Next day -

Mumbai Business School - The Final Exam

"I swear, Raghav, I'm really not prepared for this," Adyasha muttered, clutching her books as they stood in the corridor of Mumbai Business School. The morning sea breeze drifted through the windows, carrying the distant hum of the city's relentless rhythm.

Raghav leaned against the wall, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, come on, you always say that! Now I understand why I vibe so much with the song "Har ek friend kamina hota hai" (Every friend is a troublemaker)," he sang dramatically. "And guess what? That's all because of a friend like you."

Adyasha rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're starting again, silly."

"And you," Raghav pointed an accusing finger, "the girl with two faces-topping every semester and always chanting the same mantra: 'Raghav, I'm scared, I'm not prepared well,' blah blah...

"Don't talk nonsense," Adyasha checked her watch. "Let's go now. Best of luck for the exam." She turned to leave, walking towards her allotted classroom. "You go to your class. Bye-bye."

"Best of luck, darling," Raghav called out, blowing an exaggerated kiss. "Just kidding! You're the best. But still, it's our misfortune that we always get separated because of this roll number drama." He turned away with an exaggerated pout. "Bye, my soul charger."

"Iska kuch nahi ho sakta (Nothing can be done about him)," Adyasha muttered, shaking her head as she watched him disappear into the crowd.

---

After the Exam - Outside the College Gate

Raghav was waiting by his bike, casually leaning against it and whistling.

"So, Adyasha baby, how did your exam go?"

"Raghav, please refrain from flirting with me," she said, arms crossed, trying to sound serious.

"Not my fault, sweetheart. I've begged you a thousand times to find me a girlfriend, but..."

"But you already know I don't have any friends in this entire college except you."

"Same here, honey. I only have you, My queen," he replied with exaggerated puppy eyes.

"Oh, you! Alien!. Go to your crazy fangirls."

"You know I don't like them. Let's not start this topic." He starts his bike,Adyasha hops onto the backseat as they engage in conversation. "By the way, what was the answer to the last MCQ? I marked 'A'."

Adyasha climbed onto the backseat and chuckled. "Oh boy, the correct answer was 'C'."

Raghav groaned dramatically. "Why do I always pick the right answer first and then magically switch to the wrong one? My luck is like Shukla sir, whose crush proposed to his brother right in front of him! Bechara (Poor guy), that was a sad scene."

Adyasha laughed at his ranting, shaking her head.

"Well, we've finished our exams and completed our MBA. Now, Mr. Raghav Mathur is about to become a busy businessman."

"Ugh, don't rub salt in my wounds! I wanted a world tour, but here my father is-waiting like an eagle waiting for his prey, just to make me take over his business. Kya naseeb hai mera (What luck I have)."

Adyasha smiled bitterly, recalling her own worst memories. She rested her head against Raghav's back, seeking comfort in the familiar warmth.

"What happened, honey?"

Adyasha chuckled. "Raghav!"

"Hmm?"

"You'll never stop calling me with these sugar-coated names, will you?"

Raghav glanced at her through the side mirror, flashing a boxy grin.

"Never, sweetheart. Not even in front of your husband."

Adyasha shot him a fake angry look, swatting his shoulder lightly.

-

"Okay, we've reached your home. Let's go, I want to meet my sweet aunt."

As they stepped inside, Gauri greeted them. "Welcome back, Taplu! (Taplu - an affectionate nickname) Oh look, Mr. Bob is here."

"You!!" Raghav pointed at her angrily. "Don't you dare call me that!"

"Or what, Mr. Bob? Angry because you missed your meal today?" She made a dramatic gesture, pretending to throw him a bone.

"Stop, both of you! STOP." Adyasha cut in. "Where's Maa?"

"She's sleeping; I just gave her medicine."

"How is she, Gauri? Any improvement?"

Gauri tried to mask her concern with a nervous laugh. "Tension mat le (Don't worry), she'll be fine. We're waiting for her reports. I'll update you tonight."

Adyasha could easily see the worry behind Gauri's forced smile, but she chose to remain silent.

"Don't worry, Adyasha," Raghav said softly. "She'll be fine. She's resting now, so I'll come meet her later." He pulled Adyasha into a light hug, whispering, "My baby is strong. Don't overthink. Take care. Bye."

Gauri, observing the scene keenly, sighed dramatically. "Haayee! (Oh, my!) If I had a friend like this, I wouldn't need to go through the trouble of finding a boyfriend."

"Bas karo yaar (Enough, guys). You're making me feel even more single. It hurts, BIG BOSS!"

Raghav rolled his eyes at her dramatics, stepping back from the hug. "I'm out of here."

Gauri smirked as he left and turned to Adyasha. "Okay, I'm heading to the hospital. Don't worry, just rest. I'll see you tonight. Bye." She hugged her warmly before leaving.

Taking a deep breath, Adyasha walked into her mother's room. Her frail form lay in peaceful sleep, her face looking pale. Adyasha sat beside her, gently holding her hand.

"Please get well soon, Maa. I can't bear to lose you too..."

She sat there for a few moments, before silently leaving, not wanting to disturb her rest.

