4

This chapter contains, past story

Four years ago

It was midnight, and the road lay deserted under the faint glow of the streetlights. Roohi sat in the middle of the road, her knees drawn to her chest, her face hidden in her trembling hands.

Several cars passed by, the sound of engines briefly breaking the stillness, but one car slowed down and came to a halt a short distance away.

"Who's that?" the man in the back seat asked his driver, narrowing his eyes as he looked at the lone figure through the window.

"I don't know, sir," the driver replied, glancing at the girl. "She's sitting there all alone."

Without another word, the man opened the car door and stepped out and walked toward her. The closer he got, the clearer her cries became, raw and filled with pain.

"Excuse me," he called out, his voice calm yet firm.

Roohi didn't respond immediately, but after a moment, she slowly lifted her head. Her face was streaked with tears, her eyes red and swollen from crying. She looked at him, and he could tell she'd been sitting there for hours, her grief etched into every feature.

"Why are you sitting out here alone?" he asked, crouching slightly to meet her gaze.

She didn't answer, her lips quivering as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks.

"Where's your family?" he asked gently.

Her voice was barely audible as she finally spoke. "He killed them."

The man's brows furrowed. "Who killed them?"

Roohi's hands tightened into fists, her knuckles turning white. "Siddarth Khanna. He killed my family."

The man froze. His mind raced at the name, Siddarth Khanna. The very person he had been hunting for so long. This girl could be the key to finding him. He masked his shock quickly, focusing on her fragile state.

"You shouldn't be here like this," he said after a pause. "Come with me."

Roohi's tear-filled eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Where?"

"Somewhere safe," he replied firmly. "It's not safe for you to stay out here alone at night."

She hesitated, unsure whether to trust him.

"You can trust me," he added softly.

After a long pause, Roohi nodded. Slowly, she stood up, her movements unsteady. He extended a hand and she allowed him to guide her toward the car.

The driver opened the door, and she slid into the seat without a word. The man followed, sitting beside her. As the car started moving, he glanced at her.

"What's your name?" he asked gently, breaking the silence.

"Roohi," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, repeating her name silently to himself. This wasn't just a chance encounter. Siddarth Khanna's name had resurfaced, and Roohi might be the missing piece he needed to find him.

For now, he would keep her safe. But in his mind, plans were already forming.

■

The car slowed down, and Roohi thought they had arrived. But instead of stopping in front of a building or house, the car entered a massive lift. She stiffened in her seat, her eyes widening in confusion.

"What... what is this?" she whispered, her voice shaky.

The lift's heavy doors slid shut, and she felt the subtle jolt as it began descending. Her gaze darted to him, who sat calmly beside her, as though this were the most normal thing in the world.

Sensing her unease, he turned toward her. "I live in secret," he said simply. "This is the safest way for me to stay hidden."

Roohi couldn't find the words to respond. She clutched her hands tightly in her lap, her heart pounding as the lift moved deeper underground. Finally, it came to a stop with a soft ding.

The doors slid open to reveal a sprawling, hidden house built beneath the ground. It was unlike anything Roohi had ever seen sleek, modern, and meticulously designed. The dim lighting and cool air made it feel surreal.

He stepped out of the car effortlessly, but Roohi remained frozen, her fear and confusion rooting her to the spot.

Noticing her hesitation, he turned back. "What's wrong? Why did you stop?" he asked, his voice calm but curious.

She took a shaky step out of the car but didn't move further. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Who are you? And what is this place? Why... why do you live like this, hiding underground?"

He studied her for a moment, his dark eyes unreadable. "Before I answer all your questions, you should know my name first," he said, stepping closer to her. "I'm Kabir Malhotra."

The name sent a jolt through her. "Kabir Malhotra..." she repeated, her voice barely audible.

After a beat of silence, he gestured toward a hallway leading deeper into the house. "Go and freshen up," he said, his tone softening. "Once you're ready, I'll tell you everything you need to know about me."

Roohi hesitated but eventually nodded, as she followed his direction. Even though fear and uncertainty filled her mind, one thing was clear this night was far from over, and Kabir Malhotra was no ordinary man.

After freshening up, Roohi stood in the hallway, trying to steady her nerves. The place still felt surreal, and the thought of being underground, in a hidden house, with a man she barely knew, made her chest tighten.

Suddenly, a knock on the door startled her. Kabir's PA stood there.

"Dinner is ready," he informed her politely. "Sir is waiting at the table."

Roohi nodded hesitantly and followed him to the dining area. Kabir was already seated, looking calm and as though nothing about this situation was unusual.

She quietly sat down opposite him, unsure of what to expect.

