《 4 》

ANVITHA

As I stood by the window, the city below glowing like embers in the dark, I couldn't muster the courage to ask Appa about the doubts growing like weeds in my mind.

What would I even say?

Hello, father. I have a question. Am I really your daughter?

What kind of child asks that?

I could already imagine the reaction: his lips tightening into a grim line, eyes narrowing into slits, and then... silence. He wouldn't yell. No. He'd just walk away.

Ever since I overheard him on a call-his voice low, resigned, laced with something close to defeat-I knew. The disease wasn't just real. It was serious. Cancer. Terminal? Treatable? I didn't know. He never told me. He hid it like he hid everything else.

What else is he hiding?

Sometimes I wonder if I should just grab the fucker Mihir and torture the secrets out of him. Not a bad idea, actually. That smug fucker always looks at me like I'm an unwelcome insect who crawled into his perfectly ordered world.

Excuse me, bastard-I could have Appa kick you out with a word. But no, he's a loyal dog. Too useful to dispose of. Still, I'll keep a leash ready.

But today, I have other things to deal with.

An event. One of those high-society masquerades, where power wears perfume and secrets smile through lipstick. I've been getting ready for over an hour.

When I finally look in the mirror, I barely recognize the woman staring back.

A blood-red gown clings to my frame like a second skin. Plunging neckline. Gloves climbing to my forearms, stopping just shy of the neckline. A single pendant rests against my collarbone. My heels? Sharper than half my relatives.

A dangerous woman. One dressed for war-masked as elegance.

By the time I step out, Appa is already in the car, staring at something on his phone. He looks up as I slide in.

"You look like your mother did when she wanted to win a battle without firing a bullet," he murmurs.

"Did she win?"

He smiles faintly. "Every time."

" Does she like to attend this kind of gathering " . I speak as my voice fill the space around us , as the question make him smile .

"She do and she got so excited for them , she loved socialize and meet people ". He say while looking outside of the window, as she is not like me ,she loved these event .

Nice, another think to doubt about my existence.

As I didn't speak after that and looking the view before me , larger building who reaches the sky , it's seems like they all are competing with each other . Half moon is shining in sky with cloud surrounded by .

The ride is quiet. Not uncomfortable. Just... expectant.

When we arrive, I know we're not in any ordinary venue.

It's a private estate-a modern palace tucked away in the heart of the city. Chandeliers glitter like frozen constellations. Every piece of art screams wealth. Legacy. Power.

It's happening in one of the members house , as I see it from outside only but today I am going to see it all .

The mansion is two stories building with large space for garden, golden light making there way to garden through large windows . In the night the mansion is shining so beautiful but some didn't now all the monster are inside it , sounds like beauty and the beast. Right?.

But in our world beauty doesn't survive as it is to cruel for her softness.

As the place fill with there guards all are in black uniform with riffle in there hands , at every one meter distance there is guard. And all are the other members guards who are there , we have our too.

This isn't just a gathering. It's a battlefield disguised as a celebration.

As we enter the hall ,the sound of glass clicking, laughing and chattering reach us . Waiter are flying here to there with trays of alcohol and beverages.

These people bring their daughters like cattle to an auction-looking for a groom that makes their status shine brighter. But I didn't come to find a man. I came to take mental notes. This is my first time attending an event like this, but thanks to the PDF files Appa forced on me, I recognize many of the faces. Sharks in silk.

The place is fill with people like fishes in ocean, big fish and small Fish. Big fish who consum small fish for there benefits it like use and throw, but we belong to neither of them we are sharks who can consume the whole ocean when the time is right.

And this ocean rule by four powerful sharks .

Ramaswamy, Raichand, Rathore , Roa.

What a coincidence right? All R's

Raichand are our Buisness partners. In import-export . The partnership is so old that I was not even born at that time . Raichands are come from old money where as our is new in this field, Appa is the one who start this .

Rathore live in different states but we meet only on important occasion, but I sometimes talks to Advika , she is a strong women with curly hairs.

Who want to take over the empire but her case is different as she as to fight for it not like me .

Roa are mysterious , no one know what they are up to but there only target is to rule the syndicate even if they had to go against everyone including us . Vikram Roa killed his uncle so he can take the lead , he killed the same Uncle who killed his own father because he want to take everything, karma is a bitch you know. I am expecting Vikram's death is written by this son now . His son Rajveer had recently completed his education in Buisness from UK and now returning to India.

We're interrupted almost immediately.

A man in his mid-forties approaches, his salt-and-pepper hair slicked back,he was wearing a platinum blue colour tailored suit and has a glass of vodka in his hand ,his smile as neutral as his tone.

