The Malhotra mansion was always alive before sunrise. In the grand kitchen, the clatter of pots and soft voices of maids filled the air as the scent of hot parathas and freshly brewed coffee spread through the marble-floored corridors. Servants moved briskly, polishing railings, arranging fresh flowers in the crystal vases, and sweeping the long stretch of the hall.
Rajendra Malhotra—sharp in his grey suit, cufflinks glinting—descended the grand staircase. His footsteps echoed, and instantly, the chatter died down. Two assistants stood waiting for him in the living room, holding leather files and iPads.
"Schedule?" Rajendra's deep voice cut through the silence as he adjusted his watch.
One assistant quickly stepped forward. "Sir, you have a board meeting at ten, then a lunch with the Japanese delegates, and—"
Rajendra nodded, already moving toward the breakfast table. He sat at the head of the polished teak table, where silverware gleamed and fresh juice was poured into his crystal glass. He took a sip, then asked, almost absentmindedly, "Where is Aarav?"
The maid closest to him hesitated, lowering her gaze. Before she could answer, Rajendra's voice boomed, "RAGHU!"
From the corridor, a tall young man of twenty-four entered. Raghu—son of one of the old maids of the mansion—wore a crisp shirt, his hair neatly combed. Rajendra had funded his studies years ago, and now Raghu's sole responsibility was to keep an eye on the only heir of the Malhotra empire.
Rajendra's eyes narrowed. "Where is Aarav?"
Raghu didn't answer immediately. Instead, a knowing sigh escaped his lips.
---
Upstairs
The heir's room was unlike any other in the mansion. Orange and white walls glowed under the touch of the morning sun. A massive bookshelf stretched across one side, crammed with novels, comics, and journals. A display rack glittered with Aarav's toy car collection, each model polished like a treasure. The other half of the room was pure modern indulgence: widescreen TV, a projector, a high-end gaming setup, and gadgets scattered carelessly across the tables.
On the enormous king-sized bed, a lump hid under the cream sheets. Only a mess of soft brown hair stuck out, glowing where the sunlight hit. The golden rays crept across the bed, trying to pull the occupant from sleep.
A small yawn escaped. The sheets shifted. Slowly, Aarav Malhotra—22, with rose-pink lips, sharp but delicate features, and sleepy, mischievous eyes—peeked out. His coat lay draped carelessly over a chair, his headphones tossed on the table, his sneakers half-buried near the balcony door.
He blinked, stretched lazily, then froze.
Because Raghu was standing near the bed, arms folded, eyes locked on him with the kind of unimpressed glare that could silence even the most stubborn child.
Aarav scratched his messy hair, forcing a sheepish smile. "Uh… morning?" he offered, voice soft and guilty.
Raghu didn't move. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"
Aarav chuckled nervously, throwing the sheet over his head again like a child. "Early morning?" he mumbled from under the blanket.
Raghu yanked the sheet down in one swift motion, making Aarav squeak in protest. "It's ten past nine. Your father is already asking for you downstairs."
Aarav sat up, panic flashing in his wide eyes. "Shit! He knows?"
Raghu's brows furrowed. "He doesn't know you sneaked out last night without guards. But if you keep this up, he will."
Aarav swung his legs off the bed, rubbing his face. His lips curled into a mischievous grin despite the situation. "Relax, Raghu. I just went for a drive. It's not like I was caught by ghosts or gangsters."
"That's not funny, Aarav," Raghu snapped. "Your father has enemies. Do you even realize what could happen if someone spots you alone? The Malhotra heir wandering the streets without protection?"
Aarav rolled his eyes, pulling on his hoodie. "I'm not a baby, Raghu. I can handle myself."
"Handle yourself?" Raghu repeated, his tone sharp. He leaned closer. "You came back at five in the morning, half-dead with sleep, and now look at you. Handle yourself?"
Aarav grinned wider, trying to defuse the tension. "What can I say? The city looks beautiful at night. And besides…" he tilted his head, eyes gleaming with boyish mischief, "…sneaking out is way more fun than being escorted like a prince in a golden cage."
Raghu pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly done with him. "You're going to be the death of me."
Aarav chuckled, patting his shoulder as he slid past toward the bathroom. "Relax, Raghu. You worry too much. Now cover for me like you always do."
And with that, the bathroom door shut, leaving Raghu shaking his head, muttering under his breath. "One day, Aarav Malhotra… one day, you'll land us both in trouble."
Downstairs, Rajendra was already growing impatient.