Chapter 2

The Promise

Veeresh reached City Hospital within minutes.

He stepped out of his BMW and walked straight inside, his presence making the nurses and ward boys move aside instinctively.

“Akash Shekhawat?” he asked coldly.

“ICU, sir,” the nurse replied.

Without wasting a second, he walked in.

The ICU doors opened.

Akash Shekhawat lay on the bed, oxygen mask on his face, heartbeat monitor flickering weakly. Bruised. Broken. But conscious.

Veeresh stood beside him. “Why did you call me?”

Akash’s lips curved faintly. “Sit.”

Veeresh hesitated for a second… then pulled the chair and sat down.

Akash slowly turned his eyes toward Rayan.

Rayan understood immediately. He stepped forward and handed a file to Akash.

With trembling hands, Akash passed the documents to Veeresh.

Veeresh Raisinghania opened the file.

His eyes moved line by line.

And for the first time in years—

He was shocked.

He looked up sharply. “What is this?”

Akash removed the oxygen mask slightly, forcing his words out. “I don’t have time… I’ve transferred into your name. All my shares. Everything.”

Veeresh’s expression hardened. “Have you lost your mind?”

“I trust you,” Akash whispered. “Don’t let it go to my step family.”

Silence filled the ICU except for the slow beeping of the machine.

Akash swallowed painfully. “One more thing…”

His breathing grew heavier. “Promise me first.”

Veeresh’s jaw tightened. “Akash—”

“Promise me.”

After a long pause, Veeresh spoke quietly. “Fine. I promise.”

Akash’s eyes softened.

“Take care of my wife… Poornima.” His voice cracked. “She’s two months pregnant. Don’t let her stay with my family. Please.”

Veeresh looked at him, stunned.

“You know I hate you,” Veeresh said hoarsely. “You’re my rival.”

Akash smiled weakly. “But still… I trust you, Veeresh.”

Something inside Veeresh broke.

For the first time, rivalry didn’t matter.

Ego didn’t matter.

Only a dying man’s last wish did.

Veeresh stood up and leaned forward, pulling Akash into a careful embrace.

His eyes filled with tears he hadn’t allowed in years.

The monitor’s beeping grew irregular.

Akash smiled faintly… relief visible on his face.

And in Veeresh’s arms—

Akash Shekhawat took his last breath.

The machine went flat.

And Veeresh Raisinghania realized…

Tonight, he hadn’t just gained an empire.

He had inherited a responsibility that would change his life forever.