Listen to me, Rayaan! This isn't how you talk to people," said the man rushing behind him. Rayaan, storming away, suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Oh? And now you'll teach me how to behave, Riaan?" Rayaan turned, voice calm but cutting.

"But that girl was innocent, buddy. It was just a mistake spilled juice. We've all made worse."

"Maybe that works for you, Riaan. But not for Rayaan Oberoi," he snapped. "Mistakes have consequences. People only learn when they're made to."

"Rayaan, this isn't fair. You shouldn't have asked her manager to fire her. Not everyone is rich like you maybe that job was all she had."

"Stop caring too much about people, and start focusing on yourself," Rayaan said, coldly brushing past him and heading toward his BMW, leaving Riaan standing speechless.

In the car, fury bubbled inside him. He could've ended that girl's career in a blink, but he hadn't only because Riaan stepped in. "She ruined my mood," he muttered to himself. "If I ever see her again..." His jaw clenched as he remembered the incident.

Oberio Mansion

"Quick, prepare everything! My son is coming today!" Sulekha Oberoi's joy was infectious as she bustled around the grand mansion, her eyes twinkling.

"Bhabhi, calm down. If Rayaan finds out you were sick, he won't spare anyone," Jaya said, smiling.

"Let him scold me. My Ray is coming after six long months!" Sulekha beamed.

Just then, the doors swung open. Tall, striking, and sharp eyed Rayaan Oberoi stepped in.

"Mom," he said, walking straight into her arms.

"My child... my Ray... I can't believe you're here," Sulekha whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Don't cry, you know I hate tears in your eyes," Rayaan said, wiping them gently.

"If the mother-son drama is done, come hug the rest of us," Jaya teased. He chuckled and hugged her, then greeted his father and uncle.

Suddenly, loud screams echoed.

"BHAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! WE MISSED YOU!"

Vivaan, Vanisha, Arekha, and Aleesha ran towards him and tackled him in a group hug.

"Get off me, you idiots," Rayaan grumbled.

"Nope! Not until you give us gifts!" Vanisha grinned.

"Oh? So that's your love language now?" Rayaan smirked.

"Bhai, please stay this time," Arekha pleaded, the others nodding.

"Bhai, do you have a girlfriend? If not, we'll start searching tomorrow," Vivaan teased.

Rayaan glared.

"Vivaan's right, Rayaan. You should think about settling down," Sulekha added hopefully.

"Yes! We want a fourth member in our girls' gang," Aleesha chimed in.

"STOP. All of you. I don't want to get married. Don't bring this up again," Rayaan said, his voice hard.

"But Ra-" Sulekha started.

"Not now, Mom," he warned and walked away.

Sulekha sighed, "God knows when he'll agree to get married. He acts like he's vowed to stay single forever."

"Then get me married, Mom. I can't handle the loneliness," Vivaan joked, only to earn a death glare.

"Chachi, you can find me a girl," he added cheekily to Jaya, who laughed until his uncle growled, "Mein karawu shaadi?"

"No no, Chachu! I was just joking!" Vivaan ran, everyone laughing behind him.

---

Meanwhile...

Arvi wandered the streets, tears silently streaming down her cheeks. Her boss's harsh words replayed like a broken record in her head. By the time she reached her small rented room, she felt hollow. She dropped her bag and collapsed onto her bed, sobbing into her pillow.

It was 9 PM when she finally stirred, her head pounding and eyes swollen. She dragged herself to the washroom, washed her face, and cooked instant noodles. She took a painkiller and stared out of her window.

"Mom... Dad... your little girl is growing up," she whispered to the stars. "I'm trying. I'm getting stronger. But today... I felt weak. So, so weak."

She wiped her tears. "I won't let this break me." She closed the window, lay down again, and tried to sleep.

It was past 2 AM. Her mind wouldn't stop. Every time she closed her eyes, his face came back. She sighed and checked her phone 18 missed calls from Afreen.

She chose not to call back and instead texted, I am okay afreen, sorry for disturbing you." With that, she turned off her phone and finally drifted off into uneasy sleep.

The Next Morning-Oberio Mansion

Soft morning light filtered through the curtains of Rayaan's room, touching his face gently. He stirred, then sat up, rubbing his eyes.

He got ready quickly and came downstairs. "Good morning," he said in his deep, husky voice.

"Good morning!" everyone chimed back. He took his seat at the head of the table.

"Bhai, you promised to give me your favorite car," Vivaan began.

"I also said you'd get it when you become worthy of it," Rayaan said, his voice like steel.

"I am worthy! I managed so much in your absence!" Vivaan protested.

"He's right," Mukesh chimed in. "Vivaan did well."

Rayaan glanced at his father. "Let him prove himself further." His voice shut down the conversation.

Everyone left one by one.

.

.

.

A knock came at his door.

"Come in."

Advik, his trusted secretary, entered with a stack of files. "These are for the upcoming meetings, sir."

Rayaan nodded, flipping through them. They managed the company well while I was gone, he thought. That's why I'm not yelling... yet.

Advik had done more than even Vivaan his own brother. Rayaan trusted him deeply. He was aware Vivaan worked, but he still had a lot to learn. The world wasn't kind, and Rayaan had learned it the hard way. He had clawed his way up with blood, sweat, and sacrifice.

He opened his laptop briefly and saw a tab open with his name. "Asia's Number One Billionaire Rayaan Oberoi," the headline read. Property worth over ₹100 crore. Another article claimed he was dating actress Lyala.

He chuckled. Dating? Me? Fools. If I wanted, I'd ruin the life of the one who wrote that but nah, let them buzz.

He leaned back, lips curling into a smirk.

Let the world talk. I don't care as long as I win.

Authors Note:

This chapter was about perspectives Rayaan's power, Arvi's pain, and the storm brewing quietly between them. It's just the beginning. If this touched your heart, made you feel even a flicker of something, don't forget to comment and vote. Let's grow this journey together.

With love,

bwkaes_