I Became His Replaced Bride

Chapter 17

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Arco Chains of Imperial Hotels headquarters, Ahmedabad,

3:25 pm.

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With a purposeful stride, Kalpit barged into the Arco headquarters, his footsteps echoing through the pristine hallway. He hurried past the reception desk, where the receptionist looked up in surprise, and the office of the assistant, Prakash, was taken aback by the sudden intrusion. The elderly assistant jumped from his seat, his eyes wide with surprise and concern as he watched Kalpit make his way towards his employer's cabin.

Prakash frantically called out to Kalpit, "Mr Shah! Wait! You cannot go inside without permission!" However, Kalpit seemed to be in a hurry, and he ignored the assistant's warnings. Prakash trailed behind him, urging him to stop, but Kalpit pushed open the doors to the office without any hesitation. He was torn with rage, hurt, and betrayal.

As soon as he entered, Komal and Raghav, who were seated on the plush couches in front of the bay windows, looked up from the pile of files, disturbed by the sudden intrusion. The sun's rays were streaming in through the windows, casting an orange hue across the room and highlighting the dust particles that danced in the light. Prakash held onto Kalpit's elbow, explaining to his employers, "I apologise, Sir, Ma'am, Mr Shah just barged in. I didn't have time to react or stop him." Komal nodded, her eyes fixed on Kalpit like she was scanning him through an X-ray machine. Her gaze was intense, and it seemed like she was trying to read his mind.

With a flick of her wrist, she dismissed her assistant. Prakash bowed before closing the door behind him, leaving Kalpit alone with Komal and Raghav. Kalpit walked deeper into Komal's office, his eyes scanning the room as he tried to gauge their mood. The room was spacious, and the walls were adorned with paintings of various sizes and styles. The furniture was sleek and modern, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. Kalpit could feel the tension in the room with his presence.

Raghav pursued his lips, "Kalpit, what is the reason for your impromptu visit, hmm? Did Aarav send you?" Kalpit's facial features darkened the moment he heard his best friend's name. Kalpit stood before the couple, tone accusatory, "Why didn't you tell me about Aarav's marriage agreement?" Raghav blinked, now carefully observing Kalpit. Kalpit was dressed in jeans and a flannel brown shirt paired with white sneakers. His eyes held betrayal and heartache and his fists were clenched. Raghav leaned back on the couch. Komal voiced his thoughts before he could, "Who told you?" Raghav could count the people who knew about this on his fingers and the capable offenders were Parekh's.

Kalpit said, voice going deeper with turmoiled emotions, "That doesn't matter. You two hid this information from me. I want to know why." Komal and Raghav exchanged careful gazes. Raghav stood up, holding Kalpit by the shoulders, "Listen, Kalpit, the situation was very sensitive and fragile. It had to be handled carefully and in our favour. This marriage agreement was our safety policy, keeping Aarav and our family safe from those money-hungry leeches. After all, Aarav was marrying only for you."

Kalpit pushed away from Raghav's hold, shaking his head, "I know what you are doing, Uncle. Please, I am already very hurt. Just....tell me the truth." Raghav sighed, pinching his nose bridge. Komal stood up, and held Kalpit's face, eyes determined, "This marriage is a sham. Its duration was signed off as one month. As you can see now, Aarav has changed. He wants to keep this marriage. We don't want it as much as you."

Kalpit put his hands over Komal's, "Aunty, why are you not doing anything?" Komal clicked her tongue, "I am trying my best." Kalpit suddenly sounded vengeful, "Let me do my best. Can you give me all your help?" Komal was sceptical. But for the marriage to break, she can do anything. Kalpit was her pawn at the end, "of course. What do you want?" Kalpit's mouth formed a Chesire smile, "give me your written permission to do anything as I please and your team of investigators and lawyers."