Inked With Love : Abhivanya

A Night to Remember

The grand ballroom of the Oberoi Hotel shimmered with opulence, chandeliers casting a golden glow on the elegantly dressed attendees. The book launch party was the talk of the town, gathering the literary elite and business magnates under one roof. Shivanya Rai, the best-selling author, stood amidst a throng of admirers, her poised demeanor and captivating presence drawing everyone in.

Abhimanyu Singh Rathod entered the room with his usual commanding presence, his dark and dominating aura making heads turn. Clad in a tailored black suit, he exuded power and authority, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Shivanya. His jaw tightened slightly as he remembered her earlier rejection, but his resolve to win her over was unwavering.

As he approached her, the crowd parted instinctively, sensing the magnetic pull between the two. Shivanya looked up, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of surprise and wariness. Abhimanyu offered a polite smile, but his eyes held a challenge.

"Ms. Rai," he greeted, his voice smooth yet firm. "It's a pleasure to see you again."

"Mr. Rathod," Shivanya replied, maintaining her composure. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Nor did I," he said, his gaze unwavering. "But life is full of surprises, isn't it?"

Shivanya's lips curved into a faint smile. "Indeed. I assume you're here for business, as always."

Abhimanyu's eyes darkened slightly. "Not entirely. I came to enjoy the evening and perhaps to persuade a certain author to reconsider her decision."

Shivanya's expression hardened. "I told you, Mr. Rathod, my decision is final."

Abhimanyu leaned in slightly, his voice low and intense. "I don't give up easily, Ms. Rai. I'm determined to save my brother's publishing house, and I believe you're the key."

Before Shivanya could respond, they were interrupted by a loud, boisterous laugh. Turning, they saw Rajiv Mehta, the spoilt son of a rival businessman, swaggering towards them with a drink in hand.

"Ah, the infamous Abhimanyu Singh Rathod and the lovely Shivanya Rai," Rajiv slurred, his eyes lingering on Shivanya with undisguised lust. "What a delightful surprise."

Abhimanyu's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent, watching Rajiv's every move. Shivanya, on the other hand, stepped back slightly, her discomfort evident.

"Mr. Mehta, it's a pleasure," she said politely, trying to create some distance.

Rajiv smirked, ignoring her attempt. "No need to be so formal, darling. We're all friends here."

Before anyone could react, Rajiv reached out and grabbed Shivanya's wrist, pulling her close. "Why don't you and I have a private chat? I'm sure we can find something interesting to discuss."

The room fell silent, all eyes on the unfolding drama. Shivanya's eyes blazed with anger, and without a moment's hesitation, she reached for the dinner knife on the table and stabbed it into Rajiv's hand.

Rajiv howled in pain, releasing her instantly. Blood dripped onto the pristine white tablecloth as Shivanya stood tall, her voice cold and threatening.

"Touch me again, and the next knife will find your throat," she warned, her eyes glinting with fierce determination. "I am not someone you can mess with."

The crowd gasped, a shiver running through those who witnessed the scene. Rajiv stumbled back, clutching his bleeding hand, his face pale with shock and pain.

Abhimanyu watched, impressed by her strength and confidence. He stepped forward, his presence imposing as he addressed Rajiv.

"You heard the lady," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "Leave. Now."