Author's POV

Ekansh left the room, his mind a storm of rage and determination. He descended the grand staircase with measured steps, his every move exuding power. Radha stood in the living room, fidgeting nervously, her face pale. She had heard his footsteps and knew her time was up.

“You dared to harm her,” Ekansh said, his voice low and venomous as he stepped closer. “In my house. Under my roof.”

Radha’s lips trembled as she struggled to form a coherent response. “I... I only did what I thought was necessary,” she stammered. “She’s disrespectful, ungrateful—”

“Enough,” Ekansh cut her off sharply. His tone was so cold it sent a shiver down her spine. “You’re not here to judge or punish. You’re here to serve. And you’ve forgotten your place.”

Radha dropped to her knees, her voice trembling with desperation. “Sir, please. I didn’t mean any harm. I was only trying to discipline her—”

---

“Discipline?” Ekansh’s laugh was hollow and menacing. “You call leaving bruises on her body discipline? You think you have the right to lay a hand on her?” He loomed over her, his eyes burning with fury.

Radha clasped her hands together, pleading. “I swear it won’t happen again, Sir. Please forgive me.”

Ekansh’s expression hardened, his jaw tightening. “Forgiveness? That’s not a luxury I offer to traitors. You knew the rules of this house, Radha. You chose to break them. Now you’ll face the consequences.”

He signaled to one of his bodyguards, who stepped forward immediately. “Take her,” Ekansh ordered, his tone final. “She’s no longer welcome here. Make sure she doesn’t return.”

Radha’s protests filled the air as she was dragged away, but Ekansh didn’t flinch. His focus was already elsewhere—on Dia, and on ensuring that nothing like this ever happened again.

---

When he returned to his room, Dia was still asleep, her face peaceful despite the faint marks of pain etched into her features. He pulled up a chair and sat beside her, watching her as she rested.

For the first time in years, Ekansh felt a twinge of uncertainty. He was a man used to control, to power, to having the upper hand. But Dia was a complication he hadn’t planned for—a girl who had entered his life through unexpected circumstances and was now slowly chipping away at his walls.

As the morning sun poured through the windows, he leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh. His world was dangerous, his choices ruthless, but somehow, amidst it all, Dia had become something he couldn’t ignore.

He didn’t know what this meant, but one thing was clear—she was his responsibility now. And Ekansh Raghuvanshi never let anyone take what was his.

---

Ekansh remained by Dia’s side as the morning stretched into afternoon, his mind restless despite the stillness of the room. He had never cared about anyone outside of his family and his business. Emotions were a liability in his world, and yet here he was, watching over a girl who had somehow managed to unravel a part of him he didn’t even know existed.

Dia stirred slightly, her brow furrowing as if caught in a bad dream. Ekansh leaned closer, his voice soft but firm. “You’re safe, Dia. No one will hurt you again.”

Her eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding her gaze as she took in her surroundings. When her eyes landed on Ekansh, she instinctively tried to sit up, but the pain in her body made her wince. Ekansh placed a hand on her shoulder, gently guiding her back down. “Don’t push yourself,” he said. “You need to rest.”

Dia’s lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but her words faltered. Instead, tears welled up in her eyes, and she quickly turned her face away, ashamed of her vulnerability. Ekansh’s jaw clenched at the sight, a surge of anger directed not at her, but at himself for allowing this to happen under his roof.

“I took care of her,” he said quietly, his tone carrying an edge of finality. “Radha won’t bother you again.”

---

Dia glanced at him, her eyes wide with surprise and disbelief. She wanted to question him, to understand why he cared, but the exhaustion in her body and mind kept her silent. She simply nodded, her expression a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.

Ekansh stood up, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. “Rest now. The doctor will check on you again this evening. If you need anything, just call for me,” he said, his voice softer than usual. Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the room, giving her the space she clearly needed.

As he walked down the hall, his thoughts were a storm of conflicting emotions. Protecting her was instinctive now, but it also came with complications. Dia was a part of his life now, whether he wanted her to be or not, and that meant ensuring her safety above all else.

Reaching his study, he poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light as he stared into it. His world was one of violence, betrayal, and power struggles. How could someone like Dia, so fragile and innocent, possibly fit into it? And yet, the thought of letting her go wasn’t something he could entertain.

As the day wore on, Ekansh made a silent promise to himself. Dia might have been thrust into his life by chance, but she was his responsibility now. And no matter what it took, he would keep her safe—even if it meant turning his world upside down.