A S H R I T

I was working in my cabin, my fingers swiftly moving across the keyboard when I heard a knock on the door. Knowing very well who it was, I ignored it and Continued to do my work, as expected the person pushed the door and entered inside.

“ What ?” I asked when I felt Samar looking at me. He shook his head and kept the file on my desk. I raised a brow at him and looked at the file. “ Mr. Rucci Sent this file regarding the project.” I nodded, opening the file.

My eyes swiftly scanned the words on the paper, it was the conditions about what he wanted to do with the building and how he wanted to proceed with the construction process. My lips curved up at the corner as I read the words. The conditions were exactly what I wanted him to put.

Samar noticed my expression and leaned in “ you seem pleased,” he said. I slightly nodded, still reading the remaining words. “ Yes, I am,” I said, leaning back on my chair, relaxing my body. “ This is what I exactly wanted from the deal”.

He crossed his arms. “ You know that he will exactly put the conditions you want, don't you?”

I nodded, flipping to the next page, “ not exactly but I was sure he would put the conditions in favour for me. After All this deal is important for him,”

Samar hummed, tilting his head to the side he said, “ you are playing a dangerous game,” i smrinked closing the file with a thud. “Business is all about when to take risks and when to hold back. And Mr. Rucci needs this project more than me . It's obvious that he won't put any conditions which aren't in our favour”

Samar exhaled sharply, shaking his head.

“ You made it sound so simple. But you and I both know that people like him don't like being backed in the corner. He may have agreed now but there he will try to take upper hand”

I leaned forward, keeping my both hands on the table.

“ Then, I will make sure he'll never get that chance. And I'd he does, then i will make him remember that he is messing with someone who already knows his next move”

Samar chuckled , and kept his both hands on my table,

“ Confident as I always. Sometimes I wonder if there is anything that makes you nervous”

“ There isn't any.” I replied making him nod, i know i lied because in reality there is a person who for sure knows how to make me nervous. And the irony is she doesn't know this yet.

Samar studied me for a minute and said, “ Okay then, I will tell the legal team to draft the contract and you will get it by the end of the day.” I nodded and Continued to do my work which I left earlier.

Samar turned around and was about to leave but he stopped as if he remembered something. He turned around and stood there, “ Vaise kal raat kya hua tha? I mean how did you secure the deal?” my fingers froze as i looked up at him, “Nothing, Darsh hacked the hacker using his own trick and saved the deal”

Samar raised a brow, clearly not convinced. “Darsh hacked the hacker?” he repeated, crossing his arms. “That’s it?”

I shrugged, leaning back in my chair. “That’s all you need to know.”

He let out a short chuckle, shaking his head. “You always keep things to yourself, don’t you?”

“I do what’s necessary,” I replied, picking up the file again, signaling that the conversation was over. But Samar, being Samar, wasn’t done yet.

“ What about bhabhi? She was really stressed in the morning” he said with a teasing glint in his eyes.

I didn't let his question bother me, I maintained my blank face and said “Get. Out.” he laughed, giving a knowing look he went out closing the door behind.

I leaned back on my chair relaxing my body as my thoughts drifted back to the night incident.

FLASHBACK

📍NIGHT INCIDENT

( HACKING INCIDENT)

I was in my study working on the new Italian project when out of nowhere I got a message— no it was a chime, which said Hacker alert. I frowned as I instantly opened our cybersecurity site, where I saw an unauthorized breach trying to break into our security.

Fuck.

I picked up my phone from the table and was about to call My brother Darsh but instead my phone buzzed as I got a call from him. I instantly answered the call.

“ Bhai” he said as soon as I picked up the call, without wasting any time i straight came to actually thing

“ What's the status?” I asked him, I felt him exhaling on the other.

“ He is smart. He used an old unused connection , so that we can't catch him and bhai he tried his best to hack but Noo—” he paused before continuing “I mean Noor bhabhi was faster as always, she made a fake important file and lure him and the best part ? he actually got into her trap and we got the location” I nodded, my lips curving at the end when i heard him calling Noor as his bhabhi, it made me smile. I had wanted my siblings to call her by that name so badly, and now, finally, it was happening—for real.

“ And bhai the most important thing-” he paused and he inhaled deeply on the other side, “ the location showed he is in Jodhpur and he tried….. to message bhabhi. So, i shutdown her laptop”

I straightened up, as my mind processed Darsh's words.

Jodhpur. Whoever it was he was close — very close to us. And the fact that he used an old connection said pretty much everything. That meant he wasn't some random hacker — they were closer than expected. And the fact he tried to contact Noor, made my blood boil.

“ Good job, shutting down her laptop,” I said.

“ We can't risk any communication with him until we know who he is and what he wants”

Darsh hummed on the other, “ bhai, this isn't just a breech. This is personal. If not then why would he try to hack the system which was bhabhi, securing instead of attempting a full scale attack?”

