5

-• selfish •-

If to be eternally released from karma is by the virtue of your deeds, why were you punished the moment you were born?

If God is never unfair to his creations, are you not one of his?

And if you are, did your God abandoned you too?

His hand lifts to hit me. I flinch. The man behind grabs his arm, stopping him from creating a scene in the office hallway. Virendra looks at me with hatred akin to faith's rage against a sin. He drops his arm and shoves the man aside, fixing his coat properly.

"Come with me." He drags me back inside the conference room. The wooden door falls close. He regards me with a crazed temper. "What's your next plan!? Tell me! I did not stop you over the years, Shourya. Not even when you took my share of equity from the corporation. But this construction company is mine! Do you hear me!?"

"I know." I look at him nonchalantly. "It's why it's so easy to overtake it."

"I'm not standing back and watching you take what's mine. If I've to expose your reality to the Chairman, I'd do it. Don't underestimate me."

"Go, do it." I tell him.

He stands surprised for a moment.

"But before that, you might want to see this." I take out a small diary from the blazer pocket. He receives it with little reluctance. And I watch as the blood drains from his face when he reads the pages. "Do you know why I never stopped you from going to casinos?" I take support of the desk, my arms crossed on my chest. He meets my eyes. "The first time I paid your gambling debt, an idea came to my mind. What if I don't stop him? He'd never have the courage to pick up a loan from company funds. Your debts kept piling up. But the casinos never stopped you from coming. They let you play, they let you believe your debts was clear. And you were blissfully unaware. I'm sure you didn't even stop to think about all the money you lost in your addiction."

"Wh- Why? I thought you were paying off my debts."

I scoff. "I don't remember adopting you."

"Why did they let me play?"

"They didn't." I shake my head. "No casino in Rajgarh let you play."

"Yes, but in Jaigarh -" he falls quiet, realisation creeping in with an unnaturally slow speed. "You bastard!" He growls, stepping closer to grab my collars.

I use a little bit of force to swat him away and fix my crumpled shirt. He pants angrily. It didn't take much to ruffle his feathers. Money has always been the one to rule this thick skulled, empty headed bullock.

"If you can pay your own debt, good for you. If not, sell me half of what you own in Construction."

"35% of my equity?" He concludes in disbelief.

I smirk. "At least your maths is good."

"Might as well become the owner." He spits out.

"That's the plan."

He sits down on the empty chair in defeat, his forehead in his hand. "How are you going to do it?" He looks up at me tiredly. "He'll ask what compelled me to sell off so much equity to Esther Industries. What will I answer?"

"For the next two months, he'll be busy focusing on the upcoming elections." I reply. "In the mean time, we sign the deal and I take control of the Construction subsidiary. All you've to do is provide him with the figures. Take all the credit."

"And the reason?"

"To work within deadline, you needed capital. Taking any more loans from company fund was not possible since you had hit the limit. Same with the banks. I'll give you the papers to prove it. Remember the Kaholi Site you weren't able to buy?"

He nods. "It's a government property. But the purchase was denied by the municipal corporation. It's a road attached land. Stunning view. If we built a housing society there, billions of profit is promised. But that's a dream now."

"When the new Chief Minister is appointed, take the proposal to him."

He looks at me with confusion. "As if that's going to change anything. The Chairman tried to work this out with the Chief Minister -"

"I said the new Chief Minister." I cut him off.

His eyes narrow. "Are you saying someone else will be appointed this time?"

I nod.

"But what does that change? He'll still be a member of the ruling party -"

"Don't worry about that. When the new Chief Minister is appointed, take the proposal to him. This time it'll be approved."

I turn to leave.

"If you're so smart, so capable, why are you stuck here?" His words stop me in front of the door. I look over my shoulder. "You can walk away from all this wealth and still be able to build your own. Then why are you so obsessed with Rajawat Estate?"

"I'm not obsessed about owning it." I answer before walking away.

I get inside my car and drive to the University to attend the rest of the lectures scheduled for the day. Thirty minutes later, I park my car in the parking lot and step out, closing the door swiftly before turning around. Arush pops up in front of me unexpectedly, sending me stumbling until my back hits the car.

"What is wrong with you?" I ask, my hand on my chest. My heart races so fast I almost feel a heart attack coming.

"I've a deal!" He states.

I sigh, pulling at the strap of the backpack that constantly slides off my shoulder. "What is it?"

"Taranya."

I frown. "Excuse me?"

"I figured you still like her. I'm her brother. When the right time comes, you've my approval. I'm also Agastya Bhai's most favourite brother, the one that could be the biggest roadblock in your love story. Ayush is my twin. I can convince him with a snap of my fingers. Ayush is Yuvaan Bhai's most favourite. Second biggest roadblock in your love story. That only leaves Yuvraaj Bhai. I'm sure you'll handle him. So four approval and one loyal support." He points at himself. "But this is only valid if you do plan to always like her." He adds meekly. "Do you?"

I nod softly.

He beams. "Done then!"

"If you sister finds out, she'll hate you." I remind him.

He shrugs. "I know. You just have to never tell her. And I'm only supporting you. I'm not kidnapping her and bringing her to you. To like you or not is her own decision."

