I told my computer I need a break and now it won't stop sending me Vacation ends "😭

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The air in the conference room grew thick with an eerie stillness.

A sudden click of shoes echoed, halting midway. The Japanese executives froze, their pens poised mid-air. Their heads turned toward the entrance in unison.

Madhav barely suppressed a groan, muttering under his breath, Dear God, did you forget to give me one peaceful day?

Riddhima's entire body tensed the second her gaze landed on him. Her fingers curled into a fist, knuckles white with barely contained fury.

And there he was.

Vansh Rai Singhania.

Swaggering through the door like he owned the world, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. His sharp, obsidian eyes locked onto hers, the amusement in them sending her temper into overdrive.

"Oh," he drawled, his voice deep, smooth, and laced with mischief. "I'm so sorry."

Then, without another word, he turned around and walked right back to the entrance.

Riddhima blinked. What the-?

Vansh paused at the doorway, then spun around dramatically, hands tucked into his pockets, an infuriating smirk tugging at his lips.

"May I come in, Miss Raichand?" he asked, his voice dripping with mock politeness.

Riddhima inhaled sharply. She would not create a scene in front of the Japanese investors. Keeping her rage on a tight leash, she plastered on a fake smile, rising to her feet.

Closing the distance between them, she extended her hand, her grip firm and unyielding.

"Why bother with permission, Mr. Singhania?" she murmured, just loud enough for him to hear. "You seem to have a habit of waltzing in anywhere uninvited. Since you're already here, do get to the point."

Vansh's smirk deepened. "Gladly."

Without hesitation, he strode past her and sank into her chair like he owned it. Snapping his fingers at Pranav, he leaned back, completely at ease.

Pranav, exhaling in resignation, powered on the laptop.

"First off," Vansh announced, his tone light, conversational, mocking, "my apologies for the interruption." A dramatic pause. "However, signing this deal would be a grave mistake. Fortunately for you, I have a better offer. And a demo to prove it."

As he worked his magic, showcasing his proposal, Riddhima's fury burned hotter. Every word he spoke, every smug glance he threw her way, was like adding fuel to an already raging inferno.

By the end of it, the Japanese executives were thoroughly impressed.

"Mr. Singhania," one of them spoke, beaming, "your work is truly remarkable. You've assured us of timely delivery and excellent quality. However, we have already promised this deal to Miss Raichand. So, we have a suggestion-you two should work together."

The temperature in the room dropped.

A tense silence stretched between Vansh and Riddhima.

And then-

"Absolutely not!" Riddhima snapped, her voice cutting like ice. "If you want to sign the deal with him, go ahead. But I refuse to work with Vansh Singhania."

Vansh's amusement only grew.

"I'm sorry," Riddhima continued, her voice firm, unwavering. "And thank you very much. But if you wish to proceed, I'd prefer you finalize this deal in his office."

"You're right, Miss Raichand," Vansh mused, rising from her chair. "Let's not make things... difficult."

He turned to Pranav, signaling him to escort the Japanese clients out.

As they exited, Madhav leaned in, voice low. "That was a 500-crore deal, Mam. It was just business .

Riddhima's gaze burned into Vansh's. She shoved her hands into her pockets, taking a slow step forward.

"I can endure a 500-crore loss," she said in a dangerously soft voice, "but I will never work with Mr. Singhania."

Riddhima's nails dug into her palms as she glared at Vansh, her pulse hammering in her ears.

This man.

This arrogant, insufferable man.

He stood there, casual and composed, as if he hadn't just waltzed in and snatched her deal right from under her nose.

Vansh let out a slow exhale, tilting his head. His dark eyes roamed over her face, as if studying every flicker of rage dancing in her expression.

And then-he took a step closer.

Riddhima stiffened. The air between them felt charged, thick with unspoken words and an undercurrent of something dangerous.

She squared her shoulders, refusing to back down.

Vansh's lips curved into a knowing smirk. His fingers reached into his pocket, slow and deliberate, like he had all the time in the world.

Riddhima's breath hitched for just a fraction of a second.

