Author's note- Please re read chapter 16 i made some changes regarding Nayak x Ranya and Trisha x Kritagya too.

Mature Content mention of death, read it at your own risk.

1993, Vikram and Smriti welcomed twin daughters into their lives—a moment filled with both joy and trepidation. The twins, though beautiful and full of life, were born with fragile immune systems. Doctors, with somber faces, delivered the heartbreaking news that the girls might not live beyond three months. This prognosis cast a shadow over the family as they grappled with the uncertainty of the future.

Despite the dire prediction, Vikram and Smriti refused to give in to despair. They sought out every possible treatment, consulting renowned specialists and exploring alternative therapies. Their days were filled with fervent prayers and sleepless nights, each moment precious and tenuous.

By the end of the three-month mark, as doctors predicted they didn't survived.
The departure of them left a hallow place inside smriti. Her  after pregnancy
postpartum depression took a big tool on her health, behavior  over all personality.

At the same time Mugdha and Saksham welcomed home their first born baby boy Nayak.
The Suryavanshi dynasty was overwhelmed with the happiness of having him welcome in their royal blood-line as the next in line Crown Prince.

Smriti was advised by doctors not to go for another baby atleast for 3years to recover her health but smriti was determined to give her blood the place in royal family. So she always trying to put some distance from him and make sure to give him slightly not good treatment from her side, but despite all that everyone else including Nayak parents Mugdha and Saksham showering him all the loves in the world.

Vikram can understand his wife situation so he make sure to play with nayak only when she is not around to avoid her getting upset by remembering their Late childrens.

As the time passes  Nayak turned 1year old, the party the gatherings has never seen before, took place in the Royal Palace.
Royal family members visit the Royal family gathering from across the India.
The Palace was decorated in lavish elegant and with an indian Royal touch.

Smriti was also present in the Great Hall of Palace, one Royal bloodline crazed women comes to her and started her serpent dance in her ears.

Women- Hi smriti i wish you are well and taken care of but as you see Your Devrani is now the new Queen of the Suryavanshi dynasty. She now has a son who will soon announced the Crown Prince but what about your daughters atleast they lived for 3 months but still didn't get recognition from Maharaj and Maharani ji.

Smriti has frowned on her face.
- Mrs. Rawat you are getting it wrong, they displayed immense love and affection to both of my daughters and i can assure you they never compare between Boy or Girl.

Mrs.Rawat gave her a smriked - Oh is it like that, so tell me did any of them ever thought of celebrating their remaining days or maybe after they left, maharaj suggested any kind of goodbye ceremony for them?

Smriti remained silent because she knows they never approached her for this mater.

Mrs. Rawat - I am no villain in your life smriti beta but still as a Older daughter in law you should be celebrating with them not standing in corner hiding your dark circles under your saree veil.

Smriti becomes conscious about her under eyes bags and quickly tried to cover her face up.

Mrs. Rawat put an arm around her shoulders as she out venom inside Smriti heart against mugdha and Nayak.

Mrs.Rawat- Kamal ka phool kitna bhi sundar kyu na ho, khilta to vo kichad main hi hai. Aaj nahi toh kal tumhari bhi godh bharegi beta ayega tab..tab kya hoga jab vo puchega raja ka beta raja hota hain na?Toh vo kyu nahi hai? Kamal kitna bhi sundar kyu na ho magar kabhi bhi Gulaab ki jagah nahi le sakta yaad rakhna meri baat.

[Mrs. Rawat- No matter how beautiful the lotus flower is, it blooms in mud. Not today then tomorrow your son will born then... then what will you do  when he will ask you - the king's son is the king, right? So why he is not? No matter how beautiful the lotus is, it can never take the place of the rose, remember my words.]

Smriti understood her words carefully as mugdha is  A girl from middle class family. Saksham fell in love with mugdha and they runaway to marry. Narayani loved her son too much that she accepted Mugdha with open arms as mugdha was always kind and beautiful , lovely girl.

But some royal family members always taunts her for her bloodline  all the mens in Suryavanshi always comes to her rescue and shut the mouths who dare to spoke ill of her.

As the day meeting it's end of his birthday Maharaj Virendra announced Nayak Suryavanshi as the Crown Prince.

It all started when Nayak born.
He was first Baby boy of Suryavanshi family.
He had brought a hope with him in this world for Suryavanshi Throne for the next Crown Prince.

