But Amrit's plan to keep Vikram away from Meenakshi's influence ultimately proved futile. Twenty years had passed since Vikram had left India, and now, as a young adult, he had returned to his homeland. Unbeknownst to Amrit, Vikram had a desire to reconnect with his roots and his family.
As Vikram navigated the familiar yet unfamiliar landscape of his childhood, he found himself drawn to the woman who had given birth to him. Meenakshi, who had spent years behind bars, had undergone a transformation. Her demeanor had changed, and she presented herself as a victim, a woman wronged by the system.
When Vikram visited her, Meenakshi seized the opportunity to manipulate her son's perceptions. With tears in her eyes, she spun a web of lies, telling Vikram that it was Amrit who had killed his father, Dhanraj, and had falsely accused her of the crime. Vikram listened, his mind absorbing the poisonous narrative, and his heart filling with anger and resentment towards Amrit.
As Meenakshi spoke, she expertly wove a tale of deceit, using Vikram's emotions to her advantage. She portrayed herself as a loving mother, wrongly accused and imprisoned, while painting Amrit as a ruthless and power-hungry individual who would stop at nothing to eliminate his brother and claim the family fortune.
Vikram, naive and trusting, believed his mother's words without question. His perception of Amrit shifted, and he began to see his uncle in a new, sinister light. Meenakshi's plan had worked, and the seeds of revenge and hatred had been sown in Vikram's heart.
Under the influence of Meenakshi, Vikram had been meticulously planning his revenge against Amrit for three years. He had strategically placed spies within the Sunrise tower, posing as employees, who subtly manipulated Amrit's business dealings to steer him towards questionable partners and illicit financial transactions. These spies were experts at their craft, ensuring that their actions seemed coincidental, yet effectively sabotaging Amrit's reputation and finances.
Additionally, Vikram had infiltrated the Singh mansion with his own network of informants, disguising them as servants, gardeners, and drivers. These individuals provided Vikram with valuable insights into Amrit's personal life and business dealings, allowing him to refine his plan.
After three years of careful planning and observation, Vikram finally saw an opportunity to strike. He knew that Amrit's Achilles' heel was his business empire, and he was confident that he could bring it crashing down. Vikram filed a complaint against Amrit, accusing him of accumulating black money and tax evasion.
Vikram's plan was calculated, taking into account Amrit's family dynamics. He knew that Shruti was the sole heir to Amrit's vast fortune, given that Amrit didn't have a son. Vikram wasn't particularly concerned about Shruti, as she was more inclined towards art and didn't seem interested in the family business. With this knowledge, Vikram felt confident that his plan would succeed, and Amrit's empire would soon be his to claim.
Three years ago, Vikram had visited Amrit's office, still reeling from his meeting with his mother, Meenakshi. The anger and resentment she had instilled in him were palpable, and Vikram's demeanor reflected the turmoil brewing inside. Manish, who had been loyal to Amrit for years, had intercepted Vikram, sensing the young man's volatile emotions.
Manish, in an attempt to protect Amrit from unnecessary worry, had chosen not to inform him about Vikram's visit. He had handled the situation himself, trying to calm Vikram down and diffuse the tension. However, Manish couldn't have been more wrong about Vikram's intentions.
Unbeknownst to Manish, Vikram's anger and resentment were not just fleeting emotions but the foundation upon which he would build his elaborate scheme. Vikram's youth and position within the family had led Manish to underestimate him, but Vikram had been quietly planning and scheming, biding his time until the perfect moment to strike.
As it turned out, Vikram's calm exterior belied a calculating mind, capable of orchestrating a complex and ruthless plan to bring down his own family. Manish's decision to shield Amrit from Vikram's anger had inadvertently allowed Vikram to set his plan in motion, ultimately putting Amrit in a precarious position.
2024, PRESENT TIME
Manish's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he stared at Vikram, his expression a mix of anger and disdain. Vikram, on the other hand, seemed to revel in the moment, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity as he introduced himself to the board members.
"It was my biggest mistake to let you go three years ago," Manish whispered, his voice laced with regret and accusation. Vikram's response was immediate, his tone menacing and calculated. "Indeed it was," he said, his words dripping with malice.
As Vikram turned to address the board members, his voice took on a confident, almost arrogant tone. "As we all know, the Sunrise group's condition is critical right now, given our current lack of a chairperson," he began, his fingers entwined as he spoke. "My uncle, the ex-chairman of the Sunrise group, only has a daughter. So, in this case, the only option left for the position of chairman..." Vikram paused, his hands slapping down on the table with a deliberate flourish. "...is me."
The room erupted into a cacophony of whispers and murmurs as the board members reacted to Vikram's bold declaration. Manish was quick to intervene, his voice firm and disapproving. "What are you talking about?! That's not going to happen," he exclaimed, his face reddening with indignation.
However, Vikram's proposal seemed to have an unexpected effect on the board members. One of them spoke up, their voice measured and thoughtful. "I think we should consider Mr. Vikram's suggestion, Mr. Basu." Another member nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think Mr. Vikram is the right choice for the position."
