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“I mean, why are you so accommodating for Rana? And since when did you change your rules of delivery, Dad? So far, the payment was cleared in full before we even got ready for the delivery. But this time, you accepted Rana’s request for half payment and the rest at the time of delivering the weapons. Why?” His confrontational tone is challenging the decisions I’ve made.
I laugh, a mocking sound that hangs in the air. But Raghav’s expression remains resolute as he continues.
“Why is Rana getting so much attention? It can’t be only because he is paying 100% more than what we generally get from other clients. There’s more to it, am I right? Something you are not telling me yet, to your own son?”
His accusation lingers in the air, so I decide to enlighten him a bit. I make my way to him and forward my glass for the refill before patting his back.
“You don’t need to be insecure. Rana is our prestigious client. His influence extends across India, encompassing politicians, government bodies, businessmen and top celebrities. This widespread reach is precisely why he enjoys certain privileges with us. Rana’s connections are crucial for us, Raghav. I require his influence to establish our syndicate in India, allowing us to wield power in the very country from which I was once forced to flee. Rana has assured me that we will gain all the favours and influence necessary to initiate our syndicate in India upon successfully completing this deal. That’s why this is the biggest deal of my life, and I’ve travelled all the way to India myself to ensure that it happens successfully.”
He is about to argue, but before we can delve deeper into this conversation, one of our men interrupts us.
“Sir, you have a visitor to meet you.”
Visitor? We aren’t expecting anyone, so we’re both a bit surprised.
“Who?” Raghav inquires, and the man responds with a name that sends shockwaves through us.
“Pratap Walia.”
Pratap? I look at Raghav, who is equally confused. What could the Deputy CM want with us?
“He is alone,” our man adds. “We have stopped his vehicle at the gates and are awaiting your permission, sir.”
Raghav takes out his gun and loads it before putting it on the table.
“Escort him in, but make sure you thoroughly check him for weapons first. And remember, no phones are allowed inside,” I instruct before putting the gun back in Raghav’s pocket. The man promptly leaves to carry out my orders. I turn my attention back to Raghav.
“Pratap must leave here alive, no matter what. The elections are approaching, and we can’t afford to harm him, even if I want that more than anything,” I say, patting his chest to calm him down. “So, stay calm and vigilant. If he is here, his son Vishnu might be around too. Tell our men to keep a close eye out.”
Raghav pulls out his phone to give my orders to the men outside while I make my way back to the couch and take a seat, waiting for Pratap Walia to be my guest!
“Welcome, Pratap,” I say as Pratap walks into my living room alone. “Are you here as the Deputy CM of the state or the father of my son’s wife? That’s because it will be easier to decide what kind of treatment should we give you.”
Pratap surveys the room as he approaches and takes a seat on the couch in front of me. The arrogance and confidence on his face stuns me.
“It doesn’t matter what role I’m playing at the moment during this visit, Tej. You should ask me why you are here instead,” he asserts.
Raghav is still at the bar counter, but his eyes are glued to us. I know he is equally shocked at Pratap’s unexpected visit.
“Come on, Dad,” Raghav interjects from a distance. “There’s only one reason why he could be here. We have been tormenting and threatening the Walia family, so he must have come to beg for your forgiveness and to ask you to stop playing games with them. Am I right, Mr. Walia?”
Although Raghav’s sarcastic tone amuses me, I know he isn’t entirely accurate.
“Pratap isn’t the type to beg, son,” I respond on Pratap’s behalf, as he appears visibly irritated by the unnecessary jibe. “What brings you here, Pratap?” I inquire.
Finally, Pratap relaxes a bit before smirking back at me.
“I’m glad you still remember that begging is not my style. I’m here because I have a deal for you, Tej.”
Deal? I burst into laughter the moment I hear his words.
“Did you just say ‘a deal’ for me?” I repeat, barely holding back my amusement, which echoes through the room. “Since when did you develop a sense of humour? It doesn’t suit you.”
Pratap continues to stare at me, seemingly unaffected by my mockery.
“A deal, and with you? You have nothing to offer me, Pratap, especially after what you did yesterday. You confessed to the entire world on live media that Vishnu is your son, which erased all your chances of climbing the political ladder. What could a man who lost that kind of a sure shot opportunity to become a CM have to offer someone else in the name of a deal?”
“Accepting Vishnu before the world was my personal decision, and I don’t regret it one bit. I was losing my kids and their trust in me. I didn’t want that. So, I did what I had to. But that doesn’t mean I would let years of hard work go down the drain. I don’t want my political career to end, Pratap.”
