“Once you join me, there is no way out of here. Think carefully before you say yes.” She nodded her head like a baby, one thing’s for sure, he won’t let her go from his grasp that easily.
Once someone comes to his world, either they remain alive under his control… or they don’t remain at all.
“Martha, show her room and you, think all night, tomorrow morning I want answers and I’m telling again there’s no going back, think properly later I don’t want you to regret” he said with a smirk and she nodded again.
She was happy that she found a way to save her brother ‘he won’t make me murder someone right?’ She thought, in her mind, little did she know that something terrible was waiting for her.
All this time his younger brother Kabir and Shiddarth were standing with confusion on their faces because this is the first time they are seeing some emotion in Riaan’s face after his parents death.
“What? Go to your room.” he said and walked away from there.
but halted in his pace when he heard her-
“Thank you Uncle.” She called him.
The word hit him like a gunshot.
Riaan froze.
Behind him, Kabir and Shiddarth exchanged shocked looks.
For the first time since his parents’ death…
Emotion had crossed Riaan Thakur’s face.
And Meera Sharma had no idea what she had just walked into.
Did my babygirl just fucking call me UNCLE??UNCLE do I look like some old man that she called me this name FUCKKK?
He turned towards her— “WHO THE HELL DID YOU JUST FUCKING CALL UNCLE?”
She flinched badly and he approached her while shooting daggers at her face.
She got nervous.
While on the other hand—
Kabir pressed his lips together, shoulders shaking.
Shiddarth didn’t even try.
He burst out laughing—loud, uncontrollable, the kind that echoed through the room.
“Oh God—” Shiddarth bent forward, holding his stomach. “Kabir… did you hear that? She—she just—”
Kabir snorted, pointing vaguely in Arjun’s direction. “She called him uncle.”
That was it.
Shiddarth straightened only to laugh harder. “UNCLE.” He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. “My best friend. The most feared mafia leader in Asia. Reduced to—”
Riaan turned slowly.
The temperature in the room dropped.
Shiddarth stopped mid-laugh.
Kabir cleared his throat, trying—failing—to look serious. “I-I mean… technically,” he said carefully, “you are older than her, bhai.”
Riaan glare could have killed.
“Say. Another. Word.”
Kabir immediately raised his hands. “Not saying anything! Nothing at all!”
Shiddarth, however, was a lost cause.
“But bhai,” he added innocently, “from her perspective it makes sense. You glare, you carry guns, you yell… very uncle energy.”
Silence.
Dead silence.
He stood in front of her, glaring like you were going to eat her alive. She gulped harshly.
“I have asked something,” he said again, gritting his teeth. No one has ever dared to call the mafia leader a fucking Uncle and his babygirl has so much courage?
“I-I n-no y-you said you’re o-older than m-me?” She said, and he kept staring at her face, wondering whether he should shoot her or devour her for calling him fucking UNCLE?
No Riaan, she’s innocent, he thought.
She whispered, “D-did I say something w-wrong?”
Kabir turned toward her instantly, softening. “No, no,” he said quickly. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Shiddarth nodded, trying to hold in another laugh. “Absolutely nothing. You just… unknowingly attacked his entire existence.”
Riaan shot him a warning look.
Meera frowned slightly, confusion written all over her face. “B-but… isn’t uncle a r-respectful word?”
Kabir bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing again.
“Yes,” he said, coughing. “Very respectful.”
Shiddarth added, “Just… not recommended for men who think they’re still thirty.”
“I am thirty,” Riaan growled.
“Exactly,” Shiddarth replied smugly.
Riaan took a threatening step forward.
Kabir immediately stepped between them. “Okay! Enough comedy for one night.”
Meera stood there, eyes darting between the three men, completely lost.
She watched them quietly, her brows knitting together. “S-so… should I call you… bhaiya?”
That did it.
Bhaiya.
The word landed harder than uncle.
Riaan felt something inside him snap.
Uncle was an insult.
Bhaiya was a declaration of distance.
Brother. Safe. Harmless.
And Riaan was neither.
Shiddarth lost it again.
Kabir turned his face away, shoulders shaking.
Riaan closed his eyes.
He inhaled deeply.
Then slowly exhaled.
“Go to your room,” he snapped at her , pointing down the hall. “Before they teach you worse things.”
She nodded quickly. “S-sorry… uncle—”
“Get the fuck out of here before I kill you, Kitten” he said, gritting his teeth.
She gulped and ran towards the room the maid told her about, which was downstairs.
He chuckled slightly when he saw her running restlessly just like a child.
