The Deceit

PROLOGUE

VISHNU

‘They say power changes a man; what they don’t know is how much a man must change to wield it.’

Standing in the luxurious bathroom of my bedroom at Walia Mansion, I gaze at my reflection in the mirror. The man staring back at me is a stark contrast to the boy I once was, haunted by the painful memories of my past. The death of my mother when I was just twelve years old left a gaping hole in my heart, a void that only my father’s love could fill—a love that for so long seemed unreachable, just beyond my grasp.

My father, Pratap Walia, a powerful political figure, couldn’t—or wouldn’t —acknowledge me as his own. I was his hidden secret, born out of wedlock and a threat to his flawless image in his carefully constructed world. The longing for his acceptance was a constant ache, but I had made a promise to my mother on her deathbed—to stand by him and protect him, no matter the cost.

For years, I had lived in the shadows, always close enough to keep an eye on him. I became his shield, his silent guardian, fulfilling the promise I had made to my mother. It was the only thread tying me to a man who seemed to value his career more than his own flesh and blood.

But then, fate has a way of changing things. Eighteen months ago, my father finally saw me—like he truly saw me. He stood before the world and publicly acknowledged me as his son, risking everything he’d built, even risking his position as Chief Minister in the upcoming elections. That day, it felt like I was reborn. The love I’d craved for so long finally flowed freely, and since then, our bond has only grown stronger.

I have everything now—a loving father and a doting half-sister, Meher, who has found happiness with Ayaan Shergill. Ayaan is the son of my father’s childhood friend-turned-foe-turned-friend again, Kailash Shergill. Even their old wounds are healing with the reconciliation between him and my father, breathing new life into the bonds that were once broken.

Yet, as I adjust my shirt and run my fingers through my beard, a familiar ache tugs at my heart. There’s still a piece missing, a regret that haunts me till date. Simran . Meher’s best friend—the woman who touched a part of my soul I didn’t even know existed. I foolishly let her slip away, too caught up in my duty and my own pain.

Today is a big day, and I can’t afford to let these thoughts distract me from what’s lying ahead. I clench my fist, feeling the immense weight of the new responsibility that’s about to be placed on my shoulders. It’s what my father wants, and I’ll do anything to make him proud and protect this family we’ve built. But deep down, I wonder—am I truly on my own path, or am I still living in the shadow of old promises and unspoken expectations?

With one final look in the mirror, I turn away. It’s time to step into the spotlight and become the man my father believes I can be. But even as I prepare to embrace this new role, I can’t seem to shake off the feeling that my greatest challenge—and perhaps the discovery of my truest self—still awaits me in the unknown.