Arsh:

My thoughts strayed to Aira despite every effort I had made to keep her from slipping under my guard.

Uninvited. Relentless but she lingered. She was a pawn, nothing more - my enemy's daughter, a girl caught in the crossfire of a game far older than her. She should have been just that - a liability to exploit. Yet she got under my skin in ways that infuriated me.

Damn it. There was something about her, some maddening mix of defiance and vulnerability that scraped at the edges of my control.

I had seen it in her eyes, the way they dared me even as they held every flicker of fear. She was out of place in my world, a world full of shadows and violence.

And yet all I could want was for her to beg and give in, want her enemy when she stood in front of me in nothing but her own skin which burned her own soul becuase of my gaze.

I pushed those thoughts aside with a scowl, clenching my fists to steady the rage and whatever else it was stirring beneath. She was a complication I didn't need and wouldn't let cloud my plans.

Grinding my teeth, I turned sharply and headed to then Dining table, forcing my focus back where it belonged.

As I strode to the dining table, I found Vyom waiting, his posture tense as he gave me a brief nod. His face was as stoic as always, but there was a glint in his eyes that told me he wasn't here to bring trivial updates. I settled into my chair, lifting a fork and taking a calculated bite, not breaking the silence. Vyom knew better than to disturb me when I was trying to eat so whatever he had to say was urgent.

He leaned in, his voice low. "Turns out the assassin is a girl."

I gave him a look that urged him to continue.

"She is not just any hired gun," he continued, tone darkening. "Turns out, she is from the circle - a skilled operative from Cartels's Wing." That name brought a sense of surprise I wouldn't show outwardly. The Cartels were known for their ruthlessness, particularly when hired to eliminate targets with as little mess as possible.

We aren't exactly a fan of them being a part of Circle but they are one of the oldest members with connection just as good as ours.

She must have been sent to handle Aira like it was another job, yet the motives behind her mission were suspiciously unclear. Someone had made Aira a specific target, someone with access to our world and enough leverage to hire the best.

Hire the Cartles.

But they forget that they are targeting the one the whole consortium will give their lives to protect. No one from the Cartel will touch Aira once they find out who is behind her, cause the next massacre will take place in their wing otherwise.

"Interesting," I replied, my tone deliberately detached. "Anything on who hired the Cartel?"

He shook his head. "Not yet, but I am digging. The circle has been quiet, amd Cartel doesn't exactly open their mouth when it comes the the perpetrator but it's likely someone outside of it."

I took another bite, eyes fixed somewhere over his shoulder, processing this information. This assassin was operating with enough stealth to avoid our radar until now, and that spoke of skill.

But the bigger threat was the shadowed hand behind her. Someone needs to be powerful enough to afford Cartel just to kill a random fashion designer unless she isn't as random as I think.

What else can be expected out of an Agnihotri anyways?

"The Circle," as we called it among ourselves is the most powerful entity in the underground, an invisible empire spanning continents and organisation.

The consortium as in my wing leads The Circle - all the others follow and those who refuse, pay for it.

The members of the 'CONSORTIUM' are few, but we all held influence in ways that governments never could. And if someone had managed to slip past our network, there were likely ties we had yet to uncover - or maybe new allied are being formed.

"There is a consortium meeting tomorrow," Vyom added, breaking through my thoughts. "We might be able to get more information then, or at least trace where this contract originated." His expression remained calm, yet the tension was clear. Even he knew the significance of having Aira targeted by someone in the circle.

"Good," I said, nodding briefly. "Make sure every thing is covered. I want eyes everywhere."

I barely heard him respond, my mind already pulling me deeper into my plans when I felt a subtle shift in the air. Before I even looked up, I knew she was near.

I watched her walk into the dining room, my thoughts from earlier simmering into something I was trying to ignore. Aira was a weapon, her own family didn't realize I had sharpened to cut both ways, and yet here she was, pushing limits.

She was dressed in something… deliberately designed to test my patience. The fabric clung to her like a second skin, exposing bare shoulders and just enough of everything else to make my pulse tighten. And it was working. Vyom's voice faded into the background as I continued eating, the scrape of the silverware the only sound I acknowledged.

Vyom, my right-hand man, shifted uncomfortably when she came near. His gaze dropped respectfully to the floor. Good. At least he had sense.

"Vyom, I think we are done here," I said, keeping my tone as controlled as possible.

Vyom nodded, still not looking at her, and left the room without a word.

Ignoring her was easier said than done. She slid into the chair next to me, close enough that I could feel the warmth of her bare skin even as I kept my eyes trained on my plate. The housekeeper, Rekha Aunty, brought her meal over, placing it before her with a polite smile, oblivious to the tension.

