Before you start reading the first chapter, let me remind you all that ,

This book is fictional and not related to any living beings

All the characters in the book are fictional, this book is no where related to real life Virat and Anushka, so please keep that in mind while reading.

Thank you

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Third-person-pov

A spacious, four-storey, sea-facing Kulkarni Mansion, built on 18 acres of land in Mumbai. The Kulkarni family, immensely wealthy and influential, is prominent in the entertainment industry, producing blockbuster movies. The mansion contains numerous rooms.

In a dimly lit room, a 54-year-old man with a salt-and-pepper beard sits in an armchair, a cigar in hand, watching the news on TV with a tense expression. He keeps changing the channels with irritation. “What the hell is happening?” he exclaims as a news channels shows a pub fight.

“They’re covering this pub fight as breaking news while ignoring major issues like the protests.?” Kabir Kulkarni, founder of Kulkarni Entertainments, demands, turning to Jeevan Rai, his son’s best friend, “What were you doing, Jeevan? You’re his best friend.” Kabir asks.

“Kabir uncle, Virat didn’t start the fight. You know how he is with his aggression.” Jeevan defends.

“You’re a lawyer, Jeevan. Stop taking his side. This makes us look bad. People will think Kabir Kulkarni's son is a thug.” Kabir replies. He’s referring to an incident where Virat, his son, got into a fight at a pub.

“But uncle, Virat can’t always control his emotions.” Jeevan says.

“Do something, Jeevan. Pay the news channels how much money they want to remove this news. I want it off every channel.” Kabir insists.

“I’m on it.” Jeevan is about to dial a number but hears a calm, authoritative voice.

“No need to pay them. Let them show it as much as they want.” Savi Kabir Kulkarni, Kabir’s wife, enters the room. At 52, she looks grace in a vibrant red saree.

“But Savi, this is damaging our son’s reputation.” Kabir argues.

“I know, Kabir,” Savi replies, taking a seat. “But remember, any publicity is good publicity.”

“What are you planning?” Kabir asks.

Savi calls her maid. “Pack Virat’s luggage. He’s going on a world tour.” She hangs up.

“A world tour? This isn’t the right time.” Kabir protests.

“He’s going to England, not on a world tour. Let the media think it’s a world tour.” Savi clarifies.

“England? For what?” Kabir asks.

“To finish his MBA degree. Which he left it incomplete for a girl who abandoned him on a hospital bed.” Savi explains.

“Savi, he’s 30 now. Let’s not dwell on the past.” Kabir says.

“I know. He needs to be away for a few months. This fight seems well planned.” Savi says.

“Aunty, that guy was provoking Virat from the start.” Jeevan adds.

“Someone is trying to tarnish his image. He needs to learn to control his anger.” Savi says.

“What’s the plan.?” Kabir asks.

“I spoke with the university. They agreed to let him take his exams in England. It’s a rural area, so he won’t attract attention. Take his phone away and reduce his pocket money, make him do part time jobs for money.” Savi details.

“That’s harsh, He’s an adult ,not a child to ground him.” Kabir argues.

“We have no choice if we want the old Virat back.” Savi insists. She turns to Jeevan. “Where is he now?”

“In my apartment, aunty,” Jeevan replies.

“You go with him to England. Stay for two days, then return. Ensure he doesn’t contact us. Everything must be done secretly. When he returns back to India after months , he should be in the news for positive reasons, his image should be positive. That’s up to you both.” Savi instructs to Kabir and Jeevan before leaving.

**Five Months Later**

Kabir and Jeevan stand in the lawn of Kulkarni Mansion.

“Everything is ready, Jeevan?” Kabir asks.

“Almost, uncle. The paparazzi will be all over him when he lands in Mumbai.” Jeevan replies.

“No mistakes. Everything must be flawless.” Kabir warns. As he speaks, his second son, Rahul, returns from his jog, 25-year-old Rahul, dressed in jogging attire, walks confidently inside through the gate. His AirPods are still in. He greets his father and notices Jeevan.

“Good morning, Dad.” Rahul says, removing his AirPods. “Hi Jeevan bhai. I might need anticipatory bail in future.”

“Did you get into trouble? What’s going on with you Kulkarni brothers.?” Jeevan asks anxiously.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t hit anyone. But I might hit those paparazzi standing outside our house.” Rahul says.

“Rahul, we need the media to stay relevant in this industry.” Kabir explains.

“For whom they’re here, its been months since my last break up.” Rahul asks, puzzled.

“The media is here for your younger brother Shubman.” Kabir answers.

“Oh, the new sensation, Shubman Kabir Kulkarni.” Rahul says. Just then, 17-year-old Shubman emerges from the house in gym attire. He adjusts his cap and heads toward his BMW but pauses when he sees his family.

“What’s going on? Why the round table conference is happening.?” Shubman noticing Jeevan. “Why is the lawyer here so early?”

“Right, Shub? I forgot to ask why you’re here so early, Mr. Lawyer.” Rahul laughs.

“I’m a family friend too.” Jeevan replies.

“He’s going to meet Virat.” Kabir announces.

“Really? Is Virat bhai coming back? I missed him. Will he return before my 18th birthday?” Shubman asks, excited.

“I missed him too. When will he come back.?” Rahul asks.

“Soon. I have personal business there as well. I need to meet Anushka also.” Jeevan says.

“I saw her dance performance on TV yesterday. She was amazing.  Rahul says.

“Whose sister is she.?” Jeevan asks proudly.

“She’s also a good friend of mine.” Rahul replies.

“I’ll meet your brother too. Do you guys need anything from him.?” Jeevan asks.

“I’ve already messaged him. I want a new iPhone.”  Shubman grins.

“He knows what I want.” Rahul says. Jeevan nods.

Kabir notices Shubman heading to the gym. “We have a gym at home. Why go out.?”

“Dad, Zasha is coming to the gym. I want to meet her and have breakfast. Our TV series is a hit.” Shubman explains, getting into his car, the driver drives its out of house, as soon as the car reaches the road, the media starts taking photos of Shubman.

Rahul asks, “Dad, don’t you worry about Shubman’s love life. Zasha is a year older, and he’s too young for a serious relationship.”

“Teenage relationships are usually attraction. The key is that he’s staying in the news and getting free publicity.” Kabir says, checking his watch. “Don’t you have a meeting with the new movie director ,you are the MD of the company.?”

“I’ll leave after breakfast,” Rahul says, turning to Jeevan. “Bye, Jeevan bhai. Don’t forget to tell Virat I’m missing him.”

Jeevan smiles. “Sure. I’ll make sure he calls you. Be ready.” Rahul heads insideinside, Shubman is 16 when he started acting in TV series based on youth life, it become a instant hit, it renewed to third season after two seasons became a super hit. Rahul is working as MD of the Kulkarni entertainment, he takes of company in absence of Virat.

Kabir hands Jeevan a flight ticket. “Execute this properly.” he warns.

Jeevan takes a call, irritation on his face. “Hello, aunty. Tell me.”

After listening, he replies, “Aunty, Anushka is an adult. She has the right to make her own decisions. Don’t force her; otherwise, you know I’m a lawyer too.” He hangs up.

“Is everything okay?” Kabir asks, noticing Jeevan’s frustration.

“Anushka’s stepmother wants Anu to marry someone that she doesn’t likes . Anushka is focused on her career.” Jeevan explains, There’s a brief silence. Kabir and Jeevan exchange looks.

Jeevan clears his throat. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

Kabir nods. “You know what to do.”, Jeevan nods back…..

Hi all

How's the prologue

First chapter will be updates soon

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