AUTHOR'S POV

20 YEARS LATER...

Mumbai never slept.

But it did pause…

When Rivan Rathore entered a room.

The glass doors of Suryavanshi Groups’ headquarters slid open automatically.

Forty floors high. Overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Steel. Glass. Silence.

Inside the boardroom, twelve directors sat stiffly.

No one spoke.

No one dared.

The screen displayed global market analytics.

Numbers flashing.

Stocks rising.

Shares dominating.

And at the top of the world index:

SURYAVANSHI GROUPS – #1

The doors opened.

Black suit. Sharp jawline. Controlled steps.

Rivan Rathore walked in.

Not fast. Not slow.

Measured.

Calculated.

Cold.

“Good morning, sir.”

Everyone stood instantly.

He didn’t reply.

He sat.

Crossed his fingers on the table.

“Status,” he said calmly.

One word.

That was enough.

The CFO began nervously,

“Sir… Europe expansion successful. Middle East oil partnership signed. Infrastructure contracts secured-”

“And Yadav Groups?” Rivan interrupted.

The room shifted.

Uneasy.

“They’ve… overtaken us in tech acquisitions this quarter,” someone said carefully.

Silence.

Rivan leaned back slightly.

For two years now, Yadav Groups had risen from ashes.

A company that had collapsed overnight years ago…

Was now competing head-to-head with the most powerful empire in the world.

But unlike the past-

They were no longer partners.

They were rivals.

Once upon a time:

Touch Suryavanshi → Yadav destroyed you.

Touch Yadav → Suryavanshi ended you.

Now?

They were fighting like blood enemies.

And the world didn’t understand why.

Only one name stood above the battlefield.

Rivan Rathore.

Because no one knew who ran Yadav Groups.

But everyone knew who ruled Suryavanshi.

And he never lost.

“Schedule a private meet,” Rivan said calmly.

“With Yadav’s representative.”

“Sir… they don’t reveal their CEO.”

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

“Then make them.”

The room swallowed collectively.

Because when Rivan said something-

It happened.

His assistant, Aarush, immediately straightened. “I’ll get in touch with their board, sir. I’ll arrange the meeting.”

Rivan gave a small nod. No extra words. No repeated instructions. Just one look that meant handle it.

He stood up.

The chair moved back softly against the marble floor.

Every single person in the room instinctively stepped aside as he walked out. The glass doors closed behind him, and only then did the directors finally exhale.

“God…” one of them muttered under his breath.

“He doesn’t even raise his voice.”

“That’s the scary part,” another whispered.

Meanwhile, Rivan walked through the corridor lined with awards, global recognitions, and framed magazine covers.

“Youngest Global Tycoon.”

“The Untouchable Business Monarch.”

“The Man Who Rebuilt an Empire.”

None of it impressed him.

Success was expected. Not celebrated.

As he entered his private elevator, his phone buzzed once.

A coded message.

Dock 17. Shipment delay. Internal breach suspected.

His jaw tightened slightly.

Within minutes, his car was speeding through the Mumbai night.

The docks were silent except for the crashing waves and distant cargo machinery. A group of men stood near a warehouse, tension thick in the air.

They straightened instantly when the black SUV stopped.

Rivan stepped out, coat perfectly in place, expression unreadable.

“Who approved the rerouting?” he asked calmly while walking inside.

No greeting. No warning.

One man hesitated. “Sir… the Yadav shipment-”

Before he could finish, Rivan stopped walking.

The air felt heavier.

“Say that again,” Rivan said quietly.

“Yadav shipment intercepted our route.”

For a second, something flickered in his eyes.

Not anger.

Interest.

“So they’ve started moving directly now,” he murmured.

He walked toward the shipment logs, scanning the details in seconds. His mind worked faster than the men around him could comprehend.

“Double security on all west coast consignments,” he ordered. “Shift the Dubai route to secondary channel. And find out who in this port is leaking information.”

His voice never rose.

But the threat was clear.

“And if it’s internal?” one of them asked nervously.

Rivan looked at him.

“If it’s internal,” he replied coldly, “remove the infection.”

No further clarification was needed.

The men nodded immediately.

