CHAPTER – 3.2
"Isha... baby, it's very common, you don't have to be embarrassed about it, husband and wife show love to each other in this way... tell me one thing, did you feel good??", he asked softly...
"Hm...", she said hiding her face in his chest...
"That's it... it is supposed to be that way... don't feel shy, okay?? I'm your husband, you are mine, so is your everything", he said with possessiveness, his inner dominant self-coming out... she looked at him with her big innocent eyes, she wanted to ask him if he felt good, but she is too shy to do so... but the emotionless BEAST this time understood her dilemma...
"I felt good too, in fact, good is too small of a word for what I felt... you make me lose my control, damn!! Why do I love you so much", he said nuzzling his head in her neck dropping slow kisses, she closed her eyes, butterflies erupting in her stomach, but she had to stop him... she needs to clean herself, she can feel herself wet down there and she is a lot embarrassed...
"Rana sa... I...", she fumbled trying to free herself, he understood her discomfort...
"I know... go out of this chamber and take right, you'll find a washroom in the corner...", he said, she is about to get up, but he held her closer, cupped her face, and kissed her forehead gently... she could feel his love and extreme care for her just with that one gentle kiss... he is not a gentle person, never a gentle one but for her, he tries to become one and his trials are enough for her... "You fine??", he asked softly
"Rana sa...", she started cupping his cheek...
"Hm...", he responded in his tone, his rough edge tone caused butterflies in her stomach...
"I love you...", she said with a blush, kissing his cheek tightly... her cute confession brought a wide smile to his face...
"I know... go and clean up...", he said again kissing her forehead, she nodded and got up...
She found the washroom, cleaned herself, and came out, she started walking back to the room where she and her husband were sitting before, but she is frozen to her spot when she heard a loud growl, and she couldn't decipher if it's from a lion or tiger or something else, but it definitely stopped her heartbeat for a second... she thought she and her husband are gonna die for sure... she prayed to god to save her husband at least... she took steps toward the chamber and the sounds increased...
"Rana sa...", she said entering the room, but she couldn't find her husband... she slowly stepped back and decided to look for him in the hall. Before she could find her husband, she saw a lion running towards her... she is terrified is an understatement...
" RANA SA... ",she screamed in terror closing her eyes...
" SHARAH... ", she heard her husband's loud scream filled with anger that made Isha open her eyes, and the wild creature halted its steps... Isha sighed in relief when she saw her husband walking towards her, but then what she saw widened her eyes in shock. Is that a tiger that's walking beside her husband??
"Sharah, Veera, you are scaring Rani sa... go inside", Abhyansh commanded showing his finger to their den's side... and just like that, they obeyed him, and this shocked Isha more... and then it clicked. Sharah and Veera, his pets, WHAT?? He pets a lion and tiger?? Is he even a human?? Wild thoughts ran through her head...
Abhyansh took quick steps towards his wife, took her in his arms comforting her...
"Are you fine?? I came to send them back to their cage, but before I could do that, you are out of your washroom, I didn't want to scare you, so sorrybaby", he said, even in that terror, hearing sorry from his mouth sounded odd to Isha...
"Wh... Why do you have those creatures in your place?? Is this why you call it a forbidden palace?? That's dangerous... what if they have eaten you??", Isha expressed her fears, Abhyansh couldn't stop his chuckle at his wife's innocent questions. They are logical doubts for a normal person, but for the BEAST they sounded stupid... Isha slapped his arm seeing him chuckle, it really angered her, here she is terrified, and he is chuckling instead of explaining to her...
He gave her a look filled with amusement and surprise and that made her realize what she did, she immediately muttered several sorrys. Abhyansh pecked her lips to calm her up and it worked.
"To answer your questions, Rani sa, they are my pets... they are very loyal to me... even if they are hungry at a point they are about to die, they won't do anything to me, nor disobey my orders", Abhyansh said and she stared at him as if he is stupid to believe that... he chuckled at his wife's cute looks, the thought that she thinks he is stupid is humorous to him...
"Rana sa... that...that's not possible, at the end of the day, they are wild animals, you should be careful... they might harm you", Isha said worried for her husband...
"Worst case scenario, let's say you are right, don't you think your husband is capable enough to fight them??", Abhyansh asked, Isha frowned, she would have thought he is kidding if she didn't observe the serious look on his face... "Isha... baby... I was trained that way... before I became a king, I was taught to fight them... I'm capable, don't worry", he assured her... he didn't tell her how he learned to handle the wild animals as she would be hurt and worried knowing what all he had gone through...
How he was thrown as food to the wild animals by the ones who are supposed to protect him, how he fought them for survival that too when he was just 13... A part of his BEAST form that's existing today is because of his close interaction with the cruel animals...
