Chapter 24 #4
Mr. Khan joined them with his findings, and together, they compiled their work. After hours of continuous effort, they finally completed it.
"Okay, we are done here… Dr. Dixit will get the approval from Sir, while Mr. Khan will assist Mr. Samuel in preparing the agenda and flow chart we will follow from tomorrow. The rest can leave for the day," Mrs. Arora announced.
Akansha groaned internally.
She wanted to refuse. She couldn’t tolerate Shaurya’s presence now—her mind was already in chaos. Moreover, why was she always the one sent to get his approval? Why couldn’t someone else do it this time? she questioned silently. But voicing it would sound childish.
Instead, she offered an excuse about compiling the reports she had collected from various prestigious institutions across the world regarding their pedagogical approaches. Mrs. Arora offered to handle that part while Akansha went to get Shaurya’s approval.
Akansha realized she wasn’t getting out of this anytime soon. Cursing her fate silently, she accepted.
She gathered the necessary documents requiring Shaurya’s signatures and picked up the pen drive containing the presentation.
As she stepped into the CM’s office, Shweta greeted her with a polite and respectful smile—as if she already knew who she was.
Akansha felt a wave of embarrassment.
The memory of Shweta and Mr. Sharma witnessing her impulsive act at Shaurya’s residence flashed in her mind. She cursed herself again for throwing that towel at him.
"I need to meet Sir. I’m sorry I couldn’t schedule an appointment earlier—this came up suddenly. Could you please let me in so I can get his signatures? I won’t take more than ten minutes, I promise," Akansha requested.
Shweta couldn’t help but wonder how this woman—despite being the Chief Minister’s wife—was politely requesting permission instead of demanding it. That professionalism only increased her respect for both Akansha and her boss.
"Sir’s schedule is packed for the entire day, ma’am. I would have tried to fit you in during his dinner time, but unfortunately, he is dining with the Governor today for official purposes," Shweta replied apologetically.
"It’s already 5… when is his dinner meeting?" Akansha asked.
"It’s at 8. Sir will leave for the Governor’s residence at 7:15," Shweta explained.
"Okay… please try to fit me in. Five minutes is all I need," Akansha insisted, eager to get the approval today so they could proceed and complete Phase 1 on time.
"Ma’am, the meeting he’s currently in will end at 6:30, and then he has a meeting with the Finance Secretary until 7:15 PM.
But since you’re insisting, I can let you in now.
He’s not in a fully official meeting—it’s with his friend, who also happens to head a major real estate group.
I wouldn’t allow anyone else in, but you can go… since you’re family," Shweta said.
Akansha’s grateful smile froze.
"Family?" she repeated, her expression turning cold. "What do you mean by that, Mrs. Gupta?"
Shweta immediately grew cautious, noticing the sudden shift in her demeanor.
"Sir informed me that you are his wife, ma’am. But please don’t worry—I will keep it confidential, just as Sir instructed. I’m sorry if I’ve crossed a line," Shweta said carefully.
"Who else knows?" Akansha asked, her tone sharp, anger rising within her.
"Just me… and Mr. Sharma, I believe," Shweta replied, confused by her reaction. Anyone else in her place would have been proud, but Shweta held back from judging, sensing there was more beneath the surface.
Akansha seethed.
How dare Shaurya reveal something so personal—and worse, something that wasn’t even true anymore? They were divorced. Why hadn’t he made that clear?
She didn’t want a single person to know about their relationship, yet now his security team, his assistant, and his principal secretary were all aware of it.
She wouldn’t let this go.
But for now, she had to remain professional.
Get the signatures and get the hell out of there.
"Can I go in?" Akansha asked, her voice cold, her anger no longer concealed.
Without waiting further, she moved toward Shaurya’s cabin. In her fury, she didn’t even bother asking who the “friend” inside was.
Shweta watched her walk away, confused and slightly worried, silently hoping Shaurya wouldn’t blame her for whatever storm was about to unfold.
Akansha knocked on his door. Despite the fury raging within her—despite the urge to barge in and bang his head—she held herself back.
Her impulsive side had already caused enough damage.
She understood why Shaurya had to lie about her being his wife after the way she had thrown the towel at him and the words she had uttered.
So now, she was determined to keep her impulsive, angry self in check.
But the moment she stepped in, hearing his gentle "Come in," all her resolve broke when she saw who was sitting opposite him.
She wanted to turn around and walk out, but it was too late. She had already been noticed before she could turn on her heels.
Shaurya froze seeing Akansha there. He had thought it was Shweta and had allowed her in.
The lady sitting opposite him stood up in surprise on seeing Akansha. She smiled gently at her, though to Akansha, the smile felt as fake as ever.