Hey Sweethearts 💙 I'm sorry for the delay again and this chapter might be a little boring so please adjust with it. I promise to make the next chapter to be better than this 💖 Happy Reading 🖤

The sun rose letting the sunrays peep into a bedroom where the hero of this story was sleeping. He squinted his eyes to adjust with the brightness and looked around the room. He found the room to be empty and walked to the guest room to find that being empty too. It was 7:00am only and he frowned as Bani was not at home by that time. He immediately dialled her number and she answered it in the last ring deliberately.
Veer : Bani?
Bani hummed.
Veer : Where are you? It's just 7:00am now and I can't find you here at home.
Bani : I'm at out.
Veer : Where? What are you doing outside early in the morning?
Bani : Will see you later in the office. Bye. (Saying this, she cut the call)
Veer called her again but she cut the call. He quickly did his morning chores and got ready to go to the office.

At the office:
Bani and Sid were in her cabin discussing on how to find out the spy among the interns when Balwant and Aayush entered in.
Bani : Good morning, dad and papa.
Aayush : Good morning, beta.
Balwant : Good morning. Bani, are you sure you want to do this? Maybe you should reconsider your decision before it's too late.
Bani : I'm hundred percent sure, dad. There's nothing to reconsider.
Aayush : But it would be more professional if you compete and lose but I don't appreciate you to back out suddenly after working hard for it since 2 months. (He said in a disappointing tone)
Bani : That's okay, papa. I was not interested in the beginning itself but I decided to give it a try and once I tried, I don't think so I will be suitable for the CEO post so I back out. I can't handle the whole S&S Group of Industries all alone but I'm sure Veer would be the best suitable candidate for it.
Balwant : Hmm it's up to you, beta. (He sighed)
Bani : So, is everything planned? He still doesn't know about our plan right? (She asked enthusiastically)
Balwant : No, that's why I asked him to come to the office at 10:00am. I will make sure none of the board of directors contact him before that and our employees are still unaware of our sudden decision so it will be a great surprise for him once he arrives.
Bani : That's cool, dad. I'm so excited to see his expression later. But I think it's time to let the employees know it before he arrives. I want them to be there to celebrate it with us. (She beamed with happiness)
Aayush : Okay then. Come let's go and check on the arrangements, Ballu.
Balwant : Yeah, okay. (He nodded and left with him)
Bani sighed and turned to Sid who was looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
Bani : What?
Sid : Nothing. You are sacrificing too much, my dear Mother Teresa.
Bani : I'm not sacrificing anything here. I was not interested since the beginning itself but Veer forced me to compete with him.
Sid : But why did you suddenly decide to back out yesterday when you had so many chances to do it earlier? (He crossed his arms against his chest and narrowed his eyes at her)
Bani : Oh God! Stop interrogating me like this. If you don't have any work to do now means please go outside and find out the spy instead of wasting your time here.
Sid : Whatever! Fine. (He huffed disappointedly and left her cabin)

Veer arrived at the office at 10:00am as told by Balwant. He was totally clueless about the reason for asking him to join late especially when Bani left at 7:00am itself. He parked his car and entered the building. The moment he entered he was showered with confetti along with all the employees wishing him with bouquets. He smiled awkwardly at them and looked around searching for the pair of eyes he was waiting to meet since morning. He found her standing at the corner with Sid while whispering something to him.

