~♡AUTHOR'S POV ♡~
NEW YORK, PRESENT~
New York’s winter was a frozen masterpiece skyscrapers slicing through a gray sky, snow whispering across icy streets.
Beneath the cold, the city pulsed with stubborn energy, alive despite the chill.
At its heart rose a towering skyscraper, a symbol of human brilliance and ambition.
Inside, however, warmth gave way to tension an office where silence held its breath and every step was measured, for even the smallest mistake could cost everything.
The CEO'S ASSISTANT has announced his impending visit and everyone knew that one misstep and their professional life's doom was sure.
Suddenly a commotion outside signaled the arrival of the CEO.
A convoy of cars pulled up and around thirty to fourty bodyguards all clad in black uniform with their masks emerged to surround their boss.
The CEO KIYANSH SINGH RATHORE remained shrouded in mystery his face obscured by sunglasses and a neck gaiter leaving only a glimpse of his forehead visible.
Despite being a legendary figure only a few had seen him in person.
Those who caught a glimpse of his athletic built towering at 6'6 were left in awe.
As he entered the office the air inside the place changed charged with his authoritative and dominating presence.
The employees frozen their posture rigid and attentive.
The sound of his footsteps was enough to make them hold their collective breath only when his vanished from their view, did the room seemed to exhale collectively as if they have narrowly escaped the grasp of a forced as formidable and lethal as reaper himself.
Noone knew and Noone really wanted to go till it's dept and sign their death.
As he strode into the meeting room his presence announced by the quiet click of his shoes on the polished floor in his tailored suit and his piercing gaze sweeping the space with an unwavering intensity.
With a subtle nod he acknowledged the room's occupant,his eyes lingering on each face as if seizing them up for potential threats or opportunities.
He was a force which was shrouded in an aura of secrecy, he moved unseen his influence felt but never known.
He was usually known as the SILENT DESTRUCTION
His motivation unknown leaving others to wonder about the man behind the legendary empire and behind his neck gaiter.
As the meeting proceeded and Kiyansh sat at the head of conference table his eyes scanning the papers of the deal in front of him.
The other members in the room shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
"We're willing to offer $500million for the acquisition.
I believe it's a fair price, considering the assests and the danger involved".
One of the members from the another company, a middle aged man spoke up "That's a bit steep don't you think? We had other offers in the range of $700 million. Why would we sign a deal with yours?"
Just as he said this the temperature of the meeting room dropped nearly five degrees,others could feel it in their bones.
Kiyansh leaned forward, his face calm almost too calm and his eyes cold and calculating as if eyeing a prey said"Mr.Willson I think you haven't checked the papers properly do have a look"
" And about the value I'm afraid our offer is non- negotiable, take it or leave it but the question is will your company exist anymore to make any further deals?"
Mr.Wilson's confidence waned and he started sweating profusely sensing the edge of threats in Kiyansh's voice already regretting the choice to challenge his offer in his greed inspite of knowing it's generous price would yield him substantial profits for his assests.
As Kiyansh rose to leave the meeting room, Mr. Wilson hastened after him to seal the deal, aware that the failure to act swiftly would result in offers irreversible closure and the doom of his company's future.
After the adjournment of the meeting every other person had different emotion on their face, some looked relieved so some looked terrified and some looked uncertain but Kiyansh seemed unfazed his composure calm and composed
After Kiyansh his assistant Aryash followed close behind.
Aryash wanted to ask something but seeing his boss's cold face he couldn't but after gathering a lot of courage
He asked" Boss would they accept our offer"?
"They will" came Kiyansh's curt reply,while exhaling his cigarette.
When he entered Inside his cabin which was masterpiece in itself with modern luxury, blending sophistication with innovative technology.
The room bathed in natural light,courtesy of floor to ceiling windows that offer panoramic view of the cityscape
The office design sleek and minimalistic in grey and white with polished grey table with built in wireless charging, temperature control ergonomic adjustment, sound system with noise cancellation and sound proofing of entire room.
A holographic display system that projects 3D images and data visualization also when required could display the image of each nook and corner of the whole building
The floor of the CEO was secured with biometric scanner and face recognition technology for secure access
AI powered surveillance system for eliminating potential threats along with a highly professional team of hackers and technology experts supervising the system every day and if required every hour
As his assistant Aryash left his office he couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine.
His boss's calculating gaze and emotionless demour always left him shaken.
Boss is what he called Kiyansh but in his mind he often wondered what lay beneath his mask of control.
