The Weight of the Truth

Ayush stared at Arnav, his mind spinning.

"Us?"

For years, he thought their father was just a coward who ran away. But now, the truth was more terrifying—he was running from something.

From Devraj Malhotra.

And now, that danger had returned.

"How long have you known?" Ayush’s voice was cold, accusing.

Arnav’s expression didn’t change. "Since the day he left."

Ayush’s fists clenched. "And you never thought to tell us?"

Anirudh sighed, rubbing his temple. "What would it have changed? You were kids, Ayush. Devraj disappeared after Dad left—we thought it was over."

Ayush let out a bitter laugh. "And now he’s back. So what does he want?"

Arnav’s jaw tightened. "Control."

Ayush frowned. "Control over what?"

Arnav’s voice was ice-cold. "Us. The Oberoi empire. Everything Dad built—everything we built."

Ayush swallowed hard. He never cared much about the business. But this wasn’t just about power.

It was about revenge.

A Warning Delivered

The next morning, a black envelope was delivered to the Oberoi mansion.

Anirudh picked it up, his expression darkening. "It’s from him."

Ayush, Aryan, and Avni gathered around as Arnav opened the letter.

A single note, written in elegant, blood-red ink:

"Old debts must be paid. The Oberois will fall—one by one."

Aryan exhaled sharply. "Well, that’s not creepy at all."

Ayush looked at Arnav, waiting for his reaction.

His eldest brother’s face was unreadable. But his knuckles were white from gripping the letter.

"We need to prepare," Arnav finally said, voice sharp. "If Devraj wants war—he’ll get one."

Anirudh nodded grimly. "And this time, we won’t be caught off guard."

But Ayush wasn’t convinced.

Because if Devraj Malhotra was powerful enough to make their father disappear…

What chance did they have?

Meanwhile…

In a dimly lit office, a man sat behind a grand wooden desk, sipping his drink. His sharp eyes scanned a photograph—the Oberoi brothers.

A smirk played on his lips as he traced a finger over the image of Ayush.

"Let’s see how much pressure it takes before you break, boy."

The game had begun.

To Be Continued