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"कहानी अभी शुरू ही हुई है,

राज़ अभी बाकी हैं।

जो मुस्कुरा रहे हो तुम...

यकीन मानो, आँसू भी बाकी हैं। 🖤"

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Happy reading

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author's pov:

R-VILAA

ADI 'S ROOM

The soft, early morning light seeped through the heavy drapes of Adi's massive bedroom. Aditya stirred awake, feeling a familiar, heavy weight across his chest. He looked down to see Naksh completely tangled up in the blankets, hugging him tightly like a giant teddy bear, snoring softly.

Aditya let out a quiet sigh. His cold, stoic expression softened as he gently brushed a strand of hair away from Naksh's face, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

"Idiot," Aditya muttered affectionately under his breath.

Carefully disentangling himself from his brother's iron grip, Aditya got out of bed and headed toward the washroom to freshen up. When he stepped out a short while later, completely ready in his black trackpants and a fitted gym t-shirt, he found Naksh still sprawled out, deeply asleep in the exact same position.

Aditya walked over to the bed and shook Naksh's shoulder firmly. "Naksh, get up. It's already 5:00 AM. We have to go to the gym, naa."

Naksh groaned, pulling the blanket right over his head. "Adi, let me sleep! Or ladkiyan to mujhpe vaise bhi marti hi hai, to kya fayadaa vaise hi apni neend kharaab krne kaa? Tu kr gym, or mujhe sone de."

(Adi, let me sleep! And girls die over me anyway, so what is the point of ruining my sleep for nothing? You do your gym, and let me sleep.)

Aditya narrowed his eyes, yanking the blanket off his brother in one swift motion. "Naksh, stop your drama and get up. Otherwise, I will not let you sleep with me anymore."

The threat worked like magic. Naksh woke up instantly, sitting upright and aggressively rubbing his sleepy eyes. He glared at Aditya with a deep pout. "Huh! Tu naa mujhe emotional target mat kra kr, bta rha hu mai. Jallad!"

(Huh! Don't make me your emotional target, I am telling you. Executioner!)

Aditya smirked, tossing a fresh towel at his face. "Oh, curse me later. Go and take a shower. I have already put your clothes in the washroom. Go."

Naksh caught the towel, a mischievous, sleepy smile spreading across his face. He threw his arms around Aditya's waist, hugging him tightly. "Haaye meri jaan! Teri saari harkatein patiyon wali hai, or phir tu kehta hai ki you don't love me. Adi maan jaa, you love me most in the world, haina?"

(Oh my life! All your habits are exactly like a husband's, and then you say that you don't love me. Adi, just admit it, you love me most in the world, right?)

Aditya rolled his eyes, though a faint hint of a smile tugged at his lips. He pulled Naksh off him. "Don't flatter yourself and get ready. I want you in the gym in 5 minutes."

With that strict command, Aditya turned and walked out of the room, leaving Naksh to grumble all the way to the shower.

===============================

After a grueling gym session, they both got properly dressed and headed down for breakfast. Sitting at the grand dining table, Aditya was slicing his toast, shifting into full authoritative elder-brother mode.

"Naksh, listen to me carefully," Aditya started, pointing his butter knife at him. "You will attend all your lectures today. No bunking with your friends. And do not ride that bike over 60 km/h, am I clear?"

Naksh, who was busy stuffing a paratha into his mouth, rolled his eyes dramatically. "Adi yaar, tu subah subah principal kyu ban jata hai? Mai chhota bacha thodi hu, mujhe pata hai kaise chalani hai bike!"

(Adi man, why do you turn into a principal early in the morning? I am not a little kid, I know how to ride a bike!)

"You act like a toddler, that's why I have to treat you like one," Aditya replied flatly, taking a sip of his black coffee. "And if I get a call from your college saying you skipped a class, I will personally come there and drag you out by your ear."

"Haa haa, theek hai, hitler kahin kaa," Naksh mumbled, aggressively chewing his food. (Yeah yeah, fine, you Hitler.)

After breakfast, they moved to the living hall. Aditya sat on the main sofa, deeply engrossed in going through some sensitive underworld security files. Naksh sat right next to him, legs thrown over the armrest, scrolling through his phone.

Bored out of his mind, Naksh started his daily routine of irritating his older brother. First, he stretched his leg out and kicked Aditya's knee lightly.

Aditya ignored it, flipping a page.

Next, Naksh grabbed a piece of popcorn from a bowl on the center table and flicked it directly at Aditya's forehead.

Aditya stopped reading, glaring at him from the corner of his eye. "Naksh, I am working."

Naksh giggled, leaning over to poke Aditya's cheek. "Adi, kitna boring kaam karta hai tu. Mere sath game khel naa!" (Adi, you do such boring work. Play a game with me!)

Before Aditya could scold him, the massive front doors of R-Villa swung open, and Vansh and Karvin walked in, taking seats on the opposite sofa.

