Chapter 11: The Breaking Point

The air buzzed with excitement in the cozy party hall decorated with fairy lights and soft floral arrangements. Meera stood in the center of the room, wearing a pale pink saree that shimmered in the soft light. Her cheeks flushed as Raghav slid a gold engagement ring onto her finger. All relatives from both the side laughing, talking and enjoying the soft romantic music being played in the party hall. Their laughter and hum mad the hall living.

The crowd broke into cheers and applause, but Meera's gaze shifted to the back of the room where Riya stood, beaming. Meera smiled faintly at her best friend, trying to ignore the small pang of guilt tugging at her heart. She focused on her parents and Raghav's parents who seemed very happy as their childrens were going to tie a knot soon. Their happiness was so heart - touching Aand Meera began to think she was taking the right decision.

Raghav leaned in and whispered, "You okay?"

Meera nodded, her lips curving into a warm smile. "I'm okay. This just… feels surreal."

"It's real." he said softly, his sincerity wrapping around her like a warm embrace. "And I'll make sure you never regret it."

Across the city, in the towering Malhotra Enterprises building, Arjun sat at his desk, his fingers drumming against a printed invitation. His jaw clenched as he reread the details for the tenth time-

Meera Sharma and Raghav Verma's Engagement Celebration.

The edges of the invitation were crumpled from the force of his grip. He leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the city skyline.

"She's really going through with it. But how she could? " he muttered under his breath.

Raj, standing cautiously by the door, spoke up. "Sir, the presentation for tomorrow's investors' meeting..."

"Cancel it." Arjun barked, his tone sharp enough to cut glass.

Raj blinked. "Cancel? But..."

"Are you deaf, Raj? I said cancel it! That's all." Arjun snapped, slamming the invitation onto his desk.

Raj swallowed his protest and quietly left the room.

Arjun stood and walked to the large windows, his fists clenched at his sides. The thought of Meera - his Meera - slipping through his fingers drove him mad.

"How could she?" he whispered to himself, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and despair. "How could she give herself to someone else? She belongs to me only."

Meanwhile, back at the engagement party, Riya pulled Meera aside notting a thin line of nervousness on her forehead.

"Okay, spill but truth only." Riya said, her eyes narrowing playfully. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

Meera sighed, leaning against a pillar. "Nothing, Riya. I'm happy. Really."

"Uh-huh." Riya said, crossing her arms. "You're happy, but your eyes keep darting toward the door like you're expecting someone to walk in and object."

Meera bit her lip. "I'm just… a bit nervous. It's a big step - a big decision of my life."

Riya softened, placing a hand on Meera's arm. "You deserve this, Meera. Raghav is a good man. Don't let the past haunt you."

Meera nodded, her expression firming. "You're right. I'm done letting Arjun control how I feel."

Back at Malhotra Enterprises, Arjun sat at his desk long after everyone had left for the night. The whiskey bottle from his penthouse now sat beside him, half-empty.

He stared at his laptop screen, a dozen work emails open but unread. His mind refused to focus. Instead, all he could see was Meera's face, her laughter, her defiance.

"Raj." he called out suddenly, his voice echoing in the empty office.

Raj appeared moments later, looking hesitant. "Yes, sir?"

"Double the acquisition proposal for Shah Industries," Arjun said, his tone cold and calculated.

Raj blinked in confusion. "But, sir, that company isn't even a priority - "

"I don't care!" Arjun snapped. "Make it a priority. And push the marketing team to finalize the Singapore project by next week. I want results."

Raj nodded reluctantly. "Understood, sir."

As Raj left, Arjun leaned back in his chair, his gaze dark and unreadable. If Meera thought she could forget him, she was wrong.

That night, as Meera lay in bed, staring at the engagement ring on her finger, her thoughts drifted to Arjun. She shook her head, frustrated with herself.

"This is a new chapter." she whispered, her voice firm. "Arjun Malhotra is in the past. After all you don't have to think for yourself always. Everyone arounds you seems happy."

But deep down, she knew the past wasn't so easy to bury - especially when it came to someone like Arjun.

And far away in his penthouse, Arjun sat alone, his glass empty and his resolve hardened. If Meera thought she could walk away, he was determined to remind her that some ties could never be broken.

.

To be continue...