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The air in the abandoned warehouse was thick with tension. Dim lights flickered overhead as Reyansh Singhaniya stepped forward, his sharp black suit immaculate despite the chaos surrounding him. The man kneeling before him trembled, his pleas echoing in the vast, empty space. 

“Please, I didn’t know the goods were counterfeit,” the man stammered, sweat dripping down his brow. 

Reyansh’s dark eyes bored into him, void of any emotion. Behind him, Yash stood silently, his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold. Reyansh’s voice, when it came, was calm yet laced with authority. 

“I gave you a chance to walk away from this path,” he said, his words precise, measured. “But you chose greed. Now, you’ll face the consequences.” 

The man whimpered as Reyansh turned to Yash and gave a slight nod. No unnecessary violence, no grand speeches—just action. That was how Reyansh operated in the underworld. He didn’t revel in power; he wielded it with purpose. Justice was his weapon, and his name alone was enough to strike fear into those who thrived on corruption. 

As the man was escorted out, Yash glanced at Reyansh. “You handled that well. But sometimes, I wonder if this ever gets to you.” 

Yash wad his only bestfriend since childhood. His right hand man and also his business parter. He owned his successful company 'Gyati' which named after the orphan where he grew up. The orphan owned by Singhania's. Reyansh meet him there when he was 5 and since then both are bestfriends. Now he owns a multi billionaire company.

Reyansh’s expression didn’t waver. “It’s not about me. It’s about the people I protect.” 

With that, he walked away, his footsteps steady, his presence commanding. 

❤️

Back at Singhaniya Palace, the air was lighter, filled with the aroma of freshly cooked dal and the sound of familial banter. As Reyansh stepped inside, the tension from the warehouse melted away. His cold, unyielding exterior softened as he caught sight of his grandmother, Kamini, instructing the staff in the kitchen. 

“There you are, Reyansh!” she called, her tone warm and loving. “You’re late again. What’s the excuse this time?” 

“I was caught up with work, Dadi,” he said, bending slightly to touch her feet in respect. 

“Work can wait,” Kamini replied, pulling him into a brief hug. “Come, everyone’s waiting.” 

In the dining room, the family was already gathered. Radha, his sister, lit up at the sight of him. “Ah, the great Reyansh Singhaniya graces us with his presence!” she teased, earning a chuckle from their cousin Vinesh. 

Radha was heart of their family. Her charming and playfulness added life to Singhania Palace. Carefree but not careless.  Princess of Rajasthan and a successful writer who was always on the top chart in India because of her hardwork. Always the one to be spoiled by everyone.

“Careful, Radha,” Vinesh added with a grin. “He might send Yash after you.” 

Vinesh was son of Archana and Abhiram his chacha and chachi but never less than a real brother to Reyansh. A successful lawyer in India who is also known for his mercilessness. But for his family the 27 year man becomes 17 year boy with is playfulness around his family.

Reyansh shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he took his seat beside his father, Pratap. His mother, Aaradhya, placed a served plate before him, her gentle touch on his shoulder grounding him. 

“You work too much, beta,” Aaradhya said softly. “You need to eat properly.” 

Reyansh met her gaze, the coldness in his eyes replaced by warmth. “I’m fine, Maa,” he assured her. “But you spoil me too much.” 

Abhiram, his uncle, chuckled from across the table. “It’s the least she can do. You carry the weight of an empire on your shoulders.” 

Reyansh glanced around the table, his family’s laughter and teasing filling the room. This was his sanctuary, the reason behind his every action. To the world, he was a cold and calculated king, ruling the shadows with an iron fist. But here, within these walls, he was a son, a brother, and a grandson.

As the conversation shifted, Reyansh noticed an unusual stillness in the air. His parents exchanged glances, their eyes heavy with something unspoken. He knew what was coming. His marriage, the one that would solidify his rule over Jodhpur, was always a matter of family discussion. And tonight, the topic was being brought up again.

His father, Pratap, cleared his throat. “Reyansh, we’ve been in talks with a family. The time has come for you to take the next step in securing the future of this kingdom.”

Reyansh’s eyes narrowed slightly, knowing exactly where the conversation was headed. His marriage was not something of love—it was a matter of duty, an alliance to strengthen his claim to the throne. His parents had found a suitable match, and the proposal was ready.

