Ekansh woke up to the morning light filtering through the window. As his eyes adjusted, he realized he wasnât alone. A girl from the previous nightâs one-night stand was beside him. This was a scenario he detested-his first rule was that anyone who spent the night should be gone before he woke up.
The girl stirred, her eyes opening to reveal a seductive smile. She reached out to place her hand on Ekanshâs chest, but he jerked away and stood up.
âWhat the hell are you still doing here?â Ekansh demanded, turning his back to face the window.
âYou like seeing me here, donât you?â the girl replied with a flirtatious tone, pushing Ekanshâs anger to its peak.
He grabbed her by the hair, pulling it painfully.
"Donât think you can play games with me," he said through gritted teeth, his grip tightening.
"You know my rule about the morning after, donât you?"
The girl nodded, wincing in pain. Ekanshâs anger flared further.
"Youâve got some nerve sticking around to stay here after youâve had your fun," he growled, pulling her hair even harder. Her cries filled the room, but Ekansh only smirked at her discomfort.
"Get the hell out of here," he said, releasing her hair. He threw a card at her, which she snatched up before hastily dressing and leaving.
Ekansh lit a cigarette to calm his nerves. As he prepared to leave, his phone rang. It was Abhimanyu. He answered the call.
"Bhai, whatâs up?" Ekansh asked, his tone polite but edged with confusion.
"Where are you?" Abhimanyu asked.
"Iâm at my apartment. Why?" Ekansh replied, hesitation in his voice.
"I need to talk to you. Come to the office," Abhimanyu said, his tone serious.
"Alright, Bhai," Ekansh agreed, sensing the urgency in his brotherâs voice. As Abhimanyu ended the call, Ekansh finished getting ready and headed out to the office.
Abhimanyu descended the stairs, ready for the office. He hadnât returned to the mansion since the previous night and now made his way to the dining area. There, he saw Arthi serving food to everyone. Although he usually avoided sitting with the family, he was running late for the office and had no choice but to take his seat.
"I was relieved not to see her in my room, but now I have to face her," Abhimanyu thought as he started his meal.
After finishing his breakfast, Abhimanyu stood up. Before leaving the mansion, he paused and turned to Arthi with a warm smile. He produced a small box from his pocket.
"I wasnât here yesterday," Abhimanyu said, his tone unexpectedly warm, which made Mishaâs eyes widen in surprise.
"Ekansh brought me your handmade kheer. It was the best kheer Iâve ever had. I truly enjoyed it." His tone was gentle, but Arthi appeared nervous.
"I know the circumstances surrounding your marriage to Arnav, but I trust you with my brother," Abhimanyu continued, offering a reassuring smile. Arthiâs nervousness was evident.
He handed her the gift.
"This is for you," he said softly. Arthi opened the box to find a beautiful watch and a pair of earrings. Misha admired the selection.
"Iâm quite impressed with his choice," she said, and both she and Arthi shared a hearty laugh, easing the earlier tension.
Abhimanyu then stepped out of the mansion and called Ekansh. And told him to visit office to talk about their project.
Abhimanyu sat on his seat and Ekansh and Aavyan sat across him.
"You need to handle this project; itâs really important," Abhimanyu said firmly.
"Bhai, I canât. Iâm not going to some village. You know I dislike those trips," Ekansh protested. Abhimanyuâs glare cut him off.
"Bhai, I have another project to manage. Iâm not going," Ekansh insisted, looking away. Abhimanyu sighed.
"Donât forget about the Mehta project. If you want it, youâll have to go. Otherwise, itâs your choice," Abhimanyu said seriously. Ekanshâs eyes widened in disbelief as he realized his brother had just threatened him with his biggest project. He sighed in resignation.
"Fine, Iâll go," Ekansh said irritably, glancing away. Aavyan stifled a chuckle.
"Welcome to the business world," Abhimanyu said with a triumphant smile. Ekansh raised an eyebrow.
"Here are the details for this project. Travel safely," Abhimanyu said warmly, sliding a file towards Ekansh. Aavyan chuckled again, earning a glare from Ekansh.
"I will," Ekansh replied with a tight-lipped smile, meeting Abhimanyuâs teasing gaze.
"Take care and travel safely," Aavyan said with a serious tone that masked his teasing. Ekansh smiled back, replying, "Iâll see you later," before heading out.
"You handled that well, Bhai. I wonder what Ekansh Bhai will do now. Poor guy," Aavyan said, leaning back lazily. Abhimanyu glanced at him.
"Aavyan, you will lead this project," Abhimanyu said with a serious expression, sliding a file across the table.
"Bhai, Iâm still new to the office. Youâre already giving me work?" Aavyan exclaimed, jolting upright.
"You will lead this project, and thatâs final," Abhimanyu said firmly. Aavyan stared at him in shock.
"Be careful. One mistake, and it will cost you," Abhimanyu added with a deep, serious tone. Aavyanâs demeanor shifted, recognizing his brotherâs seriousness.
"I will be careful, Bhai," Aavyan said earnestly before leaving the room. Abhimanyu watched him go, shaking his head slightly.
Gift from Elder Rathore
Abhimanyu Rathore
Jija ji
Brother in law