The Mafia heart ( book 1 )

chapter 35 Loyalty and Boundaries

The dimly lit warehouse echoed with the sounds of painful groans as Aman Khanna struggled in his chair, hands bound tightly behind him. His face was swollen, his breathing heavy as he looked up, barely conscious, at the imposing figure of Vikram Singh Rathore.

Vikram leaned over Aman, his eyes filled with anger. "Mehek is mine. You had the audacity to even think of her?" His voice was low, deadly, dripping with restrained fury.

Aman whimpered, his words slurred. "I... I didn't mean any harm, Vikram... I-"

Vikram's hand shot out, grabbing Aman by the collar. "Don't speak her name. You're not worthy of it," he growled, shaking him roughly. "Did you really think I'd let this slide?"

Armaan, Vikram's right-hand man, watched with a smirk from the sidelines, his arms crossed. He leaned over to Kartike, who stood beside him, shaking his head with a grin. "Boss really is different since he got married, huh? Who would've thought Vikram Singh Rathore, the ruthless mafia lord, would be this possessive over his wife?"

Kartike laughed quietly, nodding. "And he doesn't even realize how much he's changed. Look at him. So protective," he said, nudging Armaan. "Think we should remind him about the honeymoon?"

Armaan chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Why not? Maybe ask if he's already planning for little Rathores running around."

Vikram turned slightly, his glare briefly landing on his two men. "Do you two have something to say, or would you rather keep your jaws intact?"

Armaan held up his hands in mock surrender. "Nothing, boss. Just thinking how committed you are, that's all."

"Absolutely," Kartike added, struggling to keep a straight face. "Especially with the whole marriage thing. I mean, we never thought we'd see Vikram Singh Rathore tied down."

Vikram's eyes narrowed, though a faint, reluctant smile played on his lips. "Don't push your luck."

Armaan smirked, undeterred. "Hey, we're just saying. And since you're in the whole married-life mood, maybe you're planning a honeymoon? Take a little break from all this... and, who knows, give us the surprise of a future Rathore?"

Vikram's eyebrow twitched, and he couldn't help but shake his head. "You two idiots. Do you know what we're doing here?" He gestured at Aman, who flinched as if he were afraid to draw more attention.

"Oh, we know, boss," Kartike said, grinning. "But it doesn't hurt to have some friendly banter, right? Besides, this guy's already too scared to breathe."

Vikram turned his attention back to Aman, his tone serious again. "Remember this, Aman. Mehek is off-limits to you or anyone else. She's mine, and I don't take threats to what's mine lightly."

Aman's voice trembled as he whispered, "I... I won't... I swear..."

Armaan stepped closer, his teasing tone fading as he looked down at Aman. "You're lucky the boss is letting you go. He usually isn't this generous."

Kartike nodded, adding, "Yeah, consider this a rare act of mercy. Vikram's usually not this forgiving. Maybe marriage is mellowing him out."

Vikram shot them both a warning look. "Enough." Then, his eyes softened just slightly. "Let's get out of here."

As they made their way out of the warehouse, Kartike couldn't resist nudging Armaan. "So, do you think Mehek has any idea how much our boss has changed because of her?"

Armaan laughed softly. "Not a clue. Poor girl hates him, and he's head over heels. Who knows, maybe this marriage will have a happy ending after all."

Vikram, overhearing, just shook his head. "Stop talking nonsense," he muttered, though there was a small hint of a smile hidden behind his usually stern expression.

Outside the warehouse, the air was crisp, and the silence felt refreshing after the tension inside. Kartike looked at Vikram, grinning. "So, boss... seriously. When are you taking Mehek on that honeymoon?"

Vikram rolled his eyes. "Focus on your jobs, not my personal life."

"Come on, boss!" Armaan pressed, a playful tone in his voice. "It's just... Mehek, she seems... special to you."

Vikram paused for a moment, looking out at the distant city lights. "She is. And she'll be safe from anyone who even thinks of harming her." His tone was final, protective.

Kartike glanced at Armaan, both sharing a knowing smile. They knew that beneath Vikram's hardened exterior, Mehek had touched a part of him no one else could. And while they loved teasing him, they respected him deeply-and, in their own way, they respected his commitment to Mehek.

"Understood, boss," Armaan said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "We're here for you. And for Mehek."

Vikram simply nodded, his expression a mix of determination and something softer. "I know. And for that, I'm grateful."

With that, they walked back to their cars, leaving behind the echoes of threats, laughter, and a vow unspoken yet understood: no one would touch what belonged to Vikram Singh Rathore.