Chapter 71 #2
"Doesn't matter. I don't care who you're talking to.
I'm just here to state my opinion." Akansha was in no mood to speak to this woman gently.
"What Shaurya is going through is just a down phase, and even now, he doesn't have to justify himself, because his work is doing that for him.
If it were any other leader who had taken such bold steps, forget about popularity—he wouldn't even be able to contest in the next elections.
That's how severe the defeat would be. But for Shaurya, even at his lowest, he is rising higher than his opponents could ever imagine.
That's the reason you're here. You knew Shaurya's ability, his charisma, and most importantly, his power.
So I would say, if you want to pull out, go ahead.
I know how to secure funds for my husband's party," Akansha said.
Meera looked at Shaurya to see if he would stop Akansha or attempt any damage control, but he was sitting there, his eyes dancing with amusement, the love in them unmistakable as he looked at her. Jealousy crept in.
"I didn't know the Chief Minister was just a toy in his wife's hands," Meera said. Shaurya simply smirked, while Akansha was furious. But before she could respond, Shaurya intervened.
"Not just my wife—my political advisor too," Shaurya said, shocking Meera.
"And what did you think? That I would beg you to fund my election?
Meera, I'll tell you something today—a fact your ego-clouded mind refuses to see.
I have contacts across the globe, and I can have anyone fund my election, including myself.
But if I fund my own election and win, no one will be able to stop me from going after every corrupt entity—big or small.
Until now, I've weighed the pros and cons of businesses like yours and allowed them to survive, even thrive, because the pros outweighed the cons.
But I won't have any such obligations from here on. Think about it," Shaurya said.
"Fifteen percent or nothing... think about it, Ms. Pathak. This offer is on the table for only 24 hours," Akansha said.
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"Bhaiya... that aunty is bad..." Siya said, staring at Meera, to whom her parents were talking.
"No, Siya, you shouldn't say that... Mojo and Mausi won't like it if they hear this," Harsh corrected his sister like a protective elder brother.
"No, Halsh Bhai... that aunty laughed at Dadda.
I put nail polish on Dadda, and it is bootiful (beautiful), but that aunty was laughing at Dadda.
Mumma told me," Siya said, explaining everything to Harsh.
Akansha had even shown Meera's photo on the computer the next day, as Siya had been constantly begging her to.
Harsh grew angry hearing Siya. No one gets to laugh at his Mojo (Shaurya).
"I have an idea... we'll make that bad aunty cry.
.." Harsh said, explaining his plan to Siya—to throw nail polish on Meera.
Siya excitedly went and brought her nail paints, and Harsh unscrewed all the caps.
As planned, Harsh held two bottles in each hand, while Siya held one in each palm, and they started running toward Meera as if they were playing.
Their plan was to drop those nail paints on her.
As soon as the kids entered, Shaurya and Akansha were startled.
"Siya, Harsh, go inside and play. We have visitors... please go," Akansha said. But Siya and Harsh ran toward Meera, not wanting their plan to fail.
"Now," Akansha said sternly. They both nodded but didn't move. Shaurya feared Akansha might reprimand them, but he remained silent, letting his wife handle the situation.
"I said go, both of you," Akansha said firmly. Siya and Harsh, pretending to be upset, threw the nail paint bottles toward Meera and ran inside.
Meera jerked to her feet, feeling the nail polish on her shoes, with a small amount landing on her dress—not too much, but enough to anger her.
Akansha mentally praised the children. She had a fair idea why they had come running in to "play," and while she would reprimand them later, for now, she was enjoying the scene unfold, a proud mother at heart.
"I'm sorry about that... I hope you understand, kids were just playing," Akansha said. Though she didn't want to apologize, she did—it was wrong on their part. A guest wasn't supposed to be treated like this.
"No, I understand. After all, it was you who raised her," Meera taunted, and Shaurya couldn't take it anymore.
"You crossed a line by saying that—a line you should never have crossed. You're not welcome here anymore, and if you don't want to take the deal within the next 24 hours, you don't need to visit me even at my office. That will mark the end of our collaboration," Shaurya said, shocking Meera.
