[A/N POV]

CHENNAI..

Cold air drifted in through the window, rustling the plants as their leaves brushed softly against her face.

A few strands of her hair slipped over her cheeks, yet she remained completely focused on writing in her diary. She glanced outside with her beautiful hazel eyes, a faint smile curving her pink lips.

Clutching a hair band between her teeth, she gathered her hair into a messy bun, then pulled the band into her hand and tied it properly before returning to her diary.

Her gaze moved from the flowers on the windowsill back to the pages, an innocent smile playing on her face.

"I'm so happy, Murugan," she whispered to herself. "I have everything I ever wanted in my life-a best family in the whole world, such lovely people."

She was still writing when her small rabbit suddenly hopped onto the table and sat right on her diary.

She looked at him and smiled.

"Aww, my Mochi wants to play with me?" she said softly. "But Mochi, I've been playing with you for half an hour already."

The rabbit began running all over the table, making her laugh.

"Okay, baba," she said with a smile. "I'm not going to write anymore. I'll play with you."

The rabbit stopped and rubbed his face against her hand. With a soft chuckle, she picked him up, stood from her chair, and hugged him close to her chest, gently caressing his back with her other hand.

"I'm so happy," she whispered again, closing her eyes. "You know, Mochi... maybe I'm Murugan's favorite, blessed child. He has given me so much love. And in a Some months, my life will begin a new chapter filled with even more love."

Lost in her thoughts, she smiled, soaking in the warmth of the moment.

She was lost in her thoughts when a knock shattered the moment.

"CHITTI, ezhundhuru, SWEETU!! Un coffee ready aagiduchu!"

[Chitti, wake up, Sweetu! Your coffee is ready.]

a voice came to the door.

She slapped her forehead and muttered, "Aiyyo, Muruga! Naan breakfast-ku late aayitten!"

["Aiyoo, Murugan! I'm late for breakfast.."]

She gently placed the rabbit on the bed and said softly, "I'm coming back in a little while, Mochi. Don't start running everywhere-stay here and play. I'll be back soon."

She kissed her rabbit lightly, then turned and walked toward the door., she hurried to the door and opened it. Pouting playfully, she said, "Kaalai vanakkam, paati!". ["Good morning, Paati!"] and hugged her tight.[paati/Nani/grandmother..]

Her grandmother hugged back, chuckling."En sweetu, nee seekiram ezhundhirala nu naan yosichitten. Ellarayaum ezhuppura ponnu dhaan romba tired aayitu thoongitu irukkum nu nenachen. Aana unna paaru fulla ready aa irukka!"

["My sweetu, I was wondering why you hadn't woken up early. The girl who wakes everyone else must be exhausted and sleeping. But look at you-fully ready!"]

She broke the hug. "Paati, actually naan time-ku dhaan ezhundhen, aana naan ezhudhittu busy aa irundhen, adhunaala marandhuten."

["Paati, actually, I woke up on time, but I was busy writing and forgot."]

Her grandmother smiled. "It's okay, chitti. You came home late from the hospital last night. Now let's go your Thatha is waiting at the dining table."[Thatha/Nana/grandfather..]

Niharika beamed. "En pookie thatha na!! Vaanga, paati! Naan Murugan-a kumbittu apram varren."

["My pookie Thatha na!! Let's go, Paati! I'm coming after worshiping Murugan."]

"Okay," her grandmother said with a smile.

Niharika slipped into her pooja room for a quick prayer. Minutes later, she joined them at the dining table. She hugged her thatha."Kaalai vanakkam, Thatha

["Good morning, Thatha!"] she said cutely.

He hugged her back. "Kaalai vanakkam, my child!"

[Good morning, my child."]

She turned to her mama and mami with a grin. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Shastri!"

Her mami chuckled and said. "Good morning, Chitti Amma!"

Niharika chuckled. Her mama sighed dramatically. "See, Amma, Appa-see her? How many times have I told her not to call me by my surname? Call me Mama! But your so cute, Chitti pai-she never listens!"

They all chuckled as her mami said, "Come on, Kittu, she's just teasing you."

Her mama shot her mami a look. "Oh, come on, Sanya-I know you very well. You two are on the same team!"

Niharika and her mami burst out laughing, clapping hands together. Niharika turned to her mama. "Arai Shastri, why are you always angry, yaar? How cute it is-Shastri!!"

"You stop!" he said, standing from his chair in mock frustration.

Niharika jumped up too. "Aww, Shastri sir kovama irukkaaru!"

["Aww, Mr. Shastri is angry!"]

"Niruthu!"

["Stop it!"]

He started chasing her.

She darted around the open Courtyard (angana), squealing, she shouted "Paati, Thatha, Udhavi!"

["Paati, thatha, help!"]

"Sorry, Mamu, sorry! Now I won't call you that, please!" she laughed, breathless.

"You say that every day, then start again!" he chased, grinning.

"No, not this time I really won't call you Shastri!" She shrieked "Shastri!" in a high pitch.

