The gentle hum of morning traffic filtered through the window as Athrav sat in his hotel room in Kashi, alone at the breakfast table. The tray before him carried a modest meal—toast, fruit, and tea gone lukewarm. The golden sunlight spilled across the room, casting a soft glow on his thoughtful face as he stared absently through the large glass pane, watching life unfold outside.

It had been just one day since he’d left for Kashi, but the absence already weighed heavily on him—and on those back home.

Home in Delhi

Back at their residence, Mahi and Advait sat curled together on the couch, a photo frame of Athrav resting on the side table beside them. His smile in the picture looked vivid, almost alive, and yet impossibly distant.

Unable to bear the silence any longer, Mahi picked up her phone and dialed Athrav’s number.

Kashi

Athrav’s phone buzzed on the table beside him. The moment he saw Mahi’s name flash on the screen, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He had been about to call her—but her call reached him first.

"Hey Mahi," he answered warmly. "How are you both doing?"

"We miss you, Athrav. Everything feels… quieter without you."

Her voice held a soft ache, one Athrav recognized instantly.

"I miss you both too," he replied. "How’s everything at home?"

"Advait’s been asking about you since morning. He keeps wondering when you’ll be back."

Just then, Advait walked into the room and saw Mahi holding the phone to her ear.

"Mumma, is that Papa? Can I talk to him?" he asked eagerly.

Mahi nodded, smiling, and handed him the phone.

"Dad!" Advait’s voice was bright, but tinged with longing. "When are you coming back? I miss you!"

Athrav closed his eyes for a second, letting his son's words fill the quiet space around him.

"Hey champ, I miss you too. I’ll come back as soon as I can, promise. Be good for Mom until then, okay?"

"I’m waiting for you, Dad! You have to come soon!"

"I will. That’s a promise from your superhero dad."

They exchanged a few more words—sweet nothings and reassurances—before Mahi took the phone back.

"Take care of yourself, Athrav. We’ll be right here, waiting."

"I love you, Mahi. Give my love to Advait."

"Love you too," she replied softly, and the call ended with a quiet sigh.

Even in the silence that followed, love lingered—strong enough to span the miles between them.

The Next Morning

Sunlight filtered through sheer curtains as Mahi and Advait prepared for the day. The apartment buzzed gently with the soft clatter of breakfast dishes and the scent of toasted bread. Mahi, dressed smartly for college, poured juice into Advait’s glass.

"Mom, are you taking Dad’s car today?" he asked between mouthfuls of cereal.

She paused, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Not today, sweetheart. I think I’ll just take a taxi."

"But why? You’re such a good driver!"

Mahi smiled faintly. "I know. Sometimes… it’s just easier this way."

They stepped out a few minutes later, standing at the curb as a taxi rolled to a stop.

"Okay, sweetheart. Have a great day at school. Mom will see you after college, alright?"

She hugged him tight before he climbed into the school bus.

As Mahi walked toward the college building, a quiet internal dialogue stirred within her. The choice not to drive wasn’t about convenience—it was fear. Fear that still lingered from past shadows. And yet, she knew, deep down, there would come a day when she would take the wheel again—not just of the car, but of her courage.

A grand office stretched before Athrav, elegant yet imposing. The walls were adorned with antique paintings, the furniture polished to a mirror sheen. Across the wide teak desk sat Mr. Rajvardhan Rajvanshi, his presence dominating the room without him needing to say much at all.

Athrav had insisted on coming alone. His assistant, Rohan, had offered to accompany him, but Athrav declined—this deal was far too significant to be handled secondhand.

"Mr. Rajvanshi, thank you for meeting with me today," Athrav began with quiet composure. "I’m grateful for the opportunity to discuss this land proposal."

The man across from him merely nodded once.

"Speak your business," he said, voice deep and emotionless.

Athrav launched into his presentation. He detailed plans for a cutting-edge facility that would boost the regional economy, create employment, and elevate the surrounding community. He spoke with confidence, each word chosen with precision.

But Mr. Rajvanshi, a man born of legacy and power, listened in unmoving silence. His face remained unreadable, carved from stone. Known across Kashi as a formidable businessman and heir of a royal bloodline, his reputation preceded him—ruthless, direct, and fiercely intelligent.

"Proceed," he said eventually, motioning for Athrav to continue.

Unfazed, Athrav elaborated on the environmental assessments, social responsibility plans, and long-term financial benefits. His tone remained respectful, but assertive.

When he finally concluded, the silence returned—heavy and full of implications.

"In conclusion, we believe this partnership would be both progressive and respectful of your land’s heritage," Athrav said, carefully watching his expression.

For a long moment, there was no response.

Then, slowly, Mr. Rajvanshi nodded.

"You have proven yourself to be a man of integrity, Athrav. I respect that."

Relief passed through Athrav, though he kept his expression calm.

"Thank you, Mr. Rajvanshi. I assure you—this collaboration will honor both tradition and progress."

As they walked toward the exit, Athrav felt the weight of success settle on his shoulders.

Suddenly, Mr. Rajvanshi’s phone rang. He answered with a clipped, "Yes?" and his posture stiffened, a frown drawing across his brow.

Athrav paused beside him, sensing the shift.

"Is everything alright, Mr. Rajvanshi?"

The older man lifted a hand in polite dismissal. "Excuse me for a moment."

He stepped aside to continue the conversation in hushed tones, his voice no longer composed but edged with concern.

Athrav watched from a respectful distance, quietly observing the layers beneath Mr. Rajvanshi’s otherwise impenetrable armor. The man who had just agreed to the deal was now someone else—human, vulnerable, pulled into a world of complexities even power couldn’t shield him from.

Sneak Peek – Chapter Ten

"Mr. Rajvanshi, is everything alright?"

Athrav asked in concern.

" My wife... she's been admitted to the hospital. It's serious."

Mr. Rajvanshi hesitantly answered.