Armaan's Car

Kavya glances at a fuming Armaan as he tightens his grip on the steering wheel and drives the car in a high speed. His eyebrows furrow with rage and lips continue to mutter curse words under his breath.

Kavya notices, Armaan is not following the traffic rules or caring for accidents with the sharp turns. His heated gaze stare straight in the distance as he keeps racing towards the Kapoor Mansion.

She recalls when Armaan got a call at the Farmhouse, his posture had tensed. After disconnecting the call, he announced, they need to leave as soon as possible.

Neither he gave her the reason for leaving, nor the time to react and exited the farmhouse. However, she followed him and the moment she sat inside the car, he drove off. 

Kavya senses his anger increasing with each passing second. It makes her wonder, who must have called him and what was the nature of the call. Her concern and worry for him needs to know, who 

Kavya's chain of thoughts halt when she hears Armaan's phone ringing. He answers the call and pressed his phone to his left ear.

He roars, "Did you find the culprit?"

Kavya stares at him with curious eyes and thinks, 'Why is he so angry? What has happened?'

Armaan yells on the phone, "I don't give a damn Rihan, I need the betrayer and I want MY project back."

He disconnects the call without waiting for a response from Rihan. He curses in a louder voice and throws the phone at the backseat, which startles Kavya.

She closes her eyes and takes a sharp breath, scared of Armaan's increasing anger, which grabs his attention. 

Armaan glances at her side to find her eyes closed and hands clenched together with fear on her face. He realizes his mistake of showing his anger in Kavya's presence. So, he reduces the car speed and takes a deep breath to control his anger.

Armaan takes a left turn to enter the gates of the Kapoor Mansion, causing her eyes to open. He continues to drive till the entrance and turns off the engine. He steps to walks towards Kavya's side and opens her door. 

She steps down with her gaze lowered and murmurs a faint "Thank you"  before making her way towards the main door. Armaan notices her fear is still present because she didn't spare him a glance.

After walking two steps Kavya stops when she feels a strong hand, holding her right hand from behind. She turns around to find Armaan's long fingers wrapped around her wrist. She shifts her gaze to his face and finds him already staring at her. However, this time she didn't find the anger, instead she notices guilt in them.

Armaan walks closer, while maintaining the eye-lock and apologises in a soft voice, "I am sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Kavya lowers her gaze and asks in low voice, "Why were you so angry?"

Armaan stands at a feet's distance and sighs in frustration, but composes himself and answers in a polite tone, "Someone from my company has betrayed me."

Kavya stares at him in shock and he nods before continuing, "The call, which I got at the Farmhouse was of my PA Rihan, he informed someone has sold our company's confidential data. But he is unable to find the real culprit and I just lost an important project because of it."

Kavya asks in shock, "What?"

Armaan nods and by surprise, confesses her hand, which he held to stop her. He leans back on the car, while lowering his gaze and states, "This is my first loss. I feel my entire efforts of 3 years in the company has failed. I am failed."

The disappointment and sadness in his voice didn't go unnoticed by Kavya. She places her hand over their connected hands to give a gentle squeeze of support. However, Armaan's eyes remains fixed on the ground, as he stares in a daze.

He informs in a defeated tone, "Kavya, you have no idea how hard I have been working on this project. In last three months, I had stayed several nights in my office, working non-stop without a care of myself and eating anything. This project was so important for me, my company's progress and goodwill, but I...I just lost it because of inefficiency in my office."

Kavya opens her mouth to console him, but stops when she feels his fingers lacing with hers. She glance at their laced hands, then at him as he continues to stare at the ground in a trance. An audible sigh escapes from his lips and he moves his other hand from her wrist to lace his fingers with her same hand.

Armaan continues, "I am flying to Mumbai right now because I can't wait till morning. I have to find the culprit as soon as possible. One project is snatched from my hands, I can't bear more losses."

Kavya shifts closer and releases her one hand from his grip. She cups his cheek and makes him face her, which breaks his trance. He stares at her hand on his cheek, then at her, locking his eyes with hers.