Within fifteen minutes, the issue was under control. Decisions made. Routes altered. Damage minimized.

That was Rivan Rathore.

He didn’t react.

He calculated.

He didn’t chase power.

He maintained dominance.

And somewhere in the city, headlines were already changing:

“Suryavanshi & Yadav Competition Intensifies.”

“Unseen CEO Challenges Rivan Rathore.”

For the first time in years…

Someone wasn’t afraid of him.

And that intrigued him.

Rivan stepped out of the warehouse, the salty night air hitting his face. The men behind him dispersed quickly, already executing his orders.

He adjusted his cufflinks and walked toward his car.

And then he stopped.

Leaning casually against his black Aston Martin… scrolling through his phone like he owned the docks…

stood Mahir Sehgal.

White shirt half tucked, sleeves rolled, zero fear on his face.

Rivan narrowed his eyes.

“What are you doing here?” he asked flatly.

Mahir didn’t even look up.

“Good evening to you too, Your Majesty,” he replied lazily. “I came to check if you’ve finally scared someone to death.”

Rivan stared at him.

“I don’t repeat questions.”

Mahir sighed dramatically and looked up. “Relax. Your security called me. They thought you might commit murder tonight.”

“I don’t commit murder,” Rivan said calmly.

“I delegate,” Mahir corrected with a grin.

The guards nearby immediately looked away, trying not to laugh.

Rivan moved past him. “Get in the car.”

“Oho. Bossy,” Mahir muttered, pushing himself off the hood. “You know, normal people hang out at cafes. You hang out at docks threatening smugglers.”

Rivan unlocked the car. “Normal people don’t run the world.”

Mahir slid into the passenger seat. “And yet, you still don’t have a girlfriend.”

Rivan shot him a look.

“Drive,” he said.

“Oh? I’m driving now?” Mahir grinned. “Promotion mil gaya kya?”

(“…Wow, did I just get promoted?”)

Rivan started the engine himself.

The car pulled onto the highway, Mumbai’s skyline glowing in the distance.

For a few minutes, there was silence.

Then-

“So,” Mahir said casually, scrolling again. “Yadav Groups blocked your shipment.”

Rivan’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.

“Information travels fast,” he said.

“Especially when your rival is mysterious and low-key impressive,” Mahir teased. “You have to admit… whoever’s running Yadav now has guts.”

Rivan’s eyes darkened.

“No one challenges me for long.”

Mahir smirked. “We’ll see.”

The car turned toward the quieter roads leading to the elite residential zone.

Rathore Mansion stood tall behind iron gates, lights glowing warmly against the night.

Completely opposite to the world Rivan had just left.

As the gates opened, Mahir glanced at him.

“You know,” he said lightly, “one day someone’s going to walk into your life and not be afraid of you.”

Rivan parked the car smoothly.

“Then they’ll learn,” he replied calmly.

Mahir laughed.

“God save that person.”

They stepped out of the car.

The moment Rivan pushed open the doors of Rathore Mansion, warmth replaced the cold Mumbai night.

Laughter echoed from the living room.

And then-

“RIVAN!”

He stopped.

Digvijay was sitting upright in his armchair. “Time dekha hai?”

(Do you even know what time it is.?)

Darshan folded his arms. “It’s past eleven.”

Nandini shook her head dramatically. “Business runs on time, beta. Not your convenience.”

Rajveer added casually, “Or maybe mafia runs on midnight.”

Mahir coughed loudly. “Uncle, I would like to clarify I am innocent in all this.”

“Arre Mahir!” Anushka smiled instantly. “You came also? At least someone sensible is with him.”

Mahir placed a hand on his chest. “Aunty, I try. But he doesn’t listen to me.”

Rivan gave him a flat look.

Shrinidhi came running from the sofa. “Chachuuu!” She hugged him without hesitation. “You promised you’ll come early.”

Nishant followed behind, calmer but smiling. “Late again.”

Rivan’s expression softened slightly. “Work.”

“That’s not an excuse,” Lavanya said lightly. “Even prime ministers eat dinner.”

Mahir clapped once. “Exactly! See? I’ve been telling him.”

“Tu chup reh,” Rivan muttered.

(You be quiet.)

Everyone laughed.

