A Trap in the Making

The Oberoi mansion felt like a fortress. Security had doubled, cameras were installed in every corridor, and Arnav had assigned bodyguards to watch over Avni at all times.

But fear breeds mistakes. And Devraj Malhotra knew that well.

Sitting in his luxurious office, he leaned forward, his smirk widening as he scrolled through the hacked security footage. His eyes locked onto Ayush, who was pacing in the garden, frustration evident on his face.

"Arnav, you can control everything… except the people you’re trying to protect."

He turned to his assistant. "Make the call."

Ayush’s Restlessness

Ayush couldn’t take it anymore.

He wasn’t a child, yet Arnav and Anirudh were treating him like one. He couldn’t go out alone, couldn’t meet his friends without being followed.

And the worst part? He hated being treated like a weak link.

His phone vibrated. A message.

Unknown Number: "Meet me at The Mirage Club. I have information about Devraj Malhotra. Come alone if you want the truth."

Ayush frowned. Was this a joke? Who would send something like this?

His fingers hovered over his phone.

He should tell Arnav. He should.

But then he thought about it.

Arnav never told him anything. Anirudh never trusted him. They both acted like he was irresponsible, like he couldn’t handle the truth.

This is my chance to prove them wrong.

Without another thought, he grabbed his keys and slipped out.

The Mirage Club

The club was dimly lit, loud music thumping in the background. Ayush walked in cautiously, scanning the room.

A man in a dark suit approached him. "Mr. Oberoi, right this way."

Ayush hesitated for a second but followed.

They led him to a private lounge, where a man sat waiting.

A man with a slow, calculating smile.

Devraj Malhotra.

Ayush’s heart stopped.

"Surprised?" Devraj leaned forward, pouring himself a drink. "I didn’t lie. I do have information for you."

Ayush clenched his fists. "Why should I trust you?"

Devraj chuckled. "Oh, you don’t have to. But if you leave now, you’ll never know the truth about your family."

Ayush hesitated.

And in that moment of hesitation… Devraj knew he had him.

Meanwhile…

Back at the Oberoi mansion, Arnav’s phone rang.

Unknown Number.

When he answered, a distorted voice spoke.

"You should keep a closer eye on your family, Mr. Oberoi. Because one of them just walked right into the lion’s den."

The line went dead.

Arnav’s blood ran cold.

"Ayush," he whispered.

And then—he ran.

To Be Continued…