As the days go by Nayak just turned 2year old but his childhood was different from other kids as his schedule always fixed with Learning how to sit, how to eat, how to speak and always how to be presentable.

But as the news of Smriti's second pregnancy broke out the Family was overjoyed once again but the past made everyone worried for her health.

Smriti- Maa sa, i am good and doctor also said the baby will be born healthy. So don't worried about me.
She said as Narayani ji was feeding her food.

Narayani ji- I know beta but still understand and let me take care of you.
She said as she lovely wipes her face off.

Mugdha comes inside her room with a sweets in her hands and Nayak was following her mother with his cheerful voice.

Nayak- Maa.. maa plss i eat too.
He said as he was wobbling behind her.

The 2and half year old nayak has started to speak slightly better then before thanks to his teachers.

Narayani ji picked nayak up in her lap and gave him kiss on both cheeks.

Narayanj ji- Mere lalla aap yaha kya kar rahe ho? Aapka to music class tha na?

Mugdha - He was throwing tantrums maa-sa so i have to take him with me.
She replied to her as she passed the bowl of sweets to smriti.

Smriti- But you shouldn't do that Mugdha, he is going to be crown prince in 6months his Coronation ( Rajya Abhishek to become Crown prince)will take place. Till then let him attend all these classes.
She said in firm tone.

Nayak- Badi maa aaaap kaisa hai?
He said in his cute voice.

Smriti avoided answering him directly as she stuffed her mouth with sweets and nodded to him.

Nayak frowned a little but then resumed to play with Narayani ji Necklace.

Mugdha - Ji ji i am sure this time everything will be alright.
She assured her.

Smriti smirked lightly - I know Mughda but you need to be careful what if because of your carelessness Nayak grown tired of his classes and refuses to attend in future.
She wanted to feed doubtfulness in narayani ji mind against Mugdha upbringing.

Narayani ji- Aisa nhi ho beta you should sleep and we will leave for now.
She said as she picked up nayak in her arms and was about to leave.

Mugdha gave a small smile to Smriti and left with sorrow mood.

Smriti stopped Narayani ji while grabbing her left hand- Maa-sa if you don't mind, mugdha is not serious about Nayak being crown prince i think you should do something about  this matter.
She had small smile almost not noticeable, but nayak despite being 2and half year old boy noticed it and started to think why his Badi Maa is behaving different.

Since then Nayak absorbed smriti closely behavior carefully whenever he doesn't attend his class, smriti dragged the matter too long which sometimes ended up mugdha crying alone in her room.

Saksham was also absorbing his Bhabi maa behavior and when she meets Mrs. Rawat twice a week which led him doubt her intentions.

One day saksham was sipping his morning tea alone in the garden but then Nayak run towards him making him stop drinking the tea.

Saksham- What happened Beta? Did you saw a ghost,  why are you crying?
He asked him gently but nayak refused to answer him and grabbed his hand and took him towards Smriti room.
The door was slightly opened so he could hear the voice from inside.

Smriti- But how can i, i mean mugdha is a pure soul i can't do it anymore. I feel like i am stabbing a knife on innocent person's chest.

Mrs.Rawat -But smriti dear it's for your own good na, once your son will take his rightful place then you can go befriend with her again like you used to do before.

Smriti-  But what if they refused to take back the Royal Announcement.

Mrs. Rawat- But you already saw Nayak is not fit to become Crown prince, his mother let him skip the classes and also she is busy making friends with the maids of the Palace that proves she is not fit to become Rani-sa too.

Saksham knew very well where this is going. When Vikram threatened to withdraw his position as Rana-sa, Saksham was Temperley announced as Act in Rana -sa but when  His father changed his decision the happiness of 1 week took a huge tool on Saksham heart.
But he let it go as he was already grown up but not his son. He don't want his childhood to filled with nasty comments from anyone behind his back.

Saksham- Haan, the day Nayak  Crown Prince coronation will take place, Mugdha and i will announced as the new Rana -sa and Rani-sa. No i can't let this happen. I cannot let the past repeat itself again not with my son too.

He mumbled under his breath as he took nayak in his arms and Speed walk towards his Study room.

Nayak was clutching his father's neck tightly buryig his face on his neck.

