CHAPTER 6 #2
Karan leaned back in his chair, remembering how spiritual Mishti was.
Before their marriage, when he’d gathered details about her, he’d learned she was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.
She was someone who observed fasts every Monday and never missed her weekly temple visits.
Prayer and devotion weren’t occasional acts for her; they were an inseparable part of who she was.
“Your countless fasts won’t help you earn your husband’s love,” he mocked. “Stop wasting your time.”
The words were again deliberately cruel. For a fleeting second, he saw the hurt in her expression before she masked it. But she didn’t answer back. Not after what he had said last night.
She simply continued to walk out of the mansion.
Karan tossed the napkin aside and followed. He told himself he didn’t care, but still, he wanted to know how she was going and whether someone was accompanying her.
Outside, the driver hurriedly opened the car door for her.
“I don’t need a ride,” Mishti said softly.
“But ma’am, Shiv temple is quite far,” the driver reminded her. “It’ll take thirty minutes at least on foot.”
“I’ll manage,” she said. “Just tell me the directions.”
The driver hesitated, then began explaining the route to her. Mishti nodded gratefully, thanked him, and started walking toward the gate.
“Ma’am!” the driver called again, noticing something. “You haven’t worn your sandals.”
“I know.”
Karan’s gaze instinctively dropped to her feet too. Was she really planning to walk all that way barefoot? On those rough roads?
Something in his chest tightened. It was a sliver of concern. Is she mad? he thought. But just as quickly, he shoved the feeling away.
It’s her choice. If she wants to hurt herself, that’s on her. She’s not my problem.
He got into his car and started the engine. As he drove past the gates, he glanced at her through the rearview mirror. Mishti didn’t look back. Her thali trembled slightly in her hands from the wind, but she kept walking with her head bowed.
For once, she wasn’t trying to follow him, to please him, or to win his approval. And somehow, that unfamiliar distance she was trying to put today had started to bother him far more than her presence ever had.
***************
KW Capital Ventures
Karan walked into the boardroom. Every seat was occupied, from Kanika, in her crisp ivory blazer, to Rajat, who was flipping through his notes. The moment he entered, silence fell as he moved to the head of the table. As usual, he didn’t bother with small talk or formalities.
“It’s a waste of time, gentlemen, discussing what’s already done,” he said, sliding into his chair.
“KW Capital has cut all ties with Saxena Holdings effective immediately. The ongoing projects will be completed within a week. I expect the respective teams to work overtime to close the accounts cleanly. And being the Chairman and CEO of this company, you all know every decision I make is for its benefit. I don’t have to justify myself. ”
Mr Roy, one of the senior board members, cleared his throat cautiously. “No one’s doubting your decisions, Karan. But nearly twenty-five percent of our revenue comes from Saxena’s accounts. This is a heavy blow, even if temporary.”
“And we can’t ignore the media,” Rajat added. “Once this gets out, questions will arise. If we can drop a partner like Saxena so easily, what does that say about our reliability? The other investors won’t take it well.”
“I don’t give a damn what the investors think, Rajat. I’ll handle them.”
Rajat nodded. “And what about filling up Saxena’s place?”
Karan leaned back in his chair. “We don’t need anyone right now,” he said flatly. “The board functions just fine without him.”
Rajat exchanged a look with the others before he spoke. “Actually, I have a name in mind.” He paused before continuing. “Mishti.”
The name alone cracked the silence in the room. Kanika stiffened, while two of the board members looked at each other in surprise.
Karan’s eyes narrowed at his friend. “What did you just say?”
“Mishti, your wife,” Rajat repeated, unflinching.
“She has a Master’s in Business Administration.
She’s smart, calm, and, frankly, the only person in this circle I can vouch for right now.
She can be a Non-Executive Director, not a managing one.
She won’t be involved in daily operations, just oversight and strategy. It makes sense.”
Karan let out a humourless laugh. “You want my wife on this board? This is a company, not a charity for bored newlyweds.”
“She’s not just your wife,” Rajat said evenly.
“She’s qualified for this. And per Clause 152(2) of the Companies Act—” he paused long enough to let the words sink in, “—‘Every director shall be appointed by the company in general meeting unless otherwise provided by the Articles’ which means, Karan, you don’t get to decide this alone. ”
Karan’s gaze turned icy. “You think you can use my own board against me?”
“I think the company deserves balance,” Rajat shot back. “And before you say it, no, this isn’t about pity. Mishti can bring the perspective we lack here. She’s new, idealistic, and for now, the only one we can trust completely.”
Kanika leaned forward. “Trust her? She’s a Goel. We’ve barely recovered from the mess with Saxena, and you want another conflict of interest sitting at this table?”
“She was a Goel,” Rajat snapped. “She’s a Wadhwa now. Don’t forget whose ring she wears.”
Karan’s hands flattened on the table. “Enough. If this is a vote, then let’s see who here has lost their mind.”
He looked around the room, gaze sweeping across the members. “All in favour of appointing Mrs Mishti Wadhwa as Non-Executive Director?”
A few hesitant hands went up—Mr Roy, a younger board member, and finally Rajat’s. Then the others followed Kanika’s lead, keeping their hands firmly down.
Karan smiled darkly. “Exactly half. No majority.”
“Maybe not at the moment.” Rajat met his eyes with a calm defiance. “But one person’s missing today. His vote still counts.”
Karan exhaled, knowing he was right. One person was missing.
Rajat rose, gathering his files. “The board has seven members, Karan. So, until the 7th member votes, the decision isn’t final. We’ll reconvene when all are present.”
He turned to the others. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll call this meeting again once we have full attendance. Until then, nothing moves.”
The members nodded and began gathering their papers, whispering among themselves as they filed out. Kanika lingered, her eyes flicking from Rajat to Karan before Rajat shut his laptop and left without another word.
Kanika didn’t leave yet. She rose from her chair and lingered at Karan’s. “The board is with you, Karan. So am I.” She leaned on the back of his chair.
Karan stood abruptly, the movement forcing her to step back. “Get back to work, Kanika.”
She exhaled dramatically, folding her arms. “Fine. But at least have lunch with me. Everyone’s fasting for Teej today, and I can’t eat alone.”
Teej. The word reminded him of someone. Was Mishti fasting for Teej?
Kanika’s hand came to rest lightly on his shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Fasts aren’t really my thing,” she said lightly. “Too much drama for nothing.”
He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “I’m busy. Find someone else for Lunch.”
The tone left no room for protest. With a roll of her eyes, she picked up her laptop and left.
When the door finally shut, Karan rubbed a hand over his face, exhaling hard. He didn’t understand why the thought of Mishti, barefoot, walking to the temple under the blazing sun, refused to leave his mind. Because he knew the hardships of it. Someone very close to him did the same once.
He reached for his phone, his thumb hovering over her contact for a long second, before he dialled her number.