As she entered her room, a sudden force pushed her two steps back.

"Rocco!" she gasped as her golden retriever tackled her with excitement.

She giggled, embracing him. "Shhh, Rocco, quiet. Maa is sleeping. How are you, buddy?"

He wagged his tail furiously, licking her face in response.

"Okay, okay, I get it. Give me a minute to freshen up."

Refreshed, Adyasha walked into the kitchen. "Come on, buddy, let's eat something."

She quickly whipped up a bowl of Maggi, while Rocco received his portion of pedigree.

Settling on the couch, they tuned into Oggy and the Cockroaches. Adyasha nudged Rocco playfully. "Gauri's favorite show... and oops, yours too!"

Rocco tilted his head as Olivia, Oggy's animated love interest, appeared on screen. Mesmerized, he gracefully approached the TV, his warm tongue delicately caressing the glass.

Adyasha burst into laughter. "Rocco! If you keep doing this, I'll make you clean the screen yourself. Pata nahi kaise kaise pyaar ho jaate hain (People fall in love in the strangest ways). Falling for a cat, huh? Well, who am I to judge? Love knows no bounds, I suppose."

A tiny voice in her head whispered, Awww, chal jhuthi (Oh, stop pretending).

She shook her head. "Whatever. I'm off to sleep. You can continue gazing at your long-distance love, okay?"

Rocco, however, remained transfixed, lost in his own world.

Just as Adyasha drifted into sleep, her phone rang, jolting her awake. She groggily reached for it, but the second she saw the caller ID, all traces of sleep vanished.

Her heartbeat quickened.

Something was wrong.

*MR.OBEROI*

Why the hell did you take so long to pick up the call?"

"Hello, Mr. Oberoi," she replied plainly without any emotions.

"You better show up today. Come to Miraaz Restaurant at 8 pm."

"Why?"

"Surprise is waiting for you. Now, I don't have time to waste on you. Bye."

He hung up the call.

Mr. Oberoi and a surprise? That's a joke, right? I can't bring myself to trust his words. Whatever he's planning, it can't be good. And to top it off, Maa's reports are due tonight.

Why does everything have to collide at once?

She took a deep breath, clenching her fists. Focus, Adyasha. One thing at a time. You've got this.

-----

"How's Aunty doing?" Chaaya's voice was warm with concern as she stepped inside the house.

Adyasha ran her fingers through Rocco's fur, letting its softness calm her nerves. "Let me check if she's awake. Can you ask Gauri about the reports?"

The walk to her mother's room felt unusually long, each step weighed down by silent worries.

When she entered, Kirti was already awake, her presence radiating that familiar warmth only mothers possess. Adyasha sat beside her, feeling like a child seeking shelter from a storm.

"Come here," Kirti patted her lap-an old habit that made Adyasha's heart ache with nostalgia.

Without hesitation, she laid her head down, closing her eyes as her mother's fingers gently ran through her hair. The touch was comforting, like a silent promise that everything would be okay.

"How was your exam, beta?" Kirti's voice was soft, but exhaustion lingered beneath it.

"It went well, Mom," Adyasha replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "But your health is more important. Tell me everything."

"Mujhe kya hona hai? Main theek hoon. Main hoon teri maa, tu nahi-"

(What will happen to me? I'm fine. I'm the mother here, not you-)

"Yes, I know," Adyasha cut in, a small smile forming despite everything. "And I'm your daughter."

Kirti sighed, still running her fingers through Adyasha's hair. "Apply oil to your hair sometime, will you? You can do everything in this world except take care of yourself." Her tone carried that perfect mix of love and exasperation only mothers mastered. "What will happen to you without me?"

"You're here. So, nothing will happen." The words came out fiercer than she intended-a desperate prayer disguised as confidence.

Kirti exhaled softly, but her next question came with knowing concern. "Dawai le tune apni?" (Did you take your medicine?)

"Itni bhi bhulakkad nahi hoon main, Maa." (I'm not that forgetful, Mom.)

Adyasha tried to sound playful, but something in her tone must have given her away. Kirti's fingers stilled in her hair.

"What's on your mind, beta?"

The pause stretched between them.

Finally, Adyasha whispered, "I have a meeting with Mr. Oberoi. He called."

Kirti's body tensed slightly, her fingers freezing mid-stroke.

Adyasha quickly added, "It's nothing serious. Just a small matter."

Kirti's voice wavered, but her words held a quiet strength. "If I see even a tiny scratch on you this time..." She stopped, swallowing hard. "You'll have to answer to me. Do you understand?"

Her words carried years of fear, of helpless nights, of whispered prayers she hoped would never be needed.

Before Adyasha could respond, a cheerful voice broke through the heavy silence.

"Hello? Does anyone remember me?"

Chaaya bounced into the room with a bright smile. "Aunty, how are you feeling?"

Kirti: "I'm fine, beta."

Chaaya: "Adyasha, Gauri mentioned she might be a bit late-around 9 p.m., maybe."

Adyasha: "It's only 7 p.m. now. Maa, Chaaya, you both stay here. I need to step out for a bit, but I'll be back soon."

