Chapter 44: Chapter Fourty.

Meera paced back and forth in front of the school entrance, frustration clear in her every step.

Her team was there, waiting with her, but someone was noticeably absent. Pari had yet to arrive, and with every passing minute, Meera’s irritation grew.

“Meera… maybe she got held up with something? Could be important?” Ishita said gently, hoping to ease her friend’s tension.

“Important? We agreed to meet at 2, and she’s late—by 35 minutes!” Meera snapped, spinning around to face the group. Her eyes narrowed with exasperation.

Radha, One of the Member, standing a bit apart with arms crossed, shrugged.

“Let’s just give her a few more minutes, okay? She might have a good reason.”

Meera didn’t respond right away. Her gaze shifted momentarily to Rohit, who was oddly distracted, staring off into the distance as if lost in thought.

Ever since the incident with Arjun, he’d been distant, detached, and it concerned her. She’d tried reaching out to him several times, but he always brushed her off, refusing to talk. Eventually, she’d given up, respecting his space even if it worried her.

She let out a frustrated sigh, preparing herself for another round of waiting, when Ishita called out, “Oh, there she is!”

Meera spun back around to see Pari approaching them, her appearance entirely different.

Pari had clearly spent time perfecting her makeup, her face carefully done with fresh eyeliner, bold lipstick, and contouring that stood out even from a distance.

Meera’s brow furrowed as she watched her approach.

“What took you so long?” Meera asked, her tone barely masking her annoyance. “We agreed on 2. This is 2:35.”

Pari rolled her eyes dismissively, tossing her bag over her shoulder.

“Please, Meera, calm down. I had to take care of a few things. You know, touch-ups in the restroom.”

Meera’s eyes swept over Pari’s makeup, the fresh layers unmistakable. “Right, that’s obvious. Well, we’re all waiting. Can we go now?”

With one last exasperated sigh, Meera led the group toward the school parking lot. She raised a hand to signal for a taxi, but Rohit spoke up unexpectedly.

“No need to call a cab. I’ll drive us.” he offered, his voice quieter than usual.

Meera turned, surprised. “Are you sure, Rohit? You don’t have to go out of your way.”

He looked at her, his eyes meeting hers directly for the first time in weeks, and there was a sadness there, a heaviness she hadn’t seen before.

“I insist.” he said simply.

“Oh, thank goodness.” Pari said with a relieved grin. “I’m not really in the mood for a smelly cab anyway.” She brushed past Meera, moving confidently toward Rohit. “Lead the way, Rohit. I call front seat.”

Rohit didn’t respond verbally but turned and walked toward his car, with Pari and the others trailing behind him. Meera shook her head, exasperation mixed with worry, before joining them.

The group piled into the car, with Pari eagerly claiming the passenger seat beside Rohit.

Meera settled into the back, adjusting herself in the seat. She caught Rohit’s gaze in the rearview mirror for a brief second, and the sadness in his eyes tugged at her heart.

She wanted to ask him what was wrong, to reach out, but his silence kept her from breaking the barrier that had grown between them.

With a small sigh, he turned the key, the car’s engine roaring to life, and they set off toward their destination.

***

Arjun sat at his massive desk, skimming through a document before signing it with a flourish and handing it to his assistant. His eyes narrowed with intent.

“Do I have any meetings scheduled for today?” he asked.

“Y-yes, sir.” his PA stuttered, eyes downcast, visibly nervous under the weight of Arjun’s steely gaze.

Arjun’s brow arched slightly, prompting him to continue.

“Ahem… according to Mr. Siddhartha’s schedule, a group of university students will be coming today for their final round of interviews.” the assistant managed to say, his voice wavering.

Arjun’s hand stilled, and his expression softened—a rare flicker of something both dangerous and unmistakable glinting in his eyes.

He leaned back, fingers trailing to his lips, an almost imperceptible smile curving his mouth as a single name crossed his mind.

“Meera.”

The word slipped from his lips like a secret, a whisper of obsession. She was his beacon in an otherwise dark world. She was the one light, the one pure thing in a life tainted by violence and power.

To others, he was an untouchable force—a mafia boss, ruthless, unforgiving. But when it came to Meera, his heart ached with a longing he barely understood himself.

The PA blinked, uncertain, “Pardon, sir?”

Arjun’s gaze snapped back, sharp and unyielding, a silent command that needed no words.

