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Laksh stood there, surprised and somewhat perplexed, as he witnessed Ragini and Sanskar dancing together. Despite his inner conflict, one undeniable thought echoed in his mind—Ragini looked beautiful. It was a realization that struck him unexpectedly.

In the midst of his confusion, Laksh grappled with conflicting emotions. He loved Swara, she was the one he envisioned a future with, not Ragini. Ragini, in his perception, was a typical traditional girl. How could she, of all people, be dancing so gracefully? Laksh expected her to make a fool out of herself on the dance floor, waiting for that moment to feel some form of superiority.

However, much to his surprise and inner turmoil, Ragini danced with grace and poise. Her movements were fluid, that smile, he felt irritated. It was an unsettling experience for Laksh, as he struggled to reconcile his preconceived notions with the reality unfolding before his eyes.

After the dance, Ragini excused herself and walked first towards the washroom and later, wanting some peace, headed towards the balcony.

As she stood there gazing at crowd and then the open sky a sudden noise startled her

Turning she found man speaking on phone

But she was surprised seeing him and so was the man who quickly ended the call and gave her a sweet smile

"Ragini"

"Mr.Mathur" they both greeted each other

"What are you doing here alone miss" Arnav asked

Ragini sighing "Just need a moment to clear my head"

Arnav further asked "Did you enjoy the party?"

Ragini (nodding) "It was nice."

Arnav gave her a cheeky smile "You know, you're stunning tonight."

"You're flirting with the wrong person"

Arnav chuckled "Are you taken? Is there someone special in your life?"

Ragini doesn't reply creating awkwardness between them

Arnav, after a deliberate pause, spoke, "You know, there's a creature that's always wrong about everything."

Ragini, caught off guard, asked, "What?" Intrigued, she was eager for an explanation.

Arnav teasingly replied, "A husband." He wore a mischievous grin, anticipating her reaction.

Ragini, amused, responded, "Really?" Her laughter echoed, appreciating the humor.

Arnav, with a tinge of apology, explained, "My wife says that"

Ragini, realizing her initial judgment was off, Her perception of Arnav began to shift.

Casually, she inquired, "By the way, why isn't your wife here?" Her curiosity sparked a new line of conversation.

Arnav disclosed, "She's back home. Angry with me, actually." His expression hinted at a mix of regret and amusement.

Ragini, hoping for a quirky answer, asked, "Why?" Her amusement persisted.

Arnav's expression changed, but he managed a smile, saying, "There are situations where you want to do something, but your partner feels it's ethically wrong."

Intrigued, Ragini probed further, "What did you do?" Her curiosity got the better of her.

Arnav laughed, "Sometimes, motives can't be explained," he said, glancing toward the crowd.

He continued with a thoughtful remark, "You know, there are instances in life where someone unknowingly becomes your everything. But then, few people and fate happen."

Ragini's gaze shifted towards Laksh, recalling recent events, but it quickly moved to Sanskar, who was engaged in conversation with a woman.

Mumbling to herself, as she reflected on complex emotions she experienced in the last few hours, "Fate indeed."

Arnav, observing her from the side, misread her emotions, asking, "What would you do if someone snatched something precious from you?"

Ragini, lost in thought, absentmindedly responded with a thoughtful hum.

Arnav, pressing the point, asked, "Don't you think no one deserves to be ditched?"

Ragini, still immersed in her thoughts, replied, "Yes, no one deserves that fate." Her words carried a weight of contemplation

Before Arnav could add more, Rudra walked over.

"Ragini, where have you been?" worriedly asked

Ragini apologizes realizing she lost track of time.

Rudra sensing a presence turned towards and found Arnav

"Ragini" both rudra and Arnav called her name at same time

"Who's he?" rudra whispered asked

Ragini chuckled "Rudra, meet Mr. Arnav. Arnav, this is my brother Rudra"

Rudra surprised "Arnav Mathur" who which Arnav forwarded his hand "nice to meet you Mr.Mathur" rudra spoke quickly composing himself

"Same here, Mr. Singh."

As they engaged in a small conversation, the guests were surprised to see Arnav talking with someone.

The person most shocked was Laksh, as his whole motive was to meet Arnav. Ragini and Rudra were there, standing with him and speaking. He felt jealous and angry.

—-----

The party continued, Laksh finally got a chance to speak with Arnav Mathur

As they spoke Laksh spoke about the upcoming project.

Arnav nonchalantly "I believe we've already discussed this. Everything's clear."

