The following afternoon, Ruhaan found himself seated in the plush, overly ostentatious office of Vivek Agarwal. The selection committee member’s influence was evident in the lavish décor, from the gold-accented desk to the crystal whiskey decanter placed conspicuously on the corner table. The air was heavy with authority, a kind of self-assured arrogance that clung to Vivek like a second skin. 

Vivek leaned back in his chair, studying Ruhaan like a predator sizing up its prey. “Ruhaan Sharma, the wonder boy,” he said with a smirk. “You’ve done well for yourself. But it seems you’ve hit a bit of a roadblock, haven’t you?” 

Ruhaan clenched his fists beneath the table, forcing himself to remain composed. He wasn’t here to lose his temper or show weakness. He was here to fight for his career, but not at the expense of his principles—or Roohi. 

“I’m here to talk about Ria,” Ruhaan began, his tone measured but firm. 

Vivek raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Ria? Oh, so you’ve finally decided to come to your senses? Wise choice, Ruhaan. Very wise. She’s quite fond of you, you know. And let’s be honest, a match with my daughter would open doors even your talent can’t unlock on its own.” 

Ruhaan bit back the retort bubbling on his tongue. He thought of Roohi, her gentle smile and unwavering belief in him. The sacrifices she had made. The battles they had fought together to get to this point. His chest tightened at the thought of betraying her trust, even if it was just for appearances. She was his everything—his anchor, his sanctuary. No amount of fame or success was worth losing her. 

“I’m not here to discuss dating your daughter,” Ruhaan said, his voice steady. 

Vivek’s smirk faltered, replaced by a look of irritation. “Then why are you here?” 

Ruhaan straightened in his chair, meeting Vivek’s gaze head-on. “I know why Ria wants to date me. It’s not because she’s interested in me as a person. She wants the fame, the attention, and the brand deals that come with being associated with me.” 

Vivek scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. “That’s how the world works, Sharma. Fame attracts fame. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. You scratch my back, I scratch yours.” 

Ruhaan’s jaw tightened. “I’m willing to help her with the brand deals. I’ll connect her with my network, get her the contracts she wants. But I won’t pretend to date her. I won’t cheat my wife—not even for appearances. She’s everything to me. And I’m not compromising that.” 

Vivek leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “You think you’re in a position to negotiate with me? Let me remind you, Ruhaan—you’re out of the squad. Out of sight, out of mind. Keep this up, and your career will be over before you know it.” 

Ruhaan held his ground, refusing to be intimidated. “I’ve fought harder battles to get to where I am today. I’ve worked too hard, sacrificed too much, and I’ve seen my family sacrifice even more. You don’t scare me, Mr. Agarwal.” 

Vivek chuckled darkly, leaning back in his chair. “You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you? Fine. Get her the contracts. But if I hear even a whisper of you backing out, consider your cricket career over.” 

Ruhaan’s stomach churned with anger, but he kept his expression neutral. He nodded curtly, rising to his feet. “You’ll get what you want. But remember this, Mr. Agarwal—I won’t sell my soul for a place in the squad. And I definitely won’t betray the person who stood by me when no one else did.” 

Without waiting for a response, Ruhaan turned and walked out of the office, the door clicking shut behind him. 

As he made his way to his car, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Relief that he had stood his ground. Guilt for having to hide this from Roohi. Anger at the politics and corruption that plagued the game he loved. 

He couldn’t tell Roohi about this meeting. He knew her too well—if she found out, she might even suggest stepping aside for the sake of his career. And he couldn’t bear the thought of her sacrificing more for him. She had already done enough, and it was his turn to protect her, even if it meant carrying this burden alone. 

Sitting in the driver’s seat, Ruhaan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was certain: no matter how many obstacles were thrown his way, he wouldn’t let them destroy what he had built with Roohi. 

She wasn’t just his wife. She was his world. And no career, no fame, was worth risking that.