Mahir was easily everyone’s favourite. He talked, teased, exaggerated, and filled the room with noise.

Rivan simply existed.

Anushka stood up. “Enough. Let’s have dinner.”

“I’ll change and come,” Rivan said.

Before he could turn-

Mahir grabbed his arm dramatically. “No. Food first. Fashion later.”

“Mahir.”

“No arguments,” Mahir declared, dragging him toward the dining table. “You can’t run empires on an empty stomach.”

Rivan allowed it. Barely resisting.

They all settled at the long dining table.

Plates were served.

Conversations overlapped.

Rajveer discussing market trends.

Nandini talking about a wedding she attended.

Lavanya narrating something Shrinidhi did.

Digvijay giving political opinions no one asked for.

Mahir contributed to every topic.

Rivan mostly listened.

A nod here. A short reply there.

Otherwise silent.

Family noise didn’t irritate him.

It grounded him.

Halfway through dinner, as Mahir was describing a disastrous blind date he once had, Rivan spoke calmly.

“Goenkas sent a proposal today.”

The table went quiet.

Everyone looked at him.

“Engagement proposal,” he clarified while cutting his food neatly. “Strategic alliance. Strong industrial family. It will benefit the company.”

Nandini blinked. “Proposal?”

Darshan frowned slightly. “From whom?”

Rivan mentioned the family name casually.

“It’s profitable,” he continued. “And it’s not like I’m in love with someone else. So we can consider it.”

The silence deepened.

Anushka stared at him. “You’re talking about your marriage.”

“I’m talking about engagement,” he corrected calmly. “Marriage can be later.”

Rajveer leaned back. “You’re discussing it like a merger.”

“It is a merger,” Rivan replied without emotion.

Mahir slowly stopped chewing.

Lavanya looked at Nishant in disbelief.

Shrinidhi whispered to Nishant, “Chachu is getting married?”

Nishant didn’t reply. He was watching Rivan carefully.

Nandini spoke gently, “Beta… marriage isn’t business.”

Rivan looked at her calmly. “Everything is business.”

Anushka’s expression changed. “Not this.”

“It’s practical,” he said. “It secures expansion.”

Darshan finally spoke, voice firm. “We are not selling you.”

“I’m not being sold,” Rivan replied. “I’m making a decision.”

“And we are objecting,” Rajveer added.

Rivan’s jaw tightened slightly. “There’s no emotional complication. No one will be hurt.”

Anushka’s voice trembled just a little. “And what about you?”

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he said, “It’s not like I’m marrying tomorrow. We can get engaged. See how it goes.”

“No,” Darshan said.

Calm. But stern.

The entire table froze.

Rivan slowly looked at him.

“Rivan,” Darshan continued, eyes steady, “we had already fixed your marriage.”

Silence.

Even Mahir stopped breathing for a second.

Rivan’s expression didn’t change.

But his fingers paused on the fork.

“You what?” Rivan asked quietly.

The table felt colder.

Darshan didn’t look away. “We had already fixed your marriage. Long ago.”

“Without asking me?” Rivan’s tone remained calm. Too calm.

Anushka inhaled slowly. “It wasn’t the right time to tell you.”

“So now it is?” he asked.

Rajveer leaned forward. “It was decided when you were a child.”

Mahir blinked. “Excuse me?”

Nishant exchanged a look with Lavanya. He knew what was coming.

Digvijay’s voice cut through the silence. “You are connected to her.”

Rivan’s eyes shifted to him.

“Connected how?” he asked.

“Your powers,” Darshan said. “They are incomplete without her.”

For the first time, Rivan actually laughed. Low. Disbelieving.

“I don’t need anyone to use my powers.”

Anushka’s fingers tightened around her glass. “Beta-”

He stood up.

“Watch.”

He extended his hand slightly.

The lights above flickered.

A faint current of energy ran across his palm - controlled, sharp, alive.

A glass on the far side of the table vibrated.

Cracked.

Then shattered.

Without him even touching it.

“See?” he said calmly. “Fully functional.”

No one clapped.

No one reacted.

Digvijay looked at him steadily. “That is not your full strength.”

Rivan’s jaw tightened.

