Chapter 37

Recap: Vikram planned to fly London for the new project deal.

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Vikram and Pugazh arrived at the office and immediately instructed Sharath to arrange a staff meeting. Within minutes, the team had assembled in the conference hall. Vikram and Pugazh walked in, drawing everyone’s attention. Vikram stepped forward and addressed the room.

“Good morning, team. Let me keep this short. This is Mr. Pugazh, our newly appointed Managing Director of Vikram Group of Companies. I hope you all have a great time working under him. Pugazh will be reporting directly to me,” Vikram announced.

Pugazh looked at Vikram with surprise but said nothing.

“That’s all for today. You can carry on,” Vikram concluded.

Everyone wished Pugazh and exited the hall. Vikram and Pugazh then made their way to Vikram’s cabin.

“Why did you do this now?” Pugazh asked, settling into a chair. “Do you think this was necessary?”

“Would you do this for me?” Vikram countered.

“I’m not denying it,” Pugazh replied. “Just curious about the sudden decision.”

“There is a reason,” Vikram said. “I’ve already instructed the infrastructure team to set up your cabin. You’re joining from today.”

“Whatever you say,” Pugazh said with a shrug.

Vikram handed him a file. “The work you’ll handle is detailed in this file. Go through it—you’ll get a clear picture.”

Pugazh took the file, flipped through it, and nodded.

“We could do this very well,” he said confidently.

By the end of the day, they returned home. Pranitha, Sana, and Amma greeted them with congratulations. To celebrate, the family went out for dinner.

The following week was packed. The entire team was focused on preparing a presentation for a new project—covering planning, finance, and resources. Nisha, the head of the project team, led the follow-ups and was tasked with presenting the plan to Vikram for feedback. She showed up dressed provocatively—tight-fitting clothes, a short skirt, and a low-cut top that accentuated her figure.

She had the conference hall prepped and waited for Vikram.

Vikram entered with Sharath right behind him.

“Ms. Nisha, you can start your presentation,” Vikram instructed.

“Yes, sir. Sharath, you can go if you’ve got other work,” she added casually.

“Okay, Nisha,” Sharath said and walked out, leaving her alone with Vikram.

Nisha began the presentation while Vikram kept his eyes fixed on the screen. He didn’t utter a word until she finished. Then she leaned over the table, close to him.

“Sir… how was that?” she asked with a suggestive smile.

Vikram shifted his gaze back to the screen. “There are a few corrections. Here’s what you need to do…” He listed the changes calmly.

“Yeah, I’ll take care of it, sir. I’ll finish it with the corrections and get it back to you.”

“No need, Ms. Nisha,” Vikram replied firmly. “You can finish it and inform Sharath.”

“But why, sir? It would be better if you could check the corrections personally.”

“Well… let me try,” Vikram said, keeping his tone neutral.

I will not miss out on this chance, Vikram. Before sealing this project, I will seal you. Nisha thought in her mind.

Vikram left the room and returned to his cabin, then immediately called Sharath.

“Sir…” Sharath picked up.

“Sharath, follow Nisha… You got it?”

“Understood, sir.”

“Once she finishes the presentation, check it yourself and bring it to me directly.”

“Sure, sir. I will.”

“And Sharath… Pugazh and Pranitha will be traveling with me. Make the arrangements.”

Later that evening, Vikram was playing with Sara when Sana called out from the hallway.

“Vikky!”

“Tell me, darling,” he replied, lifting his eyes from their daughter.

“How many days are we going to stay?” she asked, arms crossed.

“How many days do you want?” Vikram teased with a grin.

“Are you kidding? You’re traveling for your project. Don’t you want to focus on that?”

“Don’t worry, pondatti… We’ll win this project, and we’ll celebrate it too.”

“Let me pack for a week, then.”

“Okay, wifeyyyy.”

Sara giggled as she chewed on his cheek and babbled in delight. Sana stood there, smiling, her eyes warm with affection.

With just two days left for the London trip, Vikram decided to stay home and prepare. He called Sharath over with the updated presentation.

When Sharath arrived, Vikram and Pugazh moved to the study, locking themselves in for over three hours of detailed discussions. Once they wrapped up, they finally stepped out into the living room, exhausted but satisfied. As Sharath arrived at the house, Sana greeted him warmly.

“Sharath bro, please come inside,” she invited with a smile.

“It’s okay, madam… I will leave,” he replied politely.

Sana frowned. “Brother, please stop calling me ‘madam’. Just Sana would do. Have coffee before you go.”

Sharath gave a small nod. “Okay, Sana.”

Sana turned to the maid. “Bring some coffee, please.”