Saksham  put him down on sofa , he knelt down to Nayak's level, his eyes filled with the weight of knowledge and concern. He knew that the world of the royal family was far from the fairy tales often told to children.

It was a realm where power dynamics and hidden agendas dictated every move. He needed to prepare Nayak for the reality he would face, even if it meant introducing him to the complexities of dirty politics behind the door of royal life at such a tender age.

Saksham began gently,
-Nayak,  in our world, being a prince isn't just about wearing a crown or living in a palace. It's about understanding people, knowing who to trust and who to be cautious of.

Nayak listened intently, his young mind trying to grasp the implications of his father's words. His innocent  doe eyes reflected a glimmer of curiosity mixed with confusion. He had seen the grandeur of court life, but this was the first time someone had spoken to him about the underlying currents of power and influence.

Saksham- you see, even a prince must learn to play a part. In front of your badi ma Smriti, you must always appear to be the sweet, innocent boy. People often underestimate those who seem harmless, and that can be your strength.

Though Nayak could only comprehend parts of what his father was telling him, he nodded, his expression a mixture of determination and bewilderment.

He trusted his father, knowing that these lessons were meant to guide him through the labyrinth of royal politics.

Saksham placed a reassuring hand on Nayak's shoulder.

- There will come a time when you'll understand all of this better, my son. For now, just remember that your greatest power lies in how others perceive you. Stay true to yourself, but also learn to navigate the world around you.

As they stood together, Saksham felt a sense of hope filled his heart.
He knew that Nayak's journey was just beginning, and the path ahead was fraught with challenges. But he also knew that with guidance and wisdom, his son could become a formidable presence in the royal court, a prince who understood the delicate balance between kindness and strategy.

As Smarat born his horoscope, his stars everything was aligned with surya dev. His future holds great strength and leadership quality as described by Their Family Pandit.

Nayak never hated Samrat for any of that in fact he loved him like his own brother. Always by his side making sure he is fed well, laughing well and also sometimes tried to pick him up.

Smriti has grown affectionate towards Nayak and Samrat bond and didn't wanted to go through the plan suggested by Mrs. Rawat.
Her heart and mind was fighting with eachother but at the end her Mind won.

At Age 6 Nayak-
He took his fathers advice very well. His badi maa Smriti tried to find ways in postponding his Coronation. His father Saksham knew this was going to happened, so he made sure mugdha also understand that even if their son will not become crown prince, it's okay for now.  

Mugdha who never liked Royal politics understood it, and let go the dream  to see her son as The future King of Suryavanshi Dynasty. To mugdha Her family comes first then later the Royal Titles.

                                     🗡

Inside the Royal meeting(Once a Year)

Virendra ji- Ye tum kya keh rahi ho bahu? Nayak is perfectly fine to become the Crown Prince.
He scolded his daughter in law.

Smriti- But Baba -sa, he is not attending his classes properly  not going to golf classes, horse riding even the Royal dinning classes--

Narayanj ji- He is just a boy smriti, mind you tone.
She sharply stopped her hurtful words.

Smriti-  But he is not fit to be one,  on contrast my son Samrat is. He is fit to be one, he even have royal blood not mixed.
She said in anger.

Vikram- Smriti stop that's enough for now, you can't about my nephew like this. I respect Saksham and mugdha they are my family so you better stop it now.

Mrs. Rawat- And so is she, she is your wife at the same time Samrat mother. Samrat is Rana -sa Son, so it's natural  and also according to the Roayl family tree,  to take your place in future.
She said with sugar coated voice.

Saksham clenched his fist tightly while listening to all this.

Mr.Rajput- Well, Virendra sahab i was surprised when Smriti called this meeting urgently but her concerns is valid.
He agreed with her points.

Mr.Rajkumar- Yes I also agree but Nayak is already announced as Crown Prince.

Smriti- Announced only but the coronation didn't took place yet. And maa-sa please tell them how mugdha is careless, she didn't even forced her son to attend the class and just let  him play all day.

Mrs. Rawat- She is from middle class background, so how can you expect from her and  her son to fulfil the royal duties properly.

Narayani ji looked at Virendra ji and nodded while looking down.

Virendra took a quick glance to mugdha who was crying silently beside her husband.