Darshan spoke carefully. “Your energy stabilizes because she exists.”

“If you don’t marry her,” Rajveer added, “you will slowly start losing control.”

Rivan scoffed. “You’re saying I need some unknown girl to access my own abilities?”

“Yes,” Digvijay said firmly.

Silence.

Rivan’s gaze hardened. “I built this empire myself.”

“With our support,” Darshan corrected.

“I don’t need a life partner to use what’s already mine.”

He turned to walk away.

That’s when Digvijay’s voice stopped him.

“If you refuse this marriage…”

Rivan paused.

“You will not get a single penny from this business.”

The room froze.

“Dadu…” Rivan turned slowly. “What are you saying?”

“I am saying,” Digvijay replied steadily, “this empire is not only yours. It is legacy. And legacy follows destiny.”

Fury flashed across Rivan’s face.

“You’re threatening me?”

“I am protecting you.”

Before he could respond-

He flinched.

A sharp intake of breath.

His hand instinctively gripped the edge of the table.

“What happened?” Anushka stood up immediately.

Rivan’s sleeve darkened.

Red.

Blood.

Thin lines appearing across his forearm as if invisible

blades had brushed against him.

Nandini gasped. “Rivan!”

Mahir stood instantly. “It’s starting.”

Rivan clenched his jaw.

“It’s nothing,” he muttered.

The cuts deepened slightly before stopping.

He closed his eyes for a second.

Energy pulsed faintly under his skin.

The bleeding slowed.

Then stopped.

Skin sealing gradually.

The room was silent except for their breathing.

Anushka’s voice trembled. “Beta…”

He rolled his shoulders lightly. “Relax. It happens.”

“Happens?!” Lavanya whispered.

Mahir exhaled slowly. “He gets hurt when his life partner is in danger.”

Everyone looked at Rivan.

He rolled his eyes.

“At least three times a day,” he said dryly. “This is what you selected for me?”

He looked at Darshan.

“How exactly am I supposed to marry someone who can’t even stay safe?”

Rajveer frowned. “You’re sure that’s the reason?”

Rivan gave him a look.

“Yes.”

Anushka’s eyes widened slightly. “How do you know it’s because she gets hurt?”

Rivan’s gaze shifted to her.

“Because I read the diary.”

The room stiffened.

“The one you gave me,” he continued calmly. “To understand how to control my powers.”

Darshan and Anushka exchanged a glance.

“You weren’t supposed to-”

“I was supposed to remain ignorant?” Rivan cut in.

“I know about the connection. I know about the merge. I know about the flashbacks.”

Silence.

“I just don’t agree with it.”

His tone hardened.

“I refuse to believe I’m dependent on someone I’ve never even met properly.”

Another faint pulse ran through his arm.

He ignored it.

“But if she’s this reckless,” he added coldly, “maybe she’s the one who needs me. Not the other way around.”

Without waiting for a response, Rivan turned and walked upstairs.

His footsteps echoed through the hall.

The door to his room shut.

Silence followed.

Heavy.

Unsettling.

No one moved for a few seconds.

Nishant rubbed his forehead slowly. “This is going to explode.”

Lavanya looked worried. “He won’t accept it easily.”

Mahir exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t fully understand what’s happening,” he admitted honestly, “but I know you’re not forcing this for fun.”

Everyone looked at him.

“I know you all are saying this for his own good,” he continued. “And for the world’s good, apparently.”

Digvijay gave a faint nod.

Mahir straightened. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to him. Maybe once he meets her… things change.”

Rajveer sighed. “He doesn’t change.”

“He adapts,” Mahir corrected. “There’s a difference.”

Digvijay leaned back slowly. “You’re right, Mahir. We have to bring them closer somehow.”

“We can’t let him ignore his destiny.”

The word destiny hung in the air again.

That’s when Anushka spoke.

Softly.

But it cut through everything.

“Can’t we just end this?”

Everyone turned to her.

Nandini frowned gently. “Bhabhi… what do you mean?”

Anushka’s hands were trembling slightly. “What if… we don’t let them meet?”

Silence.

Darshan stared at her. “Anushka.”

“What if we don’t tell them anything more?” she continued, voice shaking now. “What if we keep them apart?”