That's exactly what has been bothering me. If this isn't personal then what it is. The hacker is skilled enough to hack into our initial security layers, he wouldn't have wasted his time in sending her messages. And For a hacker every second is important. They had a different agenda.

“ Did you find any IP address?” I asked,

“ No bhai. But I'm trying” he replied.

“ For now, stop it but keep an eye on him” i said,

“ And keep Informing me,” with that, I hung up.

I kept the phone on the table and searched for the deal. The moment my eyes fell on the file, I exhaled. It's safe. Darsh saved it. I smiled, feeling proud of my brother.

Darsh had always been a genius with computers, even as a kid. While I was being trained to take over the business, he was busy coding, hacking into school systems just for fun, and building his own software.

I knew he had no interest in the corporate world, and I never forced him. Instead, I made sure he got the best training and opportunities to follow his dream of basketball. But in return, he offered to help me—in secret.

No one in our family knew that Darsh was the silent shield protecting our empire from cyber threats. Officially, he was just my younger brother, the world-famous basketball player. But behind the scenes, he was my secret weapon.

And tonight, once again, he had proved his worth.

I picked up the file, flipping through the pages, making sure everything was in place. The deal was intact, no data had been tampered with.

Darsh had saved it.

I leaned back in my chair, a smirk playing on my lips. Good.

But the fact that someone had dared to try hacking into our system still didn’t sit right with me.

This wasn’t over. Not even close.

Whoever was behind this attack had made a mistake. And soon, they were going to find out exactly what happened when they messed with the wrong family.

The deal is important, not for me but for Mr. Rucci. Lorenzo Rucci, the richest business man in Italy who recently wanted to grow his business in India because of his current loss in Russia and for it he needed to deal with me. Though he had others like Aviransh, Rudraksh and Raghuveer Singh to deal with who could be his Free ticket to India but no one goes against me especially when two of them are my friends. Aviransh and Rudraksh— they will never go against me respecting our years old friendship and the left is Raghuveer who is not as powerful as me.

So, Mr. Rucci didn't have any option other than me.

If anyone other than me secured his deal then the loss would be 30 billion, which is less than the amount I make in a day. So, this loss isn't a big deal for me and if he didn't sign this deal with me then he will surely lose his whole empire to the fund, and people like Lorenzo will spend all the money on his stupid mistress rather than giving it to the fund.

Hence, this is more important for him than me.

My photo buzzed with a notification, I glanced at it. It was from Mom. I picked up my phone and opened her message,

Mom- Stop ignoring us Ashrit. You need to divorce her no matter what happens. And come and eat with us . Stop playing this ignoring game.

I signed, reading it and off the phone. Mom has been like this for years now. I don't understand her concern for me sometimes, it feels like she is hiding something, not only her but everyone in the family is hiding something — from me. First they used the throne to get me married and now she wants me to get divorce from my wife — whom I just married a few days ago.

Something is wrong— very wrong.

Turning on the phone I failed Rajat’s number. His answer instantly, “ ji hukum”

“ Rajat, i want you to monitor every one in the palace, including the family members and especially Devika Raghuvanshi” i commanded,

“ Ji hukum, i will look into it,”

“ And what about the d- wing , any progress?” I asked

“ Hunkm, we sealed it, and installed higher security level systems and more guards too but something is off, I am looking into it personally.”

“ Hmm. Once it's done, report to me.” I said and disconnected the call.

FLASHBACK ENDS.

✵

It was late at night when I reached the palace. I walked inside my shoes clicking on the grand marble floor. The palace was silent, indicating that everyone was asleep, I walked further through the galleries and chambers until I reached mine, which wasn't mine anymore.

I pushed the largest door and entered inside, the rich cherry scent hit my nostrils as I inhaled deeply letting the aroma fill my mind. I looked around for the owner. I frowned when I didn't find her. I looked around the whole chamber but she wasn't there . I kept my coat on the bed and then my laptop bag and hurried outside, I opened the Big door again and came outside.

There aren't any guards outside my chamber, reason? I simply can't trust anyone with my things— not even my family. I looked around outside the chamber and then I heard a scream. A scared one. It's from the backside where the d-wing is located. Shit. I ran there, my steps faster as my heart pounded in my chest.

Be safe.

Be safe.

Be safe.

I chanted it in my mind several times. As I reached there, I looked around to find her but it was all black. Fuck. I told rajat to fix the lights but that bastard didn't. I pulled my phone out from the pocket and turned on the flash light.

The weather turned dark, the cold wind was blowing, indicating that it is going to rain Soon. I walked around searching for Noor, but she wasn't there. My heart pounded as I checked the empty surroundings. It was dirty here as it wasn't cleaned for years. I warned her, didn't i? This place is dangerous.