She explains in a comforting tone, "Armaan, losing one project doesn't mean you have failed. This incident has happened, only to test your capabilities. Here, you have to prove yourself by rectifying the mistake in the best way and reverse the situation. As a matter of fact, this incident will enhance your skills and help to plan necessary measures for the future."

Armaan stares in her eyes to find a believe in them as she continues to speak, "Plus, no hard work has ever been wasted. I will sure, one day, you will be gifted with the desired results. Frauds and betrayal don't have a long life, Armaan. So, stop worrying and focus, you will find the culprit and maybe, you might get the project back, when the culprit will be exposed and punished."

Armaan removes her hand from his face and separates their other hand, making her frown and holds her both hands in one firm grip. 

He shakes his head in negative and says in defeating tone, "I won't get the project back Kavya, don't give me false hopes."

Kavya states with confidence lacing his tone, "You will Armaan, have faith in yourself. I am 100% sure, when the culprit will be caught, then the project will come back walking at your doorstep."

Armaan looks at her and she blinks her eyes in gesture to believe her words and smiles with assurance. This awakens a ray of hope in his senses and he finds himself, relaxing with her words. Though his mind reminds her inexperience in corporate words, his heart begs him to trust her for once.

In his dilemma, he moves closer without breaking the eye-lock and pulls her closer by her hands.

Kavya's breathe hitch with the sudden proximity and she feels Armaan's hands, wrapping around her waist. He pulls her further in his arms and Kavya hesitates, before responding to the hug. She wraps her arms around his waist and places her head on his chest.

Armaan sighs in contentment, while closing his eyes and feels his stress fading away. A wave of new confidence rushes through his senses and he pulls her closer, tightening the hug.

On the other hand, Kavya is happy as Armaan shared an important matter of his life with her and she got a chance to console him. She recalls the time, when her mother consoled her father on the business problem. Now, resembling her mother's actions and observing his positive reaction, she believes, they will share a strong and healthy bond in future.

However, their beautiful moment is disturbed by Armaan's phone ring and they break the hug. He realises his action and mentally curses himself for the hug, then answers the call.

While Kavya lowers her gaze, while blushing as she feels his gaze on her.

He informs after disconnecting the call, "I have to go Kavya. My private plane will be ready in 2 hours."

Kavya feels downhearted, but understands the situation and nods in response. Then asks with her gaze lowered, "When will you return?"

Armaan answers with uncertainty, "I can't guarantee, it may take a few days."

Kavya looks at him and informs, "Our wedding functions will start after 6 weeks."

Armaan assures after a nod, "Don't worry, I won't take that long to return."

Kavya nods and lowers her gaze again. They stand in awkward silence, before Armaan clears his throat and announces, "I have to go."

Kavya looks at him and states with concern, "Don't drive in high speed now and don't worry, everything will be alright."

Armaan nods with a smile and Kavya continues, "Take care."

Armaan again responds with a nod, "You too."

Armaan turns to move back to the driving seat. He settles inside and sees Kavya still standing at the same spot. She smiles and waves at him, Armaan waves back and starts his car. He drives towards the exit, while taking a glance of Kavya through the rear view mirror.

Kavya sees Armaan's car exiting and prays, staring up at the sky, "Please help Armaan in finding the culprit and getting the project back. Don't let his hard work fail. Please."

She turns around and enters the Mansion with saddened eyes.

Raichand Mansion

Armaan enters to find Yash, sitting on the couch in the living room. He walks closer and states, "I believe, you must be aware of the mess."

Yash nods and stands up, before asking in confusion, "How is it possible?"

Armaan sighs in frustration, "I don't know Dad, this data was kept under high security. Only me, Rihan and John has access to that room."

Yash reasons him, "But John has handled Mumbai's office for 5 years before you joined. We can't doubt his loyalty. Must be Rihan."