" the security deposit, The amount involved is substantial"

Arnav smiled "I don't do charity, Mr. Laksh. Business is business. The terms outlined in the contract are meticulously crafted to ensure fairness to all parties involved. You desired a more significant share of the profit, hence the additional clauses and the stipulated security deposit"

"But the risk" Laksh wanted to voice out more but Arnav cut him with a forced laugh

"It's not like you don't understand this business Laksh. There's an inherent risk, but commensurate to that risk is the potential for substantial profit. That's precisely why you chose to collaborate with us."

Laksh taken aback by the prompt response nodded his head acknowledging his point "I understand"

"Glad you do, but if the terms are still a issue for you, then there are many players out there, waiting for an opportunity, Like Mr.Sanskar"

Laksh took a harsh breath and nodded his head, not responding to anything. Arnav, with a teasing glint in his eye further spoke

"Business these days has great potential, Karma Industries have achieved monumental success in a short span of time. Don't you think so?"

Laksh, forced to swallow his resentment, found himself in a difficult position. Unable to acknowledge Sanskar's achievements or offer praise, he felt a rising irritation and anger. But because of Arnav he gave a formal reply

"Yes, they have been doing well."

Arnav thoroughly amused, further spoke

"But must say, Mr. Sanskar has an eye for talent. First Rudra, and now Ragini. He's got hold of an amazing pair of siblings."

Arnav's words, particularly the mention of Sanskar's keen eye for talent, hit Laksh where it hurt the most. The comparison to Sanskar, a constant thorn in his side, became even more unbearable. It seemed that not only the world but even Ragini, someone whom he once thought was naive, seemed to be leaving him breathless. Posing new challenges every now and then.

Arnav continued "Someone said right, business and growth are all about opportunities. Opportunities don't knock on your door often, Mr. Laksh. It's better to scope their importance and grab them. Otherwise, there are many eagles waiting for a chance to grab."

Arnav patted on Laksh's back "hope you make a right decision"

and walks away, leaving Laksh agitated and conflicted.

—---------------------

Sanskar suggested dropping Ragini home and Rudra agreed,

As they sat in the car, there was awkward silence between them. The warmth they sensed post their dance raised questions in both their minds – was it merely friendship, or did it hint at something more?

Ragini, with a myriad of questions swirling in her head, wanted to voice them. She wanted to ask him many questions.

Wanting to break the silence, she tentatively asked

"Sanskar, can I ask you something?

"Of course, Ragini"

Taking a deep breath "What's your take on the Maheswari family?"

His gaze hardened. "They are complicated people."

Ragini turns blank and after a pause "Laksh Maheswari, he was my ex-fiancé."

Sanskar, caught off guard, knew about it but it felt different hearing from her. He felt a confusing blend of emotions – confusion, anger, and an unsettling feeling that she might still harbor feelings for Laksh.

After a pause he asked what happened,

She replied with a sad smile, "he fell in love with someone else"

Silence hung in the car, filled with unspoken tension. Ragini, gathering her courage, directly questioned him about his connection to the Maheswari family.

Sanskar, halting the car, looked at her in surprise. "Heard from somewhere, something?" to which she nodded

Sanskar took a deep breath before unveiling a revelation. "Sujatha and RP Maheswari are my parents," he disclosed, watching Ragini's expression shift.

Ragini found herself gaping, a seismic shift occurring in her world. The enigma surrounding Sanskar's past left an unmistakable questions

Intrigued, she couldn't resist delving further, asking, "What happened between you and the family?"

Sanskar, seemingly amused by her inquisitiveness, Leaned in towards her, he teased, "Curious, are we?" His hand gracefully extended towards her face, the tips of his fingers gently tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.

Taken aback by the unexpected closeness, Ragini instinctively closed her eyes, trying to process the sudden turn of events.

"But you know," he continued, his voice taking on a sly tone, "curiosity killed the cat." A mischievous grin played on his lips as Ragini reluctantly opened her eyes, finding herself captivated by the intensity in his gaze.

Sanskar's gaze continued to hold Ragini captive, and the air seemed to thicken with unspoken tension. Her mind raced with questions, but the words lodged in her throat, refusing to escape. Heavy breaths betrayed her inner turmoil as their eyes remained locked in an intense exchange.

Sanskar, maintaining his intriguing gaze, allowed his eyes to trail down to her lips. A subtle, provocative move that sent shivers down Ragini's spine. She released a harsh breath, attempting to regain composure as their silent communication spoke volumes.

After what felt like an eternity, Sanskar leaned back, breaking the intense connection. He offered a forced smile, saying, "There's a long story, maybe for some other time."

The car ride continued in an unusual silence, both grappling with the lingering tension that hung in the air.

Upon reaching her home, Ragini stepped out, and as she walked towards her house, Sanskar watched her with an unfamiliar emotion in his eyes. The unspoken connection between them had opened a door to a realm of emotions that neither fully understood, leaving them both with a sense of unease and uncertainty.