Without a word, Kabir picked up a serving spoon and began placing food on her plate.

"Eat," he said, gesturing toward her plate.

Roohi picked up her fork, her movements slow and cautious. As they ate in silence, Kabir finally broke it with a casual but chilling statement.

"Even my target is Siddarth Khanna."

Roohi froze mid-bite, her eyes wide in shock. She choked on her food, coughing violently.

Kabir quickly poured her a glass of water and handed it to her. "Here," he said, his voice steady.

She gulped down the water, trying to catch her breath. "You... you know him?" she managed to ask, her voice shaky.

Kabir leaned back slightly, his gaze unwavering. "I've known Siddarth Khanna for a long time."

Her hands trembled as she placed the glass back on the table. "How... how do you know him?"

He smirked, the corner of his lips curling with a dangerous edge. "The Mafia King always needs an enemy to kill."

The words hit her like a thunderclap. She shot up from her chair, her pulse racing. "You're... you're a Mafia?" she stammered, staring at him in disbelief.

Kabir didn't look up from his plate, continuing to eat calmly. He merely hummed in affirmation, as though it were the most normal thing.

Roohi's breath quickened. Panic surged through her, and without another word, she turned and ran from the room. Her footsteps echoed through the hallway as she searched for a place to hide.

She found a room and quickly slipped inside, shutting the door behind her. Her hands fumbled to lock it, though she wasn't sure it would make any difference.

Leaning against the door, she pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm her frantic heartbeat. The man who had saved her, brought her here, and served her dinner... was a Mafia King?

She closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. What had she gotten herself into?

■

An hour passed, and Kabir sat in the lounge. The sound of hesitant footsteps interrupted him. One of the maids approached him cautiously.

"Sir," she began, "she hasn't opened the door yet."

Kabir looked at her and stood up. "I'll deal with her."

Walking through the silent hallways, he made his way to the room where Roohi had locked herself in. He pushed the door, expecting it might be locked but to his surprise, it opened.

Inside, Roohi was sitting on the bed, her head buried in her hands as soft sobs escaped her. She looked up when she heard him enter, her tear-streaked face breaking his usual calm demeanor for a moment.

"You should eat," Kabir said, his tone neutral, though his eyes held a hint of concern.

Roohi wiped her tears and looked at him. Her voice was weak but determined. "Will you help me?"

Kabir frowned. "What help?"

Her next words made him pause. "Help me kill Siddarth Khanna."

For the first time in a long while, Kabir was genuinely shocked. He took a step closer, his voice sharper. "You seem like a kid. Don't involve yourself in this Mafia business."

"I am not a kid!" Roohi shot back, standing from the bed. "I'm 23 years old."

Kabir folded his arms, an exasperated chuckle escaping him. "I'm 32. I've been in this business for years. And even now, this shit doesn't let me sleep peacefully. What do you-a 23-year-old -think you can do?"

She stared at him, her eyes blazing with anger. "Will you help me or not?"

"No," Kabir said flatly.

"Fine," she snapped, turning on her heel. "I'll find Siddarth Khanna myself."

As she reached the door, Kabir grabbed her arm, pulling her back harshly. "Are you out of your mind?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You can't just walk out there like that. Siddarth Khanna is a fucking bastard. He'll kill you without a second thought."

"Then help me!" Roohi yelled, tears brimming in her eyes again. "Help me kill the man who murdered my family!"

Kabir stared at her, his grip loosening as her words sank in. She wasn't just reckless; she was broken, consumed by grief and anger.

After a long pause, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine," he muttered. "I'll help you kill Siddarth."

Roohi's expression shifted.

"But," Kabir added firmly, "you need to learn a few things first. This isn't some revenge drama where you can walk in and point a gun. You'll need skills, discipline, and patience. From tomorrow, you'll do everything I say. No questions, no complaints. Understand?"

Roohi nodded, her resolve solidifying.

"Good." Kabir straightened, his commanding demeanor back in place. "Now go to sleep."

He turned to the maid waiting outside. "Show her to her room," he ordered.

The maid nodded, leading Roohi away. Kabir watched her go, a mix of frustration and admiration in his eyes. This girl had fire, but fire alone wouldn't be enough. If she wanted revenge, she would have to be shaped into something much stronger.

■

It was early morning when Kabir called the maid to his room. "Go and wake Roohi up," he ordered firmly.

The maid nodded and went to Roohi's room. She knocked on the door before stepping inside. Roohi was curled up under the blanket, still fast asleep.

"Ma'am, it's time to wake up," the maid said gently.

"I don't want to get up," Roohi mumbled, turning to the other side.

The maid tried again, but Roohi refused to budge. Sighing, the maid went back to Kabir. "Sir, she isn't waking up," she informed him.

