ELEVEN

Hey my beautiful readers! ✨

Chapter's out now - go dive in! 📖

Your votes & comments mean the world to me 🌍💖

So don't forget to shower some love!

~ Happy reading, love you all endlessly 💙🌸 ~

___________________________

HER POV

I woke up way earlier not because I'm a morning person or anything close to that, but because of my ever-so-lovely mom. And by lovely, I mean she screamed my name like she was auditioning for a horror movie.

Every. Single. Morning.

Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes and mentally preparing myself to face yet another chaotic day, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for

college.

Once I was ready, I joined my family for breakfast.

The dining table was already buzzing with soft chatter and the clinking of cutlery. The familiar aroma of freshly brewed chai and toasted bread filled the air, wrapping around me like a comforting hug. I greeted everyone with a soft smile as I took my seat, trying to blend into the morning rhythm. Yet, a part of me remained quietly distracted—still carrying traces of everything that had unfolded the night before.

Then I grabbed my bag, took a deep breath, and stepped out—off to college, ready to face the day.

The drive was calm, the morning sun casting a soft golden glow on the city. Once I reached campus, I parked my car and stepped out, feeling a familiar rush of energy. As I walked through the college gates, a big smile spread across my face because, Here, in the chaos of classes and chatter, I could finally breathe a little easier.

Just as I stepped inside, someone suddenly wrapped their arms around me from behind.

Now, under normal circumstances, this would’ve been my cue to panic—maybe even spin around and throw hands. But something about the warmth of the hug and the unmistakable scent of vanilla and rose told me, It was comforting, familiar.

Of course—it could only be one person.

“Ayushi,” I said with a smile, not even needing to look.

I turned around and gave her the look—the one that said, You scared me, but I missed you anyway.

Then I pulled her into a tight hug, holding her for a moment longer than usual. “How are you feeling now?” I asked softly, genuinely concerned.

She smiled and nodded, her eyes brighter than the last time I saw her. “Much better now,” she said. And just like that, everything felt a little lighter.

And , we were just casually heading toward our class me and Ayushi, deep in our usual nonsense talk-when, of course, the universe decided it was time for the daily dose of drama.

Sunny stepped right in front of us like he was the hero of some low-budget movie, blocking our way with that annoyingly smug smile plastered across his face.

The kind of smile that makes you want to roll your eyes so hard they fall out.

He looked at me-like he had any right to, and then turned to Ayushi, giving her the most dramatic look ever and said,"Leave. I want to talk to her."

Before I could even react, he had the audacity to try to hold my hand.

Excuse me? Who gave him that kind of confidence?

I immediately took a step back, sensing a sudden shift in the air.

Ayushi, without missing a beat, shot him a glare so sharp it could've burned a hole through solid steel. The poor guy didn’t even know what hit him.

Then, turning back to me with that classic dramatic flair, she said, “Chal, hume class ke liye late ho raha hai,” Her tone firm and impatient, but with that familiar spark that always made me smile.

{Let’s go, we’re getting late for class.}

We both turned and started walking away, trying to ignore the awkward tension in the air. But just as I thought it was over, He grabbed my hand from behind.

And just like that, the scene

shifted-from annoying to uncomfortable real quick.

Before I could even process what was happening-or say something -Ayushi's anger hit full throttle. And trust me, when she's mad, it's not just a mood... it's a natural disaster warning.

Without wasting a second, she marched forward like a storm in heels and-SLAP...

Yep. A loud, echoing thappad landed right on sunny smug face. I swear, the sound traveled faster than the speed of Wi-Fi in our college.

He stood there, stunned, hand on his cheek, while Ayushi, in full Bollywood mode, yelled at him " Lagta hai bhaii tujhe izzat se allergy hai jab usne saaf saaf bol diya ki tu uski wishlist me bhi nhi h to kyu baar baar wifi ke signal ki tarah peeche peeche ghum rha h , side ho hawa aane de thodi " And pushed him hard.

{"Seems like, bro, you’re allergic to respect. When she clearly said you’re not even on her wishlist, then why do you keep following her around like a Wi-Fi signal? Move aside, let some air in."}

And just like that, the real magic happened: students started appearing out of nowhere. It's like someone announced "Live drama in corridor, limited-time show!" Within seconds, we were surrounded by a whole crowd of gossip-hungry classmates who clearly had nothing better to do.

