(Sorry for the late update. I was a bit busy this week and didn't have time to edit, even though the chapter was ready. Apologies for that! Don't forget to share your thoughts on today's chapter.
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RAGHAV
I stood in front of the mirror, pulling my jacket into place, checking every line and crease until it sat just right. Crisp, sharp, like everything else in my life. I straightened my cuffs, then slipped on my watch-steel, heavy, a reminder of how time is always slipping through my fingers. There was always something more to do, something pulling me in ten directions at once.
Too much to handle. Too much, except her.
Divya. The thought of her hit me, uninvited, the way it always did when I was alone. I hadn't seen her in... what, a week? Maybe more. Too long. Too much work. I hadn't even called. She deserved better than that, but business always came first, didn't it?
I shook off the thought, reaching for the door. But then I heard it-voices. My men, talking low. Normally, I wouldn't care. They had their conversations, and I had mine. But something made me pause. Their tone-it wasn't just the usual banter. Something was different.
"Are you serious?" one of them said, a bit too surprised for my liking.
"Yeah, she's kind, sweet... she even offered me a cup of coffee."
"Trust me she is nothing like our boss. She is very sweet" one of them said.
I froze, the handle halfway turned. Coffee? My pulse quickened, and something cold settled in my chest. Divya. They had to be talking about her. I sent Trent to her place last week with the medicine she needed. I trusted him to handle it, didn't give it a second thought. But now he's here, talking about her like-like what? Like he knows her? Like they shared something?
She made him coffee. Coffee.
The realization hit me, sharp and bitter. Trent had been in her home, sitting there, drinking her coffee while I was stuck in meetings and calls. He had time with her, time I couldn't seem to find no matter how much I wanted to. It wasn't right. Trent wasn't supposed to be close to her. That was supposed to be my place.
I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of the past week pressing down on me like a storm I couldn't outrun. Everything was moving too fast. The grand launch of our new restaurant had swallowed up half my days, pulling me into endless meetings and decisions. The other half? Consumed by the underworld-handling mafia business, putting out fires, and making sure everyone stayed in line.
Ever since Aakash stepped down, the title of mafia king had fallen onto my shoulders, and with it came an avalanche of responsibility. It wasn't just about power or control anymore; it was about managing every crisis, every deal, every threat that landed at my feet. And then there was my father. Still out there. Still missing. Every lead we chased turned to smoke, every clue disappeared into nothing. The frustration of not finding him gnawed at me constantly, a shadow that never left.
In the middle of all this chaos, time slipped through my fingers. I barely had a moment to breathe, let alone think of anything beyond the mess my life had become. But she was always there in the back of my mind. Divya. I hadn't seen her in days, and it felt like an eternity. I hadn't even managed to call her, to hear that voice-soft and melodic, the only thing that could calm the noise in my head.
And yet, Trent-Trent-had been to her home. He'd sat with her, talked with her, and she'd made him coffee. My jaw clenched at the thought. I barely had time to think about her, let alone visit, and here he was, having the privilege of something as simple, as intimate, as a cup of coffee with her. It should've been me.
Jealousy, hot and ugly, burned in my gut. He had a moment with her I hadn't even had myself. He was there, with her, and I was too damn busy. I clenched my jaw, feeling that familiar anger building beneath the surface. No, this wasn't right. Trent needed to be reminded of where he stood.
I stepped out into the hall and made my way downstairs, my steps slow, deliberate. The voices stopped the second I reached them. Trent glanced up at me, his face shifting from amusement to nervousness. He knew. He could see it on my face. Good.
"Trent." My voice was steady, calm. The kind of calm that made everyone pay attention. "It's been a while since we trained, hasn't it?"
He blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... yeah, sir, it has," he said, like he didn't know where this was going. But I could see the unease already creeping in.
I let a smirk pull at my lips, enjoying the way his face paled just a bit. "Let's fix that. Now."
I know I was running late to office but I won't leave before teaching him a good lesson. He should bear the consequences for looking at something that doesn't belong to him.
I didn't wait for a response. I didn't need one. I turned and headed for the training room, already knowing he'd follow. He didn't have a choice. You didn't back down from something like this, not when I was the one issuing the challenge.