The meeting hall was  fell into complete silence and then Saksham stoop up abruptly

- Not a single word against my wife. I know we were at fault too but i know  after the frequent visits of Mrs. Rawat in our palace, Bhabi maa behavior changed. Guess someone doesn't want my son to become Crown prince for some different reasons.

All  the eyes turned to Mrs. Rawat who had surprised expression on her face.

Smriti-Devar sa it's not like that, i have been observing Mugdha and even tried to correct her but she didn't listened to me.

Mrs.Rawat put her hand up to stop her-
Let it be smriti. Smriti is from Royal family so she understands and values it better than Mughda. Hence my decision is to make Samrat Crown Prince.

The hall went berserk,  everyone was whispering or shouting at Mrs. Rawat.

Virendra ji- Stop it!!!! Silence!! Saksham  you want to say something.
He said in his authoritative tone.

Saksham took a deep breath and held mugdha hand—
I agree with bhabi maa, let Samrat be the Crown Prince, my son Nayak was , is and always will be king in my eyes.
I will never beg, manipulate or force anyone to make my son Crown Prince or king.

Saksham's voice was firm and unwavering as he laid down his condition, making it clear that he was drawing a line to protect his family

Mugdha nodded her head- My son should become good person first then later comes Royal Titles.

His words resonated in the room, a declaration that left no room for misunderstanding. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the weight of his resolve.

Saksham- I agree with Bhabi maa, let Samrat become the Crown Prince, but if in future  he seems unfit we will reschedule this meeting to change the decision. As long as we respect each other, there will be peace.

—My wife’s past is her own, and it does not define her present or future. We all have histories, and hers deserves the same respect as anyone else's. Also from now on i request Bhai sa and bhabi maa to never meddle in my work, my wife  and my son's personal life.
His gaze  sweeping over those gathered.

There was a moment of contemplation before anyone spoke. It was as if the air itself was holding its breath, waiting for the response that would shape their future interactions.

Saksham's condition highlighted an essential truth, family is built not just on blood, but on the bonds of trust and acceptance. This moment was a turning point, a chance for everyone to come together, setting aside judgment and embracing the diversity that each member brought to the family tapestry.

As the meeting concluded and people began to disperse, Saksham felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had taken a stand, and in doing so, had forged a path for his family that he hoped would lead to greater harmony and unity.

☆

AUTHOR'S NOTE-

(I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE ACTUAL RITUAL, I AM WRITING STORY ACCORDING TO MY IMAGINATION SO I HOPE I AM NOT HURTING ANYONE'S SENTIMENTS AND PLEASE IF ANY OF YOU  FEEL LIKE I AM DOING SOMETHING WRONG YOU CAN CORRECT ME, I WILL APPRECIATE IT. ALSO THE REAL LIFE AND TRADITION I RESPECT THAT.)

                                      °

The Journey of Bruised Lion to :

A Wolf Among Sheep: Nayak's Transformation

                                     °

Saksham- I agree with Bhabi maa, let Samrat become the Crown Prince, but if in future he seems unfit we will reschedule this meeting to change the decision. As long as we respect each other, there will be peace.

His words echoes again and again in Smriti ears, she even hears it in her sleep too.

This question of his bugging in her mind like a broken recorder.

After the coronation of 3 years old Samrat Suryavanshi, everything went smoothly just accordingly to smriti plan.

But when it was time to put crown(Pagadi) rasam, on little samrat's head , he  was crying and throwing tantrums about not wearing it.

Vikram tried to ease him but he was not in the mood to calm down.

Smriti tried to take him in her arms but as soon as Vikram put him on his feet he ran towards his big brother Nayak(6yrs).

Nayak knew his small brother missing him. As Samrat reached to him, he quickly opened his arms and pulled him up.

The sight alone can silence all the whispers and talks ill about internal family matters. Many guests were saying behind nayak that he will become invisible after today in the eyes of samrat. But little samrat proved everyone wrong.

Samrat- Bhai-cha mujhe ghal jhana hai.

He said in his baby voice.

(BHAI-sa i want to go home)

Nayak who was carrasing his head-

Haa hum jayenge na, pehle pooja hojaye puri.

(Yes we will go, but let pooja complete first)

Samrat buried his face on his shoulders.

Dadaji- Nayak beta, come here.

He said softly, gesturing him to come closer.

Saksham put his hand on his shoulder to stop him, mugdha felt anxiey creeping in her veins.

