AUTHOR'S POV

With only 48 hours left before the highly anticipated collaboration between HSR Company and RS Enterprises in the UK, tensions were running high. The two Asian giants were set to unveil a spectacular ramp walk featuring renowned designer models, showcasing cutting-edge fashion and innovative technology. Both companies boasted impeccable reputations, with robust departments, including state-of-the-art security checks and IT infrastructure. The event was expected to attract an elite guest list, comprising agents, politicians, high-net-worth individuals, CEOs, presidents, and influential underground figures. As the countdown began, chaos erupted within both organizations, with teams working tirelessly to ensure a flawless execution and unparalleled success.

Ruhani spent most of her time in Ritvik's office, orchestrating the intricate details of the upcoming event in London. The venue, situated near her main branch at the iconic London Eye, demanded meticulous planning. As she juggled multiple tasks, Ruhani faced an additional challenge: concealing her true identity from Ritvik. This charade made it increasingly difficult for her to address Kritika with the formal title of 'ma'am', especially since Kritika, in turn, referred to Ruhani with an informal familiarity, eschewing the honorific.

Moreover, it was clear that Ritvik would go to great lengths to support Ruhani,sans any romantic entanglements. The past three days were critical for Ruhani, and will be the upcoming days also as the stakes were high. Yet, despite the pressure, she felt elated - happier than words could express. However, she knew she had to maintain a professional facade in front of Ritvik. One misstep, and he'd likely abandon all work and event responsibilities, swept up in his desire to be with her. 'To hell with work and the event, I just need my wife, all I want, all I need,' he'd say. So, Ruhani donned a mask of composure, expertly hiding her true feelings beneath a veneer of professionalism.

Ruhani's slender fingers danced across the papers and documents scattered on Ritvik's desk, her eyes scanning the contents with intense focus. Unbeknownst to her, Ritvik stood behind, his gaze riveted on the gentle curve of her neck, the delicate slope of her shoulders. His eyes lingered, drinking in the sight of her, his expression softening into a warm, admiring smile.

Ruhani's hair was tied up in a messy bun, secured by a pen, with loose strands framing her face like tender caresses. Ritvik's gaze grew possessive, his eyes burning with a quiet intensity as he felt a pang of jealousy towards those stray hairs that dared to touch her skin. The faint creases on her forehead, etched by concentration, only added to her allure, yet failed to bring Ritvik peace. Overcome by a primal urge to claim her, he stepped behind her, his strong arms enveloping her waist. As he pressed his chest against her back, the distance between them melted away, leaving only the thrum of their synchronized heartbeats.

As Ritvik gently tucked the stray hairs behind Ruhani's ear, his lips grazed her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. 'These are mine alone to kiss, to worship,' he whispered, his deep, rough voice sending tremors through her entire being. 'No one dares to touch them, not even these delicate strands.' His warm breath danced across her ear, igniting a fire within her. As he sucked gently on her left cheek, Ruhani's skin erupted in goosebumps, the fine hairs on her nape standing on end. The possessive growl in Ritvik's voice only fueled the flames of her desire, leaving her breathless and yearning for more.

Despite the turmoil brewing inside her, Ruhani's voice remained steady, a testament to her ironclad self-control.
"Ritvik, don't start this now. We have a mountain of tasks to tackle. Either help me or leave the cabin." Her words were a stark contrast to the language of her body, which betrayed her arousal - the fluttering pulse, the parted lips, and the subtle sway of her hips. Ritvik's eyes, however, seemed to see right through her facade, his gaze burning with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

"So, my wife wants me to vacate my own cabin. Interesting, Mrs. Agnihotri,' Ritvik said, his voice laced with amusement, as he tightened his grip around Ruhani's waist.
But Ruhani's stern expression was unforgiving. One withering glance from her, and Ritvik's demeanor shifted. "Yarr cherry. Aise mat dekha karo. Dar lagta hai. Mein sharma jaata hu."
("Hey, cherry, don't look at me like that, it's scary! I'm getting shy.)
he whined, attempting to appear hurt, his eyes wide with mock innocence.

(Alexa play "Darta Jahan humse...")