Chaaya: "Forget her, Aunty. Tell me, will you read a book with me?"

Kirti: "Which book this time, dear?"

Chaaya: "Oh, Aunty, remember 'The Predator' we read last time? It has a sequel-'The Reaper'!"

Kirti laughed at Chaaya's excitement. Both Chaaya and Gauri were alike-open, expressive, and always eager to share every detail with her. And Kirti? She listened, entertained their endless book talks, and even read along with them.

Adyasha, though, was the complete opposite. She never opened up so easily, not about books, not about anything.

Chaaya, clutching the book tightly, settled beside Kirti, her face glowing with enthusiasm as she started explaining the story.

Kirti listened with a smile, then asked, "Chaaya, does Adyasha ever read these books?"

Chaaya's expression dropped into a comically exaggerated frown. "Oh, Aunty, she has no interest in books at all! Every time I try to tell her something, she gives me that look and calls me a 'delusional overload'!"

Kirti chuckled as Chaaya dramatically sighed and added, "She's going to live single forever-such an anti-romantic soul!"

Kirti: "No, that won't be the case. You'll see-the person meant for her will come, just like in these books. It's only a matter of time."

There was a quiet certainty in Kirti's voice, a mother's unshaken belief.

As she watched Adyasha walk away, a thought settled deep in her heart-

"I know the right person will find her. A mother's faith is never ignored by God. I may not be with her for much longer... but those monsters who destroyed my daughter's peace? They won't escape justice. God's wrath will find them, and His warmth will always protect my child. That's a mother's word."

Adyasha stepped out of the house, slipping on her helmet with practiced ease. The engine of her bike roared to life, cutting through the quiet of the evening as she sped away, the wind whipping past her like an old companion.

The city lights blurred as she navigated through the streets, her mind heavy with unspoken thoughts. Soon, the Miraaz Restaurant came into view. She pulled into the parking lot, cutting the engine before swinging her leg off the bike.

Her boots echoed against the pavement as she strode toward the entrance-focused, unreadable. But just as she neared the grand doorway, her steps came to a sudden halt.

There, standing at the entrance, was Mr. Oberoi.

But he wasn't alone.

Beside him stood a man.

The moment her gaze landed on him, something inside her twisted. Her breath caught-then turned sharp. Anger. Sadness. Disgust. The emotions warred within her, raw and unfiltered, flashing through her eyes like a storm barely held at bay.

Her fingers curled into fists at her sides.

She had come here expecting a meeting.

Not a confrontation with a past she had no intention of revisiting.

Adyasha stood at a distance, watching Mr. Oberoi with another man. Her face remained expressionless as she approached them, her steps measured and deliberate.

"Oh, you're here!" Mr. Oberoi's voice carried false warmth. "How do you like your surprise, darling?" He gestured toward the other man.

Adyasha's eyes rolled. "If this is a surprise, then not sorry. I hate surprises from this very moment."

"Nitin-" Mr. Oberoi began, but the younger man stepped forward.

"As expected, honey. I missed you. Give me a hug," Nitin said, moving to embrace her.

Adyasha turned sharply toward the restaurant entrance. "Whatever you want to say, do it quickly. I don't have time for meaningless talk." She strode inside without a backward glance.

Mr. Oberoi chuckled. "See how outspoken she's become? Don't mind her words, my boy."

"It's okay," Nitin replied with a smirk. "You know I like wildcats. I'll handle her. It's fun."

Inside the VIP room, Adyasha took her seat with the grace of royalty. Mr. Oberoi and Nitin sat across from her, tension filling the air.

"Speak," she commanded.

"Don't show this attitude to me," Mr. Oberoi warned.

"Why? I didn't like your attitude either."

"Don't provoke me. You know what I can do."

Adyasha's voice carried steel. "Do it, because I know you couldn't."

"As your coronation approaches, you've developed quite an attitude. You've become bold," Mr. Oberoi observed.

"That's what makes me Queen," she replied with a knowing smirk.

Mr. Oberoi leaned forward. "Let me be clear: if you speak to me like this in front of the board members, you know what will happen. I value nothing more than my reputation. Behave accordingly."

"Well, I didn't know you had a reputation," Adyasha shot back. "Don't worry, Mr. Oberoi. I know exactly what I have to do and why."

Nitin interjected smoothly, "Don't worry, uncle. I know what she needs, and I'm here to provide it. Finally meeting my darling after months."

# Behind the Scenes

The true story ran deeper than their sharp exchanges. Mr. Raichand, Nitin's father and the former head of the Mafia empire, had plans of his own. While Adyasha now controlled the organization, her position came with strings attached. Mr. Raichand knew his son Nitin lacked the strength to rule alone, but he was determined to keep the power within the family.

His solution? Adyasha would make the perfect queen - strong, capable, and fierce. But she would have to marry Nitin to secure her crown. The question remained: would the queen bow to their demands, or did she have plans of her own?

______________________________________

The game has just begun, and the stakes are higher than ever. Who do you think truly holds the power here? Let me know your thoughts!

And that's a wrap for Chapter 2! ✨

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Don't forget to like, comment, and share your feedback-your support means everything to me. 🎉