Ekansh gazed out the window as the landscape blurred by during the long journey. He felt the weight of exhaustion settle in but leaned back in his seat, knowing they were just minutes away from their destination.
Arnav stared at the file in disbelief, then shifted his gaze to his PA, Viyan, who was nervously smiling at him. The irritation in Arnav's eyes grew as he looked back at the file.
Viyan had been working with Arnav for the past two and a half years. Their bond was strong, despite Viyan's fear of his boss. Arnav frequently threatened to fire him whenever he made mistakes or was overly annoying, but it was always an empty threat. Viyan knew many of Arnavâs secrets, and despite Arnav's irritation, he trusted him deeply, involving Viyan in both business and underworld matters.
Arnavâs eyes narrowed as he read the contents of the file. It detailed a recent encounter with the Shadow Dominion, a rival mafia group and one of Arnavâs enemies. The report described how the group had attempted to intercept a shipment of diamonds destined for Arnav's mafia headquarters. Although Arnavâs guards had successfully thwarted their plan, one diamond was still missing. Arnav wasnât concerned about the diamond itself; he could easily replace it. The real issue was the challenge to his reputation and power.
The Shadow Dominion's plan was to uncover the identity of the elusive leader ruling the mafia world from the shadows. They knew this leader wouldn't tolerate anyone encroaching on what was his, so they devised a scheme to steal the diamonds, hoping it would provoke him to reveal himself. However, their plan collapsed as Arnav's guards were far too vigilant and skilled for them to succeed. Arnav guards are for more intelligent.
Arnavâs irritation deepened as he spoke, his voice cold.
"We're still trying to track down these idiots," he said, his tone dripping with disbelief. "Are they really in the mafia, or is this some kind of joke?"
"I am trying to fool this fools, who are already a idiots, don't tell me I am" Arnav said coldy with a irritated expression.
Viyan nodded, sensing the edge in Arnavâs tone. Arnav continued,
"This is ridiculous," he muttered, his unique accent giving the word a biting emphasis. Viyan forced a tight-lipped smile, unsure of how to respond.
Arnav looked back at the file, frustration evident in his expression.
"I thought finding them would be difficult, maybe even thrilling. But these fools made it so easy," he said, his tone filled with disappointment. "How the hell does anyone in the mafia world leave behind a travel history? That's basic knowledge."
Viyan, still confused by Arnav's frustration, said, "But sir, isn't this good for us? It makes our job easier."
Arnav leaned back on the sofa, his gaze cold and calculating. "Sure, itâs easy. But whereâs the thrill in that? I wanted to chase them, to wear them down until they begged for mercy. That would have been exciting." His glare intensified as he looked at Viyan, who still looked perplexed by his bossâs desire for a challenge.
"Viyan, catch them-all of them," Arnav ordered, his tone dangerously calm. "I donât want a single one to slip through our fingers."
Viyan snapped to attention and nodded quickly. "I will, sir," he replied with a polite tone before leaving the room.
As the door closed behind Viyan, Arnav leaned back in his chair, his mind already plotting his next move. The thrill might be missing, but the game was far from over.
Ekansh gazed out of the window as they neared their destination, only a short distance from where they needed to be. The passing scenery did little to lift the weight of the journey, and he sighed quietly, his thoughts elsewhere.
Elsewhere, Roohi sat with Meera, the conversation between them tense. Meera was visibly upset, her disapproving eyes fixed on Roohi, who had taken it upon herself to complete all the household chores despite clear instructions not to.
"Roohi, didnât I tell you not to do any work?" Meera scolded, her voice stern and unyielding.
Roohi smiled softly, her tone warm despite Meera's irritation.
"Chachi, I was bored. I just did a little work, that's all."
Meeraâs face hardened, her frustration only growing.
"I specifically told you not to work, Roohi," she repeated, her voice colder this time. At that moment, Harish walked into the room, and Meera immediately turned to him for support.
