"Takatein humein mazboot banati hai, lekin wahi takatein humein kamzori tak leke jaati hai"

~ Meher ~

Mumbai, India

Today was the day. The dawn had finally arrived where I would finally take the position I was destined for. The night before was long, I couldn't help but roll around the bed as the anxiousness was hitting me as the time passed. Being the company's CEO was a huge responsibility, now that I had people to work for me and whose well-being I was responsible for.

For the day, I was dressed in a sleek black suit to exude confidence, which Arya had designed and styled for me. The mangalsutra rested over the base of my collar bone indicating that I was no longer single and the wife of the future CEO of the AV Group, Kabir Raizada.

As I sprayed the perfume, my thoughts went back to Kabir. We did not have any conversations following that night. After that day it was just mere nods and brief good mornings without looking at each in the eye. If I had thought that conversation would lead to a potential friendship, I was wrong there.

Fixing my make-up for the nth time, I picked up my bag and made my way out of the room, only to notice that Kabir hadn't left for the office, which he usually did on most days.

No, I and Kabir did not travel together to the office. It was an inconvenience since we always got off at different times and it was hard to coordinate and go home together. This was the only form of truth which I had fed to my fellow colleagues and family as they immediately started questioning us about our distance. Thanks to the almighty, I have a smart brain.

"You didn't leave?" I asked the moment I stepped into the living area, my brows furrowing in confusion.

"Can't leave my wife alone on her big day, can I?" the corner of his lips pulled up in a smirk. And for the update, Kabir was back to being his cocky self, if anything, the only joy he got out of this marriage was to tease and irritate me to the core if we weren't ignoring each other.

I had forgotten that he was pretentious as fuck and he showed that every time we were in the office. For example, stopping by my work desk and giving me a coffee, said some really cringey words and made his way out. A show where he was the only star

I scoffed as I moved to the shoe rack, picked black formal stilettos for the day, and sat on the chair to wear those.

As I was finally done wearing it, I stood up and confidently walked over to the couch to pick up my bag. I felt him walk behind me as we went to the door. "These pointed sandals still don't make you tall, Mini," annoyed I turned but almost faltered in my steps as I found him standing really close, causing me to stumble back. Out of instant reaction, his arm shot out to hold my wrist, preventing me from falling on my back.

"Can't let you fall for my charms on the first day, can we? Be careful, Mini Miny Moe," he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, making me shiver as he walked past me. I wistfully turned around and noticed his lips still holding on to that stupid smirk that I desperately wanted to wipe off. "Come down to the parking lot, wifey. We cannot be late today."

When was it decided that I was going with him?

*   *   *

Well, I did not protest at all.

Sitting beside him in the confined space of the car, I made sure to distract myself by stuffing my ears with air pods and switching some music on. I looked out of the car, enjoying the season of rain, as the raindrops fell on the window of the car, the droplets tracing down to the bottom. I watched people being prepped for their day— the office workers on their motorbikes with a raincoat and helmets protecting them from the rain, large umbrellas covering street food breakfast stalls and some people in the cabs, already starting off with their work for the day.

People always worked in Mumbai regardless of the season or the weather. I smiled as I felt nostalgic all of a sudden, remembering the first time I came to this city almost ten years ago. People had changed, and so had things but the awe and marvel I held for this city never dissipated. No Boston, no Bangalore could cure me of the love I had for this place.

I hadn't realised the car had stopped until I saw Kabir opening his side of the door and running out into Starbucks. I looked around and noticed that indeed we hadn't reached the office. I checked the time, there was still time for things to get started.

In fifteen minutes, I saw Kabir running back to the car holding two steaming cups of coffee and a paper bag. "Here you go," he said, passing me the bag and a cup of coffee. "Cappuccino and chocolate croissant for you and the almond one for me."

I looked at him, puzzled by his behaviour. "What?" He asked, noticing my expression. "We didn't have breakfast and I cannot let the soon-to-be CEO starve and faint to death, can I?"

Rolling my eyes, I pulled out my croissant from the bag and started munching on it. The heavenly smell of the freshly baked flaky chocolate croissant melts in my mouth, and a moan of approval follows. I heard a chuckle beside me and I stared at him, not appreciating his reaction. He shrugged nonchalantly as he proceeded to take his almond croissant from the back and helped himself with the food.

We silently had our breakfast in the car while enjoying the rain that was still pouring heavily. Though I wouldn't be able to say it aloud, I was really grateful to Kabir for this gesture. Stressful moments always made me anxious, which resulted in me skipping my meals. Today was one of those days where I didn't feel like eating.

