After narrating how he exacted revenge on the Thakur family—with Aryan's help, destroying or taking over their entire business empire and eliminating Shanaya's sister, father, uncle, and cousins—Abhilash turned to Shanaya.
Shanaya: "I always knew the Thakur family would meet their downfall one day. Ever since they ruined my life, I've stopped considering them as my own."
Abhilash (surprised): "Wait… you're not angry with me?"
Shanaya: "No, I'm not. In fact, I'm proud of you."
Abhilash: "Thank you."
Shanaya: "Hmm… listening to you now, I guess the people who arrested me must be your men?"
Abhilash: "Yes, they're guards from my friend's security detail."
Shanaya (nods): "Hmm."
Just then, Abhilash's phone rang.
Ting… Ting…
Without wasting a moment, Abhilash picked up the call.
Abhilash: "Hello?"
Aryan (calmly): "If you're done chatting, come to the residential quarters of the IMAA."
Abhilash: "Okay, on my way."
He immediately started driving. An hour later, they reached a residential complex.
Shanaya looked stunned. She was well aware that the Mumbai branch of IMAA had recently been liberated from foreign martial arts invaders. Curious, she questioned:
Shanaya: "Is your friend associated with the IMAA?"
Abhilash: "Yes, he's currently seated at the top of the organization."
Soon after, Abhilash parked in front of a villa. He escorted Shanaya inside. They walked through to a garden where two men were sipping coffee. Abhilash pointed and said:
Abhilash: "Mr. Aryan, I'm here."
Aryan: "Great, come and have a seat."
Shanaya was startled by the youthfully melodious voice of Aryan, who appeared much younger than she had expected.
Abhilash and Shanaya sat down. Abhilash gestured toward Aryan and introduced him.
Abhilash: "Shanaya, meet Mr. Aryan. He helped me bring down the Thakur family and played a key role in building the Star Group."
Aryan: "Hello, I'm a friend of Abhilash."
Shanaya: "Hello."
Abhilash: "And this is the former head of IMAA, Mr. Darjan Singh. He once gifted me a Range Rover."
Darjan Singh: "Hello, I'm also a friend of Abhilash."
Shanaya: "Hi."
During the introductions, Shanaya barely acknowledged Darjan Singh but found herself intrigued and confused by Aryan.
Shanaya: "Mr. Aryan, are you from a super-rich family?"
Aryan: "No, I'm from a modest middle-class background in Assam."
Shanaya: "Then how did you manage to fund Abhilash so generously?"
Aryan: "I may not have come from money, but I learned how to make the most of what I have."
Aryan (turning to Abhilash): "Listen, Ranjan Singh informed me that there's a powerful group in Mumbai called the 'Lion Group.' Their leader controls the entire Maharashtrian underworld. I'll be dealing with this situation, and after that, I'll leave Mumbai. The empire will then be in your hands and Darjan Singh's. You both must expand this empire globally."
Abhilash: "Got it. I'll also try to build a base in Assam."
Darjan Singh: "Yes, I've been thinking the same. Once we conquer the Maharashtrian underworld, I'll focus on the Northeast."
Aryan: "No, don't. My family doesn't even know how wealthy I've become. I came here to invest the money they entrusted to me."
Abhilash: "Then where have you invested it so far?"
Aryan: "I bought equity in a luxury hotel. But I still have millions of rupees lying unused."
Abhilash: "In that case, you could invest in my upcoming mall project. I'm confident you'll be interested once you see the features."
Aryan: "Alright. Prepare a presentation and show it to me."
Shortly after, everyone left the villa. Following Abhilash's instructions, the remaining members of the Thakur family were spared further punishment. However, they were left completely destitute, unable to even support their basic needs.
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Two Days Later: The Challenge Begins
Darjan Singh arranged a meeting with the head of the Lion Group. On one side stood Darjan Singh representing the IMAA, and on the other stood the notorious Rocky Bhai, the Lion Group leader.
Rocky Bhai: "I'm surprised. I thought a new master would be leading IMAA now, not you."
Darjan Singh: "It's none of your business who leads IMAA."
Rocky Bhai: "Fair. My business is what comes next."
Darjan Singh: "IMAA has already conquered the southern and western sectors of the Maharashtrian underworld. Your group controls the eastern sector. Therefore—"
Rocky Bhai (interrupting): "So now you want the east too? Then you'll have to fight for it."
Darjan Singh: "Wait. IMAA does not desire senseless violence. That's why we propose a formal duel. Simple rules: one warrior from each side. The victor takes control of all sectors."
Rocky Bhai: "You'll have to revise the rules, Master Darjan Singh."
Darjan Singh: "What do you mean?"
Rocky Bhai: "Your fighters are trained in weapons. Ours are not. So no weapons—just bare hands."
Darjan Singh: "Agreed."
Rocky Bhai: "Then Varun will represent the Lion Group."
Darjan Singh: "IMAA's fighter will be Mr. Aryan."
Few knew Aryan's true identity. Only Darjan Singh and high-ranking IMAA members were aware. For others, he was just a close associate of their master.
Rocky Bhai (smirking): "Mr. Aryan? I'm quite curious to see who this man is—someone handpicked by the great Darjan Singh."
Suddenly, Aryan leaped into the fighting ring, graceful and composed. Varun stepped in too, welcomed by roaring cheers from the Lion Group. He was a national-level martial arts champion—renowned and feared.
On the other side, the IMAA crowd remained eerily silent.
Only the inner circle knew who Aryan truly was. To the rest, he was just a friend of the former IMAA chief and a respected figure—but a fighter?
The fight was about to begin.
What will be the result of this epic duel?
Can Aryan defeat the formidable Varun?
What lies ahead for the Maharashtrian underworld?
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