The fifteenth floor of the Prime Corp was generally quiet with no hustle but today was a busy day as all the staffs and members were busy running around because of an impromptu meeting.

Prime Corp was an initial venture started off as a small company by Dheeraj Sehgal who hailed from a small town in Dhanbad and had migrated to the huge city of dreams, to fulfill his destiny. It wasn't easy as the decision that he took but the never ending perseverance and hard work had made him one of the topmost businessmen of the country.

But the most important trait of Dheeraj was that he valued family beside wealth and success. With two younger brothers who assisted him in his business, he trained them well and included them in the board, having expanded the company beyond Mumbai.

But now as the conference room was filled with the board members, the only person missing was himself. A huge lifesize portrait hung on the gigantic wall, his neck surrounded by a large garland. Sixty years of his life had come to an end as he succumbed to the heart attack and subsequent death.

The chair with which he usually sat was occupied by his son Yash Sehgal, the successor to the conglomerate. On the nearest chair to him sat his widow  Shalini Sehgal, who wore a off white saree and a blank expression.

On the other side sat his younger brother Sandeep Sehgal, who headed the operations in Nasik. Beside him sat the youngest brother Sharat Sehgal who ran the mechanical and chemical industry.

"It's been three months" Sandeep said looking at Yash with a doubtful face "and the third time we're heading this meeting...why don't you decide this time and let us know?"

Yash wiped his brow, a usual habit whenever he was stressed. At twenty seven, he had been the life and soul of the company, bringing pride to the work as well as to his father "I couldn't have imagined you to be better than this" Dheeraj had remarked several times, beaming with pride at his son "I'm so proud of you beta". And now he was no more and Yash felt lost, well...almost.

"I know desperate times call for desperate measures....but we need to sort out the issues...the pending loans and the technical difficulties have to be sorted out...and I understand your desperation for selling the stocks..." Yash cleared his throat "I think it's best we...."

A loud cough interrupted the silent meeting and Yash stared at the girl sitting next to Shalini "do you want to add something Tanu?"he asked with a mock of sarcasm.

Tanvi Arora sat next to her father Adarsh Arora with an unreadable expression because of the huge sunglasses covering her eye with a good reason that her eyes were bloodshot because of the hangover last night.

Adarsh was Dheeraj's best friend and confidante who always helped him in his tough times and it wasn't a surprise when Dheeraj had included him as one of the members of the board in spite of him not being a family. Yet there were repercussions for that as well "you're trusting him too much..it isn't good for us" Sandeep had questioned his elder brother but Dheeraj had smiled it off "I know what I'm doing...don't worry".

It was Adarsh who had suggested his only daughter Tanvi join the company as a share holder and financial advisor much to the chagrin of the others, including Yash. The reasons were obvious in fact.

"I think you're being hasty here" Tanvi said, stretching her feet "we should probably wait for another month, talk to our clients and then..."

"Wow! That's an enlightening idea" Yash said with a snap of sarcasm no one could miss "where did you get it? Last night?"

Tanvi ignored the jab while Adarsh spoke up "she's not wrong...if the stocks go public..."

"With all due respect uncle, I know what I'm doing..and I suggest you follow the same...I'm sure dad would have wanted this as well..." Yash smiled lightly "given the circumstances, this seems appropriate".

"Fine" shrugged Tanvi "can't we atleast wait for Daksh?" At the mention of this particular name, Yash acted as though nothing had happened. 

"Sure...whenever he's done with whatever's occupying him..." Sharat said "or whoever..to be precise" he added with a snort.

Sandeep gave a seething glare "whatever it is, it's best to wait for him since he's a member too..we can't ignore that fact". Sharat winced "I still can't get over the fact that bhai saab chose him despite him walking out on us".

"He must have had good reason to.." Sandeep said as way of defence. "Yeah...we all know why" Sharat cast a short glance at his sister in law before turning back to his nephew "I think we're wasting time here...he must be laughing his way out, enjoying our situation".

