The first rays of sunlight crept through the massive windows of the Ranawat Palace bedroom, painting the burgundy silk walls in shades of gold and amber. Kynat stirred beneath the velvet duvet, her eyes fluttering open slowly. She turned her head toward the hidden door that led to Veer's attached wing. It was closed. Silent. No sound of movement from within. She sat up, running her fingers through her tangled hair.  She swung her legs out of bed and walked toward the bathroom but paused at the bathroom door, glancing back at the hidden door one last time.  “Should I knock? Should I see if he's there?” She shook her head.  “No. Don't be stupid. He doesn't want to see you.” She stepped into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. 

Kynat showered quickly, the hot water doing little to warm the cold feeling in her chest.  She chose a simple cotton saree, soft lavender with silver embroidery. She draped it carefully, pinned it at her shoulder, and looked at herself in the mirror. She walked toward the bedroom door, then paused. Her eyes drifted to the hidden door that led to Veer's wing then she turned away and walked out of the bedroom.

The dining room was already buzzing with activity when Kynat arrived.

The long mahogany table was set with silver platters of food—parathas, poha, fresh fruits, chai. The family was already seated, their conversations dying down as she entered but Veer's chair was empty.  Vaishali was the first to notice her. Her face lit up with a warm smile. "Beta, aao... aao. Yahan baitho." (Beta, come... come. Sit here.)  She patted the empty seat beside her. "Veer kahan hai?" Vaishali asked, her eyes searching the doorway. "Beta, aapne dekha?" (Where is Veer? Beta, did you see him?) 

Kynat blinked. "Hum... Humein nahi pata. Humne abhi tak unhe nahi dekha." (I... I don't know. I haven't seen him yet.) 

Vaishali's smile flickered. "Kya? Koi baat nhi shayd kahi gaya hoga. Aap aaram se breakfast karo." (What? It’s okay, beta... maybe he went for some work. You have your breakfast peacefully.)  Priya added, smirking. "Veer bhai woh toh apni biwi ko bhool hi gaye hai kya..?"  (Veer brother... he probably forgot his wife or what?) 

"Priya," Vaishali said sharply. "Enough."  Kynat kept her face neutral. She slid into her seat beside vaishali. "Kya, Chachi?" Priya's smile was innocent—too innocent. "Hum toh sirf puch hi rahai the." (What, Aunty? I was just asking.) 

"Puchna band karo." Vaishali's voice was ice. "Veer aapka bada bhai hai. Aur Kynat aapki bhabhi. Respect karo." (Stop asking. Veer is your elder brother. And Kynat is your sister-in-law. Learn to respect them.)

Priya rolled her eyes but said nothing. Vaishali cleared her throat. "Kynat, beta, khao. Aapne kuch nahi khaya." (Kynat beta, eat. You haven't eaten anything yet.) 

Kynat forced a smile. She picked up her spoon and took a bite of the kheer. It tasted like nothing. Her mind was elsewhere, maybe in Veer. 

Breakfast continued. The taunts continued.

"Shayad Veer ko apni biwi se sharam aati hai," Nandini said loudly. "Woh toh bahut khoobsurat hai. Usske saamne woh apna chehra nahi dikhana chahta." (Maybe Veer feels embarrassed to come in front of his wife. She is so beautiful... maybe that's why he doesn't even want to show his face.) 

"Ya shayad woh usse pyaar hi nahi karta," Nisha said. "Yeh toh transaction thi. Paisa. Power. Usko kya farak padta hai?" (Or maybe he doesn't love her at all. After all, It was a deal. Money. Power. Why would he even care?)

Kynat's eyes burned. She blinked rapidly, refusing to cry. Vaishali was just about to say something, but Dadisa spoke instead, "Enough. Focus on the food." Vaishali glanced at Kynat, her eyes softening. With a subtle gesture, she mouthed an apology—an unspoken plea for forgiveness. Kynat’s lips curved into a gentle smile. She shook her head lightly and whispered, “It’s okay.”

After breakfast, Kynat couldn't shake the feeling of unease. "Where is Veer? Why didn't he come to breakfast? Is he avoiding me?" She walked back toward the bedroom. Her footsteps echoed in the empty corridor. The palace was quieter now—the family had dispersed to their own activities. She reached the bedroom door, opened it, and stepped inside. The room was exactly as she had left it. Empty and silent. 