Naksh's face lit up. He immediately jumped up and hugged them both enthusiastically.

Vansh chuckled, patting Naksh's back. "Arre Naksh, tu itni jaldi aa gya? Tu to vahan rehne gya tha naa?"

(Hey Naksh, you came back so early? Weren't you supposed to stay there?)

Aditya instantly shot Vansh a lethal glare, but Vansh ignored it, enjoying the chaos.

Naksh frowned, pulling back. "Nahi bhai, mai to vahan sirf ek din ke liye tha. Or vo bhi Adi ne mera popat krke bheja tha! Or aapko kisne kaha ki mai vahan rehne gya tha? Aapko pata hai naa I can't live without my Adi."

(No brother, I was only there for a day. And even that, Adi made a fool of me and sent me! And who told you I went to live there? You know I can't live without my Adi.)

Vansh smirked, leaning forward. "Arre, par hume to Adi ne hi bataya tha ki usne tujhe vahan rehne bheja hai, kyuki tu use irritate krta hai."

(Oh, but Adi only told us that he sent you to live there because you irritate him.)

Naksh gasped in sheer betrayal, turning to Aditya. "Bhai, aap jhoot bol rahe ho! My Adi loves me, he can never say that!"

Vansh shrugged innocently. "You can ask Karvin also."

Naksh immediately looked at Karvin with wide, questioning eyes.

Karvin cleared his throat, avoiding Aditya's murderous gaze. "Haan Naksh, bhai is right."

"No, no, you both are lying!" Naksh panicked slightly, turning to his brother. "Adi said he was also coming! Haina, Adi?"

Aditya put his files down, his eyes softening as he looked at his brother's distressed face. "Yeah beta, they are just pulling your leg. Don't be sad, ok?" Aditya then leveled a dark, deadly look at Vansh and Karvin. "And both of you... if he gets upset, I will kill you."

Vansh threw his hands up in defense, laughing. "Ok, ok! Vaise, humne tere 'Ladoo' ko dhund liya."

(Ok, ok! By the way, we have found your 'Ladoo'.)

Naksh blinked, completely confused. "Bhai, Ladoo ko dhund liya? Aap pagal ho gye ho kya? Ladoo koi dhundne ki cheej hai? Huh!"

(Brother, you found a Ladoo? Are you crazy? Is a Ladoo something to be found? Huh!)

Vansh smirked, gesturing toward Aditya. "Vo to tere Adi se puch, vo kya krne ki cheej hai."

(You better ask your Adi, what kind of thing it is.)

Naksh turned back to his brother, tilting his head. "Adi, tujhe konse ladoo dhundne hai? Or kyu?"

(Adi, which ladoo do you want to find? And why?)

Aditya suddenly looked incredibly uncomfortable. The ruthless mafia boss was suddenly fumbling for words. "Actually Naksh, ummm......."

Vansh leaned back, dropping the bomb with absolute glee. "Tere bhai ko pyaar ho gya hai 'Ladoo' se."

(Your brother has fallen in love with 'Ladoo'.)

Naksh's jaw dropped. "Hain?! Vansh bhai, aap pagal ho kya? He doesn't even like sweets, aur aap keh rahe ho he loves it?!"

(What?! Vansh brother, are you crazy? He doesn't even like sweets, and you are saying he loves it?!)

"Haan bhai," Vansh clarified, holding back a laugh. "Tera bhai uske liye pagal hai. Vo ladki hai."

(Yes brother, your brother is crazy for her. She is a girl.)

Naksh froze. The playful innocence vanished from his face instantly. "Now you are confusing me, haan."

Aditya let out a heavy breath, deciding to rip the band-aid off. "Vansh, let me tell him. Naksh... actually, I love someone."

Naksh stared at him blankly. "Oh. Ok."

Then, the gravity of the words finally registered in his brain. His eyes widened to the size of saucers, and he let out an ear-piercing scream. "Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaa?!"

Aditya flinched slightly. "Naksh, don't shout."

Naksh's chest began to heave, an intense wave of insecurity and panic washing over him. "Adi, are you mad?! No, you can't do this! Zaroor us ladki ne tujhe phasaya hoga! No way!"

(Adi, are you mad?! No, you can't do this! Definitely, that girl must have trapped you! No way!)

Aditya's voice hardened instantly, a warning edge slipping into his tone. "Naksh, are you mad? Don't say that about her."

"No, I will say it!" Naksh shouted back, his eyes welling up with sudden tears. "You can't love someone! What if... what if she is some creep girl..."

"Naksh, just shut up!" Aditya snapped, his protective instinct over the mysterious girl clashing violently with his patience. "I told you not to say that about her."

Naksh stepped back, the harsh tone breaking his heart completely. Tears spilled down his cheeks. "Wow. Now you will shout at me for her? Ok. Do whatever you want! I don't care!"

