Chapter 24: Twenty

Ekansh sat in silence, his anger simmering beneath a calm exterior. His eyes were sharp and focused, masking the storm inside.

Advik watched him uneasily, knowing this calm wouldn’t last. Ekansh’s silence was the warning before the inevitable eruption. He could see Ekansh deep in thought, but he had no idea where those thoughts would lead or who would bear the brunt of them.

"Sir, what should we do now? Mr. Raichand didn’t agree to the deal," Advik said, disappointment heavy in his voice.

Ekansh’s cold gaze met his, and he sighed in frustration. "Mr. Raichand really calls himself a businessman?" he muttered irritably.

"Sir, Mr. Raichand is quite strict when it comes to business matters," Advik replied carefully, his tone respectful but cautious.

Ekansh stood abruptly, his temper flaring. "This man has the guts to question me?" he growled, his anger now visible. Advik stepped back, watching him warily.

"Sir, this project is critical," Advik said with a frown, fully aware of how much was riding on it.

"I know. And that’s the problem," Ekansh muttered through gritted teeth, frustration boiling over. Advik sighed, feeling the weight of the situation.

"If that incident this morning hadn’t happened, we might’ve closed the deal by now," Advik added hesitantly, watching Ekansh’s fists tighten.

"How the hell did that girl get into the mansion? And stay the entire night?" Ekansh’s voice was laced with growing anger. "And Raichand’s making this a big issue. We’re doing business-why does my personal life even matter?" His frustration was palpable.

"Sir, Mr. Raichand values business, but he also prioritizes morals and traditions," Advik said, his tone more serious now. "He’s very strict when it comes to culture and propriety."

"Whatever happened this morning probably looked inappropriate to him," Advik added nervously, not wanting to escalate the tension.

"We need this project at any cost," Ekansh said, his voice strained as he rubbed his temple in frustration.

"Then what should we do, sir?" Advik asked, uncertainty creeping into his tone.

"We’ll meet Mr. Raichand and settle this ourselves," Ekansh replied in a cold, determined tone. Advik blinked in surprise but quickly nodded.

"I’ll prepare everything for the meeting," Advik said obediently.

"Great. Do it," Ekansh commanded, his voice icy as he turned and headed toward his room, his mind set on the next move.

After breakfast, Harish joined them at the table. Meera, her face etched with concern, looked at Roohi. "Roohi beta, do you know how worried we were?" she said, her voice heavy with worry.

Roohi lowered her gaze. "Chachi, I just wanted to see what it looked like inside, that’s all," she replied softly, her tone laced with regret.

Meera sighed, shaking her head. "I went inside, but the door got locked, and then it started raining. I was so scared, Chachi. I’ll never do something like that again," Roohi added, her voice trembling with fear as she recalled the incident.

Meera’s expression softened, and Harish gently patted Roohi’s head. "Roohi beta, go and take some rest," Harish said with a warm smile. Roohi nodded, giving them a small, grateful smile before heading toward her room for some much-needed rest.

Meera looked at Harish, her face etched with worry. "Roohi doesn’t even realize what's happening in her life," she said softly, sadness filling her voice. Harish exhaled, the weight of it all pressing down on him.

"Meera, we have to protect our Roohi beta," he said, concern deep in his eyes. Meera nodded but the uncertainty lingered in her expression.

"Harish, how are we supposed to protect her from those people?" Meera asked, her voice trembling with fear and doubt.

"We will, no matter what," Harish said firmly, his voice filled with determination.

"I know, she’s already endured so much," Meera replied, her tone heavy with concern.

Harish’s expression hardened, his voice laced with anger. "I know exactly how they’ve treated her in that house."

"If we let her go back this time, we won’t be able to protect her anymore. This might be our only chance," Meera said, her words filled with worry.

Harish nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Don’t worry, Meera. We’ll keep her safe. No one will harm her again," he reassured her with a small smile.

Meera’s worry softened, and a gentle smile appeared on her face. "Yes, we’ll protect Roohi. She deserves peace," she said warmly.