The group sat down together for coffee. Sharath noticed little Sara nearby and gently caressed her cheek, his expression softening at her innocent smile. After a short while, he stood up.

“I’ll take my leave,” he said.

Later, as the family was chatting, Sana turned to Pranitha.

“Sister-in-law, have you done the packing?”

“Not yet, Sana,” Pranitha replied. “It would be better if Amma joined us too.”

But Amudha shook her head gently. “No dear, I’ll leave for our native place for a while. You all enjoy the trip.”

“Mom, you leave in our car and please be safe,” Vikram said firmly. “Our guards will accompany you at all times.”

Amudha waved him off. “What is the need for that?”

“Mom, please,” Vikram insisted, his tone soft but resolute.

“Fine, I’m not saying anything,” she said with a reluctant smile.

Just then, Pugazh picked up Sara in his arms. She giggled and started pulling his hair playfully.

Vikram smiled at the sight. “Sana, let me help you with the packing. Come.”

With their usual playful banter, Vikram and Sana went to pack.

On the day of their travel, Amudha left for her native place. Vikram, Pugazh, Sana, and Pranitha headed to the airport together. After completing the formalities, they boarded their private jet.

Once on board, Vikram called Sharath to inform him about their departure and gave a few instructions for follow-up tasks. Afterward, they all settled into their seats, the soft hum of the jet filling the air.

Sara, lulled by the gentle motion of the flight, soon fell asleep. Sana carefully carried her to the private cabin, laid her on the bed, and lay down beside her. Both mother and daughter drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, Vikram, Pugazh, and Pranitha sat chatting for a while. After some time, Pranitha got up and walked toward the cabin.

“Sana, it’s already late. Wake up and have lunch, da,” she said, nudging her gently.

“Five minutes, please,” Sana mumbled sleepily.

“No, Sana. You have to feed Sara, so you need to eat on time. Or should I get baby food for her?” Pranitha teased.

“No… I’ll feed her and come for lunch.”

Pranitha returned to her seat and informed Vikram. A little later, Sana fed Sara and joined them at the dining area. Vikram took Sara into his arms. She was still drowsy, and as he held her against his chest, her small hands clutched his shirt tightly.

“Princess… are you feeling sleepy?” he asked gently.

“Hmmmm,” she mumbled, her eyes still closed.

“Did you have your food?”

“Hmmmm…”

“Shall we play?”

Sara shook her head, indicating a firm no.

Sana smiled as she approached. “Looks like father and daughter are having some serious discussion.”

Vikram chuckled and lifted Sara up to face him, playfully bumping his forehead against hers. Sara rubbed her eyes with tiny fists, yawning cutely as she tried to wake herself up. Vikram leaned in and poked her cheek with his nose. She instinctively reached out and grasped his beard.

“She’s still sleepy,” Sana observed. “Give her to me, let me put her back to sleep.”

“I’ll take care of it, don’t worry. You have lunch,” Vikram said.

He gently cradled Sara back onto his chest and patted her until she was sound asleep.

Their flight continued in a relaxed, cheerful mood, filled with long conversations and laughter. After several hours, they landed at London Heathrow Airport.

Officials from the embassy were already waiting to receive them. With security following closely behind, they were driven to their mansion in London. It was Sana’s first time visiting the place.

The mansion was grand and classy, exuding a warm elegance. The maids lined up respectfully, ready to welcome their new boss lady.

Sana was touched by the warm greeting. Pranitha and Pugazh were also welcomed with equal grace.

Inside, Vikram showed Pugazh and Pranitha to their rooms, then led Sana to the master bedroom. She stepped in and her eyes lit up.

The room was stunning—exactly her taste. The interiors were sophisticated and thoughtfully designed.

Sana laid Sara gently into the crib and turned around, admiring the room in awe.

“How is it?” Vikram asked, watching her reaction.

“Beautiful… just like how I would like,” she said softly.

“It’s your mansion,” Vikram said with a smile. “So obviously, it should be to your liking. I tried my best to get the interiors just right.”

“What…?” she turned to him, surprised.

“I changed everything to match your ideas of interior design before we got here.”

“You always make me feel so special…”

“You can make me feel special too…”

“I love you, hubby,” Sana whispered.

“Love you, wifey… Now sleep for some time. We’ll have a long night ahead.”

“A long night? Did you forget we have Sara?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I remember, darling. But our princess will sleep early due to jet lag, so we need not worry.”

“Even I’m so tired,” Sana admitted.

“Then let’s compensate the long night with a long shower,” Vikram said, winking at her mischievously.

Before she could reply, he lifted her into his arms and walked into the bathroom.

Their laughter and whispers soon gave way to the sound of cascading water, filling the space with the echoes of affection, warmth, and tender intimacy…

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A/N:

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