Rajveer straightened. “Bhabhi, what are you saying?”

“We can try,” she insisted.

Darshan’s tone hardened slightly. “This isn’t possible.”

“It is possible!” she snapped, her voice breaking.

Everyone froze.

She rarely raised her voice.

“Why can’t you all understand?” she whispered desperately. “We are pushing them toward danger.”

Nandini stepped closer. “Didi… it’s important. They have to-”

“They have to what?” Anushka cut her off. “Fight? Bleed? Risk their lives for something that happened before they were even born?”

Tears welled up in her eyes.

“He is my son,” she said, her voice cracking completely. “How can I push him into danger knowingly?”

Darshan moved toward her. “Anushka, listen-”

“No,” she shook her head. “All these years we protected him. We kept him safe. And now we’re telling him to walk into fire?”

Digvijay spoke calmly but firmly. “He is not a normal child.”

“He is my child!” she replied instantly.

The room fell silent again.

No one could argue with that.

Darshan placed a hand on her shoulder gently. “If we keep them apart… it won’t remove the danger.”

“It might reduce it,” she whispered.

Rajveer shook his head slowly. “Or it might make it worse.”

Nishant finally spoke. “Chachi… you saw what just happened.”

Everyone’s eyes shifted toward the staircase unconsciously.

“He bleeds when she’s in danger,” Nishant continued. “If we separate them… imagine what happens when something serious occurs.”

Anushka closed her eyes.

That thought scared her more.

“But if they unite,” she whispered, “they will be targeted openly.”

Darshan’s voice softened. “They were always going to be.”

Silence.

The truth sat between them.

Heavy. Inevitable.

Upstairs, a faint thud echoed from Rivan’s room.

Mahir looked toward the staircase.

“I’ll go,” he said quietly.

He paused before climbing.

“And aunty…” he added gently, “you’re not pushing him into danger.”

“He was born in it.”

He took one step up-

“Mahir.”

Anushka’s voice stopped him.

He turned slowly.

Her eyes were still wet, but her voice was steady now.

“She’s in Rishikesh.”

For a second, Mahir blinked.

Then a slow smile appeared on his face.

“Well,” he said casually, “that makes it easier.”

And without another word, he walked upstairs toward Rivan’s room.

Silence returned downstairs.

Digvijay stepped closer to Anushka and gently placed his hand over her head.

“Beta…” he said softly, “we never said you are not his mother.”

Her eyes lifted toward him.

“Even if you didn’t give birth to him… you sacrificed everything for him.”

Her lips trembled.

“But…” Digvijay continued quietly, “what about his parents?”

The room stilled.

“What about her parents?” he added.

His voice deepened slightly.

“Did you forget what happened that day?”

Anushka froze.

Her breathing slowed.

Her eyes lost focus.

And just like that-

The present dissolved.

FLASHBACK...

It had been two hours since Vansh, Ishant, Richa, and Kritika had left the mansion.

The house felt unusually quiet.

Too quiet.

The television was on, playing a random news channel.

No one was really watching.

They were sitting in the living room.

Watching the children instead.

Little Ishika was fast asleep beside Rivan on the couch.

Her tiny hand loosely holding his shirt.

Rivan, tired from the chaos of the day, had fallen asleep too.

His arm instinctively around her.

As if protecting her even then.

Anushka had been staring at them.

Something about the sight made her uneasy.

Then-

The news ticker at the bottom of the screen turned red.

Breaking News:

The anchor’s voice sharpened.

“Two powerful business dynasties destroyed in the blink of an eye.”

Everyone looked up.

Images flashed across the screen.

Burned metal.

Twisted wreckage.

Smoke.

“Reports confirm that the owners of Suryavanshi Groups, Mr. Vansh Suryavanshi, and his wife Richa Suryavanshi…”

Anushka’s heart stopped.

“…along with the owner of Yadav Groups, Mr. Ishant Yadav, and his wife Kritika Yadav…”

Vedika covered her mouth.

“…have died in a tragic car accident.”

The remote fell from Darshan’s hand.

“No…” Rajveer whispered.

The anchor continued.

“No traces remain of the vehicle beyond impact. Authorities state the explosion was severe. Their businesses have already collapsed. Market crash recorded within minutes.”

