Chapter 95: Hidden wine in the party?
Author's Note
Hello, amazing readers! 🌟
Today's chapter, "Hidden in the Party," is here, and it's packed with secrets, suspense, and unexpected twists! 🎭 Amidst the grand celebrations, emotions are running high, and our favorite characters are making choices that could change everything. And guess what? The villain is coming—can you guess who? 👀
I can't wait for you to dive into this chapter and uncover the mysteries within! Remember, your thoughts matter so much to me. Don't forget to leave a comment, an emoji, or even a little gif—it keeps me motivated to bring you the best of this story.
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Happy reading, lovelies! 💖
With love,
~ Penola.s ✨❤️
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The room had been buzzing with conversation, but as soon as Arjun Rajawat announced the name, a collective silence fell over the grand ballroom.
"Kunal Rajawat," he announced, his voice firm yet proud, as if unveiling a long-hidden gem. The name echoed through the grand ballroom, drawing every pair of eyes toward the arched doorway.
From the doorway, the figure emerged. Dressed in an emerald-green suit tailored to perfection, Kunal Rajawat was the picture of a modern-day prince—a man who carried power with quiet confidence. His slicked-back hair and clean-shaven jawline gave him an air of sophistication, while the steel in his eyes hinted at a depth few would dare to challenge.
The murmurs began almost immediately.
"Kunal Rajawat."
The name echoed like a low rumble of thunder, followed by an immediate wave of murmurs. Every guest turned toward the grand arched doorway, eyes wide with curiosity, intrigue, and disbelief.
"Kunal Rajawat? The hidden son?"
"He's real? And tonight of all nights!"
"Why would Arjun reveal him now? This changes everything."
The whispers swirled like a storm as the man in question emerged, his footsteps deliberate, the sound of polished leather shoes clicking against the marble floor. Kunal Rajawat stepped into view, commanding attention without uttering a word. His emerald-green suit was an unusual choice but undeniably striking, a bold statement that set him apart in a sea of blacks and navy blues. His tie, a deep, smoky gray, added a subtle touch of gravitas.
Kunal moved with the kind of composure that only came from years of preparation, his cold, unreadable expression softened only by the faintest flicker of a smile—a smile that seemed calculated to disarm and intrigue in equal measure.
The crowd parted for him as he made his way toward the stage, where his elder brother, Arjun, stood waiting. Though Kunal's steps were measured, his mind was racing. It's time, he thought. No more shadows. No more waiting.
Across the room, the Singhaniya's stood as a quiet storm of realization erupted among them.
"Kunal Rajawat," Aarav muttered under his breath, his expression darkening as recognition dawned. His sharp mind raced through memories, piecing together fragments. Could it be him? The same Kunal who worked under me? The one I trusted?
Beside him, Ravi tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Wait," he murmured to Rudra, who stood just behind Aarav. "Is that the same guy? The one Anaya's always talking about from her team?"
Rudra's eyes narrowed as he focused on Kunal, his usual calm slipping into something more calculating. "It seems so," he replied, his voice low. He hadn't met Kunal personally, but he had heard enough about him to recognize the name. The man who had worked quietly in their company for three years had suddenly become the face of their rival family.
"But why?" Ravi asked, his tone more incredulous now. "Why would he be working for us when he's... this?" He gestured subtly toward the stage, where Kunal was now greeting Arjun with a firm handshake.
Dev Singhaniya, ever the composed observer, stepped in with a quiet chuckle. "Relax," he said, his voice smooth as he sipped his drink. "Let's not overthink it yet. Just watch. The pieces will fall into place soon enough."
Rudra, however, was less at ease. His keen eyes didn't leave Kunal as he whispered to himself, "Why was he hiding? Why work for us when he knows our families are rivals? What's his angle?"
And yet, as Rudra thought through the implications, his lips curled into a sly smirk. A new player, he mused, swirling his wine glass slowly. Let the game begin.
Kunal ascended the stage and approached his elder brother. Arjun extended his hand, and Kunal clasped it firmly, a gesture that spoke volumes.
"Brother," Kunal said, his voice calm but edged with the weight of their shared understanding. "I'm back."
Arjun smiled, a mixture of pride and something deeper—something closer to relief. "And back where you belong," he replied.
Turning to the crowd, Arjun's voice rose, commanding the room once more. "For those of you wondering," he began, "my brother Kunal has been working diligently overseas, gaining experience and insight that will now strengthen the very core of Rajawat Industries. Three years ago, he returned to India, but only now do we officially welcome him into his rightful place."
There was applause, polite but tinged with curiosity. The guests had questions, unspoken but obvious. Why had Kunal stayed hidden? Why reveal him now?
