Ekansh was in the gym, his well-built body tense with anger as he relentlessly took it out on the punching bag. Each punch landed harder than the last, reflecting the storm brewing inside him.
Abhimanyu and Aavyan entered the gym, surprised to see Ekansh already there. They exchanged startled glances, wondering when he had returned. Without a word, Abhimanyu began his workout, and Aavyan followed suit.
"Ekansh Bhai, when did you get back?" Aavyan asked casually.
Ekansh's response was a sharp glare, before returning his focus to the punching bag, hitting it with renewed fury. Aavyan frowned, glancing at Abhimanyu, who was equally confused.
"What did I say to deserve that glare?" Aavyan asked in disbelief, throwing his hands up. But Ekansh said nothing, just continued hitting the bag, harder and harder.
Aavyan shot Abhimanyu a questioning look, only to receive a raised eyebrow in return. Abhimanyu shrugged, clearly as clueless as him. Sighing, Aavyan turned back to his workout, muttering under his breath.
"You know, I think understanding Ekansh Bhai is easy. At least he shows when he's angry. But Arnav Bhai, he hasn't been home for two days and I have no idea why. Strange brothers," Aavyan remarked with a mocking smile.
He paused, then added with a teasing grin, "I don't know why you two don't get that you're married now and need to spend more time at home. Seriously, I want a niece or nephew, okay? Get on with it!"
His tone was casual, but the moment he said it, both Abhimanyu and Ekansh shot him icy glares. Aavyan chuckled nervously, throwing up his hands again.
"Alright, alright, I apologize! No need to glare at me like that," he said, forcing a smile. Abhimanyu sighed, and Ekansh, after a final piercing look, turned back to his workout.
Aavyan shook his head, still trying to make sense of the situation. "I mean, I get Abhimanyu Bhai glaring at me, but why the hell are you glaring at me, Ekansh Bhai?" he asked, frowning. Abhimanyu's reaction is understandable, but why does this bother Ekansh? Ekansh not even part of this conversation.
Ekansh froze for a moment, grinding his teeth in frustration. He knew exactly why he had reacted that way, and he hated admitting it to himself. The weight of his recent marriage gnawed at him, stirring emotions he wasn't ready to confront. Without a word, he stormed out of the gym.
Aavyan and Abhimanyu exchanged puzzled glances once again. Abhimanyu's concern deepened. Ekansh had always been difficult to read, but today he seemed especially troubled. Sighing, Abhimanyu decided to talk to him later, hoping to get to the bottom of whatever was eating at his brother, and resumed his workout.
Downstairs, the family was gathering for breakfast. Isha sat at the table, while Ishani had already left for the day. With a meeting scheduled at the office, Abhimanyu and Aavyan were already dressed and waiting. Arnav, having just returned to the mansion, headed upstairs to change.
Ekansh made his way downstairs, freshly dressed. As soon as Isha saw him, her face lit up, and she ran over to him.
"Ekansh Bhai!" she called out excitedly, her voice loud as she threw her arms around him in a hug.
Ekansh, startled for a second, smiled when he realized it was his sister. He had heard that Isha had returned, but he hadn't been in the mansion at the time.
"When did you get back?" Isha asked with a slight frown, pulling back from the hug.
"Late last night," Ekansh replied warmly.
"How are you, beta?" Ekansh asked, his tone soft.
Isha grinned. "As always, I'm fine."
"Great," Ekansh responded with a smile, his voice gentle. They walked together to the dining table, chatting easily.
As they sat down, Hrudhay, their father, addressed Ekansh in a firm tone. "Ekansh, you're coming to the meeting today, right?"
Ekansh nodded. "Yes, Dad," he replied, his tone obedient. He then started eating his breakfast quietly.
After the meal, the family prepared to head to the office. Hrudhay, too, was joining them today. Everyone left except for Arnav, who mentioned that he had some work to finish before the meeting and would join them later.
Arnav was in his room, getting ready for the important work awaiting him when he noticed Arthi entering. As always, his gaze immediately fixed on her. She looked mesmerizing in her elegant saree, and he knew she'd feel his eyes on her. Yet, she didn't spare him a glance.
Arthi walked in, fully aware of Arnav's presence, but she chose to ignore him completely, heading straight into the closet without even acknowledging his existence.
Arnav's jaw tightened, his fists clenching as he watched her disappear into the closet. The fact that she had blatantly ignored him made his anger simmer. Grinding his teeth, he felt the tension in his body rise.