"But...", Isha started but he cut her off...
"Since you are already here and have met them... let me introduce them to you properly...", he said, Isha's eyes widened in fear and shock...
"No... I'm not meeting them... no way... Rana sa... no...", Isha said trying to run off, but he held her in his arms tightly...
"You come inside and meet them in their cage, or I'll bring them... choose one", Abhyansh said sternly... after persuading her for some more time, she finally agreed... she is reluctant but Abhyansh held her in his arms and took her to their cage... she is about to run away seeing them still not locked in their cage, but Abhyansh held her firmly... tears slipped from fear...
"Sh... I'm here... calm down...", he said rubbing her shoulders...
"Tell them to go inside and not come near us...", Isha said when she saw them moving towards them...
"Sharah... Veera... Rani sa is scared of you, don't come any forward...", he said showing his hand, and that halted their steps... "this is your Rani sa, like I said, I have brought her to you, but she will take some time to adjust to you, so till then, stay away from her... protect her always, but from afar...", he said and Isha looked at him with surprise... what is with her husband?? He speaks to humans as if each word costs a billion but with animals who don't even understand him, he is ranting??
Sharah and Veera looked at Abhyansh and then at Isha, took a step forward, Isha is about to run away thinking they are coming towards her, but they set a foot front and knelt, before standing up again... Abhyansh smiled understanding the gestures...
"They love you", Abhyansh told Isha, and a small smile formed on her lips...
"When I had no one to speak to, I used to come to them and let out everything I'm feeling... they comforted me, as if they felt my pain... they protected me when everyone around me showed only betrayal... maybe that's the reason I feel more connected to them than any human, of course, that's until you came...", Abhyansh said and Isha's heartbeat raised in anticipation, her husband finally trusted her enough to let his past out, though it's just a vague part of it...
By his words, she understood that many of his people betrayed him and that's why he hated human species, but she is yet to know the extent of their betrayal... she didn't say anything to comfort him, just kept her head on his chest, her arms wounding around his waist, and her act assured him enough...
"Just pat them lightly, okay?? Don't be scared, they like you, you should show them that you also like them", Abhyansh said, looking at how Sharah and Veera are expectantly looking at Isha...
"No... no... Rana sa... no...", Isha is petrified but Abhyansh called them nonetheless, Isha closed her eyes in fear... Abhyansh took her hand and slightly patted them before Isha ran off from there...
"Your Rani sa is still afraid, give her some time", Abhyansh said and after sending them back to their cages, he came out but couldn't find Isha anywhere...
"Isha...", he called...
"Upstairs... but only you come, if they accompany you, I'm going to leave you Rana sa... I'm telling you", she said loudly from the room they were in before...
He chuckled at his wife's scared form... her words initially made him angry, threatening to leave him is unacceptable even if she said it for fun... but understanding how terrified she is, he excused for this time... he walked inside and saw her hiding inside the blanket, sitting on the bed... he instantly felt bad and guilty, for her fear... he is worried that she would suffer from fever because of terror...
"Rani sa... are you fine??", he asked, settling beside her on the bed...
"Yeah, but I won't be if you do this one more time... I'm not coming here ever... they are so scary...", Isha kept muttering, Abhyansh hugged her closer and his warmth made her feel somewhat better...
They started talking some random things and when she got better, he decided to talk about what made him come to that palace in the first place...
"So...?? What was that at the dinner??", he asked sternly...
"Rana sa... please don't be mad, I won't repeat it ever... I'm so sorry, I was afraid that bhai would get to know about the truth... Vikram is hiding something from bhai and if he gets to know that, it could even break their friendship... that's why Vikram and I are hiding it...", Isha said
"If it could break their friendship, then it must be very wrong on that b**t**d's side... I know Rajput, he is not someone to take decisions in haste, he is a mature person, and his way of thinking is what impressed me the most that made me promise to spare his father's life... he is a very sensible man", Abhyansh said and Isha looked at her husband with mouth agape... is it her husband that's praising her brother?? Is he possessed??
Abhyansh chuckled at her expression before closing her mouth...
"Did you just say something good about my brother?? What has gotten into you Rana sa?? Does this place have some spirits as well apart from weird and wild creatures??", Isha said earning a glare from her husband... though she joked about Sharah and Veera, and was terrified of them, she is grateful to them for being for her husband when no one was... and for that, she loved them, but her fear didn't let her show her likeliness.
"I hate your brother when he irritates me... otherwise, as a person he isn't bad... but yeah intolerable...", Abhyansh said with a sigh thinking about the times his brother-in-law would become a pain in the a**. Isha laughed at how struggling it is for her husband to say even a few words for her brother...
