When Heartless Falls

THE MARRIAGE CLAUSE

Veer~

“f*****g s**t!”

Great. Another morning starting with curses — but this time, I had a damn good reason. An important deal with an Italian client was slipping through my fingers because my useless secretary couldn’t send the proposal on time.

Lazy ass.

I threw my phone aside and shot out of bed, rushing to the washroom to get ready. Everyone in the office was going to have the worst day of their lives. I’d been too lenient. Especially with Stella. She was about to experience hell.

After getting dressed and downing my black coffee, I headed out.

I slid into my Jaguar, pushed the key into the ignition, and sped toward V.K. Enterprises. The moment I stepped out, I made my way to the private elevator. My bodyguard, James, joined me halfway, greeted me, and I headed straight to the 18th floor.

"Morning sir!" Stella greeted me. I just glanced at her.

"Bring me my coffee," I informed, and entered my cabin. She must have sensed some danger and quickly replied,

"On my way."

I settled myself in the cabin. Getting the Romano file, I concentrated on a way to persuade them. I just wanted to find out their weakness. Everyone has a weakness and that forces them to change their decision. And I just enjoy manipulating them.

As soon as I found out that using my company’s strong logistics, I could get the shipping done quicker. That made me smirk. I quickly called my assistant, Brandon, as I did not trust Stella and asked him to schedule an appointment as I wanted my deal back in no time.

In the meantime, I heard a weak knock on my cabin's door, "Come in!"

It was Stella as her annoying heels tapping on the hardwood floor, increasing my headache. I must get rid on her. But, coffee first. "Here it is just the way you like. " Stella spoke, placing the mug on a coaster residing on my mahogany table.

"Thanks, you may go now."

"Sure." Instead of leaving the hell out, she reached out to me by placing her hand on my shoulder, giving it a small press. Soon she slid her hands down towards my chest. I almost groaned when I remembered I had slept with her last week. She wanted it, so it did. It was just for pleasure, a much-needed release, but now she is getting on my nerves by acting unprofessional.

If this is her way of apologizing to me for not doing her job correctly, well then, she is so wrong.

I slapped her hand away and told her to find her way out.

I felt her breath in my ear as she whispered in her 'f**k me' voice, "Are you still angry baby?"

By now, I fumed, "Will you shut the hell up, Stella? You have already ruined the Romano project and now do me a favor, get out!" I busted at her; she flinched at my tone and walked towards the glass door.

"Is there anything else?" She asked, turning back once.

Oh, I was waiting for her to ask, "Yeah, and you are fired."

I just love to do that.

∆∆∆

In the afternoon, I met Mr. Romano. I was hell-bent on cracking this deal, especially after I found out the exact requirement.

"Mr. Romano!" I greeted.

"Veer, please call me Chris. No formalities." He cheered, patting my arm.

Soon, when we were settled at the high-end restaurant, I got straight to the point. "I see you are giving the contract to Bowman's."

"Oh, I just wanted to get it done quickly. He was the first one to approach with a decent offer. I accepted." He shrugged, making me curse under my breath.

My eyes narrowed at him, I still tried to keep my calm composure. "The proposed cost quoted by us was much less than Bowman's, and we also have the airdrop facilities."

"Wait, wait, the price quoted by you was less? But I never got it."

I nodded. "I understand, but now you still have time to get the delivery of your tender on time or maybe in less time than you need if my company gets the contract." I spoke carefully.

"If that's possible, well...then...great...you got the tender Veer. " He declared and forwarded his hand for a handshake to seal the deal.

"What about the quotations?" I asked, taking his hand.

"You can increase it as per your liking as I want the shipping to be done within a month." I nodded.

"Sure."

And just like that, I got the tender with a huge profit margin.

∆∆∆

I was busy going through the paperwork for an upcoming project and just then my phone rang. I was tensed looking at the caller’s name.

I breathed deeply, trying to ignore the uneasiness. I picked up the call. "Father."

He chuckled from the other end, "Thank god you called me father, I thought you would say Mr. Kohli."

I sighed and tried to be calm, but anger started to take over. Why the hell was he calling me? "What's the reason behind calling me in the middle of my work? " My voice came out a lot harsher than I intended to, guilt seeped in immediately, but it was too late.

"Cool it son, I was hoping you would come to India."

Pinching the bridge of my nose, "I can't. I have a business which needs to be run."

"Veer, I need you to be here for business only." My face lifted, and I was attentive towards his words.

"What business?"

"I got you a real good business deal which you won't be able to refuse," he trailed off, "Besides, your mother misses you." My tightened muscles relaxed at her mention.

Mother. She is the only person whom I cannot refuse. A small hmm left my mouth.

"Come here till tomorrow," he added, making me calculate the work to be done. I agreed and decided to work in India for a while.

"I'll be there tomorrow afternoon."

"Indian time?"

"Yes."

"We will be waiting for you, son." I tensed more at his words and hung up the call. Throwing my head back, I rubbed my while rocking the backrest of my chair unconsciously.

This will be the first time I will touch Indian soil. Though it is for pure business, I am ready for it. I quickly asked Brandon, my assistant, to get the jet ready.

∆∆∆

After nine hours of flight, I finally reached India. My family used to live in London but when I settled my business here, they left for their homeland. I was not interested in going, so I stayed in London for almost most of my life.

But right now I am more interested in this new business deal father told me about.

The moment I stepped on the Indian soil, a welcoming warm breeze hit my face. London is always cold, Indian weather is a nice change.

My cousin Amit had come to pick me up at the airport, "Veer, how are you manning, it's been such a long time?" He greeted me smiling and we hugged.

"I am good, how are you, Amit?"

