Chapter 58: Chapter Fifty Two.

The event continued to unfold in high spirits. Most of the students had given their best performances, and many businessmen were so impressed that they extended opportunities to several attendees.

It was a perfect setting for networking, success, and excitement.

Meera, on the surface, seemed to be enjoying herself.

She smiled and chatted with her teammates, exchanged ideas with Jiya, and even found moments to laugh with Siddhartha.

But no matter how hard she tried, her mind kept drifting back to Arjun.

Why was he there?

His sudden appearance wasn’t just unexpected– it was unsettling.

The thought of him potentially causing trouble nagged at her. She knew he wasn’t supposed to be at the event, yet there he was, as if he owned the place.

“Meera, you okay?” Jiya whispered, nudging her lightly.

Meera blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. “Huh? Yeah, I’m fine.”

Jiya raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further.

Nearby, Siddhartha and Ishita were having their own lively conversation.

Ishita was practically glowing with excitement as she discussed her latest achievement.

“Oh damn! The deal’s sealed! Business, money, success!” Ishita exclaimed with a grin, her energy contagious.

Siddhartha chuckled at her enthusiasm.

“Baby, won’t that be too much for you?” he asked, though his tone was soft.

Ishita’s smile faded slightly, and she folded her arms, giving him a pointed look.

“Too much? Bagging deals is too much?”

Siddhartha scratched the back of his head nervously.

“No, no, that’s not what I meant. I just... I mean, it might drain you. It could take up a lot of your time, and—”

“Ah, I see.” Ishita interrupted, narrowing her eyes. “Let me guess. You’re worried my work is taking too much time away from you, aren’t you?”

Caught, Siddhartha sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. He gave her a sad, almost guilty look.

Ishita laughed, her teasing nature quickly returning.

“Aww, you’re so cute! But that’s what you get for falling in love with and planning to marry a working boss lady” she said with a smirk.

Siddhartha couldn’t help but laugh along, his affection for her evident.

“Trust me, I love you just the way you are.” he said tenderly. “But I’ve told you before, you don’t need to work so hard. I can give you everything you want.”

Ishita blushed as Siddhartha slid his hands to her waist, pulling her closer.

“Siddhartha, not here.” she whispered, her cheeks tinged pink.

Siddhartha smirked, leaning in slightly. “Come on, sweetheart. I’ve been hoping for a kiss all day. But all your attention has been on this event. I hate it when something else takes you away from me.”

His tone had a possessive edge, and Ishita’s heart skipped a beat. She could feel the intensity of his gaze, but before she could respond, something caught her eye.

From the corner of her vision, she noticed Meera standing off to the side, looking distracted and unusually quiet.

“Siddhartha.” she said, pressing her hands against his chest to stop him from leaning in further.

He groaned in frustration. “Ishita, come on. Just one—”

“Meera looks disturbed.” she interrupted, her tone suddenly serious.

That caught Siddhartha’s attention. “How can you tell?”

Ishita grabbed his chin and gently turned his head toward Meera’s direction.

“Oh.” he muttered, seeing it for himself. Meera was standing still, her gaze distant, her lips pressed into a thin line.

She looked as if her mind was a million miles away, and whatever she was thinking about clearly wasn’t pleasant.

Siddhartha sighed and slowly released Ishita from his hold.

Ishita folded her arms, her gaze following Meera’s movements.

"And I've noticed she’s been like this ever since Arjun got here." she said thoughtfully.

Siddhartha nodded, rubbing his chin. "Yeah. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s because of his presence. He has that effect."

"Your brother still on her tail?" Ishita asked, her tone carrying a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"On her tail? The guy’s practically glued to her." Siddhartha replied dryly. "He’s not even subtle about it. It’s like he’s claiming her in front of everyone, whether she likes it or not."

Ishita couldn’t help but laugh. "That’s insane. And let me guess, your family’s already planning the wedding, right?"

Siddhartha exhaled deeply. "Crazy thing is, yeah, My mom especially. Plans are in motion, and yet the bride hasn’t even agreed to show up, she doesn't even know what is going on."

Both of their gazes shifted to Meera. She was engaged in polite conversation with a fellow student, her smile forced and her body language stiff. It was clear she wasn’t fully present.

Then their eyes darted to the far end of the hall, where Arjun stood among a group of high-ranking businessmen.

While he was nodding at whatever they were saying, his sharp gaze was locked on Meera. Unwavering. Intense.

"He’s not even blinking." Ishita whispered, visibly creeped out.

Siddhartha sighed. "You know, it’s sad." he said suddenly, his voice carrying a note of melancholy.

Ishita frowned, looking at him curiously. "Sad? What do you mean?"

Siddhartha turned back to Arjun. "This is the first girl my brother has ever gone crazy for. The first girl who’s made him feel emotions he probably didn’t even know he was capable of. And yet..." He glanced at Meera, his voice softening. "She rejects him. Again and again. It’s killing him inside, Ishita. I can see it. I just... I just hope she sees his love someday."

Ishita tilted her head, observing Meera again. "No, she won’t."

Siddhartha turned to her, startled. "What? Why would you say that?"

