The air in the courtyard became heavy with tension.
The guards stood ready with their weapons.
In the center stood three people whose lives were now connected forever.
Aryan Malhotra
Anaya Sen
And the dangerous mafia leader…
Viktor Volkov.
Viktor slowly walked forward, clapping slowly.
"Impressive security, King Cobra," he said mockingly.
Aryan's expression remained cold.
"You have ten seconds to leave my property."
Viktor chuckled.
"You're still as arrogant as ever."
Then his eyes shifted toward Anaya.
She felt uneasy under his gaze.
"What do you want from me?" she asked angrily.
Viktor smiled.
"Oh, little Anaya… you really don't know, do you?"
Anaya frowned.
"Know what?"
Viktor looked back at Aryan.
"You didn't tell her?"
Aryan didn't respond.
That silence alone made Anaya nervous.
"Tell me what?" she demanded.
Viktor's smile grew darker.
"Your father."
Anaya froze.
"My father died years ago."
Viktor shook his head slowly.
"No… he didn't."
Her heart started beating faster.
"What are you talking about?"
Viktor stepped closer.
"Your father was one of the most powerful men in the international weapons network."
Anaya stared at him in disbelief.
"That's a lie!"
But Viktor continued calmly.
"His name was Rajiv Sen."
Anaya's world suddenly felt unstable.
She had only known her father as a simple businessman.
But Viktor kept talking.
"Before he disappeared… he hid something extremely valuable."
Aryan's voice finally cut in.
"That's enough, Viktor."
But Viktor ignored him.
"That 'something' can control half the illegal arms routes in Europe and Asia."
Then he pointed directly at Anaya.
"And the key to finding it… is her."
Silence filled the courtyard.
Anaya slowly turned toward Aryan.
"You knew?"
Aryan looked at her quietly.
"Yes."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"And you kidnapped me… because of that?"
Aryan stepped closer.
"Partly."
"Partly?" she asked bitterly.
"Yes."
"Then what's the other reason?" she demanded.
Aryan looked straight into her eyes.
"For the first time in years…"
"I wanted to protect someone."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Viktor laughed loudly.
"How touching."
Then his expression became cold.
"But she belongs to me, Aryan."
Aryan's voice turned deadly.
"Try taking her."
Viktor smiled.
"Oh, I will."
Then he walked back toward his car.
"But next time…"
He looked directly at Anaya.
"I won't come alone."
The convoy slowly left the mansion.
And the war had officially begun.