I had no interest in college fests, noise, or meaningless social gatherings. But when Rhea, my little sister, stormed into my study with that familiar stubborn look in her eyes and said, "Bhai, this is my last college fest… you’re coming, no excuses!", I knew I was in trouble.
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. But she wasn’t done.
"Please… for me? Everyone’s family is attending, and I want you there. Just once."
There was something in her voice — soft, emotional. She wasn’t just demanding; she was asking. And I’ve never really been able to say no to her when she asks like that.
So, I gave in.
One nod from me, and suddenly the whole Rathore mansion turned festive. Ma selected my suit. Rhea personally ensured I looked “less like a mafia king” and “more like a decent brother”. Even Dad agreed to come, which was a rare sight.
That’s how I found myself at Rathore Institute of Excellence — yes, the college our empire owns — sitting in the middle of a loud, overly colorful crowd that I had absolutely no interest in.
I was in the VIP section, surrounded by people I didn't care about, until I caught a moment of conversation between Rhea and Veer. She was laughing softly, nudging him and saying something about two girls — Saanvi and Ruhi .
My ears caught the name Ruhi, but I didn’t react. Not until Rhea pointed toward the stage.
And started to talk about her and her friend saanvi like both of them are opposite but are bestfriends.
My eyes shifted lazily in that direction — and then paused.
She was standing there —quietly, almost trying to disappear into the background. Head down, fingers tangled in her dupatta. Her nervous energy didn’t blend with the festivity — it stood out. Soft. Silent. Out of place.
And for some reason, I couldn’t look away.
"Focus, Abhimaan. You’re here for Rhea," I reminded myself. "You don’t have time for strangers — especially not a girl who looks like she belongs to a world you destroyed long ago."
But my eyes, and something deeper, refused to listen.
Her name was Ruhi. And unknowingly… I had just remembered it.
After all the performance and all they went from there
The next morning
At 6 a.m., Abhimaan woke up, freshened up, and went to the gym inside his mansion. After completing his workout, he came downstairs for breakfast. Meanwhile, before he arrived, his family was already sitting together, talking about him.
His grandmother let out a sigh.
Rukmini: “He has everything — a good life, respect, and stability. But still, he is not married. I want to see him settled soon.”
His mother’s face showed even more concern.
Meenakshi: “Maa, the problem is different. Because of his mafia work, he has become so emotionless. He has built a wall around his heart and doesn’t let anyone in. That is why he never thinks about marriage.”
Her words made the room fall silent. The grandmother lowered her head, looking even more worried. His siblings, who were quietly listening, now began to share the same concern.
Rukmini (softly): “I just want to see him happy, not always carrying this burden.”
The whole family, sensing the tension in the mother and grandmother’s words, also became worried, the mood in the house was heavy — everyone’s thoughts centered on his future and the fear that his work and emotional walls might keep him alone forever.
Grandmother (worried): “He has everything, but he is still not married. I want to see him settled soon.”
Mother (sighs): “Maa, the problem is his work. Because of this mafia life, he has become so emotionless. He has built a wall around his heart. He doesn’t let anyone in, and that is why he never thinks about marriage.”
Father (calm but serious): “It’s not like that, but it is difficult to find a girl for him. No good girl will agree to marry into a mafia family. A girl will only marry him for his money, land, or property. But that’s not what we want.”
Mother (softly): “Yes, you’re right. I don’t want a girl who only cares about wealth. I want a girl who will truly take care of him and love him.”
Veer (his younger brother, pleading): “Yes, Ma. Please don’t let Bhaiya marry just any girl who is after money. Last time too, remember? That girl was only acting pretty and innocent, but she was secretly favoring another man. Bhaiya deserves someone better.”
Rhea (nodding, tense): “Yes, Bhaiya is right. We must be careful. We don’t want someone fake in his life.”
After this, the whole room fell silent. Everyone looked tense and worried. They all wanted Abhimaan to be happy, but the fear of him ending up with the wrong person made their hearts heavy.
While they were talking about his marriage & upcoming future then Abhimaan came downstairs. While sitting on his chair he sensed the tension between his family members.
Abhimaan – what happened?
Abhimaan – what happened to all of you… why are you so tensed?
Rhea – Nothing bhaiya… we were not talking about your mar…
Veer suddenly started to speak cutting Rhea in middle about business
Veer – Nothing bhai, we were just randomly talking… bhai today I have completed the file that you have given me & mailed it to you. Please check it when you will reach office.
Glancing Rhea.
Rhea softly gave the nervous laugh and continues to have her breakfast.
Abhimaan sensed that his family must be hiding something but he didn’t speak anything and continued his breakfast.
His mother and grandmother looked at each other silently.
His mother’s eyes were filled with worry… she sighed and whispered slowly to dadi,
Mother – "Because of his mafia work, he became this emotionless… he has built a wall around his heart. How will we ever talk to him about marriage?"
Grandmother – "I know… but we can’t hide this forever. He is growing older. If we don’t convince him now, he will be alone all his life."
Veer and Rhea lowered their eyes, the whole atmosphere turned heavy again.
Abhimaan noticed their tension but acted as if he didn’t. Inside, he was thinking, “They are hiding something again… but I will find out myself.”
His mother after clearing her throat tried to start with little nervousness.
Mother – "Abhimaan beta… we were just talking about you… you are not a kid anymore… now you have to think about your future."
Abhimaan (cleaning his teeth) – "Ma, please… I don’t want any discussion about marriage. And also, I don’t have any intention for getting married."
Grandmother – "Look beta, you have to marry some day! I don’t want to manipulate you but try to understand. I am already old, my last wish is to see you settled."
Abhimaan cut her in middle and said – "Dadi, please… I have already told you, I can’t give her any false hope."
Then saying this he got up from chair and went towards the gate.
Abhimaan – "I will be late today."
Veer – "Ji bhai."
Abhimaan leaves.
As soon as he left, silence filled the whole room. Everyone’s eyes became moist.
Mother – "He has locked his heart… because of this mafia work he has turned into stone. I fear one day he will lose himself completely."
Grandmother wiped her tears – "He doesn’t understand how much this life is eating him from inside. We are all so worried for him."
Abhimaan walked out of the house, the heavy wooden door shutting behind him. His footsteps echoed on the empty path. He stopped near his car, clenching his teeth in frustration.
Abhimaan’s thoughts (to himself) – “Why don’t they understand…? Marriage, love, family… these things are not for me. In this mafia life, people like me don’t get happy endings. If I let someone enter my heart, I’ll only put them in danger.”
He lit a cigarette, staring blankly at the road ahead. His eyes were cold, but deep inside a storm was brewing. He wanted to scream, but instead, he swallowed the pain and sat inside the car.
Meanwhile inside the house…
Mother – (with tears in her eyes) "He hides his pain behind silence… but as a mother, I can feel how broken he really is."
Grandmother – "I am scared, bahu… this path he has chosen will snatch everything from him. We can’t even bring him back now."
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