Unmasking the Enemy

Dhruv sat on the edge of his plush leather couch, his eyes glued to the glowing screen of his phone. The article Aman had sent him was already gaining traction. Social media was buzzing with whispers about Kartik’s family’s shady business dealings, accusations of corruption, and involvement in multiple tax fraud scandals. As he scrolled through the comments, Dhruv felt a surge of satisfaction. People were talking, and Kartik’s pristine image was beginning to crack.

The headline was bold and direct:

“The Dark Secrets Behind the Kapoor Fortune: A Legacy of Corruption.”

It was the first strike in what Dhruv knew would be a long, calculated war. Kartik had no idea who he was up against, but by the time this was over, his family’s name would be ruined, and all the wealth they flaunted so arrogantly would crumble beneath them.

His phone buzzed again. It was Aman.

“People are already sharing it like crazy. Kartik must be freaking out.”

Dhruv smiled, typing back.

“Good. This is only the beginning.”

For a moment, he allowed himself to savor the victory. Kartik had always walked around like he was untouchable, using his wealth and connections to manipulate people, to take what he wanted without consequence. But now, Dhruv was in control. Kartik had taken Jasmine from him, had humiliated him, but now the tables had turned. Kartik was the one being exposed, and it was only going to get worse.

---

Meanwhile, across town, Kartik was sitting in his lavish penthouse apartment, staring at his phone in disbelief. The article had been forwarded to him by a dozen people already, each one sending messages of shock, concern, or—worse—mocking him.

“What the hell is this?” Kartik muttered to himself, his heart racing.

He knew his family had skeletons in their closet, but they had always kept them hidden. His father’s connections had protected them for years, allowing them to evade consequences for their more questionable business practices. But now, all of it was out in the open, plastered across every major news outlet.

Frustrated, Kartik dialed his father’s number. The phone rang twice before his father answered, his voice calm and authoritative.

“Dad, have you seen the news?” Kartik’s voice was edged with panic.

“I have,” his father replied coolly. “It’s nothing we can’t handle. These rumors have come up before.”

“But this time it’s different. It’s all over the internet. People are talking, and it’s gaining momentum.”

His father sighed. “We’ll handle it. I’ll have our lawyers take care of the media. Just stay out of it, Kartik. This will blow over.”

Kartik nodded, trying to calm himself. But deep down, he knew something was different this time. Whoever had leaked this information had done their homework. They had detailed records, financial reports, and insider knowledge. This wasn’t just a baseless rumor—this was a full-scale attack on his family.

And Kartik had a sinking feeling about who was behind it.

---

The following evening, Dhruv arrived at another high-profile event, held at a glamorous ballroom in the city’s most exclusive hotel. As he stepped out of the luxury car and adjusted his tailored suit, he felt the eyes of the crowd turn toward him. The whispers were already beginning. People had heard about the billionaire heir who had seemingly come out of nowhere, taking over his father’s empire with a quiet, calculated ambition.

Tonight, Dhruv wasn’t just another guest—he was someone people wanted to know.

As he entered the ballroom, he was greeted by a series of nods and smiles from influential figures, each one eager to introduce themselves to the newest player in their world. But Dhruv wasn’t here for pleasantries. His eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on the person he was looking for.

Kartik.

He was standing near the bar, drink in hand, surrounded by a group of people, though his expression was tight, as if he was barely holding himself together. Dhruv could see the tension in his posture, the forced smile on his face. It was clear that the article had rattled him.

Dhruv’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. The game had officially begun.

He walked confidently toward the bar, his presence immediately drawing attention. The people around Kartik shifted, making space for Dhruv as he approached. Kartik’s eyes flickered with recognition, and for a moment, Dhruv saw something he hadn’t seen before—fear.

“Dhruv,” Kartik said, his voice low but strained. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Dhruv gave a polite smile, but his eyes were cold. “I’m sure you didn’t.”

Kartik took a sip of his drink, his fingers gripping the glass a little too tightly. “Nice suit. Looks like you’ve come up in the world.”

“I have,” Dhruv replied smoothly. “And I hear you’ve been having some trouble lately.”

Kartik’s jaw tightened, but he forced a smirk. “Yeah, some ridiculous article. People love to spread rumors.”

“Are they rumors, though?” Dhruv asked, his tone casual but cutting.

For a split second, Kartik’s confident facade cracked. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, one of the other guests interrupted.

“Dhruv! So glad you could make it,” a voice called out.

Dhruv turned to see Mr. Dev, the powerful businessman he had met the night before. Dev was walking toward him, a smile on his face and a drink in his hand. He clapped Dhruv on the back and glanced at Kartik with a barely concealed smirk.

“Mr. Sharma is quickly becoming the talk of the town,” Dev said, addressing the small group that had gathered around them. “He’s making quite a name for himself.”

Dhruv smiled politely. “Just trying to live up to expectations.”

Kartik watched the exchange in silence, his expression darkening. He could see what was happening. Dhruv was rising, and not just financially. He was gaining influence, connections, and respect in the very circles that Kartik had always considered his own.

After a few more minutes of strained conversation, Kartik excused himself, disappearing into the crowd. Dhruv watched him leave, a sense of victory settling over him. Kartik’s confidence was shaken, and Dhruv had only just started.

“You’ve rattled him,” Dev said quietly, stepping closer to Dhruv. “I can see it.”

“That’s the idea,” Dhruv replied, his voice low. “I’m not done yet.”

Dev chuckled. “Good. You’re playing the game well. But remember, this world is full of people who will want to see you fail. Kartik is just one of them.”

Dhruv nodded. “I know. But I’m not afraid of them.”

Dev raised his glass in a silent toast. “Then you’ll do just fine.”

As the night wore on, Dhruv continued to make connections, his presence commanding the attention of the room. But his mind kept circling back to Kartik. He wasn’t satisfied with just rattling him. No, Dhruv wanted to destroy him, piece by piece.

And by the time this was over, Kartik would regret ever crossing him.

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