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Veer's pov

I stepped out of the room, my gaze immediately falling on Bhabhi. She was sitting on the sofa, a serene expression on her face, a clear sign that Kunnu had finally drifted to sleep after his energetic tantrum session.

"Are you okay? Your face is quite red," Bhabhi said, approaching me with a touch of concern. Her hand instinctively reached out, gently pressing against my forehead. "It's not fever," she added, her voice carrying the trained observation of a doctor, even off-duty.

"It's nothing, really. I'm just feeling hot," I replied, a slight flush still warming my cheeks.

"Let me put Kunnu to bed," I offered, carefully lifting the sleeping baby into my arms. I stepped inside the room, where Omkar Sir was already present. Before he could utter a word, I shushed him with a subtle gesture, indicating that the baby was asleep. Gently, I placed Kunnu in the middle of the bed, surrounding him with a fortress of pillows and draping a light blanket over his tiny form.

I stood there for a moment, simply adoring the only child of our family, a profound sense of warmth spreading through me. Suddenly, I felt Omkar Sir's presence close behind me.

"You'll be a great father," he whispered near my ear, his voice soft and resonant. But before he could say anything more, I practically ran from the room, a strange mix of discomfort and something else I couldn't quite pinpoint swirling within me.

I found Bhabhi in the living area, engrossed in a phone conversation. A tell-tale blush bloomed on her cheeks, clearly indicating she was talking to Bhai. Bhai was truly possessive, and I decided it was best not to disturb their private moment.

The entire area was a cheerful mess of scattered objects, toys, and balloons. I grabbed a tub and began to gather all the toys, but the balloons, I decided, could continue their whimsical float across the floor.

My phone chimed, and it was Vishal.

"Yes?" I answered, picking up.

"Bhai tujhe pata h wo jo ladki thi na park wali , wo chali gayi", he blurted out, a hint of desperation in his voice.

(Bhai, you know that girl from the park? She's gone)

"Kaha gayi?" I asked.

(Gone where)

"don't know, bhai dhokebaaz nikali ye bhi," he sighed, the disappointment palpable.

(I don't know, Bhai. She turned out to be a cheater too.)

"Chutiya h kya, tum dono to relationship me bhi nahi the," I retorted.

(Are you an idiot? You two weren't even in a relationship.)

"Bhai, but still, she should have told me before vanishing like that," he argued, his voice a little hoarse.

"Were you really serious about her?" I questioned, a genuine curiosity stirring within me.

"To .....itne din se kah raha hu but no one trusts me," he replied, his voice thickening with emotion.

(Of course! I've been telling you for so long, but no one trusts me)

"Okay, try to find her," I advised.

"I'm going to do that," he affirmed.

"Why didn't you come to me when Bhabhi is already here?" I asked.

"It's all because of Vardhaan Bhai; he didn't give me a holiday. You're lucky, you got a full two days off," he grumbled, his annoyance clear. I couldn't help but laugh at his antics.

"Hass lo beta, saala koi apna nahi h , bye I'm going to find my girl," he declared dramatically before ending the call.

(Laugh all you want, brother. Seems like I have no one on my side. Bye, I'm going to find my girl.)

"Veer, your Bhaiya is throwing tantrums, just like a child, and said he's coming here to pick me up," Bhabhi said, approaching me with a slight shake of her head.

"So, you're going?" I asked, a faint pang of sadness already forming.

"Can't help it, but your brother will surely face me. This Yaduvanshi blood is too stubborn," she muttered the last part, more to herself than to me, but I heard it clearly.

"Bhabhi, I'm also Yaduvanshi blood," I reminded her with a small smile.

"You are different, Veer, you are my sweet baccha," she said, her hand gently caressing my cheek, her touch always so comforting.

"Bhabhi, don't worry, I'll be there on Monday," I reassured her, knowing she'd be anxious about not spending enough time with me.

"You better be present there, and bring Omkar Bhai with you. Vardhaan has already sent an invitation to him, but you should also invite him because he's your boss right now, okay?" she instructed, and I nodded, mentally making a note.

