Author's POV:-

"Where am I?", he questioned himself as a small gust of wind rushed through his hair - flipping his raven locks off his forehead.

Carefully adjusting his sight in accordance to the blue, burning light of the room - his gaze travelled across the slightly tapered walls and a couple of stools and slabs.

Finally landing his eyes on his foot he looked down to realize - his shirt was torn, little drops of blood dripping from his chest and he was a.... mess.

"What happened to me?", he whispered.

"My clothes....... H..how on earth did it tear?", he said holding the torn fabric that was hanging from his shoulder.

"Bh..Bhai?!", A voice called.

Immediately snapping his head at the speed of lightning, he was shocked to see his sister sitting on a hardly sturdy chair - the ropes linking her firmly to the wooden piece.

But.... Wait.

Why is she here?

Where was he?

Why is she tied to a chair?

Why the hell was his sh-

"Hello, Mr Malhotra. Glad to see you are awake!", another voice called from behind. However, there was no one. He felt like the voice was drifting across the room - like a smooth flow of wind striking every visible feature of the brightly lit room. It held an air of reality.

He had heard this voice before... But, he didn't know where.

"I see that you're in utter confusion. Shoot me with your questions, let me try and answer", the voice said mockingly.

"Who are you?", his voice slipped, slightly raspy from the lack of moisture in his throat.

"Haahhah!", the voice laughed "What a nice question. Well... I can't explain that. But I am someone important to your family sweetheart!"

"Why... do you have my sister tied up to a chair?", he hurled his next question.

"Oooooh! Overprotective brother, I see! Impressive. Then why don't you show your affection openly huh?"

"That's none of your business. Now untie her!", he bellowed.

"Ooooh! Feisty much! Hold your horses, sweetie! I have more surprises, this is just the beginning!", the mysterious voice said - internally sending shivers down his spine.

A rumbling sound made his head turn sideways - immediately making his blood turn cold at the sight in front of him. There sat his whole family - all trashed, beaten and tied to different chairs.

His brothers, his sister, his father, his mom- Wait!

'Where is Ms Varma?'

.

.

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And then it hit. The Voice - it was Ms Varma. How could he forget that voice dammi-

"Ms Varma? You? How could you?"

"Wow! Congratulations!", the voice laughed "You sure are a great businessman! And........... I am not Ms Varma - I am Mrs Malhotra, your legal mother!", he could feel the smirk of the owner.

"Such a traitor aren't you? Bitch!", he spat - her presence disgusting his entire being.

"Don't talk trash about me, 'cause you still got more surprises!", she said as giggles echoed across the four sides.

"Untie them! NOW!", he boomed.

"I am no one to obey your orders. Moreover, I haven't tied you, why don't you go and release them?"

And the realisation hit, he wasn't tied up!

He could move around.

He could take his family outside safely.

.

Little did he know that he was wrong!

Without a second thought, he ran - completely ignoring his physical and mental pain.

He ran towards his family with the only thought in his messed up mind - To escape! They had to escape at any cost. Away from this evil woman. His brain was on speed mode, adrenaline pumping through his muscles, his eyes ultra-focused on the escape - while the scene filming in his head in slow motion.

But no, his effort had to go in vain.

A thud sound resounded across the spacious room, as he fell on the ground - rubbing his forehead which was throbbing in pain.

Taking a decent second to collect his thoughts on what just happened - he learned that he bumped into something. Something which he didn't know was there. Slowly readjusting his position, he placed his hands in the front - searching for the thing that hit him.

Soon enough his hands came in contact with the cold, non-crystalline, amorphous, transparent solid - very transparent that he didn't see it in the first place. Squinting his eyes, he could see the tiny reflection of himself in the glass piece in front of him.

.

A sudden moment of epiphany set in, as his heart rate skyrocketed - chest contracting with the pressure he didn't know existed.

"No.......", he muttered, taking in deep breaths.

He was trapped - trapped in a glass box, a very big transparent box at that.

