CHAPTER 4: Part 2 (CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE)
Recap:
"Everyone will find out, in just two weeks. His company is going to go bankrupt, and his properties are going to be sealed. Soon, he will come begging on our doorstep." he said, his voice cold and calculated.
There was a chilling satisfaction in his tone, a predator savoring the moment before the kill.
~ MRITYUNJAY (POV) ~
"Is that all you wanted to talk about?" I asked, my tone flat.
"Nahi nahi, hum to aapko, aapki shaadi ke baare mein batana chahate the, (No, no, I actually wanted to talk to you about your marriage.)" Bade Rana Sa began, his tone firm and decisive.
"I've decided you will marry Jaiswal's eldest daughter in three months. I'll speak to them about it soon." The unexpected announcement hung in the air, heavy and loaded with implications.
If he thinks I'll marry her, he is dead wrong. There is no way in hell I will marry her in this or any other lifetime.
"Aur aapko essa kyu lagta hai ki voh log is shadi ke liye maan jayeinge? (And why do you think they will agree to this marriage?)" I paused, my voice laced with a cold indifference, barely concealing the fury simmering beneath.
Bade Rana Sa's lips curved into a thin, humorless smile. "Tumhein lagta hai ki unke pass option hai mana karneka. (Do you think they have the option to refuse?)" He pressed, his eyes boring into mine.
"Aap kehna kya chahate hai? (What are you talking about?)" My voice rose in irritation. Brow furrowed, a knot of unease tightening in my stomach.
"Hamne aapko itni sari ladkiyon se milwaya, par aap hai ki kisi se seedhe muh baat tak nahi karte, toh ab yahi sahi hai aapke liye, apki shadi toh jaiswal ki badi beti se hi hogi, and that's final. (We've introduced you to so many girls, but you can't even talk to anyone directly, so this is what's best for you now. You'll marry Jaiswal's eldest daughter, and that's final.)"
Those words felt like a slap in the face. My hands clenched into fists. The casual dismissal of his feelings, the blatant disregard for his autonomy, ignited a fire within me.
"Koshish karke dekh lijiye. (Try and make me.)" I retorted, my voice low and dangerous. With that, I turned on my heel and strode out of the room, leaving Bade Rana Sa staring after me.
~ ISHIKA (POV) ~
Finally, the day was over, and I could escape the confines of the office. After a long, tiring day, all I wanted was to sink into the comfort of my own home.
As I waited for my ride to arrive, a sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of me. The driver's door opened, revealing the same man from the morning.
"Need a ride?" he offered, his voice smooth as velvet. "And the dinner is also due." A playful glint danced in his eyes, 'why is he behaving like this.' I thought to myself.
"No, thank you. I'll take a cab," I replied, my voice firm. A polite but firm rejection was necessary. I couldn't afford to get involved in any unnecessary complications.
I watched as he nodded in understanding, his expression unreadable. There was something about him, a certain intensity that intrigued and intimidated me in equal measure.
"I'll have to replace that shirt," he said with a smile, I looked at him with a worried expression.
"Such a shame I didn't even get any compensation." a glint of amusement in his eyes. I looked at the ground.
'He is trying to guilt trip me into going to dinner with him. What do I do? ' I thought to myself, frustration bubbling up within me.
His charm was undeniable, but I wasn't about to be swayed by his tactics.
"I'll have to change before I go to the dinner," I mumbled, my mind racing. I wished he'd drop the topic altogether.
I couldn't afford to offend him, especially after ruining his shirt, he was, after all, the CEO of the company, Atharva Singhania.
"Then let's get you a dress and we can have dinner right after," he suggested, I shook my head vigorously, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
There was no way I was going to accept his offer.
"Sir, I can't let you do that. I ruined your clothes and now you are trying to buy me clothes, this is not..." I trailed off, my voice filled with a mixture of embarrassment and disbelief.
"It's okay if you don't want to compensate me for my shirt, it's alright," he said, a hint of disappointment coloring his voice.
"I... Okay, let's have dinner," my voice barely a whisper. Whatever that is happening is beyond my control.
"Let's get you a dress first," he suggested, he was clearly amused with the situation.
>>>>>>>
We arrived at the nearest mall to get a dress, I don't know what is wrong with me that I can't deny him.
So, as a result I am standing inside a changing room trying on a dress, which by the way I find really cute.
I emerged from the dressing room, I felt a surge of self-consciousness. The dress clinging to my skin.
The CEO's gaze swept over me, a slow, appreciative smile curving his lips. As his eyes held a silent appraisal, I could feel another pair of eyes staring at me intensely.
To Be Continued...