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Story: Substitute Bride
"I want to tell you something I've kept secret for years. I am the man behind V International. I am its silent creator, its silent protector, and its secret CEO."
Many others in the room looked shocked and gasped as they heard it. Because he is the face behind DHANRAJ INDUSTRIES, now V internationals. He continues.
"I stayed behind the curtain not because I was afraid," he went on, "but because I wanted the work to speak louder than the name. I wanted this company to grow on values, not identity. And today, I don't want to stay in the shadows anymore."
His attention moved to Jhankar, and his face softened as he reached for her hand and held it gently. Then he spoke to everyone.
"And now," he said, his voice full of feeling, "I give my life's work, my dream—V International—to the only person I know who really knows what it means to build something with heart. Someone who loves this company not for what it gives, but for what it stands for. The only one who respects the sweat, sacrifice, and soul behind every brick of this empire."
He turned to her with respect in his eyes and said,
"My wife, Jhankar."
Jhankar is completely shocked; this is something she never thought would happen. She had hoped that everyone would learn the truth that Vikrant was the man behind the success of this company, the man who gave his heart and soul to build it while staying in the shadows. But she never thought Vikrantwould go so far as to give her the whole company. She knows that Vikrant always says everything he owns is hers, but she never wanted to take on such a big job so soon. Running a whole company is a huge responsibility. Her mind starts to race, and without wasting any time, she quickly turns off the microphone and turns to Vikrant, trying to get him to understand why she's hesitating.
"Vikrant, I never wanted this. I want to show everyone who is behind the success."
Vikrant looks her in the eye and talks softly, with love and assurance in his voice.
"I know you never wanted any of this. But I also know that you love it even more than I do. That's why I'm sure you'll take this company farther than I ever could. This company is like a child to me, a child that I've raised and watched grow every day. I know, with my heart, that you're the only one who can take care of it the way it deserves."
Jhankar's voice shakes as she answers, and her dread starts to show.
"Vikrant... but I'm afraid of this duty."
Vikrant leans in closer and smiles softly, his voice steady.
"Fear? That word doesn't mean anything to us, Jhankar. There's nothing we need to be afraid of when we're together."
Their eyes lock—his filled with reassurance, hers slowly shedding doubt. In that moment, looking into Vikrant’s unwavering gaze, Jhankar feels a gentle warmth settle over her. She knows deep down that, no matter what lies ahead, Vikrant will be by her side through every step, every storm. That thought alone is enough to bring a soft, hopeful smile to her lips.
The crowd was silent at first, but then they erupted into applause as Jhankar took a step forward, clearly moved closer to him with determination and responsibility. Vikrant gave her a symbolic key to the CEO's office, which was a sign of legacy and leadership. Jhankar looked at him and said, her voice shaking but clear.
"I don't see this as a gift, Vikrant. I see it as a duty, a promise to honor everything you built with your vision. Together, we will carry on this legacy, not just with strategy but with soul."
The employees cheered, and many of them were moved by the occasion. The dream of one man was now in the hands of the love of his life, and the future of V International had never looked better. Jhankar's eyes are full of tears, and she feels a mix of shock, love, fear, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility. Her heart feels heavy but full. At the same time, Vikrant's face is lit up with a calm, unwavering smile, a smile that comes from deep trust and belief in her.
Without wasting a moment, Vikrant steps forward and wraps her tightly in his arms, holding her close as if silently promising that he will always be right beside her. His embrace becomes a shelter, a reassurance, and a quiet victory. As the two stand together in that touching moment, the hall erupts once again in a loud wave of applause. The sound of clapping fills the space, louder and prouder than ever before, celebrating not just a change in leadership but also an emotion of trust, love, and legacy that has been passed from one heart to another.
EPILOGUE
BEAUTIFUL LIFE
Jhankar was sleeping silently, completely undisturbed, while Sonia, without making the slightest noise, gently stroked her head. Sharda kept looking at them with a soft, continuous smile on her face. Because Sonia was being so careful and cautious, she didn’t want to accidentally wake Jhankar even in the slightest. At that moment, Vikrant suddenly entered the room. A wide, joyful smile instantly appeared on Vikrant's face the moment he caught sight of the heartwarming scene in front of him. Without wasting a second, he came and sat beside Sharda, placing his hand gently on her shoulder and pulling her slightly closer.
Sharda gave a faint smile and began to say something softly, but before she could speak more than a word, Sonia quickly looked toward them and placed her finger on her lips, signaling them not to make any sound at all. Both Vikrant and Sharda immediately understood her gesture and quietly placed fingers over their lips as well. Sonia then carefully checked to make sure Jhankar was still asleep, and once she was certain, a soft smile crept onto her face again. Her eyes gently moved down to Jhankar’s belly; her six-month baby bump was clearly visible now.
Ever since Sonia had first noticed the baby bump, she had become incredibly sensitive and nurturing toward Jhankar. The maternal instincts in her had deepened, and she tried her best to take care of Jhankar in every way possible. The entire situationhad been quite surprising and unexpected for everyone, but seeing her like a mother now filled their hearts with immense happiness and warmth.
Vikrant slowly knelt down in front of Sonia, who immediately looked at him anxiously, fearing that his sudden movement might wake up Jhankar. She didn’t want even the smallest sound to disturb her sleep. Vikrant leaned closer and whispered gently in Sonia’s ear,
“If she continues sleeping like this, she might feel discomfort. And the baby inside won’t be able to rest properly either. Let me take her to her room.”
Sonia looked carefully at Jhankar. She had dozed off while sitting on the sofa, her head resting peacefully in Sonia’s lap. Sonia knew she was fast asleep, but she also realized that sleeping in this position wasn’t good for her. With that concern in mind, she softly replied to Vikrant,
“And what if she wakes up in between?”
“You’ll be right here, won’t you? You can lull her back to sleep.”
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