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Here's the 2nd chapter of the story.
Press the star button before start reading.
Happy reading 😁.
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The soft click of the door echoed through the silent penthouse as I stepped inside. I loosened my tie and made my way to my room, the weight of the day still lingering on my shoulders.
The silence of my penthouse was a strange comfort. No sounds but the faint hum of the AC and the dull echo of my own footsteps against the marble floor. I peeled off my shirt, tossing it carelessly onto the sofa, and walked into the bathroom.
I turned the knob of the shower. Cold water crashed onto my skin, shocking me at first-but it was exactly what I needed. I leaned forward, both hands pressed against the wall, letting the water run down my back, trying to wash away the weight of yet another ruthless day.
Fifteen minutes later, I stepped out, water dripping from my hair. I wrapped a towel low around my waist and walked over to the floor-length mirror. The steam from the hot shower still lingered in the air, swirling lazily near the ceiling.
I selected a grey three-piece Armani suit from my wardrobe. Classic. Clean. Powerful. I ran my fingers over the fine fabric before slipping it on. As I adjusted my steel cufflinks, my phone buzzed on the table, breaking the stillness.
The name flashing on screen softened the hard lines of my face.
Dadi.
I sighed and answered. "Yes, Dadi?"
"Where are you, Aryan? You promised you'd come home for dinner. We've all been waiting."
"I'll be there in 20 minutes," I said, keeping my voice even. Got held up by some urgent work."
"Hmm," she replied with that knowing tone of hers. "Drive safe."
Cutting the call, I fixed my hair, grabbed car keys, and left the room.
Thirty minutes later, my car pulled up in front of the Oberoi mansion.The mansion loomed ahead-grand and warm, a stark contrast to my cold penthouse.
The moment I stepped in, the familiar warmth of home enveloped The soft scent of sandalwood and freshly cooked food wrapped around me. The chandeliers above cast a golden glow across the polished marble floors.
Dadi sat on the living room couch in her usual place,her smile lit up her face as I walked to her, gently touching her feet.
"Bless you, beta," she smiled, caressing my cheek with her wrinkled hand.
Just then, dadu entered, and I repeated the gesture-quiet, respectful,
"Finally," she huffed."We've been starving waiting for you. Let's eat-I'm very hungry."
I nodded with a rare softness in my eyes and moved toward the dining table.
Suddenly, a whirlwind of energy came barreling from the staircase-Ayush.
"Bhai! Where have you been?! I missed you so much!"he squealed and launched himself into my arms.
"Are you trying to knock me over?" I laughed, catching him mid-air and pulled him into a brief, affectionate hug. My stoic face cracked into a faint smile.
Abhishek followed,dressed in formal wear like always. He gave me a quick, firm hug. No words-just the quiet loyalty that had always existed between us.
We sat at the long dining table. Silver serving bowls lined the center-paneer, dal makhani, fresh rotis wrapped in cloth, and kheer in an antique copper bowl.
Dadi served me with her own hands. "Eat properly, Aryan. You've lost weight."
"No, Dadi. I'm fine," I replied, picking up a spoon.
But just as the food reached my mouth, Dadi spoke again. "You're 28 now. When will you stop making excuses about marriage?"You can't run forever."
I stopped mid-bite, sighed. "We've talked about this."I told you. I don't believe in marriage."
"Every time I bring it up, you shut me down. Why are you so afraid of letting someone into your life?""Beta, you need someone to stand beside you, to love you"
"I'm not afraid," I said quietly but firmly cutting her off. "I just don't need anyone."
"But beta-"
"No more, Dadi," I said, this time more sharply. "Please."
I set my spoon down and stood up, the chair screeching slightly against the floor.
Behind me, I heard her sigh heavily.
"What are we going to do with this boy, Ranvijay?" she asked Dadu.
His answer came with calm certainty. "Let time do its work, Seema. The right person will find their way to him."
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The tray trembled slightly in my hands. Three cups of tea, one of coffee. I stepped out of the kitchen carefully, trying to balance everything just right. My fingers were already red from accidentally brushing the hot steel handle.
As I turned the corner, Prisha Di came rushing from the hallway.
"Move!" she snapped, bumping hard into me.
The tray jolted, and hot tea splashed over my wrist.
"Ahh!" I cried, trying to steady it. The pain stung, sharp and sudden.
"What the hell, Isha!" she glared."Can't you even walk properly? Everything you touch turns to disaster. Who'll pay for this now?"
Mom entered, her eyes scanning the mess. Her face twisted in disgust.
"You're such a disgrace," she muttered. "Wasting milk and sugar like this. Who do you think you are-some princess? You're lucky I don't slap you right here."
My eyes stung, but I kept them lowered. Saying anything would only make it worse.
"You'll get no dinner tonight. Let that be your punishment."
I nodded once, pressing my lips tightly together, swallowing my pain-both physical and emotional.
The burn on my wrist was nothing compared to the ache in my chest.
I picked up the broken pieces, cleaned the mess, and rushed back to the kitchen. I turned on the tap and let cold water run over my wrist, hissing at the sting.
The day wasn't over. Dinner had to be cooked,I cooked -matar paneer, carrot curry, raita, rice, and kheer.My stomach churned, but i knew i wouldn't be allowed to eat. It was my punishment.
I rolled out rotis, tears silently falling onto the dough. I wiped them with the back of my hand and kept working.
By the time everything was ready,I was exhausted. My kurti clung to my back from sweat, and my feet ached.
Later, in my room ,i scrubbed my hand gently under cold water. The burn had started to brister slightly.