"Vikram is not doing anything wrong, it's his choice, technically it shouldn't be much of a problem to Bhai but both of them share a very different bond... Vikram is as important as me to Bhai and every decision in Vikram's life is done with bhai's approval, both of them collectively took the decision, whether it's about his education, his work, or the decision to take care of Aryan after his parents' death. We'll let bhai know soon, when we know he would be calm enough", Isha explained...
"We?? Why would you involve yourself?? It's his own thing, let him do it... don't ever... I repeat don't ever use that 'we' for both of you together... it's agitating to hear", Abhyansh said in his cold yet stern tone... Isha frowned at his change of mood, just now he was talking casually... her husband and his possessiveness.
"Yeah yeah... sorry, my fault... I apologize Maharaj", Isha said bowing her head and a small smile made its way onto his face looking at her drama...
"Aren't you forgetting something??", he said, and she raised her brows in confusion... "shouldn't you be apologizing to me for another thing??", he added, and that rang the bell...
"Rana sa... today is the last day I was late... will come home on time from tomorrow, sorry", she said but he glared at her...
"It's all your fault, why do you have to be present in tomorrow's presentat...", she started but stopped herself... she didn't want to talk to her husband about work... she wants to keep the two things different... her work is hers alone, she doesn't want his involvement in that, she is earning herself without his name and she is proud of it. She might be talking to him freely, loving him without any barriers, but she would never let money come in between them. She couldn't forget how he threw bundle of notes on her face, he was quick to judge her, and now no amount of regret would make up for the pain she felt that time. She knew she will eventually forgive her husband like always but for now, this is how it is.
"Isha... why didn't you talk about it to me till now??", he asked seriously...
"Even now I don't want to talk about it, Rana sa, it just slipped from my mouth, sorry, let's not talk about it", she said, and he frowned.
"What's wrong??", he asked but she remained mum... "why do you not want to talk about it??", Abhyansh asked, clearly offended and she sighed...
"That's my work and you are my husband, I want to keep these two things separately Rana sa... what I earn might not be a lot, but I do it as Isha, just Isha and I take pride in it. I don't know how will I handle it when my colleagues get to know who I'm, but at least till then, I just want things to go as they are now", she said, for Abhyansh it's very difficult to understand why she doesn't want to let her colleagues and friends know who she is in reality, and she knew he wouldn't understand even if she explains it to him... "and tomorrow, you will be there as an MD, a king and the final decision maker, but not as my husband... I didn't tell you before because I thought you are too busy to even think about acquiring a small boutique like Ragini's, but after hearing about your presence in tomorrow's presentation, I was sure that you knew what's happening", Isha said, and Abhyansh is stunned. Abhyansh thought his wife is too innocent to even figure this out, but she is catching up real soon, he thought.
He not only knew what's happening, but he was also the one who forwarded Ragini's boutique's file to the acquisition & mergers dept. His wife will kill him if she knows this. He decided to keep those details to himself.
"I knew, but the proposal was completely made by the A&M team, I didn't have anything to do with it", he said, that is true but he didn't have to sit in the presentation of a normal boutique considering his busy schedule, this is a takeover by the designing team of the textile wing of his business which is not even among one of the major cash cows in his business empire, it is a profitable business but Abhyansh never put much concentration on that wing until lately.
"Hm... thought so... Reetu said you have a huge business empire, and you wouldn't have time to concentrate on a small boutique like ours, when I expressed my doubt to her...", Isha said and he could hear the disappointment in her tone... he smirked, awe... his wife needs his attention?? She always had it...
"What?? You are disappointed... looks like Rani sa wants all the attention of her husband...", he teased her... she hid her head in his chest moving closer to him in shyness...
"Sach kahe??(Do you want me to be honest??)", she asked looking at him and he nodded... "I'm a bit disappointed, yes a part of me wants all your attention... I want you to leave all your work and concentrate just on me and what I do, I want you to spend all your time on me...", Isha said, and it really came as a huge surprise to Abhyansh. His wife isn't that kind of a person seeking attention. His chest warmed with love for her, she only seeks attention from him, and he would want to give it all to her. "But that's just a tiny part of me... the other part wants you to do whatever you are doing till now, protect people, and your empire, and thrive with success, I'll always be here waiting for you even if you are busy... more importantly, the bigger part of me wants you to let me earn everything at work as just Isha, not as Isha Abhyansh Singh Ranawat...", she said and that didn't go well with him...
"I just don't understandIsha...why don't you want the privilege of being my wife when you can take up the responsibilities and disadvantages that come with it??", he asked pissed...
"That is what I should do, I never considered them like disadvantages Rana sa... but whether to take advantage of something my husband's hard earned is my choice, and I don't want to...", Isha said softly... her words surprised him... she might be soft but very strong and high in beliefs, thought he.
