chapter 4 : A Dangerous Encounter

The sprawling penthouse stretched out before me, a perfect blend of luxury and modernity. The open floor plan showcased a living area that was nothing short of opulent. The plush, deep-cushioned L-shaped sofa was positioned around a sleek, black marble coffee table. A state-of-the-art entertainment system, complete with a massive 85-inch OLED TV, dominated one wall, while the other boasted floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline, glittering like a thousand diamonds in the night.

The walls were a muted shade of grey, accented by abstract artwork and strategically placed indoor plants that added a touch of warmth to the otherwise cold sophistication. The golden chandelier hanging above the living room cast a soft glow, reflecting off the polished hardwood floors.

Rohan and Aryan were sprawled on the couch, their eyes glued to the screen as they played some intense racing game. Karan, on the other hand, was snoring softly in one of the recliners, completely oblivious to the chaos around him.

Though it was my penthouse, it had become more of a base for all of us-a sanctuary where we could escape the world. Each of them had their own rooms here, designed to their tastes, but the living room was where we always gathered.

I was in my own room, seated on the balcony with a glass of whiskey in hand. The room was just as lavish as the rest of the penthouse. A king-sized bed with dark silk sheets, a walk-in closet filled with designer suits, and a private library lined with shelves of books I barely touched. But tonight, none of it mattered. My mind was elsewhere.

I stared at my phone, the video playing on loop. Aaradhya stood there, her hands trembling as she held out a rose. The memory was vivid, etched into my mind. I laughed at her, humiliated her in front of everyone. At the time, it had felt like just another prank, but now... now it felt like a weight on my chest.

And ,

When did she become this fiery, confident girl? What happened to that scaredy little mouse Aaradhya?

She had fought with boys, argued with me during the debate, answered me back without hesitation. She had elbowed me, kicked me, and twisted my fingers like she was in complete control. This wasn't the shy Aaradhya I remembered.

I took a long sip of my drink, the burn doing little to distract me. After that incident, she had vanished from college for months. I had heard rumors-an accident, a trip to Varanasi, memory loss. And then there was the revelation that she had attempted suicide because of the bullying.

That hit me harder than I cared to admit.

I wasn't a saint. I was the infamous Black Viper, a name that struck fear in the underworld. My targets never escaped, my plans never failed. But I had a code-I didn't hurt innocents. And yet, Aaradhya's words made me question everything.

I finished my drink and walked back to the living room, where Rohan and Aryan were still engrossed in their game. I sank into the couch, running a hand through my hair.

"What's up with you?" Rohan asked, not taking his eyes off the screen.

"Nothing," I muttered, but my mind was still on her.

"Liar," Aryan chimed in. "You've been acting weird since the debate. Spill."

I hesitated, but then my phone buzzed. I had sent her a text, half-expecting her to ignore it. But her reply came almost instantly:

"Oh, really? Poor baby. Maybe you should've thought about that before you touched me."

The corners of my lips lifted into a smirk, and I chuckled softly.

That caught their attention. Rohan paused the game, turning to look at me. "Did Vikrant Oberoi just chuckle? Who are you, and what have you done with our boss?"

Aryan leaned closer, grinning. "Wait, wait. Is this about her? The girl from the debate? aaradhya ? "

I didn't answer, which only fueled their curiosity.

"Oh, it is!" Aryan exclaimed, laughing. "You've got it bad, man."

"Shut up," I said, rolling my eyes.

Rohan raised an eyebrow. "Wait, is this the same girl you used to bully? Aaradhya?"

I nodded, and the room fell silent for a moment.

Karan, who had woken up during the commotion, sat up and frowned. "You mean the girl who... lost her memory ?"

" And she did try to attempt to suicide because of my Bullying ."

The guilt was palpable. None of us were saints, but hearing it out loud made it hit harder.

"Yeah," I admitted, my voice low. "And now she's back. Different. Stronger."

Aryan whistled. "Damn. Sounds like she's got you wrapped around her finger already."

"She doesn't," I snapped, but my tone lacked conviction.

"Oh, come on," Rohan teased. "You're thinking about her, texting her, and now you're smiling like an idiot. Just admit it-you like her."

I shot him a glare. "I don't like her."

"Then why is she in your head 24/7?" Aryan quipped.

I didn't have an answer for that. Her every move, every word, even her glares-they were all etched into my mind. She was under my skin, and I didn't know why.

"Maybe it's guilt," I said finally, though even I didn't believe it.

Rohan smirked. "Yeah, sure. Guilt. That's why you're smiling at her texts and thinking about her glare like it's the most tempting thing in the world."

"Shut up," I growled, but they just laughed.

Karan leaned back, crossing his arms. "You're possessive, Vikrant. Always have been. And now you've found someone who doesn't bow down to you. Admit it-you're intrigued."