Soon laughter and claps echoed, as he looked towards the source - only to see his whole family laughing at his state, his brothers catcalling - which only worsened his state.

"Isn't it a nice surprise Malhotra?", the same voice asked "I told you, you'd get more surprises! I hope you like this!"

"Why...why me? Why AM I TRAPPED", he banged his fist on the glass - which didn't seem to mind at all.

"Oh c'mon! Who wants you here? We are here to get rid of you! You see, this box will get filled with water starting in 5 mins. And.......... you are no more. You can never get out of this boy!", Deepak said, totally shattering his heart.

"Now we have a place to go! Bye-bye, take care. And you better sink and die!", Devika waved, ushering her family towards the door.

Everything happened so fast - so fast, that the time he realised what happened they were already out.

Sharp tears sprung from his eyes - small whimpers emitting from his mouth. He fell on his knees as his sobs echoed around the room.

''What did I do to deserve this?", he wailed.

"What happened to my family?''

"They are joking, aren't they?"

"I thought they loved me and cared for me even though I didn't show my emotions openly!'

"Please......", he whimpered "Someone tells me it's all a prank!", he said, clutching his messed up locks between his fingers - letting out a strangled scream - hoping for someone to hear him and save him!

His broken sobs turned into panicked ones when water came in contact with his body - the icy water shaking his system.

The water level rose to his chest - as he panicked more, screaming to catch the attention of anyone or anything. He started thrashing around in the invisible prison as felt the air being sucked out from every fibre of his body.

His chest tightened and his heart raced as a cold fist of understanding clasps the breath out of him. He NEEDS to get out. He NEEDS to escape.

He didn't mind if he looked graceful enough, all he needed to do was get out of this. Aggressively kicking his legs and forming huge strokes with his arms - he tried everything in his power to get to the top.

His screams became muffled sentences as he felt his chest on fire - the water invading his system. He felt a mix of emotions - grief, regret, pain but anger was the most prominent. He was angry that his family did such a thing to him, he was angry that no one came to save him, he was angry at himself for falling into this.

He had every right to be angry.

Letting out a deep breath to push the water out of his mouth - he tried swimming upwards. The tank was a little to full, completely submerging him in the liquid.

He wasn't going to give up without a fight.

He is a fighter.

He has dealt with his own demons.

He can deal with this too.

He can. He believes in himself.

With the last ounce of energy in his body, he began kicking and trashing again - his tears mixing with the water. He weakly tried to push himself with his worked out arms and legs - but, his body was giving up. He saw the surface, but he did not have the strength to survive.

With the cold water replacing the oxygen in his lungs, the blood pounding behind his eyes, the feeling of a thousand needles poking his throat and the slow movement of his limbs - he knew....... this was it!

He had put up a fight.

He tried breaking through the barriers.

But he couldn't anymore.

He fought all his life.

And now, the brave warrior deserves peace - an eternal peace.

The death was lurking around the corner. His eyesight becoming dark and deluded - his heartbeat agonisingly slowing down. He became calm for a moment before falling into the eternal abyss.

.

.

.

With only one last thought in his mind

'DIE!'

"Mumma!", he shot up from his bed, placing a hand on his heart - trying to calm the organ down.

The moonlight peeked through his red curtain - softly caressing his body, like a mother consoling her child. Clutching his velvety blankets close to his chest, he began sobbing - the hot tears streaming down his face and wetting his sheets.

"Mumma...", he whimpered, shoving his blanket into his mouth to stop them "Why..y did you lea...ave.. me...! Please take me with you! T...th.this is all too much to h..handle!"

Oh, how much he wanted someone to console him, tell him it's alright and that this won't last long. How much he wanted someone to hug him tightly and reassure him that it is going to be okay. How much he wanted someone to give him a shoulder to cry.

But no. There isn't anybody to help him!

This nightmare was different.

He didn't understand why he had such a nightmare.

His subconscious mind was telling him to stay away from his own family members - just to not get hurt again!

He is terrified of trusting someone - someone who entered his life without his permission

He is terrified of losing people again!