Ishita’s expression was calm but confident. "You’ll think I’m crazy, but Meera Could actually like Arjun."

Siddhartha stared at her as if she’d just declared the sky was Green. "You’re joking."

"I’m not." Ishita said firmly.

"But here’s the thing about Meera: she’s not like most girls. She’s strong–mentally, emotionally. She lets logic lead her, not her heart. That’s why she’s so resistant. She has rules, strict ones, and I think they’re tied to her ambition. She’s driven, focused, and doesn’t let emotions cloud her judgment. And then there’s her sensitivity."

"Sensitive?" Siddhartha echoed, still skeptical.

"Yes." Ishita said, her tone thoughtful. "People might see it as a weakness, but for Meera, it’s a strength. It makes her careful. It’s why she hates criminals–it’s not just about morality; it’s personal to her. That hatred makes it nearly impossible for her to even think about being with Arjun."

Siddhartha frowned, considering her words. "So, you’re saying she’ll never let him in?"

Ishita shook her head. "Not unless he works for it. And I don’t mean his usual obsessive, controlling way. I mean real effort. Genuine change. Has he ever tenderly shown her love?"

Siddhartha paused, recalling Arjun’s behavior. "Not... really." he admitted.

"Exactly." Ishita said, raising an eyebrow. "Arjun’s so obsessed with her, I’m sure in his obsessed brain, he already thinks they’re married. But obsession isn’t love, Siddhartha. And if he doesn’t realize that soon, I wouldn’t be surprised if he crosses a line–like kidnapping her. Honestly, it’s written all over his face. That kind of desperation is dangerous."

Siddhartha winced at the thought, his eyes darting back to Arjun, whose intense gaze was still fixed on Meera.

Ishita sighed, shaking her head. "I need a drink." she muttered, walking away.

Siddhartha stood rooted to the spot, her words echoing in his mind. He glanced between Arjun and Meera again, a sinking feeling settling in his chest.

♡♡♡

As the event drew to a close, the bustling crowd began to thin, leaving behind an air of satisfaction and lingering chatter.

Meera, Jiya, Siddhartha, and Ishita stepped out of the grand event hall together, the cool evening breeze brushing against them.

"Siddhartha, thank you so much for coming—and you too, Ishita." Meera said warmly, her gratitude evident.

"Thank us? I should be thanking you! I scored deals today, Meera. Deals!" Ishita grinned, practically bouncing with excitement.

Siddhartha groaned playfully, shaking his head. "You’re impossible, babe."

The three girls burst into giggles at Siddhartha’s exaggerated dismay.

Just then, a phone beeped, interrupting their laughter.

Jiya checked her device. "That’s my brother. I have to go." She said, then tuck the phone back into her purse.

She turned to Meera. "Do you want us to drop you off?"

Meera was about to respond when a low, commanding voice cut through the night.

"Don’t worry. I’ll drop her."

Everyone turned, startled. Standing a few feet away, Arjun strode toward them, his presence unmistakable and imposing.

"Uh, Meera, do you—" Jiya began hesitantly, sensing the tension.

"I’ll drop her." Arjun interrupted sharply, his gaze unwavering as it locked onto Meera.

Jiya frowned, folding her arms. "I was talking to—"

"Go, Jiya." Meera interfere , her tone gentle.

"It’s late and cold. Siddhartha and Ishita are here. I’ll be fine."

Jiya turned to glare at Arjun briefly, her frustration evident, but she eventually sighed. Turning to Siddhartha, she said, "Please look out for her."

Siddhartha offered a reassuring smile and nodded. "Don’t worry. She’ll be fine."

Reluctantly, Jiya left, glancing back once more to ensure Meera was okay. Meera waved faintly, her unease growing.

She turned to Siddhartha, but before she could speak, Arjun took hold of her upper arm. His grip was firm but not forceful as he gently pulled her aside.

"Hey! Wait—" Meera started, but Arjun ignored her protests, guiding her toward the sleek black car parked nearby.

"Uhm..." Ishita glanced at Siddhartha, unsure. "Should we... you know... do something?"

Siddhartha chuckled, pulling her close with a smirk. "And get killed? No, thanks. I’d like to live to see our future together."

Ishita giggled, shaking her head. "You’re impossible."

"Let’s go home." Siddhartha said, steering her toward their car, leaving the situation to Arjun.

Meanwhile, Arjun had stopped near his car, releasing Meera’s arm only to immediately wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

"Let go of me." Meera hissed, struggling against him.

"Stop running away from me, Meera." Arjun said, his voice low and raw with frustration. "It’s driving me insane."

Meera glared at him, her hands pressing against his chest to push him away. "I said, let me go. Now!"

Instead of releasing her, Arjun chuckled softly, his grip firm. "You’re fiery tonight, Jaan. I like that."

Meera blinked, caught off guard by his sudden amusement. Her confusion quickly turned into anger.

"What’s wrong with you? Do you think you can just claim me whenever you feel like it?"

Arjun’s smirk faded, replaced by a serious expression. "I’m not claiming you, Meera. I’m protecting what’s mine."

"I’m not yours!" Meera shot back, her voice rising.

