Fixation (Fatal Attraction #3)

Chapter 34

34

V edant followed Reina through the throngs of people on the lawn as she made her way inside the house. She quickly rounded a corner and went down a corridor, opening the first door. The room, a study, was lit by a single lamp. Reina walked inside and plonked on the desk, dominating one side of the room.

She spread her arms out. “Alone enough for you?”

He smiled. If this was her way of showing him that she was giving him a chance, then he was all for it.

“Now tell me why you said the plan was for all four of you to leave?” Reina queried.

He smiled. He’d hoped her curiosity would bring her to be alone with him again, and here he was, right where he wanted to be. Nearing her, he leaned against the desk.

“Her name is Karina,” he began, “She’s our sister.”

Reina’s eyes widened. “What? You have a sister? No one knows that.”

He nodded slowly. “She is our biggest secret.”

“Why?”

“Because she’s lost and we are trying to locate her.”

Reina shook her head. “Start from the beginning.”

He looked in the distance, assembling his thoughts. Finally, he said, “Mihir, Armaan, Karina, and I—we became a family in the orphanage. Since the beginning, it had been us against the others there. The year we were to leave with Alexander, we had all turned eighteen, except for Karina. Mihir was waiting for her birthday to tell her the plan. You see, there was this boy at the orphanage, Dorab. He was vile and awful. He hated us and was jealous of the bond we all shared. But Karina had a soft corner for him. She remained friends with him, despite what we told her. We didn’t want him to learn of the plan before it was time. We thought that he would stop her from coming with us or make her believe that it was a foul plan.”

Vedant sighed. “Anyone would’ve been sceptical that a random Russian man wanted to adopt four Indian orphans. Especially for a girl, it would have been hard to accept. After all, there are so many terrible things you hear happening to poor orphaned children once they are taken to a faraway land.”

“And you were all kids, merely eighteen,” Reina added.

“Exactly,” Vedant said. “But we trusted Alexander and believed that he wouldn’t betray us. It was a huge gamble that we were taking. But it could also be a wonderful opportunity if we put our faith in him. Mihir insisted on going with him, and we believed in him. Anyway, when the time came to tell Karina, she was nowhere to be found. We discovered that she’d run away with Dorab. She’d even left us a note telling us not to look for her and that she was never returning. We were all so hurt by her betrayal. We waited weeks for her, hoping she’d miss us and return, but she didn’t. And so, we went to Russia with Alexander. But we did leave a number with our old matron to contact us if they ever got news about her. It was only recently we found new evidence that suggests that Dorab may have sold her off or that she ran away from him and is now either hiding or living in fear of him. But we will find her soon and be reunited with her one way or the other.”

“Oh my God, that’s just awful,” she looked at him. “Are you sure she’s alive?”

“We have to believe that. Mihir’s got an old picture of her from Mrs. Braganza. Through some very intelligent AI tools, we created an image that depicts what she may currently look like. We have men searching for her as we speak.”

She understood his hope and his belief. She caught his hand. “Then I hope you find her, and I hope she’s safe.”

He squeezed her fingers. “Thanks.”

“What happened when you reached Russia? It must have been so different. What did you feel? How was it?”

He sighed. “To be honest, I was petrified. We knew Alexander was wealthy,but the extent of his wealth became apparent the moment we entered his home.To us,it wasn’t just a house; it was a palace.We were assigned separate rooms,each with wardrobes filled with clothes,shoes,and accessories from brands we’d never heard of.On the first night after dinner,I refused to sleep alone. I’d never slept alone in my entire life. So,I went to Mihir’s room. Armaan came in a few minutes after me.We slept together for many nights like that—Mihir and I on the bed, and Armaan on the couch—until Alexander discovered what we were doing and put an end to it.And then he decided to separate us."

“What?” she gasped, removing her hand from his. “Why would he do that?”

“Alexander was incredibly intelligent.Without telling us,he had decided to make us his heirs.That’s why he adopted us as soon as we arrived and gave us his name.However,he kept it a secret.He wanted to prepare us for handling his vast empire.We didn’t realise it at the time,but separating us was the best thing that could have happened.He met with each of us individually, identified our strengths and weaknesses,suggested courses we should take,and sent us to universities around the world.” He smiled, thinking about that time. “Mihir went to London for chemical engineering,Armaan went to Michigan for mining and gemmology,and I studied mechanical engineering in Russia.Later, he also insisted we all get a master’s in business management.Initially,we hated being separated,but it taught us to survive,live,learn,and be independent.Alexander also forced us to learn Russian and to fight, and we did everything he asked of us. We worked diligently,studied relentlessly,and learned to connect with people from all walks of life.Soon,our lives began to transform.We transformed.For the first time,we realised that we had the capacity and backing to accomplish anything.Over time,we became the men we are today,and it was all due to the brilliance and foresight of a kind and generous man who not only welcomed us into his life but also embraced us in his heart.”

