🦁 LONELY KING-CHAPTER-2

Third pov:

Toronto, Canada.

The Toronto office of Rudhran Industries was a hive of activity. Housed in one of the tallest skyscrapers downtown, the modern workspace was all glass, steel, and sophistication. The sleek interiors, flooded with natural light, mirrored the company's reputation—sharp, efficient, and elite. Employees moved about, their focus split between their work and the occasional whispers that started spreading down the halls.

The whispers grew louder when the sound of polished leather shoes echoed in the corridor. Rudhran had arrived. He stepped off the private elevator like he owned the world, which, in this case, wasn't far from the truth. At 6'2", Rudhran cut an imposing figure. His perfectly tailored black suit hugged his athletic frame, highlighting broad shoulders and a tapered waist—evidence of countless hours at the gym. His dark, neatly combed hair, sharp jawline framed by a trimmed beard, and piercing eyes.

As he strode through the office, conversations hushed. Female employees couldn't help but steal glances. He didn't stop to acknowledge any of it—Rudhran was a man on a mission. His focus was absolute, his walk purposeful.

"Good morning, sir," a nervous intern stammered as Rudhran passed by. Without breaking stride, he gave a curt nod, his attention already ahead.

The open office space was bustling with energy. Glass partitions separated different departments, The finance team sat near the far end, where Vishnu's laughter was already audible—clearly cracking some joke to lighten the mood, as always.

Rudhran pushed open the glass doors to his office—the room with floor-to-ceiling windows. A massive oak desk stood at the center, flanked by minimalistic yet elegant furniture.

Rudhran leaned back in his sleek leather chair, His sharp, stoic expression remained unchanged as his assistant, Franklin, entered with a tablet in hand.

"What's the schedule for today?" Rudhran asked in his usual calm, professional tone.

Franklin adjusted his tie before replying, "Sir, the tender results for the Sparkle Project are being announced today."

Rudhran nodded, his expression unreadable, as always.

Moments later, the door opened, and Vishnu strolled in, bringing a stark contrast to Rudhran's demeanor. "Hey, bro! Good morning!" Vishnu greeted with his usual easygoing smile, walking in like he owned the place.

Rudhran rolled his eyes but didn't comment. Vishnu was more than just the head of finance; he was family—his father's younger brother Sathyan's elder son. Though they were the same age, their personalities couldn't have been more different. "Vishnu," his tone neutral yet commanding.

Vishnu plopped onto the chair across from Rudhran, throwing a leg over his knee as he leaned back comfortably. "So, Sparkle Project tender... I have a good feeling about it," he said, rubbing his hands together dramatically.

Rudhran's gaze remained steady. "Feelings don't win tenders," he replied curtly, though his sharp eyes betrayed a flicker of confidence.

Franklin returned moments later, holding a folder. "The results just came in, sir. We secured the Sparkle Project," he announced with a smile.

Vishnu let out a low whistle, grinning ear to ear. "Man, you're a beast, Rudhran. Brad was barking everywhere about how he'd lock this deal, and you snatched it clean without breaking a sweat!"

Rudhran's expression remained stoic, though the faintest glint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes. "He underestimated our strategy," he said simply.

Vishnu chuckled, shaking his head. "Only you can make winning sound boring. Anyway, Priya's been asking me to drag you home for dinner. Tonight works?"

Rudhran leaned back, crossing his arms. "What time?"

"Seven. No excuses this time, alright?" Vishnu shot back with mock sternness.

Rudhran gave a curt nod. "I'll be there."

The two exchanged a brief, understanding smile. Rudhran sighed quietly, his thoughts already drifting to why Vishnu had invited him over for dinner. His grandmother had called earlier, her voice filled with concern over the issues at the Chennai office. Rudhran hadn't been back to Chennai in ten years, and he had no intention of returning. Not now, not ever. The thought of facing that man—his father—and his new family was something he could never stomach.

He pulled out his phone, staring at the photo of his mother, Sumathy, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he looked at her face. How could he betray her? The thought hit him like a punch to the gut. He took a deep breath and lit a cigar, inhaling the smoke, hoping it would help clear his mind, but the storm of thoughts swirling in his head didn't stop. The betrayal. The man who ruined his family. His mind buzzed with frustration.

As the day passed in a blur of meetings, calls, and more work, Vishnu literally dragged him to his apartment.

The building was quiet, and the lights of Toronto's cityscape were barely visible from the windows. Vishnu and his wife, Priya, had settled into a cozy, modern apartment. The space was warm and inviting, As he walked in, the familiar scent of home-cooked food wafted through the air, and Vishnu greeted him with his usual carefree grin.

Rudhran pov:

I walked into the apartment, and the moment Priya saw me, she flashed that warm smile of hers. "Ahh, finally, Rudhra is here!" she said, and before I could even react, she pulled me into a brotherly hug. I returned it with a smile.

Right on cue, Vishnu popped up in front of us. "Oh, babyyyy, I missed you today," he said dramatically, Honestly, sometimes the PDA between these two made me want to throw up. Priya rolled her eyes and pushed him away with an exaggerated sigh, "Move aside, you possessive idiot."

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. I'd been tolerating this nonsense ever since college. Vishnu and Priya—best friends and classmates back then, now married to each other. It was a classic story, but watching them was like watching a rom-com in real life. They were perfect for each other, even if Vishnu's over-the-top affection could get a little much.