Cute.
But he stopped, realizing what he just did. Did he just smile at her antics? Did he just call her cute?
Wtf am I thinking about?!
He looked in her direction and saw her trip again and fall on the floor in front of her door.
“OMG, did she hurt?”
Fucking stop thinking about her!
The moment she disappeared, Shiddarth collapsed onto the couch, laughing breathlessly.
“I swear,” he said between laughs, “this girl is either going to be your downfall or your karma.”
Kabir smiled softly, glancing toward the hallway. “Or both.”
Riaan didn’t reply and went to his room.
But for the first time in years…
The mansion echoed with laughter instead of gunshots.
Lying on his bed, he kept looking at the ceiling.
“You can’t imagine who you’ve come to. I know you’re innocent for this world, but prepare yourself for the challenges ahead, babygirl.”
He smirked, thinking about Meera, and soon fell asleep.
Meanwhile—
Will he make me do something wrong?
What’s the worst that can happen? My life is already shattered… but I’ll do anything to save my brother.
Lost in those thoughts, Riaan Thakur suddenly occupied Meera’s mind.
“He’s terrifying… but dangerously handsome,” she whispered to herself, letting out a soft, helpless chuckle as she curled deeper into the blanket. The memory of him lifting her face with the barrel of his gun sent a strange shiver down her spine.
Fear still lingered in her chest—
yet something else stirred beneath it.
She was scared… but undeniably drawn.
Stop it, Meera, she scolded herself. Don’t even think about him like that. He’s mafia. One wrong move and he’ll ruin you completely.
She turned to her side, clutching the blanket tighter, unaware that the man she was trying so hard not to think about had already decided her fate.
Her life was about to change—
not in days…
but in hours.
Morning arrived with soft, twinkling sunshine.
Sunlight slipped through the balcony curtains as Riaan Thakur opened his eyes and stretched his arms.
For a man like him sleep had been strangely light.
His thoughts drifted back to the previous night—to the girl who had unknowingly stepped into his world and refused to leave his mind.
Meera Sharma.
Her frightened eyes.
Her soft voice.
The way she had looked at him—not with greed, not with expectation… but desperation.
After getting ready, Riaan headed straight to the private gym inside the mansion.
The metallic clang of weights echoed through the gym as Riaan pushed through another rep, muscles tensing with every movement. Sweat rolled down his temples, but his focus was fractured.
What kind of spell did that girl cast on me?
For the first time in his thirty years, someone younger than him had stirred something unfamiliar—something reckless. Dangerous.
He didn’t notice Kabir Thakur enter, followed closely by Siddharth Maheshwari.
Kabir leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes calculating.
Siddharth, on the other hand, smirked.
“Wow,” he muttered. “Same weight. Same position. Five minutes straight. Either you’ve gone soft… or you’re seriously lost.”
Kabir didn’t laugh. His gaze remained fixed on Arjun.
“He hasn’t been himself since last night.”
Siddharth tilted his head. “Let me guess.”
A beat.
“The girl.”
Kabir’s jaw tightened slightly.
Before either of them could continue, Riaan slammed the weights down, the sound echoing sharply through the space. He turned, eyes cold and piercing.
“How long have you two been standing there?”
“Long enough to see you spiral,” Kabir replied calmly.
Siddharth stepped closer, grin lazy but eyes sharp.
“So tell us, Riaan—where exactly are you lost?”
Then softer, deliberate—
“Or who?”
Riaan grabbed a towel, wiping the sweat from his face. Irritation flickered across his expression.
“Watch your mouth.”
Siddharth chuckled. “Relax. You don’t let anyone stay under your roof. And now you’re brooding like a lovesick teenager.”
Kabir straightened. “You went easy on her.”
Riaan’s jaw clenched. “She’s irrelevant.”
Kabir met his eyes without flinching.
“Then don’t involve her.”
Silence stretched.
Siddharth exhaled slowly. “Meera Sharma,” he said quietly now. “Innocent eyes. No backup. Broken life.”
He looked at Riaan.
“Not built for this world.”
Riaan’s gaze darkened. “Enough.”
“No,” Kabir said firmly. “Not enough.”
Riaan turned sharply. Kabir stepped forward—voice low, warning.
“She’s not like the others who cross us,” Kabir said.
“She doesn’t know the rules. She doesn’t know the cost.”
Siddharth nodded once. “If she’s staying here, she stays untouched.”
Riaan’s eyes hardened. “You think I’d harm her?”
Kabir didn’t back down.