As I walked, I could feel the jealousy simmering just beneath my skin. He was with her. He drank her coffee. The thought alone was enough to make me want to put him in his place. He didn't deserve to be that close to her. Not Trent. Not anyone but me.
We reached the training room, and I flexed my hands, already imagining the weight of each punch, the satisfying thud of a hit landing. Trent had no idea what he was walking into, but that was part of the fun. I didn't care if he understood why. I just needed him to feel it. To learn his place.
I got rid of my suit jacket and then watch. I rolled thr sleeves of my shirt.
I looked back at him, and he looked nervous, unsure. I could practically smell the fear on him. Good. You had your moment with her, didn't you? You enjoyed that coffee? Let's see how you enjoy this.
This wasn't just about training. Not today. Today was about putting Trent back where he belonged. Far away from her.
And me? I was going to enjoy every second of it.
The training room was quiet, the tension thick enough to cut. I stood at the center, watching Trent walk toward me, his steps heavy with hesitation. He tried to hide it, but I could see the nerves in his eyes. He wasn't ready for this. Not today.
He squared up, but it didn't matter. I'd made up my mind before we even stepped into this room. Today wasn't about him improving. Today was about me working through this jealousy that had been eating at me since I overheard him talking about Divya.
I clenched my fists, rolling my shoulders as I stepped forward. Trent raised his hands, bracing for the first move, but I was already on him before he even thought to react. My fist connected with his side, and he staggered, already winded. Pathetic.
"Come on, Trent," I growled, circling him. "Is that all you've got?"
He tried to come back at me with a quick jab, but I saw it coming a mile away. I dodged it easily, then slammed my fist into his ribs again. The thud of impact was satisfying, the force of it sending him stumbling back, gasping for air. He didn't stand a chance. Not today.
He tried again, a weak attempt to catch me off guard with a low kick, but I caught his leg mid-motion, yanking him off balance and sending him crashing to the floor. I stepped back, watching him struggle to get up, his breath coming in ragged bursts.
"You're slow," I said, my voice flat. "And your stamina's terrible. Is this how you're going to handle yourself out there?" I didn't give him time to answer. "You think you're ready, but you can't even keep up with me for five minutes."
He was panting, a bruise already blooming on his side where I'd hit him. His hands shook as he tried to stand, but I didn't wait for him to recover. I grabbed him by the collar and yanked him up, forcing him to face me.
"From now on, you're going through double training. Every day. Until you can actually keep up in here." My voice was cold, final. "You want to be in this team? Then act like it."
Trent nodded, swallowing hard, his pride clearly bruised as much as his body. I let go of him, pushing him back a little too roughly.
"Go." I didn't even look at him as I turned away. "You'll start your extra training tomorrow. Don't make me regret keeping you around."
He stumbled out of the room, still clutching his side, and I stood there for a moment, trying to rein in the satisfaction that surged through me. That'll teach him to get too close to her. I couldn't stop the smirk that pulled at my lips, even as I felt the anger slowly fading.
I was drenched in sweat, the adrenaline still pulsing through me, but I felt a little clearer now. A little more in control. I headed to the showers, peeling off my clothes as I stepped under the hot spray, letting the water wash away the frustration that had been gnawing at me all morning. The heat did its job, loosening the tightness in my muscles, but my thoughts drifted back to Divya. The jealousy, the guilt-it all swirled together, but I shoved it down.
Focus. You don't have time for this.
I stepped out of the shower, running a towel through my hair as I glanced at the clock. Damn it. I was late. Again.
Quickly, I dressed in fresh clothes, the same smooth, practiced movements-shirt, jacket, tie, watch-everything in place. But there was no time for the usual calm preparation. I was already running behind, and I hated rushing.
I hurried down the stairs, my shoes clicking against the marble as I moved through the house. The dining room was just ahead, and I could already smell breakfast. I quickened my pace, frustration bubbling up again. Late. Again. This wasn't how the day was supposed to go.
But it was always something. Something dragging me away, pulling me off track. And once again, there was no time to think about what really mattered. Not today.
I pushed the door open and stepped into the dining room, hoping I wasn't too late to salvage whatever was left of the morning.
