A Name They Buried

Ayush’s fingers curled into fists. Their father?

The man none of them spoke about. The man who disappeared from their lives like a shadow—but left behind a storm.

Anirudh sighed, rubbing his temple. "You shouldn’t have gotten involved in this deal, Ayush."

Ayush’s frustration boiled over. "Enough with the cryptic warnings! What the hell is going on?"

Arnav’s voice was cold. "Our father made enemies—powerful ones. If someone is sending warnings now, it means they haven’t forgotten."

Ayush’s pulse quickened. "What did he do?"

Arnav’s jaw tightened. He exchanged a glance with Anirudh, who hesitated before speaking.

"He betrayed someone," Anirudh said finally. "Someone who doesn’t forgive. And if they’re watching us now… it means we’re in trouble."

Ayush’s mind raced. Betrayed who? And how was this deal connected to it?

The Forgotten Debt

Ayush stormed out of the study, his thoughts a whirlwind. He needed answers—and he wasn’t going to get them from Arnav.

He found Aryan in the living room, lazily flipping through TV channels.

"Aryan," Ayush said urgently. "Did you ever hear anything about Dad’s past?"

Aryan frowned. "What? No. I was too young when he left."

Ayush exhaled sharply. Of course.

But someone knew. Someone outside this house.

And he had a feeling he knew exactly where to start.

A Dangerous Visit

That night, Ayush drove to Vikram Khanna’s estate.

If anyone had access to the darker secrets of this city, it was him.

The guards hesitated before letting him in, but eventually, he was led to Vikram’s private study.

Vikram smirked when he saw Ayush. "Back so soon? Business or something… personal?"

Ayush didn’t waste time. "What do you know about my father?"

The smirk disappeared.

For the first time, Vikram looked… cautious.

"A dangerous question, Ayush," he murmured. "Are you sure you want the answer?"

Ayush’s heart pounded.

But he nodded.

Because whatever truth was hidden in the past…

It was coming for them now.

To Be Continued…