Chapter 41: Chapter 38

The Singhania estate bustled with a rare tension as news of Vikram Singhania’s arrival spread like wildfire. The very mention of his name was enough to silence the loudest voices, his shadow long and commanding despite being in London for the past decade.

Vikram Singhania—the titan of the construction industry, a name whispered with both awe and dread. Ten years ago, he had built an empire that rested on the ruins of his adversaries. Deals sealed with charm or coercion, foundations laid on secrets, and heights achieved through unspeakable means. Whispers of mysterious disappearances, sabotaged projects, and even betrayals followed his legacy, but nothing ever stuck. He was untouchable.

Ten years ago, he handed the reins of his empire to his younger brother, Alok Singhania, and left for London. The world speculated on the reasons for his sudden retreat. The truth, as always with Vikram, remained a mystery.

Now, Vikram was returning, and his purpose was crystal clear—to help Alok Singhania dismantle the empire of their greatest rival, Mr. Desai.

The screech of car tires echoed through the gates. A black Rolls-Royce rolled to a stop, its polished exterior reflecting the grandeur of the Singhania mansion. The car door opened, and out stepped Vikram Singhania.

He was a man who carried power in his stance. Tall and imposing, dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence radiated authority. His slicked-back silver hair and piercing black eyes only added to the aura of menace. The air around him seemed to shift, growing colder.

The staff lined up in silence, bowing their heads in respect—or was it fear?

Mrs. Singhania, a delicate woman with a nervous demeanor, stood clutching her sari’s pallu, her eyes betraying her apprehension. With a trembling voice she asks, “I- I hope the flight was fine”.

“Fear suits you, bhabhi. It’s a reminder that you know exactly who I am.”, he barked.

Samar, on the other hand, leaned against the staircase railing, his jaw tight and expression stormy. He needs to inform Raghav before the storm hits.

Vikram’s gaze scanned the room, sharp and calculating. “It feels good to be home,” he declared, his deep voice reverberating through the hall.

Alok stepped forward, offering a hesitant smile. “Bhai, welcome back. It’s been too long.”

Vikram smirked, a predator’s smile. “Ten years, Alok. Ten years too long. Let’s not waste any more time. We have much to discuss.”

In the privacy of Alok’s study, Vikram poured himself a glass of whiskey. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the cityscape visible through the large window.

“Desai has grown bold in my absence,” Vikram remarked, swirling his drink. “He’s forgotten what it means to cross Singhania.”

Alok hesitated before replying. “He’s strong, Bhai. His influence has doubled, and his connections—”

Vikram cut him off, his voice a low growl. “Connections can be severed, Alok. Power can be dismantled. We’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again.”

Alok nodded, swallowing his apprehension. “I knew you’d have a plan. But what about Siya? She has gotten married to their brat.”

Vikram’s smirk widened, his eyes darkening. “Siya’s role in this is temporary. Once we’ve ensured Desai’s destruction, that marriage of hers with Raghav will end—whether she agrees or not. If she has to be forced, so be it.”

Alok hesitated. “Forcing her might... complicate things, Bhai. She won't even see you after that—”

Vikram’s tone turned cold. “Your daughter is psycho and loves to create stories. You don't believe her do you ?

It was true that since last year Alok didn't have a very peaceful relationship with Siya, but he was torn in between. He didn't have the guts to cross his elder brother but couldn't listen to him bad mouthing Siya.

Meanwhile, in the living room, the tension was palpable. Samar paced angrily while Mrs. Singhania sat on the edge of the sofa, her hands trembling.

“She’s been through enough, Ma!” Samar shouted. “Siya’s in the hospital, for God’s sake! We can’t drag her into this madness!”

Mrs. Singhania looked down, her voice shaking. “Samar, I agree with you, but you know your uncle. He won’t listen. And your father... he won’t oppose him either.”

“Then we have to!” Samar snapped. “Siya’s lying unconscious, fighting for her life, and they’re already planning how to use her as a pawn! This isn’t just unfair—it’s cruel!”

Mrs. Singhania’s eyes filled with tears. “You don’t understand, Samar. Your uncle... he’s dangerous. You know what happened last time. He has a way of bending people to his will, no matter the cost. Please, just... stay out of his way. I have lost Siya, not you now”

“I won’t let him hurt her,” Samar vowed with himself, his voice firm. “Not again.”

Back in the study room,

Vikram and Alok delved deeper into their plans.

“This is where we’ll strike,” Vikram said, pointing to a map. “Siya and Raghav’s marriage. It's your fault afterall to make Siya your weakness”

“And what did you plan ?” Alok asked hesitantly.

“It’s a weakness, Alok. A vulnerability Desai could exploit. That marriage ends—permanently. If Raghav resists, you’ll handle him. If Siya resists, I’ll handle her,” Vikram replied coldly.

Alok nodded, though his discomfort was evident. “And if Desai retaliates?”

Vikram’s gaze turned icy. “Let him. I’ve dealt with men far more dangerous than him. Desai is nothing but a pawn in my game.”

The next morning, the Singhania household woke up to a renewed sense of foreboding. Vikram was everywhere—giving orders, making calls, and asserting his dominance. Samar avoided him at all costs, his anger simmering just below the surface. Looking at Samar he snaps, “Be careful, boy. Your sister’s life is fragile enough without your reckless interference.”

Mrs. Singhania barely spoke, her fear palpable, her movements careful, as though walking on eggshells.

And while Siya lay unconscious in the sterile walls of a hospital room, Vikram’s plans moved forward, each step bringing the Singhanias closer to a confrontation that would shatter everything they held dear.

Desperate to rescue her sister, Samar made a frantic call, “Raghav, we have to meet. It's urgent”.

The stage was set, and the players were in place. With Vikram Singhania’s return, the Singhania family was hurtling toward a reckoning that none of them were prepared for.