Author's POV

Shaurya, Ryan, Veer, and Siya sat in the home office. The room was dimly lit, the silence thick between them. The warmth that danced on their faces a while ago, laughing with family, smiling at Saaisha was now gone. Replaced by cold, unreadable expressions.

No one spoke. No one moved. Only their minds raced.

They had one man in custody. One confession. One brutal face behind the trauma.

And yet... it felt like nothing had changed.

As if after all the pain, the rage, the blood - they were still back at square one.

There were too many missing pieces.

Too many shadows lurking behind half-truths.

Too many questions still unanswered.

Who sent the envelope?
Who knew where Saaisha would be that night?
Who is still out there—watching, hiding, waiting?

The four pillars of Kaala Darbar had seen hell. They’ve torn people apart to get answers. But this time… the enemy wasn’t just hiding behind power.

They were hiding behind precision.

The silence was broken by Siya.

“I’ve checked it all—the envelope Arnav received, the address, the phone number, everything is fake. And that factory mentioned? It’s abandoned. No CCTV cameras, no guards. Just an old ruin.”

Ryan frowned, his voice low but laced with frustration.
“But I don’t get one thing… why Arnav Shukla? Out of the whole damn world, why him?”

Veer responded before anyone else could.

“Because he was the perfect scapegoat. If the police had been involved, they would’ve chased local goons or known traffickers. No one would suspect a washed-up junkie like Arnav. He had no link to Saaisha, no connection. That’s exactly why he was chosen. Whoever’s behind this… knows Arnav’s background.”

Ryan leaned forward, his eyes narrowing.
“Is it possible they know… that we were the ones who destroyed and killed Jaydeep Shukla?”

Siya shook her head. “I don’t think so. If they knew who we really are… they would’ve thought twice before doing something like this. No one who knows Kaala Darbar would dare.”

She paused, then added, “But they knew about Arnav—his addiction, his debts. He was desperate. Easy to manipulate.”

Ryan exhaled slowly. “Still… one thing doesn’t add up. Why would anyone want to kidnap Saaisha? She doesn’t come from a wealthy family. No rivals. No enmities. Nothing.”

Siya’s voice was quiet, almost chilling.
“Whoever did this… didn’t want money. They didn’t want power. They wanted to break her. Ruin her. That was the point.”

Ryan’s jaw tightened. “So what now? Are we back to square one?”

Siya shook her head slowly. “Worse. We don’t even know if the others are connected… or if they’re just pawns like Arnav.”

Veer, spoke.
“Or maybe… there’s something right in front of us we’re still not seeing.”

Amidst it all, Shaurya sat quietly, listening to every word, but saying nothing. His silence wasn’t new to the others. They’d seen it before. And though none of them addressed it aloud, they understood. If Shaurya wasn’t speaking, it meant his mind was working—thinking, weighing, calculating. He would speak when the time was right. And they trusted that.

But in truth, Shaurya wasn’t just processing.

He was stuck.

One name echoed in his mind—Jaydeep Shukla.

A name from a past he could never outrun.
A memory that haunted him more than he ever let on.
Because Jaydeep Shukla wasn’t just another criminal. He was one of the monsters for whom Kaala Darbar had been born. One of the reasons Shaurya had shed his innocence, forged his own rules, and built an empire in the shadows to destroy men like him.

And now, years later… his name had returned.

But why?

After some time, they all left the room, stepping out one by one. But Siya held Veer’s hand, stopping him, and gently pulled him toward her room.

“What happened, butterfly? Do you want something, huh?” Veer asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Siya didn’t even blink. Her gaze was stern, her voice firm.

“Sit on the couch and keep quiet.”

Veer instantly recognised that tone. No teasing this time. He obediently walked to the couch and sat down, silently.

A moment later, Siya came towards him with a first-aid box in hand. She sat beside him and began tending to his wounded knuckles.

“Can’t you be careful?” she muttered, clearly annoyed. “If you really wanted to break his jaw, at least use a rod or something. Why hurt your own hands, huh?”

Veer didn’t say a word. He just kept looking at her—the way her brows were drawn in worry, the way her fingers moved gently despite her scolding. The anger was only a layer; beneath it was pure care.

When he didn’t respond, Siya pressed harder on his wound.

“Ouch… Butterfly!” Veer winced.

“If I ever see another injury on your body, I swear, I’ll kill you myself,” she snapped, meeting his eyes.

