Recap: Vikram and family reached London
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The next morning, everyone had refreshed and gathered for breakfast.
“Vikram, what’s our plan now?” Pugazh asked as he bit into a slice of toast.
“Today, we’ll stay in the mansion,” Vikram replied calmly. “Tomorrow, we’ll head to Central London. We’ll be staying at the venue where our project meeting is scheduled. After that, we can go sightseeing.”
“Wow, what a plan!” Pranitha exclaimed, clearly excited.
“Is it okay with you, or do you want any changes?” Vikram asked her, his tone genuine.
“No, perfect plan,” she smiled.
Vikram turned to Sana. “Sana, what about you? Are you okay with it?”
She nodded hesitantly. “Hmm… okay.”
“Pugazh, Pranitha,” Vikram added, “if you need anything, just ask the maids. They’re instructed to follow your orders.”
“Sure, dude,” Pugazh grinned. “How about we go sightseeing alone for a while?”
“What do you want to see?” Pranitha raised a brow.
“Something cool for our eyes,” he said with a cheeky grin.
Without missing a beat, Pranitha reached over and twisted his ear, making him wince.
“Pranitha! Let me go! I was just kidding!” he cried.
“Sister-in-law, let him go,” Sana said, chuckling. “My brother was just teasing you. He has eyes only for you.”
“See?” Pugazh beamed. “My sister knows me well!”
Later, they all relaxed with a movie. Vikram and Pugazh got busy with their office work while Pranitha and Sana spent time with little Sara, who was babbling, trying to say “amm… ammm…” in an adorable attempt to say “amma.”
Vikram and Pugazh joined them, charmed by Sara’s efforts to speak.
The next day, they began their journey to Central London. Upon arrival, they checked into the iconic Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, a grand structure occupying a full block along Russell Square. Designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll in the late 19th century, the building was an architectural marvel, adorned with turrets, arches, and statues of British queens. It was the kind of place that demanded to be photographed.
Inside, they were welcomed with royal treatment. Everyone settled into their rooms. Vikram and Pugazh immersed themselves in final preparations for the project, while Sana and Pranitha took care of Sara.
Vikram’s phone buzzed.
“Yeah, Sharath?” he answered.
“Sir, we’ve reached and settled in,” Sharath reported.
“Good. Rest for a while and meet me tonight.”
“Okay, sir.”
After ending the call, Sharath turned to Nisha. “Ms. Nisha, I’ve informed sir that we’ve arrived. You can head to your room now. All your needs will be taken care of—just ring if you need anything else.”
“Hmm, thanks, Sharath… but which room is sir staying in?” Nisha asked, her voice casual, though her eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Sharath’s face stiffened slightly. “Why do you need to know that?”
Nisha’s brows knit. “What do you mean? I was just asking.”
He gave her a small, tight smile. “He’s not someone who stays in ordinary rooms, Ms. Nisha. He’s a king. He stays where royalty does. You just focus on resting.”
Before she could respond, Sharath turned and walked away, his stride brisk and firm.
Nisha stood in the lobby, watching his retreating back, her expression unreadable—calm on the surface, but her mind clearly racing underneath.
Nisha’s mind voice: Let my plan succeed. Then I’ll show you your place, Mr. Vikram.
Later that night, Sharath arrived at Vikram’s place. He joined Vikram and Pugazh in the study.
“Is Nisha ready with her presentation?” Vikram asked, his tone calm but sharp as he leaned back in his chair.
Sharath nodded. “Yes, sir. But she’s still in the suspectable category. We should stay alert.”
Vikram gave a faint, confident smile. “No need. We’ll go with the flow.”
Sharath hesitated for a moment, then said, “Okay, sir. I’ll take my leave.”
Back at the hotel, Sharath returned just as Nisha entered the lobby. She caught sight of him immediately and walked over.
“Sharath, where did you go?” she asked, a subtle edge in her voice.
“I had to meet Vikram sir,” he replied curtly.
“You could’ve called me.”
“Sir didn’t ask for you, Ms. Nisha.” His reply was flat, professional.
Before she could react, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone, lips pressed into a tight line.
The next morning, Vikram was already up, impeccably dressed in a sharp, tailored suit. As he adjusted his tie, he noticed Sana stirring beside Sara.
He bent down and pressed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Good morning, wifey.”
Sana smiled sleepily. “Good morning, Mr. Husband… All the best. I’m sure you’ll get the deal.”
“I will,” he said, straightening. “But I want you to do something for me.”
“What should I do?” she asked, sitting up.
“What did I tell you when I brought you here?” he asked with a playful grin. “I want my boost…” He winked at her.
She blushed instantly. “You’re getting late for the meeting!”
He leaned in, whispered something into her ear, then kissed her earlobe and walked out, leaving her stunned.
Sana sat there, frozen, eyes wide from whatever he had whispered. Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of red.
Outside, Pugazh was already waiting near the car.
“Vikram, did you talk to Sana about everything?” he asked, scanning his friend’s face.
“Yes,” Vikram said with quiet certainty. “She’s clear on everything.”
“Good. Let’s go then. I’ve informed Sharath. He’ll be coming with Nisha.”
Before leaving, Vikram instructed his guards to ensure Sana’s safety. Then he and Pugazh headed to the conference hall of the hotel, where the meeting was scheduled. Nisha and Sharath were already waiting. Nisha, dressed in a fitted white shirt and black skirt, smiled warmly at Vikram. He only nodded in return.
Business officials from around the world were being greeted by the hosts from International Business Solutions (IBS). Vikram was chatting with Pugazh when he heard a deep voice call his name.
“Hello Vikram… Nice to see you after a long time.”
Vikram turned and saw Akash Viswanath, CEO of the AV Group of Companies.
“Yes, Mr. Akash. I’ve been waiting to meet you,” Vikram replied evenly.
“Wow,” Akash smirked. “Nice to hear someone’s been waiting for me.”
“I always appreciate people who try to outdo me,” Vikram said calmly.
Akash chuckled. “We’ll meet again at my success party after I win the deal.”
“So confident?”
“Why not?” Akash grinned.
They parted ways and moved to their respective tables. Vikram and his team settled in, laptops open and ready. Soon, Mr. Deepak Mehra, CEO of IBS, arrived and took his seat.
The emcee took over. “Good morning, gentlemen. Good morning, ladies. It’s my pleasure to welcome you to this prestigious day. Today, we finalize the global project of IBS. We will now begin presentations from each organization. Post-lunch, our CEO will address you and announce the selected partner. Thank you.”
Presentations began, one after the other. It was Akash’s turn. He gave Vikram a smug look before stepping back and letting his project head begin.
Vikram’s eyes narrowed. The content on the screen—it was their presentation. Word for word.
He glanced at Nisha and Sharath.
“They’ve hacked our system,” Nisha whispered. “What do we do now?”
“Cool, Ms. Nisha,” Vikram said, unfazed. “Wait and watch.”
Nisha stared at him, bewildered. He looked too calm for someone being sabotaged.
The audience was visibly impressed by the AV Group’s presentation. Whispers spread—everyone believed they were the frontrunners for the deal.
“Next is our turn,” Nisha said nervously. “What shall we do?”
“Let’s quit,” Vikram said, his voice steady and eyes glinting with something unspoken.
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A/N:
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