Author's POV

The morning sun cast its golden hue over the Solanki Enterprises headquarters. In the sleek, glass-walled conference room, Jitendra Solanki sat at the head of the polished mahogany table. To his right was Ketan, reviewing documents with a focused demeanor. Prisha sat opposite, her posture poised yet exuding a hint of impatience. Vedant leaned against the wall near the door, his expression neutral but attentive.​

Jitendra slid a crisp manila folder across the table toward Prisha. "This contains critical documents pertaining to our upcoming deals," he stated, his voice firm. "I need you and Vedant to deliver it personally to Chief Gagar at his hotel suite this evening. It's imperative that it reaches him directly and without delay."​

Prisha's lips curled into a subtle smirk as she accepted the folder. "Consider it done, Father," she replied smoothly, casting a fleeting glance at Vedant.​

Vedant acknowledged the directive with a curt nod, his face betraying no emotion.​ "Understood, Sir."

"Ketan will provide you both with the necessary details," Jitendra continued, signaling the end of the meeting. The attendees dispersed, each immersing themselves in their respective tasks for the day.​

As dusk approached, Vedant made his way to Prisha's office. He knocked twice before entering, finding her engrossed in her computer screen.​

"Prisha, it's time. Shall we?" he announced succinctly.​

Prisha swiftly gathered the folder, rising from her chair with an air of urgency. Without a word, she grabbed the envelope, rose gracefully, and strode past Vedant, her heels clicking assertively against the marble floor.​

Vedant followed her through the corridors, maintaining a respectful distance. As they reached the parking area, Prisha quickened her pace. Before Vedant could react, she slid into her sleek black sedan, Prisha opened the driver's door and turned to face him.​

"Know your place, Vedant," she warned, her eyes narrowing. "I'll handle this delivery myself. Don't overstep your boundaries."​

Before he could respond, she slipped into the car, ignited the engine, and sped away, leaving Vedant standing alone in the dimly lit parking lot.

Vedant's jaw clenched, a surge of frustration coursing through him. He took a deep breath, composing himself. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a number. "Prepare the car," he instructed tersely. "I have an urgent delivery to make."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm amber glow over the city, Prisha's sleek sedan glided to a halt before the grand entrance of the luxurious hotel where Chief Gagar was residing. The hotel's reputation for hosting dignitaries was evident in the heightened security presence; uniformed guards patrolled the entrance, their vigilant eyes scanning every visitor.​

Moments later, Vedant arrived, his vehicle pulling up just as Prisha stepped out of hers. Their eyes met briefly; Prisha's gaze was sharp for the earlier incident. Vedant, however, merely rolled his eyes, choosing to let the moment pass without comment. Without exchanging words, they proceeded together toward the hotel's grand entrance.​

As they approached, a male and female security officer stepped forward, their expressions professional and unyielding. The male officer, with a courteous yet firm tone, inquired, "Good evening. May I ask for your names and the purpose of your visit?"​

Prisha, maintaining her composure, responded, "We are Prisha Solanki and Vedant, representing the Solanki Empire. We have an appointment with Chief Gagar to deliver important documents."​

Vedant echoed her actions, presenting his credentials without comment.​

The female officer nodded, producing a tablet to verify their credentials. After a moment, she confirmed, "Your appointment is noted. Please follow us."

They led Prisha and Vedant through the lavish lobby, the ambiance exuding sophistication and exclusivity. Discreet security measures were evident—cameras subtly integrated into the decor, and staff communicating through earpieces—ensuring the safety of the esteemed guests.​

Upon reaching the private elevator reserved for VIP guests, the officers used a keycard to grant access, escorting them to the penthouse suite. The elevator doors opened to reveal a spacious foyer, where Chief Gagar awaited, his demeanor exuding warmth and authority.​

"Ah, representatives from the Solanki Empire," Gagar greeted, his voice warm as he gestured them inside. Prisha stepped forward, extending the envelope containing the crucial documents.​

"As requested, Chief Gagar," she said smoothly.​

Gagar accepted the envelope with a nod of appreciation. "Thank you, Ms. Solanki." He then turned to the other occupants of the room—a tall man with a chiseled jawline and piercing eyes, and a poised woman whose demeanor exuded quiet confidence.​

"Allow me to introduce Rishabh and Richa," Gagar continued. "They will be collaborating with us on the upcoming venture."​

Rishabh's gaze lingered on Prisha, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "It's a pleasure to meet you," he said, his voice smooth. "I look forward to our partnership."​

Prisha accepted the handshake, her expression remaining neutral. "Likewise," she replied curtly.​

Vedant observed the exchange, noting Rishabh's overt interest. However, he chose to remain detached, focusing instead on the broader implications of the meeting.