"Stop it, Ritvik,'' Ruhani said, exasperated, as she rummaged through documents, Ritvik still clinging to her. ''Before I married you, I thought you were a workaholic robot, a machine driven solely by ambition. But now...who would believe that the man everyone fears is the same one who's being so.....?'' She couldn't help but tease, her eyes sparkling with amusement, as she glanced back at Ritvik, his face still buried in her neck, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

"Everyone trembles at the mention of my name, but I'm the one who trembles before my cherry,'' Ritvik whispered, his lips grazing Ruhani's skin as he peppered her with gentle kisses. ''Hisaab barabar.(The scales are balanced, after all.)''
He paused, his eyes sparkling with mischief, as he turned her to face him. ''By the way, dear biwi jii , you should be thrilled that this side of me is exclusively yours. And yet, all I hear are complaints.''

Ruhani was rendered speechless, Ritvik's words striking a chord within her. She couldn't deny the truth in his statements, and a part of her felt grateful that this exclusive, vulnerable side of Ritvik was reserved only for her. With a gentle laugh, she conceded, asking him to help find the document. Ritvik, like a petulant child, whinnied in protest, but his resistance was short-lived. Aakhir biwi ke aage koi bol sakta hai kya.
(After all, who can resist the charms of their Biwi?)
With a sheepish grin, he set out to assist her, scouring the papers, but unfortunately, they couldn't find the document.

Just as Ritvik was about to suggest sending Ronit to retrieve the file, a look of realization crossed Ruhani's face, followed by a comical facepalm. 'I think I left the file on the bookshelf,' she admitted, her voice tinged with exasperation. Ritvik's expression transformed into one of amusement, and he offered a solution. 'Ronit's in the house; I can ask him to bring it.' However, Ruhani's worried expression indicated that wasn't an option. 'Ronit Bhai can't find it,' she said, her brow furrowed in concern. Just then, Ruhani's phone buzzed, displaying Anika's name on the caller ID. Ruhani answered, and Anika's voice came on the line, her words spilling out in a rapid sequence. ''Hello, Ma'am. I'm heading to the market to pick up some items. I've sent you the list; please review it.'' Ruhani's eyes lit up as an idea struck her. ''Anika, since you're going to the market, could you make a quick detour to the Agnihotri Mansion? There's an orange document named "HSR Tech" on the bookshelf. Would you mind bringing it with you when you come?"

"Yes, Ma'am, but I'm not familiar with your bookshelf or the layout of the house,' Anika replied, her voice laced with nervousness. Ruhani reassured her, 'Don't worry, Anika. Ronit Bhai is there, and he'll help you find the file. I'm sending you the location.' As she spoke, Ritvik showed her a message on his phone, where he had already informed Ronit about Anika's arrival. Ruhani's face lit up with a warm smile, appreciating the thoughtful gesture. It was moments like these that reminded her that sometimes, no words were needed; bina kahe sab samajh jaate hai
(some things are understood without being said). With the tension finally alleviated, Ruhani felt a sense of relief washed over her. Meanwhile, Ritvik had been listening in on the conversation and couldn't help but chuckle when he heard Anika address Ruhani as 'Ma'am.' He decided to keep his amusement to himself for the time being, not wanting to tease Ruhani while she was still tense. He'd wait until she was more relaxed, and then he'd have his fun.

Time skip......

As Anika parked her car within the Agnihotri Mansion's grounds, the sudden roar of a bike's engine broke the calm atmosphere. She turned to see a mysterious figure emerge from the distance, clad in a black helmet that concealed his face behind its tinted glass. His attire was a harmonious blend of rugged and refined: a black leather jacket layered over a black formal T-shirt, its top three buttons undone to reveal a chiseled chest, honed from countless hours at the gym. The leather jacket hugged his physique perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and toned torso. His long legs straddled the bike, encased in rugged gun boots that added an extra layer of edginess to his already-imposing presence. No wonder book girls would swoon over this look. A glimpse of tattoos on his wrist and palm, peeking out from the leather jacket, only added to his enigmatic charm. His long fingers, wrapped around the bike's handlebars, seemed to grasp them with ease, leaving me to wonder how those fingers would feel wrapped around someone's neck...