Her eyes went to the hidden door that led to Veer's wing again. She walked toward the door. Her heart was pounding. She raised her hand and knocked . She tried again, harder this time. She reached for the handle and twisted. Locked. "It’s closed, which means he isn’t here." She pressed her forehead against the cold wood and closed her eyes. She stood there for a long moment, then she turned and walked out of the room.

Downstairs, Vaishali was waiting for her in the drawing room. When Kynat finally appeared, Vaishali’s eyes softened, but her voice carried the weight of concern. "Beta, kya hua? Aap bohut pareshan lag rahi hai." (Beta, what happened? You look so distressed.) Kynat shook her head. "Kuch nahi." (Nothing.) 

"Jhooth." Vaishali patted the seat beside her. "Aao, baitho. Or abb sach sach bataiye ki kya hua humari bahu ko..?" (Lie. Come, sit. And now tell me honestly… What happened to my daughter-in-law?)

Kynat sat down heavily, her shoulders slumping. "Maa– Vo Veer..” (Mother…Veer…)

Vaishali's expression softened. She reached over and squeezed Kynat's hand. "Beta, Aadrash ka phone aaya tha. Business ka kaam tha. Veer jaldi subah office chala gaya."  (Beta, Aadrash called. It was regarding some important business work. Veer left for the office early in the morning.)

Kynat looked up, confused. "Office?" Vaishali nodded. "Haan beta… humein bhi nahi pata ki aaj Veer itni jaldi kyun chala gaya. Shayad koi zaroori kaam hoga." (Yes, beta… even we do not know why Veer left so early today. Perhaps there must have been some urgent work.)  Vaishali’s words lingered in the air, but Kynat only nodded. 

Meanwhile, far away from the palace at Ranawat Industries stood like a symbol of power. Inside the private conference room, the atmosphere was tense."We need to discuss the Sethia proposal," Dadasa began. "It's a profitable venture. One that could secure our future for decades."

"But Veer has already rejected this proposal." Raghav said quietly. "And going against Veer… would that be right? Or should we wait for Veer’s decision?"

"Veer’s decision?" Yashwant scoffed. "How much does Veer really understand about business? He sits in his wheelchair and thinks every success is proof of his intelligence. I'm telling you, the Sethia deal is the only way forward. The textile contract alone will triple our profits." 

Before anyone could discuss further, the door opened. Vikram entered "Dadasa," he said. "Sethia’s aagaye hai." (Dadasa, the Sethias have arrived.”) 

Four black luxury cars pulled up outside the Ranawat Industries building. Bodyguards spilled out—dark suits, dark glasses, bulges under their jackets that could only be guns. From the third car, two men stepped out. Vijay Sethia. He was in his late sixties, silver-haired, with cold eyes that had seen too much blood. He walked with the measured confidence of a man who had never been challenged. Arjun Sethia. Vijay's son. Younger, sharper, with the smile of a predator. 

They walked into the building, their bodyguards flanking them. Dadasa greeted them at the entrance. "Sethia jii, Aapka swagat hai." (Mr. Sethia, welcome to Ranawat Industries.) Arjun smiled, a thin, cold smile. "Jaivardhan ji. Thank you for having us." They all led them to the conference room.

And all of this was being watched by Veer, from his private office. He sat in his wheelchair in front of his wall of screens, a glass of whiskey in his hand. The footage from the corporate office played live—the Sethias entering, the handshakes, the smiles that didn't reach anyone's eyes.

Aadrash stood beside him, his tablet in hand. "Hukum," Aadrash said. "Aakhir kar inhone sethias ko bula hi liya." (Finally, they brought the Sethias here.) Veer smiled, a cold, dangerous smile. "Hum yahi toh chahta the ki woh Sethias ko bulaye." (I wanted them to call the Sethias themselves.) Veer took a sip of whiskey. "Jab tak dushman saamne nahi aata, tab tak Khel main mazza nahi aata."  (Until the enemy stands in front of you… the real thrill of the game doesn’t begin.) He set his whiskey on the table and adjusted his coat. "Time to make an entrance," he murmured.