Her body tensed. Was he pulling out a contract? A document? A pen to sign away her sanity?

But no.

What he pulled out was worse.

A sleek, black-wrapped chocolate bar.

Riddhima blinked, and umeed under her breathe unbelievable Vansh

A mocking glint flashed in Vansh's eyes as he tore open the wrapper with effortless ease. The rich scent of cocoa filled the space between them.

"Why raise your blood pressure over me, Miss Raichand?" His voice was smooth, velvety, dipping into a low whisper.

Riddhima's fists clenched, her chest rising and falling sharply.

Vansh stepped in, so close that his breath brushed against her ear.

"A little treat," he murmured, his tone dark and teasing. "For your best company. Consider it a gift."

A pause.

Then, even lower-more dangerous.

"Vansh never leaves debts unpaid."

Before she could react, he straightened, winked at her, and turned away. With his usual unbothered grace, he strolled out of the office, not even sparing her another glance.

The second he was gone, Riddhima's grip on the chocolate tightened.

Snap.

The wrapper tore apart, and the soft chocolate squished between her fingers, melting instantly.

Madhav's eyes widened. "Uh, Ma'am... your hand

Riddhima's gaze flickered to her laptop. .

With a furious growl, she grabbed it and slammed it against the table. The screen shattered into shards, the device breaking apart.

VANSH! she roared you snatched my deal in front of my eyes . "I SWEAR TO GOD, I'LL KILL YOU ONE DAY

The team stared in stunned silence as pieces of her laptop scattered across the floor.

Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the office.

Madhav exhaled, rubbing his temples.

"Damn..." he muttered. "That man really knows how to press her buttons."

After snatching the deal from her hands Vansh lounged comfortably in his office chair, his head resting against the plush leather, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. Watching him, Pranav shook his head, muttering under his breath, *What is it with these two? Always trying to outdo each other.*

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, his gaze landed on Shaili walking towards him. Straightening up, he approached her and asked, "Ma'am, how may I help you?"

Shaili rolled her eyes. "Drop the formalities, Pranav. I'm not your boss. I'm just here to see my brother. Is he busy?"

"No, ma'am. He's in his cabin and free at the moment," Pranav replied.

"Great. Thanks," she said before pushing the door open without bothering to knock.

Vansh's eyes flickered open at the sound of her voice. The moment he saw her standing there, his brows furrowed in concern. It wasn't like Shaili to show up at his office unannounced.

Sensing his unease, she offered a reassuring smile. "Relax, bhai. Everything's fine. I just wanted to see you. It's been ages since we had lunch together. So, what do you say? Lunch?"

Vansh exhaled, shaking his head at her antics before rising from his chair. "Alright, let's go."

The two of them headed to a five-star hotel for lunch, where Shaili spent the entire time chattering away about everything and nothing. Vansh listened, occasionally responding, but mostly just watching her with the silent protectiveness that only an elder brother could have.

As they wrapped up, Vansh offered, "I'll drop you home."

Shaili shook her head. "You have work, bhai. Go back to the office. I have my car; I'll be fine."

Vansh hesitated but eventually relented. "Fine. Drive safe."

With that, Shaili got into her car and headed home. But midway, her car sputtered to a halt. A quick check confirmed her worst fear-it wasn't going to start anytime soon.

The road stretched ahead, eerily silent, not a soul in sight. She took out her phone, but the lack of network dashed any hope of calling for help. Frustration mounting, she tried fixing the car herself, but it was useless.

Left with no other option, Shaili leaned against the car, glancing around the deserted road, hoping-praying that someone would pass by.

Riddhima stormed into the house, her face a mask of cold fury. Without a word to anyone, she marched straight to her room, slamming the door shut. She needed to cool down before she said something she'd regret. 

At the dining table, Ashish, Rajeshwari, and Gayatri were seated for lunch when Gayatri slammed her hand on the table, eyes blazing. 

You two are absolutely useless! Keeping a grown girl locked up at home—do you think society won’t start whispering soon? I've had enough! I’ll talk to Riddhima myself."

