3. Deal?



Author's POV

The gala was in full swing. The sound of a violin quartet filled the air, mixing with the clinking of champagne glasses. But the real action wasn't on the dance floor-it was in the corner of the room where a small, glass-topped table held a document that could change the fate of two empires.

The Merger Contract.

Vikram Deshmukh stood by, watching his son. He didn't say much, but his presence was like a heavy shadow. Beside him, Sameer Mehta looked proud but cautious. This was more than a business deal; it was a bridge between two families who had been rivals for a decade.



Anurag's POV

I sat down, pulling a silver fountain pen from my inner pocket. My mind was still stuck in that corridor. The way Aradhya had looked at me-fearless, teasing, and so close I could feel her heartbeat.

"Sign it, Anurag," my father said, his voice low and commanding.

I looked at the paper. If I signed this, Aradhya would be in my office every day. She would be a part of my world. I wasn't sure if that was a victory or a trap.

I looked up. Aradhya was standing across from me, her hand resting on the back of a chair. She wasn't smiling now. Her eyes were serious, watching my every move.

"Are you hesitating, Mr. Deshmukh?" she asked softly. "Darr lag raha hai? (Are you scared?)"

"I don't know the meaning of the word," I replied. I leaned forward and signed my name in a sharp, bold script. I slid the pen toward her. "Your turn, Ms. Mehta."



Aradhya's POV

I picked up the pen. It was still warm from his hand.

I knew what this meant. This contract wasn't just about stocks and assets. It was an entry pass into the Deshmukh fortress. I wanted to see what they were hiding behind their polished walls-and I wanted to see Anurag lose his cool, just like he almost did in the hallway.

I signed my name with a flourish. "Done. Now we're Officially partners."

"Not partners," Anurag corrected, standing up and buttoning his blazer. "I am the CEO. You are the consultant. There is a hierarchy, Aradhya. Don't forget it."

I leaned in, whispering so only he could hear. "Hierarchies are made to be broken, Anurag. And I'm very good at breaking things."



Author's POV

As the fathers shook hands and the guests cheered for the new 'Deshmukh-Mehta' alliance, Akshita came running over, dragging a reluctant Agastya by the arm.

"Yay! It's official!" Akshita cheered. "Now we have to celebrate. Aradhya, you have to dance with Bhai. It's a tradition for new partners!"

Anurag stiffened. "Akshita, no. I have guests to talk to."

"Oh, come on, Anurag," Agastya nudged him, a playful glint in his eyes. "Don't be a bore. The board members want to see the 'united front' of the new company. One dance won't kill you."

Aradhya extended her hand toward Anurag, a challenging smirk on her face. "What's the matter, Mr. CEO? Is 'dancing' not in your contract?"

Anurag looked at her hand, then at the crowded room. He knew everyone was watching. If he refused, it would look like he was weak. If he accepted... he'd have to touch her again.

He slowly reached out and took her hand. His skin was cold, hers was warm. The contrast was like fire and ice.



Anurag's POV

We moved to the center of the floor. The music changed to a slow, melodic waltz. I placed one hand on her waist, feeling the smooth texture of the blue silk. She placed her hand on my shoulder, her fingers light but steady.

We started to move. She followed my lead perfectly, her eyes never leaving mine.

"You're a good dancer," she whispered. "I thought you'd be stiff, like a robot."

"I have many talents you don't know about," I replied, pulling her slightly closer to avoid another couple. Our chests almost brushed.

"I'm counting on it," she said, her voice dropping. "But let's make it interesting. A bet."

I raised an eyebrow. "A bet?"

"Yes. Within one month of this merger, I will make you smile. A real, genuine smile. Not that fake 'business smirk' you do."

"And if you lose?"

"Then I'll do whatever you want for a whole week. I'll be your most obedient 'consultant'."

I looked down at her. The thought of a submissive, quiet Aradhya was almost impossible to imagine. "And if I lose?"

"Then you have to take me out. No bodyguards, no phones, no your 'Deshmukh' rules. Just us."

The music reached a crescendo. I dipped her slightly, my hand supporting her back. For a second, her hair brushed the floor, and her eyes reflected the light of the chandeliers.

"Deal," I whispered.

As I pulled her back up, the hall erupted in applause. But I didn't care about them. I was looking at the woman in blue silk, realizing that my life of perfect control was officially over.

To be continued...

(1*⁠'⁠∀⁠｀⁠)⁠｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+

Do tell me how the chapter was...

-Ciara

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***