Morning - Siya's POV

The morning air felt calm, almost deceptive.

I was seated at the dining table, scrolling through my phone when I looked up and smiled faintly.

"Good morning, bhaiya... Vanya... Vishu," I said, picking up my coffee. "So bhaiya, how was yesterday evening's meeting with Khurana Industries?"

Bhaiya leaned back, clearly satisfied.

"It went well. We got the deal."

A rare softness crossed my face.

"Well done, my brother," I said proudly. "I'm really happy you cracked the Khurana deal."

After breakfast, I left for the office-but not before stopping at Maa Gauri's temple. No matter how ruthless the world calls me, this place gives me peace.

As I stepped inside, the bells echoed softly.

"Pandit ji," I said, handing over the offerings, "please offer this to Gauri Maiya. And tell her to keep her blessings on her friend."

Pandit ji smiled.

"Ji betiya. Tum toh har Somvaar aati ho. Aisa kya maangti ho Maa se?"

I smiled quietly.

"Bas... kuch aisa, jo dikhe toh dil khush ho jaaye."

"Maa tumhari ichha poori kare," he said kindly.

I folded my hands and closed my eyes.

"Dekhiye Maiya, zyada kuch nahi maangungi. Bas aaj ka din sambhaal lena. Waise toh aap hamesha karti ho, par aaj thoda zyada kar dena. Aaj badi deal final hone wali hai... aur mujhe thoda darr bhi lag raha hai. Aashirvaad banaye rakhna. Deal ho jaaye, toh main aapko solah shringaar chadhaungi. Bas aaj ke liye itna hi."

Pandit ji handed me the prasad.

"Yeh lo betiya."

"Dhanyavaad," I replied, and walked toward my car.

Just as I sat down, my heart suddenly started racing. Uneasy, I rolled down the window-and that's when I saw them. Two women running for their lives. Goons chasing them.

"Driver, gaadi roko," I ordered.

"But ma'am, it's unsafe-"

"I said stop the car," I snapped.

I stepped out. One of the women collapsed on the road, her leg bleeding badly. I rushed to them and helped the older woman up.

"Don't worry, aunty. I'm here," I said firmly. "Aap dono gaadi ke andar baithiye."

One of the goons laughed.

"Is ladki ko hata de. Warna tu bhi maregi."

I smirked.

"Pehle haath laga ke dikha. Dam hai toh."

He sneered.

"Akeli ladki hai aur humein dhamka rahi hai? Hum dus log hain."

I cracked my knuckles.

"Dialogues baad mein dena. Dus kya, pachaas bhi aayein na-sab ke sab yahin girenge."

The next few moments were chaos. Guns were drawn. Shots fired. I pulled out my own gun and fired back without hesitation.

Two of them dropped dead.

The rest ran-or lay bleeding.

I exhaled sharply.

"Aaye the mujhe sikhane... khud ki haalat kharaab kar li."

I got back into the car with the women.

"Hospital," I told the driver.

Tears streamed down one aunty's face.

"Beta, agar tum nahi hoti toh aaj humein maar dete."

I smiled softly.

"Aunty, chinta mat kijiye. Ab pehle hospital chalte hain."

She suddenly noticed my hand.

"Arre... tumhare haath se khoon-"

"Bas thoda sa hai," I said calmly. "Darne ki baat nahi."

She cried harder. I gently wiped her tears and hugged both of them until they calmed down.

At the hospital, I called Riyanshi-my best friend.

"Riyu, please aa ja," I said. "Do patients hain."

She rushed out immediately.

After examining the aunties, she admitted them for two days-they hadn't eaten in three days.

Then she turned to me, angry and worried.

"Siya, phir se ladai ki na? Apna khayal kyun nahi rakhti?"

I smiled.

"Don't cry, meri doctor. Yeh normal hai."

She treated my wound, scolding me the whole time.

Later, I rushed to my office.

The Birla deal was finalized.

"I'm proud of you all," I said to my team. "Bonus milega."

By evening, I returned to the hospital. After ensuring everything was fine, I made a request to Riyu to keep the aunties at her apartment.

She agreed without hesitation.

At night, I finally reached home.

At dinner, Vanya noticed my injured hand.

"Dii... phir se ladai?"

"It's nothing," I said casually.

"You killed them?" she whispered.

"Yes."

The table fell silent for a moment.

"Apna khayal rakha kar," Papa said softly.

I nodded.

Later in my room, I applied the cream Riyu gave me, picked up my novel, and lay down on the couch.

The world sees a warrior.

But tonight, I just wanted sleep-

without blood, without deals, without noise.

And slowly... I drifted into it.