Some were whispering, some were recording on their phones (because of course), and I just stood there-half shocked, half proud,

Ayushi didn't even wait for a reaction-she simply grabbed my hand and stormed off, pulling me along toward class like a scene straight out of an action movie. Honestly, if she'd had sunglasses and background music, it would've been a blockbuster moment.

As we walked through the corridor, I couldn’t stop hyping her up, still recovering from the scene that had just unfolded.

“OMG! Kya bola tune usko!” I exclaimed, half laughing, half in complete awe. “Ekdam heroine ki tarah thappad mara!”

{"OMG what did you just say to him, you literally slapped him like a heroine!"}

She rolled her eyes, pretending to be all calm and humble, but I knew she was secretly enjoying the praise. So naturally, I kept going.

She tried to act chill, but her smirk betrayed her. I swear if bravery had a face today, it was Ayushi-with her fiery glare and deadly palm.

By the time we reached class, I was still singing her praises like a dramatic fan, and she was trying really hard not to burst out laughing.

We somehow dragged ourselves through all the classes like the brave, sleep-deprived warriors we are. From pretending to pay attention to taking notes that made zero sense later-yep, just another day in the academic battlefield.

By the time the last class ended, we were mentally done, physically exhausted, and emotionally... well, just over it.

I look at ayushi she equally tired, and we both stepped out of college into the fresh air-which honestly felt like freedom. We stood near the gate for a while, chatting about everything and nothing-ranting about boring professors, discussing the drama of the day.

The sky had started turning that soft evening shade, and even though we were both ready to collapse, that little chat at the end made the entire exhausting day feel a bit better.

Eventually, with a lazy wave and tired smiles, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways-

After what felt like the longest day , I finally reached home-half-dead, half-hungry, went straight to my room, dropped my bag like it had personally offended me, and headed for the one thing that could save my soul: a long, hot shower.

I stepped out feeling fresh, threw on my favorite oversized T-shirt and the comfiest pajamas I owned-

Once I was dressed I made my way downstairs, where the whole family was gathered-chilling, chatting,

I plopped down on the couch with a dramatic sigh, earning a few amused glances from my mom .

After having a lovely dinner with my family, I excused myself and went back to my room. I switched off the harsh lights, and practically collapsed onto my bed

Lying there, staring at the ceiling, my mind did what it always does when given even five seconds of silence-wandered. And guess where it went?

"Mr. khadoos" i whisper

I don't even know why he popped into my head-

{"Mr. Rude"}

"Chalo, let's stalk him a little," I told myself, because obviously that's what sane people do at night.

I quickly opened Instagram and went straight to Ruhi's profile- I had followed her a while ago, , I typed in his name.

And boom. Chaos.

Dozens of profiles with the same name showed up. Some with weird anime display pictures, some with dog filters, and some who looked like they were still stuck in 2015. But him? Nowhere to be found.

My face dropped Not only does he avoid people in real life, he's basically a ghost online too.

I sighed dramatically, tossed my phone aside, and stared at the ceiling again-disappointed but too sleepy to dwell on it.

And just like that, in the middle of mild heartbreak and a failed stalker mission, I drifted off to sleep.

___________________________

MORNING:

Rathore Mansion.

AUTHOR'S POV

The grand living room was silent-eerily silent, the kind that only settles when something serious is brewing beneath the surface.

Sujeet Singh Rathore sat in his usual high-backed chair, his posture straight, his gaze sharp, and his presence commanding as always.The sound ticking of the antique clock on the wall seemed to pause in respect.

In front of him sat Kairav singh rathore and jay Singh Rathore all with expressions that clearly said-this wasn't just a casual family evening.

Still, the air was heavy, as if words had weight and silence had meaning.

Dadaji tapped his finger lightly on the wooden armrest, the sound soft but sharp enough to echo. His eyes, aged yet alert, scanned the room.

No one dared to speak first.

Something was being decided. Something important.

And though Veer hadn't entered the room yet, it was clear—the conversation was about him.

Just then, the silence shattered-cut clean by Dadaji's deep, serious voice. The kind of voice that didn't just echo in the room but settled heavily in the air, demanding attention.

