Rajat shook his head in denial as he responded. “She’s a woman who’s holding together a marriage withKaran Wadhwa. If she can handle that, she can handle anything this board throws at her.”
A few members chuckled under their breath, then tried to stifle it as Karan glared at them.
Abhimanyu agreed. “What’s the harm if Mishti Bhabhi works with us?”
Karan’s eyes locked with his brother’s, his patience thinning. “This is not up for debate.”
“Actually, it is, Bhai. You said it yourself…this company runs on votes, not dictatorship.”
The tension spiked. Even Kanika looked uneasy.
Rajat clapped once. “Exactly. So, let’s take the final vote, shall we?”
Hands slowly began to rise—first Mr Roy, then another member raised his hand too. Rajat went up next, followed by Abhimanyu’s. Kanika’s hand stayed firmly down.
Karan’s gaze swept across the table. The math was clear: four votes in favour, three against, including his. The decision was sealed.
“Great.” Rajat leaned back, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “Majority rules. Mrs Mishti Wadhwa is officially a Non-Executive Director at KW Capital Ventures.”
Karan rose, buttoning his blazer.
“She can have the title,” he said. “But let’s be clear—if she fails even once, I won’t think twice before removing her myself.”
“Fair enough,” Rajat replied smoothly. “But knowing her, I doubt she will.”
Karan shot Rajat and Abhimanyu a cold look before his gaze darted towards the rest. “Meeting adjourned.”
The room emptied until only the three of them remained.
Karan’s hand curled into a fist on the edge of the table as he turned to Rajat. “Youcalled him in from France for this vote, didn’t you?” he asked. “This whole stunt wasyourdoing.”
Rajat didn’t flinch. “Yes. I called him here, and why not? He’s part of the board. He deserved to be here. This isn’t about going against you, Karan. It’s business.”
Karan took a step forward, his temper slowly starting to blow up again.
“Bringing Mishti anywhere against my will is going against me, Rajat.”
“Okay, guys, that’s enough.” Abhimanyu stepped between them, hands open like a bridge. “We don’t need to turn this into another argument. The vote is done. Let it be done.” He angled his head toward Rajat and smiled. “Bro’s keeping a welcome party for me tomorrow. You need to come. Please don’t miss it.”
“Party? Wow.” Rajat’s grin widened. “You know I never wait for an invitation, Abhi. I’ll be there.” The two men clasped forearms in that quick, brotherly hug.
Karan watched the exchange before leaving the boardroom. Mishti would be on the board now, and he had no choice. But that didn’t mean he had lost. If she was going to be placed inhisworld, then he would learn how to turn that placement intohisadvantage.
***************
Wadhwa Mansion – Next day
Karan had organised Abhimanyu’s welcome party at the garden of Wadhwa Mansion, and the guests had already started arriving. The garden was no less than a private oasis behind the palatial home, which could easily host a high-profile private event without ever feeling crowded.
He descended from the staircase overlooking the living room in a black silk shirt with a matching tuxedo. He was halfway down the stairs when he finally saw Mishti near the living room archway, speaking to Maria.
She’d worn a deep designer red saree that immediately drew attention, not because it was bold, but because he had never seen any other woman looking so breathtakingly gorgeous in his favourite colour. The drape fell neatly over her shoulder, the sleeveless blouse was devastating…perfectly cut, showing just enough elegance without daring too much. Her hair was leftloose with soft waves framing her glowing face, and the sindoor gleamed like a declaration of who she belonged to.Him.
“Ma’am, you look very beautiful today,” Maria said before spotting Karan halfway down the stairs and didn’t hesitate to involve him. “Sir will agree too,” she said cheerfully. “Red suits you the most.”
Mishti’s eyes widened as she turned towards him immediately. She hadn’t realised he was there. Their eyes met for a heartbeat. Karan’s expression didn’t show anything clearly, but something in his gaze slowed. His eyes lingered on her form for a bit too long, even to her surprise. Not the hurried, casual glance of a man acknowledging a pretty woman.
This was different.
