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“A dangerous man was able to bypass your security and meet you and Meher at Shergill Mansion, and you’re telling us now? Where was all that security protocol you’re always so proud and confident about?”
“You’re also responsible for the security lapse that day, Mr. Walia,” I reply instantly. “If you and Dad had informed us earlier about the past and not hidden it to tackle it on your own, we would have been better prepared that day.”
He frowns but doesn’t argue knowing I am right. So, I continue, turning to the rest of them.
“On that same day, we received evidence that Mr. Walia’s car, which was used in Dad’s accident, was hidden by Raghav. This eventually led us to believe that the Bat Syndicate was involved in the accident. Since then, Krish and I have been looking for him. A few days ago, we found out that he co-owns a pub called ‘The Roost’ here in Mumbai, and all their arms deals happen from that place whenever he is here. That’s where I went today—to confront Raghav.”
They all look at me, horrified by my daring move.
“And tonight, that’s where Raghav revealed to me the identity of my real father,” I add, clenching my jaw. “Tej Khurana.” I swallow bitterly, unable to digest this truth.
Ever since my confrontation with Raghav, the last few hours have been filled with a roller coaster of emotions.
“You met Raghav, knowing he might be behind my accident?” Dad’s voice echoes through the room, reverberating with anger. “Do you ever consider the consequences before putting yourself in danger? And Meher, did you know about this? That he was going to confront a dangerous criminal at ‘The Roost’? How could you let him go?”
Meher looks down apologetically.
“Ayaan,” Dad firmly grasps my arms, his gaze unwavering, “you cannot repeat such reckless actions. Your well-being is crucial to me; to all of us. If Tej has become an international criminal, there are other ways to deal with him. I don’t want you to personally entangle yourself in this situation.”
I hold his arms and press them gently.
“Dad, please relax. I know that you are worried about me, but you have to trust me on this. We have already started taking the steps to take on the syndicate,” I assure Dad before turning to Krish, who gives me a curt nod.
Earlier, when Dad was narrating the past, Krish received a message on his phone confirming our first victory against Tej Khurana. Although we couldn’t discuss it yet, his gesture was enough to confirm that our plan for Raghav and the fate of ‘The Roost’ had been fulfilled.
“What did you do?” Dad inquires.
Pratap Walia has the same question in his eyes.
“The CBI has sealed off ‘The Roost’ tonight. A thorough investigation will be conducted to identify the activities that take place inside the pub. This will definitely affect the operations of the Bat Syndicate, even if Tej Khurana and Raghav manage to deny their involvement in the pub’s activities.”
“Oh, Ayaan,” Dad sighs with disappointment. “Both Pratap and I are well aware of Tej’s capabilities. He won’t take it lightly if someone crosses his path or interferes with his motives. Even in the past, he manipulated people and situations to turn in his favour.”
“Tej Khurana was the puppeteer pulling the strings in the past. Maybe you were all unwittingly dancing to his tune then, oblivious to the tangled web of deceit and lies he spun. But not anymore. Now that I know everything about him and the interconnected past we all share, the game is back in the hands of the King. I won’t allow him to manipulate anyone among us again. He will pay heavily for what he has done.”
Dad is about to argue when Vishnu speaks up.
“Ayaan is right,” he said, coming forward, his eyes blazing with the need for revenge. “Tej Khurana is now our collective enemy. He has wronged each one of us in some way or the other.”
“He might have disappeared from our lives all these years,” Aksh supports, too. “But his sudden return and interference in our family’s well-being is not something we can take lightly. A common enemy like him must be fought collectively. The Walias and Shergills will have to unite to defeat him.”
It’s a relief to see Vishnu and Aksh finally on my side. They have expressed what I wanted to say, too. I turn to look at the two heads of our families—Dad and Pratap Walia. Both glance at each other, and I know they won’t support us that easily.
“You both need to forget your differences and work together for a while,” I instruct them.
“Work together?” Pratap Walia is the first to voice his disagreement. “That’s out of the question. My friendship with Kailash ended decades ago. Our ideologies and approaches to the country’s welfare are completely different. We will never be on the same page, ever. The only reason we maintained civility towards each other was because you and Meher wanted to marry. However, don’t expect any joint efforts from us. It’s just not feasible. Kailash has always been opposed to me.”
“I always opposed you because you were on the wrong side, Pratap,” Dad counters. “If you had taken the right stand, why wouldn’t I support you?”
“Who said I even need your support?” Pratap Walia fumes, stepping forward.
“Even if you need my support in the future, I would think twice, considering your tendency to switch sides as per your convenience,” Dad sneers.
The room is completely silent, except for the loud, echoing voices of my dad and Meher’s father. Suddenly, they both stop arguing and turn to look at me, as if realising my presence for the first time.
“Done?” I ask, my gaze oscillating between the two. “Do you have any more insults to hurl at each other? If so, go ahead because this is the only night I’m going to allow it.”
Dad looks away as if realising his mistake, while Pratap Walia gives me a deathly glare.