Kabir's jaw tightened. Without saying a word, he grabbed a bucket, filled it with cold water, and marched to Roohi's room.

Throwing the door open, he walked straight to her bed. Without any hesitation, he poured the icy water all over her.

Roohi shot up, gasping and shivering. "What the hell, Kabir!" she yelled, wrapping the drenched blanket around herself.

Kabir crossed his arms, glaring at her. "People who want revenge don't get to sleep like this. Get up and be ready. You've got work to do."

Roohi glared back at him but didn't say anything, her teeth chattering from the cold.

"And don't even think about changing," Kabir added sharply. "You'll stay like this for a while. Let this remind you that you need to be tougher if you want to achieve your goal."

Before she could protest, Kabir turned and left the room.

The icy water dripping from Roohi's hair made her teeth chatter as she followed the maid through the dim corridors. She grumbled under her breath, pulling her soaked clothes tighter against her. "He's going to pay for this," she muttered.

The maid stopped in front of a door hidden behind a large bookshelf and pressed a small panel. The bookshelf slid aside, revealing a staircase leading downward.

"This way, ma'am," the maid said before stepping aside.

Roohi descended the steps, her breath hitching as the cold air bit at her damp skin. When she reached the bottom, her eyes widened at the sight before her.

The room was like something out of a spy thriller walls lined with guns of every shape and size, racks of knives, and monitors displaying feeds from security cameras. Chains and handcuff, while a glass case held explosives neatly labeled.

Kabir stood at the far end of the room, holding a gun. "Took you long enough," he said without looking at her. With a quick flick of his wrist, he tossed the gun toward her. Roohi barely caught it, the cold metal sending a shiver down her spine.

"Lesson one," Kabir said, walking toward her, "you need to stop being afraid." He pointed at the gun in her hand, "Get comfortable with it. Learn how to use it. And I'll make sure you know how to hit your target."

Roohi stared at the gun, her fingers trembling. "I don't even know how to hold this thing. And what are you even preparing me for?"

Kabir smirked, leaning closer. "Revenge. You wanted it, and I'm here to ensure you get it. But first..." He stepped back, grabbing another weapon from the wall, "you need to learn to fight. No one gets revenge without getting their hands dirty."

He pointed toward a target set up at the far end of the room. "Now, aim. And shoot."

Roohi hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked at Kabir, who stood there with his arms crossed, his expression stern.

"Do it," he said sharply.

Taking a deep breath, Roohi raised the gun, her hands shaking as she pointed it at the target. Her finger hovered over the trigger, doubt creeping into her mind.

"Pull the trigger, Roohi," Kabir ordered.

With a shaky exhale, Roohi closed her eyes and pulled the trigger. The sound of the gunshot echoed through the room, followed by silence.

When she opened her eyes, the bullet had barely grazed the edge of the target.

Kabir let out a low chuckle. "Pathetic. But it's a start. You'll get better."

Roohi's jaw tightened as she looked at him. "Just tell me what I need to do."

■

It had been over a month since Roohi began her training under Kabir's strict guidance. The thought of avenging herself against Siddarth kept her going.

That night, Roohi walked toward Kabir's room, intending to ask about the new set of guns he had shown her earlier in the day. She hesitated at the door when she heard a faint sound from inside. Pushing the door open, she found Kabir on the floor, a bottle of whiskey dangling from his hand.

"Kabir?" she called softly, stepping closer.

He turned to look at her, his eyes glassy, unfocused. "Roohi... you came," he slurred, attempting to stand but stumbling forward.

She rushed to catch him, barely managing to keep him upright. "You're drunk, Kabir. Come on, let's get you to bed."

"Drunk?" he chuckled bitterly.

Ignoring his rambling, Roohi helped him toward the bed. As she eased him onto the mattress, he grabbed her wrist, his grip surprisingly strong.

But he didn't respond directly. Instead, he let go of her wrist and turned his head away, his voice dropping to a whispe and started mumbling.

Roohi sighed, pulling the blanket over him. "We'll talk in the morning."

She sat beside him on the bed, hoping her presence might calm him enough to fall asleep. Her plan for the night could wait she didn't want to leave him.

Minutes turned into hours as Kabir's breathing evened out, and his grip on her wrist loosened. Roohi, drifted off beside him, not realizing when her own eyelids closed.

■

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains. Roohi stirred, her head pounding slightly. As she blinked herself awake, the weight of the situation hit her like a storm.

She was lying beside Kabir, completely bare beneath the sheets. Her heart raced as she clutched the blanket tightly against her chest, her mind scrambling to piece together what had happened.

To be continued

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