Balwant : Veer, come in my son. Why are you standing there? (He smiled cheerfully)
Veer : What's going on dad? What's all this?
Aayush : There is a surprise for you, Veer. Let's go to the conference hall first. The board of directors and shareholders are waiting for you there.
Veer : But why, uncle? What's happening here?
Aayush : You will know it soon. (He winked and escorted him to the conference hall)
They entered the conference hall and he was shocked to see media there. They were eagerly waiting for the to be CEO of S&S Group of Industries, Veeranshu Singhania's arrival.
Veer : Dad? What's with the press conference now? Is there any important announcement? Why nobody did inform me earlier? (He frowned)
Balwant : Come, Veer.
Balwant took Veer to the stage and announced that Veer is the one who is going to be the next CEO of S&S Group of Industries. To say that this sudden announcement was a shock to him would be an understatement as his eyes widened than usual and immediately his head snapped towards Bani's direction. She quickly averted her gaze when his eyes met hers. Veer stood there dumbstruck while listening to Aayush and Balwant's speech.
Balwant : Come here, Veer. They would like to hear it from the CEO himself. (He turned and signalled Veer to join him)
Veer : But dad? (He frowned)
Aayush : Go, Veer. Just give them a simple speech and sign the documents. We will explain this to you later.
Veer : This is wrong, uncle. I'm not going to do this. (Saying this, he got up from there to leave but Bani came to him)
Bani : Veer, everyone is waiting for you. Just go and give your speech.
Veer : We need to talk first. Are you people crazy? The competition period is still not over yet but how could you people suddenly decide it's me? (He narrowed his eyes at her)
Bani : We will talk about it later. Please just go now.
Veer : Whatever! I need an explanation later. (He sighed and glared at her before going to give his speech)

After some time, Veer went busy in talking with the board of directors when Bani left the conference hall and went back to her cabin with Sid. She breathed a sigh of relief once she entered and sat on her chair.
Bani : Thank God, he didn't create a scene there.
Sid : Don't you think this has gone overboard, didi? What are you trying to do? Why the hell did you back out just like that? What do you think of yourself? (He started with his rambling and Bani shut her ears with her fingers)
Bani : Oh God!!! Stop it, Sid. You are giving me headache now. Just keep quiet for a while.
Sid : You can't shut me just like that. Answer my question first. What was the need to back out? Tell me the real reason.
Bani : Okay, fine! Listen carefully now and I won't repeat it again.
Sid : Go ahead. (He rolled his eyes)
Bani : Things are not the same now. I mean the relationship between me and Veer. I don't even remember when was the last time we both spoke without an argument. We were literally falling apart since the competition started, Sid. We both just became too busy to even sit and spend some quality time together. I don't want to lose him because of this. I have my insecurities and I'm afraid that he is slowly going away from me. I'm not really into this competition since the beginning and I have never dreamt of becoming a CEO at anytime but after seeing the efforts Veer put, I understood that the CEO position is definitely for him. I just wanted to end this competition drama once for all so I just backed out. I hope at least he will be able to be back to his old self after this. I can't bear the pain when he says he doesn't have time to talk to me. It really hurts when your loved one is not sparing their time for you, Sid. You will understand this when you have someone special in your life. (A lone tear escaped her eye when explaining this)
Sid was about to speak when he noticed that Bani was staring at the door with wide eyes. He turned to see Veer standing there glaring at Bani with bloodshot eyes while Bani lowered her head and started fidgeting with her fingers.
Veer : Out! (He ordered while looking at Sid)
Sid nodded and left the cabin. Bani gulped when Veer locked the door. She suddenly found the tiles to be interesting as she kept her gaze fixed on the floor.

Veer grabbed her arm and pulled her up to his level. Bani slowly raised her eyes to meet his and realised that he was fuming with anger. His piercing eyes was intimidating her but she managed to compose herself and released his grip from her arm.
Bani : What are you doing here? (She asked with a blank look)
Veer : I came here to meet the saint who sacrificed everything to make this loser win. (He pointed at himself)
Bani : Wha.... (She was cut by him)
Veer : I'm not done yet. Who the hell are you to decide what should I do and not to do? Huh? Why the fuck did you back out from it? At last you made me a loser, Bani! Are you happy now? Did I ask you to give up for me? Did I ever tell you to back out so that I can become the CEO without making any efforts? I worked hard for 2 whole months, Bani. You just ruined it within 2 minutes!!! (He yelled at her, making her flinch at his tone)
Bani : I never ruin anything, Veer. You are the CEO now. You got this position because of your own efforts and potential. I have nothing to do with it. (She shrugged casually)
Veer : Shut up! Just shut up! Don't try to fool me. I heard everything that you told Sid few minutes ago. What are you thinking of yourself? Do you think you are sacrificing everything for the sake of my happiness? If yes, then you are totally wrong! I wouldn't get hurt a single percent if I lose the competition after completing the given time period but now it's really hurting me for achieving it effortlessly. I admit I worked hard and I didn't spare some time for you and for us in the past 2 months but you were no less than me too. You also didn't make any efforts to spend time with me. You didn't try to understand me. You only thought about yourself. You are really selfish, Bani! Why do you have to do this? I wanted to get this position by competing with my wife. I wouldn't mind even if I lose in it but today you made me a complete loser with your sacrifices. Thank you so much for everything, wife. Thank you for making me a loser in front of everyone today. I will never forget this day in my life! (Saying this, he stormed out of her cabin leaving her speechless there)
Bani stood there staring at the floor with her eyes brimming with tears.
Bani's mind voice : You failed to understand me again, Veer.

