✼PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO VOTE, COMMENT and FOLLOW.....
It was morning hour, inside Rajveer and Omkar's London Mansion.
Casually, Omkar asked a servant, "Where's Veer???"
The Servant replied politely, "Sir, Rajveer Sir is currently engaged in target practice in the backyard."
Omkar said, "Hmm, OK."
(Saying this, he made his way towards backyard.)
Entering the backyard, Omkar witnessed Rajveer firing a pistol at a human silhouette target.
Seeing this, Omkar muttered to himself, "Offo....!!! Yeh ladka bhi na!! Iska pehla aur akhri pyaar target practice hi hain."
(Offo! This guy! His first and last love is target practice.)
Firing the last bullet at the silhouette target, Rajveer stated firmly, without looking at Omkar, "Correct!!" He then turned his gaze, at Omkar and asked with a smirk, "Aren't you going to ask me, Bro, How I knew what you just said??"
Omkar came up to Rajveer, placed a hand on his shoulder, and said with a smirk, "No, Dude, because the very problem you and I have that we know what's in each other's hearts without speaking, we understand what's going on in each other's minds and we grasp what we can say to one another."
(Saying this, he winked at Rajveer.)
Omkar said further, "Dude, if you're done with all this, let's go. Our jet is ready; the pilot just called me."
Rajveer hummed in response, "Hmm," he asked Omkar further, "Accha bro, listen—did you tell our chota nawabzada that we’re going to India?"
Omkar replied casually, "Yeah, I told Chutku about it last night."
With a knowing look, Rajveer asked deliberately, "By the way, tell me something, tera Chutku college jakar padhai wadhai karta hai bhi, ya wahan sirf maar-pit karke lockup jata hai??"
(By the way, tell me something, does your Chutku actually study at college, or is he just there to get into fights and end up in lockup?)
Hearing this, Omkar’s eyes widened in surprise. He quickly turned his face away with a funny expression, covering his mouth with his hand as he began to murmur to himself, "Hayee hayee... iss Khunkhar Sher ko kaise pata chala ke Chutku lockup gaya tha?"
(Oh my goodness... how did this ferocious lion find out that Chutku ended up in a lockup?)
Even though Omkar had only muttered under his breath, Rajveer knew exactly what he was saying.
With a knowing smirk, Rajveer began twirling his pistol in his hand and said, "Tujhe kya lagta hai, bro, tera Chutku wahan US mein aur tu yahan London mein hi baithe hue dono milkar kya kya gul khilate ho woh mujhe pata nahi chalega?"
(You think, Bro, that just because your Chutku is sitting there in the US and you’re over here in London, I won’t find out what mischief you two are cooking up together?)
While raising an eyebrow, Rajveer said further, "I’m well aware of what happened. Our chota nawab decided to play hero and thrashed two guys at his college for bothering a girl. When the police locked him up, you were the one who got him released by threatening the police from right here, didn't you, Om?"
Omkar cleared his throat with a sheepish look and said, "Ahem!!! Yeah, OK, I’m not denying it. But it’s not like Chutku did anything wrong. He only beat them up—if you were in his place, you probably would’ve just finished those two guys off, wouldn’t you?"
Upon hearing this, Rajveer rolled his eyes.
Then, Omkar said casually, "Anyway, forget all that, dude. Let’s move or we’ll be late—we’ve got a ton of work to do once we reach India. Come on!!"
After that the two stepped into the hall and, before leaving, stood before a framed picture of a man on the wall, which was adorned with a garland, and spoke while looking at the photograph.
Rajveer : Vinay Uncle, Om and I are heading to Shimla today after so many years!!! The very place where everything started.
Omkar : Yes, Vinay Uncle. Please always keep showering your blessings upon us.
With those words, Rajveer and Omkar departed for the airport.
Meanwhile, in Shimla, nestled Pakhi’s delightful little "SHARMA HOUSE".
It was morning, and suddenly, from within Pakhi and Mehek's shared bedroom. A sound erupted-Pakhi's sweet bubbly voice, ringing out clearly and loudly to her mother Shivangi down in the kitchen, "Ughh..... Maa, the geyser has malfunctioned again. The water simply isn’t heating up. We only had it repaired 4 days ago.....!!!"
Lying in bed, Mehek muttered sarcastically her voice thick with sleep, "Haan toh char din hamara geyser dhang se chal gaya yahi bohot badi baat hain, Di."