He laid on the bed, positioning himself as a foetus - tightly clutching onto the blankets as if his life depended on it before drifting off to sleep.

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The clock showing 02.30 AM in blood red.

~•~•~

It was a beautiful Monday morning. The chirping of the birds, the beautiful passing by of the scenery, the buildings and everything radiated positivity making the morning bright and brisk - excluding the traffic though.

"Hello, beautiful people! Good morning! This is your RJ Vaishali and you're listening to Morning Masala in Richy FM 105.5!", the RJ's voice boomed enthusiastically, bouncing off the surface of the sleek black SUV.

"Do you know what are the special events going to come in August? Yes, of course, we are celebrating our Independence day. But... There is something more!!!! Let me not hold back any suspense! IT'S RAKSHA BANDHAN! WOOHOOOOOOOO!", the RJ squealed, radiating positivity - too much positivity for Vijay's liking.

"And....... Today is my dear bro's birthday! My brother is the person who had been with me when I needed him, he picked me up when I fell, he stuck to me no matter what and is my best friend. One time, we would be planning a murder together while the other time we would plan to murder each other. That is our relationship.", she chuckled.

"He always kept my secrets even though he was such a pain in the neck. When my parents were against my idea of becoming an RJ, he was there - supporting me and my dumb ideas. If I am a successful RJ, the credits go to him! Having a sibling - especially a brother can be such a headache, but at the end of the day they are the ones who support us and cover up our tracks. Love you bro and may you have the best birthday of your life! muahhh! And for today, let's start the day with.......", the rest of the conversation drifted in the background as a song began playing from the radio station.

Pure silence filled in the car, as they zoomed past the vehicles. The window was rolled down a bit, the cold morning air brushing past her loosened strands.

Arti looked at her brother - whose sole focus was on the road, steering the SUV with utmost efficiency, his coat and stethoscope sitting comfortably on his lap.

Hugging her school bag close to her chest, she looked out of the window - as a sigh escaped her parched lips. It isn't even the start of the day and she is with the grumpiest human on the planet.

'I guess he is made up of an alloy of stone and steel. He is a damned statue', she thought cursing him in the most innocent way possible.

"Bhai? Where are you studying?", she asked, trying to initiate a conversation.

"In a medical college!", he replied bluntly.

"I know you are a medical student and you study in a medical college. But....... My question is, which. college. do. you. study?"

"Malhotra Medical College, a unit of Malhotra Health Care Centres. Dad owns them.", he replied, not sparing a glance at her.

"Oh.... That means you are the future owner of the hospital chain. Right?", she asked to which he didn't bother replying.

'I swear on my ginger tea, I may kill him one day. This man is testing my patience!'

"Uh....... Still how long to reach my school?"

"10 more minutes."

Silence again engulfed the car. She sat there sulking - a little pout engraving on her lips. She tried having a conversation with the bulky man beside her, but no - he wasn't giving any of this.

'Mr. Constipated Treehouse!', she mumbled.

"I have a good hearing you know?", he said, making her jump in her seat. A red hue dusted across her cheeks as she further sunk in her seat, ducking her head into her bag to hide her embarrassment.

'His personality is worse than an expired Colgate toothpaste!', she mentally condemned.

'Who does he think he is huh? Donald Trump? Kim Jong-un? This Mr Hulk won't talk to me or what? I will make him talk. A whole butt conversation!'

"Uhmm... What do you plan on specialising after you complete MBBS?", she asked, hoping for him to answer.

"Neurology.", he answered.

'Blunt. So blunt!'

"Get out."

"Huh? Why?! What happened?", she rambled.

"We reached your school. Now get out! I have a college to go to.", he replied, stopping the car a few metres away from the school entrance to not attract attention.

"Uhmmm......."

'Think Arti think! Make him say something. Thinkkkkkkkkk'

"Uh... Bhai! Won't you say something before I get down? Like take care, study well and all?", she asked.

"Why should I?"