Images of plummeting stock markets appeared.

Red numbers everywhere.

“Sources confirm their children were believed to be in the car…”

The entire room froze.

“…however, no bodies have been found.”

Silence.

The kind that roars in your ears.

Slowly.

Very slowly.

Everyone turned toward the couch.

Toward the two sleeping children.

Alive.

Breathing.

Unaware.

Anushka felt her knees weaken.

“They…” she whispered, voice breaking, “they were just here…”

Vedika started crying.

Darshan turned off the television.

But the words had already carved themselves into memory.

Destroyed.

Gone.

No traces.

Like they never existed.

Anushka looked at Rivan.

At his peaceful face.

And something inside her shifted forever.

From that moment…

He wasn’t someone else’s child.

He was hers.

BACK TO PRESENT..

Anushka’s tears rolled down silently.

“I remember,” she whispered.

She wiped her face slowly.

“That’s why I told Mahir about Rishikesh,” she added, her voice trembling. “If he has to meet her… at least it should be on our terms.”

She looked at Darshan.

“But it’s hard,” she admitted. “Knowing I’m sending him closer to something that can destroy him.”

Darshan’s expression softened.

“They didn’t ask us to protect them for comfort,” he said quietly.

“They asked us to protect them for purpose.”

Nandini stepped closer. “If we try to stop destiny, didi… it won’t disappear. It will just come back stronger.”

Rajveer nodded. “And unprepared.”

Anushka closed her eyes for a moment.

“My son,” she whispered again.

Darshan gently squeezed her shoulder.

“And someone else’s son,” he reminded her softly.

“And someone else’s daughter.”

Silence fell over them again.

Upstairs, a door knocked twice.

Mahir leaned against Rivan’s door casually.

“Open up,” he called out. “We need to talk about your future wife.”

Inside the room, Rivan stood near the balcony, looking over the city lights.

He didn’t turn.

“Five seconds,” he replied coolly.

Mahir smirked.

“Oh good. You’re counting. That means you’re annoyed.”

The door opened.

Rivan walked back inside without waiting for him.

Mahir entered, shut the door, and looked around.

The room was perfectly organized.

Minimal.

Controlled.

Just like him.

“So,” Mahir began, crossing his arms. “Rishikesh.”

Rivan stopped mid-step.

His expression shifted slightly.

“You knew,” he said flatly.

“Now I do,” Mahir replied. “Interesting choice.

Mountains, peace, hidden princess vibes.”

Rivan didn’t respond.

Mahir walked toward the desk.

“You don’t hate the idea,” he observed casually.

Rivan turned sharply. “Don’t assume.”

“You’re bleeding because of her,” Mahir continued. “You’ve read the diary. You know the connection is real.”

“I know the theory,” Rivan corrected.

“And yet you react before even seeing her.”

Rivan’s jaw tightened.

Mahir studied him for a second.

“Just meet her.”

Silence.

“If after that you still think it’s useless… I’ll personally help you cancel the whole destiny thing.”

Rivan scoffed faintly. “You talk like it’s a Netflix

subscription.”

“Everything can be cancelled,” Mahir said lightly.

“Except fate, apparently.”

Rivan rolled his eyes slightly.

“Fine,” Mahir said suddenly, clapping once. “Let’s go to Rishikesh.”

Rivan looked at him.

“What?”

“Let’s meet your bhabhi first,” Mahir continued casually, walking toward the minibar and pouring himself water. “Then we’ll think about my bhabhi.”

Rivan turned fully toward him now.

“My bhabhi?” he repeated slowly.

Mahir grinned mischievously. “Obviously. My future wife.”

Rivan’s expression darkened. “Be serious.”

“I am serious!” Mahir protested dramatically. “If you’re being forced into destiny marriage, I deserve at least emotional support. So we go together. You meet your girl. I meet mine.”

Rivan blinked once. “Yours?”

Mahir leaned against the counter proudly.

“Tanvi,” he declared. “Lives in Rishikesh.”

Silence.

Rivan stared at him.

“My online girlfriend,” Mahir added with confidence.

Rivan closed his eyes briefly.

