn't feeling well. So we returned earlier." She said walking around and brushing flower petals.

"Is he okay?" I asked worriedly.
"Ya, just jet-lagged." She explained.

"Okay, let's go inside," I said and walked towards the cafe entrance.

We were both walking in the direction of the kitchen When Riya stopped by for our attention.

"Hi Maanya, How are you?" She asked in her constant cheery tone.

Maanu replied back with a smile and then Riya introduced her to Sana.

All the while one thing that I noticed is how timidly Sana gazes at everything.

And the doubts started sprouting in my mind.

She noticed my glances at her and spun towards the opposite direction.

It seems she didn't recognize me from Riya's engagement party.

She whispered something to Riya and then left the cafe.

"Umm. Excuse her, She's really shy." Riya said uncertainly.

We just smiled at her and nodded our heads simultaneously.

"So girls, My mom knew I was coming here, So now she phoned me to tell you guys to come with us to the house. It seems they have to talk about Some event..." Riya informed us.

"Now?" I asked perplexed.

"Umm, Yaa! Is there any problem?" Riya asked impatiently.

I looked at Maanu and she looked at me, then She nodded her head.

"Okay, We'll follow you there." I confirmed.

"Oh okay!" She said happily and left with a skip in her steps.

"What is gonna happen now?" I asked Maanu.

She shrugged and said, "only one way to find out."

I nodded and strode towards the staff room to fetch my bag.

__________________________________

Translation:
Ublyudok: bastard in Russian.

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

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