The city of Arvanpur knew only one side of him.

A king.

Responsible.

Respected businessman.

The man who treated his employees like family until they made mistakes and earned the love of his people.

But two hours away...

In Shreegrah...

The story was different.

Here, his silence was feared more than another man's rage.

The city didn't call him a businessman.

They called him the King.

A ruthless beast in an expensive suit.

The boardroom was dead silent.

No one dared to whisper.

A bead of sweat rolled down Mr. Ranwat's forehead despite the air conditioner running at its lowest temperature.

Every director sat stiffly, afraid to even breathe too loudly.

Standing near the glass wall, Anup watched the scene with an amused smile.

"These people never learn," he thought.

The soft click of polished shoes echoed through the room.

One...

Two...

Three...

Devansh Mahavir Raizada stopped at the head of the table.

Without looking at anyone, he removed his watch, placed it neatly beside the file, and slowly raised his eyes.

The room froze.

"Time."

His deep voice was calm.

"But unfortunately..."

"It seems Mr. Ranwat doesn't understand its value."

Mr. Ranwat immediately stood up.

"S-Sir... I can explain."

Devansh leaned back slightly.

"I have always believed..."

"...that time is the most valuable thing a person owns."

His gaze locked onto Ranwat.

"Isn't it, Mr. Ranwat?"

"Y-Yes... Yes, Sir."

"Good."

A faint smile appeared on Devansh's face.

It wasn't warm.

It was terrifying.

"Then explain..."

"...why you wasted fifteen minutes of mine."

Silence.

No one moved.

No one even dared to look up.

Even the sound of someone's heartbeat felt louder than the room itself.

Anup lowered his head, hiding the smile threatening to escape.

"Poor fellow..."

"He chose the wrong day to test Devansh Mahavir Raizada's patience."

Mr. Ranwat's throat went dry.

"I-I'm sorry, Sir. There was traffi—"

"Traffic?"

Devansh interrupted, his voice calm.

"I don't remember asking for an excuse."

Silence.

He slowly walked around the table, every step echoing through the boardroom.

"I asked for a reason."

Ranwat lowered his head.

"I... don't have one, Sir."

Devansh stopped beside him.

For a few seconds...

He simply stared.

"You've been with Raizada Industries for nine years."

Ranwat nodded hesitantly.

"You've handled projects worth crores."

Another pause.

"And yet..."

"You couldn't manage the simplest responsibility."

No one dared look up.

Even the air felt heavy.

Devansh turned towards the HR Head.

"Mrs. Kapoor."

She stood immediately.

"Yes, Sir."

"Mr. Ranwat will be fired, arrange those papers of his right now.”

Shock flashed across Ranwat's face.

"Sir please pl-..."

"Time is crucial you see, get out now."

Mr. Ranawat got angry but with no option left he went out.

Devansh looked at him and said-"In my company..."

"One mistake can be forgiven."

"But if the same mistakes are repeated..."

"then it's not worth forgiving, isn’t it?."

He then looked around before taking his seat.

"Let's begin."

And then the meeting started.

Two hours later...

The meeting finally came to an end.

Every executive stood at once.

"Thank you, Sir."

Within seconds, the boardroom emptied.

Only one person remained.

Anup.

The moment the door closed, he let out a chuckle.

"You know..."

"I really thought you'd fire him and you did."

Devansh closed the file before him.

"I don't fire people for making mistakes."

"I fire them for refusing to learn."

Anup shook his head with a smile.

"No wonder everyone in Shreegrah thinks you're terrifying."

Devansh stood, slipping his coat over his shoulders.

"They're free to think whatever they want."

His phone vibrated.

Dadi Calling.

The stern expression on his face softened almost imperceptibly.

He answered immediately.

"Ji, Daadi."

"Beta," her gentle voice came through, "will you be home soon?"

"I'm leaving now."

"Your favourite dinner is getting ready."

A faint smile appeared.

"I'll be there in forty minutes."

"And Ayaan has been waiting for you."

"I know."

"I'll come."

The call ended.

Anup folded his arms.

"Only my darling can make Devansh Mahavir Raizada sound like an obedient grandson."

Devansh looked at him.

"Because she's the only one I answer to without a question."

“Stop calling her like your gf.”

Then I left the room.

“This guy is a bad man, har baat pe meri ex ke bare mein baw baw krta hein” anup muttered.

“Can’t believe how he barks when bhabhi comes, oh bhabhi where are you?” dramatically he  said before following devansh.

Raizada Mansion.

The grand gates opened as his black car rolled inside.

Every servant immediately bowed.

"Welcome home, sir."

Devansh glanced at them before walking away.

The mansion was luxurious.

Elegant.

Magnificent.

Yet...

It never felt like home.

His footsteps came to a halt.

His stepmother, Mrs. Raizada, stood in the hallway with folded arms.

Her eyes swept over him before a sarcastic smile appeared.

"So..."

"The adopted heir finally remembered this house exists."

Devansh met her gaze.

Not a flicker of emotion crossed his face.

"This house recognizes its heir. Do you?" 

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

He walked past her.

Behind him, her voice dripped with venom.

“Soon you will lose everything, devansh.”

.

Before devansh took stairs-

"Bhai!"

A cheerful voice echoed through the mansion.

Ayaan came running down the staircase before throwing an arm around Devansh's shoulder.

"Finally! Daadi refused to eat because she wanted all of us together."

For the first time that day...

A genuine smile reached Devansh's eyes.

"She's still as stubborn as ever."

"Runs in the family," Ayaan laughed.

The two brothers walked towards the dining hall together.

Behind them...

Mrs. Raizada watched silently.

The hatred in her eyes only grew stronger.

Author's Note-

So this is how the story of Devansh Raizada's had began..so do vote and comment jannies..💓