Chapter 3
I walked into the living room after another tiring day at the court, plopping down on the sofa beside dad. However, I frowned when silence followed. Usually dad would be really cheery asking me about my day and would share his half as well.
I watched silently as mom placed a cup of tea before him. "What's the matter? Why does Baba look so tense? " I asked gulping down the water quickly, as my eyes flickered between them.
They shared a look, their inner turmoil was clear. Dad nodded in no but mom placed her hand on his and nodded reassuringly as though encouraging him to speak. He let out a shaky breath before speaking, the hesitance in his voice was clear . "Woh beta, Bhabi-jaan ki call thi. "
( dear, sister in-law called this morning. )
I finally understood what all the fuss was about. Mom and dad would get worked up every time a conversation on their birthplace started. It was a sensitive topic, which is rarely addressed.
" Bhai sahab's health is a bit fragile... ", mom placed a hand on dad's shoulder who was still engrossed with his thoughts.
"Abbu, ab aur kitne din aap apni family se door rahenge. Abhi toh Dada jaan bhi nahi rahe. Mujhe lagta hai, aapko wahan jaana chahiye. Aakhir woh bhi aapki family hain."
( baba, how much longer will you stay away from your family? Grandpa is no more. I think we should go there-they're still your family after all. )
I knew how much he missed his people. How he cried during the phone call when grandpa's death was announced to him. But he refused to go there fearing that grandpa's soul wouldn't be at peace if he attended the funeral.
" But... " dad tried to reason. Dad was scared to face them once again, scared that he would be ousted out once again.
"Sahi keh rahi hai Safiya... Agar aapko itni tension ho rahi hai toh ek baar dekh aayein na... Kaunsa hamesha ke liye rehne jaana hai..." Mom said with determination persuading dad to agree, or he would once again wallow in self pity.
( Safiya is right... if you're so worried, just go once. It's not like you're going to stay forever.)
Dad nodded passing both of us a small melancholic smile, " Dear, start the preparations. We'll leave for Azamgarh tomorrow morning. "
Mom nodded happily jumping up on her feet as she was getting ready to turn into a tornado. I smiled at that seeing the nervous but content look that adorned Dad's face. I peeked over Dad's shoulder as he admired the pictures of his village on his phone.
Azamgarh...
I'd heard enough to know I never wanted to go there. Old-school rules, way too many opinions, and zero space to breathe.
Definitely not my kind of place. Not like I'm ever going there.
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" Ira you're running late again. ", I exclaimed as Adhira settled down opposite to me showing me her palm as she gulped down the glass of water.
" Not my fault. I wanted to make you the perfect bouquet and then came to deliver it myself. But you know the traffic, horrible. ", she carefully handed me the freshly prepared bouquet.
"Flowers and cake suddenly? Plan kya hain lawyer sahiba. ", she squinted her eyes, inspecting my outfit before realisation dawned upon her making her twist her face in disapproval and disgust.
( What's the plan Miss Lawyer? )
" Oh god no! Tu uss chuchundar ke paas jaa rahi hain nai? ", she huffed out annoyed.
( Oh God no! You are going to meet that presky rodent, aren't you? )
" Don't call him that. ", I slightly slapped her shoulder to cheer her up. Clutching the bouquet tightly and smelling the flowers.
" Touh aur kya bulau? Meesho ka Henry Cavill hain woh. Dekha hain kabhi usse? Tharki hain woh aadmi. ", she had a murderous look on her face. As a matter of fact, i knew how much she hated him.
( What else do you want me to call him? He's Henry Cavill from meesho. Have you seen his face? He is a fucking pervert. )
" I just don't get it. Why would you settle for him? Bande mein nahi shakal hain nahi seerat. Lappu sa hai wo... Jhingur kahi ka ", I shrugged trying to divert the topic.
( Neither he has the looks nor personality. )
" He is just a little goal oriented. He's not bad, and respects my decisions. " Adhira looks at me as though I have grown two horns. She gave me a dead stare, crossing her arms. I knew what was coming next.
" Woh tumhare barein mein yaad kya rakhta hain? There's a difference between being goal oriented and not giving a fuck about your fiance. ", she pointed an accusing finger at me, her glare making me raise my hands.