Armaan says in defence, "No Dad, Rihan can never betray me ever in life. Don't forget he saved my life by taking the bullet which your competitor aimed at me. Rihan is the most loyal employee in Raichand Group of Companies."

Yash demands in anger, "Then who did this?"

Armaan informs, "I am flying to Mumbai now to find the real culprit."

Yash argues, "But Armaan you have got engaged a few hours back and your marriage functions will within 6 weeks. From tomorrow you and Kavya-"

Armaan interrupts by informing, "She knows. She didn't object."

Yash frowns in confusion while asking, "You informed her everything?"

Armaan nods while answering, "Yes, she was with me when I got the call. And now if your interrogation is completed, can I get my bags. I have flight within an hour."

Yash nods and Armaan moves towards his room. Yash smiles while thinking, 'So they have come this close, Armaan shared a business matter with her. That's good.'

Yash moves towards his room with a happy grin, lacing his lips.

Mumbai Airport

At 3 am, Armaan's private plane lands at Mumbai Airport. He steps out of the Airport to find his PA Rihan, standing in formal dark blue shirt and black pants, waiting for him.

Rihan walks closer and greets him, "Welcome back boss."

Armaan nods in response and asks in his usual formal tone, "Any progress?"

They start walking towards the parking zone and Rihan answers with disappointment, "No. The culprit's entire face was covered and there is nothing else we could find in the footage of the security cameras."

Armaan demands in frustration, "Rihan, I need the culprit at any damn cost."

Rihan replies, "Yes, we are trying our best, we will find him soon."

Armaan rolls his eyes in annoyance and Rihan rushes ahead when he sees a black Jaguar Car. He opens the door for his boss and waits for him to settle inside.

Armaan halts before stepping inside and orders, "I don't need hopeful words Rihan, I need results at the earliest."

Rihan nods and Armaan takes the seat, while shutting the door with a loud bang. Rihan exhales in stress and takes the co-driver's seat, then informs the driver to take them to the office.

RGC Office, Mumbai

RGC office is a tall glass building located in the outskirts of Mumbai City. The surrounding area consists of luscious lawn with security guards at every 10 steps. Still it couldn't save the confidential data from stealing.

Armaan steps out of the car and Rihan follows behind to walk towards the entrance of the building. They enter the office building through the large wooden door pulled by the security guard. There is pin-drop silence as there is no staff at this hour.

They move towards the private elevator, which is only used by him and Rihan. They enter the elevator and Rihan presses the button for 25th floor. The elevator takes them to their destination, which is the topmost floor of the building.

When the door opens, Armaan walks towards his cabin. Armaan's cabin is massive in size with modern and luxurious interior. He walks towards his black glass top desk and sits on his black luxurious leather revolving chair. Rihan places his laptop on the desk, after turning it on and takes a seat on the dark grey revolving executive chair.

Armaan asks with a hint of doubt in his tone, "Anything suspicious with John?"

Rihan hesitates as John is a senior and Yash's most trusted employee, who has been handling Mumbai office for 5 years till Armaan joined.

Armaan senses his hesitation and assures him, "You know, I trust you the most and I won't doubt your judgements, right?"

Rihan nods and informs, "From the time your engagement is fixed, I have seen him many times near the data room. Plus, whenever he is on the call, if he sees me then he would either disconnect the call or won't speak till I am gone from his sight."

Armaan absorbs the information and leans back in his chair. He closes his eyes and drowns in his own thoughts.

After a minute, he speaks with closed eyes, "I want to see the footage." 

Rihan nods and leaves the cabin. Soon he returns with the footage and Armaan watches with furrowed eyebrows and clenched chin, how a man covered in black clothes stole the files. Only his blue eyes can be seen, but neither Rihan nor John's have blue eyes. Another clue he notices, the thief is a left handed person.

Armaan sees the video three time, only to fail in finding another clue to find the culprit. He stands in anger pushing his chair backwards, which hits the wall and bounces back. ThenArmaan punches the wall at his right and asks Rihan to leave him alone.

