Chapter 15

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Next morning,

Everyone was having breakfast,

Adhiraj noticed a look of concern exchanged between his grandfather and father. he spoke up, "What happened, Dad?"

Randhir's expression was grave as he revealed, "Beta, our company's new collaborator, Mr. Goenka, is arriving here with his family."

Aarav interjected, "So, what's the problem, Dad?"

Randhir's gaze darkened, "Mr. Goenka is a complicated man, Aarav. He's unpredictable and has a history of pulling out of deals at the last moment. His family is conservative and set in their ways. His sons are known to be spoilt brats, and they are coming here to observe our culture, as they believe a person's background can be judged through their traditions."

The tension in the room was palpable as everyone exchanged worried glances. Akshita questioned  "Why are we collaborating with him then, Dad?"

Randhir sighed, "beta, we had a strong partnership with Mr. Goenka's father, a noble and honorable man. Unfortunately, he passed away due to a sudden heart attack. Circumstances have now led us to align with his son, Mr. Goenka."

Understanding washed over the family as they realized the gravity of the situation.

As the elders departed, the brothers noticed their wives sharing knowing looks. “What’s going on?” Adhiraj questioned, amused by their expressions.

Akshita spoke up, her tone firm yet gentle, “Raj, you three must exercise patience and restraint when Mr. Goenka and his family visit. We mustn’t let our tempers get the better of us. Control is key.” A playful smile danced on her lips as she delivered the reminder.

Akshat teased, “Oh, come on, Bhabhi. We are the epitome of calm and collected individuals. We won’t do anything rash.” Naina chimed in, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes, “Yes, we know how serene you three are. No doubt about that!” Their banter and laughter echoed through the room, filling it with warmth and love.

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Adhiraj sat in his cabin, Aarav and Akshat, strode in with purpose, their expressions serious as they discussed a new lead they had uncovered.

Aarav spoke, his words laced with urgency, "Yes bhai, this Mr. Goenka is not the saint he appears to be. He's involved in a web of illegal activities drug trafficking, counterfeit money, child trafficking, and more. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing, hiding his true nature behind a facade of respectability. His father may have been honorable, but he has turned to the dark side since his passing."

Adhiraj's jaw tightened at the revelation. "I had a feeling something wasn't right. Why are we even dealing with him? If it weren't for Dad and Dadu's insistence, we would have cut ties long ago. We can't afford any negligence in this matter. We need to keep a close eye on him and his operations."

Adhiraj entered the room to find akshita surrounded by an array of exquisite sarees, dazzling jewellery, and luxurious dresses. Intrigued, he inquired, "Akshu, what's all this?"

With a gentle smile, Akshita explained, "Raj, tomorrow Mr. Goenka is visiting with his family. Mom insisted I wear something grand, hence the dilemma."

Adhiraj approached his wife, pulling her close by the waist, "baby, everything looks stunning on you. Just pick what you love."

As Akshita smiled at his words, she couldn't ignore the weariness and tension in his eyes. Sensing his unease, she probed, "What troubles you, Raj? You seem worried."

Adhiraj hesitated before confiding in her about Mr. Goenka's questionable dealings, fraught with illegal activities discussed Akshita listened intently, her concern mirroring his own. In a tender gesture, Adhiraj brushed his lips against hers, reassuring her, "Do not fret, baby. I will handle this."

She nodded and hugged him tightly.

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Aarav entered the room,

He saw naina sat hunched over her laptop, a furrow of worry creasing her brow. His heart swelled with concern as he noticed the tension in her shoulders and the telltale sign of exhaustion in her eyes. He understood she's having a headache.

"Baby?" His voice was gentle as he approached her, his presence like a soothing balm to her troubled soul. She looked up, a tired smile lighting up her face at the sight of him. "Arey Aarav, you came. How was your day?" she inquired, her voice a melodic symphony in the quiet room.

In a gesture of tenderness, he guided Naina to sit on his lap, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "Having a headache?" His concern was palpable, his fingers gently massaging her temples in a gesture of love and care. She nodded, her eyes reflecting gratitude for his understanding.

"Come, let me give you a head massage," his tone was soothing, his touch a testament to his unwavering devotion to his wife. She hesitated, her sense of independence warring with her need for solace. "No, Aarav, I'm fine. I've already taken medication. But, you look exhausted," her voice was soft, laced with concern for his well-being.

"The preparations for the deal with Mr. Goenka has been relentless." His words were tinged with weariness, a flicker of anxiety dancing in his eyes.

"Don't worry everything will be fine" her voice was a soothing balm, her reassurance a salve to his weary soul.

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, In a gesture of unspoken understanding, she enveloped him in a tender embrace, their hearts beating as one in the quiet sanctuary of their love.

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Akshat entered the room but didn't find Priya there.

He heard some sounds from the poolside,

He found himself drawn to the poolside, where the gentle sounds of water mingled with the whispers of the night.

To his surprise, he discovered Priya there, her slender figure illuminated by the soft glow of a nearby lantern. She was lost in a world of colors and textures, her hands dancing across the canvas with fluid strokes of genius. Her face was a masterpiece in itself, adorned with streaks of vibrant paint that lent her an ethereal beauty.

"Akshat, you came at the perfect moment! Look at my latest creation, what do you think?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to him, her cheeks flushed with artistic fervor.

A smile tugged at his lips as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "It's breathtaking, just like you, my love," he whispered, his voice a tender caress.

As he reached for a wet wipe to clean the colorful smudges from her delicate features, he couldn't help but admire the dedication she poured into her art. Her passion was a beacon of light in the vast darkness of their world, a reminder of the beauty that existed beyond the cold, hard surfaces of wealth and power.

"You should be more careful, baby. Your skin is sensitive, and these paints might cause irritation," he chided gently, his concern evident in his eyes.

She laughed, a melodious sound that floated on the night breeze like a symphony. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'm a warrior of colors, I fear no battle!" she proclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

But what about you? You seem burdened by something," she observed, her eyes filled with concern.

"It's just work, the endless demands and expectations. Sometimes, it feels like the weight of the world rests on my shoulders." He said sighing.

Priya's gaze softened, her touch comforting as she caressed his cheek. "You're not alone in this, Akshat. We're in this together, remember? Now, go and freshen up. Dinner awaits, everyone must be waiting for us.

He smiled and nodded.

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