Forbidden Mania | 18+

9.

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𝒜𝓊𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓇'𝓈 𝒫𝑜𝓋~

As I made my way back to the office, my mind was still half-consumed by Mishka. I could still feel the heat of that kiss, the vulnerability in her eyes, and the way she held onto me like I was the only anchor she had in the world. Leaving her to come back here felt wrong, but I knew I couldn't avoid it.

When I walked into the boardroom, the energy was tense. My mother was already there, her gaze sharp and disapproving. Several board members exchanged glances, but the room fell silent as I entered, as though waiting for my next move. I could see the barely concealed impatience on my Mom’s face.

The meeting had been crucial, votes cast, final decisions about to be made. But the importance of the moment faded into the background compared to the feeling I had when I got that text about Mishka. Nothing could've kept me there, not even the weight of my family's legacy.

Just as I took my seat, my mother's voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"Arsh, do you have any idea what you've done?" Her tone was icy, calculated.

"This was the moment we've been waiting for, and you ran out for… that girl?"

I met her gaze evenly, refusing to flinch.

"Her name is Mishka, and she was hurt. I wasn't going to ignore that." I said calmly.

"Hurt? What, did she get a scratch? Do you realize how ridiculous this sounds? You left everything behind for some girl who doesn't belong here. You're putting your entire future at risk, and for what?" She scoffed, crossing her arms tightly.

I felt my jaw clench, but I kept my voice steady. "She’s not 'some girl.' She’s my…" I paused. She should be my wife at this age. Arggh she is too young for that.

"She's important to me. I care about her, and I wasn't going to sit here while she was alone in a hospital."

My mother's face twisted into a sneer.

"Important to you? She's a distraction, Arsh. A pretty little nuisance who has no place in our world. She's dragging you down, and one day, she'll ruin you. You're being reckless and blinded by this… this infatuation."

Her words burned, and I could feel my hands clenching at my sides, but I wouldn't let her belittle Mishka.

"Enough." I said sharply.

"Mishka isn't a nuisance, and she isn't a distraction. If you can't respect the people I care about, then that's your problem. But don't think I'll stand here and let you talk about her like that."

I never talked to my mother like that, it surprises me too, but she made an image about Mishka in her mind for no reason. She despise Raghav, she despise Mishka and for what? Just because they are themselves?

A silence fell over the room as my mother's face turned cold, an unreadable emotion flashing in her eyes. "She'll never belong in this family, Arsh. Mark my words."

"Then maybe it's this family that needs to change." My expression hardened.

My mother's mouth opened in shock, but before she could retaliate, I turned toward my Dad, who had been quietly observing the exchange.

"Dad." I started, feeling the familiar weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders.

"You know I've always done what's best for this family. But this… I think Raghav should be the one to lead." Raghav is the eldest son, he should get everything not me.