The Art of Control and Manipulation

The interview was finally over. Zara stepped out of the conference room with a deep breath, her pulse still racing from the unexpected revelation that Veer and his parents were the ones evaluating her. Despite the initial shock, she had managed to hold her ground and answer every question with precision and confidence. But the real challenge wasn't over yet—there was still a waiting period before the results were announced.

Elara, who had been observing Zara with an amused glint in her eyes, stepped forward. "Alright, candidates. The final selection results will be announced shortly. Meanwhile, Ethereon Pharmaceuticals has arranged a tour of our company museum. You will get to witness the various researches, medical breakthroughs, and the history of our empire—from its foundation to how it became one of the top business empires in the country."

A murmur spread through the room, excitement and curiosity replacing the tension from the interview. Some candidates exchanged whispers, while others merely nodded. Zara, however, remained quiet, her gaze fixed on Elara.

Elara turned her head slightly and smirked. "Zara, why don't we walk together? It's been years."

Zara hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah… it has."

As the group moved towards the museum, some of the male candidates started eyeing Zara and Elara in a way that made her uncomfortable. She ignored it, brushing it off as casual glances, but there was an undercurrent of something else in the way their gazes lingered.

The museum was an architectural masterpiece—high ceilings, gleaming marble floors, and massive digital displays showcasing the revolutionary achievements of Ethereon Pharmaceuticals. A large glass case exhibited rare Ayurvedic herbs, some of which were said to have near-mystical healing properties. Another section displayed cutting-edge English medicines, highlighting how Ethereon had successfully merged ancient wisdom with modern science.

As they walked side by side, Zara finally spoke. "So, how did you end up here, Elara? Last time I checked, you wanted to study abroad."

Elara chuckled, shaking her head. "Life had different plans. Veer sir's family offered me a scholarship to complete my studies under their business mentorship. After graduation, I was given a position here. It was a golden opportunity."

Zara narrowed her eyes. "And you never thought of reconnecting?"

Elara smirked. "I did… but you disappeared, Zara. You changed your number, your city, everything. And now, fate has brought us back together."

There was something in Elara's tone that made Zara feel like she wasn't telling her everything.

As they walked further, Zara's eyes caught a large framed photograph hanging on the museum wall. She stopped abruptly.

It was a picture of an old couple standing with two young boys—one of whom was unmistakably Veer. The other boy, however, was slightly taller, looking about two or three years older. And the resemblance…

He looked exactly like Veer's father.

A strange chill ran down Zara's spine. "Elara… who is that boy standing beside Veer?"

Elara's expression shifted instantly. The smirk disappeared, replaced by something unreadable. She exhaled slowly, her voice lowering. "That… is Aryan Khanna. Veer sir's elder brother."

Zara's eyes widened. "Veer has a brother?"

Elara nodded. "Had. He died in an animal attack." She paused. "At least, that's what the official records say. But there are whispers… that it wasn't just an animal."

Zara's heartbeat picked up. "What do you mean?"

Elara glanced around before leaning in slightly. "Veer sir was very young when it happened. He couldn't properly describe what he saw. Some say it was just a wild animal attack, but others… others believe it was something more sinister. His grandparents, the ones in the picture, were devastated. After that, Veer sir changed. He became more… controlled. More powerful. He never speaks about it."

Zara frowned. "You've been with him for years. Didn't you ever try to know more?"

Elara's expression hardened. "I could have. But I didn't. Some wounds should never be reopened."

As they walked through the museum, the group of male candidates had started whispering among themselves again. Zara felt it—the way their eyes roamed her body, the way they lingered when she moved. But she ignored it.

Then it happened.

A subtle touch—just along her lower back. It was so quick that she almost thought she had imagined it. But when she glanced back, she saw one of the men smirking.

Elara had felt it too. The casual brush of fingers along her hip.

They exchanged glances, silently deciding to ignore it. Maybe it was an accident. Maybe.

But then, one of them went too far.

A firm, intentional touch—against Elara's waist, fingers grazing the side of her chest.

Then the slap echoed through the museum.

A collective gasp followed as Elara's palm connected with the man's face. He staggered back, his expression morphing from shock to fury.

"What the fuck, you bitch?!" the man growled, his voice laced with venom.

Zara's blood turned ice-cold. Elara, however, stood her ground, her eyes blazing with fury.

"How dare you touch me like that?" she spat.

The man, his cheek red from the slap, clenched his jaw. "Do you even know who I am? I'm from the Raizada family. You think you can just slap me and get away with it?"

Elara didn't even flinch. She turned sharply to the security guards. "Throw him out. Now."

The guards immediately stepped in, grabbing him and his friends.

The man struggled, yelling obscenities. "You'll regret this! You hear me?! You'll regret it!"

Elara didn't even look at him as he was dragged away.

Zara, still in shock, turned to her. "Elara… you know the Raizada family is powerful, right? They're dangerous."

Elara exhaled. "I don't care. If I let that bastard get away with it, what message does that send? No one touches me without consequences."

After the commotion settled, Elara continued leading the tour.

"The Khanna Empire started with Veer sir's great-grandfather, Raghujeet Khanna. He built the foundation of our pharmaceutical and weaponry divisions. His son, Rajveer Khanna, expanded it into a global enterprise. And now, Veer sir's father is managing the empire, strengthening it even further."

Zara listened carefully, but her mind kept drifting back to Aryan Khanna.

Something about his death didn't sit right.

Her pulse quickened.

Something was happening.

Something far bigger than what she had initially believed.

And somehow, Veer was at the center of it.

(TO BE CONTINUED…)