The meeting was in full swing in the boardroom. Vijay Sethia was explaining his proposal—a joint venture, a partnership that would bring immense profits to both families. The numbers were impressive. The terms seemed generous. Dadasa was nodding. Yashwant and Raghav were practically salivating. Vikram was taking notes. Suddenly the doors opened and Veer wheeled in. The room went silent. Vijay Sethia's eyes narrowed. Arjun Sethia's smile froze. Everyone had heard of Veer Ranawat, the crippled heir, the ugly monster, the recluse who never showed his face in public. But seeing him in person was different.

"Veer," Jaivardhan said, his voice tight. "Tum yahan?" (Veer, you are here?) 

"Hum yahan kyun nahi ho sakta?" Veer wheeled to the head of the table. "Yeh humari company hai." (Why can’t I be here? This company belongs to me.)

Vijay Sethia recovered first. "Veer ji. Aapke baare mein bahut suna hai." (Mr. Veer… I have heard a lot about you.)  "Humne bhi," Veer said flatly. "Sethia ji. Aapke baare mein.” (I have heard too… Mr. Sethia. About you.)

Jaivardhan stepped in quickly. "Veer, beta, inki offer bohot profitable hai. Humne socha hai ki—"  (Veer, son… their proposal is very profitable. We thought that—)

"Humne socha hai," Veer interrupted, "aur humein lagta hai ki aap sahi keh rahe hain."  (I have thought about it. And I think you're right.)  The room went silent. Everyone stared at Veer. "Kya?"  (What?) Yashwant breathed. 

"Humne kaha," Veer said slowly, "ki hum manzoori deta hoon. Ranawat Industries Sethia ke saath partnership main kaam karegi."  (I said… I approve this proposal. Ranawat Industries will work in partnership with Sethia.) 

Vijay's eyes flickered with surprise—then triumph. "Bahut achha, Veer ji. Humari partnership bohut tarraki karegi."  (Very good, Mr. Veer. This partnership of ours will definitely bring great success.) He extended his hand. Veer reached out and shook it.

The entire room exhaled. But as Veer's hand clasped Vijay's, his eyes met Arjun's. And Arjun saw something in those brown eyes that made his blood run cold. 

— — —

Back at the palace, boredom drove Kynat to wander the palace again. She needed air. She needed space. She found herself walking through the palace corridors again, past the portrait gallery, past the east wing, past the west wing. And then, almost unconsciously, her feet carried her toward the darker corridor. The one with the iron-banded door. She remembered the mystery, the intrigue, the way Vaishali had pulled her away. She was almost there but suddenly, "Kynat!"

A voice made her freeze, she spun around. Kian stood at the entrance of the corridor, his face lit with an easy smile. But his eyes were sharp and watchful. "Where are you going?" he asked, stepping closer. "This is the old part of the palace. There is nothing special here."

"Hum bas..." Kynat hesitated. "Hum toh bas ghoom rahai the." (I was just… I was just exploring the palace.)

"Exploring?" Kian laughed. "This is not what you call exploring the palace, Kynat. This is a path that leads underground." His tone was teasing, but his eyes never left her face. He stepped closer, closing the distance between them. Before she could retreat, his hand reached out and caught hers.

"Chalo," he said smoothly, his grip firm but not rough. "Aapko ghoomna hi hai toh hum tumhe le jaate hoon."  (Come…If you want to explore the palace, then I will show you.)

Kynat blinked, startled by the sudden contact. For a moment, she thought of pulling away but boredom, curiosity, and the strange thrill of the forbidden corridor made her pause. She was restless, after all. So she let him lead her. Kian leads her toward the palace garden. 

Kynat followed him, her sandals crunching softly against the gravel. The garden was breathtaking—orchids, lilies, jasmine vines climbing trellises, and lanterns glowing faintly along the paths. Yet something tugged at her heart. "Tumhe ghoomna tha na? Toh yeh lo… the palace garden. Huge, endless, and beautiful." (You wanted to explore, right? Then look… the palace garden. Huge, endless, and beautiful.)

She paused, scanning the beds of flowers. Her brow furrowed. "It’s beautiful… but…"

Kian tilted his head. "But?" Kynat hesitated, then admitted softly, "I love roses. Gulab. They’ve always been my favorite. But here… there isn’t a single rose plant. And if there is, it doesn’t bloom." 

Kian studied her face for a moment, then smiled.  "So that’s what’s bothering you? Roses. No worries. I’ll give you." Kynat blinked, confused. "What do you mean?" He grinned, eyes glinting with mischief.  "Wait here. I’ll be back."

