At Malhotra Mansion,
The faint light of dawn crept through the French windows of my study. I stood there, holding a steaming cup of black coffee, watching the sky turn from gray to gold. The garden below glistened with dew, and the freshly bloomed flowers swayed lightly with the breeze. It was peaceful, until a soft knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Come in," I said without turning around.
By the sound of his firm footsteps, I knew it was my father. He stood beside me, facing the same view, and said, "I've kept some important documents on your desk. Go through them before heading to the office."
"You don't need to remind me of my duties," I replied calmly, my eyes still fixed outside.
"I don't care what you think," he said in his usual commanding tone. "I just need that deal cracked. No mistakes this time."
I sipped my coffee and replied, "I've never failed to close a deal since I joined the company. You don't have to worry."
He gave a small nod. "Good. Come home early this evening. There's something important we need to discuss."
I frowned. "What is it? Just tell me now. I have work to do, I can't come early."
"I've cancelled your 6:30 meeting," he said coldly. "Be home by six."
And with that, he left the room.
I clenched my jaw, wondering what could be so important that he'd cancel one of my biggest client meetings. Ever since I joined the company as Director, my eyes had always been fixed on the 43rd floor, my father's office, the CEO's floor.
He'd always said, "Earn it first."
So I did. I worked until exhaustion felt normal, and today was the day I would finally prove I deserved that seat.
My grandmother, the former Chairwoman, had retired last year, and my father had taken over both positions — Chairman and CEO. I knew he wanted to hand the CEO title to me, but I wanted to earn it on my own terms.
And now, today, I would.
The maid knocked and called me for breakfast. When I entered the dining hall, my grandmother sat at the head of the table, my father beside her, and my mother across from him. I sat beside my father.
"Best of luck for today," Grandma said warmly. "I know you'll make us proud."
"Without your blessings, I wouldn't have come this far," I said with a small smile.
She smiled back, and we began eating.
After breakfast, my mother followed me to the hallway. "Kabir," she said softly, "I don't care about business or power. I just want you to take care of yourself."
I gave a short nod. "I will, Mom."
Then I left for the office.
The day moved fast. The meeting with the client went perfectly, by the end, the deal was signed. I had done it.
Finally.
The 43rd floor was within my reach.
As I stood in my glass office on the 42nd floor, looking down at the bustling city, a sense of pride filled me. I earned this.
Just then, my phone rang. It was my mother.
"Come home by six," she said softly. "Don't be late."
Her voice held something strange, a quiet worry. But I ignored it, grabbed my overcoat, and left.
When I reached home, my mother pulled me aside before I could enter the living room. "Kabir," she whispered urgently, "don't let ambition blind you. Choose love, not power. Don't end up like me."
I frowned. "What are you talking about?"
She didn't answer, just looked away.
Confused, I walked into the living room. My father, grandmother, and mother were seated. I sat beside Grandma.
My father looked straight at me. "First, congratulations on cracking the deal. You've proven yourself capable. But now, it's time you fulfill your personal duties before I hand over a major part of the company to you."
I frowned. "What more do you want me to do now?"
He replied calmly, "Get married. I've already chosen the girl."
"What?" I asked sharply. "Why should I marry someone you chose? It's my life, not a business merger!"
"Then forget the CEO position," he said coldly. "I'm not forcing you, Kabir. I'm giving you two choices —
1. Marry the girl I chose and become the CEO.
2. Leave this house tomorrow and drop the Malhotra name. You won't get a single penny from me."
I froze. His voice was calm, but every word cut like glass.
That's when my mother's warning echoed in my mind. So that's what she meant.
I didn't want to marry a stranger, but I also couldn't throw away what I'd worked so hard for. My fists tightened.
"I'll do it," I said flatly. "I'll marry the girl you chose."
My father's tone softened slightly. "She's the daughter of my old friend the one I promised I'd unite our families with. Her name is Tanvi Gupta."
I scoffed bitterly. "So now I'm just a pawn in your friendship games? Shame on you, Dad."
He stood abruptly. "I didn't force you. I gave you a choice, and you made it."
"Fine," I said through clenched teeth. "I'll marry her."
"Good," he said. "They're coming tomorrow to discuss the engagement. It'll be held within two days."
"Two days?" I repeated, shocked.
"Do you have a problem?" he asked coldly. "Then you're free to walk out."
I stayed silent. "No," I muttered finally. "I don't have a problem."
My mother spoke up, tears in her eyes. "Arvind, don't do this to him. Let him be happy."
"Vedika," my father warned, "stay out of this."
The room fell silent. I stood up and left, slamming the door behind me.
Inside my room, I felt the walls closing in. I had spent my life earning power, only to realize I was still a puppet, bound by someone else's promise.
I didn't want this marriage. But I had no choice.