A/N: Hello, my Gems!
I am taking a break till 7th of June because of my final exams. So, unfortunately I will not be able to give you an update till then. I promise to update the story after 7th of June. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience as you all will have to wait this long :")

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Aryan Raichand.

The younger cousin of Abhimanyu Raichand, nephew of the leading tycoon Dilraaj Raichand, and son of Manmeet Raichand, was the designated heir to the Raichand empire.

However, Aryan harbored no desire for this inheritance. He yearned for his beloved Abhimanyu bhai to be the successor, content to work under his idol's guidance. His devotion to Abhimanyu bordered on worship.

Abhimanyu, though Aryan believed him to be so, was hardly an ideal heir. Aryan would gladly endure his father's beatings for refusing to take Abhimanyu's place. Manmeet Raichand, ever resentful of his older brother Dilraaj, coveted the entire empire for himself. However, being the younger sibling, the position was out of reach. Abhimanyu's consistent rejections for being the heir sparked a glimmer of hope in Manmeet. Perhaps, with Aryan as heir, the empire could ultimately be his.

Despite his shortcomings, Aryan possessed a far greater aptitude for managing the Raichand empire than Abhimanyu. Yet, Abhimanyu remained Aryan's Achilles' heel. Manmeet couldn't comprehend the source of this blind devotion. What, in his eyes, made the "incompetent brat" so worthy of Aryan's unwavering admiration? After all, even Dilraaj saw Abhimanyu as incapable of handling the empire.

"Abhimanyu...bhai," the name tumbled out of Aryan's lips in a shaky whisper. A beat of shocked silence stretched between them. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, a spark of recognition flickered in Abhimanyu's gaze. But just as quickly, a mask of indifference settled back over his features.

Before Aryan could process the surreal scene unfolding before him, his legs propelled him forward. "Bhai!" he cried out, the word laced with relief and a touch of desperation. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and grasped Abhimanyu's shoulder. The familiar warmth sent a wave of emotions crashing over him – a mix of joy at finding his idol and confusion at Abhimanyu's behavior.

"You got the wrong person," Abhimanyu replied, his voice a low monotone that sent shivers down Aryan's spine. It was the voice he knew so well, the voice that commanded his unwavering devotion. But this time, it lacked its usual warmth, replaced by a chilling coldness.

Aryan's grip tightened on Abhimanyu's shoulder. Denial flickered in his eyes. "No, Bhai," he pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion. "It's me, Aryan. Don't you recognize me?" A hint of panic crept into his voice. This wasn't the reunion he'd dreamt of. Some might even misunderstand Aryan's devotion with a brother complex.

Abhimanyu remained impassive, his gaze fixed on a point beyond Aryan's shoulder. "Bhai, please come back home! You are needed there," Aryan called out, his voice cracking with urgency. He knew something was terribly wrong. The stoic shell Abhimanyu wore was a stark contrast to the playful, charismatic figure he worshipped. But before Aryan could plead further, Abhimanyu shoved him away with a surprising amount of force.

The sudden rejection sent a jolt of pain through Aryan, both physical and emotional. He stumbled back, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion, hurt, and a growing sense of fear. The idol he'd built up in his mind seemed to be crumbling before his very eyes.

"Get lost! I told you, you got the wrong person!" Abhimanyu roared. Aryan flinched, the venom in Abhimanyu's tone a stark contrast to the gentle teasing he was accustomed to. He stared, wide-eyed, as the warmth that used to reside in Abhimanyu's eyes had vanished, replaced by a chilling emptiness.

Stunned by the shove, Aryan stumbled back, his heart hammering against his ribs. He scrambled to his feet, a desperate plea forming on his lips. "Bhai, wait!" But Abhimanyu was already a blur, disappearing around a corner.

Frantically, Abhimanyu scanned the room, his breaths coming out in ragged gasps. He needed to find Mahi, now. He spotted her in a corner, engaged in conversation with Sunheri.  Ignoring the surprised glances shot his way, he weaved through the crowd like a hunted animal.

Reaching Mahi, he ripped off his blazer and tie with trembling hands, shoving them into her arms. "Look!" he blurted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I gotta run, and you can take your damned money back for all I care, but I cannot be seen here at this party anymore!" Without waiting for a reply, he bolted away again, leaving Mahi and Sunheri staring after his disappearing figure in stunned silence.

