3.
I puff out a cloud of cigarette smoke. My boot keeps tapping the ground slowly, in a steady rhythm, while my eyes remain closed.
I bring the cigarette back to my lips and take a deep, long puff. The burn in my lungs feels familiar. Smoking always calms my mind, keeps my thoughts under control, keeps the chaos quiet.
“Speak, Grover” I say, already feeling his presence. My voice comes out thick and cold, heavy with authority.
“Boss, everything is out for delivery and the Commissioner wants to meet you” he says. His tone is careful. I nod my head slightly, showing I have heard him.
I open my eyes and finally look at Grover. I am sitting inside one of my warehouses. Today, a huge amount of weapons and antique pieces are being exported.
Since last night, this is all I have been busy with. I also come to know that someone tipped off the police. But they still do not know one thing, I am Zayran Kaalver.
The Commissioner walks inside with Grover. I keep smoking not even bothering to look in his direction. I stay seated, relaxed, as if nothing in this world can disturb me, and that is true.
He comes and stands right in front of me. I can see his anger clearly but his lowered eyes say something else. They tell me he knows exactly who he is standing in front of.
“Did you find anything?” I ask slowly. My voice remains calm, almost bored. Last night, he raided this warehouse, thinking illegal trades were going to happen from here.
“Sorry, sir, for wasting your time” he says quietly. I stand up from my chair, throwing the cigarette to the ground. I crush it under my boot, pressing it hard, just like I crush people who try to stand in my way.
“But remember, one day I’ll find proof against you and hang you to death” he says, still looking down. His voice tries to sound strong but fear hides between his words.
A chuckle escapes my mouth without effort. The sound is low and dark and it makes the Commissioner shiver slightly. I can see his shoulders stiffen.
“I'll be waiting” I say calmly. My eyes stay fixed on him.
“And I also came to know someone threatened you about your family” The moment I say this, he instantly looks up at me. Shock flashes in his eyes, followed by panic.
I only smirk at his reaction and turn away, starting to walk out of the room with slow steps.
“If you want protection for your family, tell my boss. He is very kind-hearted” Grover’s voice comes from behind me. I almost sigh internally.
This man never misses a chance to show everyone how kind-hearted I am. There is no need to show off but it’s fine.
I step outside and put on my shades as the morning sun hits my face. The light feels sharp but I remain unfazed. Guards move ahead, starting the cars one by one. The engines roar to life.
Grover opens the door for me and I slide inside the car smoothly. He gets into the driver’s seat and starts the car, driving it towards the mansion.
My phone rings. I take it out and see Yuvan’s name flashing on the screen. I receive the call and press the phone to my ear.
“Bhai, I found their location. They are in the seaside area” he says.
A smirk automatically forms on my face. My eyes darken with interest.
“Good job” I say. The moment the words leave my mouth.
“Oh my God, bhai, am I dreaming? You said good job? Hey Bhagwan, kahi mere bhai ka sir deewar se toh nahi lad gaya. Bhai, main Yuvan hoon, aapka chhota bhai. Aapko yaad hoon na main...” I cut the call without listening to the rest of his yapping.
(Oh my God, brother, am I dreaming? You said good job? Oh God, did my brother hit his head on the wall or something? Brother, I’m Yuvan, your younger brother. You do remember me....)
This is exactly why I never praise them. One small line and they start overreacting like this. I love him. Not just him, I love all four of them deeply.
I love them to such an extent that I just want to kill them so they can sleep peacefully, free from all the worries of this world.
“They are near the seaside” I say to Grover, my voice low and controlled. “Just keep an eye on them. When they start thinking that I’ve forgotten about them, attack them at that time” My jaw tightens slightly as I speak.
Grover nods his head once, his eyes still focused on the road. “Okay, boss” he says calmly.
I turn my face towards the window and look outside. The city passes by in a blur. Yuvan and Omkar both work for me, something I clearly do not like. They both want to become like me and I hate this fact.
Our family business is one of the most successful businesses in the entire Asia. My father and my grandfather are upset with me because instead of handling the business, I chose this path. I became this.
But after Shaurya starts handling everything, they become happy with him. And I must admit, he is really intelligent. Omkar and Yuvan also work in the company but not all the time. Most of their time is spent with me and my work.