"Look at your daughter-she never listens to me!" she exclaimed, clearly exasperated.
Harish glanced at Roohi, his expression calm. "What has she done now, Meera?" he asked gently.
Meera folded her arms, still fuming. "I told her not to do any work, but she went ahead and did all the household chores."
Harish smiled fondly at Roohi before speaking. "Beta, why did you do all that work? Your Chachi is more than capable of handling it. You donât need to exhaust yourself," he said, his voice filled with concern.
Roohiâs smile faded as she looked down, feeling guilty.
"Chachu, I didnât mean to upset Chachi. I was just bored," she mumbled. Roohi was used to doing the work in her Badi Chachiâs house, where failure to do so would often lead to punishment. But here, things were different. She constantly worried she was disappointing those around her.
Meera and Harish exchanged a glance of concern. "Roohi beta, Iâm not angry at you for working," Meera said, her tone softening as she stroked Roohiâs head. "We just want you to rest and be happy here. Thereâs no need for you to worry about chores," she continued gently. Roohiâs eyes filled with tears at Meera's kindness.
"I know youâll be doing all the work once you return home. I understand how you're treated there. Thatâs why, while you're with us, we want you to relax and feel safe," Meera added, her words laced with care. Overcome with emotion, Roohi couldnât hold back her tears any longer and hugged Meera tightly. Harish watched them, a smile playing on his lips at the tender moment.
After a few moments, Meera pulled away from the hug, wiping Roohiâs tears with a smile. "Now, who wants to go out with me?" Harish asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Chachu, me! I want to go!" Roohi exclaimed, her sadness immediately replaced with excitement. Both Meera and Harish laughed at her enthusiasm.
"I knew you would," Harish said with a smile, standing up. Roohi quickly followed, eager to head out.
"Roohi beta, make sure you come back early, and stay close to your Chachu, okay?" Meera said, gently patting Roohi's head before she left. Roohi nodded eagerly.
"And remember, just look around the farm and come right back. No wandering off," Meera added with a soft smile.
With that, Roohi and Harish set off towards the farm.
As they walked, Roohiâs excitement grew with every step. Her eyes sparkled as she took in her surroundings, her joy at being out in the fresh air evident in her wide grin. Harish chuckled at her enthusiasm, knowing how much she cherished these outings.
While they walked, Roohi spotted a grand mansion in the distance. She had passed by it countless times, but its size and grandeur never ceased to amaze her.
"Chachu, look at that house! Itâs so huge. Iâve never seen anything like it!" Roohi said, her voice full of awe.
Harish glanced at the mansion and nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, beta. It belongs to a wealthy family, but they've left it abandoned for now. Someone rich will probably buy it soon," he explained with a sigh.
"Chachu, can we go inside? I really want to see it!" Roohi asked, her excitement growing even more as her eyes stayed fixed on the massive structure.
Harish sighed softly. "Roohi beta, we canât just walk inside. Itâs not that simple," he said, trying to temper her enthusiasm.
"But Chachu, just once! I want to see what itâs like inside. Iâve never been in a house like that," Roohi pleaded, her eyes hopeful as she gazed longingly at the mansion.
Harish gave her a kind smile. "Roohi beta, we canât enter without permission. They wonât let us just stroll in," he explained gently. Roohiâs shoulders slumped slightly in disappointment, but she nodded in understanding.
Seeing her disheartened, Harish added, "Donât worry, one day Iâll take you to see the inside of a mansion like that. But until then, promise me youâll stay away from it."
Roohiâs smile returned, her spirits lifted by the promise. "Okay, Chachu," she said, her excitement rekindled as they continued toward the farm.
When they arrived, Roohiâs excitement knew no bounds. She eagerly explored every corner of the farm, playing, running around, and soaking in the joy of the outdoors. After a while, happy and content, Roohi and Harish made their way back home, her laughter still ringing in the air.