Kunal took the microphone from his brother, his cold gaze sweeping the room. His voice was steady as he spoke. "I thank my brother, and all of you, for this warm welcome. While the past years have been focused on learning, tonight is about looking forward—to the next era for Rajawat Industries. Together, we aim to set new standards, to innovate, and to lead with the vision our family is known for."
His words were carefully measured, calculated to give away nothing. Yet, as his gaze drifted over the crowd, it landed on the Singhaniyas, standing like statues in the sea of murmuring guests. For the briefest moment, his eyes locked with Rudra's. Neither man flinched, and neither looked away.
The party regained its rhythm, the music resuming with a livelier tune. Waiters weaved through the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres, and laughter rippled in waves. But beneath the surface, tension brewed.
Arjun, ever the gracious host, began introducing Kunal to key guests. Each handshake, each polite smile, felt like a chess move in a game too intricate to predict. Kunal played his part flawlessly, engaging in small talk with ease, though his thoughts remained elsewhere.
"Kunal," Arjun said, his hand resting lightly on his brother's shoulder, "there's one introduction we can't avoid tonight."
Kunal raised an eyebrow. "The Singhaniyas?"
Arjun gave a curt nod. "They're watching us closely. Let's give them something to think about."
Together, they approached the group of men who were undoubtedly the center of another storm. Aarav stood tall, his sharp features carved with an almost regal air of authority. Rudra, with his cool, calculating demeanor, seemed more amused than concerned. Ravi was as curious as ever, while Dev exuded a quiet calm that seemed almost unshakable.
"Gentlemen," Arjun began smoothly, his voice light but firm, "allow me to introduce my brother, Kunal Rajawat."
For a moment, there was silence—a beat too long to be comfortable, but long enough to be intentional. Then Kunal stepped forward, extending his hand toward Aarav first.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Singhaniya," Kunal said, his voice even.
Aarav shook his hand, his grip firm and unyielding. "Likewise," he replied, his tone polite but edged with something darker. "Though I must say, I wasn't expecting this. It's rare to meet someone twice in such... different circumstances."
Kunal's lips curled into a faint smile. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it?"
Rudra stepped forward next, his sharp eyes studying Kunal as if searching for cracks. "We've heard a lot about you," he said, his tone laced with curiosity. "But seeing you here tonight—it changes the narrative, doesn't it?"
Kunal met his gaze evenly. "Change is inevitable, Mr. Singhaniya. It's what we do with it that matters."
Rudra chuckled softly, his smirk widening. "True. Very true."
Dev raised his glass with a small smile. "To new beginnings, then," he said lightly, though his words carried an undercurrent of irony.
Kunal raised his glass in return, his smile faint but calculated. "To the future."
For a moment, the group stood in silence, the tension between them almost palpable. The guests around them watched from a distance, sensing the significance of the encounter but unable to decipher the intricacies.
As the party wore on, the Singhaniyas withdrew slightly, their attention still fixed on Kunal and Arjun as they mingled with other guests.
Rudra leaned toward Aarav, his voice low. "So, what's the play here? Do we confront this head-on or let it simmer?"
Aarav's eyes didn't leave Kunal as he replied. "We wait. Patience is a virtue, Rudra. Let him make the first move."
"And if he does?" Ravi asked, his tone quieter now.
Aarav smirked faintly. "Then we'll be ready."
In the distance, Kunal turned slightly, his gaze briefly meeting Aarav's once more. The two men exchanged a look—one of understanding, challenge, and an unspoken promise that this was only the beginning.
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Here's the continuation of the story, delving deeper into the interactions, tension, and intrigue that follows this pivotal moment.
The night unfolded like a meticulously choreographed play, each moment carrying an undertone of suspense and hidden intentions. Conversations ebbed and flowed around the room, but the unspoken rivalry between the Rajawats and Singhaniyas was the gravitational pull that shaped the evening.
Kunal stood beside Arjun as they navigated the sea of guests, exchanging handshakes and pleasantries with industry giants and society elites. But even as Kunal engaged with the crowd, he was acutely aware of the Singhaniyas. Their presence lingered in his peripheral vision, a quiet but palpable reminder of the stakes.
"Kunal," Arjun said softly as they moved toward another cluster of guests, "I hope you're not letting them rattle you."
Kunal turned to his brother, his expression unreadable. "Rattle me?" he repeated, his voice calm. "You know me better than that."
Arjun smirked, his tone light but laced with meaning. "Good. Because tonight is about control. And we cannot afford to lose even a fraction of it."
Kunal inclined his head slightly, his gaze flickering back to the Singhaniyas. "Control is my specialty."
Across the room, Aarav stood with his brothers, his sharp eyes following Kunal's every move. The older Singhaniya leaned against the edge of a table, the faintest hint of a frown creasing his brow.
"What do you think, Aarav?" Dev asked, breaking the silence.