"Let's have it your way for now...", he said
"Let's go back, I'm feeling sleepy... and yeah, you can be happier from tomorrow, Vikram, Aryan, and Bhai are going back to Rajput palace...", Isha said getting up, Abhyansh smirked widely, she could see her husband's pleasure... "You are feeling glad, aren't you??", she asked, and his smirk widened...
"I'm not that kind of a host to celebrate when the guests leave, but you really don't have a choice when the guests are troublesome", he justified but that didn't satisfy her...
"What trouble my family created for you Rana sa?? You are so petty...", she scolded and for some reason he really liked her being like that, so he tried to ignore the fact that she included Vikram and that kid in her 'family'.
"They are not your family, only your brother is... anyways let's go", he sulked and she smiled at his sulking face walking behind him... she sometimes enjoys his jealousy and his petty behaviour which only she gets to witness, well sometimes her brother too... and now when she comes to think of it, only she and her brother have very rare privileges when it came to talking with Abhyansh. He converses the most with her, and next with her brother. Except for the both of them, he hardly has any conversations with people. She wondered how would he be doing business and negotiations without knowing that he just dictates.
The next day, as usual, after breakfast, Isha got changed and left to her work, Ragini asked her to come to the office in the morning since the presentation is in the afternoon, so they could go together from there...
Ranveer wished her luck before leaving from there... Avyaan and Amruta too wished her luck, Avyan gave his Bhabhi sa a chocolate saying this would give her power. And his sweet gesture really calmed her nerves. Isha gave mock presentation one last time before leaving to the Royal headquarters in Ragini's car along with Reetu and one more colleague Aashna... the rest of the main designer team is behind them in another car.
They reached the building and Ragini gave the keys to the parking. Isha stood in front of the building with her mouth wide... this huge glass door building and many such building more across the world belong to her husband??
"Isha... let's go", Ragini urged as they wanted to check the systems and connect their laptops to prevent any mishaps in the last moment.
"This building is so huge", she explained still trying to figure out how many floors are there...
"Yeah, it is, have you never passed along this way??", Aashna asked and Isha shook her head... "are you not based here?? Everyone in the state knew that this is the tallest building, though we won't have access inside, people pass by this way just to look at this sky scrapper from far... this place is very famous across the world since it's one of the largest empire's headquarters, it's well known in our country for being the king's work capital", Aashna blurted all the details she knew regarding the building surprising Isha... looks like everyone else knew about her husband's work better than her, and this made her sad... Reetu who observed a change in Isha's long face, held her by her shoulders and dragged herin softly followed by others.
They showed the digital passes they received through emails once Ragini sent her team's details for verification. Everyone has to scan the code and also go through manual checks before entering even the premises of the Royal HQ.
Bharat, Abhyansh's secretary's immediate subordinate is moderating everything right from the time Isha entered the HQ. Abhyansh wanted to be discrete but still make his wife comfortable. He knew the process to visit his office premises for visitors is quite a hassle. He wanted to make it as smooth as possible for his wife without her knowledge.
"Hello, I'm Ashley Parker... I'm heading A&M(Acquisition & Mergers) for R Empire's textile wing, glad to meet you", Ashley, a woman in her mid-thirties greeted Ragini and everyone else... Isha kept looking at the woman, she is the definition of a perfect woman, her dress has no creases, her hair is perfectly ironed, not even a hair strand is out of place, and her make-up is prim, proper, and perfect. Ashley's team followed and greeted everyone. Every woman is perfect, her husband is surrounded by such perfect women all day?? Suddenly she felt so insecure...
Are most of the women working here dressed up so perfectly?? She doesn't know because she is away from the world for too many years?? Many questions were raised in her head. Ragini introduced everyone including Isha to Ashley and her team. Ragini and Reetu have attended many conferences and met women with perfect appearances, so they weren't intimidated by all this. After meeting all of them, they decided nothing can be more perfect than being yourself.
Ashley forwarded her hand to Isha when Ragini introduced her, but Isha is in her own thoughts. She frowned at the way Isha kept her hanging, and it irked Ashley and brought out the b**chy side in her. She immediately judged her based on her appearance and her lack of response.
"Ishu...", Ragini called, slightly shaking her, which brought Isha of her reverie.
"Sorry...", Isha apologized shaking Ashley's hand...
"Ragini, I think you were already informed, that only important people from the firm should be present here", Ashley said, Ragini understood the taunt, and she got angry, Isha held Ragini's hand before her friend could say something in anger and spoil this chance which could fulfil all her dreams...