"Choti Ma gave something to you, let me bring it," she said, moving towards her bag. She pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift box and placed it in my hand.

"That Yaduvanshi is coming here," Omkar Sir announced, entering the living room.

"Yes, Bhai is picking up Bhabhi," I replied.

"This man has no boundaries and limits," he murmured, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Soon, the doorbell rang, and Omkar Sir went to open it.

"Kya khatirdari karein aapki?" he said, a playful challenge in his voice as he opened the door.

(What kind of hospitality should I offer you?)

"Ranawat, i think your injury on head is not healed properly, let me enter first ab kya aarti karoge?" Bhai retorted sarcastically, and I watched, amused, at their unique way of interacting.

(Ranawat, I think your head injury isn't healed properly. Let me enter first. What, are you going to perform an aarti)

"Tum kaho to grahpravesh kr du, vaise ek yaduvanshi ka to kr hi chuka hu," Omkar Sir shot back looking at me, but Bhai simply nudged him aside slightly and stepped into the house.

(You want me to perform a grahpravesh? Anyway, I've already done one for a Yaduvanshi)

"Bhai, Namaste," I greeted him.

"Namaste, beta," he replied, standing before me, his gaze sweeping over me from top to bottom, a protective concern in his eyes.

"Is this man treating you right?" Bhai asked, his eyes narrowing slightly at Omkar Sir.

"Better than you," Omkar Sir interjected before I could even formulate a response, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Aadhya, are you ready?" Bhai's voice softened considerably, his tone completely changing the moment he addressed Bhabhi. His gentle voice truly was reserved only for her.

"Yes, Kunnu is sleeping. Let me bring him," she said, her voice equally tender, and then she walked away.

"RANAWAT, bring your ass to Yaduvanshi Mansion on Monday," Bhai commanded Omkar Sir, his voice back to its usual authoritative tone.

"Okay, okay, I'll come. I know you'll miss me," Omkar Sir teased, a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Bastard," Bhai cursed, but there was an underlying current of affection in his words.

"Veer, take care of yourself and tell me if you feel anything wrong, okay?" Bhai said, his concern for me always evident, and I nodded.

Bhabhi returned, and Bhai immediately took her bags from her hands, his attentiveness unwavering.

"Bye, Veer," Bhabhi said, her voice a little shaky. She enveloped me in a gentle hug, and I clung to her, a sudden overwhelming urge to cry bubbling up inside me. I wanted to go with them, to be enveloped in the familiar warmth of family, but I controlled myself, knowing Bhabhi was also fighting back her own tears.

They both stepped out, but Bhai whispered something to Omkar Sir that I couldn't quite catch. We walked with them to their car, watching as it vanished from sight, taking a piece of my heart with it.

As we stepped back inside and Omkar Sir locked the door, the tear I had been holding back finally slipped free, a warm track down my cheek. He turned to me, his gaze soft and understanding.

"We will meet them on Monday, don't be sad," he said gently, lifting my chin with a tender touch and wiping away my tears. I don't know what came over me, but in that moment, all my carefully constructed composure crumbled. I buried my head into his chest, hugging him tightly, seeking solace in his embrace. He responded by caressing my back and my head, his touch a comforting balm to my raw emotions.

He then cupped my face in his hands, his eyes filled with a quiet understanding.

"Don't cry, please." he said, and wiped my tears.

"Who's crying? I'm not," I said, my voice a little muffled as I pulled away from him, trying to regain some semblance of my usual self. I walked over and sank onto the sofa, trying to collect my thoughts.

"Drink water," he said, returning with a glass of water. I took it, sipping slowly, letting the cool liquid soothe my throat and my emotions.

"Are you feeling better now?" he asked, his voice still gentle, and I simply nodded.

OMKAR RANAWAT'S pov

"If you dared to hurt Veer, I'd personally kill you," Yaduvanshi warned me.

"You yourself know I'd never do that," I replied, a smirk playing on my lips, though i know the seriousness of his words.