"A wise politician would never take such a step—antagonizing their funders just because he couldn't tolerate something said about his wife or child.
I think I really should reconsider whether I want to waste my money on you and your party, which is on the verge of collapsing," Meera said and stormed out.
"That was too extreme, Shaurya. Don't forget, failing to secure funding will be a major problem—you won't be able to stop the exodus then," Akansha said.
"I have enough money to fund the next three elections. Don't worry," Shaurya replied.
"But that's absurd. It shows a lack of confidence in you from the corporates. It's not good for your reputation at all—you'll come across as a Chief Minister who doesn't care about progress and development," Akansha said.
"But that's not true. Businesses know our state has become one of the best in the country for business-friendly policies, and that has happened since I took charge as Chief Minister.
But you're right—funding the election myself will shake their confidence.
They'll question whether I would support them, and I can't afford that.
I'll think about the funding, don't worry.
But I'm not going to Meera Pathak after what she said about you," Shaurya said, and Akansha nodded.
"You shouldn't. But when she comes to you and apologizes, you accept it and move on—because she isn't important enough to hold grudges against," Akansha said nonchalantly. Her tone made it clear how little value Meera Pathak held in her eyes.
Shaurya smiled at his wife and nodded.
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After two days, Suraj and his team received clearance from the Intelligence Bureau regarding Shaurya's security, and he resumed his outreach programs, while simultaneously handling his political responsibilities and preparing for the upcoming elections.
Since the election date had been announced a few months earlier, his powers were limited and would remain so until the elections concluded and a new government was formed.
The damage done to his party due to consecutive incidents was massive, but through the extensive efforts of Shaurya and his team, the narrative began to shift.
He knew there was still a long way to go, but time was not on his side.
He needed to accelerate the process of changing the narrative.
Mr. Subramanian, along with Akansha—who had now accepted the role of his political advisor—worked together on strategies to improve Shaurya's image and reduce hostility among the core supporters of leaders who had been denied tickets.
Everyone sat at the dining table, and today, along with Akansha's family, Aakriti and Akash were also present.
Aakriti began assisting Akansha and Mr. Subramanian.
She had a basic understanding of the issues and gained deeper insight while working with Akansha on Shaurya's new party symbol.
She was also among the very few who knew about the connection between Shaurya and Dev.
So, Akansha asked her to help revive Shaurya's public image, and Aakriti agreed.
From then on, she began staying at Shaurya's residence.
The third floor was entirely reserved for her, and only Mrs. Sudha and a few trusted staff members were allowed access.
Shaurya trusted all his staff, but only a select few were permitted upstairs—a floor where only his sister lived—to ensure her safety.
"Bua... I want that," Siya said, pointing toward the pancakes that were made by Shaurya. But Akansha had strictly said she would get pancakes only if she had the fruits that were also cut by her father.
"First have your fruits, baby. Your mumma strictly warned me not to give you those until you finish your fruit bowl," Aakriti said, making a sorry face. She hated disappointing her niece. These days, Siya always sat beside Aakriti, while Shaurya sat beside Siya, and Akansha sat next to him.
"Bua... pwease..." Siya pleaded, and Aakriti shut her eyes. It was so hard to deny her little munchkin.
"Bhabhi..." Aakriti looked at Akansha with a defeated expression, and Akansha sighed before giving in. Her little daughter was becoming too naughty. Siya knew her mother wouldn't agree if she asked directly, so she started requesting Aakriti for the pancakes instead.
Aakriti was about to reach for the pancake bowl when Shaurya tapped the back of her palm—not harshly, but enough to stop her.
"Shaurya!" Aakriti glared at her brother.
"Siya will not get pancakes until she finishes her fruits," Shaurya stated.
"Bhabhi allowed me," Aakriti argued.
"Shaurya! Let her have it... just this once," Akansha said, but Shaurya shook his head.
"Fruits are an important part of her nutrition, Jaan. If she doesn't get used to them now, it will be harder for her in the future," Shaurya gently told his wife before turning to his daughter. "Siya... finish your fruits," he said softly. Siya pouted and pleaded, but Shaurya remained firm.