(Well, the fact that our geyser worked properly for 4 whole days-that's a big deal in itself, Sis.)
Pakhi came towards the bed placing her hands on her waist, "What are you trying to say, Miku?" as she asked, her bubbly voice tight with annoyance, but her expression was undeniably cute.
Mehek mumbled, "Kanjoos....!!"
(Stingy!)
Pakhi exclaimed in disbelief, "What...?!"
The sound of Pakhi’s voice jolted Mehek awake instantly, spoke with a yawn, "Uhh.... yeh maine nahi kaha, Di, yeh toh woh geyser wala uss din aapko kanjoos bolkar gaya hai." she said further "Aur aap apna kanjoospana ko baju mein rakhkar ek naya geyser kharidlo, kyunki yeh purana wala andar se bigad gaya hai, meri maa.... aisa uss geyser wale ne kaha hai maine nahi."
(Uhh, sis, I'm not the one saying this-the geyser technician called you stingy that day. And it'snot me it's him who specifically told you to put aside your stinginess and buy a new geyser, as this old one is totally damaged on the inside, my mother.)
Pakhi replied, "Yeh sab unke chonchle hain, taki hum naya geyser kharide aur woh geyser fit karne ke bahane humse dher sara paise loot le." further she retorted with a cute pout, "Paise kya ped par ugte hain....??? Aane de uss geyser wale ko ek paisa nahi dene wali main!!"
(There’s nothing actually wrong with the geyser. This is just a trick by the geyser technician to push us into buying new geyser, so that they can charge us inflated fees for fitting it. Does money grow on trees? Let that geyser technician come-I'm not giving him a single penny!)
It was then that Shivangi entered the room with the hot water from the kitchen and spoke to Pakhi, "Offo.... bandkar yeh shor karna, Shona!! Here's is your warm water, go take a shower now, or you'll be late for the office."
(Offo, stop making so much noise, Shona!)
With that Pakhi took her bucket of warm water and headed straight for the bathroom to take a bath.
That's when Shivangi spotted Mehek, who had slumped back into sleep again right where she was sitting.
While placing a hand on her waist, Shivangi murmured, "Isko abhi main neend ka award deti hoon."
(I’m giving her the award for sleeping right now.)
Saying this, Shivangi grabbed the table clock from the bedside table and rang the alarm right next to Mehek's ear.
Mehek instantly sprang awake and said, "Aag!! Aag!! Bhaago.....!!"
(Fire! Fire! Run!)
Shivangi said firmly, "Aag lagi nahi hai, par lag jayegi agar tu 5 minute bed se utarkar nahane nahi gayi toh."
(A fire hasn't sparked, but it's guaranteed if you don't leave the bed and get to the shower within 5 mins)
Mehek replied dramatically, "Areyyyy Maa, is this the way to wake up your little princess."
Shivangi spoke in a sarcastic tone, "Meri choti shehzadi ji, sooraj mama kabke uug gaye hai, toh aap agar college late jayengi toh college ka principal aapko nikal dega college se, aur agar aisa hua toh main aapko nikal dungi ghar se...!!"
(My little princess, the sun is already way up. If you go to college late, the college principal will dismiss you, and if that happens, I'll dismiss you from the house!)
Mehek lunged from the bed, placing a hand dramatically upon her brow, and said, "Hey maate, aap apne iss putri ko ek tuccha baat ke liye griha se nikal degngi...?? Yeh sunne se pehle yeh dharti phat kyun nahi gayi aur hum usme sama kyun nahi gaye!"
(Mother, would you cast out your own daughter for such a trivial matter? Why didn't the earth split open and swallow me whole before I had to hear those words!)
Twisting Mehek's ear, Shivangi spoke "Drama queen, go and take a bath in my bathroom."
With a quick motion, Mehek slipped her ear from Shivangi’s grip, and immediately ran off, heading straight downstairs to Shivangi’s room.
Looking toward the door, Shivangi gave a slight shake of her head and chuckled. "Both my daughters are number one when it comes to mischief," she said, beginning to straighten the bedsheets and tidy up the room.
Meanwhile, a lone private jet cut through the obsidian night.
The cabin was silent, save for the steady breathing of Rajveer and Omkar as they slept. But the peace was short-lived for Rajveer. In the depths of his sleep, a sudden feverish heat took over; sweat beaded on his skin and his throat felt parched and constricted. He snapped awake, heart hammering against his ribs.
