Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 41

Dev POV

As I awoke, I sent her a morning greeting and freshened up. Scanning the news, I saw that Aman had deftly managed to quash every headline about yesterday's incident.

Heading to the office, I noticed the furtive glances from my colleagues. Though the news had been scrubbed, it had already reached the ears of those it shouldn't have.

As I lifted my gaze, they quickly averted their eyes, fear palpable in the air. Once ensconced in my cabin, I received a call from Ajay Malhotra. Rumours abounded about his cutthroat tactics and underhanded methods, but I needed to keep my cool—after all, he was Rose's father.

He requested a meeting in his office. Agreeing to his summons, I ended the call. Were it anyone else, they'd have faced swift retribution, but for Rose’s sake, I had to hold my fire.

Just as I was about to dash out, Aman burst into the cabin. "Dev, I—" he began, but I cut him off, saying we’d talk later, my mind awash with anticipation for the impending confrontation.

I swiftly got into the car and made my way to Ajay Malhotra's office, sending Rose a reassuring text to allay her concerns. Although apprehensive about the upcoming confrontation, one thing was crystal clear, I would never relinquish Rose. She was indispensable to me.

I was anxious about her father's potential objections, but I was resolute in my decision.

Upon arriving, I stepped out of the car and entered his office. The atmosphere was palpably tense. Every eye in the room was trained on me, brimming with anticipation. It puzzled me why he had summoned me to such a public setting, rife with prying eyes, instead of a more discreet location.

Entering his cabin, I was greeted with a firm handshake, and he politely gestured for me to sit down. "Welcome to my office, Dev Singh Raichand," he said. I nodded in acknowledgement and settled into my seat.

He inquired about my business ventures and family connections, his demeanour was surprisingly cordial compared to the icy reception at the party. Perhaps he saw me as a suitable match for his daughter.

"I heard you're considering expanding your business overseas," he remarked as our conversation progressed. Nodding, I replied, "It is still under negotiation," carefully guarding the finer details.

His next question blindsided me. "When do you plan to marry Aarohi?" Though initially pleased, his casual tone made me question his sincerity.

"I believe that should be her decision," I replied with a casual air, while internally, I was keenly analyzing his motives.

"She's just a child, I will make that decision for her. I think you both should marry soon," he declared, his tone now laced with a hint of bitterness and a commanding undertone.

I recalled the moment when he slapped her in front of everyone, and I had restrained myself, considering he was her father. Later, I learned that despite their decent financial background, he had deprived her of financial support. I had tried to overlook this, reminding myself that he was my Rose's father. But now, as he spoke so nonchalantly, it dawned on me that he merely wanted to send her off as quickly as possible. Why doesn't he like Rose? Is there a specific reason behind his disdain? His tone was igniting my rage, I couldn't tolerate anyone speaking about her in such a manner.

"It. Is. Her. Decision," I firmly retorted, my anger unmistakably lacing my words. His demeanour shifted to one of fright as he registered my unyielding stance.

"I said it because, before any more rumours surface and hurt her, you should get married to clear the air," he said, fake concern barely masking his true intentions.