Ch-4

"I'm Yuvraj Singh. The CEO of this company."

The words echoed in the silent room, but Ambika barely heard them. Her mind was clouded with frustration and disbelief.

Why is he looking at me like that?

Her jaw clenched, and her fists tightened in her lap as she cursed herself internally.

Calm down, Ambika... you can't let him get to you.

But Yuvraj wasn't done tormenting her yet.

"Now that the introductions are out of the way," Yuvraj continued, his gaze lingering on Ambika, "we'll proceed with everyone introducing themselves and giving a brief overview of their department. Afterward, I'll assign tasks accordingly."

Though Yuvraj was addressing the room, Ambika felt like his words were aimed directly at her.

He's doing this on purpose.

And if that infuriating smirk on his face was anything to go by, he was thoroughly enjoying making her squirm.

---

The meeting dragged on for what felt like an eternity. One by one, the employees introduced themselves, giving detailed descriptions of their departments.

Yuvraj listened attentively, but every now and then, his eyes would flicker toward Ambika. His gaze was subtle, but she felt it like a burning spotlight on her.

Ignore him. Ignore him.

Ambika busied herself with taking notes, diligently jotting down information about each department head. She kept her head down, refusing to meet Yuvraj's gaze, knowing that one glance in his direction would shatter her already fragile composure.

Finally, after what felt like ages, it was her turn.

Just get it over with.

Ambika stood up, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on her notes as she began speaking.

"Ambika Sharma, MD. I handle the company's operations, client relations, and oversee departmental progress to ensure targets are met efficiently."

Her voice was steady, professional. But what she didn't do-what she refused to do-was to look in Yuvraj's direction.

One glance... and I'm done.

Yuvraj's smirk didn't fade, but he didn't interrupt.

---

After almost two excruciating hours, the meeting finally came to an end.

Yuvraj delivered some closing remarks, offering feedback and a few warnings before dismissing the team. But just as everyone began to gather their things, his voice rang out again-

"Ms. Sharma," his tone was colder this time, sending a chill down her spine.

"Come to my cabin after this."

Without waiting for a response, Yuvraj turned and walked out of the room, leaving Ambika standing there, her heart pounding.

Oh no... what now?

She let out a long, shaky breath, trying to compose herself before retreating to her cabin.

---

Back in Her Cabin

As soon as Ambika closed the door behind her, she let out a deep breath and dropped into her chair, her head falling into her hands.

What just happened?

Rakshita followed her inside, her expression filled with concern.

"Ambika," she said softly, sitting down across from her. "Are you okay? What's going on? Why were you acting so weird during the meeting?"

Ambika raised her head, her eyes meeting Rakshita's worried gaze.

"Do you really want to know?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rakshita nodded. "Of course. What happened?"

Ambika took a deep breath, placing both hands on the desk as if bracing herself.

"He's... the same guy," she muttered, her eyes filled with regret.

Rakshita blinked, confusion etched on her face.

"Same guy?" Her brows furrowed. "Ambika, what are you talking about? Say it clearly."

Realizing that Rakshita had no idea about her previous encounter with Yuvraj, Ambika sighed and began recounting the story-from the small incident to their heated argument and her vow to never see him again.

By the time she finished, Rakshita's jaw had dropped.

"WHAT?!" she shouted, her eyes wide with shock.

"Shh!" Ambika hissed, glancing at the door. "Do you want the whole office to hear?"

Rakshita leaned closer, her eyes still wide with disbelief.

"Ambika, tell me you're lying."

Ambika placed both hands on her head, her frustration evident as she groaned.

"No, yaar... I'm telling the truth! If I had known he would be my boss, I would have stayed at least 10 meters away from him."

Rakshita stared at her, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"You seriously threw your coffee at the CEO's face... Wow. Well done, Ambika. Nice going."

Ambika shot her a glare, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"I didn't throw it!" she defended, her voice a mix of exasperation and regret. "It slipped... it was an accident!"

