To Where It All Began ✔

12. THE ONE WHOM HE ALREADY KNEW

The morning sunlight streamed through the large French windows of the dining room, casting an almost ethereal glow on the magnificent walnut-coloured dining table. The setting was exquisite—a classic European design, richly carved and perfectly polished, a testament to Anant Mhatre's taste for grandeur. But there was an unmistakable chill in the air that no amount of sunlight could warm. Around the table, Anant sat with his wife, Aruna, and their son, Saket, while Disha, Mhatre Group's Legal and financial advisor shrewd, stood beside Anant with a tablet, briefing him on the updates of pending legalities for the day.

"Sir, today you have four meetings scheduled. Daksh sir will be joining you remotely from the Bangalore head office of ROYMHA," Disha stated crisply, her voice as measured and controlled as her expression.

Anant gave a curt nod, his eyes fixed on the screen in front of him, where he scanned through figures and reports that Disha had carefully arranged. "And what about the new consignment we're sending to Australia?"

"The market is looking promising there. Immediate profits are expected. Daksh sir's decision to move forward with it should yield a 34% profit margin, even considering current market fluctuations." Her tone was neutral, but Anant caught the faintest glimmer of approval in her eyes.

A proud smirk spread across Anant's face. "I never doubted my decision to make Daksh the MD of ROYMHA in Bangalore. Since he's taken over, the company has scaled new heights." He took a long sip of his coffee, letting his satisfaction settle in.

Across from him, Aruna gave a careful smile, though her gaze flicked sharply toward Saket. "Anant," she began in a tone as polished as the table, "I'm worried about Shreekant. Losing his wife must have taken a toll. Shouldn't he take some time off from managing the Mhatre Group of Hotels? Perhaps Saket could temporarily step in as MD, just until Shreekant is able to manage his responsibilities fully again."

At her suggestion, Anant dropped his spoon, its clink against the plate sharp in the otherwise quiet room. He looked at her, his gaze narrowing. "I know my son. Shreekant is perfectly capable of handling his responsibilities, regardless of his personal circumstances. He's always been determined, and he doesn't need coddling. Besides, if he weren't, I would have sent him to ROYMHA's head office instead of Daksh. And anyway," he paused, glancing at Disha, "I believe he's already shown his dedication."

Disha nodded, the slightest smile playing on her lips. "Absolutely, sir. Shreekant even headed the stockholders' meeting yesterday and managed the board with remarkable focus. He also invited an international restaurant reviewer to stay at our outhouse, hoping to gain publicity for our restaurant chain."

A hint of surprise flickered in Anant's eyes. "The outhouse? He actually invited someone there?" He exchanged a look with Aruna, surprise quickly replaced by satisfaction. "Good. Perhaps he's finally beginning to let go of the past." His hand found Aruna's, and he clasped it gently. "You worry too much. Shreekant is stronger than you give him credit for."

In the midst of this conversation, Shreekant entered the room, dressed in a finely tailored blue suit. His face bore the composed yet distant expression that had become second nature to him over the years. As he fixed his tie, he cast a perfunctory glance toward his father before heading toward the main door.

Aruna called out to him, her voice feigning a warmth that had never truly existed between them. "Shreekant, why don't you join us for breakfast?"

Without missing a beat, Shreekant turned, a sardonic smile gracing his lips. "Hearing your voice first thing in the morning has already soured my day, Mrs. Mhatre. I have no interest in staying any longer to ruin it completely."

With that, he turned on his heel and exited, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. Anant clenched his jaw, the tension visible as he set his napkin down with restrained force.