"Thank you," She replied, her voice extra sweet. Aunty gave her a warm smile and retreated to the kitchen, leaving the two of us in the hushed quiet of our own.

I focused on my food, willing myself to stay above her games, but then I felt it. Her foot, deliberately brushing against my leg beneath the table. Subtle, intentional. My grip tightened on the fork, the urge to respond rising like a tide I couldn't stop.

I watched her, barely concealing my irritation as she casually brushed her leg against mine under the table, again. She was playing with fire, and she knew it. Pushing back my chair, I stood slowly, feeling her gaze follow me with a mixture of defiance and something else - something she tried to mask but couldn't.

My chair scraped against the floor, my eyes fell on Rakha aunty standing behind the counter and the dark edge in my voice filled the room. "Aunty, please leave us alone."

She hesitated, glancing between us, but when she saw the look in my eyes, she obeyed without a word, and stepped out of the Dining hall.

"Aira," I said, my voice dangerously soft, my fingers curling against the edge of the table as I leaned down. "I know exactly what you are doing. But trust me when I tell you, you don't want to play this game."

She looked up at me with those defiant eyes, mischief dancing in them. It was intoxicating, infuriating. "Shouldn't we atleast have a little fun?"

"Fun?" I repeated, a dark smile creeping onto my face. I reached down, my fingers tilting her chin up so that she couldn't look anywhere but at me. "You are under my roof because I forced you into it. I don't recall asking you to make it interesting."

Her lips parted slightly, but I didn't give her the satisfaction of a reaction. I let go, straightening up and stepping back.

"I could give you exactly what you are asking for," I said, my voice low and edged. “But something tells me you are not ready to handle that. So here is my advice - stop trying to push boundaries you don't even want to cross."

Aira tilted her head, something like amusement flickering in her gaze. "Or maybe you are the scared one?"

That did it.

I circled around the chair and stopped behind her, placing both hands on the back of her chair, caging her in.

My fingers grazed along the back of her neck as I leaned in close. Her shoulders tensed instantly, and she inhaled sharply, her cool facade cracking.

Before she could even think of a response, my hand wrapped firmly around her throat, fingers pressing enough for her to feel it. Her sharp gasp was immediate, her earlier confidence melting as she froze beneath my touch.

Lowering my other hand to her waist, I pulled her up from her chair, guiding her to stand, and she did.

"You wanted my attention?" I murmured against her ear, my voice a dark threat.

In one swift motion, with a firm and relentless pressure, I pushed her down against the table, her hands flat against the surface as she let out a surprised gasp.

"Then let's see how well you handle it." My hand slid from her waist, tracing an agonizingly slow path up her side until it rested just beneath her collarbone, my fingers brushing close enough to her chest that I felt her breath stutter. She was trying to remain unaffected, but I could see her confidence faltering, could feel her pulse racing beneath my fingers. The air between us was thick, charged with an intensity that was impossible to ignore.

"What's wrong?" I whispered, letting my lips brush just barely against her ear. "Not so bold now, are we?"

Her silence spoke volumes, her earlier bravado fading as she seemed to realize the consequences of provoking me. I shifted, pressing myself slightly closer to her, my hand gripping her throat firmly, my thumb grazing the delicate skin beneath her jaw while the other rested on her chest. Her breath caught, and her hands clenched against the table.

I leaned even closer, my breath hot against her ear. "Apologize, and I will leave right now," I said softly, my tone both a promise and a threat. "But if you keep testing me…" My voice dropped to a whisper. "I will make sure you remember exactly who you are dealing with."

She stayed silent, her breaths shallow, her skin warm beneath my hand. That faint hesitation made her defiance almost visible, but she was silent.

I tightened my grip just a little as my other hand grazed over her cleavage, and she visibly shuddered.

"Leave me," She gasped out, her voice too shallow.

Again that fucking ego and definace.

I pressed my hand to her chest, my thumb grazing over her collarbone as I pinched it just slightly to make her shiver.

She turned her face sideways as I removed my hand and in one swift movement, I grasped her hair, tugging her head back until her gaze met mine. Her eyes were wide, a mix of defiance and something darker. Her lips were parted, her breath coming in uneven puffs as I leaned in closer, my mouth hovering just a whisper away from hers.

"Try me again," I murmured, my voice laced with a warning as I tightened my grip on her hair, "and you will find out exactly how far I am willing to go."

Her eyes flickered with so many emotions but she remained silent refusing to surrender.

I released her abruptly, stepping back and watching as she straightened, her breath shallow, her cheeks flushed. For a second, I saw the hint of a challenge in her eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by something closer to vulnerability.