As usual, I found Nandini aunty setting the table when I entered the dining room. She glanced up and gave me a familiar look. I quickly took my seat, and she began serving breakfast.
"You're late," she said, her voice holding a note of reprimand.
"Yeah, I got a little stuck with work," I replied, trying not to smirk as I remembered how I put Trent in his place earlier. The satisfaction of that hit still lingered.
But she wasn't talking about that. "I wasn't talking about now," she said, raising an eyebrow. "I was talking about you coming home late again yesterday."
I sighed, sipping my black coffee. "It's been like this for a while now. Busy schedule, you know."
She gave me a sly look, the one that always came before she teased me. "Maybe it's time you got yourself a wife. She might help keep you from running around so much."
"Aunty..." I groaned, shaking my head at the all-too-familiar teasing. She just smiled and went back to the kitchen, leaving me alone with my thoughts and breakfast.
I quickly finished eating, knowing I had a long day ahead. But just as I stood to leave, my phone rang. The caller ID made me frown-Aakash. He never calls this early, or hardly ever at all unless it's important. I answered immediately.
All I could hear was panting on the other side, followed by a shaky voice.
"Raghav... Ananya... she's gone into labor."
His words were a stammered mess, and from the way he spoke, I could tell he was scared. Aakash-my brother, usually calm and in control-was unraveling.
"Relax, Aakash. I'm on my way, okay? Just stay calm." I was already heading for the door as I spoke. He hummed in acknowledgment and hung up.
Outside, I found Rohan waiting by the car. "Rohan, take over at the office today. I won't be able to make it to the meeting," I said, snatching the keys from him without waiting for a response. I trusted him to handle things. Right now, my brother needed me, and that came first.
I got in the car and took off, driving toward Edenberk Hospital, which Aakash practically owned. I didn't care how many traffic lights I ignored or how fast I was going. All I knew was that I had to get there as quickly as possible.
I parked haphazardly in front of the hospital, not bothering to check if I was blocking anyone, and rushed inside. I knew exactly where the VIP ward was, so I didn't waste time talking to the receptionist. My feet carried me straight to the third floor, where I found Aakash pacing, his face pale with worry.
"Aakash," I called, and the moment he saw me, he rushed forward and hugged me tightly. I chuckled in surprise, patting his back. This was the same Aakash who could strike fear into anyone with just a look, and now he was shaking like a leaf.
"She's in pain, Raghav. Screaming. And I-I don't know what to do," he said, his voice cracking with fear.
"Calm down. If Ananya can handle putting up with you, this labor pain is nothing," I teased, hoping to lighten the mood a bit.
He chuckled, though it was weak. "True," he admitted, shaking his head.
"You need to be with her, Aakash. She needs you now more than ever. Don't worry, everything will be fine." I squeezed his shoulder, and after a moment, he nodded, the fear in his eyes softening slightly. He gave me one last look before disappearing into the delivery room.
I let out a long sigh and sat down in one of the waiting chairs, running a hand through my hair. All I could do now was wait, but I couldn't help but feel a bit on edge myself. Ananya had gone through so much, and so had Aakash. They both deserved happiness after everything they'd been through. I just hoped this would be the moment their lives finally settled into the peace they'd fought so hard for.
They deserved their happily ever after.
I turned my head and found myself staring into a pair of familiar blue eyes. Despite the years and the weight of age, they still held a spark, though their shine had dimmed over time. He looked older, the lines on his face deeper, but somehow it only added to his presence. He had aged like fine wine-strong, enduring.
He sat beside me, his movements slow but deliberate. "Raghav, let it go," he said softly, his voice filled with the wisdom of years.
"Let the past go and move on," he repeated, his hand resting on my shoulder.
I scoffed, my jaw tightening. "How can I? I nearly destroyed my own brother. I kidnapped Ananya... she was pregnant, uncle. What if something had happened to her? What if I-"
"It was a misunderstanding," he interrupted gently. "A terrible one, yes, but a misunderstanding all the same."
I chuckled bitterly. "And I was a fool to believe it. To let my anger guide me."
His grip on my shoulder tightened in a comforting gesture. "Raghav, you need to move on. Life is too short to spend it drowning in regret and guilt. You deserve better than that." His voice cracked just slightly, a hint of emotion breaking through.
