Ekansh settled into his office chair, trying to shake off the tension from the morning's altercation with Samyuktika. Just as he began to focus on the day's tasks, Rihaan burst in, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Bro, you got married and didn't invite me?" Rihaan exclaimed, dropping into the chair opposite Ekansh's desk.
Ekansh's expression darkened. "What's your problem, Rihaan?" he snapped, his tone sharper than intended.
Rihaan's grin faltered. "Whoa, easy bro! I'm just kidding. But seriously, what's going on? You tied the knot and didn't even give me a heads-up?"
Ekansh's scowl deepened. "Drop it, Rihaan. It's none of your business."
Rihaan raised his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. But you're not exactly radiating newlywed bliss, my friend." Ekansh's eyes narrowed. "Just focus on work, Rihaan."
Rihaan Khanna, 28, is Ekansh's best friend and business partner. His charismatic presence commands attention, and his sharp wit can effortlessly diffuse tension. With chiseled features, dark hair, and piercing brown eyes, Rihaan exudes confidence.
Born into a wealthy business family, Rihaan met Ekansh in college, and their instant camaraderie laid the foundation for a lifelong friendship. Together, they co-founded a successful business venture, leveraging Rihaan's natural charm and Ekansh's strategic mind.
Rihaan's playboy reputation precedes him, but those close to him know he has a soft spot for those in need. His loyalty to Ekansh is unwavering, and he's determined to help his friend overcome his inner demons. However, Rihaan's concern for Ekansh's happiness often leads him to walk a fine line between support and overstepping boundaries.
As Ekansh's marriage struggles intensify, Rihaan finds himself struggling to balance his personal and professional relationships. His intuition tells him something's amiss, but Ekansh's increasing secrecy and moodiness make it challenging for Rihaan to navigate their friendship.
Rihaan's eyes narrowed as he watched Ekansh's expression darken. Something was bothering his friend, and he aimed to find out.
"Ekansh, what's going on?" Rihaan pressed, his tone softer.
Ekansh's gaze shifted, avoiding Rihaan's. "Nothing, Rihaan. Just drop it."
Rihaan's instincts screamed that Ekansh was hiding something. He leaned forward, his voice low.
"Listen, bro. I've known you since college. I can tell when something's eating at you. Is it the marriage?"
Ekansh's jaw clenched, and for a moment, Rihaan thought he saw a flicker of pain.
Ekansh's eyes locked onto Rihaan's, his voice barely above a whisper. "My marriage is a sham, Rihaan. It's all a facade."
Rihaan's expression transformed from curiosity to shock.
"What do you mean?" Rihaan asked, his tone cautious.
Ekansh's shoulders sagged, the weight of his secrets finally unburdened. "Samyuktika and I, we don't love each other. We never did. It was an arranged marriage, a business deal between our families."
Rihaan's eyes widened in disbelief.
"But why, Ekansh? Why did you agree to it?" Rihaan pressed.
Ekansh's gaze dropped, his voice laced with regret. "I thought it would secure my family's future, our business. But now I realize I made a mistake. I'm trapped, Rihaan."
Rihaan's expression softened, empathy etched on his face.
Rihaan's expression softened, empathy etched on his face. "Why didn't you tell me, Ekansh? I'm your best friend."
Ekansh's gaze lifted, his eyes pleading. "I was ashamed, Rihaan. I felt trapped and didn't know how to escape."
Rihaan nodded understandingly. "You're not alone, Ekansh. We'll figure this out together."
Ekansh's shoulders relaxed, a hint of relief washing over him.
"But there's more," Ekansh said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Samyuktika...she's not who you think she is."
Rihaan's curiosity piqued.
"What do you mean?" Rihaan asked.
Ekansh's expression turned grim.
Ekansh's expression turned grim. "Samyuktika has her own motives for this marriage. She's been manipulating me, using our family's business connections for her own gain."
Rihaan's eyes widened in shock. "What gain?"
Ekansh's voice dropped to a whisper. "She's embezzling funds, Rihaan. Using our company's resources to finance her own ventures."
Rihaan's face darkened. "That's treason, Ekansh. We need proof."
Ekansh nodded, determination etched on his face. "I've been gathering evidence, but I need your help to expose her."
Rihaan's grip on Ekansh's shoulder tightened. "We'll do it together, brother. We'll bring her down."
Rihaan said, "Don't make decisions regarding Samyuktika just yet. She was your father's choice, so she must have some redeeming qualities."
Ekansh's expression turned skeptical. "Redeeming qualities? Rihaan, you don't know her."
Rihaan leaned in, his voice measured. "Perhaps, but your father saw something in her. Let's not judge her too harshly."
Ekansh sighed, frustration etched on his face. "You don't understand, Rihaan. She's manipulating me, using our family's business for her gain."
Rihaan's eyes narrowed. "What makes you so sure?"
He said, "Because she is the choice of my father."
Rihaan raised an eyebrow. "You're judging her based on your father's decision?"
Ekansh shrugged. "Why not? He chose her for me, and now I'm stuck with someone who only cares about wealth and status."
Rihaan leaned back in his chair. "That's harsh, Ekansh. Maybe she's more than that."
Ekansh snorted. "You don't know her, Rihaan. She's manipulative and only looks out for herself."
Rihaan's expression turned thoughtful. "Perhaps, but people can surprise us. Give her a chance."
Ekansh's face hardened. "I've given her chances, Rihaan. And every time, she's proven me right."
Rihaan stood up, his eyes locked on Ekansh's resolute face.
"I've said my piece, Ekansh," Rihaan said, his voice tinged with resignation. "But I see you've made up your mind."
Ekansh nodded curtly.
Rihaan turned to leave, his voice low. "Be careful, Ekansh. You're playing with fire."
Ekansh watched Rihaan walk out, his jaw clenched.
The door closed behind Rihaan, leaving Ekansh alone with his thoughts.
Ekansh's expression darkened as he paced around the room. Why was Rihaan taking her side? Didn't he understand the situation?
"He's supposed to be my friend," Ekansh muttered to himself, anger simmering. "Not hers."
Ekansh's mind replayed their conversation, Rihaan's words echoing: "Give her a chance... Maybe she's more than that."
"Doesn't he see?" Ekansh fumed. "She's manipulating me, using me for her own gain."
He stopped pacing, fists clenched. Why was Rihaan so blind?
Suddenly, Ekansh's phone buzzed. Rihaan's name flashed on the screen.
Ekansh hesitated, then answered.
"What?" Ekansh snapped.
"Ekansh, listenâ" Rihaan began.
"No, you listen," Ekansh cut in, anger boiling over. "Why are you taking her side? Don't you trust me?"
Rihaan's calm voice infuriated Ekansh further.
"I'm trying to see reason, Ekansh. Maybeâ"
"Reason?" Ekansh's voice rose. "You want to see reason? Come see the evidence I've collected. Then tell me if you still think she's innocent."
The line went silent.