“I think you don’t realize what you’re capable of when emotions get involved.”
The words hit.
Kabir continued, softer but deadly serious.
“Bhai… if you’re keeping her here, then you protect her. From enemies—”
his gaze sharpened
“—and from yourself.”
Siddharth folded his arms. “She’s under our watch now. No games.”
Riaan looked away, jaw tight, chest heavy.
“She’s not a weakness,” he said quietly.
Kabir replied just as calmly.
“Then don’t turn her into one.”
A pause.
Then Riaan picked up the towel, shoulders stiff.
“This conversation is over.”
He walked past them without another word.
Behind him, Siddharth let out a breath.
“He’s already too deep.”
Kabir’s eyes followed Riaan's retreating figure.
“And she doesn’t even know it yet.”
Without overthinking further, Riaan walked toward Meera room and opened the door without knocking.
He opened the door quietly.
The room was dim, curtains half-drawn, morning light spilling softly across the bed.
She was completely wrapped inside the blanket, only her nose and closed eyes visible.
Peaceful.
Soft cheeks. Delicate features. Her calm face glowing like moonlight.
Completely unaware.
Riaan stopped just inside the doorway.
She shifted in her sleep, brows knitting for a moment as if caught in a fragile dream. Her fingers tightened around the blanket, her lips parting softly as she turned to her side.
Something twisted in his chest.
She looked… small.
Vulnerable.
Too untouched for the world he ruled.
He took a step closer—but stopped himself.
No touching.
No interference.
Just observation.
She doesn’t even know how close she is to danger, he thought.
For a brief second, she stirred again, lashes fluttering as if sensing something.
Riaan stepped back instantly.
Silently, he turned and left the room—closing the door without making a sound.
Meera's eyes slowly opened.
The room felt… strange.
Still.
Heavy.
She sat up slightly, heart beating faster for no clear reason.
Was someone here?
She glanced around the room.
Nothing.
No movement.
No sound.
Just the faint echo of a presence she couldn’t explain.
Her fingers curled into the blanket.
Why do I feel like I wasn’t alone?
Shaking her head, she tried to brush the thought away—telling herself it was just fear, just nerves.
Then suddenly her gaze shifted toward the space beside her pillow—
And she froze.
A bunny plushie lay there.
Small. Soft. Innocent.
Her breath caught in her throat.
It looked exactly like the one she had seen in Riaan’s hands.
Her heartbeat stuttered.
Did he come here?
Did he… sit beside me?
A strange warmth crept up her spine—mixed with something far more unsettling.
How long was he here?
Was he watching me?
Before she could think further—
Knock. Knock.
Her breath hitched.
“C-come in,” she said softly, uncertainty trembling in her voice.
The door opened to reveal a maid, calm and composed, her posture respectful.
“Good morning, Miss Sharma,” she greeted politely.
Meera's shoulders relaxed at once. “Good morning…”
The maid stepped inside and placed a neatly folded set of clothes on the chair beside the bed.
“These are fresh clothes for you,” she said. “Mr. Thakur has sent them.”
Meera’s fingers curled slightly.
“Mr. Thakur.”
“Please freshen up,” the maid continued. “Mr. Thakur has asked you to join him in the dining room for breakfast.”
Meera nodded quickly. “O-okay… thank you.”
The maid gave a small nod in return and left the room quietly, closing the door behind her.
Meera remained seated for a moment, staring at the clothes.
Clean. Expensive. Not hers.
He’s already deciding things for me.
She pressed her lips together.
Safe.
The word echoed in her mind—but instead of comfort, it carried weight.
Like a promise she hadn’t agreed to.
Slowly, she stood up.
And obeyed.
Meera smoothed her kurti nervously as she stepped out of the room.
The corridor felt longer than before.
Every footstep echoed too loudly against the marble floor, her heartbeat matching the rhythm. The mansion was awake now—staff moving silently, the air filled with the faint aroma of food.
It’s just breakfast, she told herself.
Just breakfast.
Still, her palms were damp.
As she neared the dining hall, voices drifted toward her—deep, masculine, confident.
She paused.
Then gathered her courage and stepped inside.
The table was already occupied.
Riaan Thakur sat at the head, dressed in black, sleeves rolled up, posture relaxed yet commanding. Kabir sat to his right, calm and observant. Siddharth leaned back casually, one leg crossed over the other, eyes sharp with amusement.
Meera froze at the entrance.
Riaan noticed instantly.
His gaze lifted—slow, deliberate.
The room seemed quiet.
“Come in,” he said.