"Youu na!"Her mama said to chase her..

She hid behind her Thatha."Thatha, save me!"

Her Thatha held up a hand. "Oohoo Kittu, stop! She's just a child teasing. Why get angry?"

"Appa, you always take her side!" her mama protested.

Niharika peeked out, making weird faces behind her Thatha. He noticed and laughed. "Okay, for Appa's sake, you're safe."

But then something hit her. She moves towards her mama and hugged him. In a low voice, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Mamu."

His eyes softened. Stroking her head gently, he asked, "What happened, Chitti??"

She spoke in a teary voice. "I'll miss you all so much."

He broke the hug, cupping her face and wiping her tears with his thumb. "Why are you crying? We're not leaving you, okay? Come here anytime-it's your house. Everything is yours, my Chitti. Call us whenever you miss us we'll come meet you. So why tears?"

She sniffled through her words. "You all won't forget me, na?"

Her mama said softly..

"Maybe yes if you keep crying like this!" A smile broke through her tears. "Mamu..."

"Now, don't cry. Tears aren't made for your eyes." She smiled lightly.

Her Paati chimed in. "And my Chitti if you cry like this, we'll all cry with you. Do you want that?"

She shook her head, hugging her Paati. "My child," her Paati said, kissing her head.

Her Thatha called softly, "Chitti? Chitti?"

She looked up. "Yes, Thatha?"

"Beta, have you seen my chitti anywhere? She was here a moment ago, but now I can't find her."

She pouted. They all chuckled as she hugged him. "My Chitti, why cry, my child? We're always with you, everywhere. See? You've made everyone cry!"

"Sorry, Thatha," she said, wiping his tears. She turned to her mami. "Now don't cry, please!" Hugging her tightly.

"After making everyone cry, you're telling us not to?" Her mami teased.

"Sorry na, Kitten."

"I love you, Chitti," her Mami said, caressing her cheeks softly.

"I love you too, Kitten." Niharika grinned at her mama. "See, Shastri? I took your space your wife loves me!"

They chuckled. Her Thatha said, "By the way, everyone, have you noticed my wife looks really cute today?."

Her Paati looked at her thatha in shocked and said shyly. "Aiyo, Udhayan not again!!"

He grinned, heading toward her. "From that, a shayari came in my mind."

Niharika claps in joy and says, "Ohho! Cheppandi!, cheppandi!!"(Irshaad!)

Her thatha begins the line with a smile.

"Makkal solvaargal kaadhal kaalathudan kuraindhu vidum endru

Niharika, her mama, and mami chorused, "Baaga undi!! Baaga undi!!"(Waah!! Waah!!)

"Makkal solvaargal kaadhal kaalathudan kuraindhu vidum endru, aanaal unnai paarkkum podhu indru kooda athil nambikkai varavillai. En ovvoru kaalaiyum un peyaraal thodangugiradhu, matrum ovvoru maalaiyum un punnagaiyil nindru vidugiradhu.."

[People say that love fades with time,but even today, whenever I see you, I still cannot believe that.Every morning of mine begins with your name,and every evening ends by getting lost in your smile..]

Her thatha ends the line while looking at her paati with a wink..

Ohhoo, baaga undi, Thatha baaga undi!" (Waah! waah!) Niharika shouted..

Her mama added, "baaga undi, Appa!"

Her mami clapped, her Paati shyly hid her face.

"Oww, someone is shying, Paati!" Niharika teased.

They all chuckled. Her Paati said, "Now done, haan. Now do your breakfast, everyone!"

Everyone settled at the table..

"By the way, where's my Coco? I haven't seen him since morning," Niharika asked, looking at them.

"His school is off today, so he woke up early. He's been bothering me since morning, and a little while ago he went outside to play with his friends. He's such a little badmash ga doesn't listen to me at all."

Her mami said while looking at her..

Niharika said with a small chuckle, "It's okay, kitten. He's just five years old. Why do you want to make him Einstein from childhood? Let him enjoy-after all, Naa COCO chaala telivainavaadu.."

(My COCO is very intelligent..)

"Chitti, you're the one who has spoiled him. Do you know what he was saying yesterday? He said, 'My Chitti came from heaven, and you people came from hell,'" her mama said while sipping her coffee.

As he finished, Niharika burst out laughing. "Aaiyo, Murugan-did Coco really say that?" she said between laughs.

Her mama looked at her, trying to suppress a small smile despite his annoyance. "See? This is exactly why he keeps saying 'Chitti, Chitti,' and why he always runs off with you. You both are insane," he said.

Niharika laughed again. "Aiyo, where is he? I want to meet him," she said, finally trying to control her laughter.

"He's gone out to play. He'll be back in a little while," he replied.

They were still talking when suddenly Niharika's phone rang.

Niharika glanced at the caller ID, and a faint blush spread across her face. She looked at her family and said softly, "Nenu ippude vastaanu.."

