Amaya was sitting in her room, talking with her grandmother, when she heard her aunt's voice. She came outside and asked, "What happened, Aunt?"

Her aunt asked her to sit. Amaya sat down, and her aunt said, "As you already know, I've fixed your marriage. Those people are really good. You'll get engaged to the man on Monday and be married to him within a few days. So, get ready. They don't want you to work any jobs because they are already so rich. And we don't have to," her aunt said excitedly, "we don't have to spend a penny on your marriage. Your in-laws are so rich that they are going to arrange everything. They just need a daughter-in-law. So, do you get that?"

Amaya said, "But Aunt, I don't want to get married right now."

Her aunt retorted, "You don't need to tell me. I will do whatever is decided. And they are very rich, you know."

Amaya understood that her aunt was marrying her off for her own profit. She said, "But Aunt, that man is almost twice my age. How can I marry him?"

Her aunt snapped, "So, what do you think, " koi rajkumar aayega tumare liye"? Don't get your expectations high. You are getting married. Just be happy with this."

Aarohi stood up and said, "But I don't want to get married to anyone right now." She tried to walk away.

Her aunt stood up, grabbed her hair, and said, "I said, you are getting married. If you say no, I will make your life hell, and not just yours, especially your grandmother's. You know what I can do."

After hearing this, Amaya felt sad because she knew how her aunt treated her and her grandmother, especially after her uncle died. She knew her aunt could do anything to make their lives miserable.

So, she just nodded and asked her aunt to let go of her hair as it was hurting her.

As she was leaving, her aunt said, "Oh, "Maharani", where are you going? Just go to the kitchen and prepare some food. We are hungry."

After preparing food, Amaya spent the entire day feeling tense, worrying about what was going to happen next, and lamenting why her life was so miserable. She didn't tell her grandmother anything, not wanting to upset her. The next day, Amaya woke up, got ready, prepared breakfast for everyone, and was about to leave when her aunt stopped her.

"Where are you going? Didn't I already tell you that you're not allowed to go to work anymore? Your future in-laws have already given me money for your use. So, just stay at home and do household work."

Amaya pleaded, "At least let me do my job until the marriage."

Her aunt, thinking it would be fine if she worked until the marriage and that she could get extra money from Amaya's salary, relented and let her go.

When she left, Amaya looked around as if searching for someone, but she didn't find anyone. She boarded the bus. As always, the front seat was empty, reserved for her thanks to an arrangement Viranshu had made with the bus driver. The conductor didn't take bus fare from her, and she spent the entire journey looking out the window, hoping to see Viranshu, but he was nowhere to be found.

She reached the college and, while working, thought, *Did he really leave? After that night when I asked him to stay away, did he really get it?* Then she thought, *It's fine, because I don't need any more problems in my life. It's better if he left me alone, whatever his name is.*

But she also felt a pang of sadness. In the past few days, she had grown accustomed to having someone around she could depend on. She behaved strong when Veeranshu was around because she knew he was there to help her, like he always did whenever she was in trouble.

Throughout the whole day, she didn't see Veeranshu anywhere. Even at the bar, she tried to look for him, but he was nowhere to be found.

✨️

Veeranshu woke up in the morning, went to the dining hall, and sat down to have breakfast with Sameer and Vikrant. As they ate, Vikrant said, "Are you ready? We have to leave today."

Veeranshu nodded, and Sameer, feeling left out, asked, "Bhai, where are you both going again, leaving me behind?"

Vikrant replied, "We just have to go for work. We have an important meeting. It will take us almost a week to come back."

Sameer, hopeful, asked, "Can I come with you, Bhai?"

Vikrant shook his head. "No, you are not allowed. You're new in this field, so ALAN doesn't trust new people."

Confused, Sameer asked, "Who is this ALAN, Bhai?"

Vikrant explained, "He is the boss of everyone in this field."

Veeranshu, not paying much attention to their conversation, was lost in thoughts about Amaya. Sameer noticed and asked, "Bhai, what are you thinking?"

Veeranshu admitted, "I was thinking about Amaya. I won't be able to see her for the whole week."

Sameer teased, "Bhai, aap to pire romeo bante ja rhe ho."

Vikrant and Sameer both laughed.

