Anshika's pov:

The meeting had finally wrapped up, and my heart raced as I made my way back to the emergency room. I had managed to send my updates to the board, but my mind was still cluttered with worry for the old man I had saved. It felt surreal to think that someone had tried to take his life right in front of me. As I entered the room, I found him lying there, pale but alive. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the tension in my chest.

I quietly pulled a chair next to his bed and covered him with a blanket, trying to make him comfortable. I opened my laptop, determined to catch up on work while I waited for news. But before I could type a single word, I sensed a shift in the atmosphere. I glanced over to see the old man stirring, his eyes fluttering open.

"Hey there," I said softly, offering him a reassuring smile. "You're in the hospital. You're safe now."

He blinked a few times, confusion written across his face. But then a smile slowly broke through, a hint of warmth shining in his tired eyes. "You are really nice," he said, his voice raspy yet genuine. "Thank you for helping me."

My heart swelled with pride at his words, but I quickly brushed it off. "It's alright, Uncle. I'm just glad that you're fine. Can you please give me your relatives' number so that I can inform them?"

He nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "You could have gotten them from my mobile."

I frowned, trying to recall the chaotic scene. "I couldn't find it anywhere," I admitted, my brow furrowing.

Suddenly, he let out a soft chuckle, the sound raspy but full of mirth. "Well, I appreciate your effort." He paused, his gaze sharpening slightly. "I am Rajesh Sharma."

My heart dropped, and the world around me froze. The name echoed in my head, sending shockwaves through my body. Rajesh Sharma? The owner of Sharma Enterprises?

The realisation hit me like a tidal wave. My mind raced, flashing back to my fierce rivalry with his son, Aman Sharma. I had been so caught up in the drama of my own life that I had no idea I was dealing with his father—the man behind the empire that was a constant thorn in my side.

"Aman's father..." I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, disbelief washing over me.

"Yes, that's right," he said, the corners of his mouth lifting into a knowing smile. "I suppose that makes this situation even more interesting."

I shook my head in disbelief. "I had no idea," I stammered. "I thought you were just an ordinary businessman."

"Ordinary?" He laughed again, the sound light yet laced with a hint of pride. "Far from it. But I appreciate your humility, Anshika. It's refreshing."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. Anshika. He knew my name, which meant Aman must have mentioned me. I felt a surge of vulnerability, as if the very air around us was charged with the weight of our families' histories.

"Can I... can I call your family?" I asked, trying to regain my composure. "They must be worried sick."

He paused for a moment, studying me intently. "Actually, I would prefer to keep this between us for now. I want to see how things unfold before we involve anyone else."

I nodded, though my mind raced with the implications of his request. "Alright, but I still think it's important," I replied, hoping to nudge him toward reconsidering.

"Of course. But for now, let's focus on getting me back on my feet." He motioned toward my laptop, his curiosity piqued. "What are you working on?"

I hesitated but decided to give him a glimpse of my world. "I'm in the fashion business, working on new designs for my brand. I had to revise everything after..." I trailed off, the memory of the chaos still fresh in my mind.

"That sounds fascinating," he said, leaning in. "I've always admired people who can turn their creativity into a successful venture."

A compliment from Rajesh Sharma? I wasn't sure how to process it. "Thank you," I replied, unsure whether to feel flattered or cautious. "I try my best, but things have been... complicated lately."

His gaze sharpened, and I could see a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "Complicated can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities. You just have to be ready to seize them."

I couldn't help but feel intrigued. Was he hinting at something? Did he see potential in me, despite the chaos of the day? "What do you mean?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

He leaned back against the pillows, a thoughtful look on his face. "Every challenge has a silver lining, Anshika. And it seems you're quite adept at facing challenges head-on. Don't underestimate your own strength."

As I absorbed his words, the reality of my situation began to sink in. Here I was, sitting next to a man whose son was my fiercest rival, receiving unexpected wisdom from someone I'd never expected to meet in such circumstances.

"Thank you, Uncle Rajesh. Your words mean a lot," I said earnestly, grateful for his perspective, despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me.

He nodded, his expression softening. "Now, how about we get that number for my relatives? I'd like to reassure them myself, but I need your help to connect the dots."

"Of course! Just let me grab your phone." I turned to reach for his mobile on the table next to the bed, my heart racing with a mix of adrenaline and hope.

As I looked for the device, I couldn't shake the feeling that this unexpected encounter might change everything. The stakes had never been higher, and for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope amid the chaos.