“ Noor!!” I called out, my voice came out as a whisper, as I walked further searching the whole garden which was not a garden anymore. The eerily silent with the howling sound made me worry for her more. She is scared of dark places. She is scared of being alone.

The wind intensified, I moved further, my flashlight of the phone flickering against the looming shadows. Where the hell is she? She was supposed to be here.

Then I heard it. A low whimper. From the side, I walked in the direction, aiming the phone's light towards the direction. Then I saw a shadow, it was slim, short and a dark reflection of a human but before I could reach there. It disappeared, like it never existed.

I exhaled sharply, it's not the time to think about it. I need to find Noor. My wife. As I was about to leave, I felt something move behind the pillar. I froze. My grip on the phone tightened. The wind howled, making the tree sway eerily in the darkness.

I turned slowly, directing my flashlight toward the pillar. My heartbeat echoed in my ears. "Noor?" I called out again, my voice barely steady.

A faint shuffle. A muffled sob.

I moved closer, my steps cautious. As I rounded the pillar, my light landed on her.

Noor.

She was curled up against the cold concrete, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her eyes, wide with fear, glistened with unshed tears. Her body trembled, her breaths coming in short, panicked gasps.

I crouched down to her level, “Noor?” I called her, my voice softened, Noor looked up, her honey brown eyes met mine, making my breath hitched. Her eyes were red, swollen due to crying. A sob left her mouth when she realised it was me. She leaned onto me, in my embrace and nuzzled her face on my chest, as she cried.

I circled my hands around her, giving her the warmth she needed. We sat there in the position, until she calmed down.

Suddenly Noor pulled out, her eyes widened as if she finally got into her senses and realised who i am. I stood up and pulled my hand out for her. Noor looked at my hand and then at me, as if thinking what I am doing and why? Finally she held my hand and stood up. She was about to leave my hand, but I didn't let her leave and hold onto her hand. She looked at me, as if asking why am I holding her hand, i said “ you will get lost again, so hold my hand. I will guide us out from here”

Before she could protest, I slightly tightened my grip assuring her that I am here. Noor didn't say anything, but I felt her fingers curling slightly around mine as she intertwined our fingers. My lips curved up at the corner, as I walked out of the garden with her.

✵

A U T H O R

They were in their chamber, Noor who was scared a few hours ago was now bawling her eyes out, as she looked at Ashrit laying on the bed.

“ What the hell is he doing?” She thought as she came out of the closet.

Ashrit, who was laid on the bed, with one hand on the forehead covering his face while others on the stomach, felt her gaze on him, he slowly removed his hand and looked at her.

Noor took a step back when she felt him looking at her.

“ Why is he looking at me?” Noor thought, as she slowly moved to the couch, but before she could say on the couch she froze hearing his words,

“ Sleep on the bed,”

Noor head snapped at him with a jerk,

Her eyes widened in shock. “What?” she blurted out, unsure if she had heard him correctly.

Ashrit sighed, his voice calm but firm. “I said, sleep on the bed.”

“ You are sleeping here!!!?” She blurred out,

Ashrit raised an eyebrow at her reaction, “ then where will I sleep?” He asked in amusement.

“ I don't know -” she stopped and looked at him with wide eyes.

Ashrit smirked at her . “You don’t know?” he repeated, clearly enjoying her flustered state.

Noor bit her lip, and looked away, “ I mean you weren't sleeping here, since we got married. So i thought you—"

Ashrit smirked, resting on one elbow. “So, you thought I’d keep avoiding my own bed?”

Noor looked down, playing with her dupatta. “I just assumed,” she mumbled.

He chuckled. “Well, you assumed wrong.”

She frowned. “Then I’ll sleep on the couch.”

Ashrit sighed. “That couch is too small. You’ll be uncomfortable.”

“I don’t mind,” she said stubbornly, walking toward it.

His voice turned firm. “Noor, stop being difficult and sleep on the bed.”

She spun around, glaring. “You can’t tell me what to do.”

He raised a brow at her. Making her realise who he was,

“ I can't?”

Noor froze, realising what she had just said. He was The Ashrit singh Raghuvanshi — her boss and her husband. The man whom everyone is scared of. She swallowed nervously, “ i didn't mean like that” she muttered, gripping her shirt.

Ashrit smrinked, “ then what do you mean?”

Noor opened her mouth to reply but had no answer. His steady gaze made her feel nervous.

She took a deep breath and turned away. “I’ll still sleep on the couch,” she said stubbornly.

Ashrit sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine, do what you want.” His tone was casual, but something in his eyes was unreadable.

He lay back down and closed his eyes. While Noor laid on the couch. Her small body fit into the couch perfectly making her smile. Noor pulled her legs close, wrapping herself in comfort and closed her eyes.

A few minutes passed, Noor was about to sleep, when Ashrit broke the silence, making her froze.

“ Let's give this marriage a chance, Noor.”

TO BE CONTINUED..........