Veer directly went into his cabin after lashing out at Bani. He was regretting for avoiding her all this time which made her to back out from the competition thinking that he prioritised the CEO position more than his love of life. According to him, he really wanted to compete with his wife to win and at some point he was even ready to celebrate her when she wins because of the efforts she was putting all the time but she just spoiled everything with her hasty decision.

At Bani's cabin:
Bani was thinking about Veer when Sid barged in suddenly. She got startled when the door opened with a loud thud.
Bani : Can't you just enter like a normal person? You scared me. (She said, placing her palm on her heart)
Sid : Didi, it's really important. (He rushed to her)
Bani : Wait, calm down. What's that?
Sid : I suspect two of the interns here but I need to find out who is the spy among them.
Bani : What? Really? How? Who are they?
Sid : Do you have the permission to access the cctv footage of the conference hall right now?
Bani : Hmm no but... (She hesitated)
Sid : But what? Faster say it, didi. (He asked impatiently)
Bani : But Veer can access the cctv footage of all the conference hall and rooms from his laptop.
Sid : So we need his laptop now, right?
Bani : Hmm yeah.
Sid : Okay, come let's go and get his laptop.
Bani : What? I'm not coming there. He just lashed out on me and I'm still upset with him for his deeds so I'm not going to talk to him. (She pouted)
Sid : Oh God!!! Can't you understand the seriousness now? Is it really important to show your ego here? We need to find out the spy, didi! That is the most important thing to do now than satisfying your stupid ego. (He yelled at her and Bani stared at him with wide eyes)
Bani : That's so rude! You are losing your patience easily since you started going for the training. That's what they taught you there?
Sid : Is it important now? Just come with me! (He held her hand and dragged her to Veer's cabin)

Sid knocked the door while holding Bani's wrist as she was trying to run away from there. They entered once they heard Veer saying "come in". Veer looked at both of them with blank look and raised his eyebrow at Sid.
Sid : Actually we need to talk to you.
Veer : We? Who is the another person? I could see only you here. (He mocked, glaring at Bani who was avoiding to make eye contact with him)
Bani : This is why I told you that I'm not coming here. I'm leaving. (She turned to go but Sid stopped her)
Sid : Do you want me to find the spy or not? If you don't want then okay fine you can deal with the blackmailer all alone and I won't interfere after this. (He whispered to Bani)
Bani : Arghhh what are yo.... (Veer interrupted)
Veer : Hello? Excuse me? What's going on here? If you both don't have any work to do here then please leave.
Bani rolled her eyes and huffed while Veer was observing both of their weird behaviours.
Sid : We...I mean...hmmm yeah actually didi wants to talk to you now. Privately. (He said with a grin when Bani's head snapped towards his direction)
Bani : What the hell? I'm not here to talk to anyone!
Sid : Didi!!! (He gritted his teeth and Bani glared at him)
Veer : Look Sid, I have no time to talk to YOUR didi here. If she wants to talk then she will ask me herself. Now you both better get out without eating my brain.
Bani : Such a jerk. (She muttered under her breath but unfortunately Veer heard her)
Veer : Excuse me? What did you just say? Jerk?
Bani : Yes! You are a jerk!
Veer : Oh really? Then who you are? You are the world's biggest jerk I have ever seen. (He got up from his seat and walked towards her)
Bani : How dare you to call me a jerk? You are such a mannerless idiot! You don't even know how to respect a woman, especially your wife! (She snapped at him)
Sid's mind voice : Stupid couple. Both of them are holding on their useless egos while losing their happiness.
Sid turned around when his eyes reached the laptop on the table.
Sid's mind voice : How am I supposed to take the laptop without his knowledge now? (He looked at Vani who were quarrelling with each other)
Bani : Just shut up! You don't have any rights to call me a mad woman. You are the biggest mad man in the world!
Veer : Stop being so childish. You can't even use your own words to scold someone. You are just repeating whatever I say! (He snapped back)