They were about to leave when Sameer asked, "Do you need a picture of her?"

Veeranshu turned towards Sameer excitedly, "You have it?"

Sameer grinned, "Of course I have it. I took it when you asked me to get details about her."

Veeranshu said, "Give it to me."

Sameer replied, "It's on my phone."

Veeranshu, serious, ordered, "Send all of them to me and delete them from your phone."

Sameer smiled, "Okay, Bhai, I will send them."

With that, Vikrant and Viranshu both left, leaving Sameer to send the pictures as instructed.

✨️

Veranshu and Vikrant arrived at their destination, a formidable four-story building heavily guarded. As they approached the gate, a guard made a call before allowing them entry. They stepped inside, Vikrant marveling at the impressive structure, what a great house is this?" he remarked.

Veeranshu, familiar with the place, responded, "Yes, of course, it is."

They entered the house and waited for Alan to arrive. Veeranshu casually sat on the sofa, while Vikrant, more tense about the meeting, remained serious. This was his first time meeting Alan face-to-face, although he had spoken to him on calls and exchanged messages before. Veeranshu, on the other hand, knew Alan well.

After a while, a man entered and informed them, "Alan is about to come." Shortly thereafter, another man walked in, took a seat opposite Vikrant and Viranshu, and greeted them. "How are you both? How are you doing?"

Vikrant replied, "I'm fine. How are you, boss?"

Veeranshu added, "Meeting after a long time, boss."

The man, Alan, smiled and said, "So, as you already know, I've called both of you because it's urgent."

Veeranshu and Vikrant nodded, ready to listen.

Alan continued, "There's a significant issue we need to address immediately. Our operations have been running smoothly, but there are new threats emerging. We need to strategize and act quickly."

Vikrant, eager to prove himself, asked, "What do you need us to do, boss?"

Alan leaned forward, his expression serious. "We need to secure our position and eliminate any threats. This means taking control of key areas and ensuring our allies are firmly on our side. I'll need both of you to handle different aspects of this operation."

Veeranshu, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded. "We're ready, boss. Just tell us what needs to be done."

Veeranshu asked, "Who is the main person causing the threats to us?"

Alan leaned back, a serious expression on his face. "You already know him, Veeranshu."

Veeranshu's eyes narrowed as he searched his memory. "Who is he?"

Alan replied, "MAX."

Veeranshu's jaw tightened as he nodded. "I'll take care of it. Don't worry, boss."

Alan smiled slightly, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "I trust you, Veeranshu. That's why you're my favorite."

Veeranshu nodded, feeling a sense of resolve. He had a mission now, and he was determined to handle it swiftly and efficiently. With a quick glance at Vikrant, who seemed equally determined, he stood up, ready to take action.

As they left the meeting, Vikrant asked, "What's the plan?"

Veeranshu's mind was already racing with ideas. "First, we need to gather intel on MAX' current operations. We'll need to strike fast and hard, ensuring he doesn't see us coming."

Vikrant nodded, ready to follow Veeranshu's lead. "I'll start coordinating with our contacts. We'll need all the information we can get."

With a plan forming, they both got into their car and drove back to their hotel , where they have to stay for a week.

The next few days would be crucial, and Veeranshu was determined to prove to Alan that he was worthy of the trust placed in him. As they reached their destination, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was more than just a job; it was about protecting everything he held dear.

✨️

Meanwhile, Amaya was at her job, constantly looking over her shoulder, half-expecting to see the man , she dont know the name,yet.

Her mind was preoccupied with the thought of his absence. She had grown accustomed to his presence, as unsettling as it was. The strange combination of relief and disappointment was confusing.

By the time she finished her shift at the bar, the absence of Veeranshu's watchful eyes was more pronounced. She walked home, lost in her thoughts, and reached her house without incident. She couldn't help but wonder if he had really given up or if something else was keeping him away.

That night, as she lay in bed, she found herself missing the odd sense of security that came with Viranshu's relentless presence. She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought, reminding herself that she was supposed to be glad he was gone. But her heart was conflicted, and sleep did not come easily.

