The company event started in a formal way. The hall was filled with all the employees and some important business associates. The dull music and corporate arrangements made the event look rick and exquisite.

When Dev arrived, the band springs to the tune. He was escorted by a reception-committee and a few close friends. To start, Dev delivered a formal speech, in which he first welcomed the business associates and then provided a detailed speech about his experience. He highlighted the Company's achievements and also spoke about the awards that the employees have won in various events.

Sona's POV

I quickly made my way inside the event hall. I made sure all the food were delivered on time and arranged neatly. Of course, I had to reach Ishwari Enterprises 4 hours earlier to make sure the arrangements were perfect. I could not afford to make any mistakes since this event was an important one for our company every year.

When I entered the hall, my heart started beating faster as I saw a large group of men walking inside. I recognised Jatin immediately and signalled him to come to my side. However, he was too distracted to notice me in that crowd. The time had come where my nightmare would start. With his grand entry, Dev walked through the entrance in his full glory.

If situation had not been this tensed, I would have beamed at him for looking so handsome. His blue suit was sharp-looking and well-fitted to his muscular, well-built form. His shoes were polished as he walked confidently inside the hall. I saw his perfect jaw line, sharp nose and full lips. Of course, the most attractive one was his messily-styled hair, making him look like a model walking down on a ramp.

I could sense that his eyes were roaming around the surroundings as he took the view of the big hall. His eyes stopped when they met mine. His intense stare made me insecure. Was I overly dressed for the event? I bit my lips in nervousness as my hands immediately roamed around my sleeve adjusting the saree.

Dev's POV

My heart almost skipped as my eyes rested on a girl standing at the corner getting more conscious about her dress. She had worn an orange saree which was complimenting her beautiful curves. Her silky brown hair were curled and the ear rings added to her, made her look so beautiful. My eyes froze on her when she bit her lips. It was the first time I had seen her wore a saree, shyly flaunting her milky waist. I was getting restless with each second my eyes lingered on her conscious form.

"Now, let's begin with acknowledging the people who worked hard for our company..." I started as everyone looked up with excitement.

I had discussed with the management team and came up with the list of people who would be promoted today. One by one their names were announced and the respective person came forward to the stage to receive their reward.

"Finally, the last and mostly awaited position, the person who will be promoted as the GM this year would be, Ms Riya Malhotra!" the host announced and I heard everyone gasping in shock.

I knew no one would have expected this. The entire hall went silent for a minute. Even Jatin was shocked. He looked at me with an accusation look. My eyes looked out for Sonakshi and the minute I spot her, I immediately regretted it.

Her eyes were full of sorrow. She was on the verge of breaking down. With the looks of it, I knew that I just killed her emotionally. She definitely deserved the promotion much more than anyone else in the company. Her records were beyond outstanding. She had achieved so many things in a small frame of time. It was extremely unfair for her since Riya came to the company much later than her.

I knew that she was extremely a strong person. She mastered the knowledge of hiding her emotions and tears and giving everyone a straight face. Once I made an eye contact with her, she quickly lowered her eyes and looked at the carpet. It killed me to see her vulnerable. Yes, I am the one who disagreed with the decision of not wanting Sonakshi to be promoted. Her name was recommended by almost all the important share-holders of the company. But I denied them.

By the time I recovered from my thoughts, I realized that Riya was already walking up to the stage. Her face displayed a mixture of shock and confusion. I could see that she was not even prepared for this step over. She walked forward and received the promotion letter with a small smile while I mumbled a quick congratulations to her. The entire crowd applauded loudly while some others were still trying to register the reality.

Finally, I turned to the crowd and requested them to continue with the rest of the celebration tonight. Somewhere deep inside my heart, I felt awful. Utterly stupid and pathetic for what I have done. I thought that seeing her hurt would make me feel proud, but no! It only worsened my emotions. I really needed to get down from this exhausting stage.

Sona's POV

I knew I wouldn't be the one getting promoted. Then why was I still disappointed? I knew if I had a salary raise, I could have saved up more money for my father's surgery. My salary wasn't low, but it was still not enough for my father's operation. This time, it was not my fault. Why do I need this punishment?

"Maybe I really didn't deserve the position." I mumbled trying to convince myself.

I couldn't stand at the hall anymore. Everyone's eyes were on me. They looked at me with pity and some of them were gossiping right infront of me. I rushed towards the washroom area, not being able to control my tears. I didn't want to look like a pathetic cry baby infront of everyone. Especially Dev. I didn't want him to make another mockery out of it.

I admit that I made some mistakes due to my stupidity. But I never meant to hurt anyone. Never.

Maybe this is how he felt when he was being treated unfairly, my mind taunted as usual.

I couldn't hold myself anymore as I went to the nearby cubicle area. My knees gave way and I fell down not being able to stay strong anymore. I felt weak... Physically and emotionally. My tears moistened my face and drowned my heart completely in a pool of sorrows.

Dev's POV

"Are you happy now Dev???" spat an irritated Jatin. I had never seen Jatin this serious before. He was always a jovial person but today there was not even an ounce of humour in his voice.

"What are you trying to say bro?" I said trying to act as if nothing happened.

He immediately turned me around and glared at me.

"You know I have always told Sona that you might be harsh to her, but will never hurt her professionally. I agree whatever she did in her past was extremely wrong but what are you doing? Whatever you did today might be considered as a great achievement or even a master stroke of your unwanted revenge plan. But let me just tell you that you have disappointed me, Dev. Guess what? You won! You won, Dev...... Because right now, you could not have punished her worse than this. This is the best revenge ever. Best revenge ever, Dev" he told me with hurt in his voice.

I knew I was wrong but seeing Jatin react in such a way was not acceptable to me. I could not understand how Jatin could stand by Sonakshi all the time even after knowing what she did to me. Wasn't he supposed to stand by me?

I quickly ran towards him and stopped him from walking away. His voice really hurt me intensely.

"Jatin stop yaar... I know you would be upset but listen to me first! I know snatching this position from her was wrong, but what else could I do? I am hurt Jatin. I was suffering all this while..... and here, she is getting all the affection and love from you guys. I just can't bear this treatment that you all are giving her. I agree that today, whatever happened was quite cheap of me. But the truth is, I was jealous. Extremely jealous and unhappy, Jatin. Jealous that she is able to smile, laugh, mingle and be happy without me." I said all at one go.

"Happy?? Did you think she was happy? She fucking tried to commit suicide DEV!!!" he yelled as my entire mind went blank.

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Heyyy guys. So how was the update?? Do you guys Sona deserve what she is getting?