Loving a man not worthy of your love is not your mistake. It's human. Never let yourself feel low for loving an undeserving man.

Sonakshi was still thinking about what her brother had said. They never trusted Dev. She closed her eyes as she went through all the memories with Dev. It was hardly a few days, but she felt as though years passed. His smile was still etched in her mind.

"You need to get out of the heartbroken zone," Kriti's voice cut Sonakshi's thoughts.

"Who says I am heartbroken?" Sonakshi replied.

"Do you think I am blind?" Kriti asked her, "I know you were thinking about him. You had that faint nostalgic smile."

Sonakshi kept mum. She didn't know what to say. Despite all that Dev did, she still felt her heart warm when she thought about him.

"Sonakshi!" Kriti yelled.

"What?" Sonakshi yelled back.

Kriti's frustration was evident as she looked at Sonakshi. "You can't stay in this state forever, Sonakshi. Dev has caused you so much pain, and it's time to move on. We need to work. We have to look out for loopholes in the financial statements."

Sonakshi sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know, Kriti. It's just not that easy. Emotions are messy, and my heart doesn't seem to listen to reason."

"Look, I understand that emotions are complicated, but you can't let him have this hold over you," Kriti urged. "You're strong, and you deserve so much better."

Sonakshi nodded, acknowledging Kriti's words. "You're right. I need to focus on rebuilding, on the company, on my life."

Kriti smiled, relieved that Sonakshi seemed to be coming around. "That's the spirit! We'll get through this together. And who knows, maybe this is an opportunity for something new and better."

Just then, Sonakshi's phone buzzed. She picked it up, and her eyes widened as she read the message. It was from Ravit Raheja, requesting a meeting.

"Ravit Raheja wants to meet me," Sonakshi said, her brows furrowed.

"Why would he want to meet you now?" Kriti wondered aloud.

"Let's find out," Sonakshi muttered.

"You are not going to meet that man. Not without protection," Kriti said.

"You are not telling anyone, Kriti," Sonakshi said, "I can handle him."

"I am not letting you go meet that monster alone for whatever reason," Kriti did not budge

"What brings you here, Ravit?" Dev asked, his tone laced with irritation.

"Oh, just checking out my future workplace," Ravit replied, strolling around the room as if he already owned it.

"I don't think this is the time for jokes, Ravit," Arjun interjected, his expression serious.

"Who's joking, Arjun?" Ravit chuckled, "I'm here because the board thinks I'd make a better chairman for Dixit Industries."

"That decision is premature," Dev retorted, "And it's based on false accusations against me."

"Well, life's not always fair, Dev. You should know that by now," Ravit smirked.

Arjun tried to diffuse the tension, "Let's sit down and talk. There might be a way to resolve this without causing more damage."

Ravit took a seat, looking at Dev with a challenging glint in his eyes. "I'm all ears, but make it quick. I have a board meeting to attend."

Dev clenched his fists, trying to keep his anger in check. "I want the embezzlement news removed. I'll handle the consequences of my personal life, but dragging the company into it is unjust."

Ravit leaned back, studying Dev intently. "Interesting proposition. But what's in it for me?"

Dev gritted his teeth. He couldn't believe he was bargaining with Ravit, a man who seemed to enjoy his predicament.

"Name your terms," Dev finally said, his voice low.

Ravit smirked, "Step down from the chairman position, and I'll see what I can do about the news. After all, it's more fitting for a Raheja to lead Dixit Industries."

Dev's eyes burned with frustration. He felt trapped, cornered by circumstances and the Raheja family's cunning tactics.

Dev's jaw tightened as he absorbed Ravit's audacious demand. The room seemed to close in around him, and the weight of the situation pressed heavily on his shoulders. He contemplated the cost of complying with Ravit's terms for a moment.

"Step down from the chairman position? You must be out of your mind, Ravit," Dev scoffed, his voice laced with defiance.

Ravit leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with a sinister glint. "Let's be clear, Dev. Your personal life has come out into the corporate realm, and I have a golden opportunity to seize control. First, it was the news of you and Natasha Gujral. And Now, it is the news of you embezzling funds. If you want the embezzlement news gone, you'll have to make sacrifices."

Dev's mind raced, considering the consequences of Ravit's proposal. He couldn't fathom giving up his position in Dixit Industries, a company his father had worked tirelessly to build. Yet, the prospect of salvaging his reputation and protecting the company's image tugged at him.

"Think carefully, Dev. I won't make this offer twice," Ravit sneered.

Dev took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "I won't bow down to your manipulations, Ravit. I'll find another way to clear my name."