His grandfather, Raghavendra joined in gently, “It’s time for you to marry, beta. You know the coronation cannot happen until you do. The girl’s family is well respected, and she is a fitting match for you."

Radha, always the one to lighten the mood, raised an eyebrow playfully. “Ah, Bhai, it seems your days of being the bachelor king are numbered.”

Reyansh sighed, though his face remained composed. "I know," he replied simply. "It’s a matter of duty, Jodhpur needs stability, and that stability lies in the right alliances.”

His uncle, Abhiram, nodded in agreement. “Exactly. You’ve always been the one to carry the weight of the family and the kingdom. This is just another step. The right bride will ensure the future of Singhania and Co. and Jodhpur itself.”

Reyansh didn’t respond, knowing it was expected of him. The coronation would happen soon after, but it would be a marriage of convenience. A contract for power, not love. He had learned long ago that his personal desires would always take a backseat to the demands of his role as the future king.

As dinner wrapped up, Pratap turned to Reyansh with a more serious tone. “We’ve found someone suitable. Her name is Dr. Avantika Gupta. She is an orphan, living with her bua’s family in Mumbai.The Rathi family. Sayli Rathi, her bua, is the head of the household, and her husband, Digvijay, has a lot of influence in business. They have a son, Yug, who is the CEO of Rathi’s and Co. Sneha, his wife.”

Reyansh listened intently as his father continued. “Avantika may not have the wealth or title you’d expect, but she is known for her intelligence, grace, and good character. I personally met her and I'm sure she is perfect partner for you.”

Radha, noticing Reyansh’s silence, spoke up. “You know, Bhai, this doesn’t sound so bad. It could be a fresh start, a good partnership. And I’ve heard good things about her.”

Reyansh didn’t immediately respond. He had expected this. His family was looking for someone who could strengthen his rule, necessarily someone he could love. Avantika, with her quiet demeanor and humble background, was the perfect choice for a marriage of convenience.

"I'll meet her first then I'll give you my decision." Reyansh says and leave from there.

Later that night, Reyansh stepped outside into the cool night air, his mind clouded with the weight of the conversation. Radha joined him, her voice soft and concerned. “Bhai, are you okay with this?”

Radha was always the one who could speak about any topic carefreely with Reyansh and he also answers him. No other could speak to him like that and if spoke he would never answer. Beside Radha, Raghavendra is one who can but right now his health is down.

Reyansh’s gaze turned to the stars above, his thoughts far away. “It doesn’t matter. It’s what must be done.”

Radha studied him for a moment before speaking again, her voice full of understanding. “I know. But I hope you find happiness in it, even if it’s not how you imagined.”

Reyansh turned to her, his expression softening just for a moment. “I’ll make the best of it. For the kingdom, for the family.”

As he looked toward the distant palace, the future seemed more uncertain than ever. His coronation awaited, but the woman he would marry remained a mere stranger, someone he would have to learn to trust and build a life with—whether he was ready for it or not.

❤️

The soft rustling of the trees outside filtered through the open window as Avantika sat by the table in her room. The room was filled with the comforting smells of jasmine and sandalwood, but the atmosphere felt heavy to her after her long day. It was as if the world outside was at peace, yet within these walls, something was stirring—a sense of dread, though she couldn’t quite place why.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the door opened with a soft creak, and she looked up to see her bua, Sayli Rathi, stepping into the room. There was a sternness in Sayli’s eyes, something cold that made Avantika sit up a little straighter, though she had no idea why. Behind Sayli, her husband, Digvijay, entered with a firm expression on his face, not bothering to greet Avantika.

“Avantika,” Sayli began, her tone sharp but measured, “We need to talk.”

Avantika’s heart skipped a beat, a slight nervousness creeping in. Her bua’s requests were rarely casual, and she could sense something was off. She stood up slowly, walking over to them.

“Sit down,” Sayli instructed, her voice devoid of warmth.

Avantika sat on the couch, glancing at Digvijay, who stood silently beside his wife, his arms crossed. Sayli wasted no time. “There’s an important matter we need to discuss. A proposal has come for you.”

Avantika blinked, confused. A proposal? Who would want to marry her? She had always lived quietly, never seeking anything more than the life her bua had provided for her. “A proposal?” she echoed, unsure of what was happening.