"Or maybe he's wondering how the mighty has fallen" came a voice from behind them and Sharat cleared his throat, clearly intimidated by his other nephew who had just entered.

Daksh ignored the seething look of his uncle and sat on the extreme end of the table, opposite to his half brother who had a look of contempt clearly etched on his face "I guess the party has started".

Before Yash could reply however, Sandeep gave the file in his hand, fearing another outburst from the two "these are the reports from the last two months...and the bank statements from the last six months....read it on".

Daksh didn't even bother to open the file but turned to his assistant Shlok and gave it to him. That infuriated Yash "I want him out of the room now" he said tightly. Daksh was impassive "he stays with me".

"He may be your assistant but not here...ask him to get out or I call security" Yash bellowed, finally losing his cool. "I'd like to see you try" Daksh said simply.

"Enough both of you!" Shalini spoke for the first time, her eyes briefly meeting Daksh and finally turning on to her son "let him do as he wants...this was supposed to be a peaceful meeting...I don't want anyone to ruin it on my husband's expense".

Yash looked like he was about to say something but stopped "fine..." he said slowly "we, at the board have decided to come to a conclusion of selling the company stocks to our sister company..." he explained.

Daksh looked at him "there was a reason why our father never wanted the stocks to go public..and I want to uphold his tradition....I'm not signing this petition". Yash gritted his teeth "this is in the best interest of the company which father built with his sweat and blood...I don't want to ruin his reputation".

Daksh gave a small shrug of his shoulder "then I guess you need to try harder..."

"Yash is right beta" Sandeep interrupted him "this is the only option we have...why don't you understand? It'll be beneficial to all".

"I can't just ignore my father's wish chachu" Daksh told quietly. Of all the people, it was Sandeep he respected and acknowledged "I know it's best for the company but I'm not agreeing to it...I think we should set up a meeting with our regional clients before taking such a hasty decision".

Silence followed after this statement as everyone was engrossed in their own thoughts. "Is that your final decision?" Shalini asked, speaking directly to him for the first time since their father's funeral. He nodded "I'm afraid yes".

"Then there's no point in discussing further...we should respect each and everyone's wish.." she got up "are you coming Yash?"

"You carry on..I'll meet you downstairs" he replied as one by one, all the elders and Tanvi left the room and only the brothers remained.

Yash closed his laptop and cast a hard glare at his half brother "all that talk about upholding father's wish....that's full of crap" he growled "I know why you're doing this...to spite us isn't it? That's what you've always done and plan to continue so".

Daksh looked up from his cellphone "when you've staked all the claims on me, there's very little to talk about it now, is there?"

Yash walked closer to him with a menacing look "ever since you've barged into our lives, you've given nothing but trouble to our father... you've left no stone unturned to shame him and destroy his legacy... you're the one who drove him to destruction and when he couldn't take it anymore, he died..."

"For once, I agree with your mother" Daksh cut in "you really need to shut up". Yash ignored the sarcasm "I won't let anything happen to our company that my father built....no matter whatever dirty plans you've in mind. I'll destroy you and you'll come to my knees, bleeding and crying for another chance at redemption...that's what I owe my father..." with that, he stormed out of the room.

Few moments passed in silence and Shlok cleared his throat "whoa! That was quite a speech". Daksh gave a short chuckle "did you pee your pants Shlok?"

"Jeez no!" Shlok laughed "what now? Since you've already decided to abort the mission.." he shook his head "we don't need their drama...we're better off without their interferences...why don't we concentrate on ours and let your brother deal with his sinking ship?"

Daksh got up from his chair and stared at the portrait of his father... indeed, time and tide waits for none, he thought with a sigh "nothing's over, it's just a beginning...". Even when he said it, he could see Shlok gave an encouraging nod but he could never know the resentment, the pain and the injustice vented out to him.

The countdown to destruction was going to begin....

Hello everyone!!!
So I'm back with another story...a little different from the other three and new characters...😊😊hope you like it...
How was the prologue? Please vote and comment..I really need the feedback as it helps me to improve the storyline..
Have a great day ahead ♥️♥️♥️