Before Aditya could reach out, Naksh spun around and ran up the grand staircase as fast as he could.

Vansh watched him go, completely bewildered. "Ise kya hua?" (What happened to him?)

Karvin frowned in confusion. "Haan, Naksh aise kyu react kar rha hai?" (Yeah, why is Naksh reacting like this?)

Aditya stood up, his face dark as a thundercloud. He pointed a lethal finger toward the door. "You both attend the meeting and come here at night. We will discuss it later."

Vansh stood up, protesting. "But Adi, Naksh-"

"Did you hear what I said?!" Aditya roared, his voice echoing in the hall. "Get out!"

Vansh and Karvin immediately backed away. "Ok, ok, calm down. We are going." With that, they quickly left the mansion.

================================

Aditya rushed upstairs to Naksh's room and grabbed the door handle. It wouldn't budge.

"Naksh, open the gate," Aditya commanded.

No response.

Aditya's voice immediately softened, panic creeping into his chest. "Naksh beta, open the gate. Tell me what happened, haan? Why are you locking yourself? Open the door, beta."

From inside the room, Naksh's muffled, crying voice broke through the wood. "No! Tu jaa! I don't want to talk to you!" (No! You go away!)

"Naksh, pls beta..."

No response.

Aditya couldn't wait any longer. "Please open the gate." When silence answered him, Aditya immediately pulled out the master spare key he always carried. He unlocked the door and pushed it open.

The room was dim. Naksh was curled up tightly into a ball in the middle of the large bed, sobbing uncontrollably, his face completely buried in the pillow.

Aditya's face clenched in pain. He quickly walked over, sitting on the edge of the mattress. He placed his hand on Naksh's trembling shoulder and gently tried to pull his face away from the pillow.

"Naksh beta, what happened? Pls tell me..." Aditya whispered gently.

When Naksh refused to look at him, clinging tighter to the pillow, a sudden, vivid memory from their childhood struck Aditya's mind.

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[FLASHBACK]

A 5-year-old Naksh had locked himself in his bedroom, crying loudly.

Manvi stood outside, knocking desperately. "Naksh beta, pls open the door. Pls, beta."

Rudraksh stood beside her, highly agitated. "Naksh, kya hua? Kisi ne kuch kaha tujhe? Bata, mai uski pitai karunga!" (Naksh, what happened? Did someone say something to you? Tell me, I will beat him up!)

A 10-year-old Aditya stood quietly in the corner of the hallway, watching his powerful parents practically begging his little, stubborn brother to open the door.

Manvi turned to him in distress. "Adi beta, tu keh naa ise door kholne ke liye." (Adi son, you tell him to open the door.)

Rudraksh nodded immediately. "Haan Adi, vo tere kehte hi door open kardega." (Yes Adi, he will open the door the moment you say it.)

Aditya looked at the locked door, then up at his parents with a calm maturity beyond his years. "Mom, Dad, aap jao. I will handle him." (Mom, Dad, you go.)

Manvi hesitated. "Lekin Adi, tu akele..."

Rudraksh put a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder. "Jaan, he is right. Is time, iske alawa vo kisi ki nahi sunega." (Jaan, he is right. At this time, he won't listen to anyone except him.)

Once his parents walked away, young Aditya stepped up to the wooden door. "Naksh, open the door."

A stubborn, tearful little voice came from inside. "No, mai ni kholunga! You aal bad! Katti!" (No, I won't open it! You all are bad! I'm not talking to you!)

Aditya leaned against the frame. "Naksh beta, pls. You will not listen to your Adi?"

"Nooi! Nai kholunga!" (No! Won't open!)

Aditya crossed his arms. "Ok then, I will go and will never talk to you."

Silence fell for exactly three seconds. Then, the heavy lock clicked. The door opened slightly, and little Naksh immediately ran back to his bed, throwing himself onto it and crying loudly.

Aditya stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He walked over and sat beside the tiny boy. "Kya hua, bata mujhe." (What happened, tell me.)

Naksh lifted his tear-stained, chubby face. "Nooi, tu... tu ganda hai! Sab gande hai! Mai kisi se baat ni kalunga, mai gucha hu!" (No, you... you are bad! Everyone is bad! I won't talk to anyone, I am angry!)

Aditya smiled softly. "Oh, my Naksh is angry. But don't worry, he is my brother naa, I will make up to him."

Aditya gently pulled Naksh up and placed the little boy's head in his lap, stroking his hair. "Tell me what happened, haan? Why is my little brother crying like a monkey?"

Naksh sniffled, grabbing Aditya's small shirt with his tiny fists. "Adi... Adi, tu kahi nai jaa laha naa?" (Adi... Adi, you are not going anywhere, right?)

Aditya frowned in confusion. "Who told you that I am going, hmmm?"