"She is Isha... one of the best designers we have, Ashley, and she is also today's presenter, don't worry, I have only brought very important people of mine", Ragini said in her sickly-sweet tone. She can be a bigger b**ch when it came to her friends and family, and she could have shown it to Ashley if Isha hasn't held her palm.
"She is gonna present?? Huh... hope you know you wouldn't be getting this chance again if you mess up. This is just an invitation for you people, you haven't gotten the approval yet", Ashley said in her soft tone as if cautioning Ragini with good intentions, but Ragini, Isha, Reetu, and everyone else understood how she is looking down on Isha...
Bharat, John's Assistant's eyes widened at how the scene is evolving, if Ashley keep saying things like that, she won't be alive, thought he.
"Ms. Parker... take Ms. Ragini and her team to the conference room in the first floor, Mr. Ranawat would be here soon, let the team have some time to prepare for the presentation", Bharat said and Ashley nodded with a little bow down. Bharat being the immediate subordinate of John, the king's assistant, everyone in the company needs to follow his instructions.
"Yes sir... Ragini, this way...", Ashley said showing the way to Ragini, who followed her with her team.
"This is the conference room, he will help you with all the setup, send your presentation to the IT desk chief of this room, we won't allow any devices connecting to our systems for security reasons", Ashley said
"We can't send the presentation, it has all our financial details, we can only show you", Ragini said
"If that's the case, get a clearance from the IT department, but let me tell you, you won't get it sooner, definitely not before the presentation", Ashley said looking at her watch... Ragini frowned at her attitude.
Reetu pulled Isha aside...
"Ishu, you can get it done, you are the queen", Reetu said
"But no one knows who I'm here, also I want to keep it that way, I'm here as Ragini's employee, not a queen, I can't do a thing", Isha said sadly remembering how she told her husband she doesn't want his help.
"We can't send them the presentation, it has too much of our details in it", Reetu said biting her nails... Isha is regretting everything she told her husband the before day, her dignity is not allowing her to ask help from him after yesterday's conversation.
"Rani sa...I'll get it done, get the drive please", Bharat said bowing down, startling Isha and Reetu by suddenly showing up... Isha's eyes widened as to how he knows who she is... "my apologies, I haven't introduced myself, I'm John's assistant, one of Maharaj's immediate staff at work...", Bharat said and Isha nodded, she knew John, who is her husband's PA, she has seen him in her husband's video conferences.
"No... we'll take care of it, thank you...", Isha said, and Reetu looked at her as if she is an alien...
"Ishu... we don't have time...", Reetu said
"Don't help me because I'm your boss's wife, let me question you, what happens to us if I'm a normal person like everyone else, is this how you treat people after inviting them for a merger?? Don't you have respect for us?? You know we have a presentation in less than an hour, if we have to get an IT clearance, don't you think we should be informed prior??", Isha questioned softly... Reetu looked at her friend with surprise... is she the same Isha she knew??
"My sincere ApologiesRani sa...and to answer your question, no guests at R Empire are disrespected and we inform them about the IT clearance rule if they didn't want to share their presentations in our systems so that they come here three hours in advance but I don't know why Ashley missed on giving you that information, her attitude is very unacceptable, this has never happened before, maybe she is looking down on you people based on the size of your organization, I apologize on her behalf, and I’ll make sure she reflects on her behaviour...", Bharat apologized and Isha nodded...
"Don't call me Rani sa here...", Isha said in her low tone... Bharat nodded with a bow, and that made Isha frown, Reetu giggled at her friend's cute irritation...
"Ashley, haven't you sent them the T & C documents that included the rule to report to our HQ before 3 hours at least if they don't want to share their presentation??", Bharat asked in his commanding tone which made Ashley tongue-tied...
"I didn't think they would have problem sharing their presentation since...", Ashley started but Bharat knew what's coming next, so he stopped before she could utter those words and insult Ragini which could anger their Rani sa...
"They have the right to know, get ready with an explanation in front of the regulatory committee", Bharat said shocking Ashley... "handover me the Drive Ms. Ragini, I'll get the clearance done", He said, Ragini nodded handing him the pen drive... he immediately called his assistant and ordered him to get it done on a priority basis.
Reetu and Ragini gave a winning look to Ashley which didn't go well with her... she decided to see them when their file comes for her approval... they got the clearance and soon everything is set up, the conference room is filled with A & M team of the R Empire textile wing, CEO, COO and CMO of the textile wing and other important executives belonging to the textiles. The head chair is left empty, Abhyansh had an important meeting, so everyone thought he would skip the presentation and Isha sighed in relief. She lost the confidence to give a presentation in front of her husband now...