"Darling," Arnav's voice was cold, cutting through the silence like ice. Arthi froze at the chill in his tone, her spine tingling. Slowly, she turned to face him, her eyes meeting his cold, penetrating gaze that seemed to reach right into her soul.
"Do you need anything?" Arthi asked, her voice casual, masking the fear she was trying to suppress. She didn't dare let it show, but Arnav's clenched jaw and icy glare made it clear he wasn't fooled.
"What did you just do?" Arnav's voice was dangerously low, sending shivers down her spine. He could see the effect his tone had on her, but she steadied herself, trying to appear unaffected.
"I didn't do anything. I'll just go-I have work to finish," Arthi said, her voice trembling slightly. She was about to leave when she felt his grip tighten around her wrist.
His anger boiled over. How dare she ignore him, not once but twice? It was a mistake she would regret.
Arnav's patience snapped. The second time she ignored him felt like an even worse insult, pushing him past his limit.
With one swift motion, Arnav pulled her onto his lap, his hand wrapping firmly around her shoulder. His right hand rested possessively on her lap, while his other hand gripped her shoulder, pulling her close to him, her body now pressed against his.
"What were you thinking, darling?" Arnav's voice was cold, almost mocking. "That you could just ignore me and walk away?" His lips curled into a smirk as he watched her wide-eyed expression. She looked so small, so helpless in his hold, and the thought amused him. Did she really believe she could escape him, Arnav, when others had lost so much just by trying?
Many had tried to escape him in the past, some even losing their lives in the process. And here she was, his wife, trembling just from his presence, daring to ignore him. The thought almost made him laugh.
"What did you do, darling?" Arnav repeated, his tone low and filled with authority, forcing her to search for words.
"I... I didn't did anything," Arthi stammered, but the fear in her voice betrayed her. She knew he could see right through her.
"Don't lie to me." His grip on her waist tightened, his cold eyes boring into hers. "Ignoring me, darling, will only bring you trouble. You understand that, don't you?" His husky tone sent a new wave of fear through her, making her shiver.
Arthi gulped, her hands trembling slightly, but a flicker of irritation crossed her features as she frowned.
"You said..." Arthi began, her voice barely contained audible. "We are nothing inside this room and you were angry last night." Her words carried a hint of irritation, despite her fear, her lips curving into a slight pout.
Arnav's eyes widened, momentarily caught off guard. Arnav throat felt dry all of suddenly, He swallowed, clearing his throat as he composed himself. "I meant what I said," he replied coldly, his posture stiff. "But I didn't say you could ignore me, did I?" His gaze held hers, challenging her.
Arthi hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded, her irritation mingling with the fear she felt. She couldn't fully agree with him, but she wasn't in a position to argue.
"Don't ever try to ignore me again," Arnav commanded, his voice firm and unyielding as his hand slid from her shoulder to her waist, tightening his hold. Arthi blushed deeply, her cheeks turning red as she nodded once more, her body tense in his grasp. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but it was laced with coldness.
"Even if you do try to ignore me," Arnav whispered darkly, his voice sending shivers down her spine, "I'll make sure you regret it." His words filled her with confusion, her wide eyes reflecting the turmoil within her.
After a moment, Arnav loosened his grip and looked at her with a final, chilling glance. "You can go now," he said coolly. Arthi, still blushing, quickly tried to get up, but his hand on her waist held her back once again, preventing her from standing.
Arnav sighed, knowing she didn't understand. "Give me a minute, darling," he said softly, his tone still cold but with a hint of restraint. He adjusted himself slightly in his wheelchair, his jaw clenched as he breathed out, releasing her waist at last.
Arthi stood hurriedly, her cheeks still flushed, and rushed out of the room, eager to escape his intense presence. She didn't want him to see just how flustered she had become, though she was unaware that he had already noticed the redness in her cheeks, andemeanoursed him.
Arthi stepped out of the room, her breathing quick and shallow as the effect of Arnav's presence lingered in her chest. Her cheeks flushed deeply, the memory of their closeness replaying vividly in her mind, causing her heart to race once more. She paused, pressing a hand to her chest, forcing herself to calm down. After a few moments, she regained her composure and, with a steady breath, descended the stairs, her pulse still echoing the intensity of their encounter.