"That Lihaan said... Naksh, tela bhai to vhaan dul jaa rha hai... vhaan Itili (Italy). Adi, vo jhutaa hai naa? Tu nai jaa laha naa?" (That Rihaan said, Naksh, your brother is going far away... there, to Italy. Adi, he is a liar, right? You are not going, right?)

Aditya's heart melted completely. He wiped his little brother's tears. "Naksh, I am not going. How will I live without you? Aur jaunga bhi, to tujhe saath leke jaunga. You are my jaan naa, haina my Akshiiii?" (And even if I go, I will take you with me.)

Naksh's face instantly brightened through the tears. "Yesh! I will come with you! And mai ab us Lihaan ko malunga, usne mujhe lulaya! Ganda Lihaan!" (Yes! I will come with you! And now I will beat that Lihaan, he made me cry! Bad Lihaan!)

Aditya laughed out loud, hugging him close. "Yes, you will come with me. But then you will miss Mumma and Dad, naa?"

Naksh shook his head stubbornly. "No, mujhe silf mela Adi chahiye, ol koi nai. I will come with you." (No, I only want my Adi, and no one else.)

Aditya kissed his forehead. "My Akshiii."

[FLASHBACK END]

----------------------------------------------------

Aditya snapped out of his trance, the heavy memories of their childhood fading as the harsh reality of the present pulled him back. He looked down and realized that while he was lost in thought, Naksh had crawled over and buried his tear-streaked face right into his lap, crying silently.

Aditya's heart ached. He gently placed his hand on Naksh's back, rubbing it in soothing circles.

"Naksh... what happened? Why are you getting angry? Tell me, beta."

Naksh slowly lifted his head, his eyes completely red and glossy with fresh tears. He looked up at his older brother with desperate hope.

"Adi... tu nahi karta naa kisi ladki se pyaar? Haina?"

(Adi... you don't love any girl, right? Right?)

Aditya sighed, gently holding his brother's shoulders. "Beta, first sit up and tell me."

Naksh sat up on his knees but refused to move away, his voice trembling as he sniffled loudly. "Adi... Adi, pls... tu bata naa. Vansh bhai jhoot bol rahe the naa? Haina?"

(Adi... Adi, please... tell me. Vansh brother was lying, right? Right?)

Aditya looked deep into his brother's terrified eyes. He couldn't lie to him. "No, Naksh. He was saying the truth only. I do love her. But beta, what is it with you crying over this?"

The confirmation acted like a physical blow. Naksh's face twisted in sheer pain and anger. He roughly pushed Aditya's hands away, scrambling backward on the bed.

"Nahi karni mujhe tujhse baat!" Naksh shouted, his voice cracking. "Jisse pyaar karta hai naa, usi ke paas jaa! Tujhe meri chinta karne ki zarurat nahi hai!"

(I don't want to talk to you! Go to the one you love! You don't need to worry about me!)

Aditya frowned, highly confused and deeply hurt by the sudden outburst. "What are you saying, Naksh?"

"Kaha naa, jaa yahan se!" Naksh screamed, fresh tears spilling down his flushed cheeks. "Mai kuch bhi karu... rou, hasu, yaa marr jau, tujhe kya?!"

(I said go away from here! Whatever I do... whether I cry, laugh, or die, what is it to you?!)

SMACK.

The sound of the slap echoed sharply in the silent room.

Naksh froze, his face turned to the side, completely stunned.

Aditya's hand was trembling in the air. His chest heaved as a terrifying mix of fury and absolute panic surged through him. Hearing the word 'die' cross his brother's lips had shattered every ounce of his composure. The dangerous aura of Lion Rax flared up, but it was driven entirely by a brother's desperate fear.

"Naksh, have you gone mad?!" Aditya roared, his voice shaking. "What the hell are you saying?!"

He grabbed Naksh by the shoulders, his grip tight but trembling. "Please, beta... tell me. What is wrong?"

Naksh kept his face turned away, a fresh sob escaping his lips as he stubbornly whispered, "Nahi." (No.)

Aditya took a sharp breath, realizing that asking gently wouldn't work on his stubborn little brother. He needed to use the one thing Naksh feared the most. His voice dropped into a deadly, ice-cold register.

"Fine. If you will not tell me, then I will never talk to you. I will leave, and I will send you straight back to New York to Mumma and Papa right now."

The threat pierced right through Naksh's armor. The thought of Aditya shutting him out and sending him away broke his stubbornness entirely.

With a loud, broken sob, Naksh lunged forward. He threw his arms tightly around Aditya's neck, burying his face into his chest, clinging to him as if his very life depended on it.

The room fell painfully silent, save for the sound of Naksh's muffled, heartbroken sobs against Aditya's chest. Aditya held his brother tightly, his heart twisting with a strange mix of relief that Naksh was finally opening up, and sheer agony at seeing him so broken.