After a brief discussion outlining preliminary plans, the meeting concluded. Prisha and Vedant took their leave, retracing their steps through the hotel's labyrinthine hallways.

As they descended to the parking area, Prisha's pace quickened. Without a backward glance, she slid into her car and accelerated out of the driveway, leaving Vedant standing alone.

As they reached the parking area, Prisha, without breaking stride or acknowledging Vedant, slipped into her car. The engine roared to life, and she sped away, leaving Vedant standing alone under the dim glow of the streetlights.​

Vedant exhaled slowly, a wry smile touching his lips. He had anticipated such a move from Prisha and was neither surprised nor particularly perturbed.

Vedant retrieved his keys and muttered to himself, "Predictable." Settling into his vehicle, he started the engine and navigated towards his next assignment, the night's events already compartmentalized in his mind.

Vedant was driving his car when he noticed some cars following him. He realized they had the same symbol as the ones that attacked him and Ketan before. Suddenly, someone from the pursuing cars started shooting at him. Vedant reached for his gun to shoot back but was shocked to find it empty. A wave of realization washed over him, Prisha had taken the bullets. Fueled by a potent mix of fury and desperation, Vedant slammed his foot on the accelerator.

Without warning, gunfire erupted. Bullets clanged against the car's metal frame. A bullet hit one of his car's tires, causing him to lose control and crash into a tree. He got out of the car, and four masked men approached, trying to tie him up. Vedant fought back fiercely. During the struggle, a car came speeding towards them, firing shots—it was Prisha. She skidded to a halt beside Vedant, the passenger door flung open.

"Get in!" she shouted.​

Vedant jumped into the car without hesitation. Prisha executed a perfect drift, speeding away from the chaos. The city lights blurred past as they sped towards safety.​

After several tense minutes, Prisha pulled into a secluded alleyway, killing the engine. The silence was deafening.​

"Stop the car," Vedant's voice was cold, controlled.​

Prisha complied, her expression unreadable.​

He exited, moving swiftly to her side. Opening her door and yanked her out of the vehicle. He gripped her arm, his fingers digging into her skin, his eyes burning with a cold fury.

"How could you do this? Are you trying to get me killed?" he demanded, his tone a mixture of anger and disbelief.​

Prisha, unfazed by his anger, simply smirked. "Relax, Vedant. If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead" she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I saved your life back there. A little gratitude wouldn't hurt."

The words cut deep, and Vedant’s frustration reached its peak. "Gratitude? You took all the bullets from my gun, you set me up to be attacked, and now you expect me to thank you?"

Vedant took a step closer, his voice low and firm. “You treating me like your personal servant, I am here to do my duty, not to bow to your every whim."

Prisha's eyes flashed with anger. "Know your place, Vedant. You're under my father's command, which effectively puts you under mine. Obey me, or things will get much worse for you."​

Vedant's jaw tightened. "Is that a threat?"​

She leaned in slightly, her voice a whisper. "It's a promise."​

Vedant exhaled sharply, trying to keep his composure. "You can issue all the threats you want, Prisha. But understand this: fate has placed us on the same path, and while I will fulfill my duties, I will not be your puppet."​

Prisha's smirk widened. "We'll see about that. Cross me, Vedant, and you'll regret it."​

Vedant held her gaze, the tension between them thick and unyielding. Finally, he exhaled sharply, stepping back.

Vedant shook his head. "You're unbelievable."​

Prisha turned away, her tone dismissive. "And you're predictable."​

Without another word, Vedant turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Prisha seething in the dim light of the alley.