Something in his chest tightened. It was a sliver of concern.Is she mad?he thought. But just as quickly, he shoved the feeling away.
It’s her choice. If she wants to hurt herself, that’s on her. She’s not my problem.
He got into his car and started the engine. As he drove past the gates, he glanced at her through the rearview mirror. Mishti didn’t look back. Her thali trembled slightly in her hands from the wind, but she kept walking with her head bowed.
For once, she wasn’t trying to follow him, to please him, or to win his approval. And somehow, that unfamiliar distance she was trying to put today had started to bother him far more than her presence ever had.
***************
KW Capital Ventures
Karan walked into the boardroom. Every seat was occupied, from Kanika, in her crisp ivory blazer, to Rajat, who was flipping through his notes. The moment he entered, silence fell as he moved to the head of the table. As usual, he didn’t bother with small talk or formalities.
“It’s a waste of time, gentlemen, discussing what’s already done,” he said, sliding into his chair. “KW Capital has cut all ties with Saxena Holdings effective immediately. The ongoing projects will be completed within a week. I expect the respective teams to work overtime to close the accounts cleanly. And being the Chairman and CEO of this company, you all know every decision I make is for its benefit. I don’t have to justify myself.”
Mr Roy, one of the senior board members, cleared his throat cautiously. “No one’s doubting your decisions, Karan. Butnearly twenty-five percent of our revenue comes from Saxena’s accounts. This is a heavy blow, even if temporary.”
“And we can’t ignore the media,” Rajat added. “Once this gets out, questions will arise. If we can drop a partner like Saxena so easily, what does that say about our reliability? The other investors won’t take it well.”
“I don’t give a damn what the investors think, Rajat. I’ll handle them.”
Rajat nodded. “And what about filling up Saxena’s place?”
Karan leaned back in his chair. “We don’t need anyone right now,” he said flatly. “The board functions just fine without him.”
Rajat exchanged a look with the others before he spoke. “Actually, I have a name in mind.” He paused before continuing. “Mishti.”
The name alone cracked the silence in the room. Kanika stiffened, while two of the board members looked at each other in surprise.
Karan’s eyes narrowed at his friend. “What did you just say?”
“Mishti, your wife,” Rajat repeated, unflinching. “She has a Master’s in Business Administration. She’s smart, calm, and, frankly, the only person in this circle I can vouch for right now. She can be a Non-Executive Director, not a managing one. She won’t be involved in daily operations, just oversight and strategy. It makes sense.”
Karan let out a humourless laugh. “You wantmy wifeon this board? This is a company, not a charity for bored newlyweds.”
“She’s not just your wife,” Rajat said evenly. “She’s qualified for this. And perClause 152(2)of the Companies Act—” he paused long enough to let the words sink in,“—‘Every director shall be appointed by the company in general meeting unless otherwise provided by the Articles’which means, Karan, you don’t get to decide this alone.”
Karan’s gaze turned icy. “You think you can use my own board against me?”
“I think the company deserves balance,” Rajat shot back. “And before you say it, no, this isn’t about pity. Mishti can bring the perspective we lack here. She’s new, idealistic, and for now, the only one we can trust completely.”
Kanika leaned forward. “Trust her? She’s a Goel. We’ve barely recovered from the mess with Saxena, and you want another conflict of interest sitting atthistable?”
“Shewasa Goel,” Rajat snapped. “She’s a Wadhwa now. Don’t forget whose ring she wears.”
Karan’s hands flattened on the table. “Enough. If this is a vote, then let’s see who here has lost their mind.”
He looked around the room, gaze sweeping across the members. “All in favour of appointing Mrs Mishti Wadhwa as Non-Executive Director?”
A few hesitant hands went up—Mr Roy, a younger board member, and finally Rajat’s. Then the others followed Kanika’s lead, keeping their hands firmly down.
Karan smiled darkly. “Exactly half. No majority.”
“Maybe not at the moment.” Rajat met his eyes with a calm defiance. “But one person’s missing today.Hisvote still counts.”
Karan exhaled, knowing he was right. One person was missing.
Rajat rose, gathering his files. “The board has seven members, Karan. So, until the 7thmember votes, the decision isn’t final. We’ll reconvene when all are present.”