Before Rakshita could offer another sarcastic remark, a knock echoed through the cabin.

"Come in," Ambika said, her tone automatically switching to professional mode.

A person stepped inside, his expression neutral.

"Ma'am, the CEO sir is calling you," he said politely.

Ambika's heart skipped a beat.

Oh no... not again.

She nodded, signaling her acknowledgment. The pion left, and as soon as the door clicked shut, Rakshita placed a hand on Ambika's shoulder, her eyes twinkling with mischief but laced with genuine concern.

"I think you're done for." She gave her shoulder a squeeze before adding it dramatically, "But all the best! I'll pray that you return alive from the lion's den."

Her playful tone was meant to lighten the mood, but deep down, both of them knew the situation was anything but funny.

Ambika forced a smile, took a deep breath, and stood up, her legs feeling heavier than usual as she headed toward Yuvraj's cabin.

---

As soon as Ambika stepped into Yuvraj's office, her eyes went wide.

Why does he have to look so... imposing?

Yuvraj was seated behind his massive desk, his long fingers casually tapping against the polished wood. His piercing gaze locked onto her the moment she entered, making her feel like a prey trapped in the hunter's lair.

"Are you... really the CEO?" she stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

{A/N: Behen... kya illogical sawaal hai. Abhi neeche hi to bataya tha ki banda CEO hai! 😒}

Yuvraj's expression turned glacial, his jaw tightening.

"Yes, I am." His voice was cold, carrying an air of authority that made Ambika's pulse quicken. "And I believe we've met before..." He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Under less than ideal circumstances."

Ambika's face turned crimson as the memory of the coffee incident flashed before her eyes.

Oh God... kill me now.

"I... I can explain," she mumbled, her voice hesitant.

Yuvraj's eyes darkened, his expression unreadable.

"Oh, I think you owe me more than just an explanation, Ms. Sharma." His tone was laced with danger, sending a chill down her spine. "You owe me an apology."

Ambika's head snapped up, her initial guilt fading as her temper flared.

"Apology?" Her eyes flashed with defiance. "I don't owe you anything! You were being arrogant and rude. I just reacted!"

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, Yuvraj's lips curled into a dangerous smile.

"Well, Ms. Ambika..." His voice was low, almost a whisper, but it sent a shiver down her spine. "It seems you have a bit of a temper. I'll have to keep that in mind for our future... interactions."

Ambika's jaw clenched. Her fists tightened by her sides as her anger bubbled up.

"I'm not afraid of you," she declared, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.

Yuvraj's laughter echoed through the room, low and menacing.

"We'll see about that."

Ambika's eyes blazed with determination.

"I don't care if you're the CEO or the king of England." Her tone was sharp, her gaze unwavering. "You can't talk to me like that."

Yuvraj's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Oh, but I can, Ms. Sharma." His voice was smooth, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "And you'll listen... because you're just a lowly employee."

Ambika's face burned with anger.

"How dare you!" she snapped, her voice filled with fury. "I'm not just a 'lowly employee.' I'm a talented and dedicated member of this team."

Yuvraj's sneer deepened.

"Talented? Dedicated?" His eyes glinted with mockery. "You call spilling coffee all over me 'dedicated'?"

Ambika's temper boiled over.

"That was an accident!" she shot back, her voice rising. "And it's not like you didn't deserve it, with your condescending attitude!"

Yuvraj's eyes darkened, his expression unreadable.

"Careful, Ms. Sharma." His voice was dangerously low now, but Ambika stood her ground, refusing to back down.

The air between them was thick with tension-an electric current that neither of them was willing to break.

Yuvraj leaned back in his chair, his expression cool but calculating.

"You've got spirit, I'll give you that," he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers. "But let's see how long that fire lasts when you're working directly under me."

Ambika's chin lifted defiantly.

"I'm not afraid of a challenge, Mr. Singh."

Yuvraj's lips curled into a slow, dangerous smile.

"Good." His eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "Because this... is just the beginning."