"We just received a call from John, His highness is occupied with some important meeting, he won't be able to make it here... let's start with the presentation", the CEO of the textile wing, Mr. Chaudhri said as if he is in a hurry to rush back to his work, he didn't think the acquisition of such a small boutique would profit the huge textile business of R Empire in any way. He was sitting there just because the A & M team forced him, and also the news of the king being present there himself, Abhyansh wouldn't give them appointments that easily, so seeing him or meeting him is very rare, and he thought he could use this opportunity to talk about some extra funds to the textile wing, also it would be inappropriate not to show up in the conference when the king himself is coming, but now all his efforts went in vain, thought he.
Ragini stood up, thanked the executives and A & M department for the opportunity, and pointed to Isha...
"Now my colleague Isha, one of our best designers, will brief you about us, our P & L, financials, revenue model, and most importantly how we work", Ragini said, and Isha walked to Ragini and took over from there...
"Good afternoon, everyone, I'm Isha... first of all, I want to thank R Empire for the opportunity and you all for taking out time from your busy schedule to hear us... I won't take much of your precious time, let me quickly take you through the journey of...", Isha started and started explaining about their boutique... she is hell nervous but Ragini and Reetu kept encouraging her with their gestures continuously and that helped her pull up her act... Ashley who observed this wanted to test Isha... ss the head of A & M of Textiles, she couldn't let some people with moderate talent and confidence enter a renowned organization like R Empire, and her personal presumptions about Isha boosted her act.
"Let me interrupt you here for a sec... I want to know in detail about how you carry your operations in case of a bulk order...", Ashley asked... before Isha could answer, the huge doors to the conference room opened and Abhyansh entered, John and two others of his immediate staff tailing him... everyone stood up and bowed down greeting him... Isha looked around and seeing everyone bow, she too bowed, and Abhyansh frowned... he slightly shook his head at Isha and she lifted her head and stood straight understanding her husband didn't like her bowing...
Till then, though the environment isn't comfortable, Ragini and Reetu's constant gestures gave her confidence, but after Abhyansh came, the place turned extremely cold leaving no warmth at all. John pulled the head chair and Abhyansh sat down followed by everyone...
"Maharaj... we just started since John informed us that you are occupied", Mr. Chaudhri said looking down... and then he turned to Isha... "start over from the start", he said and the way he ordered his wife made Abhyansh frown, but he controlled his fury...
"Sure sir...", Isha said but her insides are shivering at the cold aura...
"Not required, continue", Abhyansh said in his cold tone, filled with anger for the man who just ordered his wife...
His angry-filled tone startled everyone including Isha, since she is standing at the presenter's place, it mixed with her nervousness, and she fisted her palms which are now sweating profusely... what if she disappoints her husband?? What if she is an embarrassment to him?? What about Ragini's dream??
"W... We... before... Ms. Ash...Ashley asked a question... I... I would like...", Isha fumbled and everyone in the room widened their eyes... the king hates whenever people fumble...
"Stop... someone else take over please...", Mr. Chaudhri said, Isha bowed in embarrassment, she quickly walked to Ragini who already is walking towards her. Ragini held Isha's palm for a second assuring her that she isn't at fault... Isha calmed down with her friend's assurance but still, she is embarrassed, hurt, and is feeling shame... she quickly sat in Ragini's chair while Ragini started presenting...
Abhyansh's fury is nowhere near control, he wanted to kill Mr. Chaudhri, at the same time, he wanted to console his wife, who looked very shameful, hurt, and embarrassed right now. He wanted to assure her that all this didn't matter to him... he knew she must be hurting right now, thinking she disappointed him and Ragini, he wanted to assure her that he is still proud of her and her talent...
Ragini finished her presentation and looked like everyone is impressed with how she operated her business. The young talents she has, seemed promising but everyone felt Isha to be the blackspot for the firm, just because of her one mishap. They knew Abhyansh Singh Ranawat can make the best of the best nervous but still what R Empire needed is a confident and bold workforce, not timid ones, thought everyone in the conference room.
"During A & M, we follow a bottom-to-top approach at R Empire, going by that procedure, we would like to ask our department heads for their opinions followed by the CEO, CFO and COO, followed by His Highness...", announced Ashley... Abhyansh wanted to oppose this, he wanted to announce his decision first so that no one badmouths Isha after he declared that he is in favour of this acquisition, but his wife looked at him just when he is about to talk. Her one look stopped him from saying anything further, she wanted everything to happen fairly without his involvement.
The divisional heads agreed to the acquisition but indirectly said that Ragini should filter her workforce saying only an extremely talented workforce can enter R Empire Headquarters. Everyone understood what they meant. The COO and CFO too gave the same opinion with some other inputs regarding their fields, and its Mr. Chaudhri's turn. Abhyansh for the first time feared this, he always liked how Mr. Chaudhri is very open and bold when giving statements. He didn't sugarcoat his words, he was blunt, if there was a need for improvement, he made sure to put it in a harsh way but today it's his wife at the other end.