Veer chuckled softly. “Then for the first time, I won’t fight to live. I’ll open my arms willingly... just to be killed by the love of my life.”

Siya paused, her hands stilling.

Veer smiled, then added playfully,
“Ohh… to be killed by Siya Singh Rathore,” and winked.

Most girls would’ve blushed at that. But not Siya.
She simply stared at him. Silent. Her eyes softened, slightly moist.

Seeing her expression shift, Veer gently pulled her by the waist, settling her on his lap. He dipped his head into the curve of her neck and whispered,

“Sorry, Butterfly… I was just joking. I’ll be careful next time. Promise.”

Then he kissed her neck—soft, apologetic—sending a shiver down her spine. Without a word, she resumed tending to his wounds.

Everyone in the house knew about their bond.

They’d seen it, how Siya’s love for Veer wasn’t just deep, it was consuming. Fierce. She could bring the world to ashes if anything ever happened to him. And as much as she threatened to kill him… the truth was, she could never let a single scratch touch him.

Because if Veer bled… Siya burned.

After finishing the dressing, Siya tried to get up, but Veer tightened his hold around her waist, refusing to let her go.

"I'm really sorry, Butterfly," he whispered, his voice soft, vulnerable. "At least say something… please." He leaned in and pressed another gentle kiss to her neck.

Siya exhaled, then cupped his face and made him look into her eyes. “I don’t like it when you get hurt,” she said firmly, yet with a tenderness only he ever saw. “So just… be careful, okay?” She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

Veer smiled, that rare boyish grin only she could bring out. “I promise, Butterfly. I’ll be more careful.”

They sat there in silence for a few more minutes, wrapped in each other’s arms, finding comfort in the stillness. The chaos outside didn’t matter, in this moment, they had each other.

Then Siya pulled back slightly and said, “Now let me go. I have some work.”

Veer raised his brows. “Where are you going?”

“To the office. Just a little work, I’ll be back in an hour.”

“Then I’ll drop you,” Veer said, getting up with her.

“There’s no need,” she replied with a smile. “It’s quick. I’ll manage.”

But Veer shook his head. “Nope. I’ll drop you and I’ll wait. After you’re done, we’re going on a date. It’s been way too long since we spent real time together.”

A genuine smile bloomed on Siya’s lips at his sudden plan. She leaned in and kissed his cheek again, this time lingering a moment longer. “Okay… let’s go.”
.
.
.

As they drove to the office, Veer quickly stepped out and opened the door for Siya.

Just as she got out, he smiled and said, “You go inside, I’ll wait here.”

Siya stared at him like he had grown two heads. “Wait? What do you mean wait? You’re coming in with me.”

Veer chuckled. “Okay, okay... you go ahead. I’ll just park and come.”

“No need.” Without even looking at him, Siya handed the keys to the watchman. “He’ll park the car.”

Before Veer could argue, she grabbed his hand and marched toward the tall, glass building that proudly displayed the name “SSR Techs.”

As Siya walked in, her presence commanded attention. The sharp click of her heels echoed across the marble floors, and staff from all corners turned to greet her and Veer.

Everyone at the office knew Veer Kapoor. How could they not? A massive portrait of him hung in Siya’s cabin, framed in gold, right behind her desk.

As they moved further inside, Veer paused. “Damn. I think I left my phone in the car. You go ahead, I’ll be right back.”

Siya turned around, gave him a look, then sighed. “Fine. But don’t take a whole century.”

As Siya moved further down the corridor, a few hushed whispers floated to her ears. She ignored them at first, until one name made her stop in her tracks.
“Veer Kapoor.”

Her eyes narrowed.

One employee said, “Yeah, her boyfriend’s name is Veer Kapoor.”

Another snorted, “But she could do way better.”

“Come on, he’s handsome,” someone else chimed in.

“So what? He’s just the Chief Secretariat. She owns a multi-million dollar company. She could have any powerful businessman she wants.”

“Exactly,” another added, “What’s even in that guy—what’s his name again?”

Before they could finish, a voice like ice cracked through the air.

“VEER. KAPOOR.”

The entire hallway fell dead silent.

Everyone turned and there she stood.

Siya Singh Rathore.

Their boss.

Their queen.

And right now, the storm they didn’t see coming.

Her heels clicked against the floor as she walked toward them, eyes locked, voice dangerously calm.

“Did you hear me?” she said. “Veer Kapoor, that’s his name.”

No one dared breathe.