He has seen his boss's face and he was in a contract of not revealing it to the outside world no matter the situation else he will have to face the severe consequences.
A specially designed neck gaiter always concealing his face with sharp light brown eyes.
Was there ever a moment when he let his guard down??
He had seen him manipulate clients and competitors with ease , always having a edge in his voice and the darkest and deepest secrets of them who were against him.
It was both impressive and terrifying at the same time.
He sighed shaking his head" Just another day at work" muttering to himself.
Meanwhile in Kiyansh's cabin he sat at his desk planning and strategizing for his next deal when he saw his phone ringing flashing "LITTLE ONE❤️"
☆☆☆☆☆☆▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎☆☆☆☆☆▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎
AUTHOR'S POV
National Law University, Bhopal
First Day of First Year
The corridors hummed with the nervous excitement freshers.
A girl of around 5'4 feet stood quietly in front of the massive bulletin board, scanning the list of sections and roll numbers.
Her name was there - clear and sharp:
"Section B- Kaushiki Jaiswal"
Her fingers, painted in navy blue, hovered over the printout for a second longer than needed.
~♡KAUSHIKI'S POV♡~
I wasn't nervous. Not exactly.
I was used to beginnings because of changing my school after 10th to changing coaching for finding a better one.
But beneath the excitement of starting a new journey a quiet anxiety tugged at me. I didn't knew what waited ahead.
It was my first time in a new city, completely alone, and the uncertainty felt both thrilling and terrifying all at once.
But I know i will try to give my best in every situation no matter what.
I stepped back, adjusting the strap of my tan leather bagpack, and took in the sight of the campus courtyard.
Students buzzed around like anxious bees, groups already forming.
I observed them silently some seem genuinely friendly, but most of them strategically smiling or faking their smile.
I was wearing my favorite a crisp white cotton top, loosely tucked into a pair of high waisted blue jeans, paired with white shoes. And a watch on my left wrist.
White was my thing. And So was blue.
I loved the way they made me feel confident and so freaking sexy.
Don't ask me why... I just love these colours on me the most.
No matter what the occasion is I feel like I can never go wrong with these two colours on me.
yes you can call me OBSESSED over these colours. I accept it too.
I had my jet-black hair pulled into a high ponytail, a few rebellious strands framing my face.
My brows were slightly furrowed a habit I’d never managed to lose and my lashes brushed against my cheeks.
My eyes, dark as onyx nothing extraordinary about them, really.
Just the usual, common shade you see everywhere.
But still, I’m kind of obsessed with them. By now, you’ve probably guessed it that I’m a self-obsessed women with the occasional insecure glitch in my system.
So hold on and enjoy the chaos.
A small rudraksha bracelet peeked from beneath my sleeve.
This is something I gifted myself after earning some money from home tuitions.
Bholenath and Bhagwati.They were my forever strength and support.
My phone vibrated.
Mummy❤️
Of course she might be worried sick since i hadn’t called her from past few days.
But i was a bit busy also isn’t it strange when I was there she didn’t called or cared often if I was out or something.
But now that I am away she is suddenly so concerned.
No my maa isn’t evil if you are thinking that infact she is the best mother anyone could ask for but she is emotionally reserved. Iykyk.
"Kaushiki, beta tumne do din se call nhi kiya, kaisi ho? Aaj first day tha na kaisa rha. Free hoke call krna."
(Daughter,you haven't called since three days, how are you? Today was your first day right,how did it go. Call me when you are free)
No matter how many grudges I hold.
I couldn't help the quiet small smile at her care and concern.
Isn’t it strange parents are the only people we fight a lot with still can't really stay away from or leave ever forever. The bond is just something else entirely.
I typed back a quick reply.
"Haan maa free hoke call krti huin. Preshan mat hoiye. Love you"
(Yes mom, will call when free. Don’t worry)
I put my phone away just as a shrill laugh erupted behind me.
"Move na, you're blocking the whole board!"A girl said playfully to her friend, not-so-subtly bumping my shoulder as she passed.
I took a deap breath to stop the reply i had at the tip of my tongue.
Afterall I didn’t want to ruin my mood at the first day of my college.
I entered my lecture hall which was Section B.
The room was spacious, the walls painted in a dull beige that seemed allergic to personality like we were again going to schools just this time with cellphones allowed.
I slipped into the third row towards the left side with window by it's side which was the perfect seat anyone could ask for.
Since if your professor is boring you to death you can simply watch outside and day dream.