Omkar woke instantly at the commotion. Seeing Rajveer’s panicked state, he quickly switched on the seat lights and began rubbing Rajveer’s back in soothing circles and said, "It’s OK... it’s OK, dude. Nothing happened. Just breathe, relax. Here, drink some water.”
Omkar handed him a glass, which Rajveer drained in a single, desperate gulp.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, Rajveer looked around, his brow furrowed in confusion. "The lights..." he asked, "who turned off the lights?"
"Looks like the flight attendant turned the lights off," Omkar said casually. "No worries, I’ll tell them. For now, you just relax; I’m going to wash my face."
(With that, Omkar headed toward the lavatory.)
When he stepped out, he saw both the flight attendants and asked politely, "Excuse me, who turned off the lights in the cabin?"
"I did, sir," one of them replied. "Is there a problem?"
"Not at all. It’s just that my friend isn't a fan of the dark," Omkar said with a shrug. "So, as long as we’re on board, could we keep the lights on?"
"Of course, sir," they replied in unison with a nod.
Omkar was about to turn away when the second flight attendant spoke up. "Excuse me, sir?"
"Hmm?" Omkar turned back.
Both women were blushing as they looked toward Rajveer. "Uhh, sir... could we possibly get Rajveer Sir’s number?"
Omkar’s expression shifted into a knowing smirk. "Kyun ji...??"
(And why is that?)
"Bas.... bas yun hi, Sir," the second one stammered, her blush deepening.
(Just... because, Sir.)
"In that case," Omkar replied with a flirtatious glint in his eye, "Main bhi 'yun hi' apne dost ka number nahi de sakta ji, sorry."
(I can't 'just because' give away my friend's number, sorry.)
As their faces fell, the first flight attendant quickly asked, "Then... Sir, could we have your number instead?"
Omkar leaned in playfully. "The pilot has both your numbers, right? I’ll just get them from him and give you both a call. OK, darlings?"
(With that, Omkar took their hands and kissed their knuckles flirtatiously.)
"Ok, sir," they both whispered, blushing deeply.
Omkar then settled into his seat, only to be met by Rajveer’s piercing gaze. Though Rajveer appeared occupied with his magazine, he hadn't missed a single one of Omkar’s flirting.
"What were you doing back there?" Rajveer questioned.
Playing innocent, Omkar replied, "What, dude?"
Rajveer lightly thwacked Omkar’s chest with his magazine. "Don't act so clueless. I saw everything. Bro, everywhere you go, you start flirting."
"It just comes naturally to me, dude," Omkar said dramatically. "You wouldn’t understand."
"I don't want to understand your baseless logic," Rajveer replied nonchalantly.
"Dude, mere andar na ek sawal bohot din se ghum raha hai.... toh kya main puchu??" Omkar inquired.
(Dude, a question has been rattling around my head for days... can I ask?)
"Nahi," Rajveer replied flatly.
(No.)
"Accha, puch hi leta hoon," Omkar said, completely ignoring Rajveer’s rejection.
It was always like this; who else but Rajveer would listen to Omkar’s nonsense? Whenever Rajveer said "no," Omkar took it as a challenge to annoy him. After all, they weren't inseparable best friends for nothing—the kind of bond only a true friend understands.
Omkar leaned in. "Is.... everything okay with you internally?"
With a furrowed brow, Rajveer looked at him. "What do you mean?"
Giving a sheepish look, Omkar mustered the courage to speak, knowing full well that Rajveer might literally throw him out of the jet for this. "Uhh... Dude, are you... I mean, you are into girls, right?"
Omkar gulped and leaned back in his seat, bracing for a punch. Rajveer didn't say a word. He gave Omkar a cold stare, glanced out the jet window at the clouds below, and then looked back at Omkar. Understanding the silent threat, Omkar’s heart raced.
"No, no! It was a joke! Mujhe bahar mat phekiyo....!! I don't even know how to use a parachute!" Omkar squealed, reaching out to pinch Rajveer’s cheeks playfully. "Hehehehe, good boy..... don't be angry."
(Don't toss me out!)
"Kamina saala, " Rajveer grumbled, swatting his hands away. "Hattttt...!!!"
(You idiot, get lost!)
