At Seth Dhanpala's Mansion
Utkarsh was forced down on his knees before Dhanpala. Skand stood at a distance, silently watching the scene unfold with clenched fists.
Dhanpala (with a cold, evil grin):Do you even realize the grave mistake you've made?
Utkarsh (nervously, voice trembling):N-No… I don't understand.
Siyanam (shouting from behind):Don't pretend to be so innocent!First, you entered the same business as our Lord…And now you've gone and crushed his sales!
Utkarsh (firmly, trying to defend):And what's wrong with that?If people are buying from us, it's because we made better products.You should focus on improving your own goods—not blaming us.
Siyanam (furious):How dare you! First you insulted Lord Dhanpala,And now you talk back to him?
(stepping forward, threatening)Do you know what happened to the last man who tried to challenge us in the textile business?He doesn't even have a shop anymore. He's lucky to be alive.
(smirking)Consider yourself fortunate that our Lord is merciful... for now.
Siyanam (lowering his voice, sinister):This is your final chance. Apologize…Or I can't guarantee what might happen to you or your family.
Dhanpala (cold and calculated):Utkarsh, I'm willing to forgive you…
(pauses, then smiles cruelly)…on one condition.You will hand over the design patterns and dye recipes for your clothes.Do that—and I'll let all of this go.
Utkarsh (furious, raising his voice):Impossible! I will never give you my product's secrets!
Before Utkarsh could say another word, Dhanpala's anger erupted. He kicked Utkarsh, knocking him to the floor.
Skand (shouting, rushing forward):Chacha! Are you alright?!
But the guards immediately blocked him, stopping him from reaching Utkarsh.
Skand (thinking, eyes narrowing):Dhanpala… You've crossed the line.This… you'll regret very soon.
Dhanpala (calmly, as if giving mercy):I'll give you three days.Either give me what I want—or be destroyed along with your family and your little business.
Utkarsh (shouting back, despite the pain):I'll report this to the Merchant Guild!
Siyanam (laughing darkly):Go ahead. But who will you complain to?The guild leader… is now under our Lord's command.
Without further discussion, the guards threw Skand and Utkarsh out of the mansion.
Outside the Mansion
Skand (worried):Chacha, are you hurt?
Utkarsh (catching his breath):I'm fine... but barely.Skand, what's the next step?The plan you had—it ends here, doesn't it?
Skand (expression turning dark, voice low and confident):No, Chacha. This is just the beginning.
(smiling to himself)Dhanpala has no idea… he just walked right into my trap.
To be continued...