chapter6: The city lights flickered against the glass walls of the Sen tower, where Dev Sen held another meeting about his gaming empire's expansion. Aarav sat in the corner, silent, his mind far from the numbers and projections. His thoughts burned with Ishani's words, her defiance, her dismissal.
He hated her. He loved her. And now, he wanted control.
Later that night, Aarav found himself outside the Kapoor residence again, watching from the shadows. Ishani's laughter drifted through the open window—Sanya and Rhea were with her, their voices weaving warmth into the night. Ishani looked free, untouchable, and it enraged him.
"She thinks she can erase me," Aarav muttered under his breath. "But I'll make sure she never forgets me."
The next day, Ishani was summoned to Dev's office. His tone was smooth, persuasive.
"You have talent, Ishani. I want you on my team. Together, we can build something extraordinary."
Ishani hesitated. Dev's offer was tempting, but she knew it came with strings. Strings that tied her closer to Aarav.
When she left the office, Aarav was waiting in the corridor. His eyes burned with something darker than before. "Careful, Ishani," he said softly. "My brother doesn't offer futures—he takes them. And if you step into his world, you step into mine."
Ishani's glare was sharp. "I'd rather step into fire than into your shadow."
Aarav's smirk returned, but it was thinner, edged with obsession. "Then let's burn together