Sayli nodded, her face hardening. “Yes, from the Singhania family. Reyansh Singhania, the future king of Jodhpur, has expressed interest in marrying you and he want to meet you tomorrow."

Avantika’s heart stopped. Reyansh Singhania? The name alone sounded like something from a fairy tale. He was the CEO of Singhania and Co., and more than that, he was the king of the underworld, a powerful man whose reach extended far beyond what Avantika could comprehend. The idea of marrying someone like him felt like a distant dream—or perhaps, a nightmare.

“But... why me?” Avantika whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Sayli’s eyes hardened further, her lips curling into a tight line. “Because it’s time, Avantika. You are a burden to this family, and you need to understand that you are not in a position to reject this. The alliance will benefit all of us. You don’t have a choice in this matter.”

Avantika’s breath caught in her throat. “Bua, I—”

Sayli interrupted her, her voice cold. “Don’t try to protest. You have no say in this. We have already made the arrangements. Reyansh Singhania is a powerful man, and this marriage will secure your future. Our future.”

Digvijay finally spoke, his voice low and stern. “This marriage is not just about you, Avantika. It’s about the future of this family. The Singhania family is offering power, wealth, and protection. Do you really think you can turn that down?”

Avantika’s mind raced, her thoughts jumbled and confused. The weight of the words sank in. This wasn’t a proposal of love or choice—it was an arrangement, a way to secure power and status. She was nothing more than a pawn in a game.

“You need to understand, Avantika,” Sayli continued, her voice laced with impatience. “You will marry Reyansh Singhania. It’s not an option. It’s a matter of duty. For the family. For your future.”

Avantika felt as though the walls were closing in on her. She wanted to scream, to cry out that she didn’t want this, but she couldn’t. She was trapped. Her life, her future, had already been decided for her.

Sayli’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Enough. The decision has been made. You will marry Reyansh Singhania. We will inform his family tomorrow. You will meet him soon, and the wedding will be arranged. Do not disappoint us, Avantika.”

Avantika sat frozen, her heart heavy with a sense of helplessness she had never known before. She wasn’t given the luxury of choosing her own path. She was being thrust into a marriage she didn’t want, to a man she didn’t know, all for the sake of a family who only saw her as a means to an end.

❤️

As Sayli and Digvijay left the room, Avantika’s thoughts swirled in a dark cloud of fear and uncertainty. She was alone, caught between the demands of her bua and the reality of a future she couldn’t escape.

Sayli and Digvijay sat across from Yug and Sneha in the living room, the tension in the air palpable. Sayli's face was set in its usual stern expression, while Digvijay looked calm but unreadable, his eyes never leaving the floor. The silence between them was thick, but it was finally broken by Sayli, who cleared her throat before speaking.

"Yug, Sneha," she began, her voice calculated, "we’ve arranged something important for Avantika. A proposal has come from the Singhania family. Reyansh Singhaniya has expressed interest in marrying her."

Yug’s brows furrowed, his mind immediately going into protective mode. He had heard of Reyansh Singhania—rumors swirled about his power, his underworld connections, and his ruthless nature. He had no doubt that this wasn't just a simple marriage proposal. It was a political move, a transaction of power, and that troubled him deeply.

"But she's not even part of this decision," Yug said, his voice cool but firm. He glanced at Sneha, who looked just as concerned, though she didn't speak.

Sayli raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a tight smile. "She has no choice. The marriage has been arranged, and she is... willingly ready for this alliance."

Yug's eyes narrowed, sensing the lie in her words. He knew his cousin well, and he could tell that Avantika was anything but willing. The fire in his chest burned brighter, and he made a mental note to speak with Avantika after this. He couldn't let her be pushed into something she didn’t want, especially not to someone like Reyansh Singhania.

"So, you’re saying she’s 'willing,'" Yug said, his voice laced with disbelief, "but I know my cousin better than that. This is an arranged marriage, For power, for status. Not for love."

Sayli’s gaze hardened as she met Yug’s eyes. "That’s the way of the world, Yug. You know as well as I do that sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good. This marriage will secure her future. Our future."

Yug clenched his jaw but remained calm. "If Avantika doesn’t want this, then we need to reconsider. This isn't just about power—it’s about her life, her happiness."

Sneha placed a hand on Yug's arm, trying to keep the peace, but even she couldn’t hide the concern in her eyes. "Yug’s right. We need to think about what’s best for Avantika, not just what’s best for everyone else."