Saksham- Put him down son, Smarat beta go back to your mom and dad. We can play together later okay.

He spoke to him gently.

Samrat was not in the mood to listen to anyone but nayak only.

Nayak looked at his father and gave him a look- i got this papa don't worry.

Nayak walked towards his dada-sa -

Samrat my hands are hurting can you please get down for 1 minute.

Little Samrat looked at him and nodded softly hesitating, he stand on his feet and   Vikram crowned his Son Smarat Suryavanshi as Crown Prince.

Royal Spokesmen-

Aaj se Samrat, Yuvraj Samrat Suryavanshi hai, Yuvraj Samrat amar rahe , Yuvraj Samrat Amar rahe!!!

The crowd- Yuvraj Samrat Amar rahe!

Yuvraj Samrat Amar rahe!

Yuvraj Samrat Amar rahe!

As everyone shouted loudly for Samrat, little boy  looked up at Nayak and smiled while holding his hands tightly.

Nayak looked down at his baby brother and smiled but the smile wasn't reaching his eyes. There  was  a sad smile on his face.

As the Yuvraj  coronation completed, everyone from Suryavanshi family went back to their Royal Palace.

Smriti- Mugdha mere baaton ko dil pe mat lena, jo rajya ke liye uchit hai vahi maine socha.

She said as she holds mugdha hands.

She was genuinely sad for her.

Mugdha didn't said anything and just nodded.

As all elders went towards their respective room, in the great hall entrance samrat was still holding hand of nayak and shook it slightly.

Gesturing his brother to bend down.

Nayak had a confused look in his face, smiled softly at him and bend forward.

Samrat removed his crown(pagadi) and

put it on his head.

Samrat- Aaj se aap raja, balbarar sher wale raja!!

He giggled while clapping his hands.

(From now you are King, "Babar Sher"

Lion)

Nayak stood in awe as Samrat placed the crown upon his head. The weight of tradition and legacy settled there, yet it felt surprisingly light, as if it was meant for him.

He looked in the mirror placed on the wall- reflected a Regal Figure, commanding and imposing, with a newfound sense of authority.

Dada ji watched from the shadows, pride and apprehension mingling in his heart. His gaze was fixed on his grandsons, a moment both innocent and portentous unfolding before him.

-Is this the future? he pondered, feeling the weight of the Suryavanshi legacy. Would Samrat's joyous spirit guide them, or would Nayak, with his newfound power, forge his own path?

Dada ji envisioned two futures.

In one, Samrat and Nayak would lead the family into harmony and prosperity. In another, their bond might unravel, threatening their lineage. The crown has chosen.

He thought, watching Nayak's reflection. But will it unite them or sow division?

As Nayak admired his reflection, unaware of the silent observer, Dada ji resolved to nurture both grandsons with equal love and wisdom.

I must guide them,for the sake of the future and the enduring legacy.

He vowed to himself.

With determination, Dada ji turned away, ready to shape the destiny of those he cherished. Behind him, the room was filled with laughter and dreams, thick with the promise of what was yet to come.

After three years-

There was sometime comes  when Samrat questions his mother when he was 6 years old - Maa-sa why is Nayak bhaiya not yuvraj, he is older right?

Mrs. Rawat warned smriti that Nayak is grown up now, so he is Filling the ears of her son. Perhaps he is greedy again for the title, but smriti never felt any of this. But the truth was it was her manipulation, she was filling the ears of samrat.

(Little fox playing her games.)

But Smriti didn't let her words affected her nature as she knows Nayak has grown up as a kind soul, always polite to everyone he meets. He even get up early in the morning to offers his prayers to lord Ram. He even takes morning sun bath to offers his prayer to Surya dev.

But as the days goes by, inside her heart the condition of her brother-in-law saksham- not to meddle in their business and also the title of yuvraj of samrat can be transferred to nayak of the circumstances arises in the future.

When Nayak was 14yrs old, Naitik was 9yrs old, (he is biological brother of Nayak), and

Samrat was 11yrs old, they were playing outside in the garden. When nayak was building the sand castle with his little brothers.

Mrs. Rawat just arrived at the palace and saw the kids playing together happily. Her heart was Burning in jealousy, he eyes holds the hunger of revenge. She came up with the plan which will change entire life of Nayak.