Rihan obeys without a word and Armaan removes his phone to call someone.

After a week

Kapoor Mansion, Delhi

Kavya sits on her bed, wearing a plain white Punjabi dress. There are many clothes, jewellery, make-up kits and other related things surrounding her. She stares at everything, then at her engagement ring and sighs in sadness.

During the whole week, Armaan neither called nor sent her a message. Her entire week was spent in shopping and waiting for Armaan's call or message.

At every ringtone of her phone, Kavya would pounce on it, in hope to receive a call or message from Armaan. However, they were either her friends or relatives, who wished her for the wedding and asked to offer help in the arrangements.

Her sadness grew with each day as she expected him to atleast message her once a day. She explained herself, the situation has messed in his office and it needs his full concentration to rectify. Still her heart craved for one message or call.

A lone tear escapes her eyes as she continues to stare at her engagement ring and remembers their dance at the Farmhouse. She wished to spent plenty of such moments with him, but he was away from her.

Kavya hears the footsteps from outside her room and wipes her tear, not willing to express her sadness to her parents.

However, Myra enters the room, giving her a relief and she grabs a jewellery box to play with the earrings.

Myra rolls her eyes, after observing her sister's behaviour since a week. She has forced Kavya to call Armaan many times, but Kavya has denied every time, giving some or the other reason.

But today, Myra is determined to not listen to Kavya and make her call Armaan. So, she approaches her Kavya and snatches the earrings from her hand.

Myra scolds, "Stop sulking and call him Didu, he can steal 5 minutes from his stressed schedule to talk with you."

Like each time, Kavya gives the same response, "Myra, he might be busy with the problem, let him get free, he will call. Plus, I-"

Myra cuts her statement to complete herself, "I don't want to increase his tension by forcing myself on him."

Kavya lowers her gaze and now plays with the bangles kept in the other box.

Myra rolls her eyes again, then grabs Kavya's phone from the bed and searches for Armaan's number, only to fail in her attempt.

Myra asks, while searching, "Didu, by what name have you saved Jiju's number?"

Kavya murmurs in embarrassment, "I don't have his number."

Myra faces her with wide eyes and shouts in shock, "What?"

She sits on the bed and asks in disbelief, "You are getting married to him in 5 weeks and you don't even have his number. Didu from which era do you both belong?"

Kavya confesses in a defeated tone, "I never got a chance."

Myra exhales in frustration and stands to walk out of their room. She returns after 10 minutes and shoves the phone in Kavya's hand.

Kavya looks at Myra in confusion, who informs, " I got Jiju's number from Dad's cell and saved in your phone. Now, for heaven sake, stop being depressed and call him."

Kavya hesitates to disturb him, though the longing to hear Armaan's voice kills every other thought. She unlocks her phone and sees a contact already opened.

Kavya reads the names, "💗My Heart Stealer💗"

Kavya lifts her gaze to find Myra shaking with silent laughter. She throws the phone on the bed and jumps up to attack on Myra. But before Kavya can catch her, Myra starts running.

Kavya throws a cushion at Myra which hits her back, still she doesn't stop running.

Myra reaches to other end of the bed and complains, "What is this Didu? I got his number for you and you are hitting me, so bad."

Kavya throws another pillow, while chasing and shouts, "Oh yeah? Your mischievous stunt isn't bad?"

Myra giggles, while running and replies, "Didu, this was once in a lifetime offer, how can I miss it?"

Kavya gets hold of Myra's hand and pushes her on bed, then hovers over her. Kavya starts tickling Myra, who tries to tickle her back.

Soon the room is filled with their melodious giggles as they continue to tickle each other.

Kavya lays next to her after few minutes and both glance at each other. They again burst out laughing and share a long hug in the same position.

Myra whispers, "I will miss you Didu."

Kavya replies with a smile, "I will miss you more."

After a week

Armaan's Cabin, RGC Office, Mumbai

At 2 am, Armaan is leaning back in his chair, making it bend backwards, so he can stare at the ceiling. He plays with the white crystal paperweight over his desk, recollecting the past two weeks.