(Focus. Focus. Focus. Focus...🫠)

Anika's reverie was shattered by the insistent blaring of a horn, and she realized that the mysterious biker had caught her staring. But instead of embarrassment, Anika felt a surge of boldness and simply walked past him, heading towards the Agnihotri's Mansion. Just as she was about to enter, a low, rough voice called out from behind her, ''I didn't know that you would enter anyone's house without their permission. Not bad, Mrs. Soon-to-be Tarun Mittal.''
Anika's head jerked back, her eyes narrowing as she spat out, ''You murderer, what are you doing here?"

Ronit's eyes flashed with indignation as he stepped closer to Anika, his voice low and menacing. ''Wow, you're in my house, and yet you have the audacity to call me a murderer? I didn't expect this... brazenness from you.'' He closed the distance between them, his face inches from Anika's, the air thick with tension. ''You should be careful what you say, especially under my roof."

Anika's expression remained unwavering, her eyes locked on Ronit's, as if the close proximity was of no consequence to her and as if they had done enough of this. ''I must admit, Ma'am and Sir are incredibly generous to have taken you in and given you a roof over your head,'' she said, her voice dripping with the same intensity, her words laced with a subtle venom that hinted at a deeper animosity.

Ronit responded to a low, menacing laugh, his eyes gleaming with amusement expression after listening to Anika's answers like he was quite impressed. Then he started to observe her from head to toe. His gaze began slowly to deliberate from the top of her head to the lower of her shoe. Like he was memorizing her every subtle curves and every features from these clothes fibres of crop top and denim jeans. His gaze was so intense that it seems to burn with an inner fire.

As Ronit's intense gaze continued to bore into her, Anika felt a shiver run down her spine, but to her surprise, it wasn't discomfort or revulsion that she felt. Instead, she was struck by a sense of unease, a feeling of being laid bare under his scrutiny. It was one that she had never experienced before, not even with her fiancé. Shaking off the unsettling thoughts, Anika turned to face Ronit, her voice firm and detached.
''I don't have time to argue with someone like you murderer. Just tell me where the bookshelf is, so we can both go our separate ways and live freely."

Ronit's smirk grew wider as he listened to Anika's curt response. He fell into step beside her, his long strides easily keeping pace with hers. ''The bookshelf is straight ahead, to your right,'' he said, his voice low and smooth. Anika didn't acknowledge his guidance, her eyes fixed on the bookshelf as she walked purposefully towards it. Ronit's gaze never leaves her back.

As Anika walked ahead, Ronit's gaze lingered on her, his expression twisting into a complex mix of fascination and hunger. He couldn't help but notice the subtle sway of her waist and hips, the gentle rhythm of her movements igniting a spark within him. It was as if a flame had been kindled, casting a warm glow over the dark recesses of his mind. Ronit couldn't quite grasp the nature of this newfound sensation, but he was drawn to it, craving more of the strange, thrilling feeling that Anika's presence seemed to evoke.

As Anika reached the bookshelf, her eyes widened in dismay, and Ronit's smirk grew even wider. The file she needed was nestled on the topmost shelf, tantalizingly out of her reach. At 5'2", Anika was no match for the shelf's lofty height. She turned around, her eyes locking onto Ronit's, who was standing dangerously close behind her. His 6'3" frame loomed over her, casting a long shadow on the floor. Ronit's face was a picture of teasing amusement, his smirk twisting his lips into a wicked grin that made Anika's heart skip a beat.

Ronit's eyebrow arched upward, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he asked, ''Do you need any help?'' But Anika was determined to ignore his condescending tone and the smug expression that accompanied it. She turned her back on him, her eyes fixed on the bookshelf as she stood on her tiptoes, straining to reach the topmost shelf. Ronit's gaze followed her movement, his eyes fixed on the stretch of skin exposed between the hem of her top and the waistband of her jeans. As Anika's hand brushed against the shelf, Ronit's breath caught in his throat, and he muttered a low curse under his breath, his eyes flashing with a mixture of surprise and desire.