Ravit's expression darkened, and a menacing smile played on his lips. "You're making a grave mistake, Dev. You don't know what I'm capable of."

As Ravit stood to leave, his parting words sent a chill down Dev's spine, "And remember, if you want to salvage what's left of your reputation, cut ties with Sonakshi Sharma. She's the root of your problems."

Dev's confusion was palpable. "What does Sonakshi have to do with all this?"

Ravit chuckled ominously. "Oh, Dev, you really are clueless. Sonakshi and I share a history. A history you know nothing about. If you want to save yourself, leave her behind. Or watch everything you've built crumble to dust."

Ravit exited the room with that cryptic message, leaving Dev bewildered and disturbed. As the door closed behind him, Dev couldn't shake the feeling that his battle had taken a much darker turn, involving a past he was yet to unravel.

The lavish surroundings of Mr. Raheja's study reflected his status and influence. He sat behind a grand wooden desk, carefully considering the recent developments involving his son, Ravit, and the entanglement with Dev Dixit's family. The door opened, and Ishwari entered, a sense of formality in the air.

"Ishwari, please have a seat," Mr. Raheja gestured, his expression serious.

Ishwari gracefully settled into a chair, awaiting to start on the conversation towards the purpose of this meeting.

"I've been observing the situation with keen interest. It seems our children are caught up in a complex web," Mr Raheja began.

Ishwari nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, it's a challenging time for both our families."

Mr Raheja leaned forward, his eyes scrutinizing Ishwari. "I want you to understand, Ishwari, that I fully support my son in his pursuit of the chairmanship at Dixit Industries."

Ishwari's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Support? Even in the midst of all these allegations and chaos?"

Mr Raheja nodded firmly. "Yes. I believe in Ravit's capabilities. He's smart, ambitious, and has a company vision. The current circumstances provide an opportunity for him to ascend."

Ishwari couldn't hide her concern. "But what about the allegations against Dev and the embezzlement issue? Supporting Ravit in this might exacerbate the situation."

Mr Raheja smiled confidently. "I've always taught Ravit to seize opportunities. We can use this chaos to our advantage. If Dev is facing challenges, it only strengthens Ravit's position. We need to ensure the Raheja family comes out on top. Our family comes out to the top."

Ishwari sighed, realizing the depth of the Rahejas' strategy. "This is a risky game, Mr. Raheja. It could lead to further conflict and damage both our families. Especially my son and husband."

"Ishwari, sometimes risks are necessary for success. Ravit is my son, and I stand by him. If we play our cards right, we can shape the narrative in our favour," Mr Raheja asserted.

As the discussion continued in Mr. Raheja's study, he leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Ishwari, I can't help but think that you deserve more than the tears the Dixit family has given you. It's time for us to secure a position of strength for our family."

Ishwari, surprised by his directness, responded cautiously, "Mr. Raheja, I appreciate your concern, but I believe in resolving conflicts through dialogue and finding common ground. We shouldn't escalate matters further."

Mr Raheja smiled knowingly, "Ishwari, my sister, you've always been the one to seek peace. But sometimes, peace comes at a cost. Your son is facing serious allegations, and our family can rise above this if we play our cards right."

"I understand your perspective, my brother, but I can't ignore the consequences of a power struggle. It could harm both our families," Ishwari insisted, her commitment to diplomacy evident.

Mr. Raheja nodded, acknowledging her stance. "I respect your approach, Ishwari. However, I won't stand by and watch our family's fortunes crumble. Ravit is ambitious, and I believe he can lead Dixit Industries to new heights."

"I want what's best for Dev and my Dixit family as well," Ishwari responded, her tone earnest. "Perhaps there's a way to find a resolution without causing further damage."

Mr Raheja, sensing Ishwari's reluctance to embrace his strategy fully, leaned forward. "Ishwari, your loyalty and patience have been commendable, but there comes a time when one must seize opportunities. Our families deserve prosperity, and I believe Ravit can provide that."

"I shall always stand with Raghu. I shall forfeit even you for him," Ishwari said, getting up from the chair.

As Ishwari left Mr. Raheja's study, the weight of their conversation lingered. The two families' clash of ideals and strategies had set the stage for a complex and unpredictable future. The dynamics within the corporate world and the intertwined fates of the Dixit and Raheja families hung in the balance, with each decision shaping the course of events to come.

HI READERS 👋

HAPPY DIWALI!
Hope you all had a wonderful festival!

Back after a really long time

WORD COUNT: 1694 Words.

Would you like to know what happens next?

I'll try for an update by this weekend as I am currently on vacation.

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CHEERIO!