Chapter 27: Chapter Twenty Five.

Arjun’s car rolled to a stop in front of Meera's house, the engine idling softly in the quiet night. Meera let out a soft sigh of relief as she unbuckled her seatbelt and pushed open the door.

She had barely set one foot on the ground before Arjun stepped out as well, his tall frame cutting a commanding figure against the backdrop of the dimly lit street.

“Thank you.” Meera muttered, turning quickly toward her front door, eager to end this odd, tense evening.

But before she could take more than a few steps, Arjun’s voice halted her in her tracks.

“What are your plans for tomorrow?” His tone was casual, but there was a force behind the question that made Meera pause. She glanced back at him, her brow furrowed in confusion.

“Um, I have school, work, and an assignment to finish up.” she replied, eyeing him suspiciously.

Why was he asking her this? What did he care about her plans again?

Arjun’s expression didn’t change as he took a step closer to her, his gaze unwavering.

“After that?” he pressed.

Meera's frown deepened.

What is he up to now? she wondered, feeling her irritation rise.

“After that?” she repeated, her voice edged with annoyance. “I’ll be at home, spending time with my family. Like a responsible person.”

There was a brief silence, Arjun’s eyes darkening as he stared at her.

Without a word, he began walking toward her, his movements slow and deliberate. He stopped just a foot away, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“Be ready by 6 p.m. tomorrow.” he commanded, his voice low and steady, his eyes locked onto hers.

Meera blinked, startled by the sudden shift. She instinctively took a step back, needing space between them.

“Excuse me?” she asked, her voice dripping with incredulity. “Ready for what?”

“We’re having dinner together.” Arjun said bluntly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Meera’s eyes widened, shock and confusion swirling inside her.

“What? D-dinner? With you? Why?” she stammered, her mind racing to process his words.

“Get ready by 6.” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen.” Meera shot back, regaining her composure. She could feel the frustration bubbling beneath the surface now.

“I just told you all my plans. I’ll be exhausted. Besides, why would I have dinner with you?”

Arjun’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides.

“Because I said so.” he growled.

Meera’s irritation flared.

“Shouldn’t you be having dinner with your fiancée instead? She clearly wants to spend time with you.” she pressed, her voice laced with frustration.

Arjun’s expression darkened. “She didn’t ask if I was busy, Meera. I hate unannounced plans, especially when they involve me. It’s my time, and she should have asked first.”

Meera narrowed her eyes at him, incredulous. “So, you hate it when people make plans without consulting you, but you think it’s perfectly fine to do the same to someone else?” she snapped, glaring at him.

“Don’t push me, Meera.” Arjun growled, his voice dropping dangerously low.

Meera felt her heart race, knowing she was treading on dangerous ground, but she couldn’t help herself.

“You don’t like it when people plan things without your permission, and yet here you are doing the exact same thing to me.” she pointed out, her voice shaking slightly.

“I don’t care.” Arjun bit out, his eyes flashing with anger. “You’ll be ready by 6.”

Meera clenched her fists at her sides, exasperated by his stubbornness.

“My father won’t allow me to go.” she blurted out, desperate for an excuse to avoid this dinner.

Arjun froze, his posture stiffened, and the air around him seemed to grow colder.

“What did you say?”

Meera swallowed hard, her pulse quickening as she realized she might have pushed too far.

“I said... my father won’t allow–”

“My way, then.” Arjun interrupted, his voice cold and final.

Without warning, he turned on his heel and strode toward her front door, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his black trousers.

Meera’s eyes widened in panic as she realized what he was about to do.

“Arjun, wait! Please, don’t!” she pleaded, rushing after him. But he didn’t stop. He reached the doorbell and pressed it firmly, ignoring her protests.

“Arjun, go! Don’t you get it? I don’t want this!” she shouted, her voice rising with frustration. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Couldn’t believe he was actually about to confront her family. Her heart pounded as she glanced at him, her eyes pleading.

Arjun finally looked over at her, his expression infuriatingly calm, but his eyes told a different story—anger simmering just beneath the surface.

“I want this.” he said simply, his voice low and commanding.

Meera’s mind raced.

Is he out of his mind? She thought wildly, her fear and frustration mixing into a volatile storm.

What would her parents think? How would she even begin to explain this?

Before she could say anything more, the front door swung open, and they were met with the surprised face of Meera’s mother.

The silence that followed was thick and tense. Meera’s heart thudded painfully in her chest as her mother’s eyes shifted between her and Arjun, confusion etched across her features.

“Meera?” her mother said, her voice unsure. “Is everything alright?” She asked then her gaze drifted towards Arjun.