(I'll be back now in a moment)

Suddenly, Niharikas mami teased, "Avunu, avunu... vellandi, vellandi Niharika garu. Mee client mimmalni pilustunnaru."

(Uh-huh, uh-huh... go on, go on, Niharika ji. Your client is calling you).

Niharika blushed even harder. She looked at her grandmother shyly and said, "See na, Paati."

They all chuckled. Her Paati smiled and said, "Sanya, don't tease her. Go, Niharika-you talk."

Niharika nodded and walked toward the hall. She picked up the call but didn't say a word.

A soft voice came through the phone. "Good morning, Niharika ji."

She replied gently, "Good morning, Shaurya."

"Ah... now my morning has truly begun, with such a lovely voice," he said warmly.

Niharika smiled.

"So, what are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm doing breakfast," Niharika replied.

"Oh... same here," he said with smile.

He asked her, "Today off, or... are you attending patients again?"

Niharika replied while walking through the hall, "No, not off. I have three deliveries to attend, and it's important. One woman's condition was really bad, so I'm trying my best for her. She's a bit stable now because of the medicines. And until Diwali, another doctor will be here, so maybe work will be a little less for a few days."

He hummed. "Okay... but with so much work, don't forget to take care of yourself."

She said slowly, "Okay."

He continued, "You know, I miss you. I want to see you. It's been almost two weeks I'm dying to see you."

Niharika smiled. "It's okay, Shaurya. We'll meet soon. By the way, when are you coming back from Australia?"

He said, "Umm... one more week."

"Oh," she replied softly.

"But if you said, I'd come today..." he added.

She chuckled, "No, no."

"By the way, how's your patient? Is he okay now?" she asked.

He said, "Yeah... he's really good now. Actually, he had some spinal cord issues, so he couldn't move, sit, stand, or even sleep properly. But now he's fine. And you know... he also knows about us. He always blesses me that my soon-to-be wife and I live a happy life together in the future."

Niharika smiled..

Suddenly, a small voice called out, "Chitti... Chitti!"

Niharika turned and exclaimed, "Ohh, my Coco!" She bent down on one knee and hugged him tightly.

She said into the phone, "I'll call you back, Shaurya."

He smiled. "Okay, bye-bye... Coco ki Chitti ji."

Niharika chuckled. "Bye-bye, my future husband ji," she teased softly.

After hanging up, she looked at her Coco and raised both eyebrows, a straight expression on her face. "Hmm... so, Coco ji, where are you coming from?" she asked.

Coco, holding out his tiny hands, tugged gently at her, trying to bring her face closer to his. Niharika leaned down, letting him guide her.

He whispered in her ear in the cutest little voice, bouncing slightly on his feet, "Chitti... you know whom I saw..."

She smiled, leaning closer. "Whom?"

Blushing a little, he whispered even cuter, "I saw Shruti. She was with her appa, going somewhere. And you know... she smiled when she saw me!" He puffed out his little chest proudly.

Niharika tried to hide her smile, glancing at him fondly. "Ohh, really?" she asked softly.

He nodded enthusiastically, giggling. "I'm so happy, Chitti!"

Coco wiggled his eyebrows and let out a little chuckle, and Niharika grinned, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I see that," she said gently, shaking her head in amusement.

Niharika looked at him with a straight face. "By the way... I heard something about you."

Coco looked up innocently. "What, Chitti?"

She raised one eyebrow. "I heard that you told your amma and appa that I came from heaven and they... from hell."

Coco's eyes widened, and with his tiny hand, he gently slapped his head. "Chitti!!"

Niharika nodded. "Yes."

"Chitti... you're so innocent. You don't understand amma is a little jealous of our friendship. She's jealous that you love me more than her. That's why she always complains about me."

Niharika held back her smile and said. "Acha... really?"

He nodded cutely. "Yess!"

Niharika playfully tickled his little tummy. "You badmash... becoming everyone's appa, haan?"

Coco laughed and squirmed. "Chitti, Chitti... stop, please!"

She smiled. "Hmm... so tell me, are you going to say that to amma and appa again?"

"No, no, Chitti! Never! Please... stop!" he said, shaking his head while giggling.

She held his small hands seriously. "Coco... you know the words you said to amma were bad. And whoever told you that amma is jealous... it's not true. Amma really loves you. Not only amma, but amma and appa both love you so much. You have to respect them. Now tell me-will you say such things again? Or use any bad words for anyone?"

He looked at her with his innocent eyes, pouted, and shook his head.

"That's my cute Coco," she said, smiling.

He held his little ears and said softly, "Sorry, Chitti... I'll never say wrong words again. And I apologize to amma and appa."

Niharika opened her arms. "My intelligent bacha!" He ran into her hug. She held him gently, stroking his back.

He broke the hug suddenly. "Are you going somewhere?"

"Yes," she said, looking at him. "I'm going to the hospital. I have a lot of work there."

"Ohh, Chitti... you know when I become a big boy, I'll be like you. I'll do all my work with all my strength and hard work!"