"So, Anvitha finally graces us. And here I thought your oh-so-expensive time couldn't be wasted on common gatherings."

I meet his gaze evenly. And speak with a soft smile.

"And yet, here I am. Thought I'd get it over with. It's nice to meet you too, Uncle Viraj."

Uncle Viraj-Appa's friend. Well, 'kind of' friend. Appa doesn't believe in friends. He believes in leverage. Viral is one of the few he tolerates enough to laugh with, but even that feels like war games.

" Devraj we meet again , twice a day . I didn't expect you to come after you totally denied to attend it." He said as he offer him a drink which he take it .

" Didn't realise that you were so desperate to see me ."

He laughs. " Desperate, no just keeping an eye on my favorite people."

" Favorite people, uhh ." He raise his one eyebrow and speak. "I will be in your fuck list when I kick your ass in boardroom, Viraj.

He just smile on it and shrug it off.

He excuses himself to check on his wife.

Uncle Viraj is a free spirit and more friendly then other . He is more approachable than others. But we should not judge a book by its cover.

I take a glass of wine from a passing waiter.

" He is your friend, why do you always give him cold shoulders ." I said , take a sip from my red wine and look up at him .

"He is not and I give cold shoulders to every." He said looking at the near by window or mostly he was thinking something.

" Yes, except Rhea ." I said tilt my head sideway and clicking my heels on the marble floor.

He look at me , narrow his eye and speak. "When did I gave you those"

"Sometimes and sometimes." I said with a shrug. As later he goes to meet the person across the room and I make my way to bar counter and start drinking from my glass .

But I can feel the pair of eyes watching me , i always feel it but never found someone. I hold my grip on glass and turn my head side and see the person who is looking at me. who is standing with Appa, they are the group of three people.

THE RAICHAND.

Across the room, Appa stands with Raichand and his son a tall man in a black tailored suit that fits like a sin.

Ryan Raichand.

His thick eyebrows arch above light brown eyes-lighter than mine. Almost golden. His features are unfairly beautiful. Lean, muscular, confident. The kind of man who doesn't just walk into a room-he owns it.

I don't like men like that.

Arrogance disguised as charisma.

But Appa signals for me, so I walk over. And the moment I do, I feel Ryan's eyes on me-tracking every move. I don't look directly, but I see enough.

Mr. Raichand greets me with a handshake and a warning. As I join there little circle too.

"Be careful, Anvitha. The world you're entering is far more dangerous than your thoughts."

Why does every person on the earth has an urgency to warn me . Like what ? It's not like I am not aware of what I am doing or what I want . They just judge people on there gender.

Just because I don't have a fucking testosterone in my body that doesn't mean I am not enough capable to do something.

I smile sweetly and try to keep my voice as neutral as i can and speak. "I don't appreciate being underestimated."

Before he can respond, Ryan speaks.

"Or maybe you're just overestimating yourself."

One eyebrow raised. A smirk tugging at his lips.

I meet his gaze and extend my hand. "Time will tell."

He takes it. His grip is firmer than it needs to be.

I match it.

We stay locked for almost thirty seconds. Not lovers. Not strangers. Not enemies.

Opponents.

Appa and Mr. Raichand drift away, leaving us alone. I turn to leave and grab another drink.

But Ryan's voice stops me cold.

"So , Anvitha how it's feel when no one has faith in you" one hand in his pocket and other holds a glass .

I form a big ass smile on my face and look at him straightly in eyes ." What do you mean , Mr Raichand. "

"You know what I actually mean but I can explain to this pretty lady . Like Dad , how it's feel when every one doubt you."

I tap my fore finger on glass one's, twice and then speak " Nothing, validation of other opinion in my life is in negative. And what do you think ."

"About what ".

"You know what I actually mean but I can explain this to handsome man . About me leading the Buisness. "

He smiles and it's beautiful ,he opens his mouth exhale and twirling his glass then look up at me throw his lashes. He has thick eyebrows and gorgeous eyes.

"So , I am handsome ." He said playfully.

"I didn't mean it ."

"I didn't give a fuck what you mean , but the only think I hear is you calling me handsome."

" It's nice to meet you too Ryan ." I said and ready to leave but before I can turn his speak .

"Oh, and Anvitha..."

I glance back.

He smiles, innocent as poison.

"Did you take your pills this morning?"

My blood freezes.

He turns and blends into the crowd like smoke, vanishing as if he hadn't just shattered my reality.

How the hell does he know about the pills?

I stand frozen, the wine forgotten in my hand.

Who are you, Ryan Raichand? And what the fuck do you know about me?



Thanks for giving your precious time this novel.

I Hope you like it .

I do appreciate it if you can give your vote .

_kelly_