They continued with their bickering and Sid slowly took Veer's laptop. He gestured Bani to turn Veer the other side so that he can easily escape with the laptop but she was too busy to notice him. With no choice left, he pushed Bani with a force and Veer quickly grabbed her waist before her ass could touch the floor. Both of them were standing in RK pose while gazing at each other's eyes and Sid grabbed that opportunity to sneak out from the cabin with Veer's laptop.

Veer : Sweetheart?
Bani : Hmm?
Veer : I don't mind standing like this all day long but still my arm hurts a little to bear your weight. (He smirked and Bani quickly composed herself and stood straight)
Bani : Sss...sorry. (She lowered her head)
Veer : For? (He pulled her closer by her waist)
Bani gasped at his sudden action and placed her hands on his shoulder. Veer gazed into her eyes and slowly pecked her nose without losing the eye contact. She closed her eyes with anticipation and he kissed on her both eyes. She could feel his breath on her forehead and she smiled a little when he kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger there for longer than usual.
Veer : Bani? (He whispered huskily)
Bani : Haan?
Veer : I don't appreciate what you did today. You shouldn't have backed out without discussing it with me. It's really such a hasty decision you ever took.
Bani opened her eyes and distanced herself from him.
Bani : That topic is over. Stop talking about it again and again, Veer! (She sighed exasperatedly)
Veer : You are not someone who would easily back out without giving it a try, Bani. What's wrong with you? Why did you do this? If you feel like we are falling apart then you should have discussed it with me but you just decided everything by yourself without my concern.
Bani : So now you are saying that I should take your concern whenever I'm supposed to take a decision? Am I not capable of taking a decision myself, Veer? Am I that stupid? (She scowled)
Veer : Not again, Bani. You are again taking it into a wrong direction now.
Bani : Like how you took it last night? You thought I'm cheating on you right? You thought I'm having an affair behind your back right? (A lone tear escaped from her eye)
Veer : Oh God! I really didn't mean it, sweetheart. Please trust me I didn't mean to say it. It just slipped out of my tongue in anger. I'm sorry for that. (He sighed)
Bani : Just stop it, Vee.... (She was interrupted by a knock on the door)
Veer : Come in.
Tapish entered in with a grin plastered on his face.
Tapish : Hello, Mr CEO.
Veer : Bhai, please. (He huffed)
Tapish : Well, Mr CEO, actually I'm here to tell you that your dad asked you to join him at the conference room now. You still have some formalities to do before taking the complete charge as the new CEO. And also Bani you too have to be there to take charge as the new COO.
Bani : Okay.
Veer : Okay, bhai. You go first, we will come there.
Tapish : Alright then. (He left)
Veer turned and looked at Bani. He tried to cup her face but she glanced at him for one last time and left the cabin. Veer too followed her to the conference room.
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To be continued....

PRECAP :
Bani received a call from the blackmailer.
Caller : Hello, my love. (He chirped)
Bani : What do you want now?
Caller : Oh seems like my baby girl is becoming braver again. (He chuckled)
Bani : Just cut the crap and come straight to the point! (She sighed exasperatedly)
Caller : Well, I called you to reveal a good news to you sweetheartttt. Won't you ask me what's that?
Bani : What? (She rolled her eyes)
Caller : It's time for you to meet me, my love. I'm coming to take you with me soon....

With love,
Zaara 💙💜❤️