She laughed softly and kissed his cheeks. "Oww... my baby, my smart baby!"

"Now, let's go inside and do your breakfast," she said.

He nodded. They both went inside.

"Go, Coco, eat your breakfast. I'm going to get ready for the hospital." Niharika said.

He nodded. "Ok, Chitti."

She smiled, went into her room, and picked up her important things. After kissing her little rabbit, she carried him and went outside.

She went to her Paati. "Paati, give Mochi something to eat. I'm going to the hospital."

Her Paati looked at her. "Okay, Chitti. Take care of yourself. I also made idli sambar for you-don't forget to eat."

"Ok, boss," Niharika said, making her Paati chuckle.

Her Thatha was sitting on the swing, reading the newspaper. She went to him and hugged him. "Bye-bye, Thatha."

"Bye-bye, take care, chitti," he said.

She smiled and waved. "Bye-bye, kitten! Bye-bye, Sastri!"

They waved back, smiling.

Suddenly, a small voice came running toward her. "Bye-bye, Chitti!"

She picked him up, hugged him tightly, kissed his cheeks, and said, "Bye-bye, Coco!"

She broke the hug and left for the hospital..

She was driving her car when her phone suddenly buzzed.

The moment she glanced at the caller ID, her eyes lit up.

A soft smile curved on her lips as she picked up the call and connected it to Bluetooth.

"Good morning, ma'am," she said playfully.

A soft yet chaotic voice came from the other side.

"Morning, darling."

Niharika smiled, shaking her head slightly.

Then the voice continued, a little softer this time, "So... how are you now? Did you sleep well? Did that dream come again?"

The light in Niharika's eyes flickered for a second.

But just as quickly, she masked it-her tone turning formal, controlled... the kind her friend could never fully read.

"Yeah, I'm good, Ishani. I slept really well after a long time."

But the faint trace of fear still lingered on her face.

"Thank God," Ishani replied. "By the way, where are you now?"

"I'm on my way to the hospital. I have patients to attend," Niharika said, her voice calm again.

"Hmm... and when will you be off work?" Ishani asked.

"Umm... after 10 PM."

"Perfect. I'll come pick you up at 10."

Niharika raised an eyebrow slightly. "Okay... but what will we do?"

Ishani's teasing voice came instantly.

"Don't you know what two people do at night?"

Niharika groaned in frustration. "Shut up! You and your stupid dark humor. And also-where's the logic? We're both girls!"

Ishani chuckled.

"Well... I can become a lesbian for you, my darling."

"Oh God, you're unbelievable," Niharika said, shaking her head. "And for your information, I'm straight. I'm engaged. I have a cute and handsome fiancé."

"Okay, meri amma," Ishani laughed. "I was joking. We'll just go for coffee. I'll introduce you to some of my friends-they're coming too."

Niharika smiled softly. "Hmm... okay. That sounds much better than your dark humor."

By then, she had reached the hospital. She parked her car and stepped out.

"Alright, bye. See you tonight," Ishani said.

"Okay, my sweetie. Take care."

Niharika said..

"You too."

The call disconnected.

Niharika slipped her phone into her purse and walked inside the hospital, her expression calm...

...but her eyes still held a shadow she wasn't ready to face.

She was going inside when a nurse came and said, "Good morning, ma'am."

Niharika smiled and said, "Good morning."

Niharika asked, "Are they fine?"

She said, "Yes, ma'am, both patients are fine. But the one who had twins was struggling a little, but still far better than before."

Niharika's face turned a little tense. She said, "I need to make her completely feel better. She is a very strong woman. She is literally bearing a lot of pain, and I have to make her fully healthy."

Niharika said, "You go and give her the injection I said. I'm coming to check her."

The nurse nodded and left.

Niharika went into her cabin. She started arranging some things. She murmured slowly,

"I can't even understand the pain she is bearing now. A woman can literally do anything. People who do not respect women should see this... see how much pain a woman goes through when giving birth to a child. Who will say in the future that women can't do anything? We have to literally worship our mother who gives us birth. Not only mother, we have to respect every woman. They are literally fighting with a lot of pain every day."

She continued,

"Every man has to become a great person when it comes to women... to their mother, to their wife... like my father. The way he respects my mom, I think not every man can do that. The way my dad loves my mother, the way he cares, the way he can't live without her... I think every man should be like that."

She smiled faintly.

"And the way my dad loves me too... my dad who would literally do anything for me... my superhero."

Her expression changed slightly.

"I haven't talked to him for three days because of his political work. He is the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and he is so busy with work... but he still calls me every day. But for three days, I don't know why he hasn't called or even picked up my call. Mom said he is busy, so I understand the situation. I just hope he is not stressing too much because of work."

Niharika was murmuring to herself. She lightly slapped her head and said,

"When will I stop talking to myself? When will I leave this stupid habit?"

Then she went to her patient room.

*************************

JODHPUR..

"Please... leave me, Master. I'll never do that again..."