He hasn't achieved any new hint to catch the culprit, even though he has  inspected each and every details with personal care.

Armaan has raised his doubts on each employee in the office, though he believed, Rihan is innocent and didn't restrict his scale of operation in the company.

His chain of thoughts break, when he hears a knock and he orders in a cold, rough voice, "Come in."

The door cracks open and a man in his late thirties wearing a black hoodie and dark blue jeans enters. He walks to the desk and Armaan didn't look at him as he knew who has arrived.

Armaan warns in a rough tone, "You better have a good news for me Shasha."

The man removes his hoodie to reveal his face and answers, "Yes boss."

Armaan faces him, while straightening up and orders impatiently, "First, Rihan."

Shasha nods and informs, "As per your orders, I am keeping an eye on Rihan and John from two weeks. Rihan is a clean man, no suspicious activities, no hidden facts. He has neither met an unknown and mysterious person, before or after that night. He either works for you or takes care of his ill mother. That's it."

Armaan murmurs with a proud smile, "I knew it. Rihan can never ditch me."

Soon his smile fades, when he asks about John. Shasha removes a photograph from his jeans pocket and forwards to Armaan.

Shasha informs, "There is no suspicious activity, but this is something you should see."

Armaan garbs the photograph to find, two men are standing together, smiling and their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders.

This makes Armaan angry and he clenches the paperweight tight in his other hand. He keeps tightening his grip, while glaring at the photograph.

The paperweight breaks after more pressure, causing his hand to bleed. Shasha's eyes widen seeing Armaan's anger.

Armaan asks while glaring at the photograph, "Do you know his location?"

Shasha replies, "Yes boss."

Armaan orders, "Get him."

Shasha nods and leave to follow Armaan's order.

Armaan takes an oath with eyes burning with fire, "I swear I won't spare them."

Next Morning

Natural Spa, Delhi

Kavya is being dragged by her rigid sister Myra and stubborn friend Ruhi to a Spa.

She pleads with a sad face, "Myra, Ruhi please I am not in a mood for any Spa treatment."

But they turn deaf to her pleads and drag her inside a private room booked by Myra. They make Kavya sit forcefully on the chair and soon a girl brings a detox drink. Myra grabs the drink and passes to Kavya.

Myra then asks the girl to start with their work. Soon Kavya's feet and hands are soaked in warm herbal soapy water. Her hairs are set open and her scalp is being massaged with herbal oil. While her face is being cleaned with a cotton soaked in herbal cleansing milk.

Kavya sighs in helplessness and lets the beauticians do their work. Myra and Ruhi sit in front of Kavya. They see Kavya still upset and look at each other.

Myra whispers, "I thought Spa Day will help with her mood."

Ruhi whispers back, "I too thought the same but your sister is more stubborn than us."

Myra asks Kavya with pleading eyes, "Didu why don't you just call him? You have Jiju's number from a week then why are you being stubborn for him to call."

Kavya replies, "I am not being stubborn, Myra. Didn't you hear what Yash uncle informed on dinner last week? The person hasn't been caught and the company's share value is falling. And I know how important this project was for Armaan. He would be so hurt now but you want me to call him at this stage for my benefit?"

Myra responds with a sigh, "Didu I know how important it is for Jiju but I can't see you upset."

Kavya smiles at her sister's concern and states, "I am fine Myra, let him sort this matter then he will call me. And don't you remember how Mamma never demands time when Papa is in tension. So I let me follow her footsteps, I want to be his strength like Mamma is for Papa."

Myra smiles at Kavya while agreeing to her, "Yeah you should."

Ruhi too smiles but could read the sadness in Kavya's eyes with the smile. She gets an idea and whispers in Myra's ear who immediately grins and nods.

Myra looks at Kavya and informs, "Didu you carry on. We have some work."

Kavya frowns and opens her mouth to ask but Ruhi and Myra rush outside without giving her a chance.

