‘Where’s Ayaan? It’s his company as well. He needs to attend this meeting.’
The montage of memories played in my mind. I remembered how upset she was with Ayaan right after that.
‘You need to grow up and take some responsibility. Especially at work. How will anyone take you seriously? This is going to be your company one day; you need to act like it.’
What she said hours ago.
‘House of Advani will disappear if you continue making business decisions based on sentimental values. Maybe you’re not ready to be CEO after all.’
Her motives became clear.
‘She wants Ayaan to inherit the company,’ I said, my voice hollow. ‘Be CEO.’
Harish uncle looked at me for a long moment, shaken. ‘I always knew she was a manipulative woman,’ he finally said. ‘But this … I never imagined she would sink this low.’
A fist closed around my heart. She hadn’t just stolen my work. She’d snatched my father’s faith in me. All these years … all the jabs, pointed silences … it hadn’t been indifference. It had been antagonism. And yet, Dad chose her over me.
The hollow ache inside me splintered even wider. Dadaji was the only reason I was considered a part of the family. And now that he was gone …
I dragged a hand down my face. Was it really that easy to cast me out?
Ananya’s face flashed before me.
She’d cast me aside, too. Broke my trust as if she didn’t care.
She didn’t give Rekha the plans. She hadn’t lied about what she told Rekha. Maybe she kept my trust the only way she could. But shehadlied about the spying. She had chosen Rekha over me in those stolen moments. That was real. And the betrayal hurt.
‘She was threatening me, Jai. She said she would blacklist me from the industry if I didn’t obey. And when she found out about us, she used that to blackmail me.’
What if she really was forced into it?
‘I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner. But I was scared. Of losing my future. And then I was terrified of losing you.’
‘I think she is trying to sabotage the line. I … God, Jai, I couldn’t live with myself if I let that happen.’
She tried to warn me. But I didn’t pay attention to it. I was drowning in pain. And in the back of my mind, I thought that since the deal was signed, there was no sabotaging it.
If Ananya had been loyal to me when it truly mattered, I’d have lost the only person who had ever been in my corner. If not – if I was wrong again – I was an even bigger fool than Dad thought I was.
I didn’t know what to believe. Whether to rage or grieve. All I could think of was her.
The curve of her smile. The twinkle in her eyes. That goddamn floral scent.
‘Ayaan is not CEO material, Jai. Won’t be unless he makes big changes in his life. Youcannotlet this happen,’ Harish uncle said.
‘Email the video to me,’ I said, my heart hammering. ‘I need to go.’
‘Dilip isn’t here, and you’re drunk. Just stay the night—’
‘I’m sorry for everything, uncle. And grateful for your help. But I’m fine. See you later,’ I said, already rushing out the door.
I should have gone home. Should have gone to bed or even opened another bottle. But my feet carried me down the road and up four sets of stairs.
I just wanted answers; maybe she had explanations I didn’t let her give. Or just a glimpse of her. Something to fill this void that threatened to consume all of me.
Before I knew it, I was at Ananya’s doorstep, jamming the bell over and over.
No answer.
