The Ambush

Ayush collapsed to the cold, dusty floor as pain exploded through his ribs. His vision blurred, his breath came in ragged gasps.

"Who the hell are they?"

He struggled to push himself up, but another brutal kick landed against his stomach, knocking the air out of him.

"Didn’t think we’d find you alone, did you?" one of the masked men sneered.

Ayush groaned, coughing as he tried to focus. "Who… are you?"

The second man chuckled. "Doesn’t matter."

Then he pulled out a knife.

Ayush’s heart pounded.

"This isn’t just a beating. They want to send a message."

The man crouched, gripping Ayush’s collar. "Your brother thinks he owns this city. Thinks he can control everything. But see… power comes with consequences."

Ayush’s blood ran cold. This wasn’t random. This was about Arnav.

Before he could react, the man pressed the knife against Ayush’s cheek.

"Let’s see how much an Oberoi can bleed."

The Rescue

Just as the blade nicked his skin, a sudden gunshot echoed through the storage unit.

The masked men froze.

Another gunshot—this time, closer.

"Let. Him. Go."

That voice—calm, deadly, and unmistakable.

Arnav.

Ayush forced himself to turn his head.

There he was. Arnav Oberoi.

Dressed in his usual black suit, gun in hand, his expression was unreadable—but his eyes burned with fury.

Behind him stood Anirudh and a few of Arnav’s most trusted security guards.

The attackers hesitated for a second too long.

And Arnav didn’t.

With precise, ruthless movements, the guards struck. One of the men was tackled to the ground, while the other tried to escape—only to be met with Anirudh’s cold, hard fist.

Within moments, both men were restrained.

Ayush, still gasping for air, looked up at Arnav.

His older brother stared down at him. Silent. Calculating.

Then, without a word, he turned away.

"Take him home," Arnav ordered.

And just like that—he left.

The Aftermath

Back at the mansion, Ayush sat on the couch, a bag of ice pressed against his ribs. His head still spun.

Aryan and Avni sat nearby, unusually silent. Even they weren’t foolish enough to joke after what had happened.

Anirudh sighed, rubbing his temple. "Ayush, do you have any idea who those men were?"

Ayush shook his head. "But they knew us. They knew Arnav."

Anirudh’s jaw tightened. "That’s the problem. Arnav has enemies. And today—you paid the price."

Ayush exhaled sharply. He wanted to be angry. He wanted to scream. But all he felt was… defeat.

The door creaked open.

Arnav walked in.

The room tensed.

Without acknowledging anyone, he walked over to Ayush and threw a file onto the table.

Ayush frowned. "What’s this?"

Arnav’s voice was emotionless. "A transfer. Back to your old position."

Ayush blinked. "What?"

Arnav’s gaze was ice. "You’re done with the warehouse. You wanted a second chance? Fine. You start again—under me. No mistakes. No excuses."

Ayush stared at him, searching for any sign of warmth.

There was none.

Just a command.

His chest tightened. "Why?"

For the first time, something flickered in Arnav’s expression. Something almost protective.

"You’re an Oberoi," Arnav said quietly. "And no one touches an Oberoi. Not under my watch."

And then—he was gone.

To Be Continued…

Ayush is back under Arnav’s control. But is this a second chance—or just another trap?