Manish, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke up, his voice laced with nervousness. "We should investigate the matter further," he suggested, his words cautious but determined.
Vikram's response was immediate, his tone dismissive. "What's there to investigate, Mr. Basu?" he asked, his eyes raising an eyebrow in skepticism. Manish looked at him, frustration evident on his face. "Maybe there's some misunderstanding or maybe there is someone else who is responsible for the problem," he said, his gaze lingering on Vikram, hinting that he might be pointing fingers.
Vikram rolled his eyes, his expression incredulous. "So what do you want to say? Should we suspect our employees now?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm, implying that the idea was absurd.
One of the members chimed in, his voice filled with concern. "We can't do that. That will ruin the employer-employee relationship." Another member nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and we can't afford that right now," he said, his voice grave, highlighting the potential consequences of such an investigation.
The room fell silent, with the members exchanging worried glances. The tension was palpable, and the atmosphere was thick with unspoken concerns. Manish's suggestion had sparked a debate, and it seemed that the board was divided on how to proceed.
"Silence." A voice cut through the chaos, and everyone fell silent. Vihan walked into the boardroom with his usual domineering aura, commanding attention from everyone in the room. His presence was imposing, and his eyes scanned the room as if daring anyone to disagree with him.
"The product belongs to the collaboration that Aurora and PharmaCorp have," he said, his voice firm and authoritative. "So I guess the decision can't be yours only." Vikram's expression faltered, his confidence wavering in the face of Vihan's assertiveness.
Vikram's voice was measured when he spoke up again. "Then what do you suggest, Mr. Suryavanshi?" he asked, his tone polite but laced with a hint of challenge. Vihan's gaze turned icy as he stared at Vikram, his eyes flashing with annoyance. He ignored Vikram's question and turned to Shruti instead.
A frustrated expression crept over Vikram's face as he realized he was being ignored. Vihan's focus was on Shruti, and his words were directed at her. "Miss Singh, the investigation about the matter will really cause a problem, so I suggest we should drop the idea," he said, his voice firm but persuasive.
Shruti nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "You're right," she said, her voice decisive. Vihan's gaze turned to the matter at hand, his voice taking on a sense of authority. "And about the product, we will reform them," he said, his words brooking no argument.
Vikram spoke up again, his voice laced with concern. "But what about the employees that were affected?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. Vihan's gaze turned to Shruti, and she responded, her voice filled with empathy. "I will talk to them personally. I will take care of their treatment," she said, her words reassuring.
The room fell silent once more, with Vihan's words and Shruti's agreement hanging in the air like a challenge.
"Adjourned," Vihan said, his voice firm, and the members began to file out of the room, their faces a mix of relieved and concerned expressions. As the room emptied, Shruti dropped onto the chair, her body language conveying her exhaustion and frustration.
"How can this happen?" she said, her voice laced with disappointment. "I made sure everything would go smoothly." She shook her head, her eyes cast downward, replaying the events in her mind.
Vihan sat beside her, his presence calming. "Don't worry too much," he said, his voice soothing. "I'll look into this matter." He added, "You should go talk to the employees first." His words were gentle, but his tone was firm, prioritizing the employees' well-being.
Shruti stood up, her expression resolute. "You're right," she said, her voice determined. With a nod, she left the room, leaving Vihan alone.
As soon as she was gone, Vihan pulled out his phone and dialed a number. His voice was curt when he spoke. "Investigate the matter ASAP," he said, his words clipped. He hung up the phone, his eyes narrowing slightly as he pondered the situation. His expression was thoughtful, his mind already racing with possibilities and potential solutions.
After a week of the incident, the boardroom buzzed with discussions, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. Shruti stood at the front of the board members, a confident smile on her face. "Good morning, everyone," she said, her voice warm and engaging. "I have good news for the company."
She switched on the projector, and a slide with the logo of Belle Èclat appeared on the screen. "You all must be familiar with Belle Èclat," she said, her eyes scanning the room. "Yes, it's the number one cosmetic company in Paris," a board member chimed in, his voice filled with admiration.
Shruti nodded, her smile growing wider. "Right," she said. "This company holds a gala every year, in which they invite the best companies from around the world. They are launching a new project in a few months, for which they want to sign a deal with a cosmetic company." The room fell silent, with the members exchanging intrigued glances.
"So this gala is basically a meeting with the CEOs of the companies," someone said, their voice thoughtful. Shruti nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "But what's the good news for us in that?" another member asked, their brow furrowed in curiosity.
Shruti's smile grew even wider. "The good news is that Aurora got an invitation too," she said, her words dropping like a bombshell. Gasps and murmurs erupted from the members, their faces reflecting their shock and excitement.
