REDEMPTION IN LOVE

TANVI MEETS ARAAV

It had been a week since I had taken over my father’s position, and so far, everything was running smoothly.

But today was different. Today, I had an important meeting with Xavier, an influential Italian businessman. Securing this deal wasn’t just a priority, it was a necessity.

It would be my stepping stone, a chance to carve my name into the industry.

I called for Anjali, my PA, to gather intel on my competitors. Apparently, there was only one name worth noting: Aarav Raghuvanshi.

“So, tell me about him,” I said in a cold, clipped tone, my gaze unwavering.

Anjali shifted slightly before replying, "Aarav Raghuvanshi is a force to be reckoned with. Known as a business tycoon, he’s built his empire by seizing deals before anyone else even sees them coming. His cold, calculated approach to business has earned him quite the reputation. He doesn’t take no for an answer, and once he sets his sights on something, he’ll stop at nothing to get it."

I narrowed my eyes, my expression steely. "No matter how powerful he is in the industry, today he’s going down."

I strode into the conference room with my head held high, every step deliberate, measured. The room was full, as expected. Executives, investors, and entrepreneurs all vying for the same deal. As soon as I walked in, the whispers started, like a swarm of bees buzzing just loud enough to be heard, but quiet enough to pretend they weren’t.

I kept my face neutral, refusing to give any of them the satisfaction of seeing me flinch. Let them talk. They were always going to talk. It wasn’t about to stop me.

As I moved to take my seat, I could feel their eyes following me, assessing me, judging me. I heard a few not-so-subtle murmurs about my failed marriage, about how Tanvi Kapoor had once had everything, only to lose it all.

But I wasn't about to show weakness. I wouldn’t let them see the cracks, the vulnerability they so desperately wanted to exploit.

I slid into an empty seat at the table, refusing to look around. My hands rested on the polished wood, steady. I had no intention of letting their pity distract me from the deal I came here to seize. This was business, and I was going to win.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the man sitting next to me. Araav Raghuvanshi. His sharp eyes surveyed the room, catching the murmurs, the glances.

He leaned back in his chair, turning his gaze to the group whispering a few seats away. With a cold, amused smirk, he spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Funny, isn't it? How some people find more success running their mouths than running a business. Must be exhausting, thriving off someone else’s downfall."

His words cut through the room like a knife, and the whispers died instantly. A few people shifted uncomfortably in their seats, averting their gazes.

I bit back a smile, keeping my eyes forward. I didn’t need anyone’s pity, and I certainly didn’t need their approval. I was here to prove one thing: Tanvi Singhania wasn’t a failure. Not in business, not in life. And I would make sure they remembered that by the end of the day.

As the room settled into a hushed anticipation, the heavy doors opened, and Xavier strode in.

His expression was cold, unreadable, as though carved from stone. The man was an enigma, and it was clear from the subtle shifting in the room that no one could figure out what he was thinking.

His eyes swept over the crowd briefly before he took his seat at the head of the table, his presence alone demanding attention.

Without a word, he gave a single nod, indicating the presentations should begin. No words of pleasantry, no reaction on his face, just a stoic gaze that left many glancing nervously at one another. The tension in the room was palpable.

As each person presented their pitch, Xavier remained an inscrutable figure at the head of the table. His expression was a carefully crafted mask, revealing nothing. I could see the disappointment etched on the faces of those presenting; they had expected at least a nod or a hint of interest, but their efforts seemed to bounce off him like bullets off armor. The tension in the room thickened, each presenter faltering under his impassive gaze.

It was as if Xavier was playing a game, and they were all mere pawns, each failed attempt adding to their frustration. I could almost taste their desperation as they tried to gauge his reaction, only to be met with silence.

It was Araav Raghuvanshi’s turn, and he took the stage with the kind of effortless authority that made people listen. His aura was commanding, the air around him charged with dominance as if he owned not just the stage, but the entire room. I watched him, intrigued by the way he carried himself, confident and sure, like he had already won the deal. His presentation was sharp, powerful, and I could feel the room shift as everyone hung on his words. Even I found myself impressed by the vision and clarity he displayed.

But I kept my emotions in check. This was still my game.

As he finished and returned to his seat, I knew it was my moment. With deliberate steps, I rose, making my way to the front. I could feel the eyes of the room on me, waiting, watching for any sign of weakness. But there was none. I had faced far worse than a room full of business sharks.

Taking a deep breath, I began my presentation. My voice was steady, my points clear, my ideas sharp. I could sense the shift in energy as I spoke, drawing them in with every word. This wasn’t just a chance to win a deal.

It was a chance to prove who I was, to show them that Tanvi Singhania wasn’t defined by her past.

When I finished, I returned to my seat, calm and confident. I didn’t need their approval. I already knew I had done well.

The room was silent for a moment, everyone waiting for Xavier’s reaction.

After what felt like an eternity, he stood, his expression still unreadable. His eyes flicked between Araav and me, and then he spoke, his voice calm but commanding.

“I’m impressed by both presentations,” he began, pausing briefly as the room waited with bated breath. “You each bring something unique to the table. But I believe the best solution lies in collaboration.”

His gaze settled on the two of us. “I want you both to work together. Present me with a new, merged concept. Combine your strengths and come back with something that reflects the best of both.”

The room shifted once again, whispers and glances exchanged as the surprise settled in. I glanced at Araav, who met my gaze with a small, knowing smirk.

This wasn’t what I had expected, but I wasn’t going to back down. If this was the challenge Xavier wanted, then I’d rise to it.

As Xavier exited, the room erupted into a chorus of forced congratulations, their jealousy barely concealed beneath the surface.

I could see through their hollow smiles, but honestly, who cared?

My head was held high, a swell of pride coursing through me. I had played my part, and now it was just me and Araav.

He turned to me, a sly grin dancing across his lips.“Congratulations, Tanvi! I didn’t realize you had it in you to clinch the deal. Looks like I finally have a worthy competitor,” Araav said, his tone laced with playful mockery.

I shot him a knowing smile, unfazed by his jab. “Oh, Araav, you should know by now that I’m full of surprises. You might want to watch your back.”

His eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned in closer, the air between us charged with an unspoken tension. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, a little competition just makes things more exciting. I could use someone like you to keep me on my toes.”

I felt my heart race at his words, but I quickly masked it with another quip. “Are you sure you can handle this ticking bomb”

He grinned, clearly enjoying our banter. “I thrive on challenges, Tanvi. Bring it on.” With a playful wink, he turned and walked away, leaving me both frustrated and intrigued, my mind racing at the thought of working alongside him.

How was I supposed to endure him throughout this project without losing my sanity?

I muttered under my breath, “Just focus on the work, Tanvi. You can handle this.” But deep down, I knew it was going to be a challenge.