                                   ■■■■■■

As Nayak was making way home from school, the journey was abruptly interrupted. A group of menacing goons appeared out of nowhere, surrounding the car. Without warning, they attacked the driver, striking him brutally on the head until he lay unconscious. The world around Nayak blurred in the chaos as he was forcibly taken by the strangers.

The goons demanded a ransom of 25 lakh rupees from Nayak's mother, Mugdha. The news hit her like a cold wave, her heart sinking with each passing moment. Her mind was a whirlwind of worry and fear, imagining the worst possible scenarios for her son. Mugdha's health deteriorated as the clock ticked, each second a reminder of Nayak's absence.

Saksham- Bapu-sa, I've alerted all the police stations,They're tracking the location. I swear, when I find those goons, they'll regret the day they crossed us.

He declared, his voice laced with fury. His eyes burned with a dangerous anger a reflection of his love for his son.

Meanwhile, Mugdha's distress was palpable. Her pleas resonated in the room as she broke down, seeking solace in the comforting embrace of Smriti, her sister-in-law.

Mugdha- But what about son? I don't even know what condition he's in. He hasn't eaten since morning. Please, bring my child back to me. I need my baby.

As the family grappled with fear and uncertainty, the police worked tirelessly, their search intensifying by the minute. The situation was critical, but hope lingered in the hearts of those who loved Nayak. They vowed to do whatever it took to bring him home safely, their collective strength a beacon in the darkness.

In a warehouse outside the capital, a tense silence was shattered by the arrival of a formidable group. Four muscular men, exuding authority, stormed in to confront the goons who had kidnapped Nayak. The resulting clash was swift and fierce, with the captors quickly overpowered and left defeated on the ground.

As the rescuers prepared to leave with Nayak, the leader of the goons made a last-ditch effort, aiming a gun at them.

Leader of the goons- No, i won't let you get away with him, achi khasi paise milane  wale the mujhe is chuuje ka, hume na mila  par ab koi baat nahi, ab to  paise na sahi teri jaan se keemat wasool lunga.

In a shocking turn of events, fourteen-year-old Nayak revealed his hidden resolve. With a decisive move, he ended the threat, the leader's life slipping away under the weight of Nayak's chilling smile.

Nayak- Kya yaar pura mood kharab kar diya tum sab ne, i was about to find out the women behind my kidnapping but looks like we don't have to investigate more about it as it seems he is talking about rawat aunty.

He said as he crouched down to the dead body, examining his artwork.

Nayak stoop up and looked at the team members of his Father, more like his hidden business safeguards.

Nayak - let's go and give a quick visit to Rawat's.

All the men nodded and gave a clear path to Nayak, he was leading them to the Rawat palace.

He didn't even hesitated for a moment and shot directly at main door. Bodyguard came out at secure the palace but they were too slow as Nayak's team moved in motion.

The hall of entrance, the walls, the fountain outside the palace, the ceiling inside the palace everywhere splashes of blood painted. The screams echo in the palace. Nayak fierce eyes was searching for the only women who is responsible for his condition.

How dare she!!

He ignored her when she put poison against him in his badi maa ears.

He ignored her when she snatch the crown from his hands

He ignored her when she insulted his upbringing.

He stood quite when she badmouth his mother but ...... that was the last breaking point.

She thought she won the game-

Catch the boy and end his life simple. right?

No.....it wasn't that simple

He was observing her carefully

He waited .....

He watched her..... to make a move against him and she fell right into his trap.

She thought she was The Endgame

But he was the Final Plot Twist she didn't see coming.

As she took her steps towards Nayak to confront him with a pistol gripping in her hand, he didn't waited for a single moment and shot at her.

She fallen down from the stairs. Her face was covered in blood, she was taking her final breathes.

Nayak pointed his gun at her again but didn't shot.

Nayak- Where are is your husband and son?

He asked her calmly.

She laughed, louder like a manic.

- Why.... afraid that my son will become your death.... in future?

Nayak smirked and tilted his face - Oh no, if he is alive then pray to your god that i don't find him or else... he will face something worse then death.

He whispered to her in his threatening tone.

Nayak's words hung in the air, a chilling promise that sent a shiver down her spine. She met his gaze, her eyes a mix of defiance and fear, aware that the boy before her was not one to make empty threats.