As Ronit's gaze fell upon the waist chain which was hanging on Anika's waist, his eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire. His hands twitched with a primal urge to touch, his mouth watering at the prospect of claiming her. The beast within him stirred, straining against the fragile leash of his self-control. But Ronit gritted his teeth, fighting to rein in his baser instincts. Just then, Anika began to jump, her arms outstretched in a futile attempt to reach the file. Ronit couldn't help but chuckled while thinking, "how can be someone so captivating and adorable at the same time without doing anything !!"

Before Anika could comprehend what was happening, Ronit's towering frame enveloped her from behind, his broad shoulders and chest shielding her petite figure from view. His height and presence seemed to swallow her whole, rendering her almost invisible. It was as if he had wrapped himself around her, protecting her from the outside world with his imposing physique. The air around them seemed to thicken, heavy with an unspoken intimacy, as Ronit's body hovered over Anika's, casting a shadow that hid her from the world. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though nothing else existed beyond the two of them, lost in the silence of their shared space.

Ronit's warm breath danced across Anika's scalp, sending shivers down her spine as she stood before him, her head barely reaching his chest. It was as if she had been granted intimate access to the rhythm of his heart, a privilege for her small height that left her breathless. As she began to turn around, Ronit's low whisper stayed her, the single word '''stay''' holding her in place. Anika's body seemed to surrender to the gentle command, her muscles relaxing as she remained still, her ears tuned to the steady beat of Ronit's heart. Unconsciously, she leaned back, her head making gentle contact with Ronit's chest. The spark of touch ignited a fire within him, his heart pounding louder, the rhythmic thud echoing through the air like a primal drumbeat.

Ronit's low, rough voice sent a thrill through Anika's veins as he asked, ''Which file?'' His words were laced with a hint of strain, as if he was struggling to steady his own racing heartbeat. Anika's response was barely audible, her voice trembling as she managed to stammer out just four words: ''Orange one, HSR Tech.'' Ronit hummed softly in response, his hand stretching up to retrieve the file. But as he did, his other hand accidentally brushed against the delicate chain at Anika's waist. The touch sent a shiver coursing through her spine, a jolt of electricity that seemed to spark every nerve ending in her body. Yet, Ronit's actions seemed almost... deliberate, his fingers lingering for a fraction of a second longer than necessary, as if savoring the touch.

It was as if Ronit's very existence depended on touching that delicate chain, his fingers drawn to it with an otherworldly fascination. The thin metal seemed to taunt him, its fragile presence a challenge to his strength, beckoning him to claim it. And when he did, his touch lingering on the chain, Anika's body began to stir, her movements restricted by the narrow space between the bookshelf and Ronit's imposing frame. She wriggled and squirmed, her slender form undulating like a trapped animal. Ronit's deep, soft voice whispered a gentle warning in her ear, ''Don't wiggle, squirrel.''
The warmth of his breath sent shivers down her spine, his words a low, husky caress that left her breathless. Anika's eyelids fluttered close, her body surrendering to the possessive touch that seemed to brand her as his own.

As Anika struggled to regain her bearings, the world around her seemed to snap back into focus. She opened her eyes to find Ronit standing before her, his tall frame radiating an air of quiet confidence. He held the file out to her, a smug smirk playing on his lips. But for a fleeting instant, Anika glimpsed something else in his eyes - a flicker of emotion, a hint of vulnerability. It was as if Ronit's mask had slipped, revealing a glimpse of the turmoil beneath. His heart seemed to have skipped a beat, his chest rising and falling with a subtle, ragged edge. But before Anika could grasp the significance of what she saw, Ronit's mask slipped back into place, his expression smoothing into its usual, infuriating calm.

In that fleeting moment of distraction, Anika seized the opportunity to snatch the file from Ronit's grasp. She knew that the longer she lingered, the more she risked losing herself in his piercing gaze, his captivating presence. With the file clutched tightly in her hand, Anika swiftly turned to make her escape. But as she emerged from the house, she couldn't shake the feeling, his presence following her like a shadow. Indeed, Ronit followed closely behind, his long strides effortlessly matching Anika's hurried pace. From afar, they seemed like two souls bound together by an unseen force, their footsteps synchronized in a rhythm that echoed the beating of their hearts. Unbeknownst to them, they were two halves of a whole, their lives intertwined in a delicate dance of fate, each step drawing them closer to a destiny that only they could fulfill.