I made my way over to the couch, stretching my long legs and settling in. Priya handed me a glass of water. "Congratulations, Rudhra! I'm so glad you secured the tender. You know I'm proud of you," she said.

I took a sip "Thanks, Priya. But honestly, it wasn't a big deal," I said casually. "Our junior staff could've handled it."

Vishnu, of course, couldn't resist. He plopped down next to me, throwing an arm around my shoulders "Without me, he never would have secured that tender," he said with a fake arrogant tone, but we both knew the truth. Vishnu was a key player, the brains behind most of what went down in our department. He was important to me. Hell, without him, I'd probably lose my mind.

I nudged him with a smirk. "Yeah, yeah, Vishnu. Whatever you say, man," I teased. "But honestly, Priya, it wasn't even a challenge. We could've sent our interns to handle it and still come out on top." Vishnu scowled and hits my shoulder "po da"(get lost)

Priya laughed, clearly used to our banter. "You two are impossible," she muttered, but I could see the fondness in her eyes. It was the same look she'd always had for us, ever since we were all in college together. Back then, we'd been inseparable, always the trio: me, Vishnu, and Priya. Over the years, things had changed, but that bond—strong as steel—hadn't budged an inch.

Dinner was served, and Priya's home-cooked meal spread across the table like a masterpiece. The conversation flowed easily, and I couldn't help but feel content in this moment.

As I stuffed my mouth with chapati and manchurian,  Vishnu decided it was the perfect time to clear his throat. I glanced at him, one eyebrow raised, while still chewing. What now?

"Patti called me too,"  his tone almost too casual, which instantly made me suspicious.

I nodded lazily, swallowing my bite. "Yeah?" already sensing where this was heading.

Priya, who had been quietly watching our exchange, suddenly perked up, her eyes darting between us like she was watching a tennis match. When Vishnu nodded at her, it was like they'd already rehearsed this.

"Listen, da," Vishnu began, "it's been a long time since you visited them. Even Priya and I go twice a year to see our family. Everyone's missing you, da."

I gave him a pointed look, one that clearly screamed, 'You know damn well why I'm not going there, so don't start.' But Vishnu, being Vishnu, wasn't going to back down that easily.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I know, okay? I know everything. But think about Patti. She wants to see you. You promised Thatha(grandad) you'd keep the company at the top, didn't you? and the 50th anniversary is also approaching!"

That one stung. I hated it when he pulled the responsibility card. It always worked. I leaned back, crossing my arms, letting his words sink in.

Truth be told, Vishnu had always been my anchor. When I moved here for college, he joined me, even though he didn't have to. Sathyan Chithapa hadn't objected, and through every storm—every sleepless night, every success, every failure—Vishnu had stood by me. And as much as I hated to admit it, he was usually right.

Vishnu wasn't done yet, though. He leaned in closer, "Come on, da. Patti called me too. She's worried about you. You can't keep avoiding it forever. Even I'm planning to go to Chennai this time. It's time."

I stayed silent, my mind running through a thousand excuses, Priya chimed in,"Rudhra, he's right. Patti loves you so much. And you love her too. Don't let the past keep you from being there for her."

I sighed deeply, running a hand through my hair. They weren't wrong. And the truth was, I missed Patti too. She was the only reason I ever stayed connected to that side of the family. But the thought of facing him—my so-called father—and his perfect little family? It churned my stomach.

Finally, I exhaled, my voice calm but firm. "Fine. I'll go."

Vishnu's face lit up instantly, and Priya gave me the kind of relieved smile that only she could. But I raised a hand before they could celebrate too much. "But," I added, my tone dropping to an icy warning, "don't expect me to play nice with that man or his family. I'm going for Patti. That's it."

Vishnu nodded quickly, his grin widening. "Of course, da. No pressure. Just Patti."

Priya clapped her hands together like she'd just won a prize. "That's all we wanted to hear, Rudhra."

After dinner, as I sat back in my chair, a thought hit me out of nowhere, and I turned to Vishnu. "Did you find anything about Athai?(aunt)" I asked.

Vishnu sighed,"Still nothing, da. Our men in India are searching, but it's been years. Don't worry, we'll find her someday."

I nodded, masking the heaviness inside. Athai—she's the only woman I respect after my mom. She's been through hell, and yet fate didn't spare her either.I finished my meal and headed back to my apartment upstairs.

The moment I stepped in, the silence greeted me like an old friend. No chatter, no warmth—just the usual stillness. I walked over to the bar, poured myself a glass of whiskey, and downed it in one go. My lips curled into a bitter smirk. "Chennai, huh?" I muttered to myself, letting out a low chuckle.

Alcohol and smokes—they're my silent companions. They don't talk back, don't ask questions. But even with them, I've always known my limits.

a memory of Patti's phone calls surfaced. There was always this soft voice in the background, gentle and unassuming. And then Patti would start talking about a girl—Aaradhya.

For the last two years, Patti hasn't shut up about her. Aaradhya this, Aaradhya that. Always proudly. And mind you, Patti doesn't throw compliments lightly. Her helpers don't even last a month. But this girl... she's different.

I felt something strange stir inside me just hearing her name. Aaradhya, the way it lingered in my mind—it was new. Foreign, almost. I don't know why, but the thought of her made me... curious. Me, curious about someone I've never even met? Silly, isn't it?

I gulped down the rest of the whiskey, the burn grounding me. "Chennai," I whispered to myself, a flicker of something unexplainable sparking within. "Let's see what you've got this time."

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