Adhiyal Ishq

1. The Prataps

A pair of beautiful feminine yet worked-up hands, with properly trimmed and blush pink painted nails clutched onto his crisp white collar. The rage was seeping through her fingers enough to burn the lad's skin if not for the fabric that she was grabbing on.

"I swear, main tumhara vo haal karungi ki tum is moment ka ek-ek second regret karoge Rudra Pratap. Tumhari zindagi to main palatti hun." 

 {I will do that you that you would regret every second of this moment Rudra Pratap. I'll turn your life around.} 

Her voice was dripping with pure fury, eyes burning a hole through him, teeth-gritting tight – trying to suppress her anger that knew no bounds at the very moment, she exhaled a breath of warm air forcefully to calm herself. Her grip was ever so tight on his collar. Well, his reaction?

He grinned.

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Samridhi Niwas – one of the most luxurious mansions in the city, worthy of housing the billionaire family of 7; soon to be 8, was the residence of one of the top three richest families in the country. It resides in every member that a family needs to feel complete. Who are they you ask? Well, a caring father with a loving mother, a mature and responsible elder son with an understanding wife, and two beautiful kids of his own. And let's not forget, most importantly a useless self-centered spoiled brat who played the role of the younger son.

Samridhi Niwas is a perfect reflection of its name, prosperity's residence. It was a giant two-story mansion with a pearl-white exterior and cool blue details. The definition of luxury, much expected from The Prataps, the mansion is elegant yet extravagant. It was not just their way of living that screamed wealth but also their personality as if each one of them was born to be fed from a golden spoon instead of a silver one.

The eldest and the head of the family was Shri Tej Singh Pratap – a kind man with a strong demeanor. He was the righteousness personified in every sense. Tej had zero tolerance for wrong and false bonuses, a big heart, and a warm smile. Given his name, he was just as radiant as a man could get.

"Kahan reh gaya ye ladka? I want him back soon. Aaj iska ye do baje ghar aane vala drama nahi chalega."

{Where is this boy? I want him back soon. Today his late-night arrivals won't be entertained.}

With that big white well-maintained beard, lion-like eyes, and strong muscular tall body he looked the role of an assertive yet gentle businessman, a caring father. Well, his favorite role is that of the sweetest grandfather in the whole wide world as written by his grandkids on a crumpled-up handmade greeting card for grandparent's day. He may be wealthy and flourishing right now but this was not always the case. Tej navigated his way through the business world based on his sheer will and the experiences he gained along the way. He had seen the turmoil of life as he grew his father's business to be well known not just across the state but also the country. The Old Pratap retired from being the CEO of the VPE: Vijayin Pratap Empire and was now part-time President of the company plus a full-time grandfather with properties of Santa Claus. He loved it.

This strong lion had his lioness who was the only match to his rage and fury at the desperate times, Shrimati Sandhya Tej Singh Pratap. She was cool to his wrath, the support to his stumble, and the head of the house. Had married him at his roughest patch in life, Sandhya came to know Tej's worsts and bests, making her capable of reading him like a kid's book. Too easy to understand.

"Maine call kar dia tha, raaste mein hoga. Aap dinner table pe ao."

{I did call him, must be on his way. You come here at the dinner table.}