"Bastard," he cursed, and then they were gone, leaving the penthouse, leaving Veer visibly heartbroken.

We came back into our home after seeing them off, and I locked the door, the click echoing in the sudden silence. Veer stood there, a small figure. I knew he was sad.

I tried to console him, my heart aching as tears welled in his pretty eyes, then spilled, tracing hot paths down his cheeks. Suddenly, he engulfed me in a hug, making me freeze for a second, caught off guard by the raw emotion. He buried his head in my chest, clinging to me tightly, and I could hear his muffled sobs.

Gently, tentatively, I caressed his back and head, trying to soothe the storm within him.

He was such a kid, so vulnerable.

"Stop crying, please," I murmured, my voice softer than I intended, as I cupped his face, wiping away the glistening tears with my thumbs.

"Who's crying? I'm not," he mumbled, pulling away abruptly and moving to sit on the sofa, his defiance a fragile shield. I brought him a glass of water, and he drank it quietly, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular.

Sitting beside him, the silence felt heavy between us.

"Wanna go out?" I asked, hoping to distract him.

"No," he replied.

"Okay, then let me order pizza. What else do you want to eat? Tell me," I pressed, trying to inject some lightness into the air.

"Order pizza with garlic bread and a soft drink," he rattled off, and I couldn't help but chuckle at his sudden, childish command.

As per his command, I ordered everything he blurted out and settled back beside him.

"Baby, don't overthink," I said, reaching out to gently touch his arm, wanting to convey my presence, my support.

He turned to me then, and said,

"You know, Bhai never left us alone. When Mom and Dad used to go on business trips, he stayed with me and Vishal. And then Bhabhi came, and we thought everything would change, but Bhabhi loved us and cared for us more than anyone in the family."

This was the core of his sadness, the deep bond he shared, the void he felt. I was so glad he was finally opening up to me, trusting me with these details of his life.

I carefully took his hand, my fingers wrapping around his. But wait, his hand felt so small, especially his fingers, delicate and slender. I placed my hand over his, a silent promise, trying to assure him that I am here, that I would be with him.

The doorbell rang, and he abruptly pulled his hand away from mine. It sliced through my heart, a sharp pang of rejection, but I couldn't do anything about it, couldn't force a connection he wasn't ready for.

After taking the delivery, I returned to him, placing everything on the table and turning on the TV.

"What do you want to watch?" I asked.

"Hostel Days," he replied, a series I'd never heard of, lost as I was in the relentless demands of my work. I played the first episode, and we ate in silence, a silence I truly disliked, each bite feeling strangely empty.

"I'll be back," I said, showing him my phone, indicating a call, and he merely nodded, already immersed in the series, his world temporarily shrunk to the screen. I went out to the balcony to attend the call.

I had returned early, which was why they were calling me now. Everything needed surveillance. After getting these government projects, I couldn't afford to let anyone else deal with them. If something went wrong, it would tarnish the reputation of the RANAWATs.

"Okay, send me the layouts selected by both teams. I'll send you the final one," I told the project head, my voice firm, my mind already sifting through possibilities.

The conversation took a little longer than expected, and when I came back into the living room, Veer had already fallen asleep, sprawled over the sofa like a lost child.

"Veer," I called softly, not wanting to startle him.

"Veer," I said again, touching his cheek lightly.

"Hmmmm," he whined, stirring slightly.

"Get up and take a bath. After that, you can sleep properly," I suggested gently.

"No, I don't want to," he mumbled, eyes still stubbornly closed.

"Do you want me to take you to the washroom?" I challenged, a playful dare in my voice.

He didn't reply. With a small sigh, I slipped my hand under his waist and carefully carried him into my arms. His eyes instantly flew open, wide with surprise.

"What are you doing? Put me down!" he exclaimed, wriggling to get away, a blush creeping up his neck.

"Why? I'm just taking you to the washroom," I replied, ignoring his protests and moving towards our room, the warmth of his body in my arms a distraction. I could sense his intense stare on me, but I decided to ignore it. He could sulk later. I gently placed him on the bed.