He sniffed, refusing to let his tears fall. He looked at Reina, who was watching him intently. “We returned to Russia ready to conquer the world. Alexander finally revealed to everyone that he had adopted us, and then our lives changed dramatically again. The media went wild. Overnight, we became the most sought-after men in Moscow, if not all of Russia. Reporters followed our every move and women threw themselves at us. Mihir hated the attention; he still does. But that time, he’d just been involved in an accident…”

Her eyes widened. “The one that also involved Ananya?”

“Yes. The same one for which he holds a grudge against her till date. However, Armaan and I saw how he’d changed post that incident. So, the two of us decided to step into the limelight so Mihir didn’t have to. We all began working under Alexander in our respective businesses. He started us from the bottom and encouraged us to climb the ranks. Even then, we never anticipated inheriting his wealth. It was only when he passed away and his will was read that we realised he’d left it all to us.” He sighed, remembering that monumental day. “Fuck. It was unbelievable. In a strange twist of fate, three orphans from a small city in India became the richest men on the planet. The news of Alexander Oshnov bequeathing everything to his adopted sons sent shockwaves through Russia.”

“It must have been quite unbelievable.”

“It was.” He smiled. “So, this is my story. Fate bestowed upon us an opportunity granted to very few and we took it. Even today, O-Corp is a huge success because of the hard work and sleepless nights each of us puts in it.”

“That is incredible,” Reina said. “I am so impressed.”

“Does that mean you’re ready to forgive me?” he asked, hopeful.

Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t push your luck right now. I am spending time with you, aren’t I?”

He held his hands up. “Okay, no pressure.”

“Good.” Her brow furrowed “You all moved to Dubai soon after this, right?”

“After the world learned of our inheritance, we were targeted by a swarm of opportunists—media,businessmen,politicians,government officials,mafia,and women.Everyone assumed we were naive and could be exploited for favours or through intimidation. But none of their tactics worked.Alexander had taught us how to navigate these situations.We formed alliances with the mafia,won over influential politicians and government officials,and ruthlessly dealt with those who obstructed our path.However,this constant pressure was draining and diverting our attention from work.So,Mihir suggested moving to Dubai.It was close enough to Moscow for frequent visits,a tax haven,and suited our luxurious lifestyle.We moved here,and the pressure on us immediately eased.We could focus more on work and ourselves. Over time, we realised we could be happy in any city as long as we all were together.”

The corner of her lips tipped up. He exhaled a sigh of relief. She was warming up to him once again, and that felt great.

“Were all these people the reason you needed to learn to fight?” Reina asked, curious as ever.

“Along with inheriting Alexander’s wealth, we also inherited his enemies. Like I said, he was preparing us for this life, which meant we needed to learn how to deal with all these people, to eliminate them if needed, and ensure we always survived.”

“Please tell me all your businesses are legal,” Reina stressed. “I won’t be with anyone who deals in drugs, trafficking, or weapons, no matter how much I lo…”

She shut her mouth and her eyes.

He laughed. “You have nothing to worry about. We are good people.”

Her eyes opened. “I suppose I believed that anyway.”

“Reina, before my attack, I had never killed anyone. If I hadn’t killed those men then, they would have killed me,” his tone turned serious. “But now I know without a doubt that I will kill anyone who tries to hurt you. You need to know that as well.”

“I am a doctor. In my profession, I have seen awful things inflicted upon the most innocent of people—kids, women, elders. Some people deserve to be killed.”

His heart lifted on hearing her words. To know she truly didn’t judge him for the things he’d done was… it was… freeing.

“You are amazing, you know,” Vedant said.

He stood and leaned over her, putting his hands on the desk, on either side of her, trapping her to him. “I’m glad to know you’re at least thinking of being with me and that you lo…”

She slapped her palm on his lips, preventing him from saying the words out loud. He kissed her fingers. She shifted her palm away and looked into his eyes.

“I love you so much!” He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Thank you for being curious to listen to my story and giving me a chance to be with you again.”

He lowered his lips to hers, waiting to see her reaction. Reina wrapped her arms around his neck and planted her lips on his. He moved closer to her, finally believing that everything was going to be fine.