Anika hastily retreated to the sanctuary of her car, her heart still racing from the encounter. She took a few deep breaths, attempting to calm her frazzled nerves. Meanwhile, Ronit stood watch, his eyes fixed intently on her, though he maintained a respectful distance. As Anika started the engine and pulled up beside him, she murmured a soft 'thank you' before accelerating away. Ronit's lips curled into a knowing smile as he chuckled to himself, ''It's only the beginning, squirrel. Our paths will cross again, and next time, I'll make sure it's for keeps. You've awakened a restlessness within me, and only you can soothe it.'' As he spoke, he unclenched his fist, revealing the delicate waist chain he had secretly unhooked from Anika's waist.

Ronit's eyes closed, and he raised the delicate chain to his face, inhaling deeply as if to commit the scent to memory. His lips brushed against the metal, a soft, gentle kiss that spoke of a deep longing. With the chain still clutched in his hand, Ronit straddled his bike, the roar of the engine echoing through the air. He followed the same path as Anika, his destination the same. But his motivations were far from pure. 'Work will be the excuse, 'and getting closer to her, the reward.' A sly smile spread across his face as he accelerated, the wind whipping through his hair, his heart pounding with anticipation.

On the other side

"Hello, so how is Mr. Ranvijay Singh Rathore doing !!" Priyanka said in a call with her extra sugar coated voice in a sarcastic way.

"Come to the point." Ranvijay said with his uninterested tone.

"So how is that bitch doing?" Priyanka asked while splitting venom from her mouth.

"The bravery of a bitch, she herself calls another girl a bitch. Wow..." Ranvijay said with an irritated anger uninterested tone.

"Oh. So the great Ranvijay is now going to take a stand for that bitch Kavya, That's so against me !!" Priyanka said with a disbelief yet mockery tone.

"Who are you ?" Ranvijay said while offending her.
"And stay in your fucking limits of saying anything about her." Ranvijay again said in his dangerous cold tone.

"Oh. I guess you have already fallen for that bitch." Priyanka asked with a disbelief tone but with an afraid one.

"So, now you are afraid of her. Quite interesting." Ranvijay said in a mocking tone.

"I am Priyanka Agnihotri. I'm not afraid of anybody. My name alone strikes fear in the hearts of those who stayed around me. And you, Ranvijay would just do well remember your promise, you made. Otherwise no one will believe your words that 'Ranvijay Singh Rathore never goes against his words.' No one will believe you. You know that right. Your so called 'Man of words' line will be gone forever." Priyanka said with a evil tone while making him remember about a promise and his words.

Ranvijay's voice erupted in a low, thunderous growl, his irritation and anger simmering just below the surface. ''I am a man of my words,'' he repeated, his tone heavy with emphasis. ''I don't need you to constantly remind me, to question my integrity.'' His words were laced with a barely contained fury, his patience worn thin by Priyanka's relentless prodding. ''Enough of this promise game,'' he spat, his voice dripping with disdain. ''Come out from behind your mask of manipulation and show your true face. Let's end this charade once and for all."

Priyanka's lips curled into a sly, evil grin, her eyes glinting with a calculating intensity. ''Don't worry, son,'' she purred, her voice dripping with malice. ''I'll make good on your promise... soon.'' Her gaze seemed to bore into Ranvijay's very soul, as if she could see the threads of his resolve beginning to unravel. With an air of sinister anticipation, Priyanka's fingers drummed a slow, deliberate rhythm on the armrest, her mind whirling with the intricate moves of a carefully laid plan. The promise, it seemed, was merely a pawn in a far larger, more complex game - one that Priyanka was determined to win.