The man was on his knees, crying and wincing in pain. Blood trickled from the corner of his lips and from his head. His hands were joined together, begging for mercy.

The room was wrapped in darkness. Only a thin line of white light slipped through the window.

For a second, the light blurred as thick smoke filled the air.

Then-

click.

A lighter flickered.

A yellow flame came alive, and in that glow, his eyes appeared-filled with darkness. The flame reflected in his dark grey eyes, making them look even more dangerous... almost lifeless.

He lowered the lighter.

The flame touched the knot of the curtain.

And slowly... the fire began to burn.

The knot caught first, then the fabric, and within moments, the flames started consuming the entire curtain. The dark room turned into a haunting yellow glow.

His face was now visible.

Sharp. Structured. Dangerous.

His jaw was so sharp. His sharp jaw was covered with a light beard, rough yet perfectly shaped, giving him a dangerously attractive look.

His long lashes blinked slowly.

A terrifying smirk formed on his lips.

He took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling smoke like he owned every breath in that room.

Behind him, the man cried harder, his voice shaking.

"P-please... mercy..."

A deep, rough voice finally broke the silence.

"Make another sound..."

He paused, his gaze turning colder.

"...and those breaths I planned to take from you later... I'll end them right now. No fucking waiting."

The whole room filled with Silence.

The man froze instantly.

Not a single word dared to leave his mouth again..

"See, only the curtains are burned. See, the fire doesn't have that fucking audacity to go above my orders, so how the fuck do you think you can trick me? How the fuck did that much courage come into you?" he said while turning his face from the window towards the man.

The man started shaking and crying while saying, "I'll never do that again, Master. I know I'm so stupid that I went against you. I'm sorry, Master, I'll never do that again," he said while crying.

A dark, loud chuckle escaped from his mouth. "I love when people beg in front of me while knowing that I'm not gonna give them what they fucking want."

He started slowly moving towards the man while smoking the cigarette. He went and sat on the sofa that was placed in the middle of the room, in front of that man who was crying.

When the cigarette came to the edge of its end, he put it in the cigarette ashtray. Then he looked at him with dark, dangerous eyes.

Suddenly, the man put his head on his left shoe and started crying. A smirk appeared on his lips, and he moved his right leg and put it tightly on his left hand, from which the man hitched and screamed loudly.

He forced his strength more.

The man screamed even more.

Suddenly, he spoke in a dangerous voice, "Divyansh Singh Shekhawat ka khauf dikh rha hai teri akho mai Aryan ahuja!!"

He said while grabbing his hair tightly and forcing the man to look directly at him.

He took the knife from the table nearby.

He murmured, "Narak mai ja kr jarur btaiyo ki wha se bhi khtranak rakshas hai dharti pr"

He finished his sentence. Then he shoved the knife into the man's left eye.

The man cried out. He groaned. The whole room filled with his screams of pain. Blood poured from the eye. It soaked both of his hands.

Divyansh pinned the man's hands with his both legs. The man clawed at his hands, trying to pull free. But he couldn't.

Suddenly, Divyansh ripped the knife out mercilessly. He plunged it into the right eye.

The man screamed louder. His body went limp, losing consciousness.

Divyansh leaned close. He murmured, "Never forget the name of the 'DEVIL' Divyansh Singh Shekhawat."

He yanked the knife free. Then he drove it straight into the man's chest.

The man let out one final, ear-splitting scream. He collapsed dead on the floor.

He took another cigarette, lit it from the lighter, and took a drag while laying his head on the back of the sofa.

When he was taking another puff, his phone rang. He looked at the call and received it. He stayed silent during the conversation.

Suddenly, a voice popped, "Broo, guess what?"

Divyansh rolled his eyes and said, "What the hell happened now?"

The voice came again, "I'm coming to Rajasthan. Finally, I got a one-week break from my practice, and now I'm coming there."

Divyansh took another drag of smoke and said while releasing it, "It's the second time this month you're coming here, and you're telling me like we haven't met in years."

Then again, the voice came, "Come on, shekhawat, why do you always act like this? Tell me the truth-am I your friend or not?"

Divyansh said in a low, frustrated voice, "I didn't say that..."

His friend asked to him "By the way, what the hell are you doing? Why are you so silent? You're only this quiet when you've done something dangerous... or when you're completely insane. So what is it this time?"

Divyansh took a long drag from his cigarette, his lips curling into a dark smirk. In his deep, bold voice, he replied, "Going with the first option."

"Uh... what?" the voice on the other side asked in disbelief. Then added, "So what next? What are you going to do?"

Divyansh exhaled the smoke slowly, letting it fade into the air before standing up. Running a hand through his dark hair, he said calmly,

"Right now, I'm looking for my next prey. I've already made ninety-nine... just one more to complete my century."

"What the hell, man? You literally killed ninety-nine people?" His friend asked in, shock.

Divyansh's tone dropped low and cold.

"Yeah, the strength is a bit low... but I'll cover it soon."

