Destiny For Unlikely Vows

Chapter 34

It’s been over two weeks since I moved into my new apartment, and everything is finally settling well. At 26 years old, for the first time, I feel like my life is starting to fall into place. Ankit and I often cook together, alternating between his apartment and mine. He even drops me off at work sometimes, making life feel smoother and more comfortable.
Our management recently announced that a new company is taking over our department. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened; two years ago, another acquisition brought similar changes. Back then, only our CEO changed along with some management reshuffles, so I wasn’t too worried.
I was lost in these thoughts when the idea of him crossed my mind. Surely, by now, he must have returned and settled back into his villa. Perhaps he’s happy I left on my own before he could kick me out.
This acquisition has been in the works for over six months, and tomorrow, the new management is throwing a party to celebrate the transition. We’re officially going to work under Corp Group, and excitement buzzes in the air. Invitations were sent out via email, complete with a dress code: black and elegant.
Luckily, I had the perfect dress I’d bought on a trip to Poland—a stunning black, sleeveless gown with a thigh-high slit on one side. The dress fit me like a glove, accentuating my figure while still being tasteful. It had a slight shimmer under the light, adding an air of sophistication, and its flowing material made it perfect for an evening like this.
I kept my makeup minimal—just a touch of eyeliner and a soft lip color—and styled my hair in loose waves. As I admired my reflection, there was a knock at the door. Ankit was there, looking sharp in a tailored black suit that made him seem effortlessly charming.
“You look incredible,” he said, his eyes lighting up with genuine admiration.
“Thank you! You look handsome as usual,” I replied with a smile.
He Thanked me & sighs.
We headed to the venue, a grand ballroom in the heart of Paris. The chandeliers sparkled like diamonds, casting a warm glow over the space. Tall, ornate mirrors lined the walls, reflecting the opulence of the décor. Waiters in crisp uniforms carried trays of champagne, and soft classical music played in the background, adding a touch of elegance to the lively chatter. A red carpet led to the main entrance, where photographers snapped pictures of attendees arriving in style.
The room was filled with familiar faces, but there were also members of the press, their cameras flashing as they captured moments of the evening. As we gathered for the town hall, an announcement was made: our new CEO would be revealed tonight.
And then, he walked in—Mr. Agastya Rathore.
At first, I thought I’d misheard the announcement. But no, there he was, flanked by Dr. Tanya, both of them looking like they had stepped straight out of a fashion magazine. Tanya wore a chic, off-shoulder cocktail dress that ended mid-thigh, paired with dazzling heels that added to her elegance. Agastya, on the other hand, was the epitome of power and style in his tailored navy suit and signature confident stride.
My heart raced, and my stomach churned in nervous knots. All the happiness and excitement I had felt vanished in an instant. My mind spiraled with panic. Would he fire me? Would he humiliate me in front of my colleagues?
Ankit noticed my unease and asked if I was okay. I lied, saying I was fine, even though every nerve in my body screamed otherwise.
Then he asked me oh, it’s your Grandparents friends’ grandson, isn’t it.
I smiled politely & said yes, he is. And after the Long discussion & speech everyone got busy in the party.
The music changed, and people moved to the dance floor. Before I could slip away, Ankit dragged me to join him. To my dismay, Agastya and Tanya were there too.
Tanya spotted me first. “Riya! What are you doing here?” she asked with a friendly smile.
Before I could answer, I felt his eyes on me. Agastya’s gaze was sharp and piercing, scanning me from head to toe. His expression darkened when his eyes landed on Ankit’s hand resting on my waist. His jaw clenched, and his fists balled up tightly.
Trying to defuse the situation, I introduced Ankit to Tanya. “This is Ankit, my friend from Jamshedpur. We were classmates back in school.”
Agastya’s expression shifted slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. After exchanging pleasantries, I excused myself from the dance floor, telling Ankit to stay while I go get a drink.
As I made my way to the bar, my thoughts spiraled. What would I do if Agastya fired me? How would I manage my loan payments, my siblings’ college fees, and my living expenses? My chest tightened with fear, and before I knew it, I had wandered into the pool area.
Lost in thought, I stumbled and fell into the pool.
Panic set in—I didn’t know how to swim. The water closed over my head, and I flailed desperately, thinking this was the end. But then, someone jumped in and pulled me out.
Coughing and shivering, I looked up to see Agastya. He laid me on the floor, his face a mix of anger and concern. Ankit rushed over, but Agastya stopped him with a glare. Draping his jacket over me, he said firmly, “I’ll take her to a room where she can freshen up.”
Tanya also asked if I was okay, and I nodded weakly. Before I could protest, Agastya scooped me up in his arms and carried me bridal style to a room upstairs.
The tension between us was palpable. He was furious, and I could feel it in the way his grip tightened. Once inside the room, he set me down on the bed and loosened his tie, pacing like a storm about to erupt.
“I’m sorry!” I blurted out, tears streaming down my face. “I didn’t know you were taking over my division. Please don’t fire me. I’ll leave on my own in six months—just give me some time. My siblings are studying, and I’m the sole breadwinner. Please, I beg you!”
His expression shifted to one of shock. “What?” he asked, his voice low and incredulous.
“You’re going to fire me, aren’t you?” I said, my voice trembling.
Agastya’s eyes burned with intensity. “You think I’m angry because you work for my company now?”
I nodded, confused and scared.
He exhaled sharply. “I’m angry because of the way you’re dressed, the way you were dancing with that creep, and the fact that you left the house without telling me! Do you know how worried I was? The only thing keeping me sane was knowing you stayed in touch with my grandparents.”
I stared at him, stunned. “But... isn’t this what you wanted? For me to leave? You hate me so much—aren’t you happy now that I’m out of your way?”