The cars stop inside the mansion. Guards immediately rush forward and open the doors. Zayran steps out of the car with his usual calm and commanding presence. He is about to enter the mansion when a loud voice stops him.
“Oye, hero!” Laksh calls out loudly.
(Hey, hero!)
Zayran turns around and looks towards the table where his cousin brothers and Laksh are sitting together. He lets out a slow sigh, already knowing what is coming and starts walking towards them.
Today is Sunday and every Sunday Laksh comes to meet Zayran and his three younger brothers.
“How are you, man?” Laksh asks the moment Zayran sits beside him. Zayran only nods his head in response, his expression neutral.
Laksh is the only person who can speak to Zayran freely without any fear of getting killed. Of course, that only stays true as long as Zayran’s mood does not change.
“You know, I like this watch but I don’t have enough money right now” Omkar says slowly to Yuvan, keeping his tone low and innocent.
“It’s okay, Om. We’ll get it when we start earning” Yuvan replies in a sad tone, playing along.
Everyone present there knows very well that both of them are acting. And as always, Zayran takes out his card and throws it in their direction without a word.
“We love you so much, bhai!” Omkar and Yuvan shout together. Both of them jump from their seats and rush towards Zayran, clearly planning to hug him.
But one sharp glare from Zayran is enough. They freeze on the spot and immediately sit back in their places.
Still, they keep squealing with happiness, their eyes shining as they look at the card.
“Bhai, I want your help in my upcoming project” Shaurya says, looking directly at Zayran. His tone is serious but respectful. Zayran looks at him for a moment and then nods his head, silently agreeing.
“Here is your coffee, everyone” a voice echoes in the garden. Every head turns in the direction of the voice.
Liyara walks towards them with a tray in her hands, moving carefully so nothing spills.
Zayran turns his head and looks at Laksh with “kabar khod doon teri” eyes.
(Should I dig your grave)
Laksh immediately responds with “shaadi bhi nahi hui hai abhi meri” eyes.
(I’m not even married yet)
“Zayran, when did you come?” Liyara asks the moment she notices him. She walks towards him quickly and sits beside him...but yes, at a safe distance.
Liyara is none other than Zayran’s fiancée.
“Just a few minutes ago” Ishita replies with a polite smile, answering Liyara.
“Here” Liyara says softly, moving a cup forward towards Zayran.
“I don’t drink coffee” he replies simply not even looking at her. His tone is flat and uninterested. Liyara smiles, trying not to show any disappointment.
“But I made this” she says again, hoping he will take it this time.
“Is liye toh unhe nahi peeni” Omkar says casually, making everyone burst into laughter.
(That’s exactly why he won’t drink it)
Liyara glares at Omkar for a moment but then she smiles and slowly pulls her hand back, placing the cup on the tray.
“Why are you here?” Zayran asks Laksh, his irritation clear in his voice.
Laksh chuckles, already understanding the reason behind Zayran’s mood.
“Your family has arranged a get-together tonight with your future in-laws. That’s why I’m here” he replies, smiling teasingly.
“Raat ko thi daawat aur subah se hi muh utha ke aa gaya tu” Zayran says as he gets up from the chair and starts walking inside the mansion but then stops.
(The dinner is at night and you showed up early in the morning.)
“Oh, I think he wants to spend some personal time with his future partner. That’s why he’s going inside” Laksh says again, clearly enjoying this.
Zayran takes a deep breath and turns back towards everyone. He can see all of them trying hard to control their laughter. Liyara smiling shyly.
“Ishi, Grover se kehna ki Mr. Khanna ke bete ko bhi aaj raat invite kar le. Woh hoga toh aur maza aayega” Zayran says calmly.
(Ishi, tell Grover to invite Mr. Khanna’s son tonight as well. If he is there, it will be more fun)
His words confuse everyone present. Laksh, however, immediately throws dagger at Zayran.
“Why Mr. Khanna’s son, bhai?” Ishi asks.
“Because he is such a nice person” Zayran replies evenly. “And he also wants to talk to all of us about something” A smirk slowly appears on his face as he turns around and starts walking inside the mansion.
Suddenly, he hears fast footsteps behind him.
“Jaan le loonga teri, sochna bhi mat is baare mein” Laksh says, anger dripping from his voice.