"Are you going to London anytime soon?" I ask him as I start to walk. He smiles in victory and walks alongside me.

"I am. This December." He answers.

"Can you get me some of her candid pictures?" I ask.

"Creep." He grunts. "Does she have you blocked everywhere?"

I nod.

"Oh God, you're so pitiful." He sighs. "Alright, but I can't promise you the quality. I'm not a good photographer."

"Of course." I roll my eyes, heading to the second floor for our next class.

"And only two pictures."

"Thanks," I push the door open and step inside. An empty seat in the back catches my eye. He forces the boy next to my seat to get up and occupies it.

"So, when are we starting my lessons?"

"I'll be working this evening. You can join me." I answer, taking out the books as the professor walks in.

He nods, falling quiet when the lecture starts.

He keeps his word and follows me to my office. We enter the headquarters of Jumbo Steels. I ask my secretary to hand me the data of last two years on my way to the cabin. Arush enters behind me, holding the door open as my secretary walks in after us. She sets down the files and documents on the table in the seating area and retreats quietly.

"Read them," I command him as I settle behind my desk.

He stares at me speechless.

"Any problem? I thought you wanted to learn?"

He blinks. "Wha- What is this?"

"Sales, stats, revenues, gross margin, legal statements, balance, benefits, work culture, everything that you'll need to know a particular business inside out. It's important you understand what you're working on, the intricacies of its operations and hierarchy. Because when a problem arises, we tend to rely on the solution that's easiest than the one that fits the problem best. Just because there are two solutions to one problem doesn't mean both of them are feasible, right?"

He breaths out aloud.

"What happened?

"It's harder than I expected." He mutters.

"When someone enjoys their work, the one who watches always feels like it's the easiest task to do." I respond, "Until he puts on those shoes and tries to do it himself. If you want to grow, love what you learn, and enjoy what you do."

"Stop with that philosophy." He grumbles. "God, you're such an old school." He huffs and sits down on the couch, looking overwhelmed with all the papers in front of him.

"Once you figure out the way to start it, finishing it won't be that hard." I advise.

He gives me a look that says shut up. I roll my eyes and focus on my work. If he wants to do it, he'll do it. Or he'll walk out of the room on his own. Would be a good riddance, honestly.

But the photos...

I shake my head to drive away the ridiculous thoughts and decide to finish a week's worth schedule. I don't want anything apart from meetings on the to-do list. Yuvraaj was right. I was starting to pay less and less attention on the company that we both own.

Two hours later, I hear someone snoring. My gaze drifts past the computer screen. I sigh witnessing Arush sprawled on the sofa, his head lolling off his shoulder, arms open, knees spread out and a few papers lying on the floor.

Grabbing a pen from the pen stand, I throw it at him. It hits him right on the forehead. He sits up gasping, taking a fighting stance without even properly opening his eyes. Chauhan genes sure comes in different varieties. Nobody will look at this boy and believe he's Yuvraaj Singh Chauhan's brother.

"Focus," I scold.

He groans in frustration, rubs both of his hands on his face before picking up the papers scattered on the floor and resumes reading them.

Yuvraaj drops me a text later in the evening. I unlock the phone to read the message.

Yuvraaj: I just got done with the meeting. Zoya told me she had several missed calls from Mr. Khan. I'm planning to avoid them until the elections.

Me: it's for the best. Did you bring up the site topic?

Yuvraaj: If I give him my entire support, he's willing to consider the proposal.

Me: Virendra will visit you next week. I've mailed all the details to Rachel. She'll talk to our lawyers and prepare the contract.

Yuvraaj: Alright. Drop Arush home safely.

I sit back, a little surprised.

Me: how did you know he was with me? Stop stalking your siblings.

Yuvraaj: Until you have someone to protect on your side, you'll never understand.

I close the phone and toss it on the desk. His words cut deep. I really have no one on my side. But I intend to change that. I intend to change that very soon.

Her rejection hurt.

But more than that, her reaction hurt.

It was hard for me to make that decision. I had spent three days, wide and awake in my room, drowning in guilt and gathering enough courage to face her.

But she simply cast me away. As if it didn't matter to her who I was. I expected her to hit me, scream at me, demand me for answers. None of that happened. I waited for the shock of her father's death to wear down. Maybe she needs time. Maybe she'll come to me on her own when she wants to hear my side. Maybe she'll give me a chance. And if not a chance, then a confrontation. Maybe she'll treat me coldly, try to hurt me, but nothing. She carried on with her life like I was never a part of it. She didn't forget me, she just didn't consider me important enough to bother herself with my thoughts.

I'm hurt, but more than that, I'm livid.

She can't just throw me away.

She can't just go on with her life like we never had something worth remembering.

Taranya is well too entangled in my soul.

And she'll have to tear me apart to set herself free.

"Do you have any idea how you'll convince my sister again?" Arush suddenly asks, freezing me for a moment.

"Shut up and do your work." I snap.

I'm not doing shit to convince her. I've nothing more to hide. She wanted to see the real me? Wanted to love the real me? She shall see him, very soon. If she reacts with fear, I'll respond with control. And if she wields anger as her weapon, she must not forget I taught her how to manipulate.

