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The next morning, the first rays of dawn filtering through the blinds did little to alleviate the weight on my shoulders. The crisis from the previous night still loomed large, and as I sat at my desk, reviewing yet another report, my mind couldn't help but wander to Armaan. Where was he? Had he managed to get any rest?

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and Kanisha entered, carrying a tray with breakfast. "Good morning, ma'am. I brought you some breakfast," she said with a warm smile. "Armaan sir told me to see if you were eating properly."

A smile formed on my face despite the tension. The fact that Armaan was thinking about my well-being, even in the midst of this chaos, brought a fleeting moment of solace. "Thank you, Kanisha," I said, accepting the tray. "Please, put it on the table."

Kanisha did as instructed, then hesitated before speaking again. "Ma'am, if you don't mind me saying, you've changed so much after your marriage."

I looked up, curious. "Why do you think that?"

Kanisha's smile widened. "You've started smiling more. You express yourself more freely, and you seem genuinely happy, ma'am."

Her words took me by surprise, sending me into a cascade of memories and emotions. Before Armaan, my life had been consumed by work and the relentless drive to succeed. I had built walls around my heart, especially after losing someone so precious to me.

"I don't believe that bloody word 'love,' " I had once told myself, "It took away a very precious person from me. I hate that word to the core."

But then, Armaan had entered my life, and everything had changed. His patience, his kindness, and the way he supported me unconditionally had chipped away at the barriers I had so carefully constructed.

Something about him made me feel a little more alive and a far less lost in this cruel world, I had found myself thinking more often than not.

"And if forever does really exist, I wish it would be just him..."

I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost missed Kanisha's voice calling me back to reality. "Ma'am?"

I blinked, refocusing on her concerned face. "Yes, Kanisha?"

"Is everything alright?" she asked, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

I took a deep breath, pushing aside the swirling emotions. "Yes, everything's fine. Please contact Mr. Mehta. Only a deal with him can help salvage the company's image right now."

Kanisha nodded, her professionalism returning. "Right away, ma'am."

As she turned to leave, I stopped her. "Kanisha, have you seen Armaan this morning?"

She paused, a small smile playing on her lips. "He was here earlier, ma'am. He's been coordinating with the IT and legal teams since dawn. He wanted to make sure everything was under control before you woke up."

My heart warmed at her words. "Thank you, Kanisha."

As she left the room, I took another deep breath, grounding myself in the present. The challenges we faced were daunting, but knowing Armaan was with me every step of the way gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.

I picked up my phone and dialed Armaan's number. He answered on the second ring. "Eshana, how are you feeling?"

"Better," I replied, the sound of his voice soothing my frayed nerves. "Thank you for thinking of me and making sure I had breakfast."

"You need to take care of yourself, Eshana," he said softly. "We'll get through this, together."

"I know," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude and something deeper that I couldn't quite name.

As I hung up the phone, my thoughts drifted to Aavanya, my best friend. It had been too long since we last spoke. The reception party was the last time we saw each other, and she had called once after my panic attack to check on me, but life had been so chaotic since then. I missed our conversations, our laughter, and the way she always knew how to put things into perspective.

I realized that I needed to talk to her about everything that had been happening, especially this strange feeling I was having about Armaan. There was something shifting inside me, something I couldn't quite put into words. Aavanya would understand. She always did.