I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. His words hit deeper than I wanted to admit.
Then, he surprised me with something that I wasn't expecting. "I'm sorry, Raghav. I failed to protect you from that monster," he whispered, his voice barely audible. I glanced at him, seeing the glimmer of unshed tears in his eyes.
"Uncle..." I muttered, feeling my chest tighten. He rarely spoke about this.
"I failed you and your mother. I should have done more. I was a coward to leave you behind with that man." His voice was heavy with remorse, the guilt he had carried for so long now spilling over.
I shook my head, my throat thick with emotion. "No. You only wanted the best for me. You couldn't have known. You couldn't have done more." I leaned in and hugged him tightly, holding on as if I could pull away his burden.
When I pulled back, he wiped at his eyes, giving me a weak smile. "In a few hours, you're going to be an uncle," he said, his voice lighter now.
I laughed softly. "And you're going to be a grandfather," I replied, feeling some of the tension ease from the air between us.
"Uncle..." I repeated, letting the word sink in. I vowed in that moment to be the best uncle I could be. I'd protect those children, Aakash's twins, with everything I had. But I'd also teach them to be strong, to stand on their own. I would be their pillar, the way Aakash had been for me-eventually.
He cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "She's a nice girl, Raghav."
I looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Divya," he said simply, with a knowing smile. "I know you like her. I've watched that girl grow up. She's the sweetest soul, someone who would fit well into your life."
I blinked, surprised he had picked up on my feelings. Before I could say anything, a nurse stepped in, breaking the moment.
"The delivery went smoothly," she informed us. Relief washed over me as I stood up and hurried inside the room.
The sight that greeted me made my chest swell with an unfamiliar warmth. Aakash and Ananya, each holding a tiny newborn, looked up at me, their faces glowing with happiness. They looked like a perfect little family, and for the first time in a long while, I felt something settle in my heart.
I quickly, and secretly, took a photo of the scene-Aakash and Ananya with their twins. Two tiny, perfect babies. I felt an immediate protective instinct rise within me. They were so small, so fragile. I swore silently to always be there for them.
"Congratulations, Ananya," I said, stepping forward.
She gave me a tired but happy smile. "Thanks, Raghav," she whispered, pulling me into a side hug.
Before I could respond, Aakash, ever the dramatic one, yelled out, "Oi! Stop stealing my woman! Go get one of your own!"
I laughed, shaking my head at him. We really were possessive when it came to our women, weren't we? But I knew he was joking-mostly.
Not wanting to intrude further on their family moment, I discreetly stepped out of the room, leaving them to their happiness. I smiled to myself as I walked down the hall.
This was a new chapter for them, and maybe... just maybe, it was the start of something new for me too.
As I stepped out of the room, the sound of my shoes tapping against the hospital floor suddenly faded into nothing. It was as if the entire world came to a halt when I saw her. My eyes locked onto a familiar pair of onyx eyes, and for a second, it felt like everything around us had disappeared. Just her and me, suspended in a moment that stretched on endlessly.
Divya stood frozen in place, her body tense, her face a mixture of emotions-hurt, anger, confusion. She didn't expect to see me. That much was clear. Her eyes, usually warm and full of life, now flickered with something colder, something distant.
And then, just like that, the moment shattered. Without a word, she tore her gaze from mine and stormed past me, not even sparing me a second glance. The sting of her indifference hit harder than I expected, like a slap across the face. I stood there, watching her disappear into the room, my chest tightening as the door closed behind her.
I felt... helpless. Like a lost puppy, waiting for its owner's attention, craving even the smallest acknowledgment. But all I got was her cold, sharp ignorance. It cut deep. I raked a hand through my hair in frustration, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
What the hell was that? I couldn't shake the image of her face-the way she looked at me as if I'd done something unforgivable.
Was she angry at me? My mind raced through the possibilities, but nothing made sense. I hadn't spoken to her in days, not because I didn't want to, but because life had gotten in the way. Had she been waiting for me to reach out?
Had I pushed her too far? And if she was angry... then I was in serious trouble.
Because if I'd done something to hurt her, I wasn't sure how to fix it.