Vyom Singhania

"Sir, your father called you in the study."

The knock came as I looked up from my tablet to the staff member standing at the threshold. I was going through the port deal logistics file. I nodded and stood up. The sunlight from the window of my balcony entered and hit my wheatish skin. My room was peaceful, but Papa isn't going to wait forever.

I walked towards the study and knocked once at the oak wood door, "Papa...?"

"Come in, Vyom..." Her voice hit me. Soft. Motherly.

Maa...

I entered and saw Ma draped in a cornflower-blue coloured cotton saree, her knees tucked under her as she was seated on the couch in the study.

"Maa, I didn't know you were here too. I thought Papa-"

She smiled and patted the space beside her on the couch. I don't need words.

I settled beside her and looked at Papa as he spoke, "There is a Diwali celebration. Your presence is expected, Vyom." Maa added, "You know all of Mumbai's business families and elites will be there, beta. And after all, you are our only son and the heir..."

So this is what it was. An event to attend preparing for wolves who smile at face and stab at the back without wasting a single chance—

"Vyom?"

Ma's voice was soft, questioning, a blade cutting through clouds of my thoughts.

"Ji, Maa?"

"Tum jaane mai interested ho, beta?"

Her eyes were hopeful. The soft expectation in her aged eyes and same gentleness as always.

Papa watched my expressions, "It's just a festival's get-together, Vyom. Don't overthink. I'll be out because of some work. You and your mother can attend it together."

I added, "Ji, Papa. I'll be there with Ma." Ma smiled softly at my words.

---

Back in my room, I picked up my phone as my feet went towards the balcony. The evening fading sunlight hit me. Kavya answered the phone from the other side, "Good evening, Sir."

"Evening. Any updates regarding the Singapore project?" Kavya is efficient as always. I heard the faint sound of keys being pressed on the keyboard.

"Yes, Sir. The project is ready. We can launch it on the 29th of this month—"

"No."

I cut her off, more from authority in my voice than the words. Kavya paused.

I commanded, "We will launch it tomorrow. Schedule the meeting with the board tomorrow in the morning, the trusted board members. That's all."

Her reply came instantly. She knows when my tone shifts to this absolute certainty. I hung up. Mumbai was taken over by the twilight as I walked back into the room, tossed my phone on the bed, and it landed with a soft bounce.

Changing the launch project's date to an unexpected time would startle that fucking back-stabber who somehow managed to sneak into my boardrooms.

Everyone including that traitor will be expecting the launch date as 29th of this month.

If he's the one conveying the confidential information to the Uzan group, I'll change things at the last moment.

And tomorrow's meeting will be only with trusted members and the change of date won't reach the Uzan group, hence, it will be too late for them to act.

And the Singapore project will have no obstacles once launched.

"... Whoever's that traitor you sent into my boardroom, Mr. Rajesh Rai, I'll find him soon..."

Because one thing is sure leaving no doubt: I hate betrayals.

✷✷✷

(Hey readers, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'd love to know what you think about it 😉

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