Chapter - 44
"Hello?" His voice held urgency, expecting good news.
But what the lawyer said next shocked him to his core.
"Sir, the FD money has been transferred directly to Sukoon Orphanage."
Suresh's grip on the phone tightened, his face reddening with anger. "What?! How is that possible?" he barked. "I told you to make sure the documents were in my favor! I needed that money! Siya signed them, didn't she? Then how did this happen?"
The lawyer remained calm. "Sir, there was an extra clause stored in the bank records. We weren't aware of it before."
Suresh's fury only grew. "What nonsense! How could you not know? You read the documents, didn't you? What kind of lawyer are you?"
The lawyer sighed. "Sir, the FD only mentioned that withdrawals would follow 'terms as per the legal agreement on file.' The original agreement was made by Mr. Jai Rajput and his trusted advocate. It stated that the FD money would always go to Sukoon Orphanage, no matter what."
Suresh screamed in frustration. "Then why the hell am I paying you?! You should have checked everything properly! Because of your incompetence, I lost the money!"
The lawyer remained firm. "Sir, even if we had known earlier, it wouldn't have changed anything. Neither you nor Siya ma'am could claim that money. It was always meant for the orphanage. Today or tomorrow, it would have been transferred there."
"You're useless!" Suresh spat before angrily cutting the call. He threw the phone on the couch, his whole body shaking with rage.
"Bhai Sahab can never change," he muttered bitterly. "Even after his death, he continues to ruin my plans!"
Meenakshi, who had been listening, clenched her fists. She was just as frustrated as Suresh.
"What do we do now, Suresh ji?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Suresh ran a hand through his hair, trying to think. "I'll go and talk to the broker, see if he can help. We don't have much time." He turned to Meenakshi. "You do one thing—go and bring your jewelry. We should sell them to collect some money."
Meenakshi's eyes widened in shock. "No! I won't give my jewelry. I love them! They are so beautiful!" she protested.
Suresh's patience snapped. "Don't forget—they are not yours! Now stop arguing and bring them right now!"
Meenakshi huffed in anger, her face twisted in resentment, but she had no choice. With heavy steps, she stormed to her room to get the jewelry.
A knock on the door pulled my attention from the screen.
"Come in."
Rohan stepped inside, his posture straight. "Sir, the conference room is ready. Everyone is waiting for you."
I gave him a short nod and stood up, adjusting my cufflinks. Without another word, I walked out of my cabin, my strides firm and controlled.
As I entered the conference room, the air shifted. The chatter died instantly. All eyes turned to me, waiting.
Good. They should know their place.
I took my seat at the head of the table. "Start."
Team A began their presentation for the Rathore Alliance. I listened, my expression unreadable, my fingers tapping lightly on the table.
When they finished, I didn't say a word. "Continue with Team B." My voice was cold, making them tense.
Team B started their presentation. I analyzed every detail, every flaw, every loophole.
When they were done, I leaned back slightly. My gaze landed on Team A. "Your idea is promising," I said, my tone sharp, "but not perfect."
I let the words sink in before continuing. "Refine these key points. I don't want half-baked ideas."
Their heads bobbed in agreement, nervous energy filling the room.
I turned to Arjun. "Guide them. I want a flawless presentation."
"Yes, Bhai." He nodded, understanding the weight of my expectations.
After discussing a few more details, I dismissed the meeting with a single command. "That's all. Get it done."
Without waiting for a response, I stood up and walked out.
I had no time for incompetence.
Suresh sat in front of the broker, impatience clear on his face. "Did you find someone who can buy the house and pay immediately?" he asked, his tone sharp.
The broker sighed. "Like I already told you, Mr. Rajput, the house is small and located on the outskirts. It takes time to find a suitable buyer. But still, I found one."
Suresh leaned forward. "Who is he? When will he buy? How soon can we finalize this?" He fired question after question, desperation creeping into his voice.
The broker raised a hand to stop him. "Calm down. He's coming in five minutes."
Suresh huffed in frustration but said nothing. He needed the money—desperately.
After about ten minutes, a young man in his mid-twenties entered. He had a confident air about him, his expression calm.
The broker introduced him and started explaining the house details. "Would you like to visit the property before finalizing?" he asked.
Suresh stiffened. He didn't like the idea of a visit—it could delay the deal. But he forced himself to stay quiet.
To his relief, the buyer shook his head. "No need. I've seen the pictures. The area is good. If required, I'll rebuild it."
Suresh's eyes lit up. "So, you're buying it?"
The buyer nodded. "Yes. My mother's birthday is in a few days. I want to gift her this house, so I'd like to complete the deal as soon as possible."
Suresh could barely contain his excitement. The broker and buyer discussed a few final details, and then Suresh quickly signed the papers, handing them over.
The buyer took out a checkbook, filled in the amount, signed it, and handed it to Suresh. "Here. ?30 lakh, as agreed."
Suresh took the check, his fingers tightening around it. His heart pounded with happiness. Thirty lakhs!
And that wasn't all. He had already sold Meenakshi's jewelry earlier that day and received ?23 lakh for it.
Fifty-three lakhs in total.
His chest swelled with relief. Now, he could pay back the investors and convince them to give him more time to arrange the remaining balance.
For the first time in days, Suresh felt like things were finally going his way.