Arnav strode into his underworld headquarters, Viyan shadowing him silently. The air was thick with reverence as his men bowed their heads, acknowledging his power without a word.
His eyes locked onto the leader of the Shadow Dominion, who lounged casually, a smug smile playing on his lips. Arnav settled into the chair across from him, a matching smirk tugging at his mouth, though his eyes held a dangerous edge.
"You dragged us all the way here for a mere diamond?" the leader scoffed, his voice laced with mockery but betraying a flicker of fear beneath the bravado.
Arnav's expression turned icy, a sigh of irritation escaping him as he glanced away briefly, clearly unimpressed. "Do you really think I assembled everyone just for some trivial stone? How pathetically naive," he replied, his tone like frost. "I brought you here because you wanted to meet the mafia king-and to witness the end of my last rival."
The leader's smirk grew wider, a false confidence fueling his bravado. "You think you've wiped out all your enemies? There's still one left, and he'll tear down everything you've built. He'll be your downfall."
Arnav's face remained unreadable, but the tension in the room thickened. Without warning, in one smooth motion, he drew his gun and fired a single, fatal shot. The leader slumped lifelessly in his chair, his words dying with him. Arnav holstered his weapon, satisfaction glimmering in his cold eyes as he regarded the lifeless body.
Rising calmly, he turned to his guards, his voice a low command, laced with authority. "Clean up this mess."
The guards moved swiftly, nodding in obedience. Without a backward glance, Arnav walked out of the room, his steps echoing power and finality-his supremacy in the underworld undisputed.
Arnav sat in his penthouse, the city's skyline sprawling before him. Viyan stood quietly at his side, ever the silent shadow. Arnav's gaze drifted, lost in thought, before he let out a long sigh, one that carried the weight of two years of waiting.
"It's time to reclaim my position," Arnav said, his voice cold and resolute. Viyan remained still, silently absorbing the words.
Arnav's eyes burned with a fire that had long been suppressed. His jaw tightened, fists clenching as the memories of betrayal flashed through his mind. "Let's see who has the guts to challenge me now," he continued, his tone laced with icy determination.
For two years, he had waited in silence, a necessary pause after the accident that had nearly cost him his ability to walk. Everything had spiraled out of control, his empire slipping through his fingers. But it wasn't a defeat-it was a strategy. He had used that time to erase every enemy who had dared plot against him, ensuring that when he returned, there would be no one left to stand in his way.
Now, the time had come. His enemies were gone, and the throne of the mafia world awaited its true king.
Arnav exhaled, a sigh of quiet satisfaction. "Let's head out. We have a meeting," he said, his voice sharp and commanding.
Viyan nodded, and without another word, they made their way to the waiting car. As Arnav settled into the seat, the city lights reflected off the glass, and the car glided forward. The reign he had been denied was now within his grasp.
Abhimanyu and Ekansh sat in the meeting room, with Aavyan already present. Several prominent businessmen were also in attendance, all silently waiting for Arnav to arrive. Though there was still time before the meeting officially began, no one dared mention Arnav's absence, fully aware of the power he wielded.
Outside, Arnav's car pulled up to the office building. Viyan opened the door, and Arnav stepped out, his expression firm and unreadable. He strode into the building with purpose, his every step exuding authority. As they approached the meeting room, Viyan opened the door, and Arnav entered without a word.
His presence immediately commanded attention. The businessmen glanced at him, shock evident in their eyes, but none spoke. They knew better than to challenge or even acknowledge their surprise at seeing the feared and respected mafia king walk in with such ease.
Arnav took his seat beside Ekansh, his face a mask of cold indifference. He adjusted his coat, his icy gaze sweeping the room as the meeting commenced. The presentation began, but Arnav, as always, paid little attention. His focus was elsewhere, knowing the outcome long before it would be announced.
As the presentation concluded, tension filled the room. Two men exchanged heated glares-one a young businessman, clearly frustrated, and the other, Ekansh, who met his gaze with equal intensity. Abhimanyu and Aavyan noticed the tension and also directed sharp glances at the rival businessman.
The moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived: the announcement of which company had secured the lucrative project. As expected, the Rathore family's company emerged victorious, a fact that seemed inevitable from the start. A satisfied smile crossed the brothers' faces as they shared a brief, knowing look.
Arnav, who had anticipated this outcome, let out a quiet sigh, unfazed by the success. Applause erupted in the room, though many knew the deal was sealed the moment they heard the Rathores would be involved.