"This is really a big chance for us!" someone exclaimed, their voice filled with enthusiasm. "Yes, if Belle Èclat signs a deal with us, Aurora will become famous in other countries too," another member added, their eyes shining with possibility. The room buzzed with excitement, with the members discussing the potential implications of this opportunity.
"So when is this gala happening?" someone asked, their voice filled with anticipation. "It's in a week," Shruti replied, her eyes scanning the room to ensure everyone was on the same page. "Trisha, prepare everything that will be needed," she added, her voice confident and decisive.
"Okay, ma'am," Trisha replied, her voice prompt, as she began to mentally prepare for the task ahead. But before she could leave, Vikram, who had been listening silently until now, finally spoke up. "One second," he said, his voice firm, and everyone turned to look at him.
"Shruti, I should be the one to attend the gala. Don't you think?" he asked, his expression stern and unyielding. Shruti's eyes narrowed, her gaze locking onto Vikram's face. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice measured, her tone neutral.
Vikram's response was smooth, his words dripping with confidence. "I'm the CEO of Aurora. Plus, we all have seen how you handle things," he said, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. The room fell silent, with everyone exchanging uneasy glances.
The tension was palpable, and it was clear that Vikram's words were not just a suggestion, but a veiled attempt to undermine Shruti's authority. Shruti's eyes flashed with annoyance.
Vikram stood up and walked towards Shruti, his stride confident and deliberate. He turned to the board members, his eyes scanning the room as he spoke. "I hope you all haven't forgotten about what happened just a week ago," he said, his words dripping with insinuation.
The board members started murmuring, their voices hushed but anxious. Vikram continued, his tone measured and calculated. "This is a big opportunity for the Sunrise Group. I think we should let someone responsible handle the matter."
His words were like a spark, igniting a potentially volatile situation. Manish's expression turned stern, and he stood up, his voice firm. "Vikram!" he said, his tone a warning. "Don't forget you are talking about the chairperson of this company."
Vikram turned to Manish, his expression morphing into a mask of innocence. "I'm so sorry, Uncle Basu," he said, his voice dripping with false contrition. "I just want what's better for the company." He turned back to Shruti, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I hope you understand, my dear sister," he said, his words laced with condescension. The smirk on his face was infuriating, and Shruti's eyes flashed with anger. The air was thick with tension, and it was clear that Vikram's words were not just a suggestion, but a power play.
Shruti turned to Vikram, her face set in a forced smile. "Bhaiya, as far as I know, we haven't investigated the matter," she said, her voice sweet but pointed. "The truth is still unknown. And aren't you the one who suggested not to investigate the matter?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with challenge.
Vikram's face darkened, his teeth gritted in frustration. "That's because I don't want internal conflicts between employees," he said, his voice tight with annoyance. Shruti's gaze never wavered, her eyebrow raised in skepticism. "Really? Or is there any other reason?" she asked, her tone dripping with doubt.
Vikram's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his cool. "Shruti, don't you think it's inappropriate to accuse someone without proof?" he asked, his voice measured. But before Shruti could respond, a voice cut through the tension.
"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Vikram," the voice said, "but that thing applies to you too." Everyone turned around, their eyes following the voice to Vihan, who stood in the doorway, his presence commanding attention. He walked into the room, his stride confident and purposeful, his eyes locked onto Vikram's face. The air was electric with tension, and it was clear that Vihan's arrival had changed the dynamics of the conversation.
"You should think twice before speaking, Mr. Vikram," Vihan said, his voice calm but authoritative. "Your words can get you in trouble." Vikram's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing in anger. "What are you implying?" he asked, his voice tight with tension.
Vihan's response was measured, his tone even. "I think your friend here can explain it properly," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. Everyone in the room exchanged confused glances, wondering who Vihan was referring to.
"Rishi," Vihan called out, his voice clear and commanding. Rishi entered the room, accompanied by a man who looked nervous and out of place. Vikram's face went pale, his eyes widening in shock as he took in the scene.
"Who is he?" Shruti asked. Her voice filled with curiosity. Vihan's response was direct, his words dropping like a bombshell. "He is the one who is responsible for the product failure," he said, his eyes locked onto the man's face.
The room fell silent, with everyone staring at the man in shock and surprise.
"Rishi has been secretly investigating the matter, and it turns out that..." Vihan paused for a moment, his eyes locked onto Vikram's face. "He is a good friend of Mr. Vikram," he said, his voice firm and accusatory.
Vikram's face turned pale, his eyes wide with shock and fear. "Wh...what do you mean?!" he stuttered, his voice barely above a whisper. Murmurs arose in the boardroom, with the members exchanging shocked glances.
One of the members spoke up, their voice cautious. "Mr. Suryavanshi, I hope you are aware that you're accusing Mr. Vikram. It's a big accusation." Vihan's response was calm and confident. "I'm fully aware of what I'm doing," he said, nodding at Rishi.
