Page 6 of Entangled Vows

“Vikram, you’ve always been good at keeping things to yourself. I only wish Suraj hadn’t left. He should have shared the responsibility with you.”

Mahika felt a pang in her heart upon hearing her mother’s words.How could she say those things about Suraj?Her mother failed to realise that Suraj had borne the burden of the business for years, and he’d done it quietly and without complaint. Vikram might have disregarded the family legacy, but Suraj had owned up and shouldered it all alone.

Yes, it was irresponsible of Suraj to run off, and the reasons behind it were still a mystery. But no one… absolutely no one had the right to judge him for choosing what he thought was right. No one knew him as well as Mahika did. There must have been a compelling reason for his actions.

Her mother’s lecture on responsibility rang painfully hollow. It was like a drowning person was trying to give swimming lessons. This was the same woman who had barely noticed the emotional strain Mahika and Mohit had been carrying for months.

Yet, her mother was showing compassion towards Vikram, as if he were the one most in need of it. Mahika simply wished for her mother to be present inherlife too. Just once.

“I’m doing okay, Aunty. Thanks,” Vikram said with a thin smile.

“You’re allowed to not be okay,” Varsha murmured gently. “You’re allowed to grieve as well.”

He nodded, went up to her, and gave her a quick hug. “Understood. I appreciate your kind words.”

“Being kind is free, honey,” Varsha said. “It’s the bare minimum we can do for each other.”

Mahika blinked, a funny feeling tugging at her heart.Damn it.How come her mom was so compassionate towards everyone else when for her it always felt like a privilege she had to earn? A bizarre wave of jealousy and anger washed over her, making her grit her teeth.

She tried to push it down, but not for long. Vikram turned back with a cool look, that familiar mocking glint sparking in his eyes.

“Being kind isn’t easy for everyone. Right, Momo?”

And just like that, she remembered why she hated him so much.

“Arrogant prick.” The words just slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them.

Was this the perfect opportunity to tell Vikram Khurana off? Probably not.

Did she even care? Not at all.

She wasn’t going to put up with his attitude anymore. If Vikram thought he could just waltz back into her life, treat her like a child, and get away with it, he was in for a rude awakening. He didn’t know her anymore, and she’d be damned if she let him underestimate her again.

“Alright, shall we get started?” Mr. Rao interrupted, clapping his hands sharply to diffuse the growing tension and bring the room back to order.

“Is he actually supposed to be here?” Mahika asked, her voice sharp.

“Mahika,” Mohit hissed, his expression tight with disapproval as he shot her a warning glare.

“What?” Crossing her arms, she snapped at her brother with an indignant glare. “He doesn’t belong in this family.”

“And the same goes for Ratan Uncle,” Mohit countered, gesturing towards their father’s longtime assistant seated quietly nearby. “But you are not complaining about him.”

“That’s different,” Mahika retorted, her eyes darting briefly towards Ratan Uncle before whipping back to her brother. “He’s not—”

“Just sit down, Mahi. Let’s listen to what Mr. Rao has to say,” Mohit said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Mahika bristled but obeyed, her eyes narrowing at Vikram. He looked far too comfortable as he leaned back, behaving like he’d already secured victory. This was going to be a long meeting, and she wasn’t sure what would push her over the edge first. Her father’s hidden secrets or Vikram’s smug arrogance.

Mr. Rao carefully laid out the papers on the desk. His face was quiet and guarded, as if he already sensed the trouble brewing in the room. Clearing his throat, he began, “As you all remember, we went through Mr. Jaykar’s will about a year ago. Back then, no one knew about the hidden clauses both partners had written into their wills. Those were meant to remain confidential, and were to activate only if both men passed away. With Mr. Khurana’s passing, that clause has now come into effect.”

He looked around the room, his eyes briefly resting on Vikram. Mahika saw the subtle nod Vikram gave in return, and her stomach twisted.Did this jerk already know about the clause?

Mr. Rao cleared his throat. “The house and the majority of Mr. Jaykar’s personal wealth have been left to Mrs. Varsha Jaykar, as expected.” He turned to the next page. “Mohit Jaykar shall continue as Co-CEO of the JK Group, but his equity stake will now be reduced to thirty percent. Vikram Khurana will assume the position of Co-CEO with a sixty percent stake, granting him majority control.”

The words hit Mahika like a blow. Her mind struggled to catch up. Her brother, who had dedicated years to the company, had held fifty percent ownership until yesterday. And now… this.

What went down after Sanjyot Khurana’s death? And what could possibly have caused this kind of change?