50 ~ Shattered Sanguinity

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"She can kill with her smile, she can wound with her eyes."

Dev

A beast. That’s what people call me—a beast. Ruthless, unyielding, and relentless. I never give in to pressure, and I always get what I want. Be it projects, deals, contracts, or even people, my will dominates.

Dev Pratap Singh.
My name alone sends shivers down the spines of my enemies. To the world, I am a king without a throne, ruling not over lands but minds. The fear in people's eyes when they speak to me? I revel in it. It’s not just a reaction; it’s my validation, my satisfaction.

I had everything anyone could dream of—fame, power, and wealth—because I was born into the royal family of Rajasthan. But power, in its truest sense, is never handed down. It is seized. Nepotism denied me the position of CEO at Rudy & Paramount Global, the empire my late mother built with her bare hands. That insult was a wound I refused to nurse. Instead, I made it my mission to prove that I didn’t need handouts.

I worked tirelessly to build my credentials. I graduated from Harvard at the top of my class, walked onto the stage as valedictorian, and then returned to claim what was mine. At just 24 years old, I became the CEO of Rudy & Paramount Global. Within three years, I didn’t just run the company—I transformed it into the number-one conglomerate in all of Asia.

Yet, despite my achievements, my heart never found peace. It often felt as though something—or someone—was missing. The sensation was haunting, like a silent call from the void, pulling at the edges of my consciousness. It unsettled me, but I buried it deep, dismissing it as nonsense.

This morning was no different. I rose early, casting aside my thoughts like unwanted debris, and began my day. The reflection staring back at me in the mirror was one of precision and control. I dressed meticulously, slipping into a black tuxedo paired with a crisp white shirt. My movements were measured and deliberate as I fastened the buttons, adjusted my cuffs, and selected the perfect watch to complement my look.

After sliding into my polished shoes, I sprayed a hint of cologne, a signature scent that exuded authority. My shoulder-length hair, a bold choice in a world of conformity, was carefully gelled and pulled back into a sleek, sharp man bun. One final glance in the mirror confirmed it—I was ready to command the day.

When I descended the staircase, I was greeted with the one sight that could soften my usually stoic demeanor: my little sister, Nandita. Her bright, cherubic face lit up as she threw her arms around me in an enthusiastic hug.

“Good morning, Bhaisa!” she chirped, her voice brimming with affection.

I couldn’t resist pinching her cheek at her adorableness. “Morning, cupcake,” I replied, my tone warmer than it was with anyone else in the world.

She pouted playfully and tugged at my hand. “Maa is waiting for you at the dining table, Bhaisa. You took so long!”

Her impatience made me chuckle as she dragged me toward the dining room. When we entered, my stepmother—though I never thought of her that way—Anamika Singh, was setting the table with her usual grace. Her warm smile was the perfect start to my day. I walked over, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Maa,” I said simply, my voice laced with respect and love. She returned the affection by kissing my forehead, her expression one of unspoken pride.

Nandita, always quick to steal the spotlight, interjected with mock indignation. “All love for Bhaisa, I’m here only to get scolded.”

Maa laughed, shaking her head at the dramatics. “Come here, drama queen,” she said, pulling Nandita close for a quick kiss on the forehead.

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