After finishing his work, Aarav sat in his car, heading towards Rathore Palace. The day had been exhausting, but his mind was still occupied with pending tasks.
As they drove through the city, something caught his attention—a well-known jewelry shop. His sharp eyes focused on the gleaming showroom, and without a second thought, he instructed his driver.
"Stop the car."
The driver immediately pulled over. Aarav stepped out and walked into the shop. The moment he entered, the atmosphere changed. The staff straightened, their voices hushed in respect.
"Ranasa!" The shop owner rushed forward, his face lighting up with pride. "What an honor to have you here. How can I assist you? Any special requirement? I will do my best to fulfill it."
Aarav glanced at him briefly before saying, "I want to see the collection myself."
The owner nodded eagerly and signaled his staff. "Of course, Ranasa. Please, have a seat. Bring out our finest pieces."
One by one, trays of beautiful jewelry were placed in front of him—necklaces, bangles, rings, and earrings, each more stunning than the last. But Aarav barely looked at them. He scanned the display with an uninterested gaze until something finally caught his attention.
A delicate silver anklet. Simple, yet elegant.
His fingers traced over the intricate design before he spoke. "Pack this anklet."
The owner nodded eagerly and began wrapping the anklet. Aarav continued to browse, asking about a few other pieces he liked.
"I'll have someone collect them later," he said, glancing at the other jewelry he had chosen.
The owner offered, "We can deliver everything to your palace, Ranasa."
But Aarav dismissed the idea with a sharp look. "No need."
The owner didn't insist. He personally packed the payal and handed it over. Aarav paid the amount without even glancing at the bill, and walked out.
The moment he stepped into his car, he opened the box once more. The silver anklet gleamed under the car's dim light, and for a second, an image flashed in his mind—her.
Without another word, he shut the box and signaled the driver to continue toward Rathore Palace.
I was in my study, going through some files when I heard the soft sound of footsteps. Even without looking, I knew who it was.
Siya.
She walked in with a tray, holding two cups of coffee. After so many days, we would finally have coffee together.
I closed the file and leaned back in my chair for a moment before getting up. She was already seated on the sofa, waiting for me. Without a word, I walked over and sat beside her.
She handed me my coffee, her fingers brushing against mine for a brief second. I took a sip, letting the warmth spread through me.
"How was your day in college?" I asked casually.
She shrugged. "As usual... nothing new."
I nodded, not pushing for more. Silence was comfortable between us. She sipped her coffee, lost in her own thoughts, while I simply watched her, enjoying this rare moment of peace.
Once I finished my coffee, I placed the cup on the table and stood up. Walking to my study desk, I opened the drawer and took out the small velvet box.
Turning back to her, I walked over and knelt down in front of her.
She stiffened. "W-What are you doing, Avi?"
I smirked. "Ssshh... I'm just adoring my queen. Let me do the honor."
Her cheeks turned pink, but she didn't stop me. Carefully, I took her delicate ankle in my hands and slid the silver anklet around it. Then, I did the same for the other one.
The soft sound of the anklets filled the quiet room. A sound I had unknowingly become addicted to.
I looked up into her eyes and spoke in a low, firm voice. "I never thought I could be addicted to a sound, but this... this anklet's sound? I am."
Siya's eyes glistened with unshed tears. She was happy. Emotional.
"And now, every time you walk... every time these anklets make a sound, it will remind you that you belong to me."
Before I could say more, she threw her arms around me in a tight hug.
For a moment, I was still. Then, a chuckle escaped me. "If I knew I'd get a hug just for giving you an anklet, I would have done this earlier."
I smirked against her hair. "But if you want, I can get you a new one every hour... or every minute... or even every second."
She pulled back, shaking her head at my words, but I caught the small smile playing on her lips. That smile—the one I'd go to any extent to protect.
After dinner, I headed straight to my study. The moment I stepped inside, I took out my phone and made a call.
The person on the other end picked up immediately.
"Everything is going as planned," I said, my voice calm but firm. "But there are a few more things I want you to do."
I explained each detail, ensuring there was no room for mistakes. After giving my final instructions, I ended the call.
A smirk formed on my lips.
People think they're smart, but in their overconfidence, they end up making fools of themselves. The truth is always right in front of them... they just refuse to see it.
Well, that wasn't my problem. If they chose to be blind, I wouldn't be the one opening their eyes.
I exhaled, pushing those thoughts aside. Now was not the time to dwell on them.
I walked to my room, where my angel was already waiting for me.
She looked up as I entered, her eyes soft, her presence the only peace I had in this world. Without a word, I walked to my closet, changed into comfortable clothes, and slipped into bed beside her.
The moment I lay down, Siya immediately rested her head on my chest, her arms wrapping around me. Instinctively, I held her tightly, my grip firm yet gentle.
I kissed her forehead, lingering for a moment. "Don't worry," I whispered. "Nothing will happen. What I promised you... will happen. Rest assured."
She tightened her hold around me. "I know, Avi," she murmured. "I trust you. You will always be there for me."
She hesitated for a moment. Then, in a whisper, she added, "But..."
I frowned. "But what, Siya?"
She lifted her head slightly, looking up at me. Her eyes held something—something that made my grip tighten on her.
"There's something I need to tell you."