With that, Harish headed out to the farm, while Meera, still deep in thought about Roohi’s safety, made her way to the kitchen.

Ekansh arrived at Mr. Raichand's house, Advik by his side as he held the car door open for him. As they approached the entrance, Ekansh let out a sigh, mentally preparing himself for the negotiation ahead. He had made up his mind-he would secure this deal, no matter what.

Upon stepping inside, Ekansh found Mr. Raichand seated on the sofa, engrossed in a file with a cold, serious expression. The document seemed important, but Ekansh didn’t care to know the details. His focus was on the project.

Mr. Raichand glanced up, raising an eyebrow as Ekansh approached.

"Ah, Ekansh. Please, have a seat," Mr. Raichand said politely, setting the file aside. Ekansh sat down, maintaining a stoic, cold expression.

“So, what brings you here? It’s rare for you to visit in person,” Mr. Raichand continued, his tone laced with mock surprise. “I assume it’s something important.”

Ekansh smirked at the thinly veiled taunt. “You know exactly why I’m here,” he replied in a voice as cold as ice.

Mr. Raichand gave a knowing smile. “I do, but I already made my decision.”

Ekansh leaned forward slightly, his tone measured but firm. “I have no idea how that girl managed to enter the mansion. In fact, I didn’t even know she stayed the night. Believe me, this was all beyond my control.”

Mr. Raichand remained calm, but his skepticism was evident. “Ekansh, I might trust you, but there are still... uncertainties. It doesn’t look good from where I’m sitting.”

A flash of frustration flickered in Ekansh’s eyes. "This is business. Why does my personal life matter so much to you?" he asked, irritation creeping into his voice. Beside him, Advik tensed, knowing how hard it had been to even get this meeting.

"In business, personal matters shouldn’t interfere," Ekansh continued coldly, his gaze unwavering. “Whatever happened at the mansion is my concern, not yours.”

Mr. Raichand regarded him carefully. "I’ve heard you’re a sharp businessman, Ekansh. Act like one."

Ekansh’s jaw tightened. "You’re a great businessman, Mr. Raichand. Stick to that," Ekansh added with a subtle mocking tone."I came here to get this project signed. Let’s keep it professional."

Mr. Raichand listened, his expression calm but unreadable. After a pause, he sighed. "You’re right, Ekansh. Business and personal life are two different things. But you must understand one thing"

Mr. Raichand’s tone softened, though his words held weight. "Even in business, it’s your character that defines you. Your strength, your integrity-those are what make you great. And those qualities are reflected in both your business and your personal life."

Ekansh frowned, his patience wearing thin.

Ekansh’s jaw clenched. "Are you saying I lack integrity because of something out of my control?" he asked, the mocking tone creeping into his voice. "I came here for business, not a lecture on morals."

"I have my own set of values and morals," Mr. Raichand continued, his tone now cold. "And if I don’t see them in you, then I’m afraid I can’t move forward with this project."

Ekansh’s hands clenched into fists as he fought to keep his temper in check. He stood abruptly, eyes blazing with icy determination. "What do you want from me to get this signed?" he asked, his voice cold and controlled.

Mr. Raichand studied him for a moment before finally speaking. "Marry that girl."

Ekansh’s brow furrowed, taken aback by the request. Advik, standing beside him, looked like he was about to faint.

"If I marry her, you’ll sign the project?" Ekansh asked, his expression hardening again.

Mr. Raichand smiled, nodding. "I’m a man of my word."

Ekansh hesitated, calculating. "And if she refuses?"

"Don’t worry about that. I’ll handle it," Mr. Raichand assured him with a smile.

After a long pause, Ekansh sighed, his decision made. "Fine. I’ll marry her. But don’t forget your promise."

"I stand by my words," Mr. Raichand said, his tone warm but unwavering.

Ekansh turned, his face showing no emotion.

"Prepare to sign the project, then," he said coldly before heading for the door. Advik followed, still in shock as they left the house and drove back to the mansion in silence.