Before she could protest, he was already striding toward the garden gates. Moments later, the roar of his bike echoed through the afternoon. Minutes passed. The garden was quiet again, save for the rustle of leaves and the distant trickle of water from the fountains. Kynat wandered slowly, her fingers brushing the petals of lilies.

Then, the sound returned, the low growl of Kian’s bike approaching. She turned, her eyes widening as Kian walked back through the archway, a bouquet of fresh roses in his hand. The crimson petals glowed against the sunlight. Kian held them out with a triumphant smile. "For you. Since the palace forgot to plant them, I thought I’d fix that mistake."

 For a moment, Kynat just stared. And then, despite herself, she laughed. She reached out, taking the bouquet carefully. The roses were cool against her fingers, their fragrance rich and familiar. Looking up at Kian, she shook her head. "You’re impossible." Kian smirked. "Maybe. But at least now you’re smiling."

___ ___ ___

Evening was just about to fall when Veer’s car pulled through the palace gates, its tires crunching against the gravel. Aadrash was in the front seat, his expression neutral. Veer sat in the back, his face turned toward the window, his mind still churning with the day's events. The Sethias. The contract. The trap. Everything was going according to plan. But his mind wasn't on business. It was on her. Kynat. He had left her alone all day. He had buried himself in work, tried to ignore her. She hates me, he thought. And she has every right to.

The car stopped at the main entrance. A servant rushed forward to open the door. Aadrash stepped out first and helped Veer to transfer himself into it with practiced ease, his movements smooth and controlled. He wheeled himself toward the palace entrance. And then he heard it.

Laughter. Kynat's laughter. Light, musical, carefree. The sound of someone who had forgotten their troubles for just a moment. Veer froze.

The sound was coming from the garden, the eastern garden, with its marble fountains and blooming roses. He could see the archway from here, the vines cascading down like green waterfalls. He wheeled himself toward the sound. He reached the archway and stopped. And his blood turned to ice. Kynat, standing in the garden, roses in her hand and her head tilted back, her face alight with laughter. Her lavender saree caught the fading sunlight, making her look like something from a dream. Her hair, loose, flowing past her shoulders, danced in the evening breeze. 

Something inside Veer snapped. His jaw clenched, his eyes darkened, and his mind burned with fury. The sight of her laughter, shared with someone else, was unbearable. His gaze dropped to the bouquet in her hand, and the anger deepened. Roses. From Kian. 

His grip on the wheelchair arms tightened so hard that the metal groaned. His jaw clenched, his eyes were fixed on Kian with a hatred so pure it felt holy.

Veer wheeled forward, his movements silent, predatory. Kynat didn't see him coming. She was still looking at the roses, her fingers brushing the petals. And then, strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind. Kynat gasped before she could react, she was pulled backward, her back pressing against a solid chest.

Kynat froze. The arms around her were muscular, unyielding. She could feel the heat radiating from the body behind her, the steady thump of a heartbeat against her shoulder blade. And then she heard his voice, low, cold, vibrating with barely contained rage. He whispers against her ear. "Kynat." 

By hearing her name, a deep, burning blush that started at her chest and spread up to her cheeks, her ears, the tips of her fingers. Kynat whispered, "Veer! Aap ye kya kar rahi hai..?" (Veer! What are you doing?) Veer’s voice was low and dangerous. "Smiling without your husband…?" 

Kian's smile wiped clean off his face. His eyes darted between Veer and Kynat, his hands clenching into fists at his sides, jealousy twisting inside him. Kynat tilted her head back just enough to see his face. His eyes were not looking at her. They were glaring at Kian. Veer’s arms tightened just enough to remind her of his hold, his breath brushing against her ear. His voice dropped into a whisper, calm but commanding, carrying that strange mix of tenderness and authority. "Shaam ho gayi hai… aap andar jaiye. Hum aate hain."  (It’s evening now… go inside. I’ll come.) 

Kynat’s blush deepened, her fingers trembling around the bouquet of roses. For a moment she wanted to protest, but his tone left no space for argument. Slowly, almost reluctantly, she turned and disappeared inside the palace.