Abhimanyu, fueled by a mix of anger and fear, melted back into the crowd. He navigated towards the elevator, his movements jerky and uncontrolled. Reaching the parking area, he took a deserted route, avoiding paparazzi like a fugitive. Finally, hailing an auto-rickshaw, he fled the scene, the image of Aryan's heartbroken expression seared into his mind.

Exhaustion crashed over Abhimanyu like a tidal wave. His muscles screamed in protest as he stumbled towards the bed, collapsing onto the soft mattress. A single tear traced a path down his cheek, a silent echo of the encounter with Aryan. Regret gnawed at him, a bitter aftertaste to the night's events.

As sleep claimed him, a vision flickered at the edges of his consciousness – a woman, silhouetted against a breathtaking vista.  He drifted towards her, drawn by an invisible force.

The woman sat at the precipice of a cliff, the wind whipping her white saree into a frenzy. The fabric billowed around her like a celestial halo, catching the last rays of the setting sun.  A salty tang filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of wildflowers clinging to the cliffside.  He could almost feel the roughness of the rock beneath his feet as he approached her.

This woman. He knew her.  He'd seen her face countless times before, a recurring image in his dreams. This time, however, the dream felt different, more vivid, more real. She was no longer a fleeting apparition, but a woman of breathtaking beauty.  A gentle smile played on her lips, revealing two perfect dimples and a pair of mesmerizing brown eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the universe.

Suddenly, Abhimanyu's eyes snapped open.  A cool breeze ruffled his hair, carrying the faint scent of salt and something vaguely familiar. He sat up, heart pounding, and realized he'd forgotten to close the window.  Disoriented, he glanced around the room, the remnants of the dream clinging to him like a wisp of smoke.  But the woman, the one with the captivating eyes, her identity remained tantalizingly just out of reach.

The realization struck Abhimanyu like a bolt of lightning, jolting him upright in bed. The woman who had haunted his dreams for so long, the one whose face always remained frustratingly out of reach, now had a face. And it was Roop Kashyap.

"What the...?" he muttered, his voice thick with sleep and disbelief. He ran a hand through his hair, the movement only adding to his confusion. This woman, the object of his unconscious desires, the one he'd longed to see clearly for what felt like an eternity - and she turns out to be Roop? Why Roop?

A groan escaped his lips, a sound that mirrored the turmoil within him. The encounter with Aryan, the cryptic message, and now this bizarre dream revelation. It was all too much.  He needed a shower, the hot spray a promise of washing away not just the physical grime of the night, but also the mental fog clouding his judgment. Dealing with the mess of his life could wait. Right now, he needed clarity.

After a bracing shower, Abhimanyu bypassed his usual morning routine. No need for the familiar comfort of chai from his favorite stall today. Instead, he brewed a pot at home, the rhythmic gurgle of the water a small comfort in the face of his overwhelming confusion. He settled for a simple breakfast of toast and chai, the taste bland on his tongue as his mind replayed the events of the previous night and the lingering image of Roop from his dream.

After shoving down the meager breakfast – a stark contrast to his usual appetite – Abhimanyu found himself outside. His legs, seemingly possessed by an unknown force, carried him towards the elementary school. Lost in thought about Aryan and the unsettling dream, he barely registered his destination until the imposing school building loomed before him.

A sudden eruption of shouts shattered his reverie. Confusion clouded his mind for a fleeting moment before his eyes widened in alarm. He sprinted towards the source of the commotion, propelled by a surge of protectiveness he couldn't explain.  Why did his heart clench with a fear for the children's safety? He didn't know, but the primal urge to ensure their well-being was undeniable.

Bursting through the school doors, he was met with a scene of utter chaos. Raghav and his goons, armed with menacing wooden sticks, were locked in a fierce battle with a group of kids wielding makeshift weapons – bats and what looked like hockey sticks. But the most surprising sight was Roop and Sakhee, fighting alongside the children. Despite their disadvantage, they were holding their own against the larger, more brutal attackers.

Roop's face was a canvas of fury and pain. Blood trickled from a split lip, staining her cheek red. Her once pristine patiala suit was ripped and muddied, a testament to the fight. With a primal snarl, she locked eyes with Raghav, their duel a whirlwind of swings and parries. Abhimanyu watched in disbelief – Roop, the poised and elegant woman from his dreams, transformed into a fierce warrior.