( Does he even know anything about you? )
" I know the only reason you are agreeing to him is because whoever is coming for your hand in marriage is asking you to leave your job or asking you to move away from here.
But trust me you don't need to settle for anything less.
There will be a guy waiting for you. Who will love you for who you are! "
Love? Bullshit.
Well, there's no way I'm leaving my parents, this city or my job i worked so hard to get. If it meant marrying him just to be with my parents, then I was ready. I had more matters to worry about then finding love.
" I know Ira. You are right. But don't worry too much.
He is a nice guy. Some people marry out of love and some just want to get settled.
I will not go away from my place nor will I leave the life I've worked so hard to build.
", she gently placed her hand on top of mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
" I don't think he is the right guy Safi. I just don't want you to get into any trouble. ", i flashed her a warm smile. I know she truly cared for me.
" I won't. Trust me. "
Was I really making a mistake by choosing Adeel? Was I really settling for a guy who doesn't care about me?
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I walked inside, passing the employees with a warm smile. Many of them smiled back-they recognized me. I had been the legal backbone behind Sisodia Inc.'s major lawsuit win. Their eyes held a mixture of respect and surprise as they saw the bouquet and the little box in my hand.
Today wasn't business. Today was personal.
I clutched the gifts tighter, my steps slowing as I reached the door to Adeel's office. My breath hitched. I needed to remind myself this wasn't about him anymore.
You are doing this for yourself, Safiya...
I pushed the door open with a firm hand, expecting perhaps surprise, maybe even some dramatic confession. But nothing could've prepared me for what I saw.
The sight hit me like a slap, it repulsed me.
My fiancé, Adeel, had his hand boldly resting on a woman's chest-his other was lost beneath the waistband of her pants. His shirt hung open, pants half-zipped. Their mouths were fused together like they hadn't breathed in years.
"What the hell is going on here?" I barked, my voice slicing through the air like a whip. The sudden loudness startled them both. Adeel jolted, eyes wide in panic as he scrambled to zip his pants and adjust his disheveled tie.
He stepped forward, guilt practically dripping from him, but I moved back instinctively, my back almost hitting the door. I somehow managed to regain my balance and step back without collapsing.
"Baby... Baby... You-you've got it all wrong. I can explain. This is not what it looks like, believe me." I raised my hand, silently commanding him to shut up. The gesture made him stop. But of course, he tried again.
I slapped him. Hard. His head turned sharply from the impact. My palm stung, but not as much as my pride. I turned my glare to the girl.
Natasha.
The intern. The one always hovering outside his cabin. Neelo aunty's daughter. A fucking snake in satin.
"Natasha! How dare you?" I stepped forward, fists clenched, but Adeel moved to shield her like the pathetic coward he truly was.
"Stay the fuck away from my girlfriend."
"What?" The word came out more as a breath than a question. And then, she had the audacity to smirk.
This bitch.
But she wasn't my target. Not yet. First, I needed to deal with the man who thought shouting at me could silence the storm he had summoned.
Adhira was right-men like him belonged in the gutters they came from.
"You have no right to act like this," he screamed, his voice trembling as he tried to sound authoritative. All I heard was a weak excuse for a man trying to mask his inadequacy.
"What do you expect? For me to wait for you for a year?" he snapped. "Do you really think any guy will fall for you? Nobody likes girls who speak so much. You really think you are a girl anyone would want to marry, Safiya Shah?"
A dry laugh escaped my throat. He was still trying to hurt me. Still trying to play powerful.
"You call yourself a man, but all you bring to the table is disappointment and a dick so small it needs a zoom-in feature."
His face flushed deep red, fury mixing with humiliation. He opened his mouth to retort, but I was already several steps ahead.
"You're just an arrogant bitch who got everything on a silver platter because of your dad," he shouted. "Even if someone marries you, they'll never fall for your shitty, dominating personality, you wench."
He stepped closer whispering to me, " You do not want to mess with me, Safiya. "
I should've broken down. Should've cried. But all I could think about was the circle forming around us-phones lifted, eyes wide. They were recording.
Oh, this was going to be fun. Let's give them a show.
"At least I got power by birth-you got yours by being every boss's favorite lapdog. Don't mistake obedience for success."
