Scene 1: Rishabh’s Office
The room is dimly lit, with only the warm glow of a desk lamp illuminating the luxurious office. Rishabh sits behind a grand mahogany desk, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. His phone buzzes with an incoming call. He glances at the screen and answers, his voice sharp.

Rishabh: "Veer, what is it?"

Veer (over the phone): "We have a problem, Rishabh. The Singhanias are hesitating to sign the deal. They think our recent... personal decisions could affect our reliability."

Rishabh’s jaw tightens, his hand gripping the glass a little harder.

Rishabh: "You mean my marriage?"

Veer (hesitantly): "Yes. They see it as a weakness, a move dictated by your father rather than your own choice. They’re questioning your authority."

Rishabh (coldly): "They dare question me?"

Rishabh stands abruptly, pacing the room like a caged predator. His eyes burn with a mix of frustration and fury.

Rishabh: "Schedule a meeting with them. I’ll remind them who they’re dealing with."

Veer: "Understood. But, Rishabh... maybe it’s time you took control of your narrative. This... situation with Anokhi is creating doubt in too many minds."

Rishabh pauses, his back to the desk, staring out the large glass window at the city skyline.

Rishabh (in a low growl): "I’ve played along with my father’s wishes for long enough. It’s time to show everyone who truly holds the power in this family... and in this city."

He ends the call, tossing the phone onto his desk. His mind churns with plans, strategies, and the ever-present shadow of his wife’s secrets.

Scene 2: Anokhi’s Room
Anokhi sits on the edge of her bed, her veil firmly in place as she reads an old diary. Her fingers trace the faded ink of a page filled with memories of a life that feels like a distant dream. A soft knock at the door startles her. She quickly closes the diary and looks up as Veer steps inside.

Anokhi (softly): "Veer Bhai, is everything alright?"

Veer (with a small smile): "You always ask that, Anokhi. But the question is, are you alright?"

Anokhi looks away, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta.

Anokhi: "I’m fine, as always."

Veer sits down in a chair across from her, his expression thoughtful.

Veer: "You know, Anokhi, Rishabh is not as heartless as he seems. He’s just... complicated."

Anokhi (bitterly): "Complicated is one way to describe someone who ignores their wife for two years."

Veer chuckles lightly, though there’s a seriousness in his tone.

Veer: "True. But he’s also under immense pressure, trying to balance his life between the mafia and the business world. And now... people are questioning his decisions because of your marriage."

Anokhi looks at him, surprise flickering in her eyes.

Anokhi: "Because of me?"

Veer: "Partly. They see his marriage as a sign of weakness, something he didn’t choose for himself. Rishabh hates being seen as weak."

Anokhi lowers her gaze, guilt tugging at her heart. She didn’t ask for this marriage, but she didn’t expect it to cause such turmoil either.

Anokhi (quietly): "I didn’t mean to make things harder for him."

Veer: "I know. But maybe it’s time you stopped hiding, Anokhi. Show Rishabh that you’re not just another pawn in this game. You have the strength to stand beside him, not behind him."

Anokhi remains silent, Veer’s words echoing in her mind as he stands and leaves the room. She looks back at the diary, the past and present colliding in her thoughts.

Scene 3: The Singhania Meeting
Rishabh enters a lavish conference room, his presence commanding immediate attention. The Singhania representatives sit stiffly at the table, their unease evident. Veer follows close behind, his expression carefully neutral.

Rishabh (with a sharp smile): "Gentlemen, I hear you have concerns about our partnership."

The head of the Singhania group, Mr. Singhania, clears his throat nervously.

Mr. Singhania: "Not concerns, Mr. Shergil, just... questions. Your recent decisions have raised eyebrows in our circles. A forced marriage, as we understand, could indicate instability."

Rishabh’s smile fades, replaced by a cold, calculated expression.

Rishabh: "Instability? Do you think my personal life affects my ability to lead? To deliver results?"

Mr. Singhania (hesitating): "It’s not about ability, Mr. Shergil. It’s about perception."

Rishabh leans forward, his voice low and dangerous.

Rishabh: "Perception can be manipulated, Mr. Singhania. Power is not given; it is taken, controlled. Do you doubt my control over my empire?"

The room falls silent, the tension thick. Mr. Singhania shifts uncomfortably under Rishabh’s piercing gaze.

Mr. Singhania (quickly): "Of course not, Mr. Shergil. We merely wanted reassurance."

Rishabh (standing, his voice icy): "Then let me reassure you. My marriage, my family, my life—none of it diminishes my power. Remember that."

The meeting concludes, and as the Singhanias leave, Veer turns to Rishabh, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Veer: "You handled that well."

Rishabh (smirking): "I always do. Now, let’s see if my wife can rise to the occasion as well."

As he walks out, his words hang in the air, a challenge as much to himself as to Anokhi.

End of Chapter 4.