Suddenly, a surge of protectiveness washed over him. He couldn't stand by and watch her get hurt any further. With a cry that startled everyone, he lunged into the fray. Shoving himself between Roop and Raghav, he used his body as a shield, effectively separating the combatants.

"Hey! What the hell is going on here?!" His voice boomed, a stark contrast to the chaos that had filled the open space moments before.

"Abhi?" Raghav asked in surprise.

"Raghu! I'm glad you-"

Roop, however, was not done. Fury still burned in her eyes. "Let me finish this fight once and for all!" she spat, her voice raw with emotion. She lunged forward, the makeshift bat in her hand aimed for Raghav. But before she could connect, Abhimanyu reacted instinctively, his arm shooting out to block the blow. The impact sent a jolt of pain up his arm, but he held firm.

"Calm down, foolish woman!" Abhimanyu spoke. "Why can't we talk like civilized people instead of fighting like monkeys?"

"Talk?! What's there to talk about, Abhi? This woman, she took away our gambling area. This was our home, Abhi!" Raghav argued.

With Abhimanyu's intervention, everyone stopped fighting. Raghav's men stood behind him and Sakhee, while the kids stood behind Roop.

"Raghu, listen. Let's talk somewhere else, just the two of us," Abhimanyu said. Raghav stared at him for a minute before muttering a small "okay."

Before following Raghav out, Abhimanyu cast a hesitant glance at Roop. Her back remained stubbornly turned, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. He let out a defeated sigh, the sound echoing in the tense silence.

Shifting his gaze, he addressed Sakhee, his voice firm yet laced with concern. "Take the children and tend to their wounds. Make sure everyone is alright."

Sakhee, ever-reliable, responded with a brisk nod, already ushering the shaken children towards a quieter corner. Abhimanyu's eyes scanned the group, a flicker of panic crossing his features. Chand, was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Chand?!" His voice, usually calm and collected, cracked with a barely concealed fear. Even Roop pivoted towards him, eyebrows raised in surprise. This wasn't the composed Abhimanyu she knew. This was a man on edge, his usual composure shattered.

Krish, the eldest of the group, stepped forward, his voice barely a whisper. "She's... She's with Naani-maa," he stammered, unsure of the sudden urgency in Abhimanyu's voice.

Relief washed over Abhimanyu's face, a stark contrast to the raw panic moments before. The tension in his shoulders eased, and a single nod of acknowledgment was all he offered before turning back to Raghav.

Raghav stood at a distance, waiting for Abhimanyu. When Abhimanyu reached there, he said, "I'm glad you're out of prison, Raghu."

"Good to be back," Raghav replied. He stared at Abhimanyu, the unspoken explanation hanging heavy in the air. Now that Abhimanyu was there, the words seemed to have deserted him.

"Look, can't we just open our gambling operation somewhere else? Let them have this place."

"Why are you sticking up for them, Abhi? They're the ones who put me behind bars, remember?!" Raghav asked, his voice more hoarse than usual.

"Look, I know," Abhimanyu reasoned, "but it was the right woman! Kids have nothing to do with this." Raghav's eyes widened in surprise.

"Since when did you develop compassion for some kids, Abhi?" Raghav asked.

"It's not about compassion, Raghu. I just don't want those kids to become homeless. Like us," Abhimanyu replied. Raghav rubbed his face in frustration. "I'll help you find a new place. Just leave these people alone."

Raghav took a deep breath, pondering for a few minutes. He glanced at Abhimanyu, who was already looking at him with a flicker of hope in his eyes. Abhimanyu knew Raghav better than anyone; he knew his friend could never refuse him. After all, they were best friends.

Raghav, however, smirked teasingly. "It's the woman, isn't it?"

Abhimanyu's eyebrows shot up in confusion. "What?"

"You've got a thing for that woman, don't you?" Raghav pressed, his smirk morphing into a grin.

"Stop messing around, Raghu," Abhimanyu grumbled. "I wouldn't be interested in any woman."

But Raghav knew his best friend better than anyone. Abhimanyu had never admitted to romantic feelings before, but Raghav sensed this woman was different. Abhimanyu had never been this persistent, and Raghav knew it wasn't just about the kids. The woman clearly had something to do with this shift in his best friend's behavior.

"Whatever you say," Raghav shrugged, feigning indifference. "Don't forget to help me find a new place. And just because she's your woman, I'm willing to forgive her, whatever she did."

