𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐎𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔

3) Rage

After a long day, Sathi returned to her penthouse where her dad was waiting with a warm smile. She reciprocated with a tired but genuine smile. However, her expression slightly shifted when she noticed Abhinav sitting on another couch. He stood up, a friendly grin spreading across his face.

"Hello, Sathi," he greeted, waving one hand in an enthusiastic gesture.

"Hi," Sathi replied, her tone polite but reserved. She walked over and took a seat on the couch across from him. Her dad, Mr. Singhania, chuckled and said, "She's had a long day, working nonstop as usual."

Abhinav nodded with a look of admiration. "The dedicated woman," he remarked, eyes briefly meeting Sathi's before she turned her gaze to the floor.

"Dad, I think we should have dinner," she said, trying to steer the evening towards an end.

"Of course," Mr. Singhania agreed, gesturing for everyone to move to the dining table. They sat down as the maids began serving an elaborate meal.

"How was your day, Sathi?" Abhinav asked, leaning forward slightly with genuine interest.

Sathi glanced at him briefly before turning her attention to her plate. "Busy," she said curtly, focusing on cutting her food. The conversation lulled for a moment, and the clinking of cutlery filled the silence.

Abhinav wasn't deterred. "I saw the new Singhania Enterprises advertisement today. The concept was brilliant. Was that your idea?"

"Yes," she replied, still not meeting his eyes. Her tone was neutral, almost mechanical.

Mr. Singhania looked between the two and decided to join in. "Sathi's ideas have been driving the company forward. We're lucky to have her."

Abhinav smiled at that, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "It's not luck, it's her hard work and vision." He looked at Sathi again. "Do you ever take a break? You deserve it."

Sathi finally looked up, her eyes meeting his for a second before drifting away. "Not really. There's too much to do," she said with a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"You should make time," Abhinav insisted. "Life isn't just work, you know."

"I know," she said, her tone soft but dismissive, signaling the end of that topic.

Her dad, sensing her discomfort, stepped in. "Sathi will find her balance in time. For now, let's just enjoy dinner."

Abhinav nodded, though a hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes. The rest of the meal passed with light chatter, mostly led by Mr. Singhania and Abhinav, while Sathi focused on finishing her food, lost in her own thoughts.

----

As Abhinav left, offering a polite farewell, Sathi managed a faint smile in return. The door clicked shut, and the room fell into a quiet stillness. She sank into the couch, exhaustion washing over her as she closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh.

Her father, noticing her weariness, walked over and gently brushed her hair back from her face. "You seem very tired, my dear. Did you overwork yourself again today?" he asked, concern softening his voice.

Without opening her eyes, Sathi nodded slowly. The day had drained her of every ounce of energy, and her body ached for rest.

"You need to take better care of yourself," her father said tenderly. "Go to your room and get some sleep. You've earned it."

Sathi's lips curled into a small, grateful smile as she opened her eyes and sat up. "Okay, Dad. Goodnight. Make sure you sleep well too," she said.

"I will," he replied, watching her with fatherly affection as she stood up and made her way up the stairs.

The house settled into its nighttime calm as Sathi retreated to her room, the weight of the day still lingering but slowly easing as she prepared to rest.

----

"Sir, you're getting late," the maid called from outside Sanskar's room in the morning. He was still in bed, half-asleep.

"Sir," she called again, hoping to wake him up.

Sanskar, with a sleepy voice, mumbled, "I'm skipping the office today." He turned over and went back to sleep. The maid nodded, understanding, and left the room quietly.

She went to call Utkarsh, Sanskar's secretary, to let him know that Sanskar would not be coming to the office today.

---

After about four more hours of sleep, Sanskar finally woke up. He stretched and walked to the washroom for a shower. He changed into a comfortable black T-shirt and pants before heading downstairs. But as he stepped into the living room, he stopped, surprised to see someone he didn't expect.

Sathi was sitting on the couch, sipping coffee calmly.

"What are you doing here?" Sanskar's jaw tightened, and he clenched his fists as he walked toward her.

Sathi took another sip before responding. "Relax, Mr. Sanskar Raheja. Remember when you told me to let out my anger so it wouldn't destroy me?" Her tone was dripping with sarcasm.

She placed the cup down and continued, "Well, now I think that advice should be for you."

Sanskar's eyes burned with frustration. "Get out of my house," he said, his voice cold.

"Calm down, Sanskar," she said, not moving.

But Sanskar's voice grew louder. "GET OUT!"

Sathi stood up quickly. "Fine, I'm leaving, but remember, I won't let you be happy from now on." She turned to go but paused, as if remembering something.

"Oh, right," she said, holding out a piece of paper. "This is the agreement. I'm buying your SR Hotel."

She smirked at him, then walked out, leaving Sanskar standing there, stunned and angry.