One week later...

Aman's POV:

The soft hum of my alarm woke me up at precisely six in the morning, and I opened my eyes, staring up at the ceiling. For a brief moment, there was nothing but silence, a rare moment of calm before the day's chaos began. But as the haze of sleep lifted, I remembered what day it was, and a smirk slowly spread across my face. Today was important — a gathering of some of the most influential business leaders in the city. A meeting where alliances were formed, deals were discussed, and power plays were made. It was my kind of arena.

I sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed, and stretched, feeling the tension in my muscles ease. I could already sense the energy crackling in the air, like a storm waiting to unleash. Today was going to be fun. I made my way to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to shake off the remnants of sleep, and glanced at my reflection in the mirror. There was a flicker of mischief in my eyes, and I liked it.

After a quick shower, I stood in front of my wardrobe, deciding what to wear. Today wasn't just about business; it was about sending a message. I needed to look sharp, confident, and untouchable. I picked out a tailored black suit — sleek, elegant, and just intimidating enough to make a statement without saying a word. The fabric felt smooth under my fingertips as I buttoned up the crisp white shirt, straightening the cuffs with deliberate care. I adjusted the dark grey tie, making sure it was perfectly aligned, and slipped on my polished black shoes.

I walked over to the full-length mirror, taking a final look. The suit fit me like a glove, every detail meticulously in place. I looked exactly how I wanted to — calm, collected, and ready to conquer. Grabbing my watch, I strapped it on, letting the cold metal rest against my wrist. It was a gift from my father, and wearing it always gave me a sense of authority, like I was carrying the weight of the family legacy with me.

Just as I was fixing my hair, there was a soft knock on the door, and I turned to see Riya poking her head inside. "Wow, big brother, you look like you're about to conquer the world," she teased, stepping into the room with a playful grin.

"I am," I replied, giving her a quick wink. "One business at a time."

She laughed, but there was a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "So, what's the plan today? More mind games with Anshika?"

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. "Mind games? You make it sound so sinister. I'm just doing what any good businessman would — seizing opportunities."

"Right," she said, drawing out the word with a knowing look. "Well, just don't get too carried away. I actually like Anshika, you know. She's fierce."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Fierce, yes. But she's also predictable. And that's what makes her easy to deal with."

Riya rolled her eyes, clearly unconvinced. "If you say so. Anyway, good luck at the meeting. Try not to cause too much chaos." She turned to leave, but not before adding, "And don't forget — I'm still waiting for you to tell me how you managed to mess with her designs."

I watched her leave, a small smile playing on my lips. Riya was sharp, and she always knew more than she let on, but she was also loyal, and that made her a valuable ally. I finished getting ready, grabbing my briefcase and heading downstairs. The smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted me as I entered the kitchen, and I found Kabir already there, sipping from his cup.

"Morning," he said, raising his mug in a lazy salute. "Ready to charm the pants off everyone at the meeting?"

I poured myself a cup, savouring the rich aroma. "More like ready to make them bend to my will," I replied, taking a sip. "Charm is just a tool."

Kabir grinned, leaning back in his chair. "You know, I don't think I'll ever understand how your mind works. But that's what makes this so entertaining."

I ignored his comment, finishing my coffee in a few quick gulps. "Come on, we're going to be late," I said, grabbing my car keys. The driver was already waiting by the car, and as Kabir and I stepped outside, I could feel the crisp morning air brush against my skin, a reminder that today was a new opportunity.

The drive to the hotel was smooth, and as we approached the venue, I could see the line of luxury cars parked outside, their polished surfaces gleaming under the morning sun. A steady stream of sharply dressed executives and CEOs was making its way inside, and I could hear the faint murmur of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter.

I stepped out of the car, adjusting my suit one last time, and made my way inside with Kabir by my side. The grand ballroom was already filling up, the air buzzing with anticipation. There were people everywhere, clustered in groups, talking, laughing, and networking. But as soon as I walked in, I could feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere. Heads turned, eyes lingered, and conversations paused. It was the effect I always aimed for — commanding attention without uttering a single word.

I scanned the room, spotting familiar faces. CEOs, investors, competitors — everyone who was anyone in the business world was here. And among them, somewhere, would be Anshika. I hadn't seen her yet, but I knew she wouldn't miss an event like this. She'd be here, ready to prove herself, just like always.

"Looks like the big players are all here," Kabir murmured, his eyes darting around the room. "You think she'll show up?"

"Of course," I said, my voice low but confident. "She wouldn't pass up a chance to try and outshine me."

I made my way to the centre of the room, greeting a few acquaintances along the way. The meeting was about to begin, and I could already see people heading towards the conference area, taking their seats. But as I moved forward, I felt a sudden rush of excitement. This wasn't just a business event. It was an opportunity. A chance to set the stage, make new alliances, and, most importantly, remind everyone — including Anshika — who held the real power.

And I wasn't going to waste it.

Anshika's POV:

The day of the big meeting had arrived, and I woke up with a renewed sense of determination. I stretched, feeling the slight tension in my muscles, and slowly let out a breath. Today wasn't just about attending another event; it was about reclaiming my position, making my presence felt, and letting a certain someone know that I wasn't going to back down. Rudraksh thought he could get away with his little games? Well, today, he was going to learn exactly how wrong he was.

I pushed back the covers and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, my feet touching the cold floor. The chill helped clear my mind, sharpening my focus. As much as I hated to admit it, Rudraksh's stunt with the designs had caught me off guard, but I'd managed to bounce back — and not just bounce back. I'd done better. My clients were thrilled with the final outcome, and I could see it in their eyes when they'd reviewed the revamped collection. The satisfaction of outsmarting him was intoxicating, but I knew this wasn't over yet.

I headed to the bathroom, the cool tiles underfoot reminding me to stay grounded. I took a quick, hot shower, letting the water run over my skin as I mentally rehearsed my plan for the day. No distractions, no slip-ups. Rudraksh wanted to play dirty? Then he'd see just how good I was at playing that game. After towelling off, I brushed my hair back, letting it fall in smooth waves around my shoulders, and went over to my wardrobe.

I needed to look powerful, confident — untouchable. I pulled out a sleek emerald green pantsuit, tailored perfectly to my frame. The colour was bold, striking, and exactly the kind of statement I wanted to make. I slipped into the suit, fastening the buttons with precise movements, and stepped into a pair of sharp black heels. The look was completed with a thin gold necklace that rested just above my collarbone, and a hint of red lipstick that added a touch of fierceness to my expression.

I took a step back to check my reflection, tilting my head slightly. This was it. This was the Anshika Antil who didn't take no for an answer, who didn't let anyone mess with her. Satisfied, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. The scent of freshly brewed coffee hit me as I entered the kitchen, and I quickly poured myself a cup, savouring the warmth as I took a sip. There was a storm brewing inside me, a quiet, simmering rage that I was going to channel into everything I did today.

"Good morning, ma'am," my driver greeted me with a polite nod as I stepped outside. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft, golden light across the driveway. I could feel the anticipation in the air, the kind that made your heart race a little faster, like standing on the edge of a cliff just before you jumped.

"Morning," I replied, my voice steady and firm. I opened the car door, sliding in, and adjusted my bag on my lap. As soon as the door shut, I looked at my driver through the rearview mirror. "To the hotel, and make it quick. I don't want to be late."

He nodded, starting the engine, and the car began to move. I leaned back against the seat, my mind already racing through the possible scenarios of the day. Today was crucial, and I was going to make sure that if Aman wanted to play games, he'd find himself up against someone who could see right through his every move.