Tangled

Mr. Chaudhary, wait a minute." Balveer stopped in his tracks. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and waited for Arthur to catch up, though he didn't bother to look in his direction. Arthur walked around to face him. Balveer was slightly taller, but Arthur met his gaze directly. "Since we are both aware of our feelings for Emily, let’s compete with dignity—like men." Balveer didn't give a response; he simply stared back, his expression unreadable. "I know you invited me because you already knew about Emily and me. There's no need to play ignorant," Arthur continued, getting straight to the point. "This is between us; let’s not involve her. Compete with me fair and square. I dare you." In reality, Arthur was terrified. He had very little time to pursue Emily, and so far, she hadn't shown him any encouragement. He desperately needed to spend time alone with her during his stay to win her over, but if Balveer continued to tag along, it would be impossible. Arthur couldn't imagine forgetting Emily, let alone letting her marry another man. She was the only light in his life. He was desperate to find a way to make Balveer back out of tomorrow's trip on his own. The best plan he could come up with was to provoke Balveer’s ego. Balveer met Arthur’s eyes with a probing gaze. "As expected. If Emily befriended you, there must be something to you. You aren't that stupid," Balveer said, his tone implying he knew everything about her. He looked down at Arthur with clear disdain. "Do you think I’m a three-year-old who can be so easily enraged by your provocations?" Balveer smiled. He was giving off a completely different vibe now. The man who had been acting jealous of Arthur’s every word just moments ago was gone. "Oh, did you think that because you saw me acting childish with Emily?" it was as if Balveer was reading Arthur’s thoughts. "When she’s around, my brain stops working and I become a bit silly. Don’t take that too seriously," Balveer said casually. Then, his eyes began to grow cold. "Do you really think I’m foolish enough to give you a chance with her?" Balveer leaned in, his voice dropping to a dangerous predatory low. "We’re already engaged, Arthur. The game is over. I’ve already won." A sinister edge crept into his expression, a flicker of something murderous dancing behind his pupils. "How dare you speak about my fiancée in that tone." Arthur watched him, unmoved. He knew Balveer was a dangerous man, but he also saw the cracks in the armor. Balveer wasn't projecting confidence; he was projecting possession. He leaned heavily on the title of 'fiancé' because he lacked the substance of a partner. Arthur hadn't seen a single spark of genuine intimacy between them. That realization was all the fuel Arthur needed. "If that’s how you want to play it, so be it," Arthur replied, his tone dismissive, almost bored. "But for your information, she’s been mine since the moment we met. I tried to settle this like a gentleman, but I suppose I forgot—your kind doesn't speak 'human' very well." Balveer’s smile didn't falter; it simply darkened, turning sharp and hollow. "I’m impressed. So you know my family’s reputation, then? And yet, you still had the nerve to show up when I called." "I was going to come eventually. After all, this is where Emily resides. You were offering me money, resources, and fame—how could I let go of such a chance? I am a businessman," Arthur said leisurely. "Do you believe that you won't be able to see the sun tomorrow?" Balveer threatened him.

Disclaimer: This show may contain expletives, strong language, and mature content for adult listeners, including sexually explicit content and themes of violence. This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real persons, businesses, places or events is coincidental. This show is not intended to offend or defame any individual, entity, caste, community, race, religion or to denigrate any institution or person, living or dead. Listener's discretion is advised.Less