The Breaking Point

A week under Arnav’s rule felt like a lifetime.

Ayush had endured paperwork, endless reports, sleepless nights, and worst of all—zero recognition. No matter how hard he worked, Arnav remained indifferent.

"Late," Arnav remarked one morning when Ayush walked into his office at 6:05 AM.

"It’s five minutes," Ayush grumbled.

"It’s failure," Arnav shot back, not even looking up from his laptop. "Do it again, you’re out."

Ayush clenched his fists, swallowing his pride. Calm down. Just endure it.

But by the end of the day, he snapped.

"Enough!" Ayush slammed a file onto Arnav’s desk. "You’re doing this on purpose! No matter what I do, it’s never enough for you!"

Arnav leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed. "And what makes you think you deserve praise?"

Ayush’s chest rose and fell rapidly. "Because I’m trying, damn it!"

Arnav finally looked at him. "Trying isn’t achieving."

Ayush let out a humorless laugh. "Of course. Because in your world, if someone isn’t perfect, they’re worthless, right?"

A flicker of something passed through Arnav’s eyes—something unreadable—but it was gone in an instant.

"You’re still here," Arnav said. "Which means you haven’t given up yet. So decide, Ayush. Do you walk away? Or do you prove me wrong?"

Ayush’s breathing slowed. He wanted to leave. Wanted to tell Arnav to shove his dictatorship—

But something inside him refused.

Gritting his teeth, he met his brother’s gaze. "I’m not going anywhere."

For the first time, Arnav gave a small nod. "Then stop whining and work harder."

Ayush rolled his eyes. "Typical."

The First Sign of Respect

Later that evening, Ayush slumped onto the living room couch, exhausted.

Aryan plopped down beside him. "So, how’s life as Arnav’s minion?"

"Hell."

Aryan grinned. "Sounds about right."

Anirudh, sitting nearby with a book, smirked. "Yet you’re still here."

Ayush groaned. "Don’t remind me."

Just then, Avni walked in, arms crossed. "I don’t get it. Why are you letting Arnav treat you like this? You always fought back before."

Ayush sighed. "Because maybe… he’s right."

Avni raised an eyebrow. "You’re actually admitting that?"

Ayush smirked tiredly. "Don’t get used to it."

Aryan chuckled. "Man, if you survive this, I might actually start respecting you."

Ayush nudged him. "That’d be a first."

Across the room, Anirudh watched with quiet approval. Ayush was learning. Slowly.

And for the first time in years, the Oberoi brothers were starting to feel like brothers again.