I didn't deny it. How could I? Every time I thought about her, there was a fire in my chest-a mix of frustration, curiosity, and something darker.

"She's mine," I said quietly, almost to myself.

The room went silent again, the weight of my words sinking in.

Aryan grinned. "And there it is. The possessive side of our dear Black Viper."

I smirked, leaning back on the couch. "Say what you want. But if anyone tries to mess with her, they'll have to deal with me."

Rohan chuckled. "Damn, Vikrant. You've got it bad."

Maybe I did. But one thing was certain- this new version of Aaradhya wasn't just some girl. She was the storm, and I was ready to be swept away.

The underground race was alive with chaos and adrenaline. The neon lights illuminated the hidden track, casting sharp shadows on the crowd of rowdy spectators. Engines roared like beasts ready to be unleashed, and the air was thick with the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber.

We made our entry in style. My matte black Lamborghini Aventador purred like a predator as I drove into the arena. The crowd parted as we arrived, whispers and murmurs spreading like wildfire. Everyone knew who I was-Vikrant Oberoi, the one who never lost a race.

Rohan, Aryan, and Karan followed in their own cars, forming a menacing convoy. Our crew, known as the "Black Fangs", had a reputation that preceded us. We weren't just racers; we were legends in this world.

I stepped out of my car, dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans. My eyes scanned the crowd, daring anyone to challenge me.

"Vikrant's here," someone whispered.

"Looks like the Black Fangs are ready to dominate again," another voice said.

Aryan smirked as he joined me. "They're already scared, boss. You're about to make them cry."

"Let them try," I replied, my voice calm but laced with authority.

The race organizer, a wiry man with a crooked grin, approached us. "Vikrant, you're up against the best tonight. The Iron Serpents have been waiting for this."

"Good," I said, my lips curling into a smirk. "I need a challenge."

The Iron Serpents were our rivals, known for their dirty tactics and arrogance. Their leader, Arjun, stood by his car, a bright red McLaren, his eyes locked on me.

"You ready to lose, Oberoi?" he taunted.

I chuckled. "I don't lose, Arjun. You should know that by now."

The crowd erupted as the announcer called us to the starting line. The tension was electric as we revved our engines, the deafening roar echoing through the underground arena.

The countdown began.

Three. Two. One.

The flag dropped, and we were off.

The race was brutal, with sharp turns, sudden drops, and narrow passages that left no room for error. Arjun tried to cut me off at every turn, but I anticipated his moves, my car gliding through the track like it was part of me.

"Nice try," I muttered, overtaking him with ease.

Rohan and Aryan were holding their own against the other racers, creating a blockade to ensure no one could catch up to me. Karan provided updates through our comms, tracking the positions of the other racers.

"Boss, you're clear," Karan said. "Just keep it steady."

The final stretch was a straight line, and I floored it, the Lamborghini roaring as it surged forward. The finish line loomed ahead, and I crossed it with a triumphant screech of tires.

The crowd went wild.

As I stepped out of the car, the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers. "And the winner is... Black Viper !"

The Black Fangs gathered around, cheering and congratulating me. A girl from the crowd, bold and overconfident, approached me, her hand reaching for my arm.

"Don't touch me," I growled, my voice cold and sharp.

She ignored me, her fingers grazing my sleeve. In a flash, my hand shot out, gripping her wrist.

"I said, don't touch me," I snarled, my grip tightening. Her eyes widened in fear as I leaned closer. "You don't get to touch me. Ever."

Rohan stepped in, pulling me back gently. "Boss, let it go. She's not worth it."

I released her with a shove, and she stumbled back, tears in her eyes. "Stay away," I warned, my tone deadly.

The celebration continued, but my mood was dark. We were in the middle of toasting my victory when the television in the corner of the room caught my attention.

"Breaking News: A series of kidnappings and sex trafficking operations have been reported in the city. The authorities are struggling to identify the culprits behind these heinous crimes..."

The room fell silent as we watched the report. The images of missing girls flashed on the screen, their faces haunting.

"This isn't our work," Aryan said, his jaw tight.

"Of course not," I replied. "We may be criminals, but we don't do this."

Arjun and his crew approached us, smirking. "Looks like the Black Fangs are losing their grip on the city," he sneered.

I turned to him, my eyes cold. "Careful, Arjun. You're treading on thin ice."

"Prove it, then," he challenged. "Find out who's behind this. Or are you scared?"

The room buzzed with tension.

"You want a bet?" I said, stepping closer. "Fine. If I find them first, you hand over your crew and your territory. If you find them, the Black Fangs will back off for a year ."

Arjun grinned. "Deal."

We shook hands, the challenge set.

As we left the underground arena, I gave orders to my team.

"Karan, get me the list of all known traffickers in the city. Cross-reference it with recent activity," I said.