" Bas hume keh diya na, hum ek baar rajesh se baat karke dekhenge "

{"That's it, I’ve said it—I’ll talk to Rajesh once"}

His tone was calm, but the weight behind his words was impossible to miss.

Everyone exchanged quick glances, the tension tightening like a thread pulled too far.

Everyone was trying to make him understand, calmly offering their opinions and concerns-but Dadaji refused to listen.

He wasn't ready to bend, not even a little.

He sat there, firm in his decision, his expression unwavering, his voice final.

He wasn't just suggesting anymore, he was insisting.

And the most beautifully ironic part?

The very person whose life they were so passionately planning.

Their beloved son the shining star of the Rathore family was probably out there somewhere...busy taking someone's life.

Literally.

HIS POV

Blood was still dripping from my hand-slow, steady, painting the floor in shades of red like a masterpiece signed in violence.

I looked up... and there he was.

My prey.

Barely breathing, barely alive.

I stepped closer, A slow, mocking smirk tugged at my lips-the kind that usually shows up right before the end.

"You know," I said casually, as if we were discussing weather, "because of you, I had to delay three shipments, cancel two major contracts.

I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head like I was disappointed in a misbehaving employee.

"You didn't just screw with my business... you wasted my time."

And in my world, that was worse than anything.

He tried to say something-maybe an apology, maybe a plea.

Too late.

"Next time, think before crossing me... oh wait, you won't get a next time."

Then, without a hint of hesitation, I emptied all the bullets from the gun—click, clack, each sound echoing like a final verdict.

I turned my back to him, unbothered by the weak groan that escaped his lips. He was fading—and fast.

I looked at my guards and said

"Clean it up."

That's all I said before My men knew better than to ask questions.

I changed my blood stained shirt and walked out of the dimly lit warehouse, the night air hitting my face like a reminder-I didn't belong to the world people romanticized.

I was the storm they pretended didn't exist. The black SUV was already waiting outside. I slid into the backseat, loosened my cuff slightly, and leaned back.

"Where to, sir?" the driver asked.

I looked out at the city lights-so pretty, so peaceful, so unaware.

"Home," I said.

I reached home, stepped out of the car like nothing had happened-because for me, it hadn't. Just another loose end tied up.

As I walked into the living room, I spotted the entire Rathore clan perfectly arranged like they were posing for a family portrait. Everyone was there-Mom, Dad, and of course, Dadu, sitting like the emperor of this very tense kingdom.

I didn't bother asking what was going on. The air was already heavy with expectation, and I had a sixth sense for walking into emotionally charged disasters.

Still, I walked in with the calm of someone made my way to the couch and sat down right next to Dadu-because of course, why not sit next to the epicenter of chaos?

And right on cue, he dropped the bomb.

"Veer, we were just discussing something important... it's time you settle down. It's time for marriage."

I blinked.

No smile. No reaction. Just silence-and a slow internal scream echoing inside my head.

Marriage?

I glanced at the others-Mom trying to smile like this was a romantic movie, Dad nodding like this was a business deal,

I leaned back against the couch, and was about to say but earn a glare from my dadu.

Reluctantly. Painfully.

Like a lion being dragged into a circus.

"Fine," I muttered.

" But I want some time "

Of course, I made it clear-not now, not so soon, let me breathe. But clearly, my definition of "not now" didn't quite match Dadu's.

Everyone around looked thrilled, like they'd just won a war. Meanwhile, I didn't even ask the girl's name-because, honestly?

I didn't care.

It wasn't love. It wasn't a desire.

I stood up without another word, ignoring the hopeful glances and fake smiles, and turned toward the stairs.

I had barely lifted my foot to take the first step up the stairs when Dadu's voice echoed through the hallway, calm yet teasing."Aren't you going to ask the girl's name?" he asked, a faint trace of amusement in his tone.

I paused mid-step, already half-annoyed by the unnecessary interruption. .

Without even turning around, I let out a sigh and said, "Not interested,"

Then rolled my eyes so

hard I was surprised they didn't get stuck.

" Koi baat nhi, me phir bhi bata deta hu " he said with amusement.

{"It's okay I'll tell you anyway"}

I stayed silent and began to climb stairs without looking back

But......

___________________________