The celebration continued—
But the air had changed.
Smiles were still present.
But not genuine.
Behind every conversation—
There was calculation.
Behind every laugh—
There was intention.
Power didn't speak loudly here.
It moved quietly.
And tonight—
Something was watching.
Ram stood calm.
Karna beside him.
Then—
The atmosphere shifted.
Someone important had entered.
The doors opened.
A man walked in.
Sharp eyes.
Cold expression.
Authority in every step.
People moved aside.
Whispers spread.
"DCP Arjun…"
Karna looked at Ram.
"…Who is he?"
Ram replied quietly—
"Police."
A pause.
"…And not on our side."
DCP Arjun walked straight toward Ram.
No hesitation.
No smile.
"Where is your father?" he asked.
Ram met his gaze.
"He has work."
His tone—
Cold.
Arjun smirked slightly.
"Your father should learn to rest."
Ram didn't react.
"If he rests…"
"…who will handle his duty?"
Silence.
Arjun's eyes narrowed.
"You speak like your father."
Ram replied—
"I speak for what matters."
"Because I am his son."
The tension between them—
Heavy.
Karna watched everything.
Arjun shifted his attention.
"I heard something interesting."
Ram stayed silent.
"Your father adopted a boy."
Ram answered—
"Yes."
Arjun looked at Karna.
"This one?"
Ram nodded.
"Yes."
Arjun stepped closer.
His eyes scanned Karna.
Carefully.
"…Strange," he said quietly.
Before anyone could react—
A sudden movement.
A man rushed forward.
Fast.
Target—
Ram.
Everything happened in seconds.
The attacker struck.
Ram blocked.
Countered.
But—
The man was strong.
Too strong.
Ram stepped back.
Karna's eyes widened.
"…Ram!"
The attacker moved again.
Faster.
More dangerous.
Ram defended—
But this time—
He was pushed back.
For the first time—
Ram was on the edge.
Then—
A blur.
DCP Arjun stepped in.
One move.
Clean.
Precise.
He intercepted the attack.
Blocked.
Turned.
And struck.
The attacker froze—
Then collapsed instantly.
Silence.
The entire hall went quiet.
Arjun stood still.
Calm.
"…Too slow," he said.
Ram looked at him.
Not angry.
Not grateful.
Just observing.
Arjun turned slightly.
"You need more training."
Ram replied—
"I didn't ask for help."
A faint smile appeared on Arjun's face.
"I didn't help for you."
His eyes shifted—
To Karna.
"…I was curious."
Something deeper—
Was happening.
Unseen by others.
Security rushed in.
Taking the attacker away.
But the damage was done.
This was no longer just a party.
Arjun walked past Ram.
Then stopped.
Without turning—
"Tell your father…"
"…things are changing."
And he left.
Karna stepped closer.
"…He's dangerous."
Ram's eyes stayed on the exit.
"…Yes."
A pause.
"But not the biggest problem."
His hand slowly tightened.
Because somewhere—
He knew.
This attack—
Was just the beginning.