He dismissed his assistant with a mere flick of his hand. The PA quickly bowed and exited, leaving Arjun alone with his thoughts.

As soon as the door closed, his gaze drifting toward the city, eyes clouded with thoughts of her.

He was a man who could control everything in his life with precision—power, wealth, fear—but this feeling, this maddening obsession with Meera, was something beyond his control.

She was in his mind constantly, and the ache to see her more had grown unbearable.

He would make sure she understood the depths of his love, of his longing. She was already his, even if she didn’t accept it yet.

He would make her see that she belonged to him, that he could protect her, cherish her in ways no other man ever could.

Arjun’s fingers brushed his lips absently, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as he envisioned her reaction to his presence.

He knew the effect he had on people, the quiet, commanding power that filled the room when he entered. But with Meera, he softened, though he would never let anyone else witness it.

“i cant wait to see you.” he whispered to himself, a possessive gleam in his eyes as he anticipated their meeting.

The world knew him as a ruthless, implacable force—a man to be feared. But for her, he could be something else entirely. He could be anything she needed. Except letting her go!

***

Meanwhile, Meera and her team stepped out of the car, shutting the doors behind them. As they took in the towering glass building before them, it seemed to radiate a quiet authority that made them pause.

“Oh my God! I can’t believe it! A.M. Empire—right in front of me!” Pari squealed, her excitement nearly tangible.

Meera bit back the urge to roll her eyes, her attention already on the building's entrance. This wasn’t a sightseeing tour, after all.

She adjusted her bag on her shoulder, took a breath, and led the way toward the doors, her team trailing behind her.

Inside the lobby, they were greeted by Arjun’s PA. He barely looked up from his tablet, only glancing at her once with a clinical precision.

“Miss Meera. I assume these are your team members?” he said, a hint of formality in his tone.

Meera nodded, her nerves frayed slightly as his cold gaze flickered across her friends.

“Follow me. Mr. Madhav is waiting.” he announced, pivoting on his heel and gesturing toward the elevators.

They followed, Meera could tell the others were captivated by their surroundings, though she didn't blame them!

The elevator carried them upwards in silence, the soft hum of the machinery filling the space. As they reached Arjun’s floor, they stepped out, and the PA guided them down a polished hallway.

“This way.” he said, his voice echoing in the corridor. Meera’s stomach tightened, a sense of unease pooling inside her.

She hadn’t been prepared to see Arjun—especially not now. She was not ready to see him.

As they walked, a familiar voice called out, “Meera?”

They stopped and turned to see Siddhartha walking toward them, a warm smile lighting up his face.

“Oh wow! The whole team is here.” he remarked cheerfully, nodding to each member. “It’s great to see you all.”

Siddhartha’s gaze lingered for a moment on Ishita. Recognition flickered in his eyes, and he extended his hand with a gracious smile.

“Hi! So great to meet you, Mr. Siddhartha Madhav! I’m your huge fan.” Pari gushed before anyone could say another word. She stepped forward eagerly, hand extended, her enthusiasm infectious.

Meera closed her eyes briefly, stifling a sigh. This girl...

Siddhartha smiled warmly and nodded at each team member as Meera introduced them.

“This is Ishita, who you already know, and that’s Rohit, Radha, and Deepak.” she said.

“Nice to meet you all, once again.” Siddhartha said, giving each of them a genuine smile.

Before they could exchange more pleasantries, Arjun’s PA cleared his throat, his demeanor shifting slightly as he cut into the conversation.

“Apologies, but Mr. Madhav is expecting them.” he reminded, his tone respectful yet unyielding.

Siddhartha nodded, glancing briefly at Meera. “Of course. Thank you.” he said before turning back to her.

“Actually, Meera, I need to have a word with you—just for a moment.”

Meera frowned slightly, her gaze questioning. “Now? Can it wait?”

Siddhartha shook his head, offering her a soft, reassuring smile. “It won’t take long, and honestly, it’s not that important for you to be there right at the start. Just a quick word.” he assured her.

Meera glanced at her team, a small crease of concern furrowing her brow, but after a moment she nodded.

“You all go ahead. I’ll catch up soon.”

The PA’s mouth opened in mild protest. “Miss Meera, Mr. Arjun—”

“It’s fine.” Siddhartha interrupted with a firmness Meera hadn’t seen in him before, his normally jovial demeanor taking on an edge. “She’ll join shortly. Go on.”