Meera swallowed, her mind scrambling for an explanation, but before she could say anything, Arjun spoke up, his voice smooth and authoritative.

“Good evening, Mrs. Ahuja.”

“Um… G-good evening, sir.” Meera’s mother stammered, casting a confused, questioning glance at her daughter.

Meera could feel her heart sink into her stomach, her irritation at the situation growing by the second. She could barely contain the mix of dread and fury she felt brewing inside her.

God, I hate this. she thought, her gaze shifting to Arjun, standing tall and unyielding.

I hate him more than anything right now.

“Ma, um… let’s go inside. Mr. Madhav was just–” Meera began, her voice faltering as she tried to diffuse the situation, but before she could say another word, Arjun interrupted.

“I need your daughter tomorrow.” he said, his tone calm but resolute.

Meera almost groaned aloud, fighting the urge to smack her forehead.

Is he insane?

“What?” her mother asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“Your daughter.” Arjun repeated, his voice unwavering, as if this was a perfectly normal conversation to be having. “I need her tomorrow.”

Meera felt a surge of panic rising in her chest, her hands twitching with the impulse to pull her own hair out in frustration.

How is he so casual about this?

Before her mother could form a coherent response, Meera heard the heavy footsteps of her father approaching from inside the house.

Her stomach twisted with dread. She could already feel the weight of the impending disaster crashing down on her.

“Dear, why are you still at the door? Who’s there?” Her father’s voice came from behind them, and Meera’s anxiety skyrocketed.

This was getting worse by the second. Arjun was digging her into deeper and deeper trouble.

“Um… just come.” her mother said, utterly bewildered by the situation, unsure of how to handle the presence of one of the most powerful men in the country standing on her doorstep.

The door swung open wider, and Meera’s father stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of Arjun Madhav standing on their front step.

But instead of reacting with shock or suspicion, as Meera had expected, her father’s expression shifted into something that took her completely by surprise.

Her father smiled.

What?

Before she could process the absurdity of the situation, Meera hurried over to her father, wrapping her arms around him in a nervous hug, hoping to shield him from whatever madness was about to unfold.

“Mr. Arjun Madhav, please, please come in.” her father said with a welcoming gesture, his voice unnaturally polite and warm. Meera’s mouth dropped open slightly in disbelief.

Is he serious? Does he not realize who this man is?

“Greetings, Mr. Ahuja.” Arjun said, his tone polite but businesslike. “but there’s no need to come inside. I simply have a request.”

Meera’s father blinked, glancing at his daughter for a brief second before turning back to Arjun. He smiled again—a smile Meera recognized all too well.

It was forced, polite, the kind of smile her father wore when he was trying to hide his discomfort.

“I hope whatever request you have, I can grant it.” her father said, his voice strained beneath the mask of hospitality.

Arjun’s eyes shifted toward Meera, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her skin prickle.

“I want Meera…” he began, and both Meera and her mother gasped audibly, their minds immediately leaping to the worst conclusion.

Meera’s heart lurched in her chest.

“…to accompany me to dinner tomorrow.” Arjun finished smoothly, his voice calm and composed.

Meera let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

But her relief was short-lived as she turned to glare at Arjun, her mind still spinning.

What in the world was he trying to pull?

Why was he involving her parents in this?

Her mother stood frozen, her eyes darting between Meera and Arjun, still trying to make sense of the situation.

“Dinner?” she repeated, her voice soft and hesitant.

“Yes.” Arjun said, glancing at Meera’s father again. “I’ve personally requested her presence.”

Meera’s eyes silently pleaded with her father, her expression filled with desperation, hoping–begging–he would refuse Arjun’s request.

“Mr. Arjun Madhav.” her father began slowly, his tone respectful but careful.

“I appreciate that you’re asking me, but may I know if there’s an important reason why you want Meera to attend this dinner with you?”

Arjun’s face remained expressionless, but his voice carried its usual authority.

“She’s interviewing me for her project, and to fully understand the workings of my company and the mindset of an entrepreneur, she needs to be there. I want her there.”

Meera’s father, already sensing his daughter’s unease, frowned slightly in confusion.

“But I thought you were supposed to interview Siddhartha, beta?”

Meera’s voice was soft and uncertain as she explained, “It was changed, Papa. The plan changed.”

Her father nodded, though he couldn’t ignore the discomfort etched on her face. He turned back to Arjun, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.

“Well, if that’s the case... sure, she can attend. It sounds like it’s just a professional dinner, more like a meeting, so it should be fine.”

Meera’s heart sank, her eyes widening in shock.

No. This isn’t fine, Papa, how can you not see what’s really happening?

