CHAPTER-2
1664 Words
“Life never stops, even if you want it to. It just keeps moving until the very end…”
KHURANA PUBLISHING HOUSE
A black BMW 7 Series pulled up in front of the grand building. The structure radiated elegance; one side of the vast exterior was lined with trees of various types, offering a breathtaking view of nature. Marble benches were placed under the trees, providing a peaceful place to sit and admire the scenery.
The building’s signage read “THE KHURANA PUBLISHING HOUSE” in a beautiful classic font, creating a captivating first impression for visitors.
Arjun entered the building with a serious expression. Everyone greeted him with polite smiles, which he acknowledged with a nod or a faint smile of his own.
Everyone respected Arjun. He might not be the most jovial boss, but he always treated his employees with respect and gave them the freedom to work in their own way. However, he couldn't tolerate anyone misusing that freedom—and he made sure such behavior wasn’t repeated.
(Of course, he respectfully pushes them out of the company—note the sarcasm.)
The various departments were divided by elegant translucent glass walls. Bookshelves adorned the perimeter, and tables and chairs were neatly arranged for employee use.
He reached his cabin on the top floor via the elevator.
His office was a blend of nature and literature. A large, ornate wooden desk sat in the center, paired with a stately executive chair.
One side of the room featured books and awards displayed in a glass case, alongside a small couch and table that could seat five to six people.
The opposite wall was filled with lush indoor plants, adding a touch of serenity to the otherwise professional space.
One glance at the room, and anyone could tell: Arjun was a nature enthusiast. And this love for greenery extended to his home as well, where a massive garden filled with plants and trees resembled a mini forest--minus the wild animals.
Just then, his personal assistant, Ms. Tina approached with a bright smile.
“Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning, Ms. Tina,” Arjun replied.
“What’s the progress on the new publications?” Arjun asked.
“Everything is going smoothly, as expected sir, and guess what?” she said, her tone dramatic, encouraging Arjun to play along.
He simply raised an eyebrow.
“The new book by the secret author Akrithi has surpassed her previous sales records!”
Arjun’s lips curled into a proud smile. He was incredibly proud of his little sister.
Seeing his reaction, Tina couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, sorry if I’m overstepping, but I’ve noticed how you always smile when Akrithi’s name comes up… do you know her?”
Arjun shook his head and replied, “Of course, I know the author, Ms. Tina. But I can’t tell you. Privacy issues, you know.”
“I understand, sir. But if you ever meet her, please tell her I’m a huge fan! I’d love to meet her someday. If she ever chooses to reveal herself to the world, I want to be there to cheer for her. Her poetry heals so many broken hearts.”
Arjun had always wanted to introduce his sister to the world, to let her experience the life of a renowned author. But it was she who preferred to stay in the shadows.
There have been many instances where strangers falsely claimed to be Akrithi. Arjun had to intervene to protect her identity each time.
He recalled the moment he discovered the truth: that the bestselling author who was bringing fame and business to his publishing house was none other than his own younger sister, his bacha.
He had knocked on Anaya’s door. When there was no response, he peeked in and saw her sitting on the bed, headphones on.
But what caught his attention was the book in her hands , a first-copy proof meant for the author, Akrithi. His eyebrows furrowed.
What is this copy doing with Anu?
How does she know the author, when even my team doesn’t know who she is?
He stepped in, pulled the headphones from her ears, and snatched the book.
"Bhai! What are you doing? There’s a major printing error it changes the whole meaning!”
Arjun froze, stunned into silence.
Anaya frowned, then realization dawned.
“Bhai, I…”
“I’m so proud of you, Anu. You’re doing amazing.”
He wrapped her in a tight hug.
Anaya returned the embrace, mentally preparing herself for the flood of questions.
After a moment, he pulled back.
“Why did you hide it from me, from the world?”
“Bhai, I’m sorry. I didn’t know how you’d react, so I kept it from you. And about the world… I just want my words and feelings to reach people. I don’t want to live that life, not yet, at least.”
Understanding her completely, he didn’t push her further.
From that day on, Arjun had attended every award function and accepted the accolades on her behalf.
He felt immense pride in receiving awards meant for his sister—and Anaya was overjoyed to see her beloved brother accepting them.
Arjun’s thoughts were interrupted by Ms. Tina.