The PA’s expression stiffened, but he gave a curt nod, gesturing for the team to continue forward.

With a parting glance at Meera, they followed the PA down the hall, their voices fading as they turned a corner.

Siddhartha waited until they were out of sight, his face growing somber. “Meera… are you okay?” he asked, his tone soft but searching, his gaze holding a seriousness that took her by surprise.

She blinked, caught off guard. She had expected a routine question, perhaps some advice about the interview—but there was something deeper in his tone, something that hinted at concern.

Meera’s instinct was to brush it off, but under Siddhartha’s steady gaze, she felt her defenses waver.

“I’m fine.” she said finally, though the words sounded slightly hollow even to her own ears.

“I’m a friend, Meera. You know that, right?” Siddhartha said gently.

She gave a small nod, forcing a slight smile. But her mind was still reeling with her own thoughts.

Meeting Arjun now, especially with all the feelings he stirred within her, wasn’t something she was entirely prepared for.

“Thank you, Siddhartha.” she managed, though her voice was quieter now, her gaze a little distant.

Siddhartha watched her carefully, his expression softening.

“I know what’s going on. Arjun isn’t… doing the right thing, and I apologize.” Siddhartha said, his voice laced with regret.

Meera closed her eyes, letting out a long sigh before meeting his gaze.

“Siddhartha, I feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious… I can barely breathe around him, and I’m constantly looking over my shoulder. Every time I see Arjun, every time I hear his voice… I feel trapped. He’s doing the wrong thing, and your whole family knows it. So why don’t any of you stop him?” Her voice trembled, laced with frustration and exhaustion.

Siddhartha looked away, his shoulders tense. “Meera, I’ve tried. You have to believe me. But… my father is fully on Arjun’s side in this, and—”

“Oh, of course! Out of your hands, right?” she cut him off, her tone tinged with sarcasm. “It’s fine, really. But all of you… have you ever thought about how you’d feel if things were reversed? If it was your life under constant surveillance, your freedom slipping away, bit by bit?”

Siddhartha flinched at her words, but he didn’t argue.

“Meera..” he said softly, “I know you’re scared of Arjun because of the things you’ve heard, and yes, he’s a… a mafia boss, but—”

“Are you serious?” she bursted out, her voice barely contained. “Who in their right mind wouldn’t be scared of him, Siddhartha? And bad words? It’s not gossip. It’s the facts! I’ve seen the news, the rumors, all the whispers in the dark. Your brother is powerful, and yes, he’s a mafia boss. I’m terrified of him, Siddhartha! And I despise him!” Her voice broke slightly. “He’s turned my life into a nightmare. Why can’t he accept that I don’t want him in my life?”

“Meera—”

She held up her hand, stopping him. “Let me ask you something, Siddhartha.”

He looked at her, surprised by the intensity in her eyes. “Of course… what do you want to know?”

“Your father… he raised you and Arjun to be respectable, disciplined, men, right? Men with integrity?” she asked, her gaze piercing.

He nodded. “Yes, that’s true.”

“Good. Then tell your brother to back off and leave another man’s fiancée alone.” she said sharply.

Siddhartha looked stunned. “Wait, what? Fiancée?”

“Yes, I’m getting engaged soon, and the sooner your unhinged brother accepts it, the better.” she said firmly, crossing her arms as if to anchor herself in the resolve she felt.

Just then, a voice sliced through the air, cold and seething with anger. “Meera!”

Meera and Siddhartha turned to see Arjun standing few feets away, his gaze fixed on her with a storm brewing in his eyes.

His jaw was clenched, his fists tight at his sides, and there was a darkness in his stare that made Meera’s stomach twist with dread.

“Is this true?” Arjun’s voice was low, dangerously controlled, but the fury simmering beneath was unmistakable.

Meera felt her throat tighten, but she lifted her chin, meeting his gaze.

Its now or never Meera! Her mind said

“Yes, it’s true, Arjun. I’m getting engaged. You need to let me go. You don’t have any place in my life.”

Arjun’s jaw clenched even tighter, his gaze never leaving her as he took a step closer, his presence like a dark shadow creeping toward her.

“And who exactly is this… man?” he said, barely containing his rage.