"Come on, Shekhawat! You don't even regret it?" His friend snapped in frustration.

A dark chuckle escaped Divyansh's lips.

"Why would I regret it? They should've thought before doing such stupid things."

There was a brief silence.

Then Divyansh spoke again, his voice dangerously calm,

"By the way, Jaxon Grey... why do you feel bad for them? Do you want to join them too? Actually... yes. I just need one more person to complete my century. Why don't you help me? After all... you're my friend. You can do anything for me."

"Shut up MF!" Jaxon's voice came, now mixed with irritation. "Because of your so-called 'century,' you've made me kill. You're a psychopath. I'll talk to you only when you're done with this madness... though knowing you, you're capable of anything."

Divyansh let out a dark laugh.

"Relax, Jaxon. I'd never do anything like that to you."

"Just shut up. My coach is calling me," Jaxon muttered before cutting the call.

Divyansh stood there in silence.

Suddenly, the door behind him burst open.

"Divyansh! What the hell is this?" a voice shouted. "Everyone is waiting in the empire for your raj tilak, and you're here killing people brutally?"

Divyansh clicked his tongue in irritation.

"Shut up prateek, don't do drama like you never seen me killing before.."

His brother-in-law sighed.

"That's not the point. The point is everyone is waiting for you at the empire. You're about to become the King of Jodhpur, and every single person is there for you. And on such an important day, you're here doing all this nonsense?"

Divyansh turned toward him, unfazed.

"I always reach on time. There are still twenty minutes left. They can wait. Maybe they should learn to be punctual for the time."

Divyansh picked up his black coat and started wearing it.

"Divyansh, you can't go there like this," his brother-in-law said again.

Divyansh raised an eyebrow.

"Why? What's wrong with these clothes?"

"Because there are rules. Only royal poshaks are allowed for the raj tilak ceremony."

Divyansh's jaw tightened in frustration.

"What the hell is this now?"

Without another word, his brother-in-law put the poshak on the table. "Here. Wear this and come."

Divyansh looks the poshak angrily..

________________

~Jodhpur empire~

Two men stood guard beside the massive royal doors, each holding a long spear. Dressed in traditional attire, they straightened and shouted in loud, echoing voices,

"The Supreme Commander of Jodhpur, Divyansh Singh Shekhawat, is arriving!"

Their voices echoed throughout the Jodhpur empire. As Divyansh stepped inside, both men bowed their heads.

The moment he entered, every person present in the grand hall lowered their heads in respect. But Divyansh didn't spare anyone a glance. Without expression, he walked straight toward the throne and stopped beside it, standing silently, his face cold and unreadable.

Moments later, the guards at the door announced again,

"The King of Jodhpur, Veerendra Singh Shekhawat, is arriving!"

All eyes turned toward the entrance. Everyone bowed once again except one.

Divyansh.

He neither bowed nor looked in that direction. His gaze remained fixed ahead, his jaw clenched tightly.

Soon, everyone took their seats. Only Divyansh remained standing in front of the throne, waiting for the raj tilak.

A man then stood up and addressed the gathering,

"As everyone present here already knows, that our King, Veerendra Singh Shekhawat, has decided to step down and hand over the responsibility of Jodhpur to a worthy and capable successor. For this, he gave the people of Jodhpur the right to choose their own king. And you all have chosen your ruler his son, Divyansh Singh Shekhawat."

"Respecting your decision, we have chosen this day for the coronation. Now, I request our respected King, Veerendra Singh Shekhawat, to perform the raj tilak of our new king."

As the man finished speaking, Divyansh's eyes snapped toward him. His expression darkened instantly.

"What did you just say?" he asked loudly, anger laced in every word.

"You said this man is going to perform my raj tilak?" Divyansh snapped angrily.

A tense silence filled the hall.

Suddenly, divyansh Dadasa stood up and said.

"Calm down, Divyansh, my son. This is a ritual. Only a king can perform the raj tilak of another king."

Divyansh looked at him, anger burning in his eyes.

"And you know very well, Dadasa... the people of Jodhpur accept him as their king, not me."

Before anyone could react, a sharp, commanding voice echoed through the hall, silencing everyone.

"This is not the Shekhawat mansion this is the Jodhpur Empire. And Divyansh Singh Shekhawat... don't forget your limits. You are yet to become king."

Divyansh slowly turned his gaze toward his father, meeting his eyes without fear.

"And now," he said coldly, "I don't want to become king. If you're the one who's going to perform my raj tilak, then Veerendra Singh Shekhawat... I refuse to accept this kingdom."

His father's expression hardened.

"Fine. Then leave. We're not here to please you."

Divyansh let out a faint, mocking smile.

"Even if you tried to please me, I still wouldn't listen."

He turned toward the people in the hall, his voice firm yet intense.

"I know you all love me... and I care about you too. But that doesn't mean I have to become your king to protect you. I'll do that without any title."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"Listen carefully your Supreme Commander, Divyansh Singh Shekhawat, will always stand for you. If you face any problem, come to me... and I'll solve it."

