**Darkness Of Ligh**

part 1- THE RUTHLESS BUSINESS -

Rajwardhan Rathod stood by the expansive window of his top-floor office, staring down at the bustling city of Moscow. The skyline was a mix of historical architecture and modern skyscrapers, mirroring the duality of his life: a respected businessman on the surface and a feared mafia king underneath. Today, his mind was solely on the latter role.

"Mr. Rathod," a trembling voice interrupted his thoughts. Rajwardhan turned slowly, his dark eyes narrowing as they fell upon the cowering figure of a middle-aged man. The man, Karan Mehta, was a former associate who had tried to double-cross him. He was now bound to a chair, bruises evident on his face, and a look of pure terror in his eyes.

Rajwardhan approached him with deliberate steps, each one echoing ominously in the large office. He didn’t rush; he never did. His power lay not just in his physical strength but in the calculated control he exercised over every situation. He relished the fear he instilled in others.

"Karan," he said in a voice as cold as ice. "You disappoint me. After all these years of working together, you thought you could betray me and get away with it?"

"Please, Rajwardhan... I mean, Mr. Rathod," Karan stammered. "It was a mistake. I can fix it. Just give me another chance."

Rajwardhan's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Another chance? Do you think I built this empire by giving second chances to traitors?" He leaned closer, his face inches from Karan’s. "You knew the consequences, and yet you chose to betray me. Now, you will face those consequences."

Without warning, Rajwardhan grabbed Karan by the collar and lifted him effortlessly. He threw him against the large mahogany desk, the force of the impact causing the desk to shudder. Papers and pens scattered to the floor, but Rajwardhan’s focus remained solely on Karan.

"You owe me, Karan. You owe me everything. Your life, your loyalty, and now, your suffering," he hissed, tightening his grip around Karan's throat. "Did you think I wouldn't find out? Did you think I would let you walk away?"

Karan gasped for air, his hands clawing at Rajwardhan’s iron grip. "Please... please..."

Rajwardhan released him, letting him collapse onto the floor, gasping and wheezing. He straightened his suit, his demeanor unchanged, as if nothing had happened. "You will serve as an example, Karan. An example to everyone who dares to cross me."

He snapped his fingers, and two burly men in suits appeared, dragging Karan away. Rajwardhan watched them go, his expression hardening. He didn’t enjoy this brutality, but it was necessary. In his world, power was maintained through fear and respect. And he was determined to keep it that way.

Just then, his personal assistant, Vikram, entered the room, unfazed by the scene that had just unfolded. "Sir, your next meeting is in ten minutes," he announced.

Rajwardhan nodded, his mind already shifting gears. "Prepare the conference room. I want every detail in place. No mistakes."

Vikram bowed slightly and left to carry out the orders. Rajwardhan took a deep breath, allowing himself a moment of calm. He walked over to his desk, picking up a photograph of his mother from the scattered papers. Her serene smile stared back at him, a stark contrast to the ruthless man he had become. For a brief moment, the memories of his childhood surfaced: the love, the warmth, and the shattering violence that had taken it all away.

But he couldn’t afford to dwell on the past. Not now. Not ever. He placed the photo back carefully and straightened his tie. It was time to switch to the facade of the respectable businessman, even if the mafia king was never far beneath the surface.

The conference room was filled with high-level executives when Rajwardhan entered. Conversations hushed as he took his seat at the head of the table. His presence commanded respect and fear in equal measure.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice steady and authoritative, "let's discuss the expansion plans. Time is money, and I don't intend to waste either."

The meeting proceeded with precision. Rajwardhan's sharp mind and keen business acumen were evident as he dissected each proposal, questioned every figure, and pushed his team to deliver beyond their limits. He was demanding, merciless in his expectations, and intolerant of incompetence.

When one executive fumbled through a presentation, Rajwardhan's gaze could have cut through steel. "Do you think this is a joke?" he snapped. "We are on the brink of a major deal, and you present this half-baked nonsense? Get out. You’re fired."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily. The dismissed executive stumbled out, knowing better than to argue. Rajwardhan continued the meeting as if nothing had happened, his focus unwavering.

By the time the meeting concluded, his team was exhausted, but Rajwardhan was just getting started. As they filed out, Vikram handed him a fresh set of documents. "These need your immediate attention, sir," he said.

Rajwardhan nodded, taking the files. "Clear my schedule for the rest of the day. I want no interruptions."

"Yes, sir," Vikram replied, leaving him alone in the vast office once more.

Rajwardhan sat back in his chair, glancing at the photograph of his mother again. Her passion for dance had been the light in his dark childhood. But that light had been extinguished by his father’s cruelty, leaving Rajwardhan to navigate a world filled with shadows.

He shook off the nostalgia and opened the files. There was work to be done, empires to build, and enemies to crush. He had no time for weakness or sentimentality. In this world, only the ruthless survived, and Rajwardhan Rathod intended to reign supreme.