"Consider this a warning," I said, my tone cold. "Next time, Behave yourself, Aira," I said, a warning and a promise wrapped in one. "Or you will learn what I really mean by my limits."

Without waiting for a response, I turned, leaving her breathless and shaken, feeling her stare burning into my back as I strode out.

******

Arsh:

The room was lightened up, but not even the brightness was able to dull down the darkness that loomed over all of us.

Shadows flickered across the wall, air thick with an intensity that could silence even the most arrogant of men. The room itself was private, hidden within layers of security, each checkpoint ensuring that only the chosen members had access to the centre of the consortium.

Seated around the table were men who each commanded power and fear in their own right. Men who, in this space, sat as equals - yet each one of them held their own agenda, their own dark secrets buried beneath calm exteriors. We called it "The Consortium," but the world outside knew nothing of the empire it truly was.

Vyom entered ahead of me, nodding in respect to each member as he took his place to my left. I remained silent, settling into my chair and letting my gaze settle over each face in the room.

We could be labelled as friends but outside the Consortium. Inside this room, we were the shadows running the consortium and leading the Circle, that consisted of five most powerful organization over the world.

Seems like it's time to make it four.

To my left was Lucien King - the head of the Russian Mafia, lean with a hawk-like intensity that was hidden under a calm, almost unreadable expression. On his left was Dante King, his brother with an easy look on his face.

On Lucien's right sat his best friend Lorenzo Gray - the head of the Greece mafia.

Lorenzo's dark eyes met mine with a faint glint, acknowledging my presence with a slight nod. To his left sat Reyansh Rajvansh, brutal in every way. He leaned back in his chair, observing everyone with an air of impatience. His work had always been bloody, and he seemed to thrive on it.

Across from me sat Aiden Blackwood, sleek and refined in a tailored suit, his fingers steepled as he studied each of us. His reputation preceded him as a manipulator, one who used charm as a weapon just as effectively as he wielded power.

And beside him was fianlly Veer Singh Raichand, who doesn't usually gets imvolved with the underground but he is a part of us and he came today because the matter involved my wife's safety.

And I won't say it out loud but I appreciated it.

Adhikrti bhaiya has also joined the meeting today because this was personal otherwise he rarely gets involved after Noor bhabhi. His gaze was focused somewhere in the distance, but his stillness held a lethal energy that was hard to ignore. He rarely spoke, but when he did, everyone listened.

Finally Rishaan was sitting on my other side, his gaze fixed on his phone and his jaw clenched. I wondered what was getting on his nerves so bad.

We were in London, our head office - the building was named as The Shadows because the Consortium's secret were hidden behind it.

I had made sure Aira is well guarded and doesn't pulls another stunt in my absence.

Once we were all seated, Lucien cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "We are here because there has been an overstep," he began, his gaze sweeping over the table. "One that affects all of us, as it involves a member's family." He nodded towards me, acknowledging the breach.

I inclined my head slightly in return, keeping my expression blank. The matter was serious, but I had more than just patience for anything to deal with.

"It has come to my attention that the Cartels have been hired to eliminate a target within my family's reach." I kept my voice even, though the anger simmered just below the surface. "The Cartels have accepted a contract on my wife's life, but we have yet to confirm the identity of the one who ordered it."

Aiden's eyebrow arched slightly. "The Cartels don't take just any contract. Their assassins are efficient - and selective. Whoever arranged this had to have influence, not just money." His tone held a faint challenge, but his gaze was locked on me, calculating.

Reyansh smirked, folding his arms across his chest. "If someone is stepping into our domain to take down one of ours, they are signing their own death sentence. Maybe the Cartels need a reminder of who rules these territories."

Adhikrit, who had been silent, finally spoke, his voice quiet but resonant. "This is barely about the Cartels," he said. "It's about the one who dares to act against the Consortium through them. I am hoping you atleast know whether the Cartel knew that she was in your protection or not."

"He is right." Lucien pointed as all eyes turned towards me and I gave a nod to Vyom who finally spoke. "They didn't initially because the secret was well kept but after the reception everyone knows and as far as I do, the Cartels aren't ready to back out."

I nodded, understanding his meaning. The Cartels had been a necessary evil within the circle, tolerated but never truly trusted. Now, that tolerance had worn thin.

Especially when they are daring to challenge me. It's been over a week and half since the reception and that much time is enough to make the same decision.

Lorenzo leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Well, the situation we face now is one of loyalty. If the Cartels are turning on one of us now, who is to say they won't do the same to another tomorrow?"

I didn't miss the challenge in his eyes, a silent reminder that alliances within the circle were as fragile as they were powerful.