Veer’s eyes, however, remained locked on Kian, sharp and unrelenting. "What were you trying to do, huh!?" Kian forced a casual smirk, leaning back as if unaffected. "Relax, Veer. I was just making her smile. Nothing more. Why are you so angry?"

Veer’s jaw tightened, his fists clenched against the armrest of his chair. He leaned forward slightly, his tone dropping to a lethal whisper, "Aapni bakwass apne pass rakho, Dhayan rakhna kahi ye tum par hi bhari na padh jaye."  (Keep these pointless remarks to yourself. Be careful, or this might end up weighing heavily against you.)

The threat hung heavy in the air. Kian’s smirk faltered for a heartbeat, though he quickly masked it with another shrug, pretending indifference. Without another word, Veer turned his chair and rolled back toward the palace. His figure disappeared into the grand doorway, leaving Kian standing alone in the garden.

Veer rolled back into the palace, his jaw tight, his silence heavier than the marble walls around him. The wheels of his chair carried him straight to his bedroom. The bedroom door clicked shut behind Veer with a sound that echoed through the tense silence. Kynat stood near the window, her arms crossed over her chest. The bouquet of roses was still clutched in her hand, forgotten in the chaos of the moment. "Ye kya tha bahar? Aapne Kian ko dhamki di. Aapne Humein— " (What was that outside? You threatened Kian… you—)

Veer interrupted, wheeling closer. "Humne aapko uss gadhe se dur kiya. Aur aap humare khilaf bol rahi ho?"  (I kept you away from that donkey. And you are speaking against me?) 

"Kyunki aap galat the!" Kynat stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "Kian ne kuch nahi kiya! Woh sirf—" (Because you were wrong! Kian did nothing! He was just—) 

Veer's voice rose. "Woh sirf kya, Kynat? Woh sirf aapko roses de raha tha? Woh sirf aapko hasa raha tha? Woh sirf aapko chhoo raha tha?"  (He was just what, Kynat? He was just giving you flowers? He was just making you laugh? He was just touching you?)

Veer wheeled closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Woh aapke saath aacha nhi hai, Kynat. Vo nafrat karta hai humse. Aur woh aapko humare khilaf use karna chahta hai Issiliye usse dur rahiye." (He is not being kind to you, Kynat. He hates me and he wants to use you against me. That is why stay away from him.) 

Kynat stared at him. "Aap pagal ho gaye hain. Or Aap kaun hain humein ye batane wale? Aap toh khud humse door rehte hain! Aur ab aap kehte hain ki hum kisi aur se baat nahi kar sakti? Kyun?"  (You have lost your mind. And who are you to tell me who I can talk to and who I cannot? You are the one who keeps yourself away from me. And now you are saying that I cannot even talk to someone else? Why?)  

Veer huff. "Kyunki hum keh rahai hai ." (Because I am saying so.)

"Aapke kehne se kuch nahi hota!" Kynat's voice rose. "Hum koi cheez nahi hai! Hum koi property nahi hai! Hum insaan hai! Aur humein haq hai—" (Your words do not decide everything! I am not an object. I am not any property. I am human. And I have rights to—)

"Aapko koi haq nahi hai!" (You don’t have any right’s) Veer thundered.

The room went silent. Kynat stared at him. Her eyes were wide, shocked. "What?" she whispered. Veer's jaw tightened, he looked at the roses, Kian's roses and something inside him snapped. His hands gripped the arms of his wheelchair. "Aap in roses ko chaahti ho" (You want these roses?) Kynat looked at him, confused. "Huh?"

Veer wheeled forward, snatched the bouquet from her hands, and wheeled toward the fireplace. He threw the roses into the flames. The fire caught instantly. The beautiful red petals curled and blackened, turning to ash in seconds. The stems crackled and popped, releasing the scent of burning flowers into the air.

Kynat stood frozen, her hands outstretched, her mouth open in shock. Her voice broke. "Aapne humare roses jala diye."  (You burned my roses.)

Veer said coldly "Yeh aapke nahi the, Kian ke the. Aur Kian ki di hui koi bhi cheez humein humare kamre mein nahi chaiye." (They were not yours, they were Kian’s. And I don’t want anything given by Kian in my room.) 