Mrs. Rawat- Is that so?You speak as if you hold the power of life and death in your hands.

She replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Nayak- Perhaps I do,  in this world power is everything. And I'm not one to be taken lightly.

Nayak's smirk widened, a dangerous glint in his eyes,his tone laced with dark amusement.

Mrs.Rawat- Be careful, Nayak, even the mighty can fall. And sometimes, the greatest power lies in the most unexpected places.

She warned, her voice carrying a quiet strength.

Nayak- I wasn't supposed to be in that car right?

He said as he looked at her with his dark gaze.

Mrs. Rawat- Yes....  you were  not  my target. That Smriti women, she wasn't supposed to be his wife, it should have been my sister. But she came in between vikram and my sister, she couldn't tolerate that and...  and you know what happned..

Yes i wanted her to feel the pain of loosing someone so precious as i did.

She finally revealed the truth.

Nayak was still watching her - And?..

Mrs.Rawat - Your .... your Badi maa sold you nayak, she really... wanted you to be out of the... way.

She was shivering while saying.

Shot.. shot... shot...

Three times fired,  someone shot her from behind Nayak. He turned around while aiming the gun at that person.

It was his father.

Saksham run towards his son and hugged him tightly, finally exhaled the breath he was holding on for so long.

Saksham- Are you allright son?

He asked him, he was quite shaking from the fear of losing him.

Nayak patted his father's back - I am fine, Team Charlie was on time.

He assured his father.

Saksham- So what was she was saying?

Nayak- Something about badi maa involvement but that was Samrat car, she was lying.

He told his father.

Saksham- Yes i think so too, i have been tapping everyone's phone inside the palace, it was definitely Mr.Rawat. still haven't moved on from the business lose he faced against me. Let's go back son your mom is worried.

Nayak nodded and then they both went home. Saksham tried every contact and networks of him, connection in police, underworld gang and mafia but

Mr.Rawat and his son is vanished in thin air.

This moment marked a profound change in Nayak's life. The innocence of youth gave way to a hardened resolve, setting him on a path into the shadows of organized crime.

The events in the warehouse awakened an unyielding drive within him, transforming him into a future leader of a feared mafia. Despite his dark path, the memory of that day served as a constant reminder of the power and determination that now defined him.

Years goes by and Nayak turned 26.

He was involved with his father in his Business work includes tender, joint ventures and entertainment sectors.

His Bade papa business was Group of hotels and resorts chains. Samrat was handling business affairs and international trades involving Suryavanshi empire.

On the surface level he always tried to look good and have a light hobby like acting and dancing , kind nature but after tolerating injustice since he was child his heart wounded. Though his father told him time and again and again that In his Kidnapping His Badi maa involvement wasn't there but Nayak has a wound in his heart, that one day his Badi maa will finally show her true face and end his life.

He was like a Bruised lion, Bruised because of continuous ignorance by his Badi maa, always making sure her son comes first later him. Nayak has no hard feelings for Samrat but after going through all that at young age his heart is not ready to accept more.

He really wanted to leave all these fight to achieve Royal title instead become an actor or maybe Dancer.

He was fed up with everything but his coach who trained him physically and mentally always tells him-

You don't have to be brave and courageous all the time just sometimes learn to take step back, hide amoung the sheep's and become one. Then when the right times comes pounce on your target with your full strength.

You have to be cleaver like a Wolf.

After all the training he transformed from Bruised Lion to A Wolf in Sheep's Cloth.

                                   ○

One day his father gave him a mission, it's wasn't his first mission as he already been into many because of his underworld works.

He suspected that Mr.Rawat and his son cameback for revenge. Their main goal was to stole the Tender.

The Mission-.Go to a wedding and comeback with Tender file that's it simple right?

But a certain someone or more like a Speed breaker, fire cracker became hurdle in his work.

At first he didn't even looked at her properly thinking she has somekind of stupid crush on him, he was used to it wherever he goes, female gaze follows him but this little firecracker exploded a full time bomb in his life.

After she fell unconscious in his arms, he couldn't went on a day without thinking about her.

She stole His First Kiss.

She stole His First Hug.

She stole His Breathe

And worst of all She Stole His Heart from him.

After following her day and night, he came to know she works for Samrat as his PA. It's a lie if he says he wasn't jealous but it was his father's words to be careful of any relation you build.