Rishaan let out a low chuckle. "Loyalty is a fine word, but it's power that dictates our choices here. If the Cartels have turned, it's because they have sensed a weakness." His gaze flicked towards me. "Perhaps it's time we send them a message - make an example out of this contract, one that ensures no one questions our authority again."

As fragile as the alliances of Circle might be, we were the ones to lead it and the allies in the Consortium were signed upon with our blood and death and each of us could kill ourself but betray each other.

"Agreed," Lorenzo grunted. "A bloodbath would do them well."

The words were cold, calculated, each one a threat dressed as a suggestion. They were all waiting for me to lay down the final decision, and I knew what was expected.

"We take this personally," I said, my voice steady. "Whoever orchestrated this - Cartel or otherwise - will answer for it." I scanned each face around the table. "And the first step is identifying the traitor who dared cross our line."

Veer inclined his head, finally opening his mouth, his gaze sharp. "There is a gathering in five nights. The Cartels will be there, though they will have their guard up."

"Let them," Dante said, a ruthless edge to his smile. "A subtle reminder that we are watching."

Aiden leaned back, crossing one leg over the other as he considered the plan. "I have a contact within the Cartel's inside," he said smoothly. "I can see to it that information finds its way to us, without tipping them off."

Reyansh cracked his knuckles, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "It seems like you might as well get ready for a war becuase soemone is targetting your wife."

I gave a single nod taling them by a little surprise. "I will start a war if anyone touches a single hair of hers."

I could feel their stare but it didn't matter much as Adhikrti nodded, "Then we move ahead with the plan."

I looked up, while Vyom worked over his computer on something. Vyom was a part of the Consortium's inner circle as well but he liked to keep quite unless he was needed.

A few others were a part of Consortium as well but they weren't directly involved unless important.

"Just remember - this is my family. Any decision made here will be handled my way." I added, making myself clear.

The men exchanged brief looks, subtle nods of acknowledgment, each one conceding the point without question.

Aiden met my gaze, unblinking. "Then let the message be clear. No one challenges the Consortium and survives."

Each member stood, one by one, our silent oath forming a pact stronger than any words could bind. This was family - whether by choice or fate, it didn't matter. We had each other's backs, and that was a fact the world would do well to remember.

Our understanding is a vow that crossed boundaries of blood and loyalty, a reminder that we were bound to one another in ways the world could never understand.

We walked out of the room and took the elevator to our private longue where everyone else was waiting for us.

Veer's question broke through the tension, a half-smile curving his mouth. "So? How is your wife doing?" he asked, as if he hadn't just been plotting revenge for her sake.

"A little curious, are we?" I replied, leaning a little on the wall, my expression giving nothing away. "Or did your own wife put you up to this?"

"She did." He smirked. "Wanted to make sure you weren't being a jerk."

A small chuckle escaped me. "She is still a headache."

Veer held his hands up in mock surrender. "Careful now. You are talking about my wife here."

"I was talking about my wife, you idiot." I shot him a look.

"Oh?" he said, shrugging his shoulder. "Ok then."

We all shared a low laugh, the weight of the conversation before easing away, and I could see each of them sink just a little further into the comfort of shared understanding.

Soon enough, we stepped out of the elevators on the top floor, stepping into the club's VVIP lounge. The air was warmer, music thrumming in the background, and laughter ringing from others waiting for us.

Andrea was the first to spot us, raising an eyebrow as we approached. "So, are we all done with your secret meeting?" Her tone was teasing, but I knew better than to underestimate the steel behind her humor.

Lucien grinned, sliding an arm around her waist. "Yes, boss. All decisions have been made."

"You mean you didn't just sit around and grumble about each other's bad habits?" Andrea shot back.

"Hey, I was more useful than the rest of them," Aiden protested, earning a playful punch in the shoulder from Scarlett as she joined us.

"Right. I am sure," she said dryly, shaking her head.

Alessia, Lorenzo's finance and one of our top assassin just like Andrea passed him an annoyed look while he just narrowed his eyes at her and wrapped his hand around her waist.

Emma, Dante's girlfriend and Consortium's best hacker, linked her arm through his, casting him a sly look. "And you… did you contribute anything useful?"

Dante feigned innocence, placing a hand over his heart. "I was deeply insightful."

I could hear Lorenzo's low chuckle behind me as Emma rolled her eyes at the familiar banter. "Deeply insightful… meaning asleep for half of it?" she teased, making her hsuband sputter.

Aiden joined in with a rare grin. "Silently judging from the corner, as usual."

I caught the faintest hint of amusement tugging at his mouth, something only Scarlett seemed able to coax from him with her quick-witted jabs. They balanced each other out perfectly.