"Because... You see, my previous driver kaka would say something positive and sweet before I go to school and I have a good day at school. Likewise, why don't you say something to me?", he asked, showing off her puppy eyes.

Letting out an agitated sigh he said, "Take care of yourself."

"Okay....... I won't take care of myself!!!"

"Study well!"

"I won't study well.....!", she said, hanging her bag on her shoulders, clearly pressing his wrong buttons as he took a breath to calm himself.

"Don't talk to strangers!"

"I will talk to strangers!", she replied mentally smirking while adjusting her collar.

"And.....get out!"

"I won't get- Aaaaah! Wha-????", before she could even comprehend the car zoomed past her - leaving her frozen on the ground.

'

Did the moron just push me out of the car? Aaaaaaaaaaah', she mentally screamed.

'That educated street beggar! May you go to hell. Satan's third cousin!', she cursed, flipping her ponytail - trudging along the pavement with a scowl on her face.

Well, he sure was an asshole!

~•~•~

"What is this Vikram? Again?", Abhi scolded, running his hands through his hair for the nth time.

"Seriously? Another secretary? This is the 10th time I am running into you while you are fucking someone!", he sighed, placing himself on the black desk chair while Vikram sat with his head hanging low - silently taking in his brother's reprimanding.

"Vikram, I understand you've needs. But..... This isn't the place! This office should be your second home, not a place to go around and making out with random women."

"Sir...?", a small voice came from the closet.

Both their heads snapped towards the direction of the voice only to see the younger's secretary, trying to adjust her dress and the smudged lipstick.

"Aah yes! Ms Sharma....", he started, while adjusting his cufflinks.

"I am not firing you because my brother is partially at fault too. You're transferred to the Head Office. This is your last warning! If something like this happens again, I won't hesitate to fire you!", he warned to which she quickly nodded before scurrying out of the office.

Shaking his head, he turned back to his brother who was still having his head down.

"Vikku...... Look, this time it was me who saw this. What if Pa came? He would be totally-"

"Disappointed! Yeah, I know..! He is nothing but disappointed in me!", he replied, placing his head on his desk.

"Look Vikku, I didn't mean that. I know you're sensiti-"

"No bhai, it's okay! I understand I won't do this hereafter! I am sorry!", he replied, sighing heavily.

".......Okayy... I have a meeting in 10. See you at lunch. Take care Vikram. Oh, and I am replacing your secretary with mine. She is a professional. She won't do these stuff. And don't you dare try something on her okay? She comes under the protection of the Malhotras! Byeee~", he waved, picking up his files from the nearby table - while Vikram still laid his head on his desk.

.

Vikram Malhotra - the youngest and the most dynamic businessman in the history of Indian business and economics. He is known for his brilliant leadership capabilities, ruthless decisions, quick strategies, amazing working atmosphere and what not? Girls swooned over his charms and all men wanted to be like him.

There isn't a risk that he hasn't taken and there isn't a deal that he hasn't cracked. He had everything under his fingertips. He was just 21, yet he achieved things which people were only dreaming off. To the world, he is a man born with a silver spoon in his mouth - the one who inherited the awesome genes and a smart and handsome guy. Yet to his father he was only a disappointment.

Yeah! A disappointment!

His whole life was a disappointment!

'Look at Abhi! Learn some things from him Vikram!'

'Oh, he is Abhi's brother, that's why he intelligent!'

'Vikram is successful because of Abhi!'

'He may be successful, but he has a lot to learn from his brother!'

'Isn't he too young to be the CEO?'

Comparison - was what he faced from his childhood. From his father to his relatives and colleges he had always faced comparison. Being a child who believed that the world was filled with unicorns and cupcakes - he didn't know the harsh reality. That was until his mom died.

For the world he is a cold and harsh businessman, but - he is a little child with tons of insecurities weighing down on his shoulder. He is a single individual, trying to prove to the world that he isn't born with a silver spoon, but he worked hard to achieve it!

His whole life he was compared to his brother - the society didn't leave a single coin in taunting him.