Hrudhay, their father, beamed with pride, feeling immense satisfaction at his sons' achievements and the unshakable respect they commanded in the business world.
Abhimanyu, filled with pride, turned to his brothers, knowing that this victory was a collective effort. Without hesitation, he pulled them into a tight embrace. The room filled with congratulations as everyone acknowledged their well-earned success.
Abhimanyu, Ekansh, and Aavyan walked out of the meeting room, the weight of their victory clear in their steps. Standing before them was the one man they all despised-Mr. Vikram Deshmukh.
"Mr. Abhimanyu Rathore, congratulations on securing the deal," Vikram said, his tone polite but laced with coldness. Abhimanyu nodded curtly in acknowledgment.
"You're probably fuming, knowing we snagged this project," Ekansh added with an icy tone, his eyes locking onto Vikram's.
Vikram didn't flinch, meeting Ekansh's gaze with a cool stare. "I don't hide my anger. If I were truly upset, I would've voiced it right there in the meeting room," Vikram replied sharply, his glare unwavering.
"You wouldn't dare. And even if you tried, you'd still walk away empty-handed," Ekansh shot back with a mocking chuckle.
Vikram's expression remained composed as he retorted, "I might leave empty-handed, but I don't chase projects simply because of who I am. I prefer to earn them, not take them due to being a top businessman or the richest man in the room."
Ekansh's fists clenched at the insult, but Abhimanyu intervened, sighing softly as he stepped in front of his brother. Recognizing the signal, Ekansh stepped back reluctantly.
"Anyway, congratulations again. I'll see you at the next meeting," Vikram said with a final, polite nod before walking away.
Vikram Deshmukh was a self-made businessman, his company rising to one of the top spots in the industry, though never quite reaching the level of the Rathore empire. He didn't despise them personally, but in the business world, his resentment was palpable. He believed that the Rathores won contracts purely because of their wealth and status, while other worthy competitors were left in the dust. It was this perceived unfairness that fueled his hatred, though outside of business, they meant nothing to him.
Abhimanyu sighed as Ekansh watched Vikram leave, still bristling with anger.
"I don't get it. What's his problem?' Ekansh muttered through gritted teeth. "Every time we cross paths, it ends in a fight."
"I'm surprised he's still walking around in one piece," Ekansh continued, his tone simmering with barely-contained fury. "I don't know why I haven't killed him yet."
"Calm down, Ekansh. Let it go," Abhimanyu said in his usual calm, measured tone. Ekansh, still fuming, looked away, while Aavyan sighed in quiet frustration. They stood there briefly before Arnav finally joined them, and the group made their way out of the building.
Hrudhay, watching from a distance with a frown, saw the entire interaction. Without a word, he quietly left the company grounds.
"When did you decide to walk?" Ekansh asked Arnav, frowning as they moved towards the exit.
"I'll walk when I feel like it," Arnav replied, smirking at his brother's irritation.
"Finally," Aavyan muttered with a sigh, while Abhimanyu chuckled under his breath. Together, the Rathore brothers left in their respective cars, their victory secured as the meeting came to a close.
Arnav stepped out of his penthouse, heading towards his car with a heavy sigh. As he approached, he noticed Viyan and Ram already waiting for him.
"I'll be coming to the office regularly from now on," Arnav announced coldly, his decision firm. Viyan couldn't help but smile, knowing that the employees would soon face their boss more frequently.
"Prepare everything," Arnav ordered, his tone icy and authoritative.
"Of course, sir," Viyan responded politely with a nod.
"I'm leaving now," Arnav added, his voice still cold as he sighed. "I need to see my wife. She'll be waiting for me. Let's give her a gift." His tone softened for just a moment before returning to his usual impassive demeanor.
Viyan and Ram exchanged glances, disbelief evident in their expressions. Arnav rarely mentioned his wife, let alone in a tone that wasn't purely businesslike.
His face hardened again, and without another word, he slid into the car as Viyan opened the door for him. The vehicle sped away, leaving the two men standing in silence.
"He actually said that?" Ram asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"I'm not sure... maybe he didn't mean it the way it sounded. He seemed... off. Not as cold as usual," Viyan replied with a sigh, still puzzled by the sudden shift in Arnav's behavior. Both men returned to their tasks, knowing something had changed-though neither could quite put their finger on what it was.