The Underworld Crown: Mumbai's Criminal Empire

Chapter 4: Family Ties

The acrid smell of burning incense filled the small, dimly lit room as Vicky knelt before the modest altar in his family's cramped Dharavi home. His mother, Laxmi, stood beside him, her weathered hands clasped in prayer, lips moving silently as she beseeched the gods for protection. It had been months since Vicky had last visited, and the weight of his absence hung heavy in the air.

As the prayer concluded, Laxmi turned to her son, her eyes a mixture of love and concern. "Vicky, beta, you look thin. Are you eating properly?"

Vicky forced a smile, trying to ignore the guilt gnawing at his insides. "I'm fine, Maa. Work's been keeping me busy, that's all."

His younger sister, Priya, emerged from the kitchen, a steaming cup of chai in her hands. "Busy? Is that why you haven't visited in months? Or called?" Her tone was sharp, accusatory.

"Priya," Laxmi admonished gently, but Vicky held up a hand.

"It's okay, Maa. She's right." He turned to his sister, taking in how much she'd grown in his absence. "I'm sorry, Priya. Things have been... complicated."

Priya's expression softened slightly. "What kind of work are you doing anyway? You never tell us anything anymore."

Vicky hesitated, his mind racing to construct a plausible lie. "I'm in imports and exports. It's a good opportunity, but the hours are long."

"Imports and exports?" Laxmi's brow furrowed. "But you have no experience in that. How did you-"

"I got lucky," Vicky interrupted, perhaps too quickly. "Met some people who saw potential in me. Speaking of which..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a thick envelope. "This is for you, Maa. For the house, for Priya's school fees, whatever you need."

Laxmi's eyes widened at the sight of the money. "Vicky, this is too much. We can't-"

"Please, Maa," Vicky insisted, pressing the envelope into her hands. "I want to help. Let me do this for our family."

As Laxmi reluctantly accepted the envelope, Vicky caught a glimpse of suspicion in Priya's eyes. His sister had always been perceptive, too smart for her own good. He'd have to be more careful around her.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they sat down to eat, but Vicky couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider in his own home. The simple dal and rice that had once been his favorite meal now tasted bland compared to the rich foods he'd grown accustomed to in Haji's world.

As the evening wore on, a commotion outside drew their attention. Angry voices could be heard, growing louder by the moment. Vicky instinctively tensed, his hand moving towards the concealed weapon he always carried now.

"What's going on?" Laxmi asked, moving towards the window.

"Stay back," Vicky ordered, his tone sharper than he intended. Both Laxmi and Priya looked at him in surprise. "I mean... let me check. It could be dangerous."

He stepped outside to find a crowd gathering around two men locked in a heated argument. One, a heavyset man with a thick mustache, was shouting at a cowering figure Vicky recognized as Mr. Patil, the local shopkeeper.

"You think you can cheat me, you bastard?" the large man bellowed, grabbing Patil by the collar. "I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget!"

Without thinking, Vicky strode forward, inserting himself between the two men. "What seems to be the problem here?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of authority that made both men take notice.

The large man sneered. "This is none of your business, boy. Walk away if you know what's good for you."

Vicky smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "I'm making it my business. Now, why don't you tell me what Mr. Patil here has done to offend you?"