Mischief & Protection

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Hardik Pandya was not just any CEO.

He was the CEO, ruling an empire that stretched beyond the corporate world and deep into the underground.

Ruthless when needed, calculated in every move, feared by many.

But when it came to Ishan, his mischievous little brother, all his power meant nothing. Nothing at all.

Because Ishan was the one person who could bring him to his knees with a single pout.

And right now, Ishan was doing exactly that.

Ishan : Hardik bhai, pleaaase let me go out alone just this once! I'm not a baby

Ishan whined, tugging on Hardik’s sleeve as they sat in Hardik’s sleek black office.

Hardik : Ishan, for the last time, no. Tumhe pata bhi hai how dangerous it is out there? You're not stepping outside alone, samjha?

Ishan : Oh wow, I'm practically a prisoner now! I just wanna go to a café, not cross the border illegally!

Hardik : You think it's funny? You know how many enemies I have? People who would love to use you against me?

Ishan : Enemies, shenemies! Mujhe coffee chahiye!

Hardik pinched the bridge of his nose.

Hardik : Ugh, you're impossible.

Ishan : Mujhe coffee nahi milegi? Fine. Then I'll just-

He dramatically stood up and made a move toward the door.

Hardik : Where do you think you're going?

Ishan : To the café.

Hardik V Alone?

Ishan : Yep!

Hardik let out a slow, deadly chuckle.

Hardik : I’d love to see you try, bachha.

And before Ishan could even touch the doorknob, two massive bodyguards blocked his way, standing like solid walls.

Ishan : Bhai!! Are you serious?!

Hardik smirked, leaning back in his chair.

Hardik : Completely.

Ishan :  Wow. Betrayed by my own flesh and blood.

Hardik : Drama mat kar, Ishan.

Ishan : But I love drama!

Ishan grinned before skipping over and plopping himself onto Hardik’s lap.

Ishan :  Bhai, pleaseee?

Hardik : Koi aur hota toh ab tak mar chuka hota, but tum par gussa bhi nahi hota.

Ishan : Because you love me?

Hardik : No, because you're a chhota monkey who won’t stop pestering me.

Ishan : Okay, fine. If I can’t go alone, at least take me yourself!

Hardik : I have meetings-

Ishan. Reschedule them,

Hardik : I can't just-

Ishan : Yes, you can. You're the Hardik Pandya, remember?

Ishan teased, poking his chest.

Hardik : Ugh, you're going to be the death of me

Ishan : But I'll be a cute death!

Hardik  Fine. I'll take you. But you're not leaving my sight for even a second. Samjha?

Ishan : Understood, sir! Let's go before you change your mind!

Hardik shook his head with a small smile.

His little brother was an unstoppable force, and honestly? He wouldn't have it any other way.

Hardik drove, his grip on the steering wheel firm while Ishan sat beside him, happily scrolling through his phone.

Hardik : Which café do you want to go to?.

Ishan : The new one that just opened in road side. They have this amazing chocolate hazelnut coffee, and I need it in my life.

Hardik : Fine. But we’re not staying too long.

Ishan : Bhai! A coffee date with you should be cherished, not rushed

Hardik :  It’s not a date.

Ishan : Then what is it?

Hardik : A mission.

Ishan : A mission?!!

Ishan : What are you gonna do? Scan the café for threats before letting me sip my coffee?

Hardik didn’t respond.

Ishan's : Wait. Are you actually going to do that?

Before Hardik could answer, his phone buzzed through the car’s Bluetooth.

Kunal : Kya kar raha hai tu?

Kunal’s voice echoed through the speakers.

Hardik : Mission

Ishan : Bhai, stop calling it a mission, I'm literally just getting coffee!

Kunal : Ishan is getting coffee? And Hardik is taking him himself? Kamaal hai.

Hardik : Bas zyada bol mat

*Hardik muttered*

Hardik :! Tu kahan hai?

Kunal : I'm on my way to your office. But now that I know you’re babysitting our chota monkey, I might join you.

Ishan : Yes, Kunal bhai, come fast! Hardik bhai is being too serious.

Hardik : I am serious,

Ishan : And boring

Hardik shot him a look, but Ishan just grinned.

Kunal *laughed* : Alright, I’ll meet you guys there. Don't let him cause too much trouble, Hardik.

Hardik : That's impossible.

Ishan : Challenge accepted.

At cafe

By the time they reached the café, Kunal was already there, waiting by the entrance with his arms crossed.

Hardik : About time-

he said as they stepped out of the car.

Ishan ran up and threw his arms around Kunal.

Ishan : Kunal bhai! Save me! Hardik bhai is treating me like a prisoner.

Kunal : What did he do now?

Ishan : He put bodyguards outside my bedroom door

Ishan whined.

Kunal turned to Hardik.

Kunal : Really?

Hardik : Do you know how many threats I receive daily?

Kunal : Okay, but outside his bedroom door? Thoda zyada ho gaya.

Ishan : See? Kunal bhai is on my side.

Kunal : Only a little

Kunal : Tujh pe bhi bharosa nahi hai. You do get into unnecessary trouble.

Ishan : Et tu, Kunal bhai?

Kunal : Come on, let’s go inside before Hardik bhai cancels this whole plan.

As soon as they stepped into the café, Ishan’s eyes lit up.

Ishan : Omg, this place is so cute!

He grabbed Hardik’s hand.

Ishan : Look at those fairy lights! Bhai, we should get some for the house

Hardik : I run a mafia empire, not a Pinterest board.

Ishan : Uff, you have no taste

Kunal : He really doesn’t.

Hardik : Can we just sit down?

They settled into a booth, and Ishan eagerly ordered the biggest chocolate hazelnut coffee on the menu.

When his drink arrived, he took one sip and moaned dramatically.

Ishan : Oh my God. This is heavenly.

Kunal : Good?

Ishan : Amazing.

Ishan pushed the cup toward Hardik.

Ishan : Try it!

Hardik : I don’t drink sugar-filled nonsense.

Ishan : Ugh, fine, be a black coffee villain.

Ishan turned to Kunal.

Kunal : You try it!

Kunal took a sip.

Kunal : Hmm. Not bad.

Ishan : See? Kunal bhai has taste.

Hardik : Bas, bas. You got your coffee. Now finish it quickly, we’re not staying long.

Ishan : Arre yaar, let me enjoy my drink in peace!

No matter how much trouble he caused, no matter how much protection he needed, Hardik knew one thing he would do anything to keep that smile safe. Forever

Even if it meant sitting through an overly sweet coffee date.

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Tysm for reading!!!!! 💗

Hope you'll like it 💚

Byeew~~

Have a nice day ahead.

Good night, take care!!!!!!