“That’s none of your business, Arjun.” she replied, her voice steady despite the rapid pounding of her heart.

Siddhartha placed a hand on Arjun’s shoulder, trying to calm him.

“Bhai, just let it go. Meera isn’t interested in you. She has her own life, and she deserves her happiness.”

Arjun’s gaze flicked to his brother. “And you? You’re supporting this?” His voice was cold, his tone filled with a simmering anger that made Siddhartha hesitate.

“It’s not about support, Bhai. It’s about what’s right. You can’t keep her if she doesn’t want you.”

Arjun’s eyes turned back to Meera, the intensity of his gaze burning into hers.

“You think you can just walk away?” he whispered, the threat barely concealed beneath his words. “You think this… so-called engagement will keep you safe from me?”

Meera’s pulse raced, but she didn’t back down. “I’m not some possession you can just claim, Arjun. I’m not yours. I have a life of my own, and it doesn’t include you. And the man i have is my Ideal man.”

A muscle in his jaw twitched, but he held her gaze, a storm raging in his dark eyes. “We’ll see about that.” he said softly, a dangerous promise hanging in the air.

He turned abruptly, striding away without another word, Leaving Meera and Siddhartha standing in silence, the weight of his threat settling over them like a shadow.

Siddhartha turned to her, worry evident in his expression. “Meera… I’m so sorry.”

She took a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. “I just want my life back, Siddhartha. Is that really too much to ask?”

He nodded, his gaze heavy with sympathy. “No, it’s not. And I promise, I’ll do everything I can to help you. Just… be careful. My brother isn’t one to let go easily.”

“I know.” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

♡♡♡

Few minutes before...

Arjun stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking down at the bustling street below as the blazing sun cast sharp shadows over the city. Lost in his own dark thoughts, he imagined Meera somewhere among the crowd, as unattainable as she was beautiful. Just the thought of her set his jaw tense.

His office door opened, pulling him back to the present. The soft footsteps were hesitant, cautious.

“Sir, the students are here.” his PA announced, a slight tremble in his voice.

Without turning around, Arjun’s lips curved into a slow smile.

He knew Meera would be among them, and that anticipation was the one thing that softened his gaze.

With barely-contained excitement, he turned around, his eyes sweeping over the group entering his office.

He scanned each face, assessing. Ishita—he remembered her from before—stood nervously, casting glances his way. Beside her was Rohit, the boy he’d come to despise simply for his proximity to Meera.

Arjun’s eyes narrowed at him, a surge of irritation rising as he noted Rohit’s familiarity with her. Another girl with them, who seemed to be looking at him a bit too flirtatiously, tossed her hair and batted her eyes, but he barely spared her a glance, his gaze quickly hardening.

As the last member of the group stepped inside, Arjun’s expression shifted. His eyes flicked to his PA, who stood with a tense expression, clearly sensing Arjun’s change in mood.

“Where is Meera?” Arjun’s voice was quiet but filled with a dangerous edge.

“Oh…um, she’s actually…outside.” Ishita managed, her words clipped as she cast her eyes down. She remembered all too well how Arjun’s anger had erupted the last time she’d been in his office.

Arjun’s jaw clenched, the intensity of his irritation simmering into something sharper. He glared at his PA, a low growl rumbling in his chest.

“And what exactly is she doing outside?” he demanded, his tone making it clear he was in no mood for excuses.

“She’s… she’s talking to Mr. Siddhartha.” came a voice from the group, timid but honest.

Arjun’s gaze snapped toward the speaker—Rohit. Rohit’s eyes widened slightly as Arjun took a deliberate step toward him, his slow movements filling the room with an unspoken menace.

Even though he didn’t raise his voice, his presence was enough to make Rohit’s hands shake slightly.

“I wasn’t talking to you.” Arjun growled, his voice a cold reprimand, as if Rohit’s mere presence was an insult.

Without another word, Arjun turned sharply on his heel and strode out of the office. His footsteps echoed through the hallway, each one filled with purpose. As he left, the tension in the room was palpable.

Rohit let out a shaky breath, glancing at the others.

“So…” Pari ventured, her voice almost a whisper, “Meera’s in trouble, right?”

Ishita swallowed hard, nodding slowly. She could already feel the storm brewing, and she could only hope Meera was prepared for the tempest that was about to descend.

♡♡♡

Am I in trouble?? 🥲🥲