But after arguing and having a banter with him, made me forget the stress for a while and I could actually stomach some food.

It was hard to decipher who Kabir Raizada actually was. He was so hot and yet at the same so cold that I was having a hard time understanding him.

He was like this— gentle, cocky and irritating but at the next moment, I would find him completely oblivious of my presence as if I am a mere speck of dust.

After we finished, the engine revved to life again making its way to the main office. As Kabir drove to the VIP parking lot, I noticed that it had already started filling up, indicating that the shareholders had started gathering already.

I got out of the car and followed Kabir's trail to the lift. We stood silently inside as the lift took us to the 60th floor, where the main conference room was set.

When I arrived at the conference hall, it had already started filling up with people. I noticed Akash Papa and my Dad standing in one corner and having a serious chat. I wordlessly looked around and noticed that the twins hadn't arrived yet.

I looked to my side to only observe it was empty as Kabir had already left to talk with a few people.

A light tap on my shoulder made me turn around, and it was William, smiling brightly. "Will!" I hugged him, finding a little comfort in his presence. "My TF Baby!" He hugs me back with zeal, crushing me in his arms. After his dramatic ass finally let go of me, I took a look at him and asked, "You haven't left, yet?"

William clicked his tongue, a small smile played on his lips. "Your Dad had informed me during the wedding. I cannot just go like that and attend the meeting via video call. I had to see my pupil finally take the charge," I chuckled, I was really grateful to have him here. This couldn't get any better.

"Well, how do you think your pupil will do after she takes up this post?"

William hummed. "I say," he paused, "you will rock it. Or if you don't, the post that you had vacated a few months back is still open for you. Trust me, this time there will be more benefits and," he leaned closer, putting the side of his palm near his mouth as if he was about to whisper, "lots of money."

Hearing that, I playfully hit his shoulder while I laughed lightly. "Don't tempt, me," I pointed a finger at him, making him laugh.

"Meher," I turned to my father, who walked towards me with a small smile grazing on his lips. It was the look that he always gave me whenever I achieved something, big or small, I really felt like I had accomplished, in a true sense.

"Dad," I hugged him and he returned it with a tight one. I knew he was proud.

The next hour went by in a blur. Announcements were made, papers were signed and finally, the torch was passed.

I was no longer Meher Mathur.

I was Meher Mathur Raizada, Managing Director and CEO of AV Media Corporation. Something felt different, it was unexplainable. A string of congratulations followed and kept on my biggest smile and thanked them. After that, it was finally time for my speech.

I got up from my seat and walked to the centre, where I could see everyone. I cracked my fingers to ease the tension and cleared my throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here to support me as I take the next step. I understand there must be a feeling deep inside that this esteemed position might have fallen onto my lap quite easily. I wouldn't say getting here was difficult as it would be a lie. On the contrary, my journey actually begins from here. Getting the position might have been easy but going forward and bearing the weight of the responsibility will be a challenge and would be the ultimate test to prove if I am the correct owner of this position or not. As I move ahead, I request all of you to be supportive of me and guide me through this journey as I need it a lot. I would give my best and subpar all of your expectations. Thank you so much once again," I took a breath of relief as I finished.

The entire conference hall thundered with deafening claps. From now on, there would be constant attention as they would look over my actions but as it is said, those who wear the crown shall bear the weight of it.

The company's petrochemical, steel, and media operations formed the core of the business as the largest amount of revenue was generated from here. Others had cloth and retail, telecommunications, infrastructure etc.

I was handed a big responsibility, I can't make mistakes.

*   *   *

As the lunch was hosted by the company for all the shareholders at the Marigold, all of us were having a good time chatting and making deeper connections. I spoke to a lot of people today who gave valuable insights on how to run a company. I realised that people have a lot of expectations considering my husband, Kabir, was a pro in this field.

Talking about husbands, Kabir was nowhere to be seen. He was supposed to join in late as today there was an important meeting where he had to be present, it was a government project that everyone had been eyeing for months. The AV Group was sure to seal the deal but there's always a tiny chance for uncertainty.

Even though the Dads were here celebrating, I could notice the worry lines on their forehead and I knew they were worried about this deal more than ever.

I looked at the time on my watch. The meeting must have been done and dusted by now.

