The night was alive with the hum of neon lights and the echo of heels tapping on marble floors. Janhavi Jha stood at the entrance of the gala, the perfect image of grace. A tailored black dress clung to her body, the hem just brushing the top of her stilettos. Her jet-black hair cascaded in soft waves around her shoulders, framing a face that could command any room. But the eyes—those eyes—were cold, guarded, like a queen who'd never flinch under pressure.
She wasn't here for the glamour. The glittering jewels and the clinking glasses were nothing more than a smokescreen. She was here to strike a deal, to solidify her position in the ruthless underworld she ruled—disguised, of course, as a lawyer.
Her reputation as the feared mafia queen, Janhavi Jha, remained hidden behind the mask of the successful, untouchable legal consultant. No one knew the power she wielded, or that beneath the smooth veneer of professionalism, she was capable of cruelty no one dared to challenge.
Tonight, the business world and the mafia world were about to collide. Her eyes flicked over the crowd, scanning for the only man who mattered. Agastya Singhania.
The CEO of Singhania Industries—a man whose name alone struck fear into the hearts of rivals. His cold stare could freeze anyone in their tracks, and his business acumen was legendary. But it was the rumors surrounding him that intrigued Janhavi. Rumors of ties to the underworld. Rumors of a ruthless streak that ran as deep as her own.
He was across the room, talking to a group of businessmen, his back straight, his presence undeniable. His suit fit him perfectly, dark and sharp, but there was something in the way he stood that hinted at a darker edge. He wasn't just the head of a corporate empire—he was something more.
Janhavi approached the bar, not bothering to make small talk with the familiar faces. She didn't care for the sparkling champagne or the glasses of whiskey being passed around. She never drank, and she didn't smoke. Her faith in Lord Shiva was her anchor. She carried his blessing with her, every day—never swayed, never lost.
Her phone buzzed. A message from her most trusted confidant, Rhea: The deal with Singhania is already falling apart. He's not budging. You need to handle this.
Janhavi's jaw clenched, but she hid it with a smile as the bartender handed her a drink. She politely refused, her gaze still locked on Agastya across the room. He was a man who didn't care for religious vows or devotion. But she did.
Her mind briefly wandered to the small trishul pendant she wore beneath her dress. It was a gift from her mother, a constant reminder of her faith, of the vows she had taken, and the promises she had to keep. She had to stay strong—for herself, for the empire she'd built, and for her father's legacy.
It was then that their eyes met across the room. Agastya's gaze locked onto hers, and for a split second, something stirred in him—something he couldn't name. There was a tension in the air, charged with something neither of them could quite define.
The crowd seemed to fade as they stared at each other, the noise becoming distant. Janhavi knew he was studying her, trying to read her, to figure out who she was beneath the mask of elegance. And for the first time in a long time, she felt exposed. She pushed the feeling away, a cool smirk forming on her lips.
Agastya broke the silence, striding toward her, his footsteps confident, the rhythm of his approach predatory.
Agastya (smirking):
"I didn't expect to see you here, Miss Jha. You've got a lot of influence for someone in the legal field."
His voice was smooth, but there was something laced with danger in it. He was probing, testing.
Janhavi (calmly):
"I'm just here for business, Mr. Singhania. Nothing more, nothing less."
Her voice was composed, almost bored. She knew this game well, and she played it to perfection. She offered him a cold smile, her eyes never leaving his.
Agastya (leaning in slightly):
"Business, hmm? I wonder if that's really what brought you here, or if it's something else entirely."
His words were casual, but there was a knowing glint in his eyes—like he could see through her. It irritated Janhavi. No one ever dared to see through her walls, especially not some arrogant CEO.
Janhavi (stepping back slightly, voice steely):
"You don't know me, Singhania. I suggest you remember that."
She turned her back on him, but before she could leave, he grabbed her arm, gently but firmly. His grip was strong, controlled—a reminder of the dangerous man beneath the corporate facade.
Agastya (softly, but with an edge):
"I think I'm getting to know you just fine, Janhavi."
His words were a threat, but they also carried a promise—one that made her heart race with a mix of annoyance and something darker. Something she would never admit aloud.
Janhavi pulled her arm away from him, her eyes flashing with danger. She didn't need this. Not now. Not ever.
Janhavi (coldly):
"We'll see, Mr. Singhania. But if you ever touch me again, there won't be a third time."
With that, she walked away, leaving him standing there, watching her every step, a challenge in his gaze. He might not have been what she expected, but he was definitely something she would have to deal with.