"Please, Naksh," Aditya whispered, his voice cracking with rare, raw emotion. "I am begging you, tell me."

Naksh slowly pulled his face away from Aditya's chest. His eyes were bloodshot, his cheeks stained with tears, and his lower lip trembled uncontrollably. He looked up at Aditya with absolute dread.

"Adi... tu mujhe chod dega naa? Haina?"

(Adi... you will leave me, right? Right?)

Aditya's breath hitched. The sheer vulnerability in Naksh's voice felt like a dagger straight to his heart. He gently cupped Naksh's tear-stained face with both hands, making him look directly into his eyes.

"Naksh, look at me," Aditya said firmly, yet with immense tenderness. "What are you saying? Why will I leave you? You are my little brother, naa... I will never leave you."

Naksh furiously shook his head, pulling away from Aditya's hold. "Nahi! Jab vo aa jayegi, tu mujhe chod dega!"

(No! When she comes, you will leave me!)

Aditya's brow furrowed in deep confusion. "What the hell are you saying? Why would I do that?"

The dam finally broke. All the terrifying scenarios Naksh had built up in his head over the last few hours spilled out in a breathless, painful rush.

"Haan, tu aisa hi karega!" Naksh cried out, his voice thick with tears and deep-seated insecurity. "Naa tu mujhe time dega, naa mere sath kahin bhi jayega! Naa mere sath video game khelega, naa mujhe apne hath se khana khilayega! Naa mujhe tere sath sone dega... I will be a third wheel for you, haina?! Sab le jayegi vo... mera Adi!"

(Yes, you will do exactly that! Neither will you give me your time, nor will you go anywhere with me! Nor will you play video games with me, nor will you feed me with your own hands! Nor will you let me sleep with you... I will be a third wheel for you, right?! She will take everything... she will take my Adi!)

Aditya froze. The weight of his brother's words crashed over him. Naksh wasn't angry that Aditya loved someone; Naksh was utterly terrified of being replaced. In Naksh's innocent, slightly selfish world, Aditya was his entire universe, his primary caretaker, his best friend, and his protector. The thought of sharing him with a completely unknown girl felt like absolute abandonment.

Without another word, Aditya surged forward and pulled Naksh back into a fierce, bone-crushing hug. He wrapped his arms around his little brother, burying his face into Naksh's shoulder.

"Hey... beta, no," Aditya murmured softly, rubbing his back as Naksh continued to sob into his embrace. "Don't cry. This will never happen."

Naksh sniffled, clinging tightly to Aditya's t-shirt.

"You will always be my priority," Aditya promised, his voice echoing with absolute conviction in the quiet room. "Yeah, it's true that I love her and I can do anything for her. But it does not mean you are any less than her to me. I love you too, Naksh. And things will remain the exact same."

Aditya pulled back just enough to look into Naksh's glossy eyes, wiping away his tears with his thumbs.

"I will give you my time," Aditya stated clearly, making sure every word sank in. "I will sleep with you. I will feed you with my own hands. I will play video games with you. And she... she will just be there with us, okay? She won't take me away from you. Nobody can."

Naksh sniffled quietly, his red, teary eyes searching Aditya's face for any sign of a lie. But all he found in the dark, usually ruthless eyes of the mafia king was pure, unfiltered love and honesty.

Naksh slowly extended his trembling pinky finger toward Aditya. "Promise? Sachi tu mujhe apna third wheel nahi banayega?"

(Promise? Really, you won't make me your third wheel?)

Aditya let out a soft chuckle, a wave of immense relief washing over him. He wrapped his own long pinky finger around Naksh's small one, sealing the vow.

"I promise, beta," Aditya said softly in English, keeping his tone deep and reassuring. "You will never have to be a third wheel to anyone in this life. You are my Akshiii, my absolute first priority. Always."

Naksh finally let out a long, shaky breath. The heavy stone of insecurity sitting on his chest completely melted away. He wiped his nose with the back of his hand and leaned back into Aditya, resting his head comfortably against his brother's chest.

"Theek hai," Naksh mumbled, his usual bratty tone slowly returning. "Lekin meri ek condition hai."

(Alright. But I have one condition.)

Aditya raised an eyebrow, a fond smile playing on his lips as he stroked Naksh's hair. "Alright. Tell me, what is your condition?"

Naksh sat up slightly, crossing his arms over his chest with an authoritative pout. "Dekh Adi, vo teri Ladoo hogi, lekin is ghar mein meri marzi chalegi. Vo meri saari baat maanegi, aur agar usne mujhe daanta ya mujhse tujhse kam pyaar kiya... toh mai uski shikayat tujhse karunga aur tujhe meri side leni padegi!"

(Look Adi, she might be your Ladoo, but in this house, my rules will apply. She will listen to everything I say, and if she scolds me or loves me any less than you do... then I will complain to you and you have to take my side!)