"She's not 'my' woman, Raghu," Abhimanyu countered, "just a woman I met." Raghav chuckled, unfazed. "Tomorrow, we'll find a new place. You know you can't resist the gambling." He waved dismissively and walked away.

Abhimanyu stared at Raghav's retreating figure, a mask of neutrality settling on his face. He shook his head with a sigh and walked back towards the elementary school. There, Sakhee was treating the wounds of the children while Chand, ever enthusiastic, helped her. The moment Chand spotted Abhimanyu, she abandoned her work and launched herself at him, clinging to him like an excited puppy.

"Hey there, brat," Abhimanyu said playfully, patting her head. "Go finish helping other, alright?"

"Abhimanyu beta," Sushila Devi approached them, the first aid kit cradled in her lap. "Can you lend a hand with something?" Abhimanyu looked up at her expectantly.

"Roop's in the backyard, refusing treatment for her wounds," Sushila Devi explained, a furrow etching itself between her brows. "My wheelchair gets stuck on the stones back there. Could you take this first aid kit and try to convince her?" She handed him the kit.

Abhimanyu considered refusing, scanning the area for someone else. But everyone was tending to their own injuries. With a resigned sigh, he nodded and took the kit. Chand, sensing the shift, hopped off Abhimanyu and scurried towards Krish, ready to help with his wounds. Letting out a heavy breath, Abhimanyu made his way outside, heading for the school's backyard.

He spotted Roop perched on a broken bench. Her face, a mask of combined injury and fury, was swollen and puffy. He strode towards her and deposited the first-aid kit within easy reach.

"Oye! Treat those wounds, or whatever you choose," Abhimanyu muttered under his breath as he turned to leave.

Taking a few more paces, he couldn't resist a glance back to see if Roop had made any move to address her injuries. However, much to his frustration, she remained stubbornly still.

A sigh escaped Abhimanyu's lips as he retraced his steps and retrieved the first-aid kit. Selecting a sterile cotton swab, he unscrewed the cap of the antiseptic solution. After carefully saturating the swab, he crouched beside Roop.

With a hesitant touch, he extended his hand and gently pressed the cotton to her wounds. Startled by the sudden contact, Roop recoiled, a hiss of pain escaping her lips.

"Get lost, you pest!" She hissed angrily. "I don't need your fucking help!"

"Says the woman who is covered in bruises and cuts," Abhimanyu smirked as he grabbed her other arm and pressed the cotton against the wound even harder. Roop let out a terrible cry as tears welled up in her eyes.

"The more you battle, the more terrible it will be for you, foolish woman. So, why don't you be a good girl and allow me to tend your wounds?" He asked, smirking.

"Fuck! Off!" She tried to get up and flee, hissing at him, but Abhimanyu moved quickly enough to grab her waist and shove her back down onto the bench. She attempted to smack him, but Abhimanyu easily blocked it with his free hand because he could see the slap coming from a great distance.

"You really are a foolish woman, aren't you?" He said. "If you like pain that much I will gladly bring it more upon you, sweetheart."

"You sadist!" In rage, Roop spat.

"Sadist?" With a sly smile, Abhimanyu said, "I'm literally helping you to heal your wounds and here you are calling me such names."

"What do you want from me?!" Roop questioned while she strained to extricate herself. However, the altercation she had with Raghav earlier had sapped the most of her energy, leaving her body with hardly any fighting left.

Abhimanyu said, "Just want to treat your wounds, stubborn woman." Roop sat there silently, giving up on her struggle. Abhimanyu took advantage of her dilated movements to begin tending to her wounds.

Her gaze was fixed distantly, but Abhimanyu's couldn't help but be drawn to her face. Thinking about it, there's something about her face that he couldn't help but be drawn in, even if he didn't wanted to.

She hissed in pain as he carefully rubbed the soaked cloth against her lower lip. Her face wore a tiny frown. The smeared kohl in her eyes, which also covered her eyes' sides. Her lips were pinched in a narrow line that revealed only a hint of her dimples. This was the closest he had ever looked at Roop. He refuses to take his eyes off. Not for a millisecond, at least.

His head was a jumbled mess and his heart was thumping violently inside his chest. But sure, he does need to turn aside. What is the matter with him? What is the reason for a woman to have such an effect on him? Experiencing such feelings is unacceptable. He must look away before it's too late...

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