Kynat turned to look at him. Her eyes were filled with tears—hot, angry, hurt tears. Roses were her favorite and he had destroyed them in anger.  Her voice shook. "Aapko pata bhi hai ki humko gulab kitne pasand hai aur aapne unhe jala diya." (Do you even know how much we love roses, and you burned them.) She stepped back, away from him. "Hum aapse baat nahi karenge."  (I will not talk to you.)

She turned and ran  out of the room. Veer sat frozen, his hands gripping the armrest of his chair. His eyes followed her until she disappeared beyond the doorway. He didn’t call her back. He didn’t stop her. His anger was too consuming, too blinding.

The flames in the fireplace flickered, reflecting in his eyes. Finally, with a sharp exhale, Veer turned his chair toward the bathroom. 

After a long shower, Veer had just finished freshening up and changed into his night clothes, his movements sharp, still carrying the weight of his earlier anger. As he adjusted his kurta, his gaze drifted toward the side of Kynat's side wardrobe. A small wooden box sat there, half‑hidden beneath a folded shawl. Something about it caught his attention. He wheeled closer, reached out, and lifted the box. The lid creaked open. Inside lay a delicate locket. Veer’s brows furrowed as he picked it up, turning it in his fingers. On the back, etched faintly, was the figure of Mahadev ji. Carefully, he opened the locket and found a faded photograph, Kynat’s mother, smiling softly, holding a little girl barely four years old. Kynat. 

For a moment, Veer’s anger melted. Something stirred inside him—an ache, a tenderness he rarely allowed himself to feel.

The sound of the door opening snapped him back. His heart jolted. Quickly, Veer placed the locket back into the box, shut the lid, and slid it into its place.

By the time Kynat stepped inside, he had already pulled out his phone, pretending to scroll, his expression carefully neutral. Kynat entered quietly, her face still clouded with anger. She didn’t look at him, didn’t say a word. Veer glanced up, his jaw tightening at her ignorance. He huffed, frustration flickering in his eyes. Kynat moved past him, her steps firm.

Veer sat there, pretending indifference, but inside he was waiting for her attention.

Later, The palace kitchen glowed warmly under the lantern light. Kynat was there with Vaishali, standing beside the kitchen counter, helping Vaishali prepare dinner. Her hair was tied loosely, a few strands falling around her face. Their laughter was soft and genuine as they stirred pots and arranged dishes for dinner. The clinking of utensils, the aroma of spices, and their cheerful chatter filled the air.

Just then, Veer entered. His presence was commanding as always, but tonight, Kynat didn’t even glance at him. She kept her focus on Vaishali, smiling at something she said, deliberately ignoring Veer. He wheeled into the kitchen, clearing his throat. No response. Veer's eyes narrowed. He wheeled right next to her. Kynat picked up a bowl of Kheer and without glancing at Veer she walked past him out of the kitchen. Vaishali looked at Veer. Her eyes were wide with confusion. What's happening? her expression seemed to say.

Veer's hands gripped the arms of his wheelchair. He was being ignored. Completely, utterly ignored. And it was driving him insane.

Soon, the dinner hour arrived. The family was gathered for dinner when the unexpected happened. The doors opened. A servant announced, "Sethia Sahab aur Arjun Sahab aaye hain."  (Sethia sir and Arjun sir have arrived.)

The room went still. Veer's head snapped up. His eyes blazed. What the hell are they doing here? Dadasa rose from his seat, a wide smile on his face. "Vijay ji! Arjun ji! Aao, aao. Humne socha tha ki aap aayenge. Humne inhe khane mein bulaya hai."  (Vijay ji! Arjun ji! Come, come. We thought you would come. I invited them for dinner.)

Veer's blood ran cold. The Sethias greeted everyone—Yashwant, Vikram, Raghav, the others. Their smiles were polite, professional.

And then Arjun Sethia's eyes fell on Kynat as she was  standing near the dining room doorway. Veer saw it. His blood turned to ice. "Kynat," Veer said, his voice cold. "Mere paas aao."  (Come near me.) Kynat walked to him. He took her hand, possessive, deliberate. 

"Veer ji," Arjun said smoothly. "Aapki wife bohut khoobsurat hain." "Shukriya." (Veer ji, your wife is very beautiful.) Veer's voice was flat as he taunted him. "Aapki biwi bhi." (Thank you. Your wife is beautiful too.) Arjun's smile didn't waver. "Main unmarried hoon." (I am unmarried.)  Veer's eyes were ice. "Bhagwaan kare hamesha rahai. ." (May God make sure you always remain that way.)