“Sir, are you there?”
“Sorry. What were you saying?”
“Your schedule, sir.”
She updated him and returned to her desk.
Rajvansh Mansion
As night fell, the living room buzzed with laughter and warm conversations. The men had returned from work and were lounging on the couch, watching the women talk animatedly.
Sakshi entered the living room after a long nap from jet lag. Everyone smiled warmly at her; she returned the gesture and took a seat on a single sofa.
Her smile faded when Radhidevi spoke.
“Do you all remember my friend Shalini?” she asked rhetorically before continuing.
“She has a grandson who is 27 years old, a successful businessperson, expanding his company. She’s looking for a bride for him. So I’ve invited her over tomorrow… to meet our Sakshi.”
Before anyone could react, she added,
“Sakshi beta, be ready in traditional attire tomorrow to meet the groom. He’s a good man, you’ll like him.”
Sakshi froze. She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t say no to her grandmother, but she also couldn’t abandon her dreams.
Janvi, puzzled but polite, asked, “Maa, I understand if she wants to meet Sakshi, but why so soon? She had just returned from abroad. Let her rest for a few days.”
“I’m not asking her to get married tomorrow,” Radhidevi replied.
“Let them meet first. Seetha and Janvi take care of the arrangements. They’ll be here by 8 a.m. for breakfast.”
“But maa…” Manohar began to protest.
“That’s the end of discussion,” Radhidevi said firmly.
Just then, Nikith entered, looking grumpy, mumbling a lazy hello. He slumped onto the sofa between his mom and Chachi, resting his head on Seetha’s shoulder.
“Oho! Someone bring a strong coffee for our prince,” Manohar teased sarcastically. “Look at him, so tired from a day full of hard sleep!”
Nikith, proving he was indeed his father’s son, replied, “Love you, Papa. You’re the best!”
Manohar rolled his eyes, standing up.
“Come on, everyone. Let’s move to the dining table.”
Krishnan approached the women and pulled Seetha from the sofa, causing Nikith to stumble sideways.
“Chachu, yaar!” Nikith complained. “Let me rest a little!”
“I’m not stopping you from resting, beta ji. Just sleepwalk to the dining table, sleep-sit through dinner, and then sleepwalk to your bed. Not on my wife’s shoulder.”
Nikith grinned. “Every man in this house is so Jelluuu…”
Then, with a mischievous smirk, he sneaked up behind Sakshi and yelled in her ear, “Sakshoooo!”
He sprinted away, expecting her to chase him as she usually did. But Sakshi just walked away silently, lost in thought.
Nikith frowned. Her reaction was unusual.
At the dinner table, the women were cheerful, but the men seemed uncertain. The food was served. After a brief silence, Krishnan spoke up.
“Mano bhai and I have been thinking. It’s time we step down and let the next generation take over.”
No one responded. He exchanged a glance with Manohar and continued.
“Nikki, why don’t you apply for the CEO position? You’re already selected. It’s just a formality. This will help avoid future complications.”
Nikith didn’t reply.
Manohar asked, “Say something, son.”
Nikith looked toward Sakshi, hoping she’d speak up, but she remained silent.
Radhidevi said, “Let’s take one step at a time. First, let Sakshi’s marriage be fixed tomorrow. Then we can talk about business. And of course, Nikith will be CEO.”
Nikith’s eyes widened. He snapped his head toward her and then quickly looked at Sakshi.
The family noticed his reaction.
“What’s wrong, Nikith?” Seetha asked.
“Nikith?” Janvi echoed.
But all he said was, “Won’t you say anything, Sakshi?”
She met his gaze briefly before looking away and shaking her head.
That moment told Nikith everything. She was barely holding back tears.
Sakshi was intelligent, bold, and ambitious. But at that moment, she felt powerless.
No one had asked her opinion, not about meeting the boy, not about her dreams.
She didn’t mind meeting someone, but not like this. She had goals. She wanted to build something, even if not the CEO role, at least her own path.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a loud slam on the dining table. Cutlery jumped at the impact.
A chair flew backward and crashed into the wall, breaking into two pieces.
Gasps filled the room as everyone turned to see…
[A|N]:
Hello lovely readers💕
Do read and support my story.
with love,
The Crushed Scribbler❤️
- Writer