As the board members began to voice their support for Vikram, Manish's expression turned increasingly disbelieving. One by one, the members raised their hands in agreement, seemingly swayed by Vikram's confident and calculated demeanor. The outcome was clear: Vikram was about to take the reins of the Sunrise group, and Manish's worst fears were on the verge of becoming a reality.
"It's a given, because Vikram is the only candidate left for the position. He is Mr. Singh's only relative," someone said, their voice matter-of-fact. Manish's eyes narrowed slightly as he responded, "He is not the only one. There is Shruti, Mr. Singh's daughter and the sole heir of the Sunrise group."
A murmur of conversation erupted among the board members, with one of them asking, "But isn't Shruti more into art and painting?" Another member chimed in, "Yes, I've also heard that she's not interested in the family business."
Manish let out a sigh, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. "I know, I know. But I talked to her yesterday about this," he said, his voice calm and measured.
Vikram's eyes sparkled with amusement as he leaned forward, a smirk playing on his lips. "So? Did she agree?" he asked, his tone dripping with skepticism. Manish's jaw clenched slightly as he replied, "She said she'll think about it."
Vikram rolled his eyes, his expression incredulous. "Come on, Uncle Basu, do we really have that much time?" he asked, his voice laced with impatience. The implication was clear: Vikram believed that Shruti's indecision was a luxury they couldn't afford, and that he was the most suitable candidate for the position.
Manish ignored Vikram's sarcasm and turned to the board members, his voice steady and persuasive. "I suggest we should wait for at least an hour. I believe Shruti will definitely come to the meeting." The board members exchanged glances, discussing the proposal among themselves.
Vikram snorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, if my dear uncle is insisting so much, we should wait for an hour." He was confident that Shruti wouldn't show up, and his smirk hinted at his certainty.
As the minutes ticked by, Shruti's absence became increasingly apparent. Manish's anxiety grew, his fingers drumming a staccato beat on the table as he glanced at the clock repeatedly. Vikram, on the other hand, sat with an air of confidence, his smirk never wavering.
When the hour was almost up, Vikram stood up, his voice firm. "Well, time's up." Manish rose, looking anxious and uncertain about how to stop Vikram from claiming the chairman's position.
The board members seemed to sense the urgency, and one of them spoke up. "Mr. Basu, we can't wait any longer. I suggest we make Vikram the chairman of the Sunrise group." The board members nodded in agreement, and Vikram's smirk grew, his eyes glinting with triumph.
Just as Vikram was about to declare victory, a voice cut through the board room, halting the proceedings. "Wait a minute." Everyone turned in the direction of the voice, their attention drawn to the newcomer. The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air as they waited to see who had spoken up and what they would say.
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise as they turned to face the speaker. Shruti emerged from the doorway, her presence commanding attention. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face and accentuating her features. The soft glow of the boardroom lights highlighted her skin, giving her an radiant appearance.
She was dressed in a sharply tailored ivory white blazer with gold button details that shimmered subtly as she moved. Beneath the blazer, she wore a sheer black silk blouse with a delicate collar, adding a touch of sophistication to her outfit. Her matching high-waisted trousers were fitted to perfection, showcasing her confident stride.
Shruti's appearance was a masterful blend of elegance and authority. Her aura was domineering, and it was as if she had transformed into a different person altogether. The boardroom fell silent, with all eyes fixed on her as she walked in with purpose and poise. Vikram's smirk faltered, and Manish's anxious expression gave way to a look of hope and relief.
As Shruti took her seat, her presence seemed to shift the dynamics of the room. Her confidence and authority were palpable, and it was clear that she was not to be underestimated. The board members exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity, as they waited to see what Shruti would say or do next.
"Good afternoon, board members. I apologize for the delay," Shruti said, her voice professional and composed. She glanced at Manish, her eyes inquiring. "Shall we start the meeting?" Manish nodded, a hint of a smile on his face, and turned to the board members.
"As Shruti has already arrived, I suggest her for the position of chairperson," Manish said, his voice confident. Vikram's expression darkened, and he spoke up, his tone skeptical. "How can she become the chairperson? Does she even have any experience?"
Shruti turned to Vikram, a smirk playing on her lips. "I guess it's our first meeting, Vikram.... bhaiya," she said, her voice laced with amusement. She stood up, her movements fluid, and walked towards Vikram, her eyes locked on his.
"I do understand your concerns for the well-being of the company," she said, her voice smooth. "But you don't have to worry about that. Maybe I didn't work at the company as a CEO, which my father wanted. But I handled his company affairs for two years." She circled around Vikram, her movements deliberate and calculated, like a lioness stalking its prey.
"As for the experience you say..." She stopped in front of Vikram, her eyes direct and challenging. "May I ask you the same question? Because, as far as I know, you have been unemployed since you graduated." Her words hung in the air, a subtle jab at Vikram's lack of experience and questionable credentials.
A board member spoke up, his voice questioning. "But Miss Singh, didn't you say that you are not interested in the family business and want to pursue your passion?" Shruti turned to him, her expression thoughtful.