"Ms. Ragini, I don't have anything different to say from what others have said, I must say, you have surprised me with the presentation... I didn't expect a small boutique like yours to have such quality stuff, I'm very much impressed with it, there are small adjustments needed, but they are all pointed out by the CFO and COO, so I won't repeat them and waste his highness's time, I have only one requirement...", Mr. Chaudhri said, Ragini looked at him with a smile, and nodded asking him what is it... "everyone has told you that at R Empire, we employ only the best... after the acquisition, you and your employees would become the employees of R Empire, and would be working here... so, I want everyone to match our standards, to tell you bluntly, we don't want incompetent employees like Isha... can you do this??", Mr. Chaudhri said and that's the last string for Abhyansh, a tear left Isha's eye but she is quick to wipe it. Before her husband blasted with anger, she stood up she knew if she delays any further, her husband will rip Mr. Chaudhri...
"Sir... I understand what you are saying but....", Ragini started but Isha interrupted her...
"I would resign... I understand what this means to Ragini and our whole firm... I'm thankful that you realized great talents and showed interest in working with them... I would like to wish all my colleagues and Ragini good luck in this journey", Isha said softly with a wide smile... "excuse me", she said and walked away...
Abhyansh crushed the phone in his hand to hold his temper... the inner beast in him is screaming to come out but he couldn't let it out... it would hurt his wife more... Ragini signed Reetu to go to Isha...
"I'm sorry Mr. Chaudhri, I can't accept this proposal... while I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity, I also pity you for lack of eye to recognize talent", Ragini said fiercely, surprising everyone including Abhyansh. She must be daring to say such a thing bluntly to one of the king's men in front of the king, thought everyone, but Abhyansh enjoyed it.
"Isha is not only one of the best designers of our boutique, but also the design head, we follow a flat organizational structure at our boutique and that's the reason I didn't believe in giving a position to her, but she manages everything related to designs and does everything a design head should do and even more. And 60 percent of the designs you saw in the presentation belonged to her, we don't take individual credits, everything is born collectively at our firm, that's the reason Isha asked not to put the names of designers under the designs...", Ragini said shocking everyone... they underestimated Isha... is the girl who fumbled badly just some time ago has so much talent?? Thought everyone...
"Shivam, wrap up everything and meet me out, I'm leaving this place as soon as possible...", Ragini said and started walking out when she realized the king is still present there, suddenly her heart dropped, she got furious seeing her friend getting humiliated and she lost it, she completely forgot about the King's presence, why didn't he stop her when she is spurting nonsense at his people wondered Ragini. She got frightened... she slowly turned but didn't dare to look at his face...
"Maharaj... I apologize for the way I spoke in your presence, hope you could find it in you to forgive me...", Ragini tried hard not to fumble...
"So, you take back what you said just now??", Abhyansh asked her, to see if Ragini goes back on her words in fear of him and leaves Isha's side...
"No Maharaj... if given a chance, I would refine my words since I'm speaking in your presence, but the gist of it would still be the same", Ragini said, and everyone's eyes widened at her audacity, exactly how brave she is... Abhyansh is surprised to see how his wife's friend didn't leave her even during tough times... he then understood why Isha loves her friends so much...
"The decision is not yet done... gather here at 5 O Sharp everyone", Abhyansh said dismissing everyone... his calmness after the way Ragini spoke surprised everyone...
Everyone went to their cabins not understanding what was running in Abhyansh's head... after everyone left, he too walked away asking John to bring his wife to him discretely but on his way, he found her fighting with Ragini in an isolated alley. Reetu is holding Isha by her shoulders... he dismissed his people and slowly walked towards them...
"Calm down Ragini, don't get mad now", Reetu said
"Calm down?? How can I after what this stupid did there?? How could you take a decision all by yourself, I feel like killing you... are you that desperate to leave me?? Ishu... how could you...", Ragini started but Isha hugged Ragini tightly... Abhyansh's immediate reaction was to kill Ragini for shouting at his wife, but soon he realized the love behind that anger... he fisted his palms to refrain from doing things that would make his wife hate him...
"It's your dream, Ragini... I don't want to come in between... and it's me who messed up everything, I want to take the responsibility...", Isha said
"No Ishu... you didn't mess up... if it's not for you, I wouldn't be here, you encouraged me, helped me prepare everything... seeing the king, anyone would have gotten nervous... it isn't a big deal... stop blaming yourself", Ragini said
"No, you said you will present, it's me who took it on my head... and at the end, I messed up, so I should take responsibility...", Isha said
"Reetu stop this crazy woman before I kill her...", Ragini said angrily...