The door opened, and both of them stilled. Armaan and Navya were entering, both of them lost in one another, their mouths fused together. They hadn’t even noticed Reina and him.

Vedant shared an amused glance with Reina before shifting away from her. He crossed his arms over his chest and cleared his throat loudly.

Armaan and Navya froze. They turned, and Armaan glared at him. “Why the fuck are you here?”

Vedant laughed.

Armaan looked from Reina to Vedant and back at Reina. “Are you okay? He hasn’t?—”

“Wait a minute,” Vedant threw a glare at his brother. “I haven’t done anything nor will I do anything to hurt her. Can you for once be on my side?”

“Hey,” Navya raised a hand up, moving closer to him. “I’m on your side.”

“Yeah, I know that!” Reina hopped off the desk. “I saw that. You traitor.”

Armaan looked between all of them. “What is going on here? And why do I not know what is happening?”

Before anyone could speak, the door opened again. Vedant froze; actually, everyone around him also froze when they saw Rajiv and Sheena entering. They were locked in an embrace, eyes shut and mouths fused together.

Reina giggled. So did Navya.

The couple immediately parted.

Rajiv glared at them all. “Last I checked, this was my study. So why the fuck are all of you here?”

“I guess we all had the same plan as you,” Vedant muttered.

Reina kicked his shin. Shit, he’d forgotten that Rajiv still didn’t know about them. And sure enough, Rajiv’s laser-sharp gaze zeroed in on him.

Rajiv flicked a finger at Armaan and Navya. “These two, I understand. What I don’t get is what you are doing with my baby sister.”

Reina stepped in front of Vedant. “Rajiv, you know Vedant Oshnov, Armaan’s youngest brother.”

“That wasn’t the answer to my question, Rei,” Rajiv said. “Why has he been ogling you the whole night? Why was he dancing with you? And if I understand the situation correctly, then why the fuck were you alone with him in this room?”

Bloody hell. Reina’s brother was too damn sharp and clever. Vedant looked at Armaan, who was ready to butt in on his behalf. Vedant shook his head and stepped forward, intending to explain everything.

“I met Vedant in London,” Reina clarified first.

“Oh, is it?” Rajiv queried.

Reina nodded. “Vedant and I… He is… We are… I am…”

“I’m in love with her,” Vedant declared.

“What?” Rajiv and Sheena both said at the same time.

Sheena looked at Navya and Armaan. “You two are very silent, which means you already know. Do Mihir and Ananya know as well?”

Navya nodded.

Sheena grimaced. “Why were we not told?”

Reina went to her. “Because Vedant has a lot of making up to do, and I’m still figuring things out with him.”

“So, he’s the reason you’ve been sad and upset,” Rajiv surmised. His eyes softened as they landed on Reina. “Do we hate him or do we like him, littlest one?”

Reina giggled. She looked at Vedant and then at her brother. “I think I’m beginning to like him again. But you need to ask me in a few days.”

“That’s not fair,” Vedant grumbled.

“That’s all you’re getting right now,” Reina countered.

Rajiv looked heavenward. “God help anyone with sisters. And mine happen to fall for the most dangerous men on the planet.”

“And the sweetest,” Navya added.

Vedant arched a brow at Reina. She rolled her eyes, refusing to add anything to that.

Rajiv came to Vedant. “I’ll talk to you only once you’ve convinced her to be with you.”

“Soon, then,” Vedant replied confidently.

“We’ll see,” Rajiv replied. “However, you need to protect her with your life. Your lives are too tangled up right now. So, if you think I’m happy with this situation, then let me tell you that I’m not. But she is my sister, and I respect her choices. And you’re the first man she’s ever accepted she feels something for. However, if she is hurt, I’ll kill you with my bare hands.”

“If she is hurt, I won’t be able to survive either.”

“Good,” Rajiv said. “Warning delivered.”

Vedant chuckled. He was finally figuring out why both his brothers liked and respected this man. Rajiv hadn’t even worried about Reina making a mistake with Vedant. He’d simply been confident and trusted her to know her mind. Vedant was certain Reina’s brother would accept him once she did.

“Alright, that’s enough for now,” Sheena cut in. “Can we all return to the party before the parents come searching and find us having a party of our own here?”

Both his and Armaan’s phones beeped at the same time. It was Mihir, and he was calling them back. Armaan exchanged a worried look with him. There was only one reason Mihir would do that. Something had happened. Something very serious.