Her fear was evident, but her father, though conflicted, stood by his decision.

Arjun, satisfied with the outcome, gave a slight nod.

“Good. I’ll pick her up at 6 p.m. tomorrow.” He glanced briefly at Meera, his gaze lingering on her. “Goodnight.”

Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked back to his car, the echo of his footsteps filling the heavy silence.

Meera, her mother, and her father watched as Arjun started the engine and drove off, the weight of his presence still lingering long after he was gone.

As soon as the sound of his car faded, Meera turned to her father, her voice rising with frustration.

“Papa, why would you agree to that? Why didn’t you say no?”

“Let’s go inside first.” her father responded calmly, though his own unease was beginning to show.

Once inside, they settled into the living room. Her mother sat beside her father on the couch, while Meera stood a few feet away, her arms crossed, still visibly upset.

Her father rubbed his temple, knowing the conversation ahead wasn’t going to be easy.

“Beta, I know you’re angry.” he began, his voice gentle but weary.

“Papa, I’m not just angry, I’m furious. First, you wanted to invite him in like he’s some kind of family friend, and then you just... accepted his demand? Like I had no say in this?”

Her father sighed deeply. “Meera, it’s not that I wanted to agree. I’m not happy about this either, but you have to understand... this is Arjun Madhav. He’s not someone we can just deny without consequences. Everyone fears him for a reason. I’m ashamed that I had to push you into this, but sometimes, it’s safer to give in to what he wants, rather than anger him.”

Meera felt the weight of his words. Her father wasn’t wrong—Arjun’s reputation was enough to make anyone wary. But it didn’t make her feel any better.

“Papa, I understand he’s powerful, but don’t you think that agreeing to his demands is putting me in danger? You’re sending me off to dinner with a man who doesn’t take no for an answer!”

Her father’s face fell, the defeat in his posture becoming clearer.

“It’s just this one request, Meera. I’m scared for our family. The influence Arjun holds… it’s dangerous to be on his bad side. I don’t want any harm to come to you—or to us.”

Meera let out a frustrated sigh, her anger simmering beneath the surface, but there was no use arguing further. She understood her father’s fear; they all knew what Arjun was capable of.

“I get it, Papa.” she said quietly, her shoulders slumping in resignation.

“Thank you, beta.” her father replied, relief crossing his face.

“And by the way, you never told me about the change in your interview plans. I thought you were supposed to meet with Siddhartha?”

Meera hesitated for a moment, feeling the frustration bubbling up again.

“I didn’t know either, Papa. I was at the library, and then suddenly, Arjun showed up and practically dragged me to his company. I’m still figuring out how to explain everything to Miss Rani.”

Her mother, who had been quiet the whole time, suddenly spoke up, her voice filled with concern.

“He came to your workplace? How did he even know you were there?”

Meera’s stomach twisted with unease, but she couldn’t tell them the truth.

“I... I don’t know, Ma.” she lied, hoping they wouldn’t ask more questions.

Her father seemed to mull this over, his brows furrowed in thought. Meera could tell that he, too, was beginning to think more deeply about Arjun’s actions.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, his tone resigned.

“It’s okay, beta. Just be careful tomorrow. Go upstairs and freshen up, and come down for dinner soon, alright?”

“Okay, Papa.” Meera muttered, turning to head upstairs, feeling exhausted from the day’s events.

As she disappeared up the staircase, Meera’s mother turned to her husband, her worry clear in her eyes.

“Are you alright?” she asked softly, noticing the troubled expression on his face.

Her husband sighed, snapping out of his thoughts.

“Yes, dear, I’m fine.” he replied, but his voice lacked conviction.

She reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“You don’t look fine. What’s on your mind?”

He forced a smile, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“As long as you and the children are safe, I’m not troubled by anything else.” he said, though the weight of his words hung heavily between them.

His wife smiled back, though she still seemed unconvinced.

“Alright. I’ll go set the table. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.” she said, getting up to head toward the kitchen.

As she left, Meera’s father leaned back in his chair, staring blankly ahead. His mind was racing, thoughts of Arjun swirling in his head. He knew there was more to this than a simple dinner or a professional request.

The way Arjun looked at Meera… the power he held over her without saying much at all—it unnerved him.

He sighed heavily, the worry creeping back into his heart.

I just hope I’ve made the right decision.

*

*

*

"Welcome, sir!" Vid greeted dutifully, taking Arjun’s suitcase as he entered the grand foyer of the mansion. As usual, Arjun didn’t respond, his cold demeanor unyielding as he made his way towards the spiral staircase leading to the upper floors.