Omkar then looked upward with theatrical flair and cried out, "Hey uparwale!! Ab toh hum upar hi hain toh yahan se aapko mera baat acche se sunayi dega. Pleaseeeeee....!! I'm begging you!! Iss kamine ke life mein koi ek phool si pari bhejiyena. You must have someone who can turn this man’s heart of stone into something soft."
(Hey, Almighty! Since we’re already up here in the clouds, surely You can hear me better. Please! I’m begging you! Send a flower-like angel into this scoundrel's life.)
Rajveer drew a deep breath. He looked toward the horizon through the window and thought, "No such girl exists in this world."
Meanwhile, at the Sharmas'.
Pakhi—freshly showered and looking lovely—was in the living room lighting a diya (lamp) before her father’s portrait. As she lit the agarbatti (incense) and folded her hands to seek his blessings, a strange, inexplicable sensation stirred in her heart—a feeling she couldn't put into words.
Opening her eyes, she pressed a hand to her heart and looked at the photo. "What is happening, Papa?" she wondered innocently. "What is this feeling? I’ve never felt anything like this before. Is something about to happen?"
Just then, the garland draped over the frame swayed gently as a silent signal. Pakhi remained transfixed, her gaze locked onto his image.
The spell was broken only when Mehek’s voice drifted down from the stairs, "Maa, hurry up with breakfast! I’m starving."
Snapping back to reality, Pakhi joined her sister at the dining table. Soon, Shivangi emerged from the kitchen with breakfast, watching with a smile as her two daughters began to eat with relish.
A little later, Shivangi efficiently packed their lunchboxes, it was at that very moment that a 55-year-old man entered the house without knocking, "Arey namaste Shivangi ji....!! Kya haal?? Sab badhiya...!!"
(Hey, Hello Shivangi madam! How are you doing? Everything good!)
The man's name was "Brijesh Khatri," a pawnbroker who would lend money to people, taking their homes, property, and jewellery as collateral, but he illegally charged extremely high, usurious rate of interest. Furthermore, he was a complete scoundrel and he had a very evil, lustful intent toward Pakhi.
"Are you heading to the office, Pakhi?? Come on, let me drop you off." Brijesh said with a devil grin while ogling at Pakhi.
Pakhi frowned, "Look, uncle......"
"Seriously, Pakhi, drop the 'uncle' thing, OK??" he cuts Pakhi off, "I'd be way happier just hearing you say Brijesh." he said intentionally.
Mehek wagged a finger at Brijesh and snapped, "Look, stay within your limits! How dare you speak to my Di in that manner?? You...."
Pakhi squeezed Mehek's hand, a silent signal to stop her from speaking further.
Brijesh turned and addressed Shivangi with a devilish smirk, "Shivangi ji, zara apni choti beti ke zabaan par lagam dijiye; kuch zyada hi teekhi baate karne lagi hai."
(Shivangi madam, put a leash on your younger daughter's tongue; her language has become very sharp.)
Before Shivangi could say a word, Pakhi spoke to Brijesh, "Look, Mr. Khatri, the loan interest money will be paid by the 7th. There's absolutely no need for you to be here, so please go now." her voice laced with a grudge.
Brijesh replied, "Alright, if you insist, I'll go now, but we'll meet again, OK, Pakhi."
With those words, Brijesh gave Pakhi a filthy look, his eyes lingering on her cleavage. Pakhi quickly adjusted her dupatta to shield her chest from his gaze. Seeing her discomfort, Brijesh flashed a devil smirk and let out a soft laugh as he headed off.
The moment Brijesh departed, Pakhi felt a wave of relief washed over her.
That's when Mehek addressed Shivangi, "Did you see that, Maa? Did you see? Did you see how that pervert was leering at Di." her voice laced with annoyance.
"Why Di....?? Why did you stop me from saying anything to that monster, huh...??" Mehek questioned Pakhi with a scowl.
Pakhi understood everything Mehek was saying. Only Pakhi knew the depths of the physical revulsion she felt at the mere mention of Brijesh’s name or under the weight of his gaze. Every word she was forced to exchange with that pervert made her blood boil, but she was utterly helpless. Her hands were tied; their beloved "Sharma House" was mortgaged to that devil, Brijesh. Until she could reclaim their home, silence was her only shield and her only option.
Shivangi replied, "Agar hum keechad par patthar marenge toh keechad khudpar hi ucchlega, Miku beta." her voice laced with profound understanding.
(Throw a stone into the mud, and you'll only get yourself dirty, Miku beta.)