I adjusted the bouquet, holding it in one hand. With the other, I opened the small bento cake box I had brought-the one meant to celebrate his promotion. I approached slowly, deliberately.
"Everyone, a round of applause for Mr. Adeel Ansari- director of Sisodia Inc, and apparently a full-time cheat. He proposed to me but couldn't keep it in his pants and guess what? I fine him fucking his secratary. " a wave of gasps cut through the hallway.
" Don't be shy, Adeel-go on, kiss her again. Smile for the cameras. And please, do me one favor-make sure this goes viral. Let the world toast to your loyalty tonight." And then, I smashed the cake onto his face.
The gasp from Natasha was satisfying. She backed away, trying to shield herself from the rising sea of phones and whispers.
"And you, Mr. Adeel Ansari. What did you exactly say? Arrogant bitch? Well, darling, I'll show you how much of a bitch I can be."
He shivered. Actually shivered.
Good.
I walked out of the office without sparing him another glance. The bouquet was still in my hand-a silent reminder of my wasted effort. I threw it in the trash bin near the exit.
It was over. No more mourning. No more tears. I had more important things to do.
The car door clicked open. I climbed in, brushing my skirt and tossing my bag to the side.
"Junaid, take me to Mr. Rathore's office. Arrange a meeting as soon as possible." I said without looking up. He nodded but paused, eyes catching mine in the rearview mirror.
"Any problem, ma'am?" I slid on my sunglasses, hiding the burn behind my eyes.
"Nhi bas kuch logo ko unki aukaat dikhani hain."
(No, but it's due time some people are reminded of their worth and put back to where they belong. The trash.)
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I read the name plates in gold outside the big metal doors. I let out a breath before I pushed the door open and entered the office. It smelled of old wood and sharp money. Mr. Rathore didn't do modesty, clearly.
I walked inside, holding my head high. The man who greeted me was exactly as described-tall, lean, and intimidating in the quietest of ways. His suit fit like it was tailored by the gods. His eyes scanned me, precise and calculating.
"Pleasure meeting you, Mr. Rathore." I extended my hand. He shook it firmly, his expression unreadable.
"The feeling is neutral, Miss Shah. I must admit, your sudden request for a private meeting was.
.. unexpected. Especially given your reputation for keeping things strictly within legal parameters.
" His tone had that hint of amusement. He had been expecting this.
After all he knew how I had rejected the approach of their team claiming to keep away from associating myself with anything illegal.
Ironic, how I came here myself.
"I assure you, this meeting is entirely professional. I'm here for business, Mr. Rathore. A proposal that, if handled correctly, promises substantial benefits for both of us."
His smirk widened as he leaned back, comfortable. "A proposal? Intriguing. But let's not pretend this is ordinary business, Miss Shah. I presume you've come prepared to justify such a bold move?"
Of course I had. This wasn't a game you walked into blind. Akshat Singh Rathore was no ordinary player. An old money heir. Ruthless. Untouchable. He ruled the streets of the capital like a king.
"More than prepared. What I'm offering is an opportunity to dismantle Sisodia Inc. from the inside out. Thoroughly..." His brow lifted. He straightened his suit . No longer lounging.
"You're suggesting a takedown of Sisodia Inc? You do realize how many have tried and failed? You've been their legal shield for years. Why the sudden change of allegiance?"
Of course he would test me. Poke and prod until he found a wound. A wound which he could dig deeper into and stab me right there but this time more ruthlessly and slowly drag the dagger to widen the wound.
Had i willingly walked into the viper's trap?
"Because loyalty has a shelf life, Mr. Rathore. And because I have nothing left to lose. But you - you have everything to gain. Power. Leverage. Dominance." That got his attention. He rose from the sofa and walked to his desk, the air shifting.
"Let's say I'm interested. What exactly are you proposing?" I stepped forward, voice steady.
"I provide you with concrete evidence - internal documents, financial discrepancies, illegal fund transfers, records of smuggling operations masked under trade contracts.
Not only that - proof that Sisodia Inc. has been discreetly funneling money into blacklisted shell companies. It's enough to collapse their empire."
His eyes didn't betray much, but the way his brow furrowed told me he was hooked.
"Funding the underworld? That's quite the accusation.