Determined to reconnect, I decided to call her later in the day. I needed her advice and her support, now more than ever.

~~~~

The morning dragged on, each minute feeling like an eternity. My eyes remained glued to the clock, waiting for Armaan to return. When the office door finally opened and he walked in, I felt a rush of relief.

"Where were you?" I asked, my voice tinged with both curiosity and concern.

Armaan approached my desk, a small stack of documents in his hands. "I went home to bring some important documents we might need," he explained, setting them down. "I also freshened up and brought some clothes for you. I thought you might need a change after the long night."

Touched by his thoughtfulness, I managed a weary smile. "Thank you, Armaan. You're always thinking ahead."

He returned the smile, though his eyes were shadowed with concern. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm managing," I said, the weight of the crisis still pressing heavily on my shoulders. "I contacted Mr. Mehta. If we can convince him to make a deal, it could help salvage our company's image."

Armaan's eyes narrowed slightly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "But there's a complication, isn't there?"

I nodded. "Mr. Mehta is friends with Nihira's father. We have to somehow get him on our side despite that connection. He asked me to meet him at his VIP bar tonight. I'll be going with you."

Armaan's expression hardened for a moment, a flicker of resolve in his eyes.

"Nihira is the reason behind this mess. I've got a plan for her. I intend to make sure every shareholder pulls out their investments from her company. She played dirty, so let me play the dirtier," he thought to himself.

Hearing his resolve bolstered my own. "Armaan, I have to get this deal at any cost."

He looked at me, a mix of determination and protectiveness in his gaze. "You'll get it, my little Quinn. And if not, I'll make sure you do."

A shiver ran down my spine at the intensity of his promise. He stepped closer, and with a tenderness that made my heart ache, he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. His lips lingered for a moment, a silent vow of support and solidarity.

A brief silence settled between us, filled with unspoken words. Finally, Armaan broke it. "The media and paparazzi are swarming outside our building, waiting for a statement. We need to address them before we can leave for the meeting."

I sighed, knowing he was right. "What should we say?"

"We need to assure them that we are handling the situation with utmost seriousness and that the company's future is secure. Confidence and clarity will go a long way in calming the public and investors," Armaan advised.

I nodded, steeling myself for the confrontation. "Let's do it."

Before I could move, Armaan gently cupped my face, his eyes searching mine. He leaned in, and our lips met in a soft, sweet kiss. It was brief, but it conveyed all the care , support, and strength I needed to face what was ahead.

~~~

As we walked toward the building's entrance, I couldn't help but glance at Eshana, her determination unwavering despite the exhaustion etched on her face. My heart ached for her, knowing the toll this crisis was taking.

Eshana's hand briefly brushed mine, a silent reassurance. "We'll get through this," she said softly.

"We will," I affirmed, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'll be right by your side."

As we stepped outside, the flashing cameras and clamoring voices hit us like a wave. Eshana squared her shoulders and faced the crowd, her voice steady as she addressed the media.

"Good morning. I understand there are concerns regarding the recent events at our company. Rest assured, we are taking every necessary step to address the situation and ensure the security of our data and the stability of our operations. We are committed to transparency and will keep you updated as we progress."

Her words were calm and authoritative, and I could see the effect they had on the gathered crowd. The reporters quieted, their questions becoming more measured.

"Ms. Eshana, what measures are you taking to prevent such incidents in the future?" one reporter asked.

"We have already begun a comprehensive review of our security protocols and are working with experts to implement additional safeguards," she replied confidently. "Our priority is the trust and safety of our clients and partners."

After a few more questions, we made our way back inside, the noise of the media gradually fading behind us.

"You handled that brilliantly," I said, admiration evident in my voice.

She smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, Armaan. I just hope it's enough."

"It will be," I reassured her. "Now, let's focus on meeting Mr. Mehta. We'll secure that deal, and we'll come out of this stronger."

As we prepared to leave for the meeting, I couldn't shake the weight of everything that had happened. But Armaan's presence was a constant source of strength. I knew that with him by my side, we could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As we got into the car, I glanced at him, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts. "Armaan, do you really think we can convince Mr. Mehta?"

He met my gaze, his expression unwavering. "We will, Eshana. You deserve nothing less."

His words filled me with a sense of resolve. No matter what, we would come out on top. Together.