Aarav didn't answer immediately. He took a measured sip of his drink, his gaze unwavering. "I think," he began slowly, "Kunal Rajawat is far more interesting than I gave him credit for. Three years in our company, and not a whisper of his true identity. That takes discipline."
Ravi raised an eyebrow. "Discipline or deceit?"
"Both," Rudra interjected, his tone cool. "But the question isn't how he pulled it off. The question is why."
Aarav's expression remained neutral, though his mind raced with possibilities. He thought back to the quiet, efficient employee who had worked in his department, never drawing attention to himself, never asking for more than what was necessary. What was his plan? Aarav wondered. What does he gain by infiltrating our company?
"Whatever his reason," Dev said, his voice calm, "he played the long game. And if tonight's any indication, he's not finished playing."
Rudra smirked, lifting his glass. "Then let's give him a game worth playing."
As the party reached its peak, the atmosphere grew lighter, though the tension beneath the surface never truly dissipated. Guests laughed and danced, their movements elegant under the chandeliers' glow. Waiters moved like shadows, refilling glasses and delivering canapés with practiced precision.
Arjun stood at the center of a group of CEOs, his commanding presence dominating the conversation. Beside him, Kunal listened attentively, offering his insights sparingly but effectively. His words carried weight, each one carefully chosen to leave an impression without giving away too much.
"You've raised quite the successor, Arjun," one of the CEOs said, glancing at Kunal. "It seems the Rajawat dynasty is in good hands."
"Thank you," Arjun replied smoothly, his smile polite. "But Kunal has earned his place. His accomplishments speak for themselves."
Kunal inclined his head slightly, his smile faint. "I've had an excellent mentor," he said, his tone humble but firm.
The exchange was interrupted by a server who approached Arjun with a discreet message. Arjun's expression shifted slightly as he read the note, then he turned to Kunal. "There's someone you should meet," he said.
Kunal followed his brother across the room, weaving through the crowd with the ease of someone used to navigating high-stakes environments. When they stopped, it was in front of the Singhaniyas.
"Gentlemen," Arjun said smoothly, his smile returning. "I thought it was time for a proper introduction. You've met my brother, of course, but not in this capacity."
Kunal stood tall, his gaze steady as he regarded the group. Aarav stepped forward first, his expression unreadable but his posture unmistakably commanding.
"Kunal," Aarav said, his voice even. "It's good to see you again."
Kunal's lips curved into a faint smile. "Mr. Singhaniya," he replied, extending his hand. "The pleasure is mine."
Their handshake lingered for a moment, a silent exchange of power and intent. Aarav's grip was firm, his expression unyielding, but Kunal's composure didn't falter.
"You've certainly kept things interesting," Aarav continued, his tone light but edged with meaning.
Kunal's smile widened slightly. "I aim to surprise," he said.
Rudra stepped forward next, his sharp eyes appraising Kunal with open curiosity. "So," he said, his voice low, "the mysterious Mr. Rajawat. You've been working under our noses all this time."
Kunal met his gaze evenly. "I prefer to think of it as gaining perspective."
"Perspective," Rudra repeated, his lips curling into a smirk. "Interesting choice of words."
Dev interjected smoothly, raising his glass. "Well, now that the mystery's solved, let's toast to new beginnings. Or perhaps... to new challenges."
Kunal picked up a nearby glass and raised it, his smile polite but distant. "To the future," he said.
"To the future," the Singhaniyas echoed, though the meaning behind their words remained ambiguous.
As the glasses clinked, the tension between the two families was almost tangible, a quiet reminder that beneath the civility lay years of rivalry, secrets, and ambitions.
Later that evening, as the party began to wind down, Kunal found himself alone on the balcony, the cool night air a welcome reprieve from the crowded ballroom. He leaned against the railing, his thoughts churning.
"You played that well," came a voice behind him.
Kunal turned to see Aarav standing a few feet away, his expression inscrutable.
"Mr. Singhaniya," Kunal said, his tone even. "I didn't expect company."
Aarav stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "Neither did I expect to find you here tonight. Or in my company, for that matter."
Kunal met his gaze steadily. "Sometimes, the best way to understand your opponents is to stand in their shoes."
Aarav's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "And did you learn anything useful?"
Kunal tilted his head slightly. "More than you might think."
For a moment, the two men stood in silence, the tension between them crackling like static electricity. Then Aarav spoke again, his tone quieter but no less intense.
"This game you're playing, Kunal," he said, "it's dangerous. You've entered a battlefield where every move has consequences."
Kunal's smile didn't waver. "I've always believed that the greatest risks yield the greatest rewards."
Aarav studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Then I suppose we'll see who plays it better."
With that, he turned and walked back into the ballroom, leaving Kunal alone once more.
As the night deepened, the rivalry between the Rajawats and the Singhaniyas burned brighter than ever, a flame that neither family could afford to extinguish.
To Be Continued…