Arjun's smile didn't waver but his eyes hardened. The tension crackled. Kynat looked at Veer, confused.

Dadasa guided Vijay and Arjun towards the dining table. Everyone else took their seat. Kynat was beside Veer. And then, deliberately, Kian slid into the chair on Kynat’s other side. His smirk was subtle, but Veer caught it instantly.

The dinner began. The conversation flowed but it was all business. The Sethias and the Ranawats talked about contracts, profits, expansions. Veer listened more than he spoke.

Kynat  reached for the roti tray. Kian was faster. He reached for the roti basket—but before he could hand it to her, Veer took a roti from his own plate and placed it on Kynat's plate. "Yeh lo," (Take) Veer said calmly.

Kian's hand froze in mid-air. The table went silent. A few members laughed, Kian's face flushed red. He pulled his hand back, his jaw tight. Veer smiled behind his mask. "Kuch hua, Kian?" (Something wrong, Kian?) 

"Kuch nahi." (Nothing) Kian's voice was strained and embarrassed. Bastard, Kian thought. That bastard humiliated me in front of everyone. 

After dinner, the Sethias took their leave. Vijay shook hands with everyone. Arjun's eyes found Kynat again—but this time, he was careful not to linger. "Shukriya," (Thank you.) Vijay said.  As they walked out, Vijay turned back. "Veer ji," he called out. "Mujhe umeed hai ki hum dono ki partnership acchi rahegi." ("Veer ji, I hope our partnership will go well.) 

Veer's eyes met his but said nothing.Instead Dadasa said. “Bilkul.” (Absolutely) Veer only watched from his wheelchair as the Sethias walked toward their cars, a cold smile on his face. 

— — —

At Alwar’s house, Vicky Alwar sat in his room, his head in his hands. He had been trying for hours to figure out who had blown up the ship. Who had destroyed five hundred crore worth of merchandise. “Whoever did this... they're very powerful. But who?”

Just then, his phone buzzed. He picked it up. An unknown number. A single message: 

"Tumhara maal jal gaya. Ab tumhari bari hai. Apni aankhein kholo. Dekho kaun tumhe dekh raha hai. Koshish Kar lo dhudh sako toh dhundh lo." (Your shipment is destroyed. Now it’s your turn. Open your eyes. See who is watching you. Try... if you can find me, then find.) 

Vicky's blood turned cold. He threw his phone across the room, his hands shaking. "Yeh kya ho raha hai? Pehle ship blast, ab yeh message. Kaun hai? Kaun chahta hai mera nuksan?" (What is happening? First the ship blast, now this message. Who is it? Who wants to destroy me?)

The door opened. Sudha, Vicky’s mother and Kynat’s stepmother, walked in, her face worried. "Beta, kya hua? Tum itne pareshan kyun ho?" (Son, What happened..? You are looking distressed.) 

Vicky forced a smile. "Kuch nahi, Maa." (Nothing, Mother) But Sudha’s gaze was sharp, seasoned with years of knowing him too well. She folded her arms. "Vicky, main jaanti hoon jab tu jhooth bolta hai. Tere chehre pe likha hota hai. Jab se tum Dubai se lote ho tab se pareshaan ho. Kya hua?" (Vicky, I know when you lie. It’s written all over your face. Ever since you returned from Dubai, you have been disturbed. What happened?) 

Vicky swallowed hard, his throat tight. He wanted to speak, to let out the storm inside him, but the words refused to come.  "Kuch nahi, Maa. Main theek hoon. Bas thak gaya hu." (Nothing, Mom. I’m fine. I’m just tired.) Sudha studied him, unconvinced, but she didn’t press further. She gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze and left the room. 

Sudha’s footsteps faded as she left the room, but Vicky remained seated, his forced smile collapsing the moment the door closed. His chest tightened, sweat beading at his temples. He wiped it quickly, but more gathered, sliding down his forehead. His mind raced. "Aakhir yeh dushman hai kaun?" (Who is this enemy after all?)

The thought gnawed at him, twisting his insides. His palms grew damp, his shirt clung uncomfortably to his back. He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat refusing to ease.

"Aur kahi… kahi yeh meri jaan ke piche toh nahi?"  (And what if… what if they’re after my life?)