Arjun leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But you will be."

His words sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of fear and something she couldn’t quite place.

"Let me go, Arjun." Meera demanded again, her voice trembling slightly.

Arjun stared at her for a moment longer, his intense gaze softening just a fraction. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he released her, though his hand lingered on her wrist.

"Fine." he said quietly.

Arjun opened the car door for Meera, his dark eyes softening momentarily as he gestured for her to get in.

Meera hesitated, her gaze meeting his with a flicker of defiance before she sighed and slid into the seat.

Arjun smiled, an unsettling mix of satisfaction and possessiveness, before walking around to the driver’s side and getting in.

As he settled in, he leaned toward her to buckle her seatbelt.

Meera shrieked and pressed herself back into the seat, her hands clutching the edges defensively.

Arjun paused, then leaned back with a smirk. "Relax, Jaan. I won't bite… unless you ask me to."

Meera glared at him, but her cheeks flushed slightly. She quickly buckled the seatbelt herself, and Arjun chuckled softly before starting the car.

The sleek vehicle glided into the quiet night, its engine a low, menacing purr. A shadowy black car slipped out from a corner and began following at a steady distance.

"You’re quiet." Arjun said after a while, his voice cutting through the silence. His eyes remained on the road, but his tone carried an undertone of concern.

Meera turned to look at him but didn’t reply, her lips pressed into a firm line.

"Are you upset?" Arjun asked again, his tone soft but probing.

Meera’s gaze flicked to his hands on the steering wheel. She noticed his knuckles whiten as his grip tightened. His eyes darted repeatedly between the rearview and side mirrors, his jaw clenching subtly.

Though alarmed by his sudden tension, Meera chose to stay silent, unsure if she even wanted to know what was wrong.

The rest of the drive was thick with unspoken tension, and Arjun’s unease only grew.

His focus remained split between the road and the car trailing them, his dark expression shadowed by growing anger.

Finally, they reached Meera’s place. Arjun pulled over and stepped out, his movements stiff and deliberate.

Meera watched as he stormed around the car and opened her door with more force than necessary.

"Go inside." he ordered, his voice sharp and devoid of its usual charm.

Meera blinked, startled by his sudden shift in demeanor. She frowned, unwilling to let his mood intimidate her.

"You don’t have to bark orders at me." she said, stepping out of the car and brushing past him.

Arjun said nothing, his jaw clenched as he watched her walk toward her door.

"Rude idiot." Meera mumbled under her breath as she unlocked the door.

Arjun’s sharp hearing caught her words, but he let them slide, his attention already turning to the dimly lit street.

He waited until Meera disappeared inside before his gaze locked onto the parked car a short distance away.

His eyes darkened, and his fists clenched as he strode toward it.

His presence was menacing, his steps deliberate and slow.

When he reached the car, he stopped directly in front of it, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

"Get out." he growled, his tone deadly.

The car door opened, and Veer stepped out, slamming it shut with an air of defiance. He straightened, his face twisted in a dark grin as he chuckled.

"Nice to see you again, Madhav." Veer said, his voice dripping with mockery.

Arjun’s lip curled in disgust.

"It’s pathetic to stalk someone else’s fiancée, Luthra. Didn’t anyone teach that twisted mind of yours any manners?" He smirked coldly. "Oh, wait–psychopaths like you don’t listen."

Veer’s grin faded as his fists clenched. "She’s not your fiancée." he spat, his voice low and threatening.

"Yes, she is." Arjun shot back, his tone sharp and final. "And you—nor your filthy hands—will ever touch her again." His smirk grew darker. "I didn’t kill you before because of Meera. But this time? Trust me, I won’t hesitate."

Veer let out a psychotic laugh, the sound echoing in the still night. His eyes glinted with a deranged intensity as he stepped closer.

"You think I’ll let you have her? You’re delusional." he hissed.

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to an almost maniacal whisper.

"I’ve killed before–boys, men–it didn’t matter if they so much as looked at her wrong. I’ll kill again. And this time, it’ll be you."

Veer’s grin widened, his teeth bared like a predator’s.

"Just imagine… killing the Mafia King himself with my own hands. Then Meera will be mine—"

He didn’t get to finish. Arjun’s fist collided with Veer’s jaw, the force sending him sprawling against the hood of his car.

The sound of the punch echoed, followed by Veer’s groan as he stumbled to steady himself.

Arjun flexed his fingers, cracking his knuckles as he stepped closer. His eyes burned with fury.

"I don’t take threats from a rabid dog like you." His voice was calm but deadly.

Veer staggered upright, his deranged grin faltering as Arjun loomed over him.

"Get out of my sight before I kill you right here." Arjun barked, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken violence.

For a moment, Veer seemed ready to lunge, but the murderous glint in Arjun’s eyes made him hesitate.

Gritting his teeth, he climbed back into his car, slamming the door shut.

Arjun stood there, unmoving, as Veer’s car sped away. The tension in his body didn’t ease until the taillights disappeared into the distance.

He turned back toward Meera’s house, his expression softening slightly.

"No one touches or takes what’s mine." he muttered under his breath before walking back to his car.