Two Brothers: Shadows of Deception

Chapter 24

Torn in Betrayal: A Descent into Rainfall

(Niharika)

Today marked the Annual Board Meeting of Golden Tulip, a day I had hoped would bring a sense of resolution and calm. Little did I know that chaos would ensue, threatening to unravel everything we had built. It all began two days ago when an anonymous email arrived, containing a file detailing a massive embezzlement scandal that had plagued our hotel. Shockingly, nearly Rs. 100 crores had been skimmed from our various branches, a secret that had remained hidden for two long years. The auditors had failed to uncover this financial deception, leaving us all dumbfounded.

The news spread like wildfire, and our phones were constantly ringing with furious shareholders demanding answers. We worked tirelessly to prevent the media from catching wind of the scandal, fearing the irreparable damage it could cause. Meanwhile, my father, the epitome of strength and composure, was visibly stressed and enraged. He barricaded himself in his office, refusing to rest or engage in conversation. It was a tense atmosphere, and the weight of the situation was taking its toll on us all.

I took it upon myself to ensure the conference room was impeccably prepared before the meeting commenced. Every detail had to be perfect, as if the fate of the company depended on it. I double-checked the arrangements, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination. I wanted nothing more than for everything to go smoothly, to restore a sense of order in the midst of this storm.

Just as I was about to take a deep breath and gather my thoughts, my father's secretary hurriedly approached me, breaking my concentration. She informed me that the esteemed Board members had started to arrive. I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, and made my way to the entrance of the conference room.

One by one, the members of the Board entered, and I greeted them with a combination of poise and trepidation. There was a tension in the air, as if everyone present knew that this meeting would define the future of Golden Tulip. And then, in the midst of the commotion, he walked in-Mr. Aryan, a man whose presence commanded attention. Our eyes briefly met, and in that fleeting moment, there was a sense of acknowledgment between us. I couldn't help but offer a small, knowing smile before carrying out my duties.

Finally, my father made his entrance, looking weary and burdened. The weight of the scandal was etched on his face, and it pained me to see him in such a state. His loyal secretary guided his wheelchair to the head seat at the conference table, a visual reminder of his position of authority, despite his physical exhaustion.

As the room fell into silence, anticipation filled the air. The fate of Golden Tulip hung in the balance, and I couldn't help but wonder how this meeting would unfold. Uncertainty loomed, but one thing was clear-I was prepared to fight for the future of our hotel, even if it meant unraveling uncomfortable truths and facing the consequences head-on. The stage was set, and as I took my place among the board members, I braced myself for the storm that was about to be unleashed.

My father greeted everyone, and just as the meeting was about to commence, a familiar figure entered the room-the last person I wanted to see in my life, Mr. Karan Kohli. He halted in front of me, his eyes filled with an unsettling hunger. I averted my gaze, feeling a wave of disgust wash over me. With a wicked smirk, he proceeded to take a seat beside my father. Why was he here? While we were married, he occasionally attended these meetings, but after our divorce, he had never shown up. So, why now? Suspicion crept into my mind as I glanced at my father. "You may leave," he instructed me, his gaze fixed on mine. I couldn't fathom why he always kept me at arm's length during these crucial discussions. With a resigned sigh, I turned to make my exit.