"It's a critical time for the company that my father built with so many struggles," she replied. "This is not the time for me to be selfish." Vikram's eyes rolled in skepticism at her statement, his body language radiating doubt.
Manish, however, came to Shruti's defense. "Shruti knows very well about her responsibilities," he said. "She had seen her father working hard every day for the betterment of the company. She also handled her father's work in his absence in the past. So, I think the best choice for the position of chairperson right now is her."
The board members began to whisper to each other, discussing the merits of Shruti's candidacy. After a moment, they nodded in agreement. "Alright, we think Shruti would be the best choice," one of them said.
Another member added, "Yes, seeing that Miss Singh already knows so many things regarding the company affairs, she would be the right choice. As for Mr. Vikram, he doesn't have much working experience, and he is also not familiar with the company." The board members' consensus was clear: Shruti was the preferred candidate for the position of chairperson. Vikram's face darkened, his plans foiled once again.
Vikram's face twisted in frustration as every board member agreed to make Shruti the chairperson. Three years of meticulous planning were on the verge of being rendered futile, and he couldn't let that happen. "Not so fast, my dear sister," he thought to himself. "It's fine if I can't become the chairperson right now, but I will definitely. It's just a matter of time."
Vikram composed himself and stepped forward, a mask of concern etched on his face. "Shruti, I'm very worried about you," he said, his voice dripping with mock solicitude. Shruti raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical.
"Worried?" she repeated, her tone questioning. Vikram nodded, his eyes wide with feigned concern. "Yes. Uncle got arrested just yesterday, and your wedding was called off by your groom a few days ago. It must have been very hard for you to handle all of this alone." He took a step closer to her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders in a gesture of brotherly concern.
"I'm afraid you can't handle the whole company alone," he added, his voice laced with condescension. Shruti's eyes narrowed as she realized what he was suggesting. She was about to respond when a board member intervened.
"Mr. Vikram is right," the member said, echoing Vikram's sentiments. Shruti turned to the member, her expression incredulous. "Miss Singh is young," the member continued. "She won't be able to handle all the company affairs." The other members nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their doubts about Shruti's ability to lead alone.
Shruti's teeth gritted in frustration as she stared at Vikram, who was smirking at her, clearly pleased with himself.
Shruti forced a smile, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "What are you suggesting?" she asked, her voice measured. Vikram's smirk grew as he replied, "You be the chairperson, and I'll stay under you to support you." His tone was condescending, implying that he would be the one truly in control.
A board member chimed in, seemingly oblivious to the tension. "Yes, Mr. Vikram can be the CEO of Aurora." Shruti's response was swift. "But Aurora is the parent company of the Sunrise group," she pointed out, her voice firm.
Vikram's smile never wavered. "That's great! Then I can support you by being by your side," he said, his words dripping with insincerity. Shruti's gaze locked onto him, her eyes blazing with intensity, as if she could will him to disappear with a single glance.
Vikram turned to the board members, his voice confident. "That's decided then. What do you all say?" The board members nodded in agreement, seemingly unaware of the power struggle unfolding before them. Shruti's fist tightened, her body language screaming with frustration and anger. She was trapped, and Vikram knew it. For now, she would have to play along, but her eyes promised retribution.
"Thank you so much to all. The meeting is adjourned," Vikram said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. The board members stood up, bowed, and filed out of the room. As soon as they left, Vikram's expression transformed from a mask of courtesy to one of calculating intensity.
He turned to Shruti and Manish, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of triumph and malice. Vikram walked towards them, pulled out a chair, and sat down, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back. "It's been a while, my dear sister," he said, his voice laced with sarcasm.
Shruti's response was curt. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice devoid of warmth. Vikram's expression turned mock-concerned. "Me? I don't want anything. I'm just worried about you," he said, his tone dripping with insincerity.
Shruti wasn't fooled. She rolled her eyes, her expression incredulous. "Don't act in front of me. I know what you're doing," she said, her voice firm. Vikram stood up, buttoned his coat, and smiled.
"You think too much, sister," he said, his voice smooth. "Well then. See you tomorrow in the office," he added, before turning and walking out of the room. Shruti let out a sigh, exhaustion etched on her face.
As the door closed behind Vikram, Manish turned to Shruti and asked, "How do you know about Vikram?" His voice was low, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"Meenakshi came to meet mom this morning," Shruti replied, her voice matter-of-fact. Manish's eyes widened in surprise. "What?!" he exclaimed. Shruti nodded, her expression calm.
EARLIER THAT MORNING
Jyotsana had been sitting in the hall when a maid approached her. "Ma'am, someone is here to visit you," the maid said, her voice respectful. Jyotsana's curiosity was piqued. "Who is it?" she asked.
The maid replied, "Her name is Meenakshi Singh." Jyotsana's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the name. She felt a surge of anxiety and glanced upstairs at Shruti's room, noticing the door was closed. Composing herself, she turned to the maid and instructed, "Tell her to wait in the garden."
The maid bowed and left to deliver the message. Jyotsana picked up the jug from the coffee table and filled a glass with water. She gulped it down, feeling a slight sense of relief. Then, she stood up, preparing herself to face Meenakshi.
