Chapter 21: A Ripple in the Water

Aman woke up the next morning with a lingering sense of triumph from the night before. The announcement at the Filmfare Awards had been a risk, but it had paid off. His phone buzzed non-stop with congratulatory messages, some from industry veterans, others from colleagues and friends. Even the media had begun buzzing about Vishwajeet Studios, with headlines ranging from "Aman's Bold Move" to "The Rise of Independent Cinema in India."

As he scrolled through the notifications, a new message caught his eye. It was from Rajeev.

The name alone made Aman tense. For years, Rajeev had been a looming presence in his career, a man with an iron grip on both the industry and Aman's trajectory. Their partnership had brought Aman fame and success, but it had also cost him his creative freedom. Now that Aman had publicly stepped away, he knew Rajeev wouldn't let it slide so easily.

He opened the message, half-expecting it to be a thinly veiled threat.

"Meet me at the studio at noon. We need to talk."

Simple. Direct. And filled with an undertone of warning.

Aman sighed. He had anticipated this confrontation, but it still gnawed at him. Rajeev wasn't the type to let go without a fight, and Aman knew he was walking into a lion's den. But he had made his decision, and backing down now would undo everything he had fought for.

Just then, Nisha walked into the living room, still in her silk robe, her hair tied loosely in a bun. "You're up early. Everything okay?"

Aman handed her the phone. Nisha's expression darkened as she read the message.

"Rajeev?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

Aman nodded. "He wants to meet. It was bound to happen after the announcement."

Nisha crossed her arms, leaning against the kitchen counter. "You don't have to go. You've made your decision, and he has no power over you anymore."

Aman appreciated her confidence in him, but the situation was more complicated than that. Rajeev had been the one to bring him into the industry, and despite everything, there was still a sense of obligation. "I need to face him, Nisha. We have too much history for me to ignore it. Besides, it's better to deal with it now than have him interfere with Vishwajeet Studios from the shadows."

Nisha hesitated but eventually nodded. "Just don't let him intimidate you. He'll try to make you feel like you owe him something, but you don't. You're your own man now."

Aman gave her a reassuring smile. "I know. I've got this."

---

As Aman entered Rajeev's office later that day, the tension was palpable. The once familiar surroundings felt hostile now. Framed photos of blockbuster movies lined the walls, each one a reminder of the empire Rajeev had built, an empire Aman had helped create.

Rajeev sat behind his massive desk, his hands clasped together as he leaned forward slightly. His piercing gaze followed Aman as he walked in.

"Aman," Rajeev greeted coolly, his voice measured. "Sit down."

Aman complied, taking a seat across from him. The silence stretched on for a few moments, both men assessing the other. Rajeev was the first to speak.

"So, you've made your move," Rajeev began, his tone devoid of emotion. "Vishwajeet Studios. Ambitious."

Aman met his gaze steadily. "I needed to take control of my career. I couldn't stay in the same place forever."

Rajeev's lips curled into a faint, almost predatory smile. "I made you, Aman. Without me, you'd still be struggling to get a foot in the door. Everything you have—your success, your fame—it's because of me."

Aman clenched his fists under the table, but his face remained calm. "I'm grateful for what you've done for me, Rajeev. You gave me a start, but that doesn't mean I'm indebted to you for the rest of my life. I've grown, and I need to carve my own path now."

Rajeev's expression hardened. "And you think you can do that without me? You think you can just walk away and build your little production company? The industry isn't kind to people who think they can make it on their own, Aman. You'll find out soon enough."

Aman leaned forward slightly, his voice firm but calm. "Maybe. But I'd rather fail on my own terms than succeed on someone else's. I'm not your puppet anymore."

For a moment, Rajeev's face betrayed his anger, but he quickly masked it. "You've always been impulsive, Aman. That's why you need someone like me to guide you. Vishwajeet Studios is a risk—a big one. And when it crumbles, don't expect anyone to help you pick up the pieces."

Aman stood, signaling that the conversation was over. "We'll see about that."

Rajeev's eyes followed him as he walked toward the door, but just before Aman reached for the handle, Rajeev spoke again.

"You're making a mistake, Aman. One that will cost you everything."

Aman paused, but didn't turn around. "The only mistake I made was staying in your shadow for so long."

With that, he left the office, feeling both lighter and heavier at the same time. The confrontation had gone as expected, but the reality of cutting ties with Rajeev was more daunting than he had anticipated. Rajeev wasn't just a mentor—he was a powerhouse in the industry, and there would undoubtedly be consequences for going against him.

But as Aman stepped out into the bright afternoon sun, a sense of liberation washed over him. He had finally broken free. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but it was his road now. His choices, his vision, his future.

---

Later that evening, Aman and Nisha sat on their balcony, the city skyline twinkling in the distance. Aman filled her in on the confrontation with Rajeev, and as he spoke, Nisha listened intently, her eyes never leaving his face.

"I'm proud of you," she said softly when he finished. "I know how hard that must've been."

Aman sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It wasn't easy. But it had to be done."

Nisha nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder. "This is the beginning, Aman. Vishwajeet Studios will be our legacy. No one can take that from us."

Aman smiled, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "You're right. And now, it's time to show the world what we can do."