Three more years.

Three more years and she'll be mine.

A smile wins over my lips. I can't wait. I'll trap her to the point of no return. She'll have no choice but to accept me.

Humans have a tendency to grow attached with everything around them. As long as it satisfies their emotional needs, they'll give in. Once Tara becomes mine, I'll become the man she wants me to. She'll see the reflection of her needs, her desires, her wants in me. And she'll give in. Even if late, even if after a long fight, but she'll give in.

"I want to go home. I'll continue this tomorrow." Arush's voice breaks me out of the thoughts. I shut down my computer and grab the car keys, taking my backpack and phone along. He shoves all the documents in his bag and follows me out.

"Close the door."

"Oh, right." He turns around and closes the door.

We use elevator to reach the basement parking lot.

"Don't show me your face until you've finished reading all that data. And prepare a SWOT analysis to show me."

"Yes, sir." He grunts and gets inside his car, driving out shortly after.

I drive out after him and we head different ways.

When I enter the palace, I see Virendra sitting in the living room, tapping his right foot restlessly. "What's wrong?" He lifts his head to look at me.

"Were you aware of Yuvraaj's plan to support the opposite party?"

I smirk.

He gasps. "You've got some guts, kid."

I shrug. "The contract will be ready next week. A car will pick you up from your regular casino." I head upstairs.

Dropping my backpack on the gaming chair, I fling myself on the bed and sigh. The smell of detergent feels like home. I turn around, taking the blanket along with me and burrow myself in the soft comfort.

A few minutes later, I get up to shower. My muscles ache under the warm water. I need to hit the gym soon. My muscles have grown stiffer lately. Ever since I stopped sneaking out under the facade of Rudra, I'm loosing my flexibility. All I do is sit in different chairs 24 hours of the day.

Hence, the next morning, I put on my black shorts and black Nike t-shirt before making my way towards the hotel gym. The only thing I need right now is a peaceful workout session.

"I don't understand! If this a hotel-owned gym, meant exclusively for the guests, why can't I use the equipments in this space!?" A woman demands.

"You can use any other-"

"I want the treadmill! Can't you see all of them already have people using them! This one's free. So why can't I use it?"

"This space is prohibited for everyone, Ma'am. Not even the VIP guests are allowed to use it."

"And I'm asking you why!"

"Because it belongs to me." I announce. People watching the drama scatter, their eyes follow as I walk in.

The woman in gym shorts and tank top spins around. Blazing hot infernos for eyes, slender jaw, feline sharp eyes, and a long, pointed nose under which sit a pair of slim lips. She's taken aback for a moment, her confidence faltering when our eyes meet. But then she collects the fallen persona and looks me challengingly in the eyes.

"And who are you?" She asks with a mocking sweet smile.

"Shourya Singh Rajawat." I answer. "I need space of my own so the security in charge of my safety can guard it." I tell her calmly.

"Why not just have your own instead of inconveniencing the guests like this." She rebukes.

"A standard gym has 10 to 50 treadmills. We've twenty five. There's nothing we can do if the hotel is overbooked. If you want to run so badly, there's track field outside lining the gardens. Run there. Don't waste people's time by throwing a tantrum." I state curtly.

"I-I'm done." A timid female voice speaks up from the crowd. "If she wants to use the treadmill, she can."

The woman in front of me doesn't move. She keeps her eyes locked with mine. After a moment of heavy silence, I look away and walk past her. The crowd slowly disperses, going back to their own things. She stands there for a little longer, watching me snidely as I start my exercise.

When she finally leaves, I throw a glance her way and shake my head in exasperation.

"Who's she?" I ask the gym manager.

He rushes closer to answer. "She's a daughter of a Delhi business tycoon. She's here for her friend's wedding."

"Her name?"

"Niharika Chandra."

"Arvind Chandra's daughter?" I ask for confirmation. He nods.

Her father owns a successful and acclaimed architectural firm. He was even listed as world's most influential personality Forbes edition. No wonder she's so uptight and snotty. The man is renowned for his shrewd and arrogance in the business world.

"Alright, thanks. You can go back to your work."

"Let me know if you need me, sir." He walks away.

I return to my room an hour later and sit back relaxed on the bed. My eyes fall close. But I'm unable to sleep. Memories and flashes of my worst nightmares abuse me. I turn on the AC and set it to the lowest temperature. Removing my t-shirt, I toss it somewhere in the room. The hot, burning scars finally stop hissing.

Days go by swiftly. In the chaos of elections, Rajawat Construction, Jumbo Steels, and University, I barely catch a moment of peace.

I'm in the middle of the classroom when my phone rings. I murmur an apology for causing disturbance and slip out through the back door. "What is it?"

"BJD won majority of seats."

I heave a relieved sigh. "Congratulations."

"Congratulations to you too." He replies.

I smile.

My God has abandoned me long ago.

But I didn't.

A final leap incoming!

Hope you enjoyed the beginning of RoR. Nothing much dramatic happened, but let's save that for the later chapters.

Can't wait to have you onboard! Don't forget to vote and comment. Makes my day.