"Maa sahi keha rahi hai, Miku." she said with misty-eyes, "And that's exactly why I'm working a part-time job. We've to get our house back from that monster, as soon as possible."
(Maa is right, Miku.)
Mehek asked, "But, how are you gonna manage it, Di....??? The loan amount is so huge." her face etched with worry.
Observing the worry etched on Shivangi and Mehek's face, Pakhi contained her own emotions and chirped a comment to divert their minds.
"Arey, Maa, Miku, you both don't need to worry. I'm here, right....?? I'll handle everything." further she spoke to Mehek, innocently, "And Miku, you scored a little low in two subjects in the previous exam, so let's make sure your marks in those two are good this next time."
Mehek replied confidently, "Yeah Di, I'll definitely score well next time."
Placing a hand on Pakhi’s cheek, Shivangi said with concern, "But Shona, your studies are just as important as your work, beta."
Shivangi spoke further, "You're working part-time, then heading straight to evening college and by the time you get home at 10 o'clock.... you get tired, Shona. Despite that you stay all night up to study. You're gonna make yourself sick this way, mera baccha."
While cupping Shivangi’s face, Pakhi chirped, "Maa, my studies are going great, and nothing will happen to my health. Please don't worry, or else you'll fall sick.
Just then, a notification popped up on Pakhi’s phone. It was from Riva, her childhood best friend: "Oye, Golgappi! I’m at the bus stand waiting for Mehek. Tell her to hurry up."
Reading this, Pakhi turned to Mehek. "Miku, go fast! Riva is waiting for you at the bus stand."
Mehek instantly took her lunchbox from the table. "OK, bye Maa! Bye Di!" she shouted, sprinting out the door.
Pakhi slung her bag over her shoulder. "Alright Maa, I’m heading out too."
Shivangi caught Pakhi’s hand, handing over her lunchbox. "What do you mean 'heading out'? Who’s going to take this, Shona?"
"What’s for lunch, Maa?" Pakhi asked, taking the container.
Shivangi replied with a soft smile, "Your favorite—Chole Chawal. And I’ve packed some Gajar ka Halwa too. Make sure you finish it all."
Pakhi beamed at the mention of her favorite meal. Then, remembering something, she added, "Oh Maa, I forgot to tell you—I’ll be leaving the office a bit early today."
"Why?" Shivangi asked casually.
"Our college is taking the B.Com and BBA students to a business seminar hall for a few hours. Some businessman is coming from abroad to give us tips," Pakhi explained. "And don't worry, we’re going in the college bus. It’ll drop all the students back to their homes."
Shivangi ruffled Pakhi’s hair affectionately. "Go safely, mera baccha."
"I will, Maa," Pakhi said, before switching to a playfully strict tone. "And listen, don't forget to take your BP medicine before lunch, OK?"
Shivangi chuckled. "OK, OK, meri choti dadi amma!"
(OK, OK, my little grandma!)
"Bye, love you!" Pakhi chirped, planting a quick kiss on her mother’s cheek before dashing out.
"Slowly.... slowly, Shona!" Shivangi remarked a bit loudly.
Shivangi turned her gaze toward her husband's framed photo, walked over to it, and poured a little more oil into the burning lamp.
With heavy heart with sorrow and eyes blurring with tears, she uttered, "Why, Jay...?? Why did you go away and leave us three behind??"
"See, Jay, look at our little Pakhi, she's just 21, and the mountain of responsibilities she's taken on: running the house, Miku's education, my medicines, her own studies, and..." she paused, "and the biggest burden of all- reclaiming this house that you mortgaged to that devil Brijesh just so you could get Shona and Miku into that prestigious college."
She said, "While taking care of me, Mehek, and everything else our little Pakhi forgets to take care of herself." her voice thick with worry.
"That devil Brijesh!" Shivangi sobbed, the tears falling freely. "I live in constant dread that he will cause some irreparable harm to our Pakhi."
Shivangi wiped her eyes and looked away. "I wonder ki kya koi aisa hai jo hamari phool si Pakhi ko puri duniya ki buri nazron se bachayega," she said softly, "aur usse usi gentle care aur pyaar se sambhalega jaise aapne sambhala tha, Jay."
(I wonder if there’s anyone who will sheild our flower-like Pakhi from every evil eye and hold her with the same gentle care and affection once you did, Jay.)