"You are really..." he began, but then trailed off, his words caught in his throat.

"Really what?" I prompted, a small smile playing on my lips.

"I don't want to talk to you," he huffed, finally stomping into the washroom for his bath.

I sat before the big computer screen on my working table. I had already received the messages from both teams, which I needed to check and finalize. This was the outlet for residential accommodation. The land acquisition was almost done, except for some small portions where people were making a fuss over selling their land. Vardhaan had yet to send me a team, and the deal for materials was also due. There was so much work pending, a mountain of responsibilities weighing on me.

The designs they sent weren't suitable enough, so I had asked them to analyze them further and try something new. I was also researching, hoping to make a conclusive decision soon.

Veer came out after bathing, his hair damp, and laid on the bed like a log.

"Sona nahi hai kya? This light is pricking in my eyes," he said.

( Don't you want to sleep?)

"Just a moment, I'll come," I replied, quickly closing the computer and reaching the bed. I switched off the lights, and now only the soft glow of the moon filtered in through the window.

"Are you asleep?" I whispered.

"Kyu?" he mumbled in return, his voice drowsy.

( Why?)

"Answer a question sincerely," I said, my heart pounding a little faster. He gave a soft nod against the pillow.

"If someone confessed their love to you, then what would you do?"

"Someone confessed to you?" he inquired, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

"Not me, I'm asking a general question," I clarified quickly, trying to keep my composure.

He thought for a moment, and then said,

"I think I'm not ready for any relationship for now." My hopes, fragile as they were, shattered into a thousand pieces. I turned away from him, and a single, tear rolled down my cheek, tracing a path of pain.

He wasn't even ready for any relationship, and here I was, foolishly expecting him to accept my love, the love of a man, a love not validated by society, a love that might forever remain a secret in the shadows.

He didn't say anything, nor did I, and we both drifted off to sleep. In the middle of the night, my phone started ringing, and I picked it up.

"Sir, the encroachment on that government land has started again, and hundreds of people are setting up their tents. We tried to remove them, but we can't handle the situation," the man appointed as security head there said, panicking.

"Call some bulldozers. This matter will be closed today. I'll be there, and don't try to hurt anyone. They are common people; the real manipulator is someone else," I commanded.

I already knew something fishy was going on, but I was waiting for their move so I could counter it before everyone else, ensuring there wouldn't be a next time.

I saw Veer sleeping, unaware of everything. I moved closer to him, engulfing him in my arms, pulling him against my chest.

"Veer," I whispered.

"Veer," I said again.

"Hmm," he mumbled, slightly opening his eyes, still deep in sleep.

"An urgent situation has come up, and my presence is necessary there, so I'm going, okay?" I informed him.

His head lifted slightly, his hands still on my chest. He looked at me, then took his phone from the table, drew it closer to me, and opened the screen, flashing the time before me.

"Raat ke 2 baj rahe hain, kaha jaa rahe ho?" he asked, his voice thick with sleep and concern.

( It's 2 at night, where are you going?)

"It's necessary," I replied, looking at his worried face.

"Okay," he replied softly. I caressed his head and left the bed, but to my surprise, he also got up, sitting on the bed, rubbing his eyes, yawning like a baby.

As I was getting dressed, I could feel his eyes on me. He stepped out of the room and brought a glass of water, handing it to me.

I called two security teams and two already present there capable of handling the mob; they were doing everything at night, thinking I wouldn't find out.

I informed the commissioner, he would come with his police team.

"Lock the door properly, okay?" I said before stepping out of the house. He nodded, acknowledging my words, his gaze lingering on me.

I started my car. Let the real manipulation game begin.

Reaching the location, I saw people building their tents. It was all being done by the person who couldn't win the bid against me. He couldn't win because we already knew the bid amount-the perks of being in politics. It may seem unjust and unlawful, but that's business. Money and power speak louder than words.

"Clear the area!" I commanded as I arrived. I settled into a chair, puffing on my cigarette. Vardhaan is ethical, but Prithvi and I will use every means, good or bad; we don't really care.