I changed into my worn-out nightwear and sat on my small desk with my textbooks. The yellow light of the study lamp cast shadows on the walls.My mother's harsh words echoed in my mind, but i shook them off and opened my book, and just hearing the familiar ringtone gave me a little relief.
Anika and Disha's faces popped up.
"Isha, you look tired," Anika said, concern lacing her voice.
I forced a smile. "Just a long day. But only one more semester to go."
Disha nodded. "And then freedom."
"Don't forget Sharma sir's final presentation," Anika added. "That man's terrifying."
For a moment, i allowed myself to feel excited. But then the clock reminded me of reality. "I have to go," i said. "Dinner's ready."
After i hung up, I stared at the screen for a few seconds longer.
They were my safe place. My only escape.
I went downstairs to serve dinner to my family. I stood silently near the table like I always did-unseen, uninvited.
When they finished, Mom turned to me.
"If I see even one grain of rice missing from the leftovers, you'll regret it."
I nodded.
"Good. Now clean up."
I wiped the table, scrubbed every dish, and packed the food carefully into containers. Only when everything sparkled did I finally return to my room.
My bones ached, my stomach rumbled, but i had work to do. I settled into bed with my laptop and began working on my presentation. Next week, I have a financial management presentation, and Professor Sharma is very strict. If he finds even a small mistake, he'll give me zero marks for my assessment.
After nearly two hours, it was finally ready. I checked the time and saw that it was already 12 am. I quickly shut my laptop, placed it on the side table, grabbed my blanket,and curled up under the thin blanket and stared at the ceiling. My stomach grumbled, but I ignored it. I closed my eyes, hoping sleep would come quickly.
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The alarm buzzed at 5 AM. I blinked awake, my limbs stiff and heavy. I sat up slowly, glancing at the tiny crack in the ceiling above me-my daily view.
I stepped into the bathroom, quickly washed up, and wore a soft pink cotton suit. I brushed my damp hair neatly, lined my eyes with kajal, and applied a soft nude lipstick. Small silver jhumkas dangled from my ears. Simple. Subtle.
Feeling ready, i left the room and headed to the kitchen.
After entering into the kitchen ,I made tea for Mama and Papa, strong coffee for Prisha, and carried the tray into the living room.
"Good morning, Mama," I said softly.
But she ignored me as she always did.
"Good morning, Papa."
He nodded without looking up from his phone.
I turned, heart sinking just a little more and went back to the kitchen to prepare aloo parathas. I packed my breakfast and left for college quietly, unseen, unheard.
On the other side, Aryan lay in his room, sleeping until the alarm beeped at 5 AM. He groaned softly and sat up turning off the alarm immediately , wiped his face, and threw on my his gear ready to headed to gym ,
He headed to the gym upstairs and worked out for about two hours. Returning to his room, his body glistened with sweat, accentuating his chiseled abs. Sweat droplets trickled down his chest, disappearing into his shorts.the sweat beads are dripping from his hairs making him too hot to watch.
Two hours later he entered the bathroom and emerged 15 minutes later, refreshed. From his closet, he picked a sleek black Armani suit, that hugged his powerful frame perfectly. With a Rolex on his wrist and a cool spray of perfume. He glanced once at his reflection. Sharp. Imposing. Just like he needed to be.
Aryan stepped out of his room, descended the stairs, and sat at the dining table. "Good morning, everyone," he said.
Good morning, everyone replied.
Everyone silently finished their breakfast, and afterward, Aryan and Abhishek left together for the office.
Later, in the car with Abhishek on the way to the office, he updated him on the Mehta deal.
Abhishek briefed Aryan, "Bhai, the Mehta Company is becoming desperate. They've called several times. They want a deal-but it's clearly for their benefit, not ours." They want to exploit our company for their gain."
Aryan listened intently."They're not worth our time," he said, voice cool. "They want our name to save their sinking ship."
Abhi nodded. "I've rejected them. You want me to block his number?"
"No," he said, smirking. "Let him try. I'll deal with him in my own way."
After some time
Their car pulled up in front of the Oberoi Group, Asia's number one company. The building stood tall, with at least 80 floors. Aryan and Abhishek stepped out of the car and entered the building.
As soon as he stepped inside, the entire floor fell silent. People who were previously chatting suddenly stopped and looked down, wishing him a subdued "Good morning." His aura commanded respect, and his single glance was enough to intimidate.
He entered his private lift, which directly accessed his cabin on the 80th floor.
Abhishek took another lift to his cabin on the 50th floor.
Aryan is sitting in his cabin, working on his laptop . Suddenly, someone entered without knocking. Aryan didn't look up or show annoyance, knowing only one person could enter his cabin without knocking - Rahul Rathore, CEO of Rathore Enterprises and his best friend and also his right hand in mafia world.
"How are you, bro?"he asked.
"As expected."he said without looking up."
"We need to talk.",he said in his serious tone.
Did you find anything about shipment,aryan asked.
I've been investigating, and it seems like it is the work of one of our rival gangs. Give me some more time, and I'll bring that man in front of you.,he said."
Aryan simply nodded.
After discussing some business deals, Rahul left "
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Author's note :
Thank you so much for reading , I hope you enjoyed this chapter .
Your feedback, comments, and votes truly keep me motivated to write more.
If you liked what you read, please share your thoughts and don't forget to follow me on Instagram for exclusive spoilers and updates on future chapters.
I'm excited to hear your opinions-let's make this journey unforgettable together!
Thank you❤️
Bye bye, take care 💓
Your author myfictionalworld18.
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