MEETING THE DARKNESS

10

2 months ago:

Dia's cab pulled up to Karishma's family home, the familiar sights and sounds of India filling her senses. After months of navigating the fast-paced world of business, running the K Group alongside her brother Aryan, this felt like a much-needed escape. She had returned for Karishma's wedding, a two-month break from the corporate whirlwind—though the wedding planning was going to be anything but restful. She would meet her mom and her brother after a month as Dia was in Bangalore and her family was in Mumbai. 

The second she stepped out of the car and into the lively courtyard, Dia was overwhelmed with the buzz of activity. Family members, decorators, and vendors darted back and forth, immersed in preparations for the wedding. A mixture of excitement and anxiety surged through her. She hadn't seen Karishma in months, and though they'd spoken frequently, it wasn't the same as being face-to-face.

"Dia!" A shriek pierced the air, and Dia barely had time to turn before she was enveloped in a flurry of bangles, bright fabric, and perfume.

"Karishma—oh my God!" Dia barely had time to react before she was squeezed into a bone-crushing hug by her best friend.

Karishma pulled back, tears already welling in her eyes. "You're here. You're really here." Her voice wavered, a mixture of joy and emotional overwhelm flooding her.

Dia blinked back her own tears. "Of course I'm here! I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Karishma's bottom lip trembled as she grabbed Dia's arms tightly, looking at her as though she still couldn't believe it. "I can't believe it's happening. I'm getting married. And you're here. I've missed you so much!"

"I missed you too," Dia whispered, her voice cracking as she pulled Karishma into another hug. "I'm so sorry I couldn't get here sooner. Work's been insane."

Karishma pulled away, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Yeah, I'll bet it has. You're running an empire now, Ms. CEO. But you didn't think that'd get you off the hook from helping me with this circus of a wedding, did you?"

Dia laughed, brushing the tears from her cheeks. "I'm here for the long haul. Whatever you need, I'm your girl."

Just then, Karishma's expression shifted, and she suddenly stepped back, placing her hands on her hips. "But I swear, if you're late to any of these wedding events, I will personally drag you out of that business bullshit and glue you to a seat!"

Dia raised her hands in surrender, a wide grin on her face. "Okay, okay, I get it. No more work talk. I'm all yours for the next two months."

Karishma's stern expression cracked, and she let out a loud laugh. "You'd better be. These wedding plans are insane, and I need my best friend with me or I'll lose my mind."

Just as the moment started to settle, Karishma's face turned serious again. "But seriously, Dia, I'm really glad you're here. It wouldn't have felt right without you."Dia smiled, feeling the warmth of their bond as Karishma's words sank in. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." As they moved toward the house, Karishma was immediately swept away by a decorator asking for her approval on flower arrangements, leaving Dia a moment to herself. As she watched Karishma rush off, a pang of guilt crept into Dia's chest. She wasn't just here for the wedding; this trip was also a chance to escape the complexities of her life back in the US—the pressures of running the company, and the weight of responsibilities that Aryan had taken over for her in her absence, but still the weight of the mafia was still on her shoulders and she couldn't let go of it.

But even with all those thoughts swirling in her head, she knew that these few months weren't just for rest. This was about Karishma—her best friend, her sister in all but blood. And no matter what was happening in Dia's life, Karishma was her priority now.

Little did Dia know, the wedding wouldn't just reunite her with old friends. It would introduce her to new challenges and people who would change the course of her life— a man she would soon encounter in the most unexpected of ways.

For now, the wedding preparations would keep her busy, and Karishma's relentless excitement would push away the heaviness of her other life. But Dia had a feeling that her time in India was about to be more complicated than she had anticipated.

The first major pre-wedding event was a grand welcome dinner, bringing together Adam's family and Karishma's closest friends. Held at a luxurious hotel, it was the kind of glamorous gathering that Dia was used to attending for business, but tonight, she was just here as Karishma's friend.

As she moved through the elegant hall, chatting with guests and catching up with old friends, her attention was suddenly drawn to a tall figure standing near the entrance. His presence seemed to command the room without him even trying. He had the face and body of a Greek god—chiselled jaw, sharp features, and an aura of quiet authority.

Dia couldn't place him. He wasn't part of Adam's family, and Karishma had never mentioned him before. Still, there was something oddly familiar about him.

Just then, Karishma appeared beside her. "Dia, come meet Adam's friend," she said, pulling her toward the man. "This is Viktor Martin. He flew in from New York for the wedding."

Viktor turned toward them, his intense eyes locking onto Dia. He extended a hand. "Ms. Yadav," he said in a deep, calm voice that made her pulse quicken. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

There was something about Viktor that unsettled Dia. His gaze was too penetrating, his presence too commanding. And yet, she shook his hand, maintaining her composure. "Likewise," she said politely.

They stood for a moment in silence, sizing each other up. Something about him felt dangerous, though Dia couldn't pinpoint why. The way he carried himself spoke of immense power, authority, and control—traits that Dia was all too familiar with, being a CEO herself. But Viktor was different. His power didn't come from corporate meetings or boardroom deals; it felt darker, more primal.

"Enjoying the festivities?" Dia asked, trying to steer the conversation to something neutral.

Viktor's lips curved into a small smile. "Very much. And you?"

Dia met his gaze evenly. "It's been busy, but weddings are always like that."

There was an unspoken tension between them, an awareness of each other that neither could shake. Viktor radiated control, but there was a mystery about him that piqued Dia's curiosity. She didn't know who he really was, but she could sense that Viktor Martin was not a man to be underestimated.

As the night wore on, Dia found herself wondering why someone like Viktor was here at all. He didn't seem like the kind of man who attended weddings for fun. And though she couldn't quite explain it, she had a feeling their paths would cross again—whether she liked it or not.

For now, she was focused on Karishma's wedding. But deep down, Dia knew that Viktor Martin was not just a guest at the wedding. He was something more.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Guys!!

Your Author is back!!

The next part is coming soon!!!!!

Always with loads of Love,

CARA