As I had just thought about it, the doors opened and Kabir walked inside with his head held high with a glint so obvious in his eyes that I knew almost immediately— AV sealed the deal.

It wasn't just me but the Dads understood it too, I felt happy when I saw Akash Papa patting his shoulder with pride and hugging him. Kabir initially was stiff but eventually gave in, softness perfected his features. "A delight, isn't it," I hear Maan's voice from my right. "Hmm," we kept looking at Kabir who now hugged my Dad.

"He isn't a bad guy," I turned to him, he was smiling at me softly, but there was guilt as well. Obviously, he was the best friend, he was the centre of the problem, he knew. "I know, I have always known that," I whispered enough for him to hear, there was a silence of understanding that followed.

Maybe those words were for me and not for Maan. Deep down, I always knew he was a great guy but it was my ego, my pride that insisted that hating on him was better.

I watched Kabir walk towards us, his lips pulled up, eyes twinkling. He was smiling for real. I think I had never seen him smile like that. Like ever. It was raw and captivating. I now understood why girls flocked over to him.

He was indeed a very handsome guy.

Maan went over to congratulate him and the two did a bro hug, after a few exchange of words, Kabir finally approached me. "Congratulations," I shook his hand appreciatively.

"You too," he returned with another shake.

"Excited?" he asked me, continuing the conversation.

"For this? A little," I answered. "I am  a little nervous, to be honest," I added, confessing what I was feeling inside.

He hummed. "I get what you're feeling. I felt the same, this position, with prestige, comes with a lot of power. People are watching you with hawk-like eyes. One slip up and there will be multiple articles on you as how the CEO fucked up. You and I have read thousands of stories like that."

I carefully listened to his words, taking in everything he was telling me. "The key is to stay true to your work and the people who are dependent on you. The sense of responsibility is what would help you keep going on. And with people with whom you can trust, that journey becomes tenfold easier. Loyalty matters. That is the trick to thrive and survive."

I understood what he was trying to convey as no one better than him would know about this. Kabir was the first one among all of us to inherit the MD position of the AB group and even though I was away, I kept tabs online only to notice how much limelight he was in, it was borderline disturbing to watch.

"I will keep that in mind," I say and a ringtone interrupts our conversation in the middle. I take my phone out and see it to be Officer Ashna Mistry, calling me.

I excused myself and went into a corner to pick pick the call. "What a pleasant surprise officer! To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Officer Mistry chuckled from the other end. "Well thank you for greeting me like this. You definitely sound like my husband right now."

I giggled. "Well isn't he one lucky guy?"

"That he is," I could hear her fondness, she loved him a lot. "Congratulations by the way. Hope you do well."

"Thank you so much, officer."

"Call me Ashna, Meher. And apart from conveying my congratulations, I had called you to ask something." The change in her tone felt like she had called to speak about the case.

"What is it?"

"Did Anushka ever speak to you about having a boyfriend or something?"

"Boyfriend? I don't think we ever spoke about that. She had flings but I don't think she had a boyfriend," I informed her.

"Very well," she said and was about to hang up but I stopped her, "What is it, Ashna?"

Ashna sighed from the other side. "Umm,  we searched Ashna's house again this morning and we found a few diary entries which spoke about this relationship she had with a certain guy."

"Yeah, so?"

"Meher, reading those diary entries felt like an emotional turmoil, as if she was so dependent on him that she was scared of losing him— like her world solely revolved around him," the way she phrased it, felt unsettling.

I hung up and walked back to Kabir who looked curious. "It was Officer Mistry, to update me on Anushka's case."

"All good?"

Thinking back to our conversation seconds ago, I shook my head. "I don't think so. This might get bad."

"Don't worry," he pacified me. "It will get better."

I really hoped that too. "Come let's have lunch," I led him to the buffet but stopped midway when my phone pinged with notification.

It was a text message.

I opened it and the words I read made me gasp.

Kabir immediately turned to me, alarmed. "What happened?"

I showed him my phone and the moment he saw it, his jaw clenched.

It was a Barbie doll with her throat slashed and red all over.

All we asked was for your husband to back off. Warnings can turn into reality. :)

A cliffhanger! I hadn't written one like this in a while. Kabir tending to Meher, how cute is that? Are you enjoying it? Lemme know in the comments below.

Last week was Valentine's week and your dear author had the most stressful string of exams ever. Like I never had such bad exams. How did you spend your valentines?

Do VOTE, SHARE and COMMENT. Comment a heart if you enjoyed reading.

With Love,

Akii.