Inside, her pulse refused to settle from the moment she entered the auditorium.
This was Abhinav’s world.
Boardrooms. Media. Public attention. The sharp edge of visibility.
Assistants moved through the aisles with files and water bottles. Kishore, who had arrived the previous night, crossed the space with an earpiece in place, checking schedules, adjusting seating with practiced ease.
The doors opened exactly on time.
Conversation cut off.
Abhinav entered in a charcoal suit and muted gold tie, his hair set back, every line of him composed. The businessman and the Thakur stood in one form. Power sat on him with effortless ease.
He did not turn toward the stage.
He walked straight to Meera.
Heads turned. Cameras followed. He crossed the entire room without looking anywhere else and stopped beside her chair.
Meera looked up.
His hand came forward. “Meera.”
Her heart thudded. “Ji.”
“You stand beside me now.” His voice stayed low, meant only for her. “In every part of my life. Beginning with this.”
Emotion rushed through her so fast she forgot the room around them.
She looked toward Gauri. Her mother was already nodding.
Meera placed her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers as he led her to the stage.
Two chairs waited behind the podium. He drew one back for her and waited until she sat before taking his own seat beside her.
He faced the audience. “Thank you for being here today.”
Cameras rose in the back rows. Journalists leaned forward, pens poised, lenses trained on the stage. The last whispers faded.
“Many of you have been part of Anand Group’s journey for years. Some from the beginning. Others who chose to stay and build with us.”
A few heads inclined in acknowledgment. No one interrupted.
“When something of importance concerns both the business and my life, I prefer to address it myself.”
The room listened closer.
“And this is one of those moments.”
Silence.
“Tomorrow, I will marry Meera Chauhan at Anand Mahal.”
Camera flashes exploded.
“The ceremony remains private at our families’ request.”
His attention moved to Devendra and Gauri. “I would also like to acknowledge the parents of my bride.”