“I didn’t hire you to gossip about my personal life. If that’s how you value your job...” she turned to the receptionist “Clear their accounts. Fire them. Right now.”

The color drained from their faces.

“Ma’am please...sorry...please don’t fire us.”
“Mam, we didn’t mean...”

But Siya didn’t flinch. She coldly raised a finger and pointed at each of them present there. Her voice dropped soft, lethal.

“Here’s a warning. Loud. Clear. Final.

One more word about my man from anyone in this office…

 And I’ll rip your tongue out myself.”

Her eyes burned with rage.

The hallway stood frozen, fear etched into every face.

What Siya didn’t know…

Was that Veer had walked in just moments ago and had heard every single word.

Siya turned toward the exit. She had no interest in wasting a second more in that office filled with whispers and judgment. But just as she began to walk away, her eyes landed on Veer.

And just like that her fury dissolved.

Her blazing red eyes softened at the sight of him, and her lips curved into a smile meant only for him. Without saying a word, she walked straight to him, held his hand, and began walking out.

Veer didn't resist, he let her pull him, his mind tangled in thoughts that refused to fade.

“Paisa sabse zyada zaroori hota hai, Veer.”

“Tu sirf 3-4 lakh kamata hai... Uske kapde bhi mehange hai tujhse.”

“She can do better.”

“She should date a businessman.”

His father’s voice. The whispers in the hallway. The judgment in people’s eyes.

All playing on a loop inside his head  eating him alive.

Until he felt Siya shake his hand.

“Where are you lost, Veer?”

He snapped out of it, gave a slight shake of his head, and silently opened the car door for her. They sat. He drove.

But the silence was heavy.

Too heavy.

And then, suddenly he hit the brakes.

The car came to a halt in a dense, isolated area.

“Why did you..?” Siya started to ask.Before she could complete her sentence, Veer unbuckled her seatbelt in one swift move, gripped her waist, and with a groan of frustration, pulled her onto his lap. Her legs straddled him, the skirt riding high, and her palms flattened against his chest for balance.

Her breath hitched. “Veer—”

But he wasn’t listening. His eyes were burning, wild possessive.

In the next second, she was pinned against the steering wheel, his face just inches from hers. His hot breath fanned her lips, and his eyes scanned her face like he was trying to memorize every inch of her.

“Whatever people say, Butterfly…”

“I don’t give a fuck.”

“YOU. ARE. MINE.”

And then he devoured her.

His lips crashed onto hers—urgent, hungry. He bit down on her lower lip, pulling it between his teeth, sucking hard. She tried to push him, but he pinched her waist, making her gasp—and that was all he needed. His tongue plunged in, tasting her, claiming her. Siya let out a breathy moan, her fingers curling in his shirt.

One hand gripped her thigh, squeezing possessively, the other caressed the exact spot he pinched, stroking the sting into pleasure. She tapped his shoulder, breathless but he didn’t pull away.

Not yet.

When he finally did, they were both panting. He looked at her like she was his obsession.

 “Say it,” he growled.

“Say you’re mine.”

His lips found her neck, biting and sucking. Siya whimpered, eyes fluttering shut as her body melted into his.

 “Say it, Siya.”

“Yes,” she gasped, her voice trembling,

“I’m yours… Only yours, Veer.”

Veer smirked darkly. “That’s my good girl.”

He placed one last kiss on her collarbone, admiring the deep red marks blooming on her soft skin. Then he leaned back, tracing them slowly with his fingertips, satisfied.

“You look perfect marked like this,” he whispered.

“Everyone should know you belong to me.”

Siya narrowed her eyes, pointing a finger at him.

“What about you, huh? Why should I be the only one marked? That’s not fair.”

Veer chuckled, his lips twitching into a smirk.

“Oh? My butterfly wants to leave her mark too?”

“Go ahead.”

He started unbuttoning his shirt.

But Siya stopped him. “Not there. What’s the point if no one sees it?”

Veer raised an eyebrow, turned his face slightly.

“Go on. Mark me.”

In one bold move, Siya leaned in and bit his jaw—hard. Then sucked the spot slowly, leaving a deep, purple bruise behind.

She pulled back with a wicked grin.

“Now that’s better.”

Veer ran his tongue across his lip, eyes hooded with desire.

“My wild butterfly,” he whispered, pulling her in for a tight hug, nuzzling her neck.

They both knew...

No matter what the world said... Siya could never leave Veer. And Veer would burn the world before letting go of her.

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