---

{A/N: Behen... yeh toh full-on war zone ban gaya!🔥 Lagta hai CEO vs. Ambika ka asli dhamaka ab shuru hoga. 🤡}

---

Yuvraj's face darkened, his jaw tightening. "How dare you! I'm a highly respected businessman."

Ambika crossed her arms, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "Respected? By whom? Your yes-men and sycophants who are too scared to speak the truth?"

Yuvraj's patience snapped. His fist slammed down on the desk, the sound echoing through the office. "That's enough, Ambika. You're pushing your luck."

Ambika didn't flinch. Instead, she met his glare head-on, her voice laced with defiance. "I'm not afraid of you, Mr. CEO. And I'm certainly not going to back down."

Yuvraj's eyes burned with barely contained fury. "We'll see about that. You're going to regret crossing me, Ambika."

Just as the tension peaked, Yuvraj's phone rang, piercing the charged silence. He clenched his jaw, eyes still locked on Ambika as he considered ignoring it. But then, with a sharp exhale, he snatched the phone and answered.

"Yes?" His tone shifted, unnervingly calm-almost submissive.

Ambika's eyes narrowed. Submissive? Who had the power to make Yuvraj Singh speak like that?

Yuvraj listened intently, his expression growing darker with every passing second.

"I understand. I'll be there soon," he said, his voice carrying an edge of respect Ambika rarely witnessed.

Curiosity gnawed at her, but she masked it behind a cold expression. Yuvraj hung up, his demeanor colder than ever.

"It seems our conversation will have to wait," he said, his tone sharp and laced with menace.

Ambika's spine stiffened, but she refused to let him see how he affected her. Keeping her face impassive, she replied, "No, it shouldn't. It would be better if we end this here-neither of us has time to waste."

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed the file registered in her name and walked out, leaving Yuvraj fuming in silence.

---

(A/N - These two get irritated faster than a pressure cooker.🥲)

---

Later...

Yuvraj strode into Kartik's office, the atmosphere thick with the stench of deceit and corruption.

Kartik and Ekansh were already there, lounging back in their chairs with a smug confidence that irritated Yuvraj beyond measure.

A cruel smile tugged at Kartik's lips. "Ah, Yuvraj. Finally decided to join us?"

Ekansh smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "We were beginning to think you wouldn't show up."

Yuvraj's jaw clenched. This was going to be a long night.

---

Kartik leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping a slow rhythm on the desk. A sinister smirk curled on his lips as he glanced at Yuvraj and Ekansh.

"We have a new assignment," he announced, his voice carrying a sharp edge. "A gang has been stirring trouble in our territory. I want them to learn a lesson they won't forget."

Yuvraj and Ekansh exchanged a knowing look, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Consider it done," Yuvraj said smoothly, rolling his sleeves as if already preparing for action. "They'll know what it means to cross us."

Kartik let out a dry chuckle. "I knew I could count on you."

A storm was brewing-both in the sky and in the streets.

---

The Highway Showdown

The night was eerily silent except for the steady hum of their SUV's engine. Dark clouds loomed overhead, the air thick with an impending storm. Kartik sat in the front seat, eyes scanning the deserted highway, instincts sharp as a blade.

Then-tires screeched.

A van swerved into their path, skidding to a halt, blocking the road.

"Looks like we've got company," Kartik murmured, his grip tightening on his gun.

The doors of the van slid open with a metallic groan, and a group of heavily armed men poured out, their weapons gleaming under the flickering streetlights.

Yuvraj cracked his knuckles. "Oh, they came prepared."

Ekansh exhaled sharply, already calculating his next move.

Kartik's eyes flicked over their opponents, analyzing their positions. "Yuvraj, take the guy on the left. Ekansh, cover the rear. I'll handle the ones in front."

No hesitation. No second-guessing. The trio moved as one.

Yuvraj was the first to strike, driving a powerful kick into the gut of the man to his left. The thug crumpled with a grunt, but Yuvraj didn't give him time to recover-his fists followed, swiftly and brutally.