Aditya laughed genuinely, but then he shook his head, looking at his little brother with absolute fondness.

"Naksh, I love her too," Aditya said gently, his voice carrying a deep warmth. "So, I will not make any false promises about taking your side blindly against her. But trust me, beta... she is just like you. You will really like her. In fact, knowing how crazy both of you are, you will probably team up with her against me."

Naksh's pout slowly vanished, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "Sachi? Mere jaisi hai? Phir toh theek hai... I will give her a chance."

(Really? She is like me? Then it's fine...)

He hugged Aditya again, his bright, innocent smile fully back. After a few comfortable moments, Naksh pulled back, his eyes narrowing with sudden, intense curiosity.

"Vaise Adi... ye 'Ladoo' achanak se aayi kahan se?" Naksh asked, tilting his head. "I mean, maine toh tujhe aaj tak kisi ladki ki taraf dekhte hue bhi nahi dekha! Tu toh Vansh bhai ki tarah flirt bhi nahi karta. Toh phir ye pyaar ke phool tere andar khile kab?"

(By the way, Adi... where did this 'Ladoo' come from so suddenly? I mean, I have never even seen you look at a girl! You don't even flirt like Vansh brother. So when did these flowers of love bloom inside you?)

Aditya's smile softened into something deeply nostalgic and slightly possessive. "It is a long story, Naksh. She didn't just appear out of nowhere. She practically crashed into my life six months ago, exactly when I was least expecting it."

Naksh crossed his legs on the bed, his eyes wide with pure gossip-hungry excitement. "Hain? Crashed? Bata naa, bata naa! Kya hua tha?"

(What? Crashed? Tell me, tell me! What happened?)

Before Aditya could even begin the story, the bedroom door suddenly flew open.

Vansh and Karvin rushed inside, slightly out of breath. Vansh was holding a thick, black confidential folder in his hand. The playful atmosphere in the room instantly vanished.

"Adi!" Vansh said, his face completely serious. "We got it. We found everything about her."

Aditya's demeanor changed in a fraction of a second. The soft, loving older brother vanished, and the ruthless, calculating King of MRITYU took his place. He gently nudged Naksh off his lap and stood up, extending his hand.

"Give me the file," Aditya commanded coldly.

Naksh, completely ignoring the serious tension, jumped up on the bed and tried to peek over Aditya's shoulder. "Oye! Mujhe bhi dekhna hai meri future bhabhi ko! Dikha mujhe!"

Vansh quickly looked down at the confidential document again, clearing his throat to correct his previous mistake before Adi's sharp, impatient gaze could slice him in half.

"Adi, umm... her real name is Raahi Sandhu."

Adi froze instantly. He stared down at the candid photograph in the file, her beautiful name echoing deeply within the silent, dark chambers of his heart. A slow, rare smile graced his lips-a smile full of intense, unyielding obsession.

"Raahi," Adi murmured, his voice velvety, deep, and utterly dangerous as he spoke in English. "Now she will be my Raah, my path, my devotion, and my Rooh. Even beyond my death, she will be my Raah, my jaan."

Vansh dramatically clapped his hand over his chest, rolling his eyes with a massive, mocking smirk. "Oh, Romeo ho gaya! Aisi poetry kabhi mere liye toh nahi likhi. 'My Raah' and all... chi, it's so cringe, yaar!" (Oh, look at Romeo! You never wrote such poetry for me. 'My Raah' and all... yuck, it's so cringe, man!)

Naksh, who had been watching the whole exchange from the bed, crossed his arms tightly over his chest. His eyes narrowed into tiny slits as pure, unadulterated jealousy flared up inside him. He aggressively stomped his foot on the mattress.

"Adi, now I am jalling-bhunning, ok!" Naksh announced loudly, throwing his head back in a massive, childish pout.

Adi and Karvin blinked simultaneously, turning their heads to look at Naksh with completely blank, utterly bewildered expressions.

"Hain? Jalling-bhunning?" Karvin muttered, completely lost. (What? Jalling-bhunning?)

Adi pinched the bridge of his nose, staring blankly at his overly dramatic younger brother. "Naksh, what is this language?"

Vansh burst into loud, mocking laughter, waving his hand offhandedly at Adi. "Oh angrez, he is saying that he is jealous!" (Oh Mr. Englishman, he is saying that he is jealous!)

"Yes! Bhai is right!" Naksh huffed, pointing an accusing finger right at Aditya. "U never said those lovely words to me, aur uske liye... huh, kutta!" (Yes! Brother is right! You never said those lovely words to me, and for her... huh, dog!)

Adi's warm, indulgent demeanor vanished in a split second. The protective older brother stepped back, and the cold, commanding King of MRITYU took his place. He shot a warning, lethal glare at everyone present in the room.

"Stop this nonsense and tell me everything about her," Adi commanded coldly, his English sharp, authoritative, and completely non-negotiable.

