12. fight!?

AYAAN MUKHERJEE'S POV

As I drive up to Yuvraaj's mansion, I can feel my heart racing with anticipation. I've been searching for answers for so long, and I finally have a lead.

I pull up to the grand entrance and step out of my car, my eyes fixed on the imposing structure before me. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come.

I approach the door and ring the bell, my mind racing with possibilities. What will I find inside? Will Yuvraaj be willing to talk to me?

The door opens, and a stern-looking butler greets me. "Can I help you?" he asks, his tone firm but polite.

"I'm here to see Yuvraaj," I reply, my voice firm.

The butler raises an eyebrow. "Do you have an appointment?"

I shake my head. "No, but I don't need any appointment to meet my brother in law."

He nods curtly and steps aside, allowing me to enter. "Very well, follow me."

I follow him through the opulent halls, my eyes taking in the lavish decorations. We finally arrive at a door, and the butler knocks twice.

"Enter," a voice calls from inside.

The butler opens the door and gestures for me to enter. I take a deep breath and step inside, ready to face whatever lies ahead.

As I enter the study room, I see Yuvraaj sitting behind his massive desk, his secretary Raj standing beside him, and his bodyguard Ilya leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. The atmosphere is tense, and I can tell they were in the middle of a serious conversation.

Yuvraaj looks up at me, his expression unreadable. "Ayaan," he says, his voice neutral. "What brings you here?"

I approach his desk, my eyes locked on his. "I'm here for answers, Yuvraaj. I know you're hiding something, and I'm not leaving until I get the truth."

"You're stalking me, Yuvraaj!" I accuse, my voice rising in anger. "I know it's you who's been following me, watching my every move!"

Yuvraaj's expression turns cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "I don't know what you're talking about, Ayaan," he says, his voice dripping with innocence.

"Don't lie to me!" I shout, my fists clenched.

Ilya steps forward, his massive frame towering over me. "Ayaan, that's enough, what do you think of yourself, who are you, why the heck will yuvraaj follow you? Huh!??" he growls, his voice low and menacing. "You're making accusations without any evidence. Back off."

I stand my ground, my heart racing with fear, but I refuse to back down. "I'm not afraid of you, Ilya," I say, my voice steady. "And I'm not afraid of you, Yuvraaj. "

Yuvraaj leans forward, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "You're playing with fire, Ayaan," he says, his voice dripping with malice. "You have no idea what you're dealing with. I suggest you leave now, before things get out of hand."

Ilya takes a step closer, his eyes flashing with warning. "Ayaan, listen to him," he growls. "You don't want to mess with Yuvraaj. He's not someone to be trifled with."

But I refuse to back down. I'm determined to uncover the truth, no matter what it takes. "I'm not leaving until I get answers," I say, my voice firm. "And I'm not afraid of either of you!"

Ilya's face twists in anger, and he lashes out with his massive fist. I try to dodge, but it's too late. His punch connects with my jaw, sending me crashing to the floor.

I groan, dazed and disoriented, as Ilya's footsteps approach me. "You should have listened, Ayaan," he growls, his voice dripping with malice. "Now, you're going to pay the price for your insolence."

Yuvraaj's voice cuts through the air, cold and detached. "Enough, Ilya. That's enough."

Ilya hesitates, his fist raised, then slowly lowers it. "Yes, sir," he says, his voice dripping with reluctance.

I struggle to my feet, my jaw throbbing in pain. "You're going to regret this, Yuvraaj," I snarl, my eyes blazing with anger. "You and your goon are going down."

Yuvraaj smiles, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm shaking in my boots, Ayaan," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But until then, I think it's time for you to leave. Ilya, please escort Ayaan out."

Ilya's grip on my arm tightens, his eyes flashing with anger. I try to think fast, to come up with something to defuse the situation. And then, it hits me.

"Ilya, wait," I say, my voice calm and steady.

"My Inayat wouldn't want his fiancée to be hurt by you. Think about it, Ilya. If you hurt me, you'll be hurting Inayat's future husband. Is that really what you want?"

Ilya's expression falters, his grip on my arm loosening slightly. I can see the doubt creeping into his eyes, and I press on. "Inayat loves me, Ilya. And I know she loves you too, like a brother. Don't do something that will hurt her, something that will damage your relationship with her."

Ilya's face twists in a mixture of anger and confusion, and for a moment, I think I've gotten through to him. But then, his expression hardens again, and he snarls, "You're just trying to manipulate me, Ayaan. It won't work."

I sigh, realizing that I've reached a dead end. "Ilya, please," I try again, my voice soft and urgent. "Don't do this. Think about Inayat, think about my family, my coming child. We're all that matters, aren't we?"

Ilya's eyes flash with anger, and he raises his hand to strike me again. I flinch, preparing for the blow, but it never comes. Instead, Ilya's hand freezes in mid-air, his eyes fixed on something behind me. I turn to see Yuvraaj standing in the doorway, his eyes blazing with fury. "Ilya, stop," he growls. "Now."

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~ to be continued