chapter 3

Bound by Fate

Chapter 3: The Enemy Within

The Rathore estate buzzed with tension as Veer and Kavi coordinated their defenses. Guards patrolled the perimeter, and every corner of the mansion was fortified. Despite the mounting danger, the dynamic between Veer and Kavi continued to evolve.

One evening, Veer found Kavi poring over a list of potential traitors within his organization. Her sharp eyes scanned every name with meticulous care.

“You’re taking this seriously,” Veer remarked, handing her a cup of chai.

She accepted it without looking up. “Of course I am. If there’s a leak, it could cost us lives. And I’m not letting anyone hurt my family.”

Veer blinked at her words. My family. It wasn’t the first time she had referred to the Rathores as her own, but hearing it now stirred something in him.

“Do you trust me?” Veer asked suddenly, his tone softer than usual.

Kavi finally looked up, surprised by his question. “I trust you’ll do whatever it takes to protect this house. That’s enough for now.”

Veer nodded, hiding the faint smile tugging at his lips.

The Infiltrator

The following night, the anticipated attack came—but not from the outside. One of Veer’s trusted guards, a man named Raghav, turned on them, opening the gates to the rival gang. Chaos erupted as masked men poured into the estate.

Veer and Kavi found themselves back-to-back in the main hall, fighting off intruders with surprising synergy. Kavi wielded a metal rod with ferocious precision, while Veer covered her with his pistol.

“You’re pretty good at this,” Veer admitted, ducking to avoid a swinging bat.

“I grew up with two brothers,” Kavi replied, landing a solid hit on an attacker. “This is nothing.”

Their banter was interrupted when Raghav appeared, gun drawn. He smirked at Veer. “You should’ve seen this coming, boss. The Rathores’ reign ends tonight.”

Veer’s expression darkened, but before he could respond, Kavi stepped forward. “You’re pathetic,” she said, her voice cutting like a blade. “Betraying the people who trusted you? You don’t deserve to stand here.”

Raghav hesitated, caught off guard by her words. It was all Veer needed. In a swift motion, he disarmed Raghav and knocked him unconscious.

“Remind me never to get on your bad side,” Veer said, catching his breath.

Kavi smirked. “Smart man.”

A New Understanding

By dawn, the attack was over, and the Rathores emerged victorious. Veer and Kavi stood on the balcony, surveying the aftermath.

“You didn’t have to fight like that,” Veer said, his voice tinged with both gratitude and concern.

“Yes, I did,” Kavi replied firmly. “We’re in this together, Veer. Whether you like it or not.”

He turned to her, his usual arrogance replaced by a rare vulnerability. “I think I like it.”

Kavi’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly recovered. “Well, don’t get too used to it. I’m still keeping you on your toes.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Veer said with a genuine smile.

For the first time, the walls between them began to crumble, replaced by something neither of them could deny—trust, respect, and perhaps even love.

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