Sacred Heart

6.

Los Angeles, California

The golden glow from the chalienders reflects all over the ballroom bustling with people. A soft music running in the background with the singer voice accompanying it, to entertain the guests. Waiters carrying around glasses of alcohol and drinks, offering the guests glasses as they are scattered in group, mingling and talking. The real intention of these people cloak under the expensive outfit and fake show of mannerism. All they want from the  other is their profit and interest, how the other can be important, and in which step of their course.

The lone figure stand on the floor above watch them with blank eyes. Leaning against the railing, his eyes scrutinise the people present there. Lights fall on the glass in his hold as he lifts it up to his lips and takes a sip. The liquor leaves a burning taste in his mouth.

The soft music stops, and the light changes. The guest murmurs as Hayden Richmond stands on the stage under the attention of the spotlight and guests. His lips turned at the corners as he faces the audience with arrogance, that could hardly be kept covered. With a clink against the glass, he smiles at the people, "welcome to today's party, ladies and gentlemen. I, Hayden Richmond, officially welcome all of you for taking out time of our schedule and attending tonight's celebration."

A round of claps and applause rises inside the ballroom. Hayden nods, a sophisticated charming smile playing on his lips, "as you all know, today, Richmond Corporation completes hundred years of its establishment, a legacy that is established by my grandfather and great-grandfather. Started for survival, Richmond Corporation has made its way to the top with hardwork and dedication."

Another figure stands beside him, looking down at the middle aged man giving his welcome speech to the guests. A scoff directed at Hayden, Vikrant says, "he knows how to play in front of the eyes. You are gonna believe him Abhimanyu?"

No, the answer is no. Abhimanyu keeps his eyes trained on the man standing on the stage. The hardness in them explains a different tale of what Vikrant said.

"No, never," Abhimanyu's words rasp with a dangerous glint.

Since when are snakes trusted? They are used for their poison. 

Vikrant nods, "then there's no way to go back from tonight. Ready for the new start?" He lifts his glass. Abhimanyu smirks, shaking his head in denial, "no fucking way back," the  glasses clink and they drown the liquor in one go.

Abhimanyu's eyes go back to Hayden and his son who attends the guests personally. An amused smile conquering over his lips as he looks at the man. As Hayden lifts his head, their eyes meets. The man nods his head in his direction, acknowledging him. The smile grows and he lifts his glass and a smile towards him, acknowledging him back. A different satisfaction swirls in Abhimanyu's eyes as he relaxes and takes sip of drink.

Vikrant chuckles. "You look extremely pleased for a person who lost a deal to the Richmond." He leans back on the pillar and takes another glass, "careful Abhi, you shouldn't lose your touch." He teases.

Abhimanyu laughs at his words. True. He would have altered anyone who dared to come in front of him and made a blood bath any other day if the deal his team has worked for months slips away and his competitor gets it. But not today, not this time. He has never been more happy to lose a deal.

"Now what can I say. Trying to be the better person, you see," he says, his amusement is clear in his tone, and eyes glint.

Vikrant rolls his eyes and scoffs, "definitely the better person," sarcasm rolls off his words. "Any inspiration for being the better person?"

"Listen to your heart," Abhimanyu replies.

Vikrant lets out a scoffs, rolling his eyes as he responds, "heart takes you to the path of blood and war," he says, shakes his head, "I'm under no such compulsion to follow the death yet."