Sayli’s eyes flickered for a brief moment, but she quickly masked it with her usual cold demeanor. "The decision has already been made. It’s time to move forward."

But Yug was resolute. "I’ll speak to Avantika myself. I’ll make sure she knows she has a voice in this. No one can decide her future without her consent."

Digvijay finally spoke, his voice gruff. "This is the way it has to be. For all our sakes."

Yug didn't back down, though. His mind was already racing with plans to talk to Avantika, to give her the support and freedom she needed to make her own choices. He wasn’t going to let anyone—especially his own family—control her destiny like this. And Reyansh Singhaniya? He would have to tread carefully around him. With his reputation, Yug was sure Reyansh wouldn't take kindly to anyone interfering with his plans.

❤️

Yug entered Avantika’s room quietly, his heart heavy with the weight of the conversation he was about to have. He had planned to talk to her, to give her a chance to speak her mind, but as he stepped inside, his breath caught in his throat.

Avantika sat on the edge of her bed, her knees drawn to her chest, her head bowed low. She was holding a framed photo of her parents, their smiling faces frozen in time. The soft sound of her sobs filled the room, the pain in her chest so palpable that it seemed to suffocate the air. She had always been strong, always kept her emotions hidden, but now, in the quiet of her room, she couldn't keep up the facade.

Yug's heart twisted at the sight of her, but he knew he couldn’t show any weakness. Not yet. He approached her slowly, not wanting to startle her, and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Avantika," he said softly, his voice filled with concern, "what's going on?"

She froze, the trembling of her shoulders betraying the calm she tried to maintain. After a long pause, she turned to face him, her red eyes meeting his, her voice barely a whisper. "I... I’m fine, Yug bhaiya. Really."

Yug didn't believe her. The lie was obvious in her voice, and the sorrow in her eyes was undeniable. He sat down beside her, his expression gentle but firm. "Avantika, don't lie to me. I know this isn't easy for you. You don't have to go through this alone."

Avantika swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around the photo. "I... I don’t have a choice," she said, her voice breaking. "They’ve already made the decision for me. I’m just... doing what’s expected of me."

Yug shook his head, his gaze softening. "You don’t have to do this. If you don’t want to marry him, you don’t have to. You’re not a pawn in anyone’s game, Avantika. This is your life. Your future."

She looked down at the photo again, her expression strained, and for a moment, Yug thought she might finally open up. But when she spoke again, her words were laced with a painful lie. "No, Yug bhai, I’m... I’m fine with it. I’ve thought about it. Reyansh Singhania is a good match for me. He’s powerful, and this marriage will secure my future. It’s what’s best for everyone."

Yug felt a sharp pang in his chest. He could tell she was lying. Her voice trembled as she spoke, and her words were heavy with the weight of an obligation she couldn’t escape. "Avantika," he said gently, his tone insistent, "don’t say that. You don’t have to pretend for me. I know you’re scared. I can see it in your eyes."

Her gaze flickered briefly with vulnerability before she quickly wiped her tears away, standing up and setting the photo of her parents back on the shelf. "Please, Bhai. I don’t want to talk about it anymore," she said, her voice steady now, but there was a quiet desperation in her eyes that Yug couldn’t ignore.

Yug stood as well, stepping closer to her. "I don’t believe you," he said firmly. "I know you, Avantika. And I know that this isn’t what you want. You don’t have to do this alone. I’ll help you. We can figure something else out."

But Avantika shook her head, her face tightening with the effort of holding back the tears. "I don’t have a choice," she repeated, this time with more finality. "I have to do this. For the family. For the future. For everything."

Yug sighed, his frustration rising, but he could see that she wasn’t ready to break the walls she had built around herself. He didn't push further, but his mind raced with the thought that this was just the beginning of something much bigger. He needed to protect her, to make sure she knew she didn’t have to settle for a life she didn't choose.

"Alright," he said, his voice softening. "But know this—if you ever need to talk, or if you want to change things, you can come to me. No matter what."

Avantika forced a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "Thank you, Yug bhaiya," she whispered.

Yug gave her one last look, his concern evident, before he turned to leave. As he stepped into the hallway, he felt a deep sense of unease. He knew this wasn’t over, and he wouldn’t let her face this alone. Not while there was still a chance to change her fate.

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