Are you certain? To my knowledge, Sisodia's hands, while dirty, have never touched that part of the underworld," Akshat said slowly, his fingers steepled in front of his lips as he leaned forward, eyes fixed on her with a razor-sharp gaze that cut through the air.
"Not yet," I replied, my voice calm but laced with steel. "But he's inching closer, transaction by transaction. It's only a matter of time before he crosses that final line. I'm giving you ammunition before the war begins."
Akshat stared at me, unmoving. A long, contemplative silence stretched between us, the ticking of the wall clock suddenly louder in the heavy air. He studied me, calculating, like a predator deciding if the prey was worth the chase.
"If what you're claiming is verifiable," he finally spoke, the edges of his tone sharp, "it's more than enough to ensure he never sees the outside of a prison cell again. But you know the stakes, Miss Shah. Once this begins, there's no stepping back."
"I'm well aware," I said evenly, straightening my back, my posture now that of a soldier about to march into battle.
"I'll orchestrate my involvement from behind the scenes.
I have no intention of exposing myself publicly.
As far as the world is concerned, I remain his legal counsel - uninvolved, untouched. "
Akshat raised an eyebrow. " You understand this means breaching confidentiality? The courts- "
"The law," I cut in smoothly, mu eyes narrowing, " -has always been a game of strategy, Mr. Rathore. I'm simply choosing to play it smarter now. Don't mistake that for recklessness."
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips - amused, impressed, intrigued. He leaned back into the leather of his chair, the springs beneath groaning faintly.
"Very well," he said after a beat, his tone measured. "I'll need all the files - financial records, transactional data, the communications with offshore accounts, proof of smuggling operations, and the underworld connections you hinted at."
"They're already prepared," I said, lifting my chin slightly. " I'll send you access to the drive under a secure channel. Consider them... a down payment."
His eyes narrowed, voice dropping to a cold whisper that still somehow echoed in the vast room.
"Tell me, Miss Shah... why are you really here? Why help me bring down Sisodia?" His gaze like that of a hawk bored into me as though he could see my soul like he was trying to unravel something hidden beneath my poised exterior.
"What is it that you truly want from me?"
I took a single step closer, heels clicking on the marble floor. My tone dropped, sharp and lethal.
"I want you to destroy Adeel Ansari."
Atharv tilted his head slightly. " The director of Sisodia Inc. "
"You're na?ve," he added after a second, his voice quieter but harder, "if you think taking down Sisodia Inc. and Adeel Ansari is going to be easy, Ms. Shah."
The atmosphere inside the office tensed.
"Every document in your possession? Irrelevant.
Every witness you think you've secured? Won't speak a word.
Sisodia is no small player. He's built his empire on silence, intimidation, and threats.
He has political cover, offshore shields, and enough shell companies to make any forensic accountant cry. "
I didn't flinch and slowly reached into my leather bag, pulled out a sealed file marked with a metallic insignia, and slid it across the table.
I had come prepared knowing that Akshat would never blindly believe my words.
He had been a player in this game long enough to simply trust a stranger.
"But there is a crack," he said, eyes locking with mine. "Something... "
" No man builds a fortune that fast without burying bodies along the way."
"Zeharix..." I added softly.
At the name, Akshat's demeanor changed. His brows arched, curiosity piqued. He grabbed the file and flipped it open, his gaze scanning the first few lines.
"Yes," I continued, watching him carefully, "they're the key. Adeel's been courting them - trying to climb higher. He's desperate to be seen as one of them. He wants a seat at their table."
He let out a dry, humorless chuckle, his jaw clenching.
"But Zeharix doesn't know he's already betraying them," he said through gritted teeth, flipping through the pages faster now.
"He's moving to acquire Orion Bank... off-record."
"Exactly," I folded my arms reading his expressions, he was at last trusting me. "A hostile, backdoor acquisition - and he's done it behind Zeharix's back. The moment they find out he went rogue, they'll bury him. All we have to do... is show them."
Akshat rose, walking to the large window, hands clasped behind his back as he stared at the rain that slithered down the glass like tears from the sky.
"But that's just one part of the plan," my voice followed him, quiet but unwavering.
"We hit him from all directions. Fraud, embezzlement, wire transfers through banned jurisdictions, fake philanthropy networks.