"Aryan, check the security footage from the areas where the girls were last seen. I want every detail."

"Rohan, reach out to our contacts in the police. See if they have any leads."

They nodded, their expressions serious.

As we drove back to the penthouse, Aryan broke the silence. "You think it's someone new?"

"Maybe," I replied. "But whoever it is, they're going to regret stepping into my city."

Rohan chuckled. "You're scary when you're angry, boss."

I smirked. "Good. Let them be scared. Because when I find them, there will be no mercy."

The Black Fangs were on the hunt, and nothing could stop us.

The drive back to the penthouse was quiet, but my mind was anything but. The celebration, the race, even the bet with Arjun-all of it felt distant. A singular thought consumed me: I needed to see her. Aaradhya.

I didn't know why, but the urge was overpowering. The memory of her fiery eyes and defiant words replayed in my mind, and before I could second-guess myself, I turned the car in the direction of her apartment.

"Boss, where are you going?" Aryan asked from his car.

"I'll be back later," I said curtly over the comms.

They didn't question me, and I appreciated that.

The city lights blurred as I sped through the streets. I knew where she lived-I had known for a while, though I had never admitted to myself why I kept tabs on her. As I parked a little away from her building, I saw her step out.

She was with her best friend, Tanishka Khurana. The two of them were chatting animatedly as they headed down the street. My eyes locked onto her, and for a moment, everything else faded.

She was wearing a simple white top and jeans, her hair loose and slightly messy, but she looked effortlessly beautiful. Had she always been this captivating? Or had I been blind all this time?

I stayed in the shadows, watching as they walked toward a nearby convenience store. Tanishka's phone buzzed, and after a brief conversation, she gestured that she was heading back. Aaradhya nodded, her expression calm, as if she didn't care about being alone.

My jaw clenched. Does she not realize how dangerous it is to walk alone at night? Especially now, with the city in chaos?

I followed her silently, my instincts on high alert. She entered the store, and I waited outside, leaning against the car, my eyes never leaving the entrance. When she came out, holding a small bag, she started walking back but took a detour into a dimly lit alley.

My brows furrowed. Why the hell is she going that way?

I moved quickly, following her into the alley. The shadows seemed to close in, the faint glow of streetlights barely reaching the narrow passage.

Before I could call out to her, I felt the cold press of a blade against my throat.

"Why are you following me?" her voice demanded, sharp and steady.

I turned my head slightly, and there she was, her eyes blazing with defiance. The small knife in her hand didn't even tremble slightly, her grip was firm.

"You're pointing a knife at me?" I asked, my tone low and incredulous.

"Answer the question," she snapped.

I smirked, despite the situation. "You really think you can hurt me with that?"

She narrowed her eyes, but before she could react, I moved. In one swift motion, I grabbed her wrist, twisting it just enough to make her drop the knife without hurting her. She gasped as I spun her around and pushed her against the cold brick wall.

Her back hit the wall with a soft thud, and I leaned in, my hands braced on either side of her head. "What the hell are you doing walking alone at this hour?" I growled, my voice laced with anger.

She glared at me, her chin tilting up defiantly. "That's none of your business."

"None of my business?" I scoffed. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here? Do you even watch the news?"

Her sarcasm was sharp. "Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Oberoi. I didn't realize you were my bodyguard now."

I leaned closer, my face mere inches from hers. "Don't test me, Aaradhya."

She didn't flinch, her eyes boring into mine. "Or what? You'll bully me again?"

Her words hit like a punch, but instead of anger, they stirred something deeper. Guilt. Regret. And something I couldn't quite name.

"You think I'm bullying you now?" I asked, my voice softer but still intense.

"You're always trying to control everything," she shot back. "But guess what? You don't get to control me."

Her defiance sent a strange thrill through me. I was used to people cowering, to them fearing me. But Aaradhya? She stood her ground, even now.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the tension. She glanced at it briefly. "I'm coming," she said into the phone before looking back at me.

"Stay away from me, Vikrant," she warned, pushing against my chest.

But I didn't move. Instead, I grabbed her wrist again, my grip firm but not painful. "Who exactly are you, Aaradhya?" I asked, my voice low and dangerous.

She froze, her eyes widening for a fraction of a second before she masked her surprise. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb," I said, leaning closer. "The Aaradhya I knew wouldn't dare  grab a knife let alone point a knife at someone. She wouldn't walk into dark alleys or talk back to me like this. So, who are you?"

She yanked her wrist free with a move I didn't expect, her self-defense sharp and practiced. "Maybe you never knew me at all," she said, her voice cold.

Before I could stop her, she turned and walked away, her steps quick and determined. I watched her go, a mix of frustration and fascination churning inside me.

Who was she now? And why couldn't I stop thinking about her?

As I walked back to my car, her words echoed in my mind.

"Maybe you never knew me at all,"