Meanwhile
It was 2:20 PM when Rajveer and Omkar’s private jet touched down in Shimla. They climbed into a waiting car and began the drive toward their destination.
"It’s been so many years since we were last in Shimla, hasn’t it, Veer?" Omkar remarked, gazing out the window. "Look at how much has changed."
"Waqt ke saath sab kuch badal jata hain, Om," Rajveer replied, his voice laced with a deep, lingering pain. "Bas uske diye gaye ghaw chhod jata hain."
(Everything changes with time, Om, only the scars it leaves behind remain.)
Omkar understood the weight behind those words perfectly. He placed a consoling hand on Rajveer’s shoulder. At that very moment, Rajveer’s phone rang, he picked it up, "Hello...!!" he said firmly.
A man asked firmly, "That jerk will surely be finished, won’t he...??"
Rajveer responded with firm conviction, "Hmm... my men have tracked him down, and he'll be finished soon....!!"
(Saying this, Rajveer hung up the call.)
Omkar said, "Dude, first things first: sign the deal for the company we bought. Once that's done, you can do your other work. And before that drop me off at the mansion."
"Why? Aren't you coming?" Rajveer asked casually. "Bro, your signature is required for this deal too."
"Yeah, I get it," Omkar replied nonchalantly. "But whether you sign it or I do, it’s the same thing, right? Once the deal is closed and you have the paperwork, I can sign later. I need to check the arrangements at the mansion and make sure everything is ready."
"Accha, Listen, Bro, remember I have that seminar to attend today as well, so I’ll be a bit late getting back," Rajveer noted.
"No worries. Finish the deal, the seminar, and other important work as well," Omkar said. "Now, just drop me off at the mansion."
After dropping Omkar off at the mansion, Rajveer headed to meet the owner of the company. When he arrived, it was 3:00 PM. As he stepped out of his car, his security detail immediately surrounded him.
Rajveer stopped them with a firm gesture. "There’s no need for you all to come inside. Wait here until I return."
"Yes, sir!" the guards responded in unison.
The building security saluted him as he entered; Rajveer acknowledged them with a curt nod. Inside, the atmosphere shifted instantly. From the receptionist to the female staff, every woman seemed to freeze like a statue. It was only natural—women across the globe would have done anything for a glimpse of him.
Yet, Rajveer remained indifferent. He walked through the lobby, eyes fixed on his phone, scrolling through data, until fate forced him to a halt.
Pakhi came rushing from the opposite direction, frantic because she was running late for college. Her head was down, digging through her bag for her phone, oblivious to the man approaching her. Neither of them saw the other until Pakhi’s shoulder collided sharply with Rajveer’s arm.
In that instant, a strange spark ignited within Rajveer’s heart and soul—a sensation so profound and alien that he couldn't find the words for it. But Pakhi didn't stop. She kept sprinting toward the exit, waving a hand behind her without looking back.
"Sorryyyyyyy....!!" her bubbly voice echoed through the hall.
Between the speed and her flowing, open hair, Rajveer never caught a glimpse of her face. He watched her retreating figure for a moment before muttering under his breath, "Stupid girl."
Then, he allowed the employees to lead him to the owner’s office.
Evening had fallen, and the seminar hall was buzzing with B.Com and BBA students. The guest of honor, the renowned businessman Rajveer, had already arrived and taken his seat.
He pulled out his phone and messaged the man who had called him earlier that afternoon: "The jerk is finished. Everything is sorted."
As the message sent, a smirk played on Rajveer’s lips, he leaned back, his mind drifting to the events of the past hour.
~Flashback~
After signing his corporate deal, Rajveer hadn’t headed straight to the seminar. Instead, disguised as a middle-aged man, he had arrived at a abandoned, ruined house. Inside, a notorious gangster—one who had long eluded the police—was holding seven girls captive, all heavily drugged. His plan was to traffic them abroad as "prostitutes." But nothing stayed hidden from "RV" for long.
As Rajveer slipped into the shadows of the hideout, a thug caught a glimpse of him and pointed a gun at his back. "Aye, kaun hai bay tu buddhe....??"
(Hey, old man! Who the hell are you?)
Rajveer smirked. "Tera baap."
(Your father.)
Before the thug could react, Rajveer grabbed his arm, snapping the bone with a sickening crunch. To silence his screams, Rajveer jammed a silenced pistol into the man's mouth and pulled the trigger. Instant death.