Rishi pushed the man forward, and he stumbled slightly as he spoke. "I...I'm the one who increased the amount of paraben in the products," he said, his voice shaking. "But...but Mr. Vikram told me to do it!" he added, his words sparking a collective gasp in the room.
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise, and Vikram's face turned red with rage. "He's lying! You can't just believe anything he says," Vikram said, his voice rising in protest. "Maybe it's Mr. Suryavanshi who is trying something here," he added, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Vihan.
Vihan's response was swift and decisive. He walked towards Vikram, his eyes blazing with anger, and Vikram stepped back, his eyes wide with fear. Vihan's face was inches from Vikram's, his voice low and menacing. "I told you before, Mr. Vikram. Choose your words carefully," he said, pulling out his phone and playing a call recording.
Vikram's voice came through the phone, clear as day. "Do one thing for me." Vikram's eyes widened as he realized the conversation was recorded, and his face turned white with shock and fear.
"What do you want me to do?" the man's voice asked, hesitant and uncertain. Vikram's voice responded, calm and calculating. "The formation of the new product is almost done. Soon they will go for sample testing. I want you to add more parabens in the products."
The man's voice expressed concern. "But...that will ruin the product completely, and it will be a great loss for the company." Vikram's response was dismissive and arrogant. "Do what I've told you to do. Don't strain your stupid brain in this. I'll pay you well."
The man reluctantly agreed. "Okay, fine." Vihan stopped the recording, his eyes locked onto Vikram's face. "You have anything to say, Mr. Vikram?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Vikram's face twisted in frustration, his eyes wide with desperation. He seemed to be searching for an escape, but it was too late. Vihan smirked and walked towards the board members. "I think this much proof is enough," he said, his voice confident and decisive.
Shruti stared at the floor, her eyes wide with shock and disbelief. She had suspected Vikram of being a bad person, but she hadn't expected him to go to such lengths. The revelation was staggering, and she couldn't help but wonder how far Vikram's ambition would take him. The room was silent, with the board members exchanging shocked glances. Vikram's fate seemed sealed, and it was clear that he would face the consequences of his actions.
Vikram's eyes darted around the room, his gaze meeting the stern faces of the board members, all focused on Vihan. In a desperate attempt to escape, Vikram tried to slip through the door, but his plan was foiled as some police officers caught him, their hands closing around his arms like handcuffs.
"Not so fast, Mr. Vikram," one of the officers said, their voice firm and authoritative. The officers took Vikram with them, leading him out of the room in handcuffs. The room fell into an uneasy silence, with the board members exchanging uneasy glances.
One of the board members hesitantly stood up, their voice filled with remorse. "Miss Singh," they said, their words barely above a whisper. Shruti startled back, her eyes snapping into focus. "Huh? Uh, yes?" she replied, her voice uncertain.
The board member's words spilled out in a rush. "We want to apologise to you for not believing in you. We can't believe that we were manipulated by Mr. Vikram so easily." Following him, every member apologized, their voices filled with regret and shame.
Shruti waved her hands, her expression gracious. "Oh, please, no need for that," she said, her voice warm and forgiving. But the board members were insistent, their words pouring out in a torrent of apology and admiration.
One of them spoke up, their voice filled with conviction. "We think you should attend the gala," they said. "Yes, you are the only one who can represent our company perfectly," another member added, their words echoing the sentiment.
Soon, everyone agreed, their voices rising in a chorus of assent. It was decided that Shruti would attend the gala held by Belle Èclat, representing Aurora with dignity and poise. Shruti's face lit up with a smile, her eyes shining with excitement and anticipation.
A couple of days before the gala, Shruti was sitting inside her office, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming event. Her phone rang, breaking the silence. She picked up, her voice soft and melodious. "Hello?"
"Come downstairs," Vihan's voice came through the line, his tone commanding and confident. Shruti's curiosity was piqued. "Why?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism.
"I have a surprise for you," Vihan replied, his voice low and mysterious. Shruti's curiosity grew. "What surprise?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
"Come downstairs first," Vihan said, his voice firm and insistent. Shruti couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. She got up from her chair and made her way downstairs.
When she reached the ground floor, she saw Vihan waiting for her, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "What's the surprise?" Shruti asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Get inside," Vihan said, opening the car door for her. Shruti hesitated for a moment before getting into the car. "Where are we going?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
"Told you it's a surprise," Vihan replied, his voice low and teasing. Shruti couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Soon, they arrived at a boutique, the sign above the door reading "Designer Wear".
Shruti got out of the car, her eyes widening in surprise. "A boutique?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder. Vihan smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You'll see," he said, his voice low and mysterious.