(I’ll kill you. Don’t even think about this)
“Achha? Tu meri jaan lega?” Zayran replies mockingly, stopping for a moment. “Aur jo tu kar raha hai uska kya? Phool phekoon tujh par?” He smirks wider. “Ishi aur Khanna ke bete ki shaadi ke phool”
(Oh really? You’ll kill me? And what about what you’re doing? Should I throw flowers on you? Wedding flowers of Ishi and Khanna’s son)
Laksh immediately pulls out his gun from behind and points it at Zayran, his jaw tight with anger.
“Abe jaa be” Zayran says casually and starts walking upstairs towards his room, completely unbothered.
(Get lost)
Laksh follows him, the gun still pointed at his back. They reach Zayran’s bedroom. Laksh enters before him and flops down on the bed, still annoyed.
“You don’t know who I am and what I can do” Laksh says firmly, his eyes sharp.
“Where are you going tomorrow?” Laksh asks suddenly. Zayran stops in his place and slowly turns towards him, his expression unreadable.
“Who?” Zayran asks calmly. His single word makes Laksh sigh deeply.
“Grover told me that you are going to attack Sinha” Laksh replies. His voice is serious, watching Zayran closely.
Zayran stays calm, saying nothing at all. His face shows no reaction, no emotion. Seeing this silence, Laksh gets up and sits properly on the bed, worried now.
“Tu na aisi situation mein itna shaant mat raha kar. Meri phat ke 70 ho jaati hai, bhai” Laksh says, trying to sound calm but clearly stressed.
(Don’t stay this calm in such situations. It scares the hell out of me, brother)
Zayran walks past him and goes inside the bathroom to freshen up. He still does not say a single word. His silence feels heavy, dangerous, more destructive than any angry outburst.
“Hey Bhagwan, mere dushman ki bhi mere dost se bacha lena” Laksh says, joining his hands dramatically.
(Oh God, please save even my enemy from my best friend)
I am helping others in the kitchen because today guests are coming. My back is hurting badly now. There are so many dishes to prepare, it feels endless.
Tara and I are both here along with Subh and her friends. The kitchen is full of noise, utensils and voices but still, everyone is working seriously.
“Ye ameer log itna khana kyun banwate hain jab inhe khana bas ghaas-phoos hi hai” I think to myself, shaking my head lightly.
(Why do these rich people make so much food when they eat like birds anyway?)
I walk carefully with a huge pot of melted cheese in my hands. It is heavy and my arms ache. I move towards the second counter and place it there slowly, letting out a small breath of relief.
I turn around to go back but I stop suddenly. Tara is standing right in front of me, smiling softly. She lifts her hand gently and wipes my face with a tissue.
I freeze at my place not moving at all. Her touch is so caring, so warm, that my chest feels tight. Trust me, I will cry because of this girl.
She moves away without saying anything and I just smile. Half of my tiredness disappears in that moment.
Kanha has truly blessed me with the purest soul. It has been only two days since I came here and Tara is taking care of me as if I am her own daughter.
She always does my share of work because I am new and get tired easily. She is used to working here, so she never lets me work too much.
“Move fast, everyone. Guests have already arrived” the head chef shouts loudly. His voice makes me shiver slightly.
“Ek toh samajh nahi aata yahan sab log itne darawne kyun hain. Matlab kisi ko pyaar se baat karni aati hi nahi hai” I think to myself, feeling a little scared.
(I don’t understand why everyone here is so scary. It’s like no one knows how to talk nicely)
“Put that on the dining table, all of you” the head chef orders as almost all the dishes are ready.
Tara hands me a bowl of curry and I start walking with her, following closely behind her. As I step into the dining area, my eyes begin to shine like twinkle twinkle little star. The dining hall looks so royal and breathtaking that I forget my tiredness for a moment.
“Move fast” Subh says from behind, pushing me a little. I stumble slightly but manage to balance myself. I tighten my grip on the bowl.
I have come to know that she has some khandani dushmani with me. She always tries to make things difficult for me and hits me indirectly, every chance she gets.
I place the bowl carefully on the table and then turn towards Subh. She is smiling at me as if she didn’t just push me and almost make me fall. I ignore her expression and move back towards the kitchen to bring other items.
Once the table is completely set, the head maid tells us to stand at the corner.
“Why are we standing here, Tara?” I ask her softly. Mere pairon ne ab jawab de diya hai.
(My legs feel weak, like they have completely given up on me)
“Sawal kya tha?” my subconscious asks me. Kash main apna sir kahin lada sakti.
