Guilty

Chapter 19 - Unsaid Desires

ADI'S POV:

I still can't comprehend what has happened today, I can't still wrap around the fact that, it was her who has saved my company and my family's reputation today. I never thought this marriage alliance was anything but purely contractual, a marriage of convivence, one that we were getting into because my grandmother insisted us to do so, all these days I had convinced myself that she's just another one of grandma's games that grandma is trying to play with us in order to get our inheritance, but now as I stand here seeing what she has done for Arjun, I can see why grandma had picked her. 

I can see how Arjun is weeping out of guilt in her arms, I've rarely seen him like this, I partially take responsibility for whatever has happened, Arjun was always the notorious one, the charmer who used to always get into trouble, but not me or Rana had straightened him out or called out on him, we kept covering up the things he did Infront of grandma, which was one of the reasons why today must come as a shock to her, seeing the things that he had done in the past 24 hours. I have seen all of Arjun's faces, his happiness, his anger, his tantrums everything, but I never thought I'd see a day where he is drowned with guilt, but in a way that's incredible, realisation has finally hit him, he's not a young brat anymore who can while away his time partying and ravishing out the luxuries and the wealth given to him, it's high time he takes up responsibility and joins the family business. I feel like a hypocrite saying this cause he is exactly who I was a few years ago, but today I stand here as the CEO of Rathore Tech. When Aadhya came up to me and proposed the idea of making Arjun in charge of the Luxury subsidiary, i had my questions, he neither had the experience in work nor had the mindfulness and to pose something like this on him suddenly. something that he has opposed for his entire life didn't quite sit right with me, but it was her words that ensured me to give him a chance. Ever since I've joined the company i have never taken an irrational decision, but her words asked me to have some leaf of faith and take this step and this exactly what i did. when did i start listening to her, when did she start making an impact in my life's decisions? why? up until a few months ago, she was nothing but just the girl my grandmother had chosen for me to marry, but now? has anything changed?

As I am swayed away in my thoughts, Rana nudges me from the side gently asking me to go congratulate her, I couldn't control the proud grin I had on my face seeing her, as I take a step forward with my arms open involuntarily to take her in my embrace and say thank you to her the door knocks behind us, interrupting the moment abruptly. I stand in my place with frustration written all over my face very clearly. Priya walks by my side and whispers into my ear, "Sir, he's here", I was startled by the news that i just received from Priya, what the hell is he doing here?, my eyes find aadhya's, and I tell her reassuringly that I'll be back and she gives me a small nod. I take Arjun, Rana and Grams with me as I leave the room, leaving Aadhya behind.

Aadhya's POV:

As I stand there in that empty room I breathe a sigh of relief, that is is finally over, the phone in my pocket buzzes, it's him again, this might be the 29th call of the day. I've already had a long day and I'm in no mood to pick this up right now, I know that I wouldn't be hearing the end of it for months if not years that I ignored his calls, but not today. I look at the clock, it was past my working hours and I decided to pick my stuff from the other room and retire home. 

On my way back to the elevator, I'm caught off guard by a group of people alongside with Miheeka, my secretary. Miheeka comes towards me and starts talking excitedly, "Ma'am, OMG in all the years I've worked with you, today tops of all", I couldn't help but chuckle at her words. Miheeka continues, "Ma'am we wanted to celebrate this, we're heading towards a restobar down the street, could you please join us, please please, please?", Miheeka pleads, I was already exhausted for the day as I open my mouth to talk another one of the Rathore employees speak up, "Ma'am you promised us of introductions later ma'am, Please join us", before I could speak up another one chips in, "We'd love to have you there ma'am, please." With so many people asking I couldn't deny them, "Okay, Okay, let's go", I say, my words bringing a bright smile on everybody's face. I leave my car at the office and join them by walk to the place.

Entering the restobar, I'm greeted by the lively ambiance—a vibrant mix of music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. The dim lighting and cozy seating arrangements create an inviting atmosphere, inviting us to relax and unwind after a long day's work. Taking a seat amidst the bustling crowd, I find myself immersed in the moment, enjoying the simple pleasures of good company and shared laughter. 

Miheeka comes by my side with a glass of cocktail, "Ma'am" she says, "this is for you", she hands over the glass. I take the glass from her with a genuine smile on my face, "thank you miheeka". Miheeka has been with me from the time I started work. I started work at a very early stage of my life, I hadn't even completed college, I had taken this work up as a silly internship, but who would have thought I would have made a career out of it, one that I absolutely love. 

As I stare into the glass in my hand, lost in thought, Miheeka notices my distant expression. Concern flickers across her face as she asks, "Is everything okay, ma'am?"

I look up, meeting her gaze with a reassuring smile. "Yes, Miheeka, everything's fine," I assure her. Then, with a heartfelt tone, I add, "Thank you for everything. I couldn't have done all of this without you."

Tears glisten in Miheeka's eyes as she responds, "You're welcome, ma'am. You've been an inspiration to me." Over the years, Miheeka has become more than just a colleague—she's become a trusted friend, a confidante who has been by my side through thick and thin.

Just as we were talking about the day, my phone buzzes again, it was him AGAIN. I didn't pay heed to it and just declined the call continuing my chat with Miheeka. As we are indulged in a conversation, a young tall man walks upto us, I had seen him probably once or twice the time I had been in the Rathore's office. With a charming smile, he introduces himself, "Hi, I'm Vishal Reddy.", he extends his hand greeting me ,"Aadhya, Aadhya Nanda", I reply with a polite smile as I shook his hand. Before I can say anything else, Vishal continues, his tone laced with flattery. "I couldn't help but notice your radiant smile from across the room," he says, his eyes lingering on me.

As Vishal's compliment hangs in the air, I shoot Miheeka a quick side-eye, catching her giggling at Vishal's words. Her amusement doesn't go unnoticed, but I quickly shift my attention back to Vishal, a plaster a fake smile in response to his flattery. He doesn't stop there he goes on, "You were quite exceptional today Aadhya, I couldn't help but admire you all day".

Before I could respond to him, a voice cuts in from behind, affirming his words, "Yes, you're right. She is admirable and the best at what she does." I recognize the voice instantly, but before I could turn back to see its source, I feel a hand on my lower back. I flinch for a second, the touch catching me off guard, but then the warmth and gentleness of the touch wash over me, I knew who it was and seeing him there made me relax, it was Aditya. "Aadhya ma'am, for you," he says firmly.

I could see Vishal tense up immediately, taking two steps back as Aditya's presence looms over him. "Sir... Si..r I... I was just..." he flinches and stammers, struggling to find his words. "I was telling Aadhya, I mean Aadhya ma'am, how much I look up to her," he finally manages to say, his voice trembling.

"What were you telling her?" Aditya's voice is sharp, cutting through the tension in the air. Vishal stammers again, "I was just... uh... expressing my admiration for her work, sir."

Aditya shoots daggers at him, his gaze piercing and unwavering. Vishal looks flustered and intimidated under his scrutiny. Aditya pulls me closer towards him, his grip firm yet his touch gentle on me, his action emphasizing his protective stance. "She is the best at what she does," he adds, his voice firm and assertive.