Aarvi's POV

It’s my 23rd birthday, and finally, everything will go according to my plan. Tomorrow marks the start of my new life, where I’ll live it on my own terms. This is the last night I’ll be surrounded by the world that haunts me—by the expectations, the rules, the constant pressure. Tomorrow, I’ll live for me.

My thoughts halt abruptly as I feel the weight of eyes on me. I realize my father is calling me to the stage. Reluctantly, I make my way up, the familiar routine unfolding in front of me. The cake-cutting ceremony. The well-wishes. The gifts. It’s all the same as every other year. But they don’t know—it’s not what I want.

What I want is my career.

I will create it, starting now. I’ll build my company, even if it’s small for now. This is just the beginning. I will pour everything into it, and one day, it will be the biggest in the world.

I was making my way around the grand hall, trying to escape the eyes that followed me, when I spotted my brother talking to someone in a dark corner. He was speaking with a man—tall, imposing, and so... distractingly handsome. His green eyes locked with mine, and my heart skipped a beat.

Wait. Why is my brother’s jaw clenched like that?

I shook off the feeling as their gaze lingered on me. My brother’s eyes flicked to me, and without hesitation, he introduced me.

“This is my sister, Aarvi Singhaniya.”

I forced a smile, offering my hand. “Hello.”

The man extended his hand, his grip firm and cold. His eyes were intense, unnerving.

“This is Shaurya Singh Rathore, CEO of Rathore Industries.” His voice was deep, the kind that commanded attention.

I nodded politely, but something about the way he looked at me made my skin prickle with unease.

“Hello,” he replied, his voice barely a whisper, but there was something about it - something dangerous.

I knew who he was—Shaurya Singh Rathore. Dangerous, feared, and the most eligible bachelor around. His green eyes had just locked with mine, sending a jolt through me that I quickly dismissed.

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I was trying to escape the business event that was my so-called birthday party when I felt a breath against my neck. Spinning around, I collided with something hard.

No, not something...

I looked up and found myself chest to chest with Shaurya. His hand gripped my arm to steady me. His green eyes—intense, mesmerizing—stared down at me, closer than ever.

"Sorry," I said, my words barely a whisper. But before I could even process what had happened, his hands tightened on my arms, and he pulled me even closer. Now, I was in his arms, trapped by his grip, unable to escape.

Our eyes locked—his intense green eyes pinning me in place. My heart thudded against my chest, the rapid beat matching the pulse of tension in the air. I could feel his breath on my lips, warm and intoxicating, and something inside me flickered with a mix of fear and something far more dangerous.

When he spoke my name—Aarvi—his voice was dark, like it had been dragged from the deepest part of him. And then, his grip on me tightened. It felt like a warning, a claim, and I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe properly.

"I don't think you understand," he murmured, his lips barely brushing mine. "You belong to me now."

Before I could respond, he linked our hands, holding me even tighter. “Oh, you’ll fall,” he said, a taunting smirk on his lips.

I froze, my heart pounding, caught between anger and something else I couldn’t quite name.

I pulled myself away from his arms, but his touch lingered—his hand still on mine, his fingers brushing my waist as if he couldn’t quite let go.

"Thank you," I said, trying to steady myself.

His eyes locked onto mine, and his voice came out dangerously low, sending a shiver down my spine. "Welcome," he replied, before adding, "Nice to meet you, Aarvi Singhaniya."

I raised an eyebrow, trying to process his words. "Nice meeting you," he said again, his tone smooth, almost mocking.

"My pleasure," I muttered, trying to walk away.

But just as I turned, his voice stopped me cold.

"You are mine."

I looked back, confusion flooding me. Did he really say that? Or was I just hearing things? Why would he say that to me?

I blinked, the world spinning slightly. I must be high on something right now. I need to go to sleep.

Finally, I managed to escape the party—well, my birthday party, or maybe it was more of a business event. As I walked towards my car, I suddenly felt a grip on my hand. I turned to find my brother standing there.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I'm not feeling well. I'm heading home to sleep," I replied.

"Okay, I'll drop you," he insisted.

I hummed in agreement. My brother is so good, always caring for me. But lately, he's become more like Papa. Protective, yes—but in a way that feels like they're trying to cage me. I don't want to be caged. I want to live my life on my own terms.

But I can't say that to them. My family is so obsessed with protecting me that they can’t see I can take care of myself. They think the world is out to get me, but I don’t believe that. I can protect myself—and I will.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of my career. It's time to tell Papa the truth—that this is my business, my company. Nobody knows about it yet, but I’ve worked hard to set it up. It’s mine. And I will stand my ground.

I’m scared. What if he says no? But then again, I know Papa. He’s a good man. He will understand.

Still, I can’t help the fear gnawing at me. But no matter what happens, this is my life. I have the right to make my own decisions. Not even Papa, not even Bhai, can take that away from me. I will protect myself—and I will do whatever it takes to live my life the way I want.

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So this was the first chapter guys....

Tell me how it was and also plss vote and comment....

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