Rajveer Rathore is a man of order, discipline, and absolute control. He rules his empire with an iron fist, both in the boardroom and in the shadows.

His mornings are precise—workouts before sunrise, an hour of strategy calls while his staff prepares for the day, and then an overview of the empire he has built. His businesses range from luxury hotels to high-stakes investments, but it’s the underbelly of his operations that makes him truly powerful.

Deals whispered in the dark, alliances formed over blood and loyalty, secrets traded like currency. He owns people—politicians, businessmen, enforcers. And he owns their fear.

As he steps into his office in the towering Rathore Enterprises building, Mihir, his assistant, is already waiting.

“We’re still waiting for Aegis CyberTech’s response,” Mihir informs him cautiously, knowing Rajveer’s patience is wearing thin.

Rajveer’s jaw tightens. “It’s been months since I asked you to follow up.”

Mihir nods, swallowing. “Yes, sir. I contacted them again, but there was no response. I believe their CEO, Siya Rajgor, has been occupied with government contracts.”

Rajveer leans back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the mahogany desk. “Occupied?” His voice is calm, but the air shifts with underlying danger. “Tell me, Mihir, do I look like a man who waits?”

Mihir lowers his head. “No, sir.”

Rajveer exhales sharply, his temper simmering beneath his composed exterior. Siya Rajgor. The name has lingered in his mind longer than he cares to admit. A woman bold enough to ignore his request, either out of arrogance or oversight. Neither pleases him.

“I’ll handle it directly,” he states, dismissing Mihir with a flick of his wrist.

That night, Rajveer sits in his private lounge, a glass of whiskey in his hand, the city lights stretching before him. He finally dials the number Mihir provided.

Siya answers on the third ring. “Siya Rajgor.”

Rajveer smirks at the sharp efficiency in her voice. “You have an interesting way of dodging people, Miss Rajgor.” he drawls, his voice smooth but laced with an unspoken command.

A brief silence. “Mr. Rathore,” she acknowledges. No nervousness, no hesitation. Interesting.

After a tense, intimately charged conversation that had left little room for doubt—Siya Rajgor was a woman who thrived on control. And she thought she had the upper hand.

She had hung up on him.

The call ended with a sharp beep, the silence in Rajveer’s office stretching thick and charged. His grip tightened around his phone, his thumb hovering over the screen as if debating whether to call her back.

“I don’t entertain men who play games, Mr. Rathore. If you have a proposal, email it. If not, lose my number.”

Her voice, cool and clipped, played on repeat in his mind. The audacity. The fire. It was intoxicating.

A slow smirk tugged at his lips.

She thought she could shut him out with a simple phone call? That she could dismiss him like one of her business deals gone cold?

He wasn’t a man used to hearing ‘no.’ He wasn’t a man who chased.

And yet… His amusement quickly shifts into something sharper. Siya Rajgor has just made herself an exception in his world, and Rajveer does not ignore exceptions.

No one hangs up on Rajveer Rathore.

The next morning, Mihir enters his office with cautious steps. “Sir, we’ve received confirmation. Aegis CyberTech has scheduled a meeting with you.”

Rajveer exhales, his smirk returning. “hmm.”

Rajveer leans back in his chair, fingers tapping against the polished wood. Interesting. So she’s finally playing ball.

“Good,” he murmurs. “Let’s see if Ms. Rajgor is as fearless in person as she is over the phone.”

At Aegis CyberTech

The next weekend’s crisp Friday morning unfolds with an air of anticipation. Siya strides into Aegis CyberTech’s glass-walled conference room, her posture exuding control. Her assistant, Neha, places the final documents on the table just as the heavy double doors swing open.

Rajveer Rathore walks in.

The air shifts instantly.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he commands attention effortlessly. His presence is overwhelming—tall, broad-shouldered, and carrying an aura of silent authority that makes the room feel smaller. His dark eyes sweep over the space with razor-sharp focus before landing on Siya.

She forces herself to stay rooted. She’s used to dealing with powerful men. But Rajveer? He’s something else.

He stops in front of her, exuding effortless dominance, his eyes dark, assessing. “Ms. Rajgor.”

She meets his gaze without hesitation. “Mr. Rathore.”

A slow, knowing smirk tugs at his lips. “I was beginning to think you didn’t exist.”

Siya tilts her head slightly, unbothered. “And I was beginning to think you didn’t understand the concept of patience.”

A chuckle. Low, rich, dangerous. “Patience is for men who don’t get what they want. I always do.”

Siya exhales through her nose, suppressing her irritation. “Let’s get to business, shall we?”

Rajveer takes a seat, fingers steepled as he watches her. Siya begins the presentation, detailing the cybersecurity enhancements Aegis CyberTech offers. Her voice is calm, unwavering, her confidence unshakable. But throughout the meeting, she can feel his gaze on her—studying, assessing, waiting for her to slip up.

She doesn’t.

Not even once.

His intrigue grows with every word she speaks. Her intelligence is razor-sharp, her arguments airtight. She’s not just a CEO sitting across from him; she’s a woman who commands her space with absolute authority.

Halfway through, Rajveer leans back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “You don’t intimidate easily, do you?”

Siya meets his gaze head-on. “Should I?”

His chuckle is deep, almost appreciative. “Most people do.”

“I’m not most people.”

“No,” he murmurs, watching her like she’s a puzzle he suddenly wants to solve. “You’re not.”

By the end of the meeting, the deal is on the table.

Rajveer closes the folder in front of him and leans forward, the intensity of his gaze sharp enough to cut. “You’re sharp, Ms. Rajgor.”

She doesn’t blink. “I have to be.”

His smirk widens just slightly, the kind that feels more like a warning than admiration. “I like that.”