With that, Divyansh turned and walked out of the hall, anger radiating from every step.

As he left, the crowd suddenly erupted

"Divyansh Singh Shekhawat ki jai ! "Divyansh singh shekhawat ki jai!"

Their voices echoed with loyalty and admiration.

Watching him go, divyansh dad spoke calmly, yet with a hint of pride,

"I think he still needs time to become king. Until then... your king is still here."

The crowd began chanting,

"Raja sa ki jai! Raja sa ki jai!"

With that, divyansh dad turned and left the hall as well.

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~SHEKHAWAT MANSION~

The man sat on his long, king-sized chair, his hand pressed against his head as he tried to control his rising temper. A soft and sweet voice came from beside him,

"Calm down, Ranasa... please don't stress."

The woman walked closer, placed a glass of water on the table, and sat beside his chair.

He spoke in rage, "Why the hell doesn't he understand anything? Kyu nafrat karta hai woh mujhse itna? Baap hoon main uska!"

[Why does he hate me so much? I am his father.]

The woman gently took his hand in hers, then placed her other hand on his cheek. "You know, Ranasa, Divyansh is like this... We can try everything, but we can't change his mind. I'm his mother... and I've been dying to hear him call me 'mom' for 30 years..."

Suddenly, he looked into her eyes. Lifting her chin gently so she would look at him, he said firmly, "Never say such a thing again. I won't care if he's my son but if you're sad because of him, I won't think twice before killing him, Ranisa."

She looked at him softly and placed her right hand on his chest, rubbing it gently.

"Calm down, Ranasa. I'm not sad... and when you're with me, why would I be? But that doesn't mean you can say anything against my son. If you are my world, then he is the greenery of that world... and so is our daughter. I won't hear anything wrong about them, okay?"

He nodded, then said quietly, "Maafi, hmare bachon ki maa... I won't use such words again. And you know they are mine too. If you are my heart, then they are my heartbeat."

She smiled.

After a moment, he added, his voice heavy, "But Divyansh's behavior is getting worse day by day... I have to do something."After a few seconds of silence, she replied gently, "Yes, you do. But whatever decision you make, please don't make it in anger, Ranasa."

He nodded again.

She smiled softly and rested her head on his shoulder.

_________________

"And you really think I'm going to give a f*ck about what they think about me..?"

"I'm not saying that, Divyansh. But they are your parents. You have to tell them where you're going, what you're trying to do. Why don't you see in their eyes how much they love you?"

"Shut up, Prateek. Leave from here. I don't want to use any harsh words on you. You're my sister's husband... I really don't want to say anything wrong to her husband. So leave before I do something wrong."

Prateek said slowly, "Okay, I'm leaving. But always remember I'm always here if you need any help."

Divyansh didn't look at him.

After he left, Divyansh turned toward his four man's.

"Ready my private jet. We're going for our next prey."

The four men standing in front of Divyansh all looked like powerful, dangerous gangster types. One of them said

"We had everything ready, but there was still one problem."

Divyansh looked at the man, raising his eyebrow slightly.

"We have to hide our identity there. No one should know who we are, because that directly impacts our social identities. And the truth is, the police are already mentally prepared for 'Draxons' next move. So at any cost, we must not get caught by them."

Divyansh's gaze hardened as his tone dropped, heavy and firm.

"No one will ever know who Draxons are."

The second man stepped forward and spoke.

"Yes, but the whole Indian police force knows that Draxons have the complete biodata of criminals in their files. But the greatest thing is that they still don't know who Draxons are. And like you said... they never will."

A faint smirk formed on Divyansh's lips.

Then the third man spoke, his voice sharper this time.

"They will never know that we are Draxons."

He stepped closer, eyes burning with intensity as he continued.

"They will never know that the Supreme Commander of Jodhpur... the Prince of Jodhpur, Divyansh Singh Shekhawat himself, created Draxons. The one who rules from the shadows... the chaser, the ruler of people's fate. They will never know that you are the creator of Draxons."

He glanced at the others.

"And the rest of us... we are Draxons too. 'Zayden' the Punisher, 'Adhrit' the Psychopath, 'Rihaanthe' Gangster. And me 'Lucien' the Shooter. They will never be able to find us."

Divyansh slowly lit his cigarette, taking a slow, unbothered drag.

Then he asked, his voice steady and dominant,

"So... are you ready for our next destiny?"

The four replied together without hesitation,

"Yes, Tej."

Divyansh exhaled slowly, a smirk returning to his face as he ran a hand through his dark hair.

"Great."

*************************

Chennai..

Like literally, Niharika, you don't know how much he is chomu. Like, how can he even make me sit near other men when I'm literally not comfortable in it?

Niharika said in a serious tone, "And what I'm saying to you is, he's not a good man, Ishani. But well, as always, I know you ignore my words. You literally deserve so great Ishani. I swear he doesn't deserve your love."

