*ONE*

Hey sweethearts💙✨
First chapter's out now - go give it a read!
Don't forget to vote & drop a comment - your words make my day!🌼
~ Love you all! ~ Happy reading
___________________________

AUTHOR'S POV

In the heart of a dimly lit room, the only sound that echoed was the slow, agonizing drip of blood hitting the cold concrete floor. A man, bruised and battered, sat tied to a wooden chair. His face was swollen, blood oozing from his split lip, and deep gashes painted his skin like a canvas of pain. Every breath he took was a struggle — shallow, shaky, and filled with fear.

Across from him, lounging on a luxurious leather sofa with the ease of a man who owned the world, sat VEER SINGH RATHORE (the male lead.)

Dressed in a black shirt with the top buttons undone, his charm was undeniable, almost hypnotic. But it was his eyes that told the real story — dark, intense, and merciless. He didn't move, just sat there silently, watching the broken man in front of him with a cold amusement, like a lion watching a wounded deer trying to crawl away.

A slow smirk played on his lips as the man — Ajay — trembled in terror, barely able to lift his head.

"S-Sir... I-I am sorry... P-Please forgive m-me..." Ajay stammered, his voice cracking as tears and blood mingled on his face.

Before he could utter another word, a hard, merciless punch landed on his jaw with a sickening crack, sending him — along with the chair — crashing to the floor.

Ajay fell hard on the floor, his head hitting the cold ground with a painful thud. He hissed in agony, a sharp breath escaping his lips as he winced. Blinking through the haze of pain clouding his vision, he looked up — only to meet the eyes of the monster standing in front of him.

The same monster who had just thrown him down like he was nothing.

There was a darkness in its gaze, a twisted satisfaction in the way it loomed over him — towering, threatening, merciless. Ajay’s heartbeat pounded in his ears, but he didn’t look away. Bruised and breathless, he still refused to cower.

Veer stood up slowly, the leather of the sofa creaking beneath him as if even the furniture sensed the storm rising within him. His movements were unhurried, deliberate — each step a silent promise of wrath. The polished soles of his shoes clicked ominously against the marble floor, echoing through the room like the ticking of a countdown.

Without a word, he stopped in front of Ajay — who lay half-conscious and bloodied on the ground — and leaned down, gripping his collar with one hand. In one swift, brutal motion, he yanked him up, forcing Ajay to face him. Blood smeared Veer's fingers, but he didn’t flinch. His jaw was tight, his eyes blazing with fury held barely in check.

Leaning closer, he spoke — his voice low, slow, and colder than the sharpest edge of winter.

"Do you think I won’t end you for what you’ve done?” he growled through clenched teeth, every word dripping with controlled rage.

"I don’t forgive those who try to mess with my business."

Ajay sobbed, his voice trembling with fear and pain as blood pooled beneath him, staining the once-pristine floor a deep crimson. His body shook uncontrollably, every breath ragged and labored.

“N-No... s-sir...” he choked out, his lips quivering as he tried to lift his hand in a feeble plea. “P-Please... I-I beg you... I won't do it again, please...”

His voice cracked, raw and desperate, his eyes wide with terror as they locked onto Veer’s. There was no pride left in him now — just a shattered man pleading for his life.

But Veer didn’t flinch. His expression remained unchanged — carved in ice, heartless, unmoved by the broken mess trembling before him. He stared at Ajay with a chilling calm, as though weighing the value of a life that no longer mattered.

“You already did it,” Veer murmured, his voice like a blade slicing through the air. “And some mistakes... don't come with second chances.”

Without a word, he turned and picked up the gun from the table beside him  a sleek black pistol, loaded and ready. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.

Once.

Twice.

Again.

And again.

He kept shooting until the chamber clicked empty. Ajay's lifeless body slumped on the floor, drenched in blood. Veer stood still, his face emotionless, his shirt stained red.

He exhaled slowly, then tossed the gun aside like it was nothing more than a broken toy. Turning to the man standing silently beside him — his ever-loyal PA — he spoke in a calm, controlled voice

“Throw his body in the forest,” he said coldly, turning away without a second glance. “Let the animals clean up the mess.”

There was no remorse in his tone. No hesitation. Just a final judgment passed like a king over a traitor.

Standing a few feet behind him, Archit—his personal assistant, a sharp-eyed man known for his ruthless efficiency—didn’t so much blink. He adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves and gave a curt nod, his voice steady, emotionless.