Adhikrit bhaiya had already left since Varya refused to step inside Consortium - her own rule to not be involved in anything that's illegal and he didn't want to leave her alone and waiting back at the Hotel.

Rishaan was talking about something with Veer and his expression didn't seem as pleasing but he didn't say anything.

He wasn't going to stay for long as well and neither was I but since we both were flying back to Indian, I suggested we should go back together.

Irisha was pregnant and he wanted to be there for her. He couldn't exactly bring her along becuase it's dangerous to get her involved.

Rishaan will be staying back in London to look after Tara, especially with her upcoming show and everything that has been happening. We couldn't leave her alone since she is not fond of security guards trailing her, Rishaan was the perfect choice, and he volunteered to keep an eye on her himself.

I knew he will keep her safe at all cost.

I let myself relax as we took seats in the lounge, slipping into easy conversation. I could feel the tension from earlier slipping away as we talked about everything and nothing. Eventually, Scarlett turned to me with a look of genuine curiosity.

"So tell me," she began, leaning forward. "What are your romantic plans for leaving your wife alone tonight?"

"Oh, so now everyone is interested in my private life?" I raised an eyebrow, feigning exasperation.

"Irisha was so disappointed when she found out she couldn't come along. The least I can do is ask her questions." She shrugged as a matter of fact and I realsied that Aira had really formed a genuine bond with her.

Romantic plans? More like ways to stop her from trying to escape all the time.

Why does Veer needs to hide the fact that we are not married becuase we are in love from her.

Ah! Becuase his wife has a brighther than the sun fucking heart and he can't see her worried.

"Oh even I am curious to see if you are capable of something remotely romantic," Alessia quipped, her lips twitching in amusement despite being aware of my motives behind our marriage just like Scarlett.

I exhaled, feigning irritation, though I couldn't shake the thoughts of Aira out of my mind. "Tell her not to worry, all right? Her husband is treating her… nicely." The words left my mouth, but that flash of a darker memory returned, tightening my chest.

"Nicely?" Dante scoffed. "Keeping her away from sane human interaction to the point she might go mad doesn't seem all that nice."

My eyes narrowed, holding his steady. "She betrayed my little sister. She was nothing but kind to her."

"Anyone in Aira's position would have done the same," Alessia interjected, her voice softened slightly.

"And any of you in my place would have done the same." I felt the weight of my words, a reminder that almost everyone in this room knew the sting of betrayal just as I did.

"But Tara doesn't seem to hold a grudge against her," Andrea commented, her tone even.

"Maybe not. But I do," I shot back, the words sharper than intended.

Rishaan leaned forward, arms crossed, daring me with his gaze. "Well, so did I, but honestly, it wasn't her fault."

I clenched my jaw, looking away for a moment. "She knew she wouldn't succeed. I had given her enough warning against trying anything stupid."

"Doesn't hurt to give it a chance," Emma murmured, almost to herself.

"It did hurt," I muttered, bitterness seeping through. "I made sure of it." The group's silence, just for a beat, echoed louder than any words.

Lucien tilted his head, his voice steady but questioning. "You are being way too harsh on her."

I scanned their faces, feeling the judgment settle uncomfortably. "She is a part of the Agnihotris - a family entrenched in The Triad, The circle's enemy. Why is everyone here suddenly so… kind toward her?"

Scarlett's eyes softened, almost pitying. "Because she seems nothing like her family, Arsh."

I scoffed, the idea grating. "It's a show."

Veer, typically quiet, finally spoke, his gaze unwavering. "Or maybe… she just gets under your skin in ways no one else does."

"She will pay for what her family did." My voice was firm, unwilling to relent. It was a vow I had made to myself long before they could understand.

"But why her?" Andrea's voice was gentle, almost imploring.

"She will be the ruin of her own family." I met her gaze, feeling the familiar pull of vengeance tighten in my chest.

Rishaan shrugged, he didn't seem that bothered but he seemed to care enough to ask. "Tara, Varya, Uncle aunty and everyone else wants her back at the mansion and I am aware that you have been ignoring them but the sooner you finish her exile, the better."

I hummed, rolling my eyes knowing very well I had no plans for that as of now.

They exchanged glances, expressions uncertain. It was Veer who sighed, shaking his head slightly. "It's not like you are going to listen to any of us, is it?"

I gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod, resolute. "I can't leave her alone… especially now that it's also about her own safety."

INSTAGRAM and SCROLLSTACK: Divikikahniyaa

Follow me on these platform to get early updates and spoilers

Alright, drop your comments and I will drop the next chapter 😭🫶