One day on news channel Ranya's father's face was plastered all over.

His Father was caught jn money scandal.

It was big shock for everyone as

Mr.Shrma has worked with His father already and he was very honest and dedicated person he ever met.

One investment company faced a huge loss from Mr.Sharma scandal, so they filled a strong case against him. So the Police has arrested both Mr.Sharma and His son.

That night, on a rainy weather Ranya ran barefoot to Suryavanshi Palace, she wanted to seek help from her father loyal business Partner -

Sasksham Suryavanshi.

His father was not  at home, he was out of country for business meeting.

Ranjiv- Nayak... she is here and she is non-stop shivering. I told her to leave sir is not home but she is not listening to me.

Nayak couldn't take it anymore and went out to see her, but the scene in front of him halted his movement.

The sight of Ranya in her elegant salwar suit had caught him off guard, stirring emotions he had tried to suppress. He turned away, his back to her, attempting to shield himself from the flood of feelings that threatened to overwhelm him.

Ranya, spotting the familiar silhouette, felt a surge of urgency. Ignoring the surprised protests of the guards, she pushed past them, her feet carrying her swiftly toward him. Her breath came in heavy pants as she closed the distance, driven by an inexplicable need to reach him.

As she neared, Nayak could hear her labored breathing, each exhale a reminder of how close she was.

He stood frozen, torn between the desire to face her and the fear of what that might bring.

Ranya-Why did you turn away?I’ve been looking for you.

Ranya’s voice broke through the silence, a mix of frustration and vulnerability.

Nayak swallowed hard, his mind racing. He knew he had to confront the situation, to find the courage to turn and face her.

Nayak stood tall in his 6feet and flex his shoulder- You mean My Father.

Ranya was stunned, why is avoiding looking at her.

Ranya- My.. my father.. he is innocent man.. please i beg you.

Her voice trembled as she pleaded to him, a symphony of desperation and hope. The jingling of her bangles created a melody that seemed to echo her emotional turmoil, a sound that resonated deeply in Nayak's heart.

The soft melody of her Payal caught his ears and he knew what she was about to do, he put his hand up stopping her.

Nayak- Ranjiv make sure you drop madam safely to her home and Ms.sharma rest assure your Father and brother must be on their way home as we are speaking now.

He said as he gave his coat to her, his back was still turned towards her.

Ranya felt a deep happiness exploded in her heart, she wanted to reach out and hugged his broad back but she stopped herself.

She silently followed Ranjiv after wearing his coat and reached her home

safely. She was happy that even before telling him her problem, he solved it.

This is why Ranya Sharma surrendered her Heart to Nayak Suryavanshi.

                             .............

Nayak slipped quietly into Ranya's bedroom, his footsteps silent on the plush carpet. The room was a haven of dreamy aesthetics, with soft lighting and elegant decor that made it feel like a secret sanctuary.

Ranya lay on her bed, her skin glowing in the dim light. She wore a satin nightdress, its deep, revealing back accentuating her ethereal beauty.

To Nayak, she appeared as an enchanting nymph, both seductive and timeless.

He noticed she was still clutching the coat he had lent her earlier, her breaths coming in quick, shallow bursts.

Her chest rose and fell rhythmically, and though her neckline was visible, Nayak resisted the urge to stare.

THE Gentleman, he quietly approached her to apply ointment to her feet, which were still sore from her barefoot journey through the rain.

Just as he was about to leave, a soft murmur escaped Ranya’s lips.

“Yes… don’t s… Yes, don’t stop,” she mumbled in her sleep, her voice laced with vulnerability. Her next words were barely a whisper,

“No… I… love… love…”

Nayak paused, his heart skipping a beat at her unexpected confession. Torn between his own feelings and the propriety expected of him, he lingered for a moment before deciding to respect her privacy, retreating silently into the shadows.

That was the only time he was close to her, from that day he started to avoid her. He just wanted  her to live a quite and comfortable life, if he ever involve her, his Enemies will not hesitate for a moment to use her as a bait against him.

Nayak- I love you Ranya Sharma but i can't love you in this lifetime. My Enemies will crush you if they know a sweet innocent girl like you exist in this world.

He always whisper this to his heart, to make sure he is protecting her by maintaining the distance from her.

[A/N- Before they will touch her, the night Protector will burn them alone mister. 😏]