The Business of Hearts

Chapter-9 Crossroads of Emotion

2 WEEKS LATER

Yuvaansh's POV

I woke with a start, my heart pounding as if it were trying to break free from my chest. The remnants of the nightmare clung to me, a suffocating reminder of a past I couldn't escape. Sweat trickled down my forehead, and I rubbed my face, trying to shake off the lingering fear. The dream had dragged me back to a time I had worked so hard to forget—my childhood, once filled with laughter and love, now marred by betrayal and loss.

In my dream, I was back in our old house, surrounded by my parents' warmth. I could almost hear my father's hearty laughter and my mother's soothing voice. But the scene quickly darkened. I watched helplessly as everything crumbled around me. Powerful families, once close friends, turned against us. They used their influence to destroy my parents, dismantling our lives and leaving us in ruins. The pain of that betrayal was as sharp now as it was then.

I forced myself out of bed, the memories still gnawing at me. I moved to my desk and grabbed my tablet, desperate for something to ground me.

As the screen lit up, I navigated to the security app, pulling up the live feed from Kiara's apartment. There she was, sitting on her couch, reading a book, completely unaware of my watchful eyes. Watching her brought a strange mix of guilt and comfort. She was innocent in all of this, a pawn in my larger game. Yet, I couldn't help but feel something deeper for her.

Kiara was a bright light in my otherwise dark world. Her smile, her laugh, they made me feel human again, if only for a moment. But I couldn't let myself be swayed by these emotions. I had a mission, a purpose that was bigger than both of us.

Ahaan's POV

I watched from the corner of the conference room as Sanjukta and Priyank discussed the upcoming project. Their ease with each other was maddening. Priyank leaned in, laughing at something Sanjukta said, his hand resting lightly on her arm. It was clear they were more than just colleagues. My jaw tightened as I tried to focus on the meeting, but the sight of them together was like a thorn in my side.

The memories of Eesha and Priyank in school flashed through my mind. I had seen them sneaking around, their laughter and stolen kisses on the school terrace. Those moments had ignited a deep-seated anger in me, one that had never truly faded. Now, seeing Priyank with Sanjukta felt like a cruel reminder of that unresolved rage.

I had to do something. I couldn't just sit back and watch them get close. I needed a plan, a way to disrupt this new alliance and assert control. My mind raced with strategies and possibilities.

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I had been keeping on speed dial. The call connected quickly.

"Hi, it's Ahaan," I said. "I need to arrange a meeting. There are some things we need to discuss—important things. Can you set it up for tomorrow?"

I listened to the reply, nodding as I mentally prepared for the next steps. I was about to make my move. The past would not dictate my future, and Priyank would not be the one to stand in my way.

Author's POV

Eesha watched from the doorway of the meeting room as Priyank and Sanjukta walked out, deep in conversation. A wave of jealousy and frustration washed over her as she noticed how close they seemed, their laughter highlighting the distance she felt from Priyank.

Across the room, Ahaan caught Eesha's gaze. His eyes were dark with anger, and he gave a slight nod before turning and leaving the office. The tension in the air was palpable.

Eesha turned to Sanjukta, who was now standing beside her. "You and Priyank seem to be getting along well these days," Eesha remarked, her voice edged with frustration.