There were no questions. No doubts. Orders were given, and in Veer's world... they were followed.

And with that, the room fell into silence again — cold, heavy, and blood-soaked.

After leaving the blood-stained room behind, Veer stepped into an attached private chamber — cool, sleek, and untouched by the chaos he’d just left. Without wasting a moment, he stripped off his shirt, now ruined with splashes of red, and stepped into the shower. The water washed over him like a silent confession, rinsing off the evidence but not the fire burning inside his chest.

Minutes later, he emerged, freshly dressed in a crisp black shirt. The top buttons were left undone, the sleeves slightly rolled — calm, dangerous elegance personified. Just as he was adjusting his cuffs, Archit, appeared at the door holding out his phone.

“Boss, mam is calling,” he said respectfully.

Veer didn’t respond verbally. He took the phone in his hand, placed it against his ear, and spoke in his usual cold, unreadable tone, “Hmmm maa?”

On the other end, his mother, Shivanya Singh Rathore, instantly burst out, her irritation tangible.

“Kya maa-maa laga rakha hai! Ghar kab aayega?”

Veer let out a deep breath, as if steadying himself for this very moment. “Maa, I’ll come tonight. I’ve got some work.”

There was a brief pause, and then a curt reply.

“Okay.”She hung up without another word.

Without letting the conversation affect him, Veer strode out of the cottage. His driver opened the car door, and he slid into the backseat without a sound. The engine started, and they drove through the quiet roads as the evening sun dipped low in the sky.

Soon, the car pulled up in front of a towering glass-and-steel building that kissed the clouds. Boldly etched at the very top were the words:

“RATHORE’S & COMPANY.”

Veer stepped out, the sharp click of his shoes echoing against the polished tiles. Inside, employees scrambled to attention the moment they saw him. Heads bowed, greetings were whispered —

“Good evening, sir...”

But Veer didn’t acknowledge a single one. His presence was like a storm felt, feared, and followed in silence.

He entered his private elevator and pressed the button for the 65th floor the topmost level, where his luxurious cabin awaited.

The elevator doors parted with a soft chime, and Veer walked out. As always, the employees at that level stood respectfully, but he didn’t glance their way. He made his way to his office, pushed open the tall glass doors—

—and stopped.

Sitting on his chair with his legs up and a smug smile on his face was none other than his best friend, Abhimanyu roy.

Veer rolled his eyes. His voice dropped a degree colder.

“Get off my chair, you asshole.”

Abhimanyu laughed, unfazed, and casually got up. “Relax, man. You should be thanking me for warming it up,” he said, taking the seat across from Veer.

“Now tell me — what’s wrong with you? You look like hell chewed you up and spat you out.”

Veer didn’t look at him. He settled into his seat, eyes on the laptop.

“Everything will be fine the moment you leave my office.”

Abhimanyu clutched his heart in mock offense. “Haww... How can you say this to your best friend?” he said, wiping imaginary tears.

Veer ignored his drama, fingers flying across the keyboard.

“Did you kill him?” Abhimanyu asked suddenly, the playfulness fading slightly.

Veer didn’t answer. He just gave a low, wordless hum — the kind that said more than words could.

Abhimanyu nodded, silently understanding.

EVENING

After wrapping up hours of work, Veer and Abhimanyu finally left the office. They settled into the backseat of Veer’s car, and the driver took off once again — this time, towards home.

As the car entered through large iron gates, the grandeur of Rathore Mansion unfolded before them.

It was majestic — a symbol of power, history, and old-world royalty. The mansion stood tall, its architecture blending classical elegance with a regal edge. Ornate balconies, tall arched windows, and intricate carvings lined the facade. Glowing lanterns lit up the driveway, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming roses from the garden.

On the left wall, a proud golden nameplate gleamed under the lights

“RATHORE MANSION.”

They stepped inside. The interior was no less impressive — a vast marble-floored hall, crystal chandeliers hanging like stardust from above, and walls adorned with portraits of generations past.

In the main sitting area, Sujeet Singh Rathore, Veer’s grandfather, sat with quiet dignity. Beside him sat Veer’s father, Kairav Singh Rathore, and his uncle, Jai Singh Rathore. Standing nearby was his mother, Shivanya, her expression a mix of sternness and affection.

Veer and Abhimanyu bowed respectfully, touching the elders' feet. Shivanya instantly pulled Veer into a tight embrace. A lone tear escaped her eye.

