"Am I hurting you Mishti? Does it hurt?"
He whispered against her lips and dug his nails deep into her waist by tightly clutching her close to him. She hissed in pain but her eyes never him thinking deeply about him and how a person change this much...
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As Anjana and Hriday, along with other family members, mingled with the guests, a group of high-society ladies caught sight of her. Their eyes narrowed, their voices dripping with condescension.
"What the hell, she's the secretary," one of them sneered. "I wonder what she's doing here, among us."
Another lady snickered. "Yes, she doesn't quite fit in, does she? I mean, she's just a secretary. I know Mr. Rajvansh needs her, but for now, she should have left him alone as her presence is not needed among us, like such higher officials. What say?"
Anjana's face flushed, her eyes dropping in embarrassment. But before she could respond, Hriday stepped forward, his voice firm and authoritative.
"Excuse me, ladies," he said, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "But I think you'll find that Anjana is more than just a secretary. She's a brilliant mind, a talented individual who has been instrumental in our project's success."
The ladies exchanged skeptical glances, but Hriday continued, his voice rising.
"And, might I add, she's also my wi-, he huffed and continued, "Anyways, I'd appreciate it if you could treat her with the respect and dignity she deserves."
The room fell silent, the ladies' faces reddening with embarrassment. Anjana's eyes met Hriday's, her heart swelling with gratitude. He had taken a stand for her, publicly declaring his love and respect.
As the ladies slunk away, whispering among themselves, Hriday turned to Anjana, his eyes shining with pride.
"You are strong, mishti," he whispered. "And no one will ever make you feel otherwise. Most importantly, you should've learned to take a stand for yourself. Am always with you."
After some time, they navigated the gathering, Anjana caught glimpses of Vedant Chauhan, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity. But with Hriday by her side, she felt a sense of protection, a barrier between her and the darkness of her past.
For now, she pushed aside her fears and allowed herself to bask in the glory of their achievement, surrounded by the people who mattered most. Little did she know that that person's presence was only the beginning of a sinister plot unfolding in the shadows.
.
Seeing those ladies and some guests' embarrassed faces somehow satisfied him. Hriday's eyes sparkled with mischief as he grasped Anjana's hand, leading her to the stage. The music paused, and the crowd's attention shifted to the unexpected interruption.
Anjana's confusion deepened as Hriday took the microphone, a sly smile spreading across his face.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and media representatives," he began, his voice booming through the hall. "I have a special announcement to make, one that will change the course of our lives forever."