"Maa, I don't want to force my daughter into anything," Ashish said firmly. 

"You don’t always get what you want, Ashish,"Gayatri shot back. 

Just then, Riddhima walked in, freshly changed but still carrying the weight of her bad mood. As she sat down, Ashish studied her face. 

What’s wrong, Kiddo? You look exhausted."

Just work pressure, Dad. Nothing I can’t handle— she began, but Gayatri cut her off with a smirk. 

Then why not ease the pressure with something... different? I’ve already decided. Tomorrow, you’re going on a date with Vansh.

Riddhima froze, her spoon clattering against the plate. She turned to her grandmother, disbelief written all over her face. 

Me? On a date? With that Mr. Singhania? Do you even know what he did today? He stole my deal, Dadi! Four months of my hard work, and he snatched it right from under my nose!" And dad why are you not saying anything To Dadi ?

Gayatri sighed dramatically, dabbing at imaginary tears. 

"Oh, leave it, Ashish. Our little girl is all grown up now. She’ll make her own decisions. I did everything for her—held her when she was a baby, massaged her little feet, and gave her all my love. And now what is she giving me in return ?  You never cut off my words but this girl is cutting off my words but what can we do I will bury my desires because I can't fight her I love her more than anything and anyone but We mean nothing to her. It’s fine. We’ll just die in peace."

Riddhima clenched her jaw. 

"Fine! I’ll go on the damn date! But stop this emotional blackmail, Dadi."

She pushed back her chair. 

And Shanta Bai, send my lunch to my room."

Without another word, she stormed off, leaving Gayatri wiping away fake tears, a victorious glint in her eyes. 

"See? I told you. She’d agree in a snap. I’m still the boss here." 

Shaili paced near her car, frustration gnawing at her nerves. The road was deserted, and her phone had no signal. Just her luck. 

A sleek car pulled up in front of hers. The door opened, and out stepped a man—tall, sharp-featured, effortlessly stylish in a white suit, a luxury watch gleaming on his wrist. His hair, long enough to brush his collar, gave him an almost reckless charm. 

He approached her, the voice smooth as silk. 

"Need some help?"

Shaili hesitated. He looked like a gentleman, but appearances could be deceiving. 

"My car broke down. And my phone’s dead too,"she admitted, pointing at the stalled vehicle. 

He examined the car, his skilled hands moving over the engine. But after a few minutes, he straightened up with a sigh. 

"Sorry. Looks like I can’t fix it here. But if you want, I can drop you home. My driver can bring your car later."

Shaili hesitated again. 

Go with a stranger? Alone? 

He must have read the doubt in her eyes because he smiled reassuringly. 

"Relax. You can sit in the backseat if that makes you feel safer. But standing here all night isn’t a better option, is it?"

After a moment, she nodded. 

"Alright."

She got into his car, keeping a cautious distance. In no time, they pulled up outside the massive Singhania Mansion. As she stepped out, she turned to him. 

"Thank you. That was very kind of you."

"Mansion, not

Then he extended a hand. 

"Aryan Mehta." 

She shook it. 

"Shaili Singhania."

A smirk played on his lips. 

"Singhania? Then you must be Vansh's sister." 

Shaili frowned. 

"You know him?"

Aryan chuckled. 

"Who doesn’t? Especially in the business world."

Then, checking his watch, he gave her a parting nod. 

"I have to go. See you around, Miss Singhania."

As his car disappeared down the road, Shaili found herself staring after it, an unreadable expression on her face. 

Vansh stood in the study room, arms crossed, his jaw tight with defiance. 

"Dadu, I’m not going on that date with Riddhima. I hate her from the bottom of my heart."

Kishore Ji’s eyes darkened. Without a second's hesitation, he slammed his hand on the table, the sharp sound echoing through the room. 

"Enough, Vansh! I’ve already spoken to Gayatri Ji, and this decision is final. You’re not old enough to defy me yet. Tomorrow, you’re taking Riddhima on that date. No arguments."

Vansh nodded his head and said ji and

walked out of the room without saying anything to him

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