A group of three girls entered, loud and glittery Gucci belts, manicured nails, loud perfume.
As if they weren't here to study but to audition for some fashion show like why did I get a bitchy vibe from them the mandatory bicthy group of girls which is a must have in every college.
One of them pointed at me not-so-subtly and whispered loudly enough for the whole room to hear,
“Ye toh wahi topper hai na? Madam topper first bench pe kyun nahi baithin hain?”
(Isn’t she the topper? Why is topper madam not sitting on the first bench)
The trio burst into giggles, as if they’d cracked the funniest joke in the world.
I just rolled my eyes and continued taking out my notebooks from my bag.
I had long mastered the art of ignoring noise why waste energy on petty people when you can simply ignore them.
But until and unless they plan to test my patience and get on my nerves.
Then They are responsible for the aftermath.
But then came the second jab.
Like women slow down if this continued she will definitely tear apart my ear curtains.
“Lagta hai cheating se hi topper bani thi. Isliye ab dar lag raha hoga.”
(Maybe she topped by cheating that's why now she is afraid)
That did it.
Congratulations they really got on your nerves in their first meeting my subconscious uttered disappointed.
Yeah, what a great start of college i replied mentally rolling my eyes because who knew me better than her.
My patience snapped.
Not because they mocked me, but because they dared to question the blood, sweat, and lonely nights behind my success.
I raised my head slowly, eyes locking on them, voice cool but razor-edged.
“Maine toh cheating nahi ki thi yeh pura consortium janta hai. Lekin tum log apna batao… kaunsa source ya kitne paise deke admission liya hai yahan par?”
(I didn't cheat that whole constarium knows. But what about you all through which source or by paying how money did you get admission here)
The sarcasm dripped off my tongue like venom masked as honey.
One of the girls gasped the one who started it all, color rushing to her face.
“Tumhari himmat kaise hui yeh bolne ki? Humne rishwat deke admission liya hai?” she sputtered.
(How dare you to say we got admission by bribing?)
I simply tilted my head, my expression as if I was genuinely pondering a riddle.
“Muh se bolne ki himmat hui. Aur kisi tarah se bhi bolte hn kya?”
(From mouth, is there any other way to speak)
The class erupted in laughter, desks thumping as students tried to hide their grins.
The trio’s faces flushed deeper, anger simmering.
“Don’t you dare insult us! Janti bhi ho mere parents kaun hain?” another one shot back, her voice trembling more from insecurity than rage.
(Do you even know who our parents are?)
My smile widened, sugar-sweet and deadly.
“Nahi. Aur jaan na bhi nahi hai.”
(No, and i don't want to know as well)
The class howled. Someone muttered, “Savage,” under their breath.
Though i didn’t turn to look at who really said that.
The third girl, who had been silent till now, finally found her voice.
Like wow she knows how to speak i thought she was mute till now.
“Tujhe toh hum bad me dekh lenge,” she snapped, tugging her friends towards a row away from me.
Seriously she is clearly running away from me and the argument and she has the audacity to threaten me.
Someone really said right RASSI JAL GYI LEKIN AKAD NHI GYI
I leaned back in my chair, one eyebrow arching in mock innocence.
“Abhi dekh lo. Abhi aankhein kam nahi kar rahi hain ky?”
(Why not now, aren’t your eyes working properly)
That was it.
The classroom broke into snickers and laughter again.
The three walked away, faces burning with humiliation, while I calmly bent my head over my books as if nothing had happened because nothing really happened.
The lecture began. The professor a senior advocate turned academic had a voice that cracked like gavel.
The whole class quieted instantly.
I listened intently, scribbling notes in tiny, beautiful cursive.
Occasionally, my lips moved slightly as if murmuring to myself.
That was my habit thinking aloud when concentrating while caused a lot of trouble during examinations.
Imagine you are murmuring and someone hears you and copies your answers during examination or considers you crazy and looks at you as if you are witch doing spell on someone.
Someone new entered the classroom ten minutes late.
A girl with striking sharp hazel brown eyes, wearing black cargo pants and a maroon T-shirt tucked effortlessly.
A leather watch, no-nonsense ponytail, bold black eyeliner.
Confident steps without a hint of apology in her stance.
The girl scanned the room and took the seat next to me.
Our eyes met briefly. Their was a pause.
"Hi" the girl said coolly, tossing her bag beside the desk. "Hope this isn't your 'reserved seat' or ' whatever."