"Fantastic as always."

∆∆∆

"Oh my god, my baby is here!" Mother's squeal blasted my ears when she pulled me into a tight hug as soon as we reached the family mansion and I had just entered the grand room.

"I am a good mother," I assured her, and patted her back.

"What well? Have you been eating or not, you look so lean."

"I am not a lean mother, I am fit, and don't worry, I am looking after my health. " She shook her head, but kept staring at me with eyes full of love and affection. I smiled knowingly. I missed her so much.

"Veer! Bro Oh my god, you look awesome." Misha, my baby sister, smiled brightly and hugged me.

"Great! How are you...my little cupcake?" I asked happily as I ruffled her hair, watching her glaring at me.

Nevertheless, she smiled later, "Ass, I missed my nickname. I am all good."

I just smiled at her and made my way towards my bedroom.

"I am so happy for you, my big bro." Misha yelled at my back in happiness and clapping excitedly. It made me turn towards her.

I raised my brow, "Happy for me, why?"

"Ummm...'coz you are finally here and for the business deal as well." I nodded still something was fishy about her behavior.

"Son!" Father called out me out, who was standing right behind Mia.

"Father," I acknowledged him, nodding my head. He padded towards me and hugged me, patting my back.

I almost grimaced and wanted to pull away. His mere presence reminded me of the reason I stayed away from India.

"Come on, son, I need to talk to you about business." He chirped and lead me towards his studies.

Once we entered, I saw another man sitting there on one of the leather chairs. He smiled at me standing up.

"Hello Veer." He greeted me with a handshake.

"Hello?" I asked confusingly.

"Son, this is Mr. Ranveer Mehra, my dear friend. He owns one of the biggest shipping companies in India. Mehra Industries." My father informed me proudly.

"I see," I responded, nodding at the information, "I am assuming you are the one who wants to talk about business," I stated. I sighed when the man responded affirmatively.

"So, what is it?" I asked as we settled on the chairs. I flexed my arms as it seemed a little tensed after all the traveling.

"As you already know about my business now, I want to tell you that I am planning to retire, and I need someone to look after my company. Or should I say take over my company. I don't think anyone can do it better than you."

My eyes narrowed at his idea, "Isn't there any heir for this company like your son or daughter?" I found it weird for an experienced business-man showing blind trust in a stranger.

"Yes, I have a daughter, but she is not interested in my business. She works with one of the biggest publishing houses in India."

Oh.

"I want this deal to be a merger."

"I cannot live in India forever. I have my own company in London," I stated coldly.

"I am aware of that; you can still live in London and transfer all the work there. If you can hire the best managers for this company, and you operate it from London," he suggested, but I found it fishy.

There must be more to it. "I want to say yes, but what's the catch?"

"Isn't my son clever?" My father laughed.

"Yes, Prem, he definitely is." Mr. Mehra smiled, looking over my father and giving him a knowing smile.

"So, what is it?" I asked again, not liking where this conversation was going.

"I want you to marry my daughter and my business is yours."

I was shocked. I mean, what the f**k?

"Is this a joke?" I asked in disbelief. This was ridiculous if they were really being serious about it.

"It's not a joke, son. He meant what he said, You need to get settled already."

"I will not marry any stranger. Arranged marriage is bullshit." I hissed, fisting both of my palms together. This was not happening.

"Watch your language veer!" My father retorted coldly.

I snorted. "Listen, I cannot get married just yet; I am really busy," I declared truthfully, leaning back to the chair.

"Son, this is the last thing I want you to do for me. I won't bother you after this," he said, and just then I found Mr. Mehra patting my father's arm.

"You also know this merger is a excellent deal for you and your company. When it comes to my daughter, I am protective of her. I'm asking you to marry her just because I have faith in Prem's upbringing." I was about to snort at his 'upbringing' comment but kept my mouth shut." Think about it," Mr. Mehra added, making my father look at me hopeful.

Just then, I heard a soft knock on the door. "Am I disturbing you?" I saw my mother poking her head out of the half-opened door of the study room.

"No Shradha, come in," Father said.

I felt her presence beside me as she kept her hand on my shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "My child, she is a really sweet girl. She will keep you happy." Her voice was soft, and it made me almost give in.

"I will think about it," I blurted down, and left the room.

∆∆∆

I reached the kitchen and poured some water for myself in a glass and gulped it down in a few sips.

Next thing I know, mom entered the kitchen with a brown envelope in her hand. I tried my best not to talk about what happened earlier. She pulled out a photograph and placed it in my hand. I took a glance at it, and it was the girl's picture.

I felt nothing.

"Her name is Anaira. Anaira Mehra:" Mother spoke, and I kept looking at the picture. I almost glared at it.

"She is the daughter of Mr. Mehra. She is a sweet girl veer. I have met her a few times," mother added with adoration laced in her voice.

Whosoever this girl was, my mother was fond of her.

"Please at least meet her once and then decide."

Still, I did not give her any reaction but breathed deeply, putting the picture back in her hand.

"Never do it for me beta."

I sighed.

"Okay, but I will only meet her. I am not saying I am ready for marriage."

Instantly, I saw my mother smile widely, "Yes! I understand. You will definitely love her." She squealed and once did my cheek.

Love her, my ass!

"Can you meet her tomorrow in some coffeeshop?"

"Okay, I guess. " She nodded and kissed my cheek later before leaving and happily went towards the great room to spread the news.

Fuck my f*****g life.

I groaned and took a shower later. When I was back in the grand room, I saw Amit sitting on the couch typing away on his iPhone. His face lifted at my presence, "Hey brother, I was waiting for you. Let us go to a club. What say?"

Now that will be a good distraction.