Ch.2

Divesh was discussing Ansh's makeup requirements, outfits, and supplements with the staff. Meanwhile, Ansh sat quietly, gazing out of the large window of the building, completely dazed, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

"Ansh?" Divesh called.

No response.

"Ansh!"

Still nothing.

Growing concerned, Divesh walked over and gently shook his shoulder.

"Ansh?! What are you thinking about that you didn't even hear me?"

Ansh blinked and looked at him. "Oh... n-nothing..."

Divesh sighed and crouched slightly to meet his eyes. "Look, we've come a long way from Jaipur to this huge platform in Mumbai. We have to work hard, but your mental health comes first. If something's bothering you, you can tell me."

Ansh hesitated, eyes flickering with uncertainty. "Divesh... um..."

Divesh leaned in. "Hm? Say it. I'm listening."

"Um... it's nothing. Let's just focus on our work."

He couldn't bring himself to mention the letter. He didn't want to worry Divesh-not yet.

Divesh frowned slightly. He didn't quite believe him, but decided not to press further. He simply nodded, though the unease lingered in his eyes.

The team got to work with renewed energy while Ansh sat down, scribbling the early verses of a song into his notebook-his mind still quietly haunted.

Later that afternoon, Divesh informed Ansh that they needed to return to Jaipur for a special performance-an exclusive invitation from the Rajput family, a powerful royal lineage with deep roots in both tradition and politics. In Jaipur, no one dared to disrespect them. Their influence was absolute; their word, law. All Ansh knew was that they were respected-and feared.

Soon, a large van arrived. Ansh, along with Divesh and the rest of the staff, climbed inside as it drove toward the airport. Divesh continued briefing the team-how to behave, what to say, and most importantly, how to address the Rajput family with the utmost respect.

Ansh didn't say a word. He simply stared out of the window, the outside world blurring past him.

When they arrived at the airport, security guards surrounded the van, shielding Ansh from fans and media as they escorted him inside.

After a long wait, Ansh, Divesh, and the team boarded the plane. Ansh took his seat, slipped on his headphones, and closed his eyes just as the plane lifted into the sky.

---

[Somewhere far away]

"Argh!! I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Master! Please forgive me! I'll never do it again!"

An old man knelt, hands trembling as he begged with folded hands, tears streaming down his wrinkled face.

The man standing before him said nothing. His expression was unreadable-ice-cold and detached.

When he finally spoke, his voice was deep, dark, and thick with menace.

"Shut up. Do it. Don't make me dirty my hands."

The old man gasped in fear, sobbing harder.

The silence that followed was more terrifying than any threat.

"One..."

The old man panicked.

"Two..."

BANG!

The old man collapsed.

Blood spread across the floor, his trembling hands still clutching the gun he'd been forced to hold.

His eyes were wide open.

He had pulled the trigger himself.

Dead silence followed.

---

Hours later, the plane touched down on the runway of Jaipur.

Ansh, Divesh, and the staff exited the plane. Porters carried their bags while the group moved toward the exit.

Outside the airport, a line of sleek black Mercedes awaited them. Each car was flanked by armed guards.

Divesh began heading toward the opposite side to call for a cab when a tall, uniformed guard approached Ansh.

"Are you Ansh?" he asked.

Ansh looked at him with confusion and nodded slowly.

"The Rajput family sent these cars-for you and your staff."

Ansh quickly called Divesh over and repeated what the guard had told him.

Divesh raised a brow, then nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

The staff began boarding the cars, but when Ansh tried to sit with Divesh, a different guard stepped forward and blocked him.

"You'll be in a separate car," he said sternly.

Ansh's brows furrowed. "I'm fine. I'll sit with my manager."

Before he could say another word, the guard gently but firmly pushed him toward the other vehicle.

Ansh felt a pit of discomfort sink into his stomach.

He entered the car reluctantly. The driver offered no greeting.

Beside him sat another man-tall, dressed in black, face half-hidden by the shadow of the tinted windows.

Ansh quietly slipped into the backseat, quickly texting Divesh.

"I'm feeling a little uneasy. This is weird."

Divesh replied:

"Relax. Don't overthink. Probably just protocol. I'm right behind you."

Ansh exhaled and leaned his head against the window, eyes drifting shut.

But from the front seat, the man in the shadows stared at him through the rearview mirror.

Unblinking.

Cold.

And Ansh never noticed.

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Hey readersssssssss...Second chapter for you all... #yourcheesyauthor 😉

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