Shiddat

Chapter 19

As the heated exchange between Arjun and Adiraj reached a boiling point, the door to the boardroom swung open with a soft hiss, and the remaining executives began to filter in, their eyes widening as they took in the charged atmosphere. The tension between Arjun Rathore and Adiraj Rajput was palpable, and it was immediately apparent that a confrontation of epic proportions had just occurred.

The first executive to enter was Ahmed Al-Mansoori, the project lead for the Dubai initiative. His face, usually calm and collected, betrayed a hint of apprehension as he noticed the glaring hostility between the two men. He cleared his throat, stepping carefully into the room. "Gentlemen," he said, his voice carrying an edge of nervousness, "I trust you're both ready for the meeting."

Arjun and Adiraj exchanged one final, fiery glance before turning their attention to Ahmed, their expressions quickly shifting to professional masks of calm. Arjun took a deep breath, his jaw unclenching as he straightened his suit. "Yes, Mr. Ahmed, we're ready. Let's get started."

Adiraj nodded, though his eyes still smoldered with unresolved anger. "Yes, let's proceed. I'm sure there's much to discuss."

As the rest of the team filed in, including a few senior financial analysts and legal advisors, the room's atmosphere shifted from confrontational to businesslike. Each executive took their seat, casting wary glances at Arjun and Adiraj, who now sat at opposite ends of the long, glossy conference table.

The presentation began, each man outlining his vision for the project with meticulous detail. The stakes were high, and both knew that a single misstep could cost them the deal. As the minutes ticked by, the tension escalated, each word, each gesture loaded with underlying hostility.

Adiraj leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he addressed Arjun directly. "You really think this proposal is going to cut it? I expected more from you, Rathore. But then again, maybe that's just your style—overpromise, underdeliver."

Arjun's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his voice steady. "I'm not here to play games, Rajput. This isn't about style; it's about results. Something I know you're not familiar with."

A dangerous smile played on Adiraj's lips. "Careful, Arjun. Overconfidence has been the downfall of many. You might find yourself biting off more than you can chew."

Arjun leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Adiraj's. "And you might find that your ambition is writing checks your abilities can't cash. This isn't some family drama you can throw a tantrum in. This is business. And I suggest you treat it as such."

The room was silent, the other executives watching the exchange with bated breath. The rivalry between the Rathores and the Rajputs was legendary, but this was the first time many had seen it play out so openly.

Adiraj's smile faded, replaced by a look of cold fury. "You're right, Arjun. This isn't family drama. But don't think for a second that I've forgotten what your family did to mine. This deal is just the beginning. The Rathores won't be on top forever."

Arjun's expression hardened, his voice low and dangerous. "Maybe. But as long as I'm here, the Rajputs won't be either. You can try to take us down, Adiraj, but you'll have to go through me first. And believe me, I won't make it easy."

As the meeting progressed, the room's atmosphere became more focused on the task at hand. Yet, the earlier intensity lingered, an invisible barrier that neither Arjun nor Adiraj seemed willing to fully dismantle. The executives, though relieved that the confrontation had been put on hold, remained tense, acutely aware of the simmering rivalry between their leaders.

Ahmed, trying to maintain a neutral tone, began outlining the project's progress. "As you can see from the latest reports, we're on track to meet our key milestones. The developments in the commercial district are progressing smoothly, and we're confident about the projections."