I simply shook my head. "Not really"
The girl nodded. "Good. I'm Taraksha."
"Kaushiki"
Their wasn’t any warmth, but their wasn’t any rudeness also.
Just casual introduction on first day of our college.
Professor continued. "Now, the first thing you need to understand about law is enterpretation. There is no one truth - there are positions, arguments, perspectives."
Taraksha leaned back and whispered to me mid-lecture, "So basically, everyone's a professional liar in disguise."
I replied slowly but firmly without turning, "No. Just skilled at seeing both light and shadow."
She arched a brow a saw with my side eye.
Then everyone was asked to introduce themselves one by one.
Then came Professor’s voice.
"Next..Kaushiki Jaiswal."
~♡AUTHOR'S POV♡~
Kaushiki stood, sliding her phone into her jeans pocket.
Her voice was steady, calm.
"Kaushiki Jaiswal. From Varanasi
First Year Law student and Law was my second choice"
"Interesting answer. Why second choice?"
Kaushiki just smilled.
"Because sometimes failure shows you your actual path.And i wanted to change and explore this field"
The class buzzed with curiosity.
Someone at the back clapped once sarcastically.
Then came Taraksha's voice from beside her.
"So poetic. Hope your answers on the exam sheet are as dramatic."
Kaushiki didn't even turn towards her.
"Don't worry. They'be more accurate than poetic."
It was Break time
Outside the lecture Hall.
Kaushiki stood near the water cooler, Sipping slowly.
A group of students nearby were loudly introducing themselves, exchanging Instagram handles.
A girl in green tee shirt turned to Kaushiki.
"Hey! Today the way you handled the girls was amazing?"
She blinked. "Thanks."
"Your welcome! Also i heard you cracked CLAT with a really good rank, YOU mustve studied like crazy, yaar."
"did what had to," she said, noncommittal.
She nodded, grinning. "Well, topper-type friends are always useful."
Kaushiki's eyes darkened slightly. She gave a polite smile and turned away.
Around 4'0 clock lectures were over.
While exiting the gates of her lecture hall she saw a Temple in courtyard of college.
She walked toward the small temple tucked into a quiet corner of the campus.
It was nothing grand -just a white stone mandir with shivling under a Peepal tree.
She took off her shoes, tied her hair up, and sat on the stone on the mandir's floor near shivling.
The soft rustle of leaves, the chant of aarti in the distance, the scent of incense.
She closed her eyes. In that sacred quiet, everything else faded.
"Baba" she murmured.
"Shakti dijiye taki mein Himmat ke sath chalti rahuin or hmesha mujhse sahi rasta dikhaiye mere margdarshan kijiye baba"
(Give me strength to keep going with courage and show me the right path)
The bell chimed. Somewhere within, something calmed.
.
.
.
.
Later That Nigh in her hostel Room
Kaushiki's side of the room was already neatly arranged books stacked, small brass diya by the window, yellow fairy lights hung softly.
Her roommate hadn't arrived yet. Or maybe nobody was alloted this room to share with her.
She took out her phone and called home.
"Mahadev ,Maa. Kaisi hn?"
(How are you?)
"Mahadev" her mother's voice was warm with relief. "Kaisa raha pehla din or ham thik hn?"
(How was your first day and i am fine)
Kaushiki exhaled. " Thik tha maa."
(It was fine maa)
"Thik se kya matlab hai or ye btao koi dost bne?" She asked with enthusiasm
(What do you mean by fine and did you make any friends)
Kaushiki smiled, lying on the bed.
" Nhi maa. Itni jaldi kahan,time lagta hai ache dost milne mein"
(No Maa. It takes time to find and make good friends)
"Hmm, ye toh hai but chinta mat karo sab achha hoga. Or apna dhyan rkhna."
(Hmm you are right, but don't worry everything will be fine. And take care of your self)
"Haan, Maa, chinta mat kariye."
(Yes Maa, don't worry)
"Chlo ham phone rkhte hn. Tum bhi so jana time se thak gyi hogi na aaj."
(Ok then i am disconnecting the call. You also sleep on time, you must be tired today)
"Han.thik h mahadev. Goodnight"
Then she moved towards the window to look at the moon and she started murmuring slowly as if talking to moon.
She has a habit of talking to moon or herself it helped her in clarifying her thoughts and sometimes when something felt too overwhelming she wrote it somewhere.
To be continued...
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Anything you thought could have been better? And what??
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THANKS FOR READING 📚
Your author ♡Kaushi♡
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