Ranvijay's finger hovered over the screen for a fleeting moment before he abruptly severed the connection, leaving Priyanka's voice on the other end to trail off into silence. His eyes gleamed with an unyielding determination, his jaw set in a resolute line. For Kavya, his Amore, his every waking thought, he would stop at nothing. He would gladly relinquish his claim to morality, to promises, to anything that stood in the way of claiming her as his own. The words 'amoral' and 'promise-less' would be a small price to pay for the chance to be with Kavya, to bask in the radiance of her love. Ranvijay's heart beat with a fierce devotion, his very soul afire with the conviction that he would do whatever it took to make Kavya his.

"Ma'am we are all ready to go to the UK." A man said from behind while coming to the room.

"The game is going to be interesting soon, dear son Ritvik and my beloved daughter-in-law Ruhani. Sorry the CEO of HSR Company." Priyanka said to herself and went from there.

On the other side

"Ruhi, Priyanka is going to the UK. But Kavya is not with her. Something is missing." Krishav said to Ruhi while showing something on his laptop.

"Even I couldn't track Kavya di's location. Where did she vanish ?" Ruhi said with an annoyance voice while seeing her system in laptop.

"Everything will be revealed in the UK,"
Krishav whispered softly, his fingers gently massaging Ruhi's forehead in a soothing circular motion.

As his touch calmed her mind and body, Ruhi's tense muscles relaxed, and a faint, peaceful smile played on her lips. Krishav's heart swelled with love and concern, his eyes never leaving hers as he watched her unwind.

With a tender gentleness, he scooped Ruhi into his arms, cradling her against his chest. He carried her to the bedroom, laying her down on the bed with the utmost care. As he drew the blankets over her, Ruhi's eyes fluttered closed, her breathing slowing into a tranquil sleep. Krishav stood watch, his gaze lingering on her serene face, his heart filled with a deep sense of love and protectiveness.

"Shh, my love, don't worry," Krishav whispered, his voice a gentle breeze that caressed Ruhi's peaceful form. " I'm here to shoulder every burden, to soothe every worry. Your work is just breathe, my muffin, and let your beauty take my breath away." As he spoke, his eyes devoured every detail of Ruhi's serene face, drinking in the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the soft, inviting curve of her lips, and the tranquil expression that filled his heart with love. Time stood still as Krishav sat vigil, his presence a testament to the unwavering devotion that filled his soul. In this moment, everything felt right with the world, and Krishav knew that he would move mountains to keep Ruhi safe, always and forever.

Krishav switched off his phone, Ruhi's phone, and everything around him, creating a cocoon of stillness. He wanted no distractions, no interruptions, just the gentle sound of Ruhi's breathing. As he sat beside her, his eyes feasted on her serene beauty, drinking in every delicate feature. This was his happy place - being with Ruhi, surrounded by peace and quiet. It was all he needed to feel alive, to feel complete. The world outside could wait; for now, this moment, this silence, was all that mattered.

On the other side of Ritvik's company

"The cat-and-mouse game is over, Kriti," Kunal declared, his voice low and determined. "No more hiding, no more running. Soon, nothing will stop me from claiming you as mine, from making you mine forever. Soon, I will be in my HOME & you will be in yours, in my arms.. " His eyes gleamed with a possessive intensity as he gazed at the small photo of a girl in his wallet. He pressed his lips to her forehead, a gentle, loving gesture. Then, his gaze shifted to Kritika's photo on his laptop, and a self-satisfied smile spread across his face. The message was clear: he would stop at nothing to make her his.

>

"And so, the real drama unfolds. The UK is about to become the backdrop for a tangled web of memories, ones that will either be etched in glory or stained with heartache. The lives of these interconnected souls will soon be put to the test, where the stakes are high and the consequences, dire. There's no middle ground, no neutral territory. It's a game of extremes, where winning is exhilarating and losing, potentially lethal. As the future hurtles towards them, one thing is certain: nothing will ever be the same again."

(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡(⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)

So the real drama begins with so many chaos and so many stories. 🩷

Even I am hella excited what's going to happen.
As your author herself is in doubt, what is going to happen. 🫠

But don't worry, I will try my best to not disappoint you😚🫶🏻

So stay tuned and connected with this book.

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Aur agar acha lag raha hai toh doston ke saath discuss b kar liya karo, kuch idea humein bhi de do. Let's see kitna idea kitna assumption milta julta hai🫠🫶🏻

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