The house, was silent except for the subtle echo of his footsteps on the marble floor.

But a voice cut through that silence, halting him in his tracks.

"Welcome home, son!"

Arjun’s body tensed, his fists clenching instinctively. He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as they landed on his father, seated comfortably in a plush armchair, a glass of whiskey swirling idly in his hand.

His father’s smirk was nothing short of mocking, and the air between them instantly thickened with tension.

“What? Not happy to see me?” Mr. Madhav’s voice was laced with sarcasm, his words deliberately prodding at his son’s simmering rage.

He chuckled, though the sound was empty, cold. “But you always seem excited to see that temptress you have an attraction for, hmm?”

Arjun’s jaw tightened, the muscles in his face visibly straining. He hated his father’s ability to get under his skin. Every word was designed to provoke him.

“What are you doing here?” Arjun demanded, his voice barely controlled.

“Is that any way to greet your father?” His father chuckled again, clearly enjoying this little game. But Arjun wasn’t interested in playing along.

“What are you doing here?” Arjun repeated, this time slower, more menacing, his voice deep with an unmistakable edge of anger.

The smirk faded from his father’s face, replaced by a calculating seriousness. He placed the glass of whiskey on the side table with deliberate care, his eyes never leaving his son’s.

“Suhana told me what happened in the office today.” Mr. Madhav said, his tone now colder. “How you turned down her invitation for dinner.”

Arjun’s eyes darkened. “Your point?”

“I think you know exactly what my point is.” Mr. Madhav stood up, adjusting his jacket as he approached his son. His presence was equally commanding, though Arjun had long since surpassed him in both power and ruthlessness.

Still, his father spoke with the authority of someone who thought he was in control.

“Meera Ahuja.” he began, his tone sharp as he laid out the details like a report. “She works at the city library. She lives with her father, mother, and a younger sister who's age is eighteen. She’s twenty-three, a student at Elite Coles University in the commerce department. They live on ***** Street, i can go on if you want..”

Arjun’s hands clenched tighter, fury building inside him. His father was sending a clear message: I know everything about her. I can reach her whenever I want.

“Don’t you dare do anything to her.” Arjun growled, his voice dangerous, a dark promise threaded through each word.

“Only if you stay in line.” his father retorted, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. “I don’t care if you’re using her for your... appetites. If she’s a distraction for you, fine. Quench your attraction, indulge your needs. But remember–Suhana is the woman you will marry. She’s the key to solidifying this family’s legacy.”

Arjun’s rage finally boiled over. He stepped closer to his father, the intensity of his anger practically radiating off him. His eyes blazed, cold yet furious.

“Touch a single hair on her head.” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, “and that day will be the last time you see your son. And it will be long before you see any of your son get married.”

Mr. Madhav’s eyes widened, momentarily taken aback by the raw threat. “Are you threatening me, Arjun?”

Arjun leaned in slightly, his voice quieter but dripping with venom.

“There’s a difference between a warning and a threat, Father. And I suggest you learn it quickly. You think this is about power or business? I don’t need Suhana, and I never have. If I wanted to, I could build another empire from the ground up–without your deals, without your legacy.”

His father’s face tightened, but behind the anger, there was a flicker of something else–pride.

Even as Arjun defied him, he couldn’t deny that his son had become a force to be reckoned with, an unstoppable force who had learned well.

Arjun turned to leave, but stopped just before ascending the stairs. He glanced back at his father, his expression fierce.

“And this isn’t some fleeting attraction. I don’t have a mere desire for Meera, Father. I’m prepared to wage war—break the world apart—if that’s what it takes to have her.”

His father was left speechless, watching his son in disbelief. There was a terrifying sincerity in Arjun’s eyes. He wasn’t playing games, his determination to claim Meera went far beyond mere infatuation. There was something much darker, much more dangerous driving him.

Arjun’s gaze lingered a moment longer before he turned and ascended the stairs, leaving his father in stunned silence.

As Mr. Madhav watched his son disappear, the unsettling realization began to sink in. He had always thought he could control his son, mold him to fit the family’s plans.

But Arjun had outgrown his father’s influence, and the depth of his obsession with Meera was more than just troubling.

Why do I fear for that girl now? Mr. Madhav thought.

A sense of foreboding settled over him, the feeling that something far more dangerous was brewing beneath the surface.

The quiet house, once filled with tension, now echoed with the heavy weight of unspoken threats and shifting power.

And in the midst of it all, Meera Ahuja had no idea of the storm that was heading her way.

♤♤♤

Hiiii!!!

Just a reminder that I love you guys and Thank you!!!!🙈🙈🫂♥️

20 votes please 🙏🤧