Shiddat

Chapter 29

The Rathore Enterprises office pulsed with its usual energy—the soft murmur of voices, the rhythmic clack of keyboards, and the occasional ring of phones weaving together in a harmonious hum. Morning sunlight poured through the expansive windows, casting a golden glow across the sleek, modern space, making the polished surfaces gleam. In his private office, Arjun Rathore sat behind a sprawling mahogany desk, deep in concentration. The air around him felt heavy with purpose, the weight of his position as CEO evident in the furrow of his brow and the sharp intensity of his gaze as he reviewed the reports in front of him.

A knock pierced the quiet. Arjun's eyes lifted, his expression unreadable as the door creaked open. Rohan Rathore stepped inside, his tailored suit sharp and his presence brisk, though there was a flicker of excitement in his eyes as he crossed the room. He held a folder under his arm as he sat down across from his older brother, the air between them taut with unspoken anticipation.

"Our team has just arrived at the Rajput office," Rohan began, settling into his chair, his tone casual but observant.

Arjun's gaze didn't waver, though his jaw tightened ever so slightly. "And how were they received?" His voice was calm, but it carried the quiet authority that commanded attention.

Rohan leaned back, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Professional, as expected. No fireworks yet. They're hosting the meeting in their main conference room, and our team's already settling in. But," he added, his voice dropping a notch, "I wouldn't be surprised if Adiraj makes an appearance. He has a habit of showing up when he isn't needed."

Arjun's expression hardened at the mention of Adiraj. The rivalry between them simmered beneath the surface, unspoken but ever-present. "Let him," Arjun muttered, his voice sharp. "It doesn't matter what games he plays. This project needs to be flawless, and I won't let his theatrics get in the way."

Rohan chuckled lightly, recognizing the tension beneath his brother's stoic exterior. "I'll keep an eye on things."

As Rohan stood to leave, Arjun's voice followed, a low, deliberate warning. "No mistakes, Rohan. Not on this one."

Rohan gave a reassuring nod, his usual confidence unwavering, but the gravity of Arjun's words lingered as he exited the office, leaving behind a quiet tension.

Across the city, in the heart of the Rajput empire, the atmosphere in the Rajput office was one of luxury and precision. The main conference room, where the joint meeting was underway, mirrored the family's dominance—its high ceilings, sleek, minimalist decor, and the imposing Rajput family crest hanging prominently on the wall. The room's air felt charged, thick with the weight of corporate power plays.

Seated around the massive mahogany table, the Rathore and Rajput marketing teams engaged in a subtle dance of words, their discussions careful and measured. Laptops hummed, papers shuffled, and ideas were exchanged, though beneath the professionalism lay an undercurrent of competition.

The door to the conference room creaked open, and the dynamic in the room shifted instantly. Heads turned as Adiraj Rajput entered, his tall, commanding figure silhouetted by the soft light from the hallway. He moved with the grace of someone accustomed to owning every room he walked into, his charcoal-gray suit tailored to perfection. His dark eyes swept across the room, taking in the scene with a cool, calculating gaze.

Adiraj's presence sent ripples of tension through the room. The Rajput team sat up straighter under his scrutiny, while the Rathore employees exchanged uneasy glances. There was no overt hostility, but the air grew heavier with the silent rivalry between the families.

Adiraj took his seat at the head of the table, his expression impassive. As the discussion resumed, Ananya, poised and professional, led the next segment of the presentation. Her voice was steady, her explanation of the strategies clear and precise, but as she spoke, she couldn't shake the unsettling awareness of being watched. There was a weight to the attention on her, different from the usual focus of the room.