Ekansh, with the precision of a sniper, provided cover fire, taking out two men attempting to flank them. Muffled yells and the sharp crack of gunfire filled the air.

Kartik had eyes only for Vikram, the gang's leader. Their gazes locked-a silent promise of the storm about to erupt between them.

Vikram charged first, swinging a blade. Kartik dodged effortlessly, countering with a sharp elbow to the ribs. Vikram staggered but retaliated with a wild swing. Kartik blocked it, twisting Vikram's arm behind his back before slamming him onto the hood of the van.

The fight raged on, the night torn apart by the clash of fists, the screech of tires, and the crunch of metal. Each movement was calculated, a dance of violence and precision.

A final, well-placed punch sent Vikram sprawling onto the cold asphalt. Kartik loomed over him, breath steadily despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

"It's over," Kartik said, his voice as sharp as the edge of a blade. "You'll never harm another girl again."

Vikram groaned, his strength fading.

Yuvraj and Ekansh stepped forward, their faces hardened with determination.

The storm had passed-but the lesson had been delivered.

Kartik wiped the sweat from his brow, his knuckles still aching from the fight. The battered criminals lay groaning on the asphalt, their weapons scattered, their power stripped away in an instant.

"Time to call the cops and get these girls to safety," Kartik said, his voice firm but calm.

Yuvraj pulled out his phone and dialed the authorities while Ekansh reassured the terrified girls, guiding them toward safety. Their eyes, filled with fear and uncertainty, clung to the three men who had just rescued them.

As they waited for the sirens to get closer, Kartik leaned against the SUV, his mind racing. Rescuing these girls was a victory, but it was just one battle in a war that never seemed to end. Human trafficking was a disease, and tonight, they had only scratched the surface.

The distant hum of sirens grew louder, breaking the eerie silence of the night. The fight was over for now-but Kartik knew that many more awaited.

---

Kerala - Potu kallu panchayat in Nilambur

The humid breeze of Kerala brushed against Aditi's face as she made her way back to her hotel. Dressed in a white full-sleeved crop top and a baby pink skirt, she looked effortlessly elegant despite her exhaustion. Her pearl bracelet jingled softly with every step, and the tiny Krishna pendant resting against her collarbone was a silent reminder of home.

For nearly a month, she had been traveling from one health camp to another, dedicating every ounce of her energy to helping those in need. But the weight of her responsibilities was catching up to her. In the last two days, she had barely slept for two hours, and now, finally, she was heading back to her hotel-desperate for rest.

Tomorrow, she would fly to Udaipur. Home.

After almost a year, she would see her parents again. The thought alone warmed her heart. No matter how much she loved her work, nothing could replace the comfort of being in her mother's kitchen, hearing her father's voice fill the house, and sleeping in her own bed.

As she entered her hotel room, she didn't bother turning on the lights. She kicked off her boots, tossed her bag onto the chair, and collapsed onto the bed, sighing in relief. One more night, then home.

---

Canary Wharf -London

The city lights of London flickered through the airport windows as Kartik scrolled through his phone, checking his emails for the hundredth time. He hated wasting time.

Dressed in a crisp black shirt and cream-colored cardamom pants, he looked effortlessly sharp despite the exhaustion lingering beneath his sharp gaze. His hair was slightly messy-a rare sight, but he hadn't bothered fixing it. He had flown to London right after the highway showdown, completed his business in just an hour, and was now ready to leave.

But there was a problem.

His private jet had been sent back, and his PA suggested he stay the night. Not an option.

Kartik didn't believe in wasting a single second, let alone an entire day. He had ordered his PA to book the earliest possible flight to India, and now, all he could do was wait.

After boarding, he closed his eyes for just two hours-just enough to keep his mind sharp. The moment he woke up, he pulled out his laptop and got back to work. Rest could wait. There was always something more important to do.

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Here is the next ch Enjoy...

I will update the next ch tomorrow

till then bye bye potatoes 🥰

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