Siya stands, adjusting the cuffs of her blazer. “We’ll have our legal team finalize the paperwork. My assistant will be in touch.”

Rajveer stands as well, stepping closer than necessary. Siya holds her ground.

His voice drops, just enough to make the moment feel heavier. “I look forward to working with you.”

Siya holds his gaze, unwilling to waver. “Strictly professional, Mr. Rathore.”

Something flickers in his eyes—something dangerous, intrigued. He enjoys the challenge.

“Of course.”

He turns and walks out, his movements controlled, deliberate. Siya releases the breath she didn’t realize she was holding, her mind racing.

Rajveer Rathore is a problem.

And problems like him don’t disappear easily.

Rathore Mansion

Rajveer steps into his sprawling Mumbai mansion, the weight of the day pressing against his shoulders. The moment he enters, the subtle scent of sandalwood and jasmine fills his senses—a scent that always reminds him of home. His mother, Vanita Rathore, has an affinity for tradition, even in a household ruled by power, wealth, and shadows.

As he strides into the grand living area, he hears familiar laughter. His younger brother, Reyansh, reclines on the plush couch, a lazy smirk curling his lips.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence,” Rey drawls, taking a sip of his Americano coffee. “How was the big, bad business meeting, bhai? Scaring off more helpless executives?”

Rajveer exhales, pulling off his suit jacket and draping it over the back of a chair. “If by ‘scaring off,’ you mean securing a deal with Aegis CyberTech, then yes, it went exactly as planned.”

Rey whistles low. “Ah, so the ice queen finally acknowledged your existence.”

Rajveer’s jaw tightens, but before he can respond, a voice cuts through their banter.

“You boys never take things seriously.”

Vanita steps into the room with the effortless grace of a queen, her silk saree flowing around her like liquid gold. Her sharp eyes immediately land on Rajveer, softening just a fraction as she takes in his tired expression.

“Raj, come sit,” she orders, gesturing toward the dining table where a plate of fresh fruit and dry fruits awaits him. “You hardly eat at the right time.”

Rajveer sighs but doesn’t argue. He knows better. Settling into the chair, he picks up a piece of almond, crunching on it absentmindedly. His mother takes the seat across from him, studying him intently.

“So?” she starts, her voice deceptively light. “When are you going to give me some good news?”

Rajveer stills, knowing exactly where this is going. He shoots a glare at Rey, who grins and lifts his glass in a silent toast.

“Ma,” Rajveer warns. “Not this again.”

Vanita’s expression remains serene, but the determination in her eyes sharpens. “Yes, this again. You’re not getting any younger, Raj. You run a massive empire, you hold power over men, yet you can’t seem to do one simple thing—settle down.”

Rey coughs dramatically, barely hiding his amusement. “She’s got a point, bhai. Imagine the headlines—‘Mumbai’s most powerful businessman brought to his knees by an arranged marriage.’”

Rajveer narrows his eyes. “Shut up, Rey.”

But his mother isn’t done. “I just don’t understand,” she continues. “Every powerful man needs a strong woman by his side. I’ve introduced you to so many lovely girls—”

“And I rejected all of them,” Rajveer interrupts, his tone firm. “Because I have no interest in a forced marriage.”

Vanita sighs, shaking her head. “It’s not about forcing, Raj. It’s about responsibility. Legacy. You need someone who will be your equal, who will support you.”

Rey chuckles. “Good luck finding that. Bhai doesn’t believe in love, remember? He only believes in power plays and negotiations.”

Rajveer turns to him, his patience wearing thin. “You enjoy adding fuel to the fire, don’t you?”

Rey grins, unapologetic. “It’s entertaining.”

Rajveer exhales sharply, rubbing his temples. Then, an idea strikes him, and a slow smirk curves his lips. He leans back in his chair and levels his mother with a calm, measured gaze.

“You want a bahu, Ma?” he says smoothly. “Then why not find a bride for Rey instead? He’s young, charming. Why does it matter which brother gets married first?”

Rey chokes on his drink, coughing violently. “What the—?!”

Vanita’s eyes light up, clearly intrigued by the suggestion. “That’s… not a bad idea.”

Rey gapes at her. “Ma! Are you seriously considering this?”

She nods, thoughtful. “Of course. If Raj isn’t willing to settle, then perhaps it’s time you did.”

Rey looks horrified. “This is betrayal. Absolute betrayal.”

Rajveer smirks, satisfied. “Welcome to my world.”

Vanita, completely unfazed, stands gracefully. “I’ll start looking into suitable matches for you, Rey. It’s about time we had a wedding in this house.”

Rey glares at Rajveer. “I hate you.”

Rajveer leans back, utterly amused. “You’ll survive.”

Vanita walks away, murmuring to herself about potential candidates. Rey throws his hands up in defeat. “Great. Just great. Now I have to spend the next few months dodging marriage proposals.”

Rajveer stands, placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Think of it as payback for all the times you’ve meddled in my life.”

Rey groans. “I need another drink.”

Rajveer chuckles as he walks toward his study, finally finding a moment of peace. But as he settles into his chair, his mind drifts back to the meeting earlier that day.

Siya Rajgor.

Sharp. Unyielding. Unafraid.

A rare breed in his world.

For the first time in a long while, a genuine spark of interest flickers within him.

This is going to be interesting.

Hello, dear readers! 🌸✨

So, what did you think of this chapter? Did you enjoy Rajveer and Siya’s first meeting? The tension, the power play, the subtle sparks—who do you think won this round? 👀🔥

And of course, Rajveer’s family dynamics! His mother’s concern, Rey’s teasing—our mafia king isn’t just feared in the business world but also at home! 😆

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Please vote. Your votes and comments truly inspire me to keep writing. 💖

See you in the next chapter! 😉🔥

Happy reading! 📖💕