Ishani looked at Niharika and said while pouting, "I know what you are trying to say, but what will I do, Niharika? My heart literally does not listen to me. When I try to go far from him, my brain leaves its place. I don't know if he really loves me or not, but I love him. He's my uni crush, and now when he finally is in a relationship with me, I'm literally out of my mind."

Niharika shook her head and said, "You're so stupid."

Ishani smiled and said, "Well, I also think so."

Niharika looked at her and said, "Okay, now sleep well. We have to wake up early tomorrow to go for the movie, you know or not.."

Ishani said while looking at Niharika, "Of course, madam ji. How will I forget that tomorrow is your lover's movie release? And as always, how would you miss his release day? Of course, if you leave, your SRK movie he will start crying na."

Niharika lightly slapped Ishani's lap and said, "Not a wrong word to my SRK, okay?"

Ishani chuckled and said, "Okay, meri amma, I'll not"

"Hmm."

Niharika nodded.

Then Ishani said, "But there is a problem."

Niharika said, "What?"

Ishani said, "The tickets are full. So I somehow managed through my friend. So when we go to the mall, the person who is giving tickets will give us. So for that, we have to go early there."

"Okay. So now sleep."

Niharika nodded and said

while lying on the bed. Ishani also slept.

In midnight.

Niharika started panicking in her sleep, "Please leave him... please don't do anything to him..."

Tears were coming from her eyes.

Suddenly Ishani woke up and, while turning the light on, she looked at Niharika and said while trying to wake her, "Niharika... wake up... Niharika, wake up! What happened?"

She gently slapped on niharika's face to wake her, and slowly Niharika's eyes opened. She was so scared and shivering. She sat up and immediately hugged Ishani tightly, while sweat was coming from her head. She was terrified.

Ishani said slowly, "Shhh... shh... Niharika, I'm here. Don't be scared."

She slowly broke the hug and tried to relax herself. Ishani gave her water. She drank it, then wiped her sweat from her head and took a deep breath.

Ishani said to Niharika, "Are you okay?"

Niharika nodded slowly.

Ishani said again, "That nightmare came again?"

Niharika nodded.

Ishani looked at her and said, "What came now?"

Niharika said, "Everything is blurred as always. But I know there was a woman with a blurred face, and she was crying and screaming for someone to leave him. And some blurred people were talking a man away while blood is dripping, but the man's face is also very blurred."

Ishani said, "It's okay, just relax."

Niharika said while drinking water,

"How do I relax? Ishani, literally for 12 years this nightmare is not leaving. Sometimes I see two blurred people playing in a garden, sometimes temples, sometimes big historical empires, and sometimes just blood and screams."

She took a deep breath than add,

When is this nightmare going to leave me? Everything I did everything. I tried therapists, I saw every doctor. But they only said it's normal dreams and nothing. I'm totally fine. What else do I do?"

Ishani said, "We will do something for that. Don't worry, okay? Now sleep and don't worry. I'm here for you."

Niharika nodded and slept. They both slept in the end.

The alarm was ringing sharply. Ishani was shouting, "Come on, Niharika, wake up!"

Niharika said while still sleeping, "You go take a shower first... after that I'll go."

Ishani said while going towards the bathroom, "Okay, but when I come to the bathroom and see you still sleeping, then I'll literally kill you."

Niharika said while putting the pillow on her head, "Okay, amma, now go."

Ishani went to the bathroom.

After some time, when she came out of the bathroom, she saw that Niharika was still sleeping.

Ishani said, "Oh God, this girl... when she sleeps at her house, she always wakes up at 5 AM. And when she comes to my house, she always wakes up late. Stupid bitch."

Ishani went to the bed and, while grabbing the pillow, shouted while hitting Niharika, "Wake up, Niharika, or I'll literally kill you! We're getting late! Do you want to go to the movie or not? Or do you want to miss your SRK's movie?"

Niharika suddenly woke up and said, "No! I didn't say I'm leaving! I'm just going to get ready!"

Niharika picked up her clothes and directly went into the bathroom.

After taking a shower and getting ready, she came out of the bathroom.

She was wearing a sleeveless white tunic with a delicate floral pattern. The most striking feature was the high center slit that started right at the waistline.

Because the slit started so high, it left a small portion of her stomach visible, giving it a modern, flowing, slightly cropped-top feel.

From the waist down, the fabric separated into two long panels that flowed down to the shins, allowing graceful movement while keeping the legs and waist area as the focal point.

She paired it with blue bottom jeans and white earrings.

Ishani looked at her and said, "As always, you're looking so pretty... and making me regret why I'm not a boy. You know, sometimes I feel jealous of Sourya that you're marrying him instead of me."

Niharika smiled and said, "Shut up."

She applied a light pink lipstick and said, "Let's go, I'm ready."

Ishani nodded and said, "So let's go, ma'am."

They both left..

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Thank you, my buttercups, for choosing my book and trusting me with your time. I promise I’ll make you fall in love with every part of this story.

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