The breakfast table at the Rathore house was full, but quiet.
Advik sat scrolling through his phone while his mother placed plates on the table. His father folded the newspaper, watching his sons closely.
His younger brother rushed in late, bag slung carelessly over one shoulder.
“You’re late,” Advik said without looking up.
"It’s just breakfast—”
“Discipline doesn’t change with time of day,” Advik cut in sharply. “Sit properly.”
His brother sighed but obeyed.
“You skipped class yesterday,” Advik continued. “If you want freedom, earn it.”
“I know,” the boy muttered. Then, hesitating, he added,
“Bhai… today is the college's annual event. Awards, sponsors, guests. Will you come?”
Advik looked up now. “I have work.”
“It’s important to me,” his brother said quietly.
Their mother intervened softly, “You’re always guiding him. Just… be there this time.”
Advik exhaled slowly.
“Fine,” he said. “But don’t expect me to stay long.”
His brother grinned. “That’s enough.”
Advik returned to his phone, unaware that agreeing to this would change his day completely.
MORNING — HER HOME
At Siya’s house, the mood was entirely different.
“Didi, please come,” her younger sister pleaded, almost bouncing in her chair. “Today’s the award ceremony!”
Siya sipped her tea calmly. “I have a duty.”
“You always say that,” her sister pouted. “Just one morning.”
Their mother smiled. “She’s right. You’re never around for celebrations.”
Siya looked at her sister’s hopeful face and sighed.
“Alright,” she said. “I’ll come.”
Her sister squealed and hugged her. “Promise?”
“Promise.”
Siya smiled—but something flickered behind her eyes
College events were crowded.
And crowds meant variables.
THE COLLEGE EVENT — WHERE CHAOS BEGINS
The campus buzzed with excitement.
Students, parents, sponsors—everyone moved around, laughter echoing through the halls.
Siya stood beside her family, watching her sister nervously rehearse her walk to the stage.
“You’ll be fine,” Siya said softly.
At the same moment, a line of cars stopped near the entrance.
Advik stepped out.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
College officials rushed toward him.
“Sir, your seat is arranged in the front—”
“Make sure the program stays on schedule,” Advik said calmly.
“Yes, sir.”
Power didn’t demand attention.
It commanded it.
The chaos started near the refreshment counter.
A student bumped into Siya, spilling juice on her dupatta.
“Oh my god—I’m so sorry!” the girl panicked.
“It’s okay,” Siya said, laughing lightly. “It’s washable.”
At the same second, someone else collided into her from the opposite side.
She stepped back—straight into a solid chest.
“Careful,” a deep voice said.
She froze.
Turned.
Him
Advik looked down at her, eyes sharp, expression unreadable.
Of course.
“College events seem dangerous,” she said dryly, stepping away.
His brow lifted slightly.
“Do accidents follow you,” he asked, “or do you invite them?”
She smiled faintly. “Maybe they’re curious.”
That amused him—just a little
She handled the exchange like it wasn’t her first time.
A college staff member hurried over.
“Sir, there’s confusion with the sponsorship banner—”
“Fix it,” Advik said without raising his voice. “Now.”
The man nodded instantly and left.
Siya watched.
Unfiltered authority.
“So,” Advik said, turning back to her, “what brings you here?”
“My sister,” she replied. “You?”
“My brother.”
Another coincidence.
He studied her for a moment longer than necessary.
“Have we met before?” he asked suddenly.
“No.”
Too fast.
Silence.
“…You answered too fast,” he said quietly.
She met his gaze. “Because the answer didn’t require thinking.”
Interesting.
Before he could respond, Siya’s sister ran toward her excitedly.
“Didi! They’re calling my name!”
Siya smiled instantly. “Go.”
As her sister rushed away, Advik noticed the way Siya’s attention softened.
Family mattered to her.
That… stayed with him.
ADVIK’S POV
He noticed it before she realized he had.
The way her shoulders relaxed when she smiled at her sister.
The way her voice softened—unforced, instinctive.
That wasn’t an act.
Power didn’t scare her.
But family mattered to her.
And that contradiction stayed with him.
When the girl ran toward the stage, Advik didn’t look away from Siya immediately. He watched her watch her sister—pride clear, concern quiet, control never slipping.
She lived in balance.
Too perfect a balance.
People like that didn’t grow up sheltered.
They learned.
Siya turned back, realizing he was still there. Their eyes met again. This time, she didn’t speak.
Neither did he.
Silence stretched—but it wasn’t empty. It was observant. Measuring.
She gave a polite nod, the kind meant to end conversations without offense, and stepped back toward her family.
She didn’t rush.
Didn’t look over her shoulder.
That annoyed him more than fear ever could.
Advik didn’t move as she disappeared into the crowd, his gaze lingering where she’d stood.
The noise around him blurred into insignificance.
Quick answers weren’t instinctive—they were rehearsed.
And rehearsals meant there was something worth hiding.
And she was full of them.
As the program ended and people began to leave, Advik see’s siya laughed at something her sister said—unaware that calm had just caught the attention of power.
He took out his phone, his expression calm, voice even.
“Get me everything on her,” he said.
No summaries. No assumptions.”
A pause.
“I want her complete information.”
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Chapter 4 GLIMPSE
" Anything unusual?”
“…Too clean.”
"A pause."
"Dig deeper.”
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