Veer gently wiped it away.

“Why are you crying, Maa? I’m right here.”

She hit his cheek lightly, half-scolding, half-loving.“Itna time kyu laga diya?”

Veer smirked. “Because there’s a lot of work.”

Shivanya narrowed her eyes. “Haan haan, I know your ‘work’ very well.”

“Aunty, did you forget me already?” Abhimanyu chimed in with a mock-offended face.

Shivanya chuckled warmly. “How could I forget my second son?” she said, pulling him into a hug too.

Just then, Sujeet’s deep voice cut through the moment.

“Veer, come sit. We need to talk.”

Veer nodded and sat beside him on the large sofa. Abhimanyu followed suit, sitting next to Veer.

Sujeet didn’t waste time.

“Veer, we want you to get married.”

The atmosphere changed instantly. Veer’s jaw tightened. His hands curled into fists.

Abhimanyu muttered under his breath, “Bas, ho gaya tamasha shuru...”

Veer’s voice was low but sharp enough to cut steel.

“I’ve told you before. I’m not getting married.”

Kairav slammed his palm on the armrest.“Veer, stop behaving like a child. You’ll have to settle down eventually.”

Shivanya stood silently, her face etched with worry.

Sujeet looked at his grandson with a mixture of pride and pain.“Veer, I don’t know how long I’ll live. All I want is to see you married before I go.”

Veer scoffed, eyes narrowing.

“This emotional blackmail won’t work this time, Dadu.”

Kairav leaned forward, voice firm and commanding.“ wo natak nhi kar rhe. You will get married, Whether you like it or not.”

Shivanya put her hand on his shoulder and said " please veer "

He couldn’t say no to his mother—not when he looked at her face. There was something in her eyes, a silent hope, maybe even a hint of pressure. And just like that, he gave in.

With a quiet sigh and a reluctant nod, he said yes… even if every part of him wanted to say no.

Everyone’s eyes turned to him first the silence in the room was sharp and still as they all watched her. Then, almost in unison, everyone said

"Repeat it."

With a piercing gaze and no trace of emotion, he said,

"Okay"

And just like that, as those words left his mouth, something shifted.

A smile slowly crept onto everyone's face — not out of mockery, but satisfaction, relief… maybe even approval.

He stormed off to his room in anger, his footsteps loud and sharp.

Abhimanyu followed him closely behind, already grinning—ready with a teasing remark.

" Ummmm hmmm bhabhi ayengi ab toh " abhimanyu said with a teased expression.

Veer looked at him with a dark eye and said " if you don't want your ass beaten then get out of my room you asshole"

"Okay okay but mujhe shaadi me zrur zrur bulana " He quickly walked away from there, a smug little smirk playing on his lips—like he knew exactly what he was doing and enjoyed every second of it.

Veer closed his eyes and stormed into the bathroom, clearly fuming. His footsteps were heavy, his jaw clenched tight.

Without saying a word, he shut the door behind him and turned on the shower, as if letting the water drown out whatever was burning inside him.

AFTER SOME TIME

He stepped out of the bathroom, the echo of running water still lingering behind me, but it did nothing to wash away the storm boiling within. My fists were clenched at my sides, knuckles pale from the pressure. My eyes — still red with barely contained rage — scanned the room, sharp and unyielding. Each breath I took felt shallow, heavy, as if even the air had turned hostile.

The walls around me felt too quiet. Too calm. It irritated me more.

My jaw tightened as flashes of what just happened replayed in my head — dadu's words. I could still hear them like they were branded into my skin. I wasn’t just angry… I was seething.

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to steady myself, but even that simple gesture felt violent. My chest rose and fell with unspoken fury.

After getting ready, I walked downstairs without uttering a single word to anyone. I didn’t owe them an explanation — Every step I took felt heavy, but not because of exhaustion… it was the weight of everything I had been holding in.

The moment I stepped outside, a strange calm wrapped around me. The suffocating walls, the unbearable tension — all of it stayed behind.

The breeze hit my face softly, almost as if the world outside was silently acknowledging my chaos. I closed my eyes for a second, letting that moment of quiet wash over mee.

_______________________________________

That's it for today's chapter! ✨
And don't forget to like & vote this chapter 💖🥹
Don't forget to drop a comment and let me know, how you like the chapter
Byee loveees!! 💕
Stay safe & keep reading! 📚🌸