The Deal Between Fathers
A luxurious office in the Rathore Mansion, Jaipur
Ramesh Sharma sat nervously across from Vikram Rathore, the head of the influential Rathore family. The office was imposing, with walls lined with shelves of books and antique artifacts. Vikram leaned back in his leather chair, his expression cold and calculating as he observed the man before him.
Vikram Rathore: (Lighting a cigar, his tone sharp) “So, Rameshji, you say your daughter is... obedient? A simple girl who will do as told?”
Ramesh Sharma: (Nodding eagerly) “Yes, Vikramji. Kavya has always respected her elders and done what’s best for the family. She understands her role. If you need her for this... arrangement, she will comply.”
Vikram smirked, exhaling a cloud of smoke, his eyes narrowing.
Vikram Rathore: “Good. Because this isn’t just any favor, Rameshji. This is about my son’s reputation. The rumors about Arjun... his so-called preferences... they’ve become a nuisance. I need to put an end to them.”
Ramesh Sharma: (Trying to sound sympathetic but clearly focused on the money) “Of course, Vikramji. These things can damage a family’s standing. But I must ask... why my daughter? Surely, there are others—”
Vikram Rathore: (Cutting him off) “Because I need someone who won’t ask questions. Someone who will keep quiet after this is over. Your daughter fits the profile perfectly.”
Ramesh hesitated for a moment, glancing at the opulent surroundings. He knew this was his chance to secure wealth, but the cost was his daughter’s dignity. Still, his greed outweighed his conscience.
Ramesh Sharma: “And... she won’t see him? They won’t even speak?”
Vikram Rathore: (Leaning forward, his tone menacing) “No. The plan is simple. She’ll be brought to a room with Arjun, and they’ll... spend the night together. No faces, no names. Just an encounter to prove he’s capable of being with a woman.”
Ramesh Sharma: (Nervously wiping his forehead) “I see. But... what if Arjun refuses? What if he suspects something?”
Vikram Rathore: (Smirking) “He won’t. I’ve raised him well. He’ll do as he’s told. He may have his own ideas about life, but when it comes to the family’s reputation, he knows what’s at stake.”
Ramesh nodded, though unease flickered across his face.
Ramesh Sharma: “And... after the night? What happens to Kavya?”
Vikram Rathore: (Waving a hand dismissively) “She’ll leave. We’ll pay her generously, and she can go back to her life as if nothing happened. No one will ever know.”
Ramesh Sharma: (Cautiously) “And... how much are we talking about, Vikramji? For my daughter’s cooperation.”
Vikram Rathore: (Smiling coldly) “You’ll be compensated well. Enough to settle your debts and then some. But remember, Rameshji, if your daughter talks, if she creates even the smallest problem...” (his voice darkens) “you’ll both regret it.”
Ramesh swallowed hard, the threat clear.
Ramesh Sharma: “I understand, Vikramji. I’ll make sure she does as instructed.”
Vikram stood, extending his hand.
Vikram Rathore: (In a tone that brooked no argument) “Good. Then we have a deal.”
Ramesh hesitated for only a moment before shaking Vikram’s hand, sealing the agreement that would change both their children’s lives forever.
As Ramesh left the Rathore Mansion that evening, his mind was conflicted. He tried to justify his actions, convincing himself that he was doing this for the family’s survival. But deep down, he knew he was selling his daughter’s dignity for his own greed.
Meanwhile, Vikram Rathore leaned back in his chair, confident that his plan would work. He was determined to protect the Rathore name, no matter the cost. What he didn’t anticipate was the fallout that would ensue—the lies, the heartbreak, and the eventual reckoning when the truth came to light.