Kavya sighs in helplessness and murmurs, "These two together can never do anything right, must be something mischievous."

She leans back and tries to relax but her thoughts go back to Armaan.

Kavya thinks with heavy heart, 'I miss you Armaan, please give me a call at least.'

Later in the Evening

Basement, RGC Office, Mumbai

A man owning blue eyes and wearing a white shirt with black pants is kneeling in the large basement. He has bruises on his face and his shirt is covered with dirt and drops of blood which escaped from his wounds.

He looks up to find an angry Armaan sitting on a black chair with eyes shooting glares at him. Armaan's hand is swollen and his shirts has cling to his body due to the sweat revealing his well-toned muscles.

Armaan fires his question at him, "What is your connection with John?"

The man remains mute which adds more fuel to the anger burning in Armaan's veins. He looks at his right to see Rihan and nods at him. Rihan understands the cue and moves to the exit of the basement.

Rihan returns after 10 minutes with a confused John. As soon as his eyes fell on the guy, kneeling on the floor, he attempts to walk towards him but is pulled back by Rihan.

John murmurs while looking at the guy, "Peter."

Armaan glares at John while standing and makes his way towards Peter. Armaan places his feet over Peter's hand which is on the ground. He screams in pain as Armaan applies pressure of his body weight on Peter's hand.

John pleads while struggling to free his arm from Rihan's strong grip, "Please Armaan no, don't do this to my brother."

Armaan asks with confusion, "Brother?"

John answers with tears in his eyes, "Yes he is my brother Peter D'souza. Armaan please leave him."

Armaan demands in harsh tone, "Why?"

But John didn't answer which makes Armaan angrier. He releases Peter who falls on his side while holding his hand in pain which was under Armaan's feet.

Armaan kicks on Peter's stomach with force making him cough with blood dripping from the corners of his mouth. John struggles in Rihan's hold but fails to release himself.

John begs, "Please Armaan leave him, I will tell you everything."

Armaan stops and makes his way towards Peter. He demands again, "Why?"

John answers with anger lacing his voice, "I did this for revenge. I needed revenge from you and your father."

Rihan pulls John's hair and Armaan punches his stomach with force while making him scream in pain and demands, "Why?"

John answers while glaring at Armaan, "Because I was used as puppet. Until Armaan's education and training, Mr. Raichand kept me as an important person. My every wish was fulfilled, my achievements and efforts were rewarded with high prizes. Never did Mr. Raichand stopped me from taking decision for the company."

John's voice held hatred as he continues, "But when Armaan joined I was treated like a clerk, my decisions were no longer acknowledged, I was suddenly made an ordinary employee. My value was bought down and this little kid who started working few months back, started ordering me as if I am his slave."

Rihan pulls his hair in a stronger grip and snaps at him, "John don't forget you are just an employee, nothing else. Mr. Raichand had given you the control to run Mumbai's office only till Armaan is trained enough to join and handle it. Raichands are the owners and only they can take decisions in this company. You were expected to be a loyal employee to them."

John snaps back at Rihan, "Oh shut up with your stupid loyalty speech. Armaan even treats you as a slave and you being a stupid took the bullet for him. Mark my words Rihan, one day these Raichands will ditch you as well."

Rihan answers with honesty, "Then that day I would not backstab them like you, instead I will thank them for everything and will remain as their loyal slave."

Armaan smirks while looking at Rihan who is glaring at John and thinks, 'My loyal rascal.'

Armaan gives a final punch to John and roars, "Officers."

A team of police officers enter the basement with weapons aiming at Peter and John. Rihan throws John at an officer who immediately handcuffs him. Another officer brings a voice recorder machine and they hear the entire confession of John.

Armaan orders, "Make sure they are in the prison for the longest time for ditching Armaan Raichand."

The officer nods and Armaan turns to leave followed by Rihan.

*************

That's all for now.....will update next part as soon as possible.....hope you liked this part, do give your reviews...till then Keep Smiling and Take Care

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