"Ragini, please let me go...", Isha said
"Shut up, will you?? I'm not letting you go", Ragini said decisively
"What if they acquire the firm, what will you do?? You will lose it to them for me??", Isha asked and the answer she got shocked her and impressed Abhyansh.
"Yes, I will... you are more important, if we are together, we could create another brand any day... you are my family Ishu... you and Reetu are my priority always", Ragini said calmly...
"Are you crazy... woman... it's your lifetime hard work... that boutique is everything for you", Reetu scolded Ragini, Isha still couldn't come out of the shock, her friend would actually lose everything for her?? She would do the same if she is in Ragini's place, but she didn't expect anyone else to do this for her, till then only her brother did extreme things for her...
"Well, I'm still very young, calling it my lifetime hard work is too much... I'm capable of achieving a lot more than that, and I want to do it having you two beside me... understood you two??", Ragini said...
"Ragini... I understand, but don't be rash in taking decisions, I don't want you to lose your hard work... I'm just leaving the job, not you", Isha said and Ragini glared at her...
"I have already made my decision, the king asked us to gather at the conference room at 5PM, I'll let him know my decision then...", Ragini said...
"He said that??", Isha asked and Ragini nodded... Isha sighed... Reetu looked at Isha for an explanation... after what Ragini did for her, she didn't want to hide her identity anymore... before too, she is sure that Ragini would understand, but she didn't want her to think bad of the king, Ragini didn't like her husband after seeing Isha sad, but has great respect for the king, she didn't want that to disappear but now Isha felt she should know, but before that, she needs to know how her husband is, did he break anything to contain his anger??
"What happened after I left the room?? Did Maharaj do or say something??", Isha asked and Ragini frowned at Isha's strange question, then she thought she is asking because she left from there suddenly and thought he was offended...
Ragini briefed about what she said, and Reetu whistled hearing her friend's power-packed performance...
"Sh*t yaar, I missed this...", Reetu said
"That's the reason he didn't break anything", Isha muttered to herself, but Ragini and Reetu heard her... Reetu hit her shoulder...
"What does that supposed to mean??", Ragini asked
"Ragini, don't get mad, I have been wanting to tell you this for long, but couldn't muster the courage... I... um... my husband... um... I don't know how to tell you this", Isha suffered...
"You are getting a divorce?? I knew this would happen, even if you both love each other... the problems seemed unsolvable", Ragini said... Reetu coughed while Isha's eyes widened at her friend's thoughts...
"RAGINI SHAH...", Abhyansh's loud roar startled them... he started marching towards them fuming but Ranveer who is also watching his sister and her two best friends held Abhyansh's shoulder...
"Come with me...", Ranveer said pulling Abhyansh with him...
"What the f**k are you doing here?? And let me teach that woman a lesson, how could she say that??", Abhyansh said
"And upset my sister more than she is??", Ranveer said and that stopped Abhyansh... he punched the wall to contain his anger startling Ranveer... "Ranawat... don't hurt my sister more than she is...", Ranveer said holding his brother-in-law's fist and asking him to stop hurting himself which could cause damage to his sister...
"Why are you here??",Abhyansh asked again...
"This morning, Isha seemed very nervous more than she usually is, so I thought to check on her, I got to know she is at the conference room, and when I came here, I saw her and her friend Reetu talking, I understood the whole scenario", Ranveer answered knowing his brother-in-law would probably kill him if he didn't answer this time...
"Who let you in??", Abhyansh asked getting irritated
"Perks of being your brother-in-law...", Ranveer said, and Abhyansh glared...
"If you saw your sister sad, then why didn't you go there instead of watching them like a cat??", Abhyansh asked
"Ranawat... did you just call me cat?? A coward??", Ranveer asked getting offended, Abhyansh gave him a look of ‘so??' "It's fine, I can let this go, you are my family...", Ranveer said and Abhyansh gave him a look of 'now answer' and Ranveer sighed... "I was about to go to console her when I saw that pataka coming out, god such a crazy woman she is, but interesting too", Ranveer smiled remembering how Ragini scolded Isha with a right, he could see the love she has for his sister...
"Don't mess with that woman Rajput, your sister would get hurt if you hurt her friend and you know what I would do if my wife were hurt", Abhyansh warned...
"God! what do you take me for Ranawat?? I'm not a womanizer...", Ranveer said really getting offended...
"Yeah... just s*x deprived...", Abhyansh said
"Whose fault is that??", Ranveer asked, and Abhyansh ignored him and walked to his cabin, Ranveer tailing him to carry on with his favourite pass time i.e. irritating his brother-in-law.