His dark obsession

Prologue

Ekansh Rai stood before his father's mahogany desk, his eyes blazing with contempt. Mahindra Rai smiled, a calculating glint in his eye.

"Sign it, Ekansh," Mahindra said, sliding the contract across the desk.

Ekansh's gaze fell on the document, his jaw clenched. The terms were clear:

Article 1: Ekansh Rai agrees to marry a woman of Mahindra Rai's choice.

Article 2: Ekansh Rai must produce a legitimate heir within two years of marriage.

Article 3: Failure to comply will result in the transfer of Nalini Rai's entire estate to Nisha Rai.

Ekansh's mother's legacy. The thought of Nisha inheriting it made his blood boil.

"Why are you doing this, Father?" Ekansh spat.

Mahindra leaned back in his chair. "You need an heir, Ekansh. A successor to secure our empire. And I need assurance you won't cut Nisha out of the family business."

Ekansh's eyes narrowed. "You're using me to keep her happy."

Mahindra shrugged. "Call it what you want. Sign it, Ekansh. Or watch Nalini's legacy go to waste."

Ekansh's pen hovered over the contract. He thought of his mother's words: "Protect our legacy, Ekansh. Never let them take it from you."

With a cold determination, Ekansh signed his name. The contract was sealed.

His fate was tied to a woman he hadn't met. Little did he know, Samyuktika's life was about to change forever.
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A hospital room, dimly lit, the scent of antiseptic hanging heavy. Samyuktika sat beside her grandmother's frail form, tears streaming down her face.

The doctor's words echoed: "We need 20 lakhs for the surgery, or..."

Samyuktika's thoughts raced. Her family had sold everything; hope seemed lost.

Then, a knock at the door. Mahindra Rai entered, his commanding presence a stark contrast to the desperation surrounding Samyuktika.

"Samyuktika," he said gently, "I heard about your grandmother's condition."

She wiped away tears, wary of his interest.

Mahindra approached, eyes assessing. "I can help. I'll fund your grandmother's treatment."

A glimmer of hope.

"But why?" Samyuktika asked.

Mahindra's smile seemed genuine. "I believe in helping those in need. And I have a proposal."

Samyuktika hesitated.

"Marriage," Mahindra said, voice low. "To my son, Ekansh Rai."

Samyuktika's world froze.

Two paths diverged: one, a desperate attempt to save her grandmother; the other, an unknown future tied to a stranger.

Which would she choose?

The fate of Samyuktika, and Ekansh Rai, hung in the balance.