We're linking his name to illegal land grabs in North and north-east, blood-mined cobalt shipments in Congo, and a shell casino operation in Montenegro. "
Akshat turned slightly, his brow arched. "You're planning to drown him." the corners of my lips etched into a murderous smile.
"No. I'm planning to turn the world on him."
I stepped forward, voice steady as the ticking clock. " The government will come for his accounts. Zeharix will come for his reputation. And the underworld-the ones he's used, paid, lied to-will come for his life."
A thick, choking silence fell in the room. Even the rain seemed to pause.
"And your role?" Akshat asked, his voice low, eyes gleaming with intrigue.
"I build the narrative," I said simply, stepping into the circle of light cast by the pendant lamp above.
"You leak it. Quietly, strategically. Adeel Ansari won't know which enemy to run from first." A slow smile curved on Akshat's lips.
"You play this game well, Miss Shah." He stood up and forwarded his hand for me to shake.
"And I expect you to uphold your end of the agreement," I reminded, my tone clipped as I shook hands with him. "I've done my part. Now it's your move. Bury him."
"You have my word," he said, voice firm but eyes dancing with danger. "Though you should know, word means very little in our world."
"Which is why I must make myself clear," I slowly leaned in, my voice like a blade wrapped in silk, " If you even think of double-crossing me, you'll regret it.
I'm aware of your affiliations - Zeharix and Bratva, and all the strings you pull behind the curtains.
And believe me, I will not hesitate to drag your empire into the same grave as Ansari's. "
Akshat's grin didn't fade, but something in his gaze shifted - wariness, perhaps. Respect.
"Understood. As long as you're useful to me, Miss Shah, we remain allies. But betray me, and you'll find I don't give second chances."
I gave him a curt nod, " Nor do I. "
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The hallway filled with the mechanical clicks of the keyboard and the buzz of people running with documents, tension thick in the air with employees in the cubicle typing away on their computers.
The heavy door to Mr. Rathore's office swings open, Safiya steps out briskly, a leather folder clutched in her hand, several documents tucked under her arm.
Her expression is unreadable - sharp eyes, calculated pace. She walks like someone who's just struck a deal that could change the game.
But as she rounds the corner-
CRASH.
She collides into a firm chest. Files spill across the marble floor - financial papers, stamped documents, photos, all scattering wildly
She gently rubs her nose to ease the pain and squeaks in horror when she sees all the papers spilling out. Annoyed, she kneels to gather the mess.
" Dekhke chala karo... Saaree files gir gayi. " Her voice cuts sharp through the silence. She doesn't even look up. Her eyes catch the glimpse of black, shiny polished shoes.
( Look where you are going... All my files are scattered now. )
She was frustrated, still focused on collecting papers speaks venomously,
" If you're going to walk around like a blind man, at least learn to stay out of people's way. "
ZAVIYAR KHAN, dressed in crisp black, stands frozen - caught off-guard, a mixture of disbelief and fury in his eyes. He doesn't bend down or speak. All he could see was a woman dressed in a black formal outfit, her brown locks open and falling like a curtain obstructing the view of her face.
He looks the other way and waits for her to collect her files. She finishes gathering her papers and stands up in one swift motion, adjusting her blazer. Without a second glance, she brushes past him.
He keeps his gaze lowered but a fragrance hits him like a soft epiphany and tentalized his senses. Purely by coincidence her long hair brushes past his knuckles tickling the area it touched. He flexes his hand, and slowly rubs his knuckles with the pad of his thumb.
" Unbelievable. " Zaviyar's jaw tightens. His gaze follows her retreating figure as the elevator doors swallow her whole. He still hasn't moved.
" Badtameez, sorry bhi nhi bola. ", she says punching on the elevator and getting into it without passing the rude stranger another glance.
" Who the hell does she think she is? " A beat of silence. His fist curls slightly, but he exhales, composed yet clearly rattled.
He stops when his eyes land on the sparkly chain handing on his cufflinks. His fingers detach it as he skims his eyes over the jewelry.
Why would he bother running after that rude girl who didn't even bother apologizing to him. He shrugs walking towards the trash bin to throw it. But something stops him and he lets out a sigh and pockets the necklace.
With one last glance at the now-closed elevator doors, he turns and enters Akshat's office, face unreadable - but his mind clearly not at peace.