The Summons

The police station was cold and uninviting, but Arnav walked in like he owned the place. His presence alone sent a ripple of tension through the officers.

Behind him, his siblings followed.

Anirudh kept his posture firm, his lawyer’s mind already calculating every possible outcome.

Ayush and Aryan walked side by side, their usual mischief replaced with seriousness.

And Avni… Avni was trying not to show how her heart pounded in her chest.

She had known there would be consequences for what happened at the warehouse.

But she hadn’t expected this.

A legal battle.

The Accusation

They were led into an interrogation room, where a man sat waiting.

Siddharth Malhotra.

Devraj’s elder brother.

Unlike Devraj, Siddharth wasn’t a street thug. He was dangerous in a different way.

A high-profile businessman with powerful connections, the kind of man who could destroy someone’s life without ever raising his voice.

He looked up as Arnav entered, his lips curling in a smirk.

"Arnav Oberoi," he greeted. "Finally, we meet."

Arnav didn’t sit. "You wasted my time calling me here."

Siddharth raised an eyebrow. "I don’t think so. My brother was shot last night. And your sister was holding the gun."

Avni’s fingers tightened into fists.

Anirudh’s voice was calm but sharp. "Devraj was attempting to kill my client—my brother. My sister acted in self-defense."

Siddharth tilted his head. "Then why did she run?"

Avni’s breath caught.

Anirudh remained firm. "She was in shock. It doesn’t change the facts."

Siddharth leaned back in his chair. "Facts?" He chuckled. "The fact is, Devraj is in the hospital, and your sister is a criminal."

Ayush’s jaw clenched. "That bastard was trying to kill Anirudh. Avni saved his life!"

Siddharth ignored him, keeping his eyes locked on Arnav.

"Now, here’s the problem, Arnav," he said smoothly. "This case could destroy your family. Your business. Your reputation."

Arnav’s expression didn’t change. "If you had proof, you wouldn’t be sitting here negotiating with me."

Siddharth smirked. "Who said I’m negotiating?"

He slid a folder across the table. Arnav didn’t open it.

"The police will charge Avni in twenty-four hours," Siddharth said. "Unless you accept my deal."

Avni’s stomach twisted.

Arnav finally sat down. "I’m listening."

A Dangerous Offer

Siddharth leaned forward.

"Sign over 35% of Oberoi Industries to me. Step down as CEO. And in return, this case disappears."

Silence.

Then—Aryan laughed.

"Are you serious?" he scoffed. "You think Arnav will just hand over his empire?"

Siddharth’s smirk didn’t fade. "I think he’ll do anything to protect his family."

Avni’s breath hitched.

Arnav was silent.

Too silent.

Ayush shook his head. "Arnav, don’t listen to this—"

"Leave."

Everyone froze.

Arnav’s voice was calm. Controlled.

But they knew that tone.

It was the calm before the storm.

Anirudh nodded, standing first. "Come on."

Avni wanted to argue—but Ayush grabbed her wrist, pulling her out of the room.

Aryan followed.

The door shut behind them, leaving Arnav alone with Siddharth.

A Dictator’s Choice

Siddharth smiled. "Smart move. Now, let’s talk details—"

"Listen to me carefully," Arnav said. His voice was lethal.

"You came into my house." He leaned forward, his dark eyes burning. "You dared to threaten my sister."

Siddharth’s smirk faded.

Arnav didn’t blink. "I don’t make deals with men like you."

Siddharth exhaled. "Then Avni goes to jail."

Arnav finally smiled.

"You think I don’t have power in this city, Siddharth?" His voice was pure ice. "You think I won’t bury every single piece of evidence against her?"

Siddharth’s fingers tensed against the table.

Arnav leaned even closer.

"If you try to come after my family again…" His voice dropped to a whisper. "I will make sure the Malhotra name is wiped from existence."

Siddharth’s smirk disappeared.

For the first time… he looked worried.

Arnav stood up. Buttoned his coat.

And then—he walked out.

Leaving Siddharth Malhotra drowning in his own silence.

To Be Continued…