As the car pulled away from the office, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the battle ahead. With Armaan beside me, I knew we could face anything.

~~~~

The drive to Mr. Mehta's VIP bar was filled with a tense silence. Armaan and I both knew the stakes were high, and the weight of the situation hung heavily between us. As we pulled up to the bar, the opulence of the place was immediately evident. The exterior was sleek and modern, with polished glass and chrome reflecting the city lights. A valet greeted us and took the car, ushering us into the lavish interior.

The bar itself was an oasis of luxury. Soft lighting bathed the room in a warm glow, highlighting the rich, dark wood paneling and plush leather seating. A grand chandelier hung above the center of the room, casting intricate patterns on the marble floor. The air was filled with the subtle scent of expensive cologne and fine liquor, creating an ambiance of exclusivity and sophistication.

Mr. Mehta was seated at a corner table, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp and assessing. He rose to greet us, his handshake firm and his smile cordial. "Mrs Shekhawat Roy , Mr Roy , it's good to see you both. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you for meeting us, Mr. Mehta," I said, taking a seat across from him. Armaan sat beside me, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of my anxiety.

Before we could begin our conversation, the door to the bar swung open, and Nihira walked in, her expression a mask of cold disdain. She made a beeline for our table, her eyes locked on me.

"Eshana, what a surprise," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Hello, Ms Sharma ," I replied, keeping my tone neutral. "We're here to discuss business with Mr. Mehta."

Nihira scoffed, crossing her arms. "Business? Is that what you call it? Trying to salvage your sinking ship by dragging others down with you?"

Mr. Mehta's eyes flicked between us, clearly uncomfortable with the confrontation. "Nihira, this is not the time or place for personal issues ."

She glared at him, then turned her icy stare back to me. "Personal issues? You think this is just personal? This is about business, reputation, and integrity-things you seem to lack."

Armaan finally spoke , his voice calm but edged with steel. "Nihira, this is about restoring what's been unjustly tarnished. If you have a problem with that, maybe you should reconsider your own actions."

Nihira's eyes flashed with anger, but before she could respond, Mr. Mehta raised his hand. "Enough. We're here to discuss a potential business deal, not to air grievances. Eshana, please, continue."

Ignoring him, Nihira leaned closer, her voice lowering to a venomous whisper. "You're wasting your time, Eshana. You'll never get Mr. Mehta on your side."

Armaan's hand tightened around his glass, but he remained silent, his eyes burning with a quiet fury.

"Nihira, this is a professional meeting," I said calmly. "If you can't behave accordingly, perhaps you should leave."

Nihira's eyes flashed with anger, but before she could respond, Mr. Mehta intervened. "That's enough, Nihira. I won't have my establishment turned into a battleground. If you have nothing constructive to add, please excuse yourself."

With a final glare, Nihira turned on her heel and stalked out of the bar, leaving a tense silence in her wake.

Mr. Mehta sighed, rubbing his temples. "I apologize for that. Now, let's get down to business. Eshana, what do you propose?"

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Mr. Mehta, we understand the value of your partnership and the influence you hold in the industry. We're willing to offer favorable terms in exchange for your support in this difficult time. With your backing, we can stabilize our company and ensure a mutually beneficial relationship moving forward."

Mr. Mehta leaned back, considering my words. After a moment, he nodded. "I believe we can work something out. Your proposal seems reasonable, and I'm willing to offer my support."

Relief washed over me, and I managed a genuine smile. "Thank you, Mr. Mehta. Your support means a great deal to us."

As the meeting concluded, I excused myself to the restroom, needing a moment to compose myself. The opulent bathroom was a stark contrast to the tension I felt, its marble surfaces and gold fixtures offering a brief respite from the chaos.

~~~~

As soon as Eshana left the room, Nihira reappeared, her eyes narrowing as she approached me. "Armaan, I didn't expect you to be Eshana's lapdog."

I stood, facing her squarely. "Nihira, your games have gone too far. You've sabotaged Eshana's company, and you think you can get away with it?"

She sneered, her voice cold. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I know it was you," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "And I have plans to make sure everyone else knows too. You played dirty, Nihira. I'm going to play dirtier. You won't have a company left when I'm done."

Nihira's expression faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "You're bluffing."

"Try me," I challenged, stepping closer. "This isn't just about business. This is personal. You attacked Eshana, and I won't let that go unpunished."

The night was already filled with tension when Nihira's threat lingered in my mind. Her words echoed as she sneered at me, " I am warning you. Your own wife will destroy you, Armaan."

My eyes narrowed, and my voice was low and deadly serious. "Agar baat humari barbadi ki hai to hume uske hatho khushi khushi humari barbadi manzoor hai... Par baat agar usko kisise nuksaan pohchne ki ho... To apne hatho se uss insan ko mein barbad kar dunga... Iss kadar barbad karunga usko...! Ki duniya se uska wajood mit jayega."

" If it's about my ruin, then I willingly accept my ruin at her hands... But if it's about her getting hurt by someone... Then with my own hands, I will destroy that person... I will ruin them to such an extent... That their existence will be erased from this world."

A chill ran down Nihira's spine at my words, but there was no time to dwell on it. She looked at me with a mix of anger and fear. Then, She smirked, her defiance still evident. "Let's see."

Suddenly, she heard the sound of heels approaching. In a swift, calculated move, Nihira grabbed my arm and pulled me down onto the couch, making it look like we were in a compromising position just as Eshana walked back into the room.

Eshana's voice cut through the tension. "What's going on here?"