✨️

It was the day of Amaya's engagement. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the beautiful gown sent by her soon-to-be in-laws. The gown was elegant, detailed with delicate embroidery and shimmering beads. All the clothes for her aunt, cousin, and grandmother had also been provided, along with an array of lavish gifts. They were all ready, wearing their new attire, and preparing to leave for the engagement venue.

Her grandmother, shocked and worried about this sudden engagement, was reassured by Amaya, who put on a brave face and insisted that she was happy with the marriage. They all got into the car and headed to the garden where the engagement ceremony was to be held.

On the way, Amaya's young cousin, Meera, complained, "Mummy, why isn't my gown as beautiful as Amaya's?"

Her aunt, eyes gleaming with greed, replied, "Don't worry, beta. I'll buy you an even more beautiful one with the money her in-laws are giving me after the marriage."

Amaya overheard this but remained silent, knowing any protest would be futile. She stared out of the car window, her mind racing with a mix of dread and resignation.

Upon reaching the garden, they were greeted by a bustling crowd. The venue was lavishly decorated, filled with people who were all there to celebrate a union that felt more like a transaction to Amaya. She was led to the stage where her fiancé, a man twice her age, awaited her. He smiled at her as she sat down beside him.

"I'm Rajesh," he introduced himself, his smile not quite reaching his eyes.

Amaya looked at him, forcing a polite smile. "I'm Amaya."

"I know," he replied simply.

The engagement ceremony proceeded, and the moment of the ring exchange arrived. Rajesh slid a ring onto Amaya's finger, his touch firm and impersonal. With a deep breath, Amaya collected all her strength and patience to reciprocate, placing the ring on his finger. The crowd erupted in applause, congratulating the new couple and showering them with gifts.

Her aunt approached her with a broad, insincere smile. "Congratulations, Amaya. You're going to be very happy but less then me.," she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness.

Amaya managed a weak smile, knowing her aunt's words were empty. She sat on the stage next to Rajesh, feeling more like an ornament than a bride-to-be.

Little did she know, far away, Veeranshu was battling his own turmoil, unaware of the drastic turn Amaya's life was taking. Both were caught in a web of obligations and dangers, their paths seemingly divergent but destined to intertwine again.

✨️

Veeranshu had no idea about the tumultuous events unfolding in Amaya's life. His focus was solely on the mission involving Max, the man who had once been a close ally but had now become a formidable enemy. Vikrant's curiosity got the better of him.

"Who is this Max, Veeranshu?" Vikrant asked as they settled into their room.

Veeranshu sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Max used to work with us five years ago. We were good friends, starting out in this field together under Alan's guidance. Alan trusted both of us and taught us everything we know. Back then, Alan was still based in India."
But Max start doing illegal works.

"But we all do illegal work," Vikrant interjected.

"True," Veranshu replied, nodding. "But Max took it to another level. He got involved in human trafficking, which we never touched, and started dealing heavily in drugs , which killed so many students.. His greed knew no bounds. He even tried to kill Alan to take his place, working with Alan's enemies to orchestrate a coup."

Vikrant's eyes widened. "And Alan found out?"

"Yes," Viranshu confirmed. "Alan was quick to realize Max's betrayal and intended to eliminate him. But Max managed to escape before Alan could act. Now, he's resurfaced, working with our enemies and causing all these threats."

"So what does he want now?" Vikrant asked.

"Revenge," Veeranshu said grimly. "And power. He wants the territory under our control, and more importantly, he wants Alan's position and influence in this field."

Vikrant nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "How do we stop him?"

"We gather intelligence, assess his movements, and strike strategically," Veeranshu said, his tone resolute. "We can't let Max dismantle what Alan has built."

As they planned their next moves.

As the night settled in, Veeranshu lay on his bed in the hotel room. He glanced over at Vikrant, whose eyes were closed, already in the depths of sleep. Quietly, Veeranshu pulled out his phone and saw the messages from Sameer. His heart skipped a beat as he opened them, finding six pictures of Amaya.

He meticulously looked at each picture, his fingers gently zooming in on her face. Her serene expression, her captivating eyes, and the slight curve of her lips captivated him. He touched the screen, his fingers tracing the contours of her face, as if she were standing right in front of him.

"I'll be there with you soon, just wait for me. I won't take longer," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Hello guys... hope u are fine.

So this was the chapter

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