Her feet moved before her mind could object.
She walked toward the table and stopped, unsure where to sit.
Siddharth tilted his head, lips twitching.
“Relax,” he said lightly. “We don’t bite before breakfast.”
Her eyes widened.
Kabir shot Siddharth a look. “Ignore him.”
Meera gave a small nod, clutching her hands together.
“Sit,” Riaan ordered.
The word landed heavy.
She obeyed immediately, took the seat nearest to Kabir, instinctively choosing distance from Riaan.
Siddharth noticed—and smirked.
“Interesting choice,” he murmured.
Riaan finally lifted his eyes.
They met hers.
Meera’s breath hitched.
Those eyes weren’t angry this morning.
They were… unreadable.
“You sleep well?” he asked, voice calm.
She nodded. “Y-yes… Uncle.”
The table went quiet.
Siddharth choked on his coffee. “Uncle?”
Kabir looked down, clearly suppressing a reaction.
Riaan didn’t flinch—but something dark flickered briefly in his gaze.
“I’m not your uncle,” he said slowly. “Call me Mr. Thakur.”
Her cheeks flushed instantly. “I-I’m sorry… Mr. Thakur.”
Kabir leaned slightly toward her, lowering his voice.
“You’re fine,” he said calmly. “Just eat.”
A servant placed plates in front of them.
Meera stared at the food—warm, rich, unfamiliar.
She hesitated.
Riaan’s voice cut in. “Eat.”
She picked up her spoon immediately.
Siddharth watched her for a moment, then chuckled softly.
“You look like you’re waiting for permission to breathe.”
She looked up, startled.
Kabir intervened gently. “Siddharth.”
“What?” he shrugged. “I’m not wrong.”
Meera swallowed. “I—I’m okay.”
Kabir gave her a small nod of approval.
“Good.”
For the first time since entering the room, she relaxed—just a little.
Siddharth leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
“So, Baby Sis,” he said casually. “Do you know whose house you’re in?”
Her spoon paused mid-air.
She glanced at Riaan, then backed down. “M-Mr. Thakur’s.”
Siddharth smiled. “Correct answer.”
Kabir spoke before the tension could deepen.
“You don’t need to be afraid,” he told her quietly.
“As long as you follow the rules, no one here will harm you.”
She looked at him—really looked at him.
His eyes were steady. Honest.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Siddharth raised his brows. “Look at that. Already trusting you, Kabir.”
Kabir didn’t respond.
Riaan watched the exchange in silence.
Watched Kabir reassure her.
Watching Siddharth makes her nervous—and then smiles.
I watched her slowly relax.
His fingers tightened slightly around his glass.
“You’ll stay inside the mansion today,” Arjun said suddenly.
Meera looked up. “I—I won’t go outside.”
“Good,” he replied.
Siddharth smirked. “See? First rule learned.”
Meera frowned. “Rule?”
Riaan stood, pushing his chair back. The sound echoed, commanding attention.
“You’ll learn. Soon enough,” he said calmly.
“And come to my office after having breakfast.”
He walked away without another glance.
Meera’s eyes followed him until he disappeared.
Something in her chest felt… unsettled.
Kabir noticed.
“He’s strict,” Kabir said quietly. “But he keeps his word.”
She nodded slowly.
Siddharth grinned. “And if he scares you too much, just sit closer to us.”
She hesitated—then smiled, small but genuine.
For the first time since last night, she felt something unfamiliar.
Not safe.
But temporary shelter.
And none of them noticed—
Riaan Thakur, standing just beyond the doorway, had paused.
He heard her laugh.
And didn’t like the fact that it wasn’t meant for him.
✦ ─────── ✦
Author’s Note –
If you’ve made it this far… welcome deeper into the chaos.
This chapter marks a shift.
What started as fear is slowly turning into something far more complicated. Not love. Not safety. Not comfort.
Something dangerous.
Riaan is not a hero. He is not meant to be soft, safe, or easily understood. His possessiveness, his jealousy, his control — they are flaws, not fantasies. And Meera’s innocence is not weakness… it’s contrast. It’s friction. It’s the spark thrown into a world built on violence.
The laughter in this chapter?
The teasing?
The “uncle” moment?
Those are cracks in armor.
But don’t mistake lighter moments for safety.
This world still has rules.
And once those rules are broken… there are consequences.
Thank you for reading, for feeling, for reacting, for loving and hating these characters with me.
The real storm hasn’t even started yet.
—mnishruti
Follow me on Instagram for the spoiler of the chapter—mnishruti_19
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