"Sir, people are blocking the bulldozers," my right-hand man, Akshat, said, informing me of the situation.

"Remove people one by one, and shut a few of them in jail; they'll eventually go away," I said, and he moved off. Why indulge in a game when you can control it just by moving your minions.

Two police vehicles, filled with people, were sent to jail. The remaining individuals were encircled by my security force and the police. They stopped their movement after one or two bullets were fired into the air. The bulldozers then did their work, and the objects were collected and burned down.

"Mr. Ranawat, how many days should I keep them into jail?" the commissioner asked.

"Release them in the evening, and don't lay a hand on them," I said, and he nodded. I had already called for women police, as women were trying to push themselves to the front.

My eyes fell upon a child, maybe two or three years old, crying in the darkness among those people.

"Akshat, whose kid is this?" I asked, and he went to inquire about it.

"Sir, his mother and father have been taken to the police station," Akshat informed me.

"Bring him here," I said, and he brought the crying baby to me.

"These people got money from the Khans; that's why they're doing this. Both money and fear are responsible for this," Akshat stated, showing me some pictures where Khan's men were distributing money.

"You know what to do," I said.

"Got it, sir," he replied and went about his work.

One of my men gave candy to the child, and I ordered him to keep an eye on the child. A few people were injured, but it was bound to happen anyway.

It was already six in the morning. All the problems had been settled, and Khan's few remaining men were caught and sent to the basement.

I walked towards the people who were circled by the police and security forces.

"Do you all want to go to jail?" I said, loud enough for them to hear, after throwing my cigarette on the ground and crushing it under my foot.

One person lunged towards me, but before he could even touch me, I slapped him hard.

"Saalo, yahi zameen me gadwa dunga sabko," I threatened them, and it was not just a mere threat.

( You bastards, I will bury all of you right here in this ground.)

My voice laced with a cold resolve that promised unforgiving consequences.

"Ek shauda krte h, mere liye kaam karo nahi to yaha jo building banegi uski ek ek diwar me chunn diye jaaoge," I said, my gaze sweeping over their fearful faces.

(Let's make a deal, Work for me, or you'll be bricked into every single wall of the building that will rise here.)

I removed my glasses, letting my unmasked intensity settle upon them.

The silence that followed was thick , their eyes darting on the ground searching for an escape that didn't exist.

"Sir, please, we are ready to do whatever you say," one of them finally stammered, breaking the tension. His voice trembled, a testament to the fear I had instilled.

"So, you do have some sense in you. Good decision," I said, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Don't worry," I informed them, my voice still firm but with a hint of something less menacing, "You will get an allowance and food for your work." It was a practical solution, one that benefited both sides, and the relief that washed over their faces was evident.

They agreed, their collective sigh almost audible. I commanded Akshat to write down the details of each and every person, creating a proper list with a designated head over them. About 113 people were counted and registered. I had my workforce, and they had their employment.

Just then, my phone vibrated. It was Veer. I picked up, "Hello, baby," I said softly, my voice completely transforming.

The earlier harshness, the cold authority, vanished, replaced by a tenderness that Akshat, who was still nearby, clearly noticed.

His expression shifted into one of absolute shock. I signaled him to go away, and he did, but not before giving me a teasing look that spoke volumes. The abrupt switch in my demeanor was enough to cause a amusement in him.

"When will you come?" he asked, his voice laced with a subtle anxiety that touched my heart.

"What happened?" I asked.

"No, it's already eight, and you're not home," he said, and I could sense his nervousness.

"I'll be back in an hour," I replied, a soft smile touching my lips.

"Had your breakfast?" I asked, but I really wanted him to wait for me.

"I was waiting for you," he whispered, so softly I almost missed it, but the words resonated deep within me, a quiet confession of his affection. My heart skipped a beat again.

"Huh?" I said, faking not hearing, wanting to hear him say it again.

"No, nothing. Be safe," he said, and then, with a click, he cut the call.

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