(I wish I could hit my head somewhere)
“So when they are done eating, we can place the sweet dishes and other items” Tara replies gently.
I nod my head and stand straight, trying to look normal. My eyes catch the family members as they walk towards the dining table. There are at least eighteen or nineteen people in total.
“Why so much food?” a lady says, looking at the entire table, which is literally full of different kinds of dishes.
“Oh, this is nothing. We should have arranged even more. You are going to become our relatives soon” Neelam Kaalver says warmly.
I just listen to their conversation silently. Kanha, main dusron ki baatein nahi sunti hoon, aap jaante ho na. Par ab awaaz kaanon mein ja rahi hai toh ismein meri thodi na galti hai. I think to myself.
(Kanha, you know I don’t listen to other people’s talks. But if the sound is reaching my ears, it’s not really my fault)
“By the way, Liyara was telling us that Zayran is constructing a hotel in the center of the city” a lady says casually.
Just hearing his name sends a shiver down my spine. My fingers tighten slightly. I slowly lift my eyes and they fall on him. He is sitting there, eating silently. His full focus is on his plate, as if nothing else around him matters.
“Yes and that hotel will be completed before their marriage” his father adds, noticing that Zayran is not replying to anyone.
From his behavior, I can clearly see that his relationship with his parents and grandparents is not good.
Do din mein bahut kuch notice kar liya, Sita, tune. Itna dhyaan se padhai karti toh aaj IAS hoti, maid nahi. Khair.
(In just two days, you’ve noticed so much, Sita. If you had studied with this much focus, you would have been an IAS officer today not a maid. Anyway)
“Boss” I see a man walking towards Zayran. He leans in and says something to him in a low voice.
He immediately stands up from his seat and walks towards the corner where we are standing, though he keeps a little distance from us. My heart starts beating faster and I instantly lower my eyes.
“Yes… hmm” he says into his phone. He stays silent for a few seconds. Before I can understand what is happening, he throws the phone hard onto the ground.
It shatters into pieces. One of the broken parts flies and hits my leg. AGAIN. I flinch and immediately look up. But he… he walks away from there as if nothing has happened at all.
“The phone slipped from his hand” a man around his age says casually.
I look at him with narrowed eyes. Everyone around nods their heads in agreement. Saare ke saare pagal hain yahan, lagta hai. Because he clearly threw it.
(Everyone here seems crazy)
The rest of the dinner passes in complete silence. No one says anything to him. Maybe they are scared of him.
“Jaldi chal karo khana kha kar so jaoongi” I say to Tara as we start cleaning the table. Everyone has moved to the living room now, talking and laughing.
(I’ll quickly eat and then go to sleep)
“Today there is something special for dinner” Tara says. The moment she says that, my stomach starts making noises.
“You wait here, I’m coming” Tara says as we are about to go down after cleaning. I nod my head in response.
She runs towards the kitchen again.
I hum softly to myself while looking outside into the garden. The weather feels calm and soothing.
A cool breeze brushes my face. Suddenly, I cough. I quickly cover my mouth but it does not stop. I cough continuously four or five times, my chest feeling tight.
Suddenly, smoke catches my eyes. I look in the direction it is coming from. I peek outside into the garden. My eyes widen when I see him sitting there with his brother, cousins and one other man.
He is smoking. Oh… that’s why I was coughing.
Before I can pull my head back inside, he suddenly turns his head towards me. I freeze for a second. My eyes widen even more when he tilts his head slightly, looking at me as if he could kill me with his eyes alone.
Fear rushes through me. I instantly step back inside and take a deep breath but the smoke makes me cough again. I cover my face and walk down a few steps, waiting there for Tara.
“Let’s go. And I brought this for you” Tara says cheerfully, taking out a chocolate bar from her pocket. A smile automatically appears on my face.
“How did you get this?” I ask, taking it from her hand. She flips her hand proudly and starts walking towards our room.
“Tara naam hai mera aur wishes poori karna kaam hai mera” she says, holding my arm.
We both laugh and start moving towards our room, almost jumping like Kangaroos.
Mai Aaj late ho gai. Actually maine na chapter likh lia tha almost complete ho gaya tha chapter but mai satisfy nahi thi jo maine likha tha to maine sab kuch delete kar ke wapas likha aur is wajah se late ho gai.