Karvin immediately straightened his posture, opening the official profile on his digital tablet to read the verified details.

"Boss, she is 21 years old and she is studying B.Des," Karvin reported efficiently.

[B.Des (Bachelor of Design) is a 4-year undergraduate degree focused on creativity, design skills, and practical projects. It offers specializations like Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Product Design. It is ideal for students who want careers as designers or want to start their own design-based business or brand.]

The atmosphere in the room cracked with intense curiosity as Karvin handed over the digital tablet, displaying the primary details of the girl who had unknowingly stolen the heart of the city's most feared man.

Naksh leaned forward from the bed, his eyes lighting up instantly as he peeked at the academic records listed on the screen.

"Arre, yeh toh meri age ki hi hai! Aur yeh toh same course mein hai jo mai kar raha hu, hai na Adi?" Naksh exclaimed, looking up at his brother with a sudden sense of connection.

(Hey, she is of my age only! And she is in the same course that I am doing, right Adi?)

Adi's eyes softened slightly as he looked down at his brother, his voice smooth and steady. "Yes."

Vansh stepped forward, tapping the edge of the confidential folder as he took over the narration, his face turning a bit more serious. "She is from Dehradun. she also has a sister her name is ooshiVansh cleared his throat, quickly steering the conversation back to the Sandhu family tree. "She is the absolute heartbeat of her father. She also has a little sister too, and her name is Ooshi."

Naksh burst out into sudden, ringing laughter, clapping his hands together dynamically. "Hain? Sushi? Bhai, yeh saare uske khandaan mein khane jaise kyun hain?"

(Huh? Sushi? Brother, why are all the names in her family like food?)

SMACK.

Vansh promptly brought his hand down on the back of Naksh's head, shaking his head. "Ooye gadhe! Sushi nahi, Ooshi! And she is 18 years old."

(Hey donkey! Not sushi, Ooshi!)(...which I don't know how you will pull off.)

and yes ek or baat jo tujhe hila ke rakh degi........

Adi's jaw tightened dangerously. The sudden shift from his personal life to a looming obstacle made his dark eyes flash with instant authority.

"Don't you play these riddles and tell me what it is," Adi commanded coldly, his English sharp and completely non-negotiable.

Vansh held up a hand, his face dropping all traces of humor as he looked at Adi with genuine, heavy gravity. "Ooye despo, shaant ho ja! Aur ab jo mai batane wala hu na... uske baad toh tu bas yeh samajh le ki teri aatma nikal ke bhaag jayegi tere andar se."

(Hey desperate, calm down! And what I am about to tell you now... after that just assume your soul will leave your body.)

Adi rubbed his temples, his patience entirely depleted by the endless suspense. He shifted his piercing gaze over to his quiet right-hand man. "Karvin, you tell me. He is an idiot."

Karvin instinctively took a nervous step backward, raising his hands defensively in the air. "No, Boss. Bhai will tell you, because after this, you will get out of control and then I will have to handle you. So, sorry."

Adi stood up to his full, imposing height, his massive, dangerous aura completely dominating the entire room, making the air feel thin and suffocating.

"Why are you making it like a dramatic movie? Just tell me what it is!" Adi demanded, his English cold, dark, and lethal.

Vansh swallowed hard, staring straight into the eyes of the mafia king. "Teri Ladoo... teri jaan... teri kabhi naa ho sakni wali biwi."

(Your Ladoo... your life... your never-to-be wife.)

Adi's eyes narrowed into slits, dangerous promises written all over his face. "Vansh, I am warning you."

"Ok, ok, I will tell you. But tu uske baad kuch todega nahi," Vansh bargained quickly, taking one more protective step away from the solid oak table.

(Ok, ok, I will tell you. But you won't break anything after that.)

"Tell me, idiot!" Adi commanded.

Vansh closed the folder with a sharp thud, locking his eyes onto Adi's. "Umm... she is getting married tomorrow."

Naksh, still trapped in his petty little bubble of jealousy, shrugged his shoulders completely unbothered from the bed. "Ok, so what?"

The entire universe seemed to crash down around Adi.

The cold, ruthless king of the underworld went completely, utterly blank. The color entirely drained from his face. His hands froze in mid-air, his breath hitching violently in his throat as his mind completely short-circuited. The word married echoed like a gunshot through his soul.

Vansh's head snapped toward the bed, his jaw dropping as he stared at Naksh in absolute shock. "Naksh... tune suna tu kya keh raha hai?!"

(Naksh... did you even hear what you just said?!)

Naksh rolled his eyes dramatically, a highly satisfied, smug smile spreading across his face as he crossed his arms tightly.

"Arre bhai, sahi toh hai!" Naksh huffed out happily, thoroughly pleased with the news. "Kehte hai na... jo hota hai vo acche ke liye hota hai!"

