As soon as Aryan and Rahul stepped out of the bank, the clock had already struck four in the evening. Outside, the sound of honking cars and the growing hustle of people filled the streets.
Amidst the crowd, Rahul suddenly reminded Aryan—
"So, Master Aryan… what's the plan now? Because just a while ago, your store owner texted me. He's asking why you haven't been showing up for work these past few days."
Hearing this, Aryan fell silent, lost in thought. He remembered the store he used to work at. The owner always looked strict and a little grumpy from the outside, but deep down, he was kind and understanding. He had always encouraged Aryan, even supported him in difficult times.
Aryan smiled faintly and said—
"Alright then… let's go visit the store once."
Without wasting another moment, Aryan and Rahul hailed a cab and headed straight toward the store. On the way, old memories began to flood Aryan's mind—the faint scent inside the shop, the owner's strict yet fatherly advice, and those little moments of happiness he had never truly noticed back then.
Soon, the taxi stopped in front of the store. Aryan and Rahul stepped out and walked ahead. The shining glass windows, neatly arranged displays, and faint chatter inside brought a soft smile to Aryan's face. He took a deep breath before stepping in.
"Ah, so you finally found the time to show up," Ramnath said, his voice stern but carrying a hint of warmth. "Tell me, why haven't you come these past few days? If you had some work, you could've at least informed me. It's not like I wouldn't give you leave."
Aryan stayed quiet for a moment. He looked into Ramnath's eyes—behind the strictness, there was concern… even affection. Silence hung heavy in the air.
Finally, Aryan took a deep breath and, with a hesitant voice, said—
"Sir… to be honest… I don't think I'll be able to continue working here from tomorrow."
Ramnath's smile slowly faded. His brows knitted together, as though he'd just heard some unpleasant news. With concern, he asked—
"What happened, son? Are you in some kind of trouble? Short on money? If so, I can give you this month's salary in advance."
Aryan shook his head calmly—
"No, sir. It's nothing like that. I don't lack money. It's just… the time has come for me to move forward in life. I need to walk toward my dreams. And for that, I have to choose new paths."
Ramnath listened quietly. His face darkened with thought for a moment. Then he said softly—
"I see… it's your decision. But remember, son—the roads won't be easy. Whenever you feel like the world is too heavy on your shoulders, or you don't find a place to belong… this store's doors will always remain open for you."
Aryan's eyes glistened faintly, though his face shone with calm confidence. He bowed his head slightly and whispered—
"Thank you, sir. I'll always remember your words."
He took one last look around the store. Every corner held countless memories—the counter where he once sat, the stream of customers, and Ramnath's scoldings that always carried hidden care.
Slowly, he walked toward the door. As he opened it, a cool breeze brushed his face. He paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and stepped outside.
The street outside was bustling. Rahul stood waiting near the cars, arms crossed. The moment he saw Aryan walk out, questions and curiosity flashed in his eyes.
Aryan walked toward him, his expression now transformed—what was once faint sadness had hardened into confidence.
Rahul smiled gently—
"So… all good inside?"
Aryan simply nodded, glanced at the sky, and replied in a calm voice—
"Yes… it's all good now. Let's go."
Rahul chuckled—
"Alright, brother… but man, I'm starving. How about we grab a bite first?"
Aryan nodded with a faint smile—
"Fine… let's go."
Rahul raised his brow—
"So, where exactly are we going?"
Aryan just looked at him, a mysterious smile curling his lips, but said nothing. He walked straight toward the road.
A few minutes later, Rahul spoke again, confused—
"Uh… where are we going? The hotel's that way."
Aryan glanced at him mid-stride, that same enigmatic smile on his face—
"You've forgotten already? We're not who we used to be anymore. Tonight, let me show you a real dinner."
Rahul froze for a moment, reading the confidence in Aryan's eyes. Without asking further, he simply followed.
Soon, the two stood before one of Delhi's most luxurious and grand hotels—the kind frequented only by the rich and powerful. Shining glass walls, expensive cars lined outside, and guards posted on a red carpet—it was an entirely new world for Rahul.
He whispered nervously—
"Bro… here? You're seriously scaring me now."
Aryan just chuckled and walked toward the grand entrance.
---
The moment they stepped inside, Rahul's eyes widened. Golden chandeliers lit up the hall, marble floors reflected their shadows, and exotic flowers perfumed the air. Expensive paintings adorned the walls.
From the receptionist's poised smile to the waiters' graceful movements—everything made Rahul feel like he had stepped into a movie scene.
He muttered—
"Man… this really feels like a film set."
Aryan only smiled faintly and walked on. Soon, a waiter led them to a beautiful, corner table. Rahul kept looking around in awe, while Aryan sat calm and composed—as though none of this was new to him.
The waiter bowed politely—
"Sir, what would you like to order?"
Rahul looked helplessly at Aryan. Aryan leaned back in his chair, his tone cool yet commanding—
"Bring us the best. Whatever defines the pride of this hotel."
The waiter nodded with respect and walked away.
Rahul chuckled nervously—
"Bro… you sounded like this is your daily routine."
Aryan smirked—
"Not routine, Rahul… just our new world."
Moments later, the waiter returned with a silver tray, crystal plates, and carefully arranged delicacies. Stuffed paneer parathas glistening with golden butter, fresh fruits, and imported coffee—the sheer aroma felt royal.
Rahul's eyes nearly popped.
"Damn… this is like tasting an entire month's salary in one breakfast!" he joked, before devouring it like a starving man.
Aryan, meanwhile, calmly lifted his coffee cup. The atmosphere felt peaceful—like time had momentarily slowed.
But little did they know… that peace was about to be shattered.
---
The hotel's grand glass doors swung open. A couple walked in. Their entrance was so striking that several heads turned instantly.
The man was tall, smart, and sharp. A branded suit hugged his frame, an expensive watch glittered on his wrist, and his face carried that typical "rich attitude."
Beside him walked a girl… someone strangely familiar. She wore a tight one-piece dress that highlighted every curve. Her laughter rang loud, her voice playful, as she chatted with the man. Every gesture screamed one thing—she wanted everyone's eyes on her.
That girl was none other than… Tanishka.
Yes, the Tanishka.
The same girl who once tried to humiliate Aryan back in college… only to have Aryan turn the tables and make her a laughingstock in front of the entire class. The same girl who, once upon a time, had been his ex.
---
The two walked ahead, scanning the tables. But almost every table was already occupied. Just then, a waiter stepped forward politely—
"Excuse me, sir… this way, please. We have a table ready for you."
And so, he led them… straight to the section where Aryan and Rahul were sitting.
Unaware, Aryan and Rahul remained engrossed in their own conversation.
Meanwhile, Tanishka and her companion sat down at the very next table.
She glanced around with a laugh—
"Baby, this hotel is absolutely stunning. Feels so royal!"
The man—Hisan—adjusted his watch casually and smiled—
"Darling, this is nothing special. I come here almost every day."
Tanishka's eyes widened—
"Really? Every day?"
Hisan shrugged—
"Of course. This is just my normal life."
Both laughed together. But then… Tanishka's laughter suddenly paused. Slowly, her eyes scanned the crowd. Wandering… searching… until—
She froze.
Not far away, at a table close by, sat two figures.
Her breath hitched.
Her past… staring right back at her.
---
So, what happens next?
Will Aryan and Tanishka clash once again?
Or will Aryan finally put her in her place, once and for all?
Find out in the upcoming chapters… where every turn hides a secret, and every answer raises a new question.
The King of Shadows.