Moving deeper into the house, Rajveer found the lead gangster lounging with a drink. The criminal jumped up, shouting, "Aye buddhe tu andar kaise aaya bay??"
(How did you get in here, old man?)
"Darwaze se," Rajveer replied, his voice disguised.
(Through the door.)
Before that criminal could uttered another word, Rajveer shot a bullet which pierced the center of the gangster’s head. He slumped to the ground instantly.
"Rest in hell," Rajveer muttered.
His private guards moved in on his signal. Looking at the unconscious girls, Rajveer commanded, "Get them to a hospital immediately."
Tucking his pistol into his waistband, Rajveer returned to his car. He stripped off the wig, the fake beard, the mustache, and the coat. Then stylishly, he smoothed his hair in the rearview mirror with a confident smirk before driving to the seminar.
~Flashback Ends~
Sitting on the guest stage, Rajveer looked so composed that no one could have guessed he had just executed a high-profile criminal.
Meanwhile, as the students filed into the hall, Pakhi’s attention was caught by a tiny, adorable kitten. Following it outside, she found the little creature sitting quietly near some bushes.
Pakhi knelt beside it and scooped it into her arms. "Aww... you are so cute!" she cooed. "What’s your name?"
The kitten responded with a tiny "Meow, meow!"
"It’s OK," Pakhi smiled, cuddling the kitten. "I’ll give you a name. I'm going to call you 'Mini'." As if in approval, the kitten nuzzled its face into Pakhi’s palm.
Pakhi looked around and asked softly, "Where is your mumma, Mini? Did you get lost?"
The kitten just blinked up at her. Stroking its head, Pakhi sighed, "Don't be sad. I wish I could take you home, but my mumma doesn't like animals at all. She’d scold me if I brought you back."
Noticing the kitten licking her finger, Pakhi realized, "Oh, you’re hungry! Wait, I have some biscuits."
She settled the kitten in her lap and pulled a small packet of biscuits from her bag. Lost in her conversation with Mini and feeding it, Pakhi completely forgot about the seminar.
Inside the hall, Rajveer had already begun his speech, the students hanging onto his every word. By the time he finished and exited through the back door with his guards, Pakhi finally remembered her surroundings.
"Oh no! I forgot about the speech!" she gasped. She looked at the kitten. "Mini, you stay here and finish your biscuits. I’ll be right back."
She hurried inside, only to find the teachers speaking; the star businessman was already gone. To avoid a scolding, Pakhi slipped into a back row, hoping no one had noticed her absence.
As the seminar concluded, the students gathered by the bus, their chatter filling the air. Pakhi’s eyes suddenly caught sight of the kitten she had befriended earlier, disappearing behind the seminar hall. Driven by a whim, she followed it. Behind the hall lay a deserted path, hemmed in by dense bushes and towering trees. She found the kitten sitting before a large tree and knelt beside it.
Stroking its head gently, she whispered, "Bye, Mini. Agar mere bas mein hota toh main tujhe apne saath le jati apne ghar."
(Bye, Mini. If it were up to me, I’d take you home with me.)
Suddenly, strange muffled sounds broke the silence. The kitten bolted from Pakhi’s lap, but Pakhi stayed. Driven by curiosity, she crept toward the source of the noise. What she saw made her eyes widen in horror.
Two men were there. One wore a black leather jacket, gloves, and a bandana mask; his back was to her as he aimed a pistol at a second man. The victim was tied to a tree, drenched in blood, his body bearing the marks of a brutal beating.
The wounded man tried to speak, but the man in the jacket didn't hesitate. He pulled the trigger. A single shot thudded into the man’s chest, and he went limp against the ropes.
Gasping, Pakhi’s voice caught in her throat. The small water bottle she was holding slipped from her hand, hitting the ground with a sharp thud. As the masked man began to turn, Pakhi spun around and bolted. In her frantic escape, one of her jhumka (earrings) tore loose and fell, but she didn't look back.
The man in the jacket aimed his pistol at her retreating figure, but his foot stepped on something small. He looked down and picked up the earring. By the time he looked back up, Pakhi was gone.
His fist tightened around the jewellery in a fit of rage as he glanced at the corpse. When he opened his hand, the sharp pin and beads had sliced into his palm. Blood welled up, staining the earring.
He stood there, intensely staring at the blood-stained jhumka resting in his wounded hand.
TO BE CONTINUED.....
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