(Hey brother, it's right only! They say, right? Whatever happens, happens for the best!)

The deadly silence in the room stretched so tight it felt as though the air itself would combust. Naksh's petty, satisfied grin slowly began to falter as he realized Adi hadn't moved a single inch.

The shock in Adi's dark eyes rapidly crystallized into something far more terrifying-an absolute, unhinged, and razor-sharp possessiveness. A dark, low chuckle escaped his throat, a sound so chilling it made Karvin step back instinctively.

"Married? Tomorrow?" Adi spoke, his voice dropping into a velvety, terrifying whisper as he switched to English, his eyes flashing with a dangerous, psychotic obsession. "She thinks she can give herself to someone else? She thinks anyone else has the right to touch what is mine?"

He stepped closer to the window, his large frame casting a suffocating shadow over the room.

"Raahi belongs to me. Every breath she takes, every drop of rain that falls on her skin, belongs to me. She is my path, my devotion, and my Rooh. If any man dares to stand at the altar with her tomorrow, I will burn his entire existence to absolute ashes. I will rip the world apart before I let anyone else claim my jaan."

Adi turned around sharply, the absolute king of the underworld returning in full force. The dark aura radiating from him was blinding. He looked directly at Karvin and Vansh, his orders cutting through the room like gunfire.

"Karvin, prepare the security convoy and load the heavy ammunition. Vansh, clear my entire schedule for the next one week."

Finally, Adi's gaze landed on Naksh, who was sitting on the bed with his jaw wide open. A slow, deadly, yet fiercely confident smirk spread across Adi's face.

"And Naksh... wipe that smug look off your face. Go change, and get ready for your brother's wedding."

Naksh blinked, completely flabbergasted, his head spinning as he looked between the three men.

"Hain?! Shadi?!" Naksh yelled, jumping straight off the bed. "Par Adi, tu pagal ho gaya hai kya? Dulhan kisi aur ki hai, barat parso ki jagah kal hai! Tu wahan band-baaja lekar shadi rukwane jaa raha hai?!"

(Huh?! Wedding?! But Adi, have you gone mad? The bride belongs to someone else, the wedding is tomorrow instead of the day after! Are you going there with a brass band to stop the wedding?!)

Vansh burst into a loud, highly amused laugh, leaning against the wall and shaking his head with a massive, wicked smirk.

"Arre gadhe Naksh, tera bhai shadi rukwane nahi jaa raha," Vansh chuckled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Lion Rax mandap se dulhan churane jaa raha hai! Shadi toh kal hi hogi, bas dulha badal jayega!"

(Hey donkey Naksh, your brother isn't going to stop the wedding. Lion Rax is going to steal the bride right from the altar! The wedding will still happen tomorrow, just the groom will change!)

Karvin, completely unbothered by the sheer madness of the plan, calmly swiped through his digital tablet, already calculating the logistics.

"Boss, the private airstrip is cleared," Karvin reported deadpan, looking up at Adi with absolute loyalty. "Should I arrange a designer wedding sherwani along with the weapons, or are you planning to gatecrash and take the vows in your usual black suit?"

Naksh's eyes went completely wide as the reality of the situation finally sank into his gossip-loving brain. The puppy jealousy instantly vanished, replaced by sheer, chaotic excitement.

"O teri! Matlab mai sach mein devar banne wala hu?!" Naksh squealed, hopping on one foot dramatically. "Adi! Agar shadi kal hi hai toh mai toh golden wali sherwani pehnunga! Aur mai bhabhi ki side se rahunga, mai dulhe valo se paise mangunga jutichupai ke! Karvin bhai, meri sherwani jaldi pack karo!"

(Oh my god! Meaning I am really going to become a brother-in-law?! Adi! If the wedding is tomorrow then I will definitely wear a golden sherwani! And I will be from sister-in-law's side, I will ask for shoe-stealing money from the groom! Karvin brother, pack my sherwani quickly!)

{author :dekhte hai tu sherwani pehne gaa ya kuch or....}

to be continued......

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Dear Readers, 🖤

Ab meri baari nahi... aapki baari hai. 👀

✨ Agar aap Raahi ki jagah hote, to kya karte?

✨ Agar aap Adi hote, to pyaar ke liye duniya se ladte... ya use jaane dete?

✨ Aur honestly... kya Adi jo karne ja raha hai, woh pyaar hai... ya obsession? 😶‍🌫️

✨ Ek aur prediction...

Mandap mein dulha badlega... ya poori kahani? 👀❤️‍🔥

Apni saari theories comments mein drop karo. Mujhe dekhna hai kiski prediction sabse zyada sahi nikalti hai. 😌

Aur haan...

Vote karna mat bhoolna. Har vote mujhe next chapter aur bhi better likhne ki motivation deta hai. 🤍

See you in Chapter 6... where chaos begins. 🖤

- Raahiwrts