The cons of being born as the second in a wealthy family.

His brother was a prodigy. He was very intelligent. He had brains that one would question off. For his age, he was very mature.

Of course, Vikram was intelligent and had great capabilities, but he was often overlooked. His potential was often underestimated. It started as a small taunt - but in the end, it resulted in engraving a huge scar in his heart and mind.

When he was constantly compared, he pushed himself to prove to his father, to his family, to the world that he is worthy of being called as a Malhotra. He started studying hard just to keep up with his brother. He also graduated high school sooner - like his brother.

Which cost him his childhood.

He wanted to prove that he is worthy of being called as a Malhotra. But no, he was put and constant pressure and scrutiny - to match his brother. He was wounded to a point where he hated his brother - and everything about him!

But little did he know about the things his brother had been struggling through all alone. When he knew - he realised he isn't deserted and he has someone to walk down the dark alley with. But still-

But still..... The little child in him craved for attention!

The attention his mother gave!

The attention he got deprived off!

Until someone entered his home, claiming to be his sister. The one with a toothy grin. The one with wavey hair.

.

.

.

Knock knock...

His head shot up as his eyes widened.

'Shit! Bhai's secretary must be here!'

He immediately adjusted his wrinkled shirt before putting on his coat, adjusting the tie-down. When he was sure that he looked presentable he muttered a small 'come in'.

"Good Morning Sir. I am Kaviya Nair - Mr. Malhotra's secretary.", a smooth, velvety voice spoke making his head snap up for the nth time that day.

Kaviya Nair, 21 year old, BTech graduate. Planning on pursuing MBA after working for the Malhotra Corporation for awhile.

'Oh.... So this is the rumoured beautiful secretary of Bhai!? I see..... Where had he been hiding her for so long?'

"Good morning Kavya! Just call me Vikram! And nice to meet you!", he said, standing up before extending his hand for handshake.

"Nice to meet you too sir.", she replied, returning the handshake "I apologise. But I have my work ethics. It would be professional only if I call you Mr. Malhotra and you can call me Ms Nair."

'Why is she so strict like Bhaiya?'

"Straightforward I see! Good. Its Ms Nair then!", he replied while sitting on his chair.

"So... Ms Nair, when are planning on starting your work?", he asked, motioning her to take a seat as she loosely clutched the maroon file in her palms.

"Actually Sir, I would like to join the office right now if you authorize. Abhi Sir had already relived me from the Malhotra Heaquarters. And here are the files-", she replied while placing them on the table "-that you have to sign and I can start right away!"

"I see that you're excited in starting your work?", he replied with a slight smirk, reach out to take his pen which was silently resting on the stand.

"Well, I believe that time and tide waits for none. And since your previous secretary has been transferred, I assume that there must be a lot of pending works.", she responded to which he gave a slight nod, scribbling his name on the required columns - the ink forming legible curves.

"Okay.... So you're officially hired in my company. Welcome to VTech!"

"Thank you Sir. May we have a good working experience!", she replied with a smile, flaunting her beautiful dimples.

'Woah, her smile is beautiful!'

"I hope so too. Your cabin is next to mine. I will have it arranged in 15mins. Till then you can take a tour around the building Ms Nair!", he said.

"Sure Mr Malhotra. I will. And I have one more thing to inform - I am a professional. Hope we behave like one. Work is my first priority!"

"Sure Ms Nair. I will make sure to not cross that line.", he replied.

'Let's see for how long!'

"Good. I won't cross the line too. And with your permission Sir, I will take your leave!", she replied, standing up from her chair.

.

'She is beautiful though!'

~•~•~

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Author's Section:-

Look who remembered that she has a wattpad account. Sorry for the late update❤.

My beautiful brain thought that revealing my handwriting for hitting 3K would be a great idea.

But hey, I wrote it with such love and care.

And my dear family, Love y'all.

I don't have any words to say😭😭🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧🤧

Hope we hit more numbers

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Updated:- 11/08/2021
Word Count:- 4000 to 4100

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