breaking home

Once Kirti's father returns home after the tense confrontation with Mr. Sharma, he gathers the family in the living room. His face is serious, the stress clearly weighing on him. He takes a deep breath and begins to explain, his voice calm but strained.

"I have to tell you all what happened today," he says, glancing at Kirti’s mother and her older brother, who listen intently. "Mr. Sharma showed up with police officers and bodyguards, all sent by that man, Xiao Zhan."

Her mother’s face pales, and her brother tenses up, sensing that whatever news their father has, it’s serious. Kirti’s father continues, "They came with an ultimatum. Xiao Zhan says he’ll help the neighborhood stay as it is—but only if Kirti agrees to marry him."

Kirti’s mother gasps, bringing her hand to her mouth in shock, while her brother’s expression darkens, anger flashing in his eyes. "What kind of person would make such a demand?" her brother says, his voice low but laced with fury. "And to use his influence to force us… it’s beyond wrong."

Kirti’s mother, looking both concerned and conflicted, turns to her husband. "But what did you say? Surely, you refused?"

Kirti’s father nods firmly. "Of course, I told him that our daughter is not some bargaining chip. We won't give in to threats. But they made it clear that if we refuse, they’ll take steps to push us—and our neighbors—out of this area."

The room falls silent as they process his words. Kirti’s mother’s eyes fill with worry. "But if we stand our ground, what will happen to our home, to this neighborhood? They have the resources to make life difficult for everyone here."

Meanwhile, after hearing Mr. Sharma’s report about the failed attempt to pressure Kirti’s family, Xiao Zhan leans back in his chair with a slight smirk on his face. The news, though a setback, doesn’t faze him in the least. He had expected resistance—after all, he was dealing with a traditional family who clearly valued their independence.

As he reflects on the situation, his mind works through the possibilities. He taps his fingers against the armrest, his gaze thoughtful yet predatory. "They think they can resist me," he murmurs to himself, "but I know how to break their resolve."

He then calls Mr. Sharma into his office, his smirk never fading. “Mr. Sharma, I heard the news. Kirti’s family is stubborn, but that’s good. It’ll make the victory more satisfying when they finally give in.”

Mr. Sharma, standing at attention, nods. “Sir, the father was quite firm. He refused outright, and it looks like they have no intention of backing down. They’ve even gotten their neighbors to rally against us. It could get complicated.”

Xiao Zhan’s eyes gleam as he considers the situation. “Complicated? No. It’s just a matter of time before they realize the power they’re up against. We’ve played the long game, but now it’s time for a direct approach.” His smirk deepens. “It’s not just the land they care about. It’s their pride. Their independence. They’ll eventually cave when they realize that standing against me means they lose everything.”

Mr. Sharma frowns slightly, but he’s careful not to show too much concern. "What’s your plan, sir?"

Xiao Zhan stands and walks over to the window, gazing out at the city below. “We have to make them understand that rejecting me means rejecting everything they hold dear—this land, their homes, their community. I will not take no for an answer. And as for Kirti...” His smirk becomes more pronounced. “I’ll make her see that marriage to me is the only choice. Once I make her family desperate enough, they’ll have no choice but to accept.”

Turning back to face Mr. Sharma, he gives a sharp nod. "Prepare for the next phase. We’re going to change the game entirely. Get in touch with the authorities. If they want to play hardball, we’ll raise the stakes."

Mr. Sharma nods eagerly. "Understood, sir. I’ll make the arrangements immediately."

As Mr. Sharma leaves the room, Xiao Zhan’s eyes gleam with determination. He knows Kirti’s family may be strong-willed, but he’s always been better at getting what he wants. And right now, what he wants most is Kirti—and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her his.

The following day, Kirti’s family is once again shaken by unexpected news. As they gather in the living room, Kirti's father looks up sharply when he hears the rumble of heavy machinery approaching. From the window, they can see a bulldozer slowly making its way toward their neighborhood, flanked by a few cars full of officials and a large number of bodyguards.

Before anyone can react, Mr. Sharma’s call comes through to Kirti’s father. His voice is smooth, yet carrying an unmistakable weight of authority. "Mr. singh, I suggest you come outside," Mr. Sharma says coldly. "We’ve come to give you one last chance."

Kirti’s father stands, his face tightening. "What is this? We’ve already told you we’re not selling or agreeing to any marriage."

"Your defiance has consequences," Mr. Sharma replies, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "We’ve already given you time to reconsider. Now we will see if you still want to keep this land. If you refuse to cooperate, the bulldozer will begin clearing the area. You and your neighbors will have no place to stay. The only choice is to agree to my boss’s proposal. Marry your daughter to our boss, and this all goes away."

Kirti’s father’s face hardens with anger, but he knows he’s running out of time. The bulldozer is already parked ominously at the edge of the colony, ready to start demolishing parts of the land. His hands shake slightly as he speaks into the phone, "You’re threatening us again, Mr. Sharma. But this time, I will not give in. Do your worst."

Kirti’s mother, who’s been standing quietly in the background, looks worriedly at her husband. “What can we do? We don’t have the resources to fight this. Our neighbors are all watching us, and I know they’re afraid.”

Kirti, overhearing the conversation, feels her stomach tighten with dread.

But the pressure is mounting. The bulldozer is now running, its engine roaring loudly, ready to begin its destructive task. Kirti’s father knows the reality of the situation—without a quick solution, everything they’ve worked for, the land they’ve lived on for years, might be destroyed.

As Kirti’s father stands there, face grim, he knows this could be their last stand. In a moment of desperation, he calls Mr. Sharma again, trying to hold his ground but realizing that his options are narrowing.

"Please, Mr. Sharma, we will not give in to threats. Our daughter is not a bargaining chip."

Mr. Sharma’s voice is cold, almost mocking. "I’m afraid you have no choice. This is your last chance. Make your decision, Mr. singh, or the bulldozer begins."

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