I looked up, my heart sinking as I met her eyes. Nihira's smirk widened, but I couldn't let this misunderstanding stand. "Eshana, this isn't what it looks like," I began, desperation creeping into my voice.

But the damage was done, and the look in Eshana's eyes told me everything. This battle with Nihira had just become even more complicated.

I went to the bathroom and splashed some water on my face, hoping to clear my mind. As I walked back inside the room, a familiar voice caught my attention. Entering inside , I saw my husband, Armaan, in a compromising position with Nihira. My heart stopped, and the world around me seemed to blur.

"What's going on here?" I asked, my voice surprisingly steady.

Armaan pushed Nihira aside and stepped forward towards me, trying to explain, but I couldn't hear him. All I could see was the red in front of me.

"Eshana, it's not what it looks like," Armaan said urgently, his voice full of desperation. "Please, listen to me."

But I kept quiet, my mind racing. I needed to get out of there. Without a word, I turned and walked away, Armaan following close behind. The drive back to the mansion was silent, the weight of what I'd seen pressing down on me.

Eshana's silence was more painful than any words she could have spoken. I wanted to explain, to tell her it wasn't what it seemed. But her expressionless face was making me confused, leaving me feeling helpless. As we reached the mansion, I tried one last time.

"Eshana, please," I said softly, my voice almost breaking. "You have to believe me. I had no idea Nihira would pull me like that and make it look like that. You know how she is, always trying to make me look guilty."

She remained silent, her eyes distant. I could see the turmoil in her mind, and it tore at me.

That night, as I lay in bed, sleep eluded me. My mind was filled with fears of what Eshana thought, of what she believed. It wasn't my fault, but would she see it that way?

The raw anger burned within me, and as the night deepened, I knew I couldn't let it go unanswered. I had warned her numerous times not to pull stunts on my husband, but I guess she doesn't understand simple words. Silently, I left the mansion, making my way to Nihira's penthouse.

The building was quiet, the night air cool against my skin. I found her door and let myself in, my heart pounding with a mixture of rage and determination. Every step I took was fueled by the image of her smirk, the audacity of her actions.

Nihira looked up in surprise as I entered, her face quickly morphing from shock to defiance.

Nihira was lounging in her living room, a smug smile playing on her lips as she saw me. "Eshana, what a surprise."

I didn't respond. Instead, I pulled out the gun I had brought, aiming it steadily at her legs. Her eyes widened in shock, and before she could react, I pulled the trigger twice. The shots echoed through the room, and Nihira screamed, collapsing to the floor.

I stood over her, my voice cold and steady. "What's the point of legs if they betray you and lead you into places you don't belong? Without control, they're just a path to ruin. Now, you'll never fall again, you'll never stand again, never walk again, and drag someone else's husband down with you again . And most importantly, never touch what's mine."

Her cries of pain filled the room, but I felt nothing but a grim satisfaction. I turned and left, the sound of her agony fading behind me. As I walked back to the mansion, a strange calm settled over me. I had done what needed to be done.

When Eshana returned, her expression was unreadable. I wanted to ask where she had been, but something in her eyes stopped me.

"Eshana..." I began, my voice tentative.

She looked at me, her gaze intense. "It's done, Armaan. Nihira won't be a problem anymore."

The coldness in her voice sent a chills through me, but I nodded. "Okay."

As she walked past me, I realized that this woman, my wife, was someone I still had so much to learn about. Her calm demeanor as she re-entered the mansion, the silent resolve in her eyes-it was both intimidating and mesmerizing.

I picked up my phone and called my men for information on what had happened. As I listened to their account, the details hit me hard. Eshana had gone to Nihira's penthouse and shot her in the legs. She had done it without hesitation, without second thoughts.

"She shot her?" I muttered, more to myself than to the person on the other end of the line.

"Yes, sir. She made sure Nihira will never walk again," came the reply.

I couldn't believe I had missed the scene. Shit. How hot and tempting she must have looked, standing there, taking control, defending what was hers. Fuck, this side of her was definitely a huge turn-on for me. The sheer force of her will, the raw power she had shown-it was irresistible.

I hung up the phone and stared at her as she walked away, my pulse quickening. I had always known Eshana was strong, but this-this was something else entirely. She wasn't just strong; she was fierce, unyielding, and absolutely captivating.

My thoughts raced. Eshana had defended me, had taken justice into her own hands for us. The realization was both humbling and thrilling. This woman was my wife, my partner. And I had never been more in awe of her.

----

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