“Tell me you’re joking.”

“Three months,” Mahir continued proudly. “We met in a business forum. She’s smart. Sharp. Slightly rude.

Definitely obsessed with mountains.”

“And you’ve never met her.”

“Technically no,” Mahir admitted. “But emotional connection is strong.”

Rivan walked toward him slowly.

“You are planning a cross-state trip to meet an online stranger.”

“She is not a stranger,” Mahir corrected. “We video call.”

Rivan gave him a deadpan look.

Mahir shrugged. “Mostly.”

There was a pause.

Then-

Rivan asked calmly, “You’re telling me you want to travel to Rishikesh… to meet a girl you found online.”

“And help you meet yours,” Mahir added helpfully.

Rivan stared at him for a long second.

Then unexpectedly-

A faint smirk appeared.

“You’re an idiot.”

“Visionary,” Mahir corrected.

Rivan walked past him toward his wardrobe.

“When do you want to leave?”

Mahir froze.

“Wait… what?”

“You said Rishikesh,” Rivan replied coolly, pulling out his phone. “Flights tomorrow morning.”

Mahir blinked rapidly. “That was fast.”

“You wanted to meet Tanvi,” Rivan said. “Or are you backing out?”

Mahir straightened immediately. “Never. Sehgal men don’t retreat.”

Rivan hummed faintly. “Good.”

He typed something into his phone.

Within seconds, his assistant received instructions.

Private jet prepared.

Schedule cleared.

Two-day window.

Mahir stared at him.

“You just rearranged a multinational empire for this?”

Rivan didn’t look up.

“I need to see for myself.”

“See what?” Mahir asked.

Rivan paused slightly.

“Whether she’s worth the chaos.”

Before Mahir could respond, Rivan’s phone buzzed.

He glanced at the screen.

A message from Aarush.

“Sir, urgent update. Yadav Group’s representative has agreed to meet you.”

“Location: Rishikesh.”

“Meeting scheduled for day after tomorrow.”

Rivan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Mahir noticed the shift immediately. “What?”

Rivan locked the screen and looked at him.

“Well,” he said calmly, “looks like the universe is impatient.”

“Meaning?”

“Yadav Group’s CEO is ready to meet.”

Mahir straightened. “What? Already?”

“In Rishikesh.”

Silence.

Then Mahir slowly grinned. “Oh this is poetic.”

Rivan slipped his phone into his pocket.

“So,” Mahir continued dramatically, “you’re going for destiny wife or business rival?”

Rivan adjusted his watch.

“Not for my wife,” he replied coolly.

He picked up his blazer.

“But for my business… this trip will definitely be worth it.”

Mahir clutched his chest. “Heartless.”

Rivan walked toward the door.

Mahir followed instantly. “Hey! You still haven’t changed your assistant.”

Rivan stopped midway.

Mahir smirked. “I want to join. I’m coming to Rishikesh officially.”

Rivan gave him a slow look.

“As what?”

“Your right hand,” Mahir replied confidently.

“You’re already my headache.”

“I prefer emotional support,” Mahir corrected.

Rivan considered him for a second.

“Fine,” he said finally. “But one condition.”

Mahir folded his arms. “Here we go.”

“If you stay composed during this trip…”

“Define composed,” Mahir interrupted.

“…I’ll promote Aarush,” Rivan continued ignoring him, “and make you my assistant.”

Mahir’s eyes widened.

“You’re demoting Aarush because of me?”

“No,” Rivan said flatly. “I’m promoting him because he’s competent.”

“And me?”

“You’ll be under observation.”

Mahir gasped theatrically. “I refuse to work under you.”

“You already do.”

“Emotionally doesn’t count.”

Rivan smirked faintly.

“Flight at 8 AM,” he said. “Don’t be late.”

Mahir saluted casually. “Yes, sir.”

As he stepped out of the room, Mahir muttered to himself-

“Rishikesh. Destiny bride. Online girlfriend. Business war.”

He grinned.

“This trip is going to be fun.”

Inside the room, Rivan stood still for a moment.

Rishikesh.

He didn’t believe in fate.

But he believed in control.

And this time-

He intended to take control of whatever chaos was waiting for him.

To be Continued...