The scene opened in the opulent Chauhan Mansion. Family members, including Queen Radhika, Priya, Rajveer, Devendra Chauhan, and Maya, were seated around a massive dining table. Priya sat with her eyes glued to her phone, completely ignoring her surroundings.

“Priya, put that phone away!” Queen Radhika’s sharp voice cut through the silence. “You're always so spoiled, glued to your gadgets. Look at our Rajveer—he’s your brother. Why don't you learn something from him, huh? He's a successful person in life. He's always polite to family. And you? You're always busy on your phone.”

Priya didn't look up. Her voice came out cold and frustrated. “You know what? I hate this royal life. Rajveer might be successful, but is he happy? You made him this way. You guys kill people by thinking you're still the kings of the state. But you know what? Stop this shit. Yeah, we have ancestors, but now this is the 21st century. No one believes in this anymore. India works on politics.”

Queen Radhika’s eyes narrowed. “Priya, you must understand that with privilege comes responsibility. Rajveer has embraced our legacy, and he’s successful because of it.”

“Priya... Priya, stop it! In what way are you talking to your grandma?” Devendra’s voice thundered across the table. “Is that what we taught you? How can you be so rude to Maa sa?”

A heated argument erupted as Priya vented her frustration about their royal status. Her voice trembled but didn’t falter as she expressed her longing for a normal life—one where she could hang out with friends without being scrutinized by society. Her words sliced through the air like a blade, openly criticizing her own family.

She continued, her voice rising with emotion, explaining how lonely she felt. She had no friends because of their royal status. Everyone thought that if they joked with her or spoke rudely, even slightly, her family would retaliate.

“I’m tired of all this,” she confessed, her voice barely a whisper now.

Rajveer had been watching her silently the entire time. Without saying a word, he stood and walked away from the table.

“Priya, what’s wrong with you?” Maya scolded, clearly upset. “You spoiled everyone’s mood here. Because of you, Rajveer left without eating anything.”

Rajveer’s POV:

His room was a testament to his success, exuding an aura of quiet power. Adorned with awards, business achievements, and grand decor, the room stood immaculate—a reflection of Rajveer’s unwavering control over his life. Framed certificates, trophies, and photographs of his ventures lined the walls like sacred relics.

Standing by the window, Rajveer gazed out into the world, his cold and reserved demeanor hiding deep thoughts. The world saw him as a dominant figure, someone who wielded great influence, but only he knew the cost.

He couldn’t shake Priya’s words.

He knew what she was going through. He had lived that same pain as a teenager—isolated, feared. No one used to talk to him; people were scared of him and his family. After the death of his parents, depression had wrapped around him like a dark fog. He had once been a sunshine boy, full of joy. But after they were gone, he had turned into a monster.

Now, he wasn’t cruel without reason—but he could still kill if someone dared mess with his city, his family, or the people he considered his own.

He remembered a day in 8th grade when a boy mocked him at school.

"Aaj to parents meeting hai, lekin iske to parents ne suicide karliya. Aree bechara," the boy had laughed.

That day, Rajveer had nearly killed him. The memory of his fists pounding the boy’s face, even striking him with a stone, haunted him. The boy barely survived. From that day on, no one dared speak to him. Even teachers were afraid of him—and his family.

His phone buzzed.

He picked it up and pressed it to his ear.

“Mr. Chauhan,” Arjun’s voice spoke through the receiver, calm and efficient. “I have important news. There's a business seminar scheduled at Elite Business College in Delhi.”

“I see,” Rajveer said, nodding. “Continue.”

“The Chauhan family, as you know, owns Elite Business College. They have requested your presence as the guest speaker for the event.”

“I understand, Arjun. Make the necessary arrangements for my trip from Jaipur to Delhi.”

“Understood, Mr. Chauhan. I’ll ensure everything is in order for the seminar.”

Rajveer acknowledged and hung up the call. He leaned against his desk, deep in thought.

Aaradhya’s POV:

In her small but cozy apartment, Aaradhya’s morning began. Her room reflected her academic dedication—books, notes, and certificates covered the shelves. She exuded a strong presence, one of unwavering commitment and focus.

Her real name had been Anamika Rathore.

When the old maid brought her to the orphanage, she told the caretakers her name was Aaradhya Rathore. The maid had pleaded with them not to allow anyone to adopt her.

“She belongs to the royal family,” the maid had whispered. “But if she stays with them, she will be killed. Please protect this soul, and she’ll repay you one day.”

She also insisted that no one tell Aaradhya the truth—that she belonged to royalty. “Treat her as a normal girl,” she had begged. “Let her live.”

Now, present day, the clock flashed—it was already late. Aaradhya had been up all night preparing her presentation. She rushed through her morning routine, grabbing her stack of meticulously organized papers and heading out the door.

She had always been passionate about business management, and she now studied at Elite Business College in Delhi.

As she reached the hallway, the camera of fate panned to the hustle and bustle of students. But Aaradhya, lost in her thoughts, didn’t notice anyone.

In a hurry, she sprinted to the building. Her steps were quick, more like a run than a walk—she saw no one in class, which only made her panic more.

Suddenly, she collided with someone. Her papers flew in every direction.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” she gasped.

The man she bumped into looked down at her, displeased. His presence was commanding.

“Don’t you know how to respect the guest?” he asked coldly.

She looked up—and froze.

It was Rajveer Singh Chauhan. The very man she had seen in countless magazines and shows. A towering figure in Indian business. Her heart skipped a beat.

“I’m really sorry,” she stammered nervously. “I didn’t realize. It was an accident.”

He nodded curtly, still stern.

“Apology accepted. But remember to be more mindful in the future.”

Aaradhya bowed slightly in respect before rushing to the staff room, where her class teacher stood waiting.

“Aaradhya, you’re late!” the teacher said. “We’re relying on you to give the speech and announce today’s program.”

“Wait, what?” she blinked. “I haven’t prepared for this! Weren’t other students supposed to do it?”

“Yes, but they’re absent today. And you’re our best student. Please—for the sake of our college, you have to step in.”

Reluctantly, she agreed. It wasn’t her first time being chosen. Her brilliance had earned her such opportunities before.

The grand auditorium of Elite Business College buzzed with excitement. Faculty, students, and staff filled the seats.

Aaradhya stood on stage, heart pounding, but her confidence slowly took over.

She began her speech.

“Rajveer Singh Chauhan, an exemplary figure in the business world, has achieved unparalleled success at such a young age. His unwavering commitment to excellence and dedication to his craft make him a true inspiration.”

She smiled sincerely as she invited Rajveer to speak.

Rajveer, recognizing her from the morning incident, took the stage with calm elegance.

“Thank you, Aaradhya, for your kind words,” he began. Then he turned to the audience. “Ladies and gentlemen, dear students…” He chuckled. “I’m grateful for such huge respect. Don’t think of me as a big businessman or what—not even an elder—just think of me as your big brother.”

Laughter broke out across the hall. Aaradhya smiled.

“I’m honored to be here today, at a college owned by the Chauhan family,” Rajveer continued, “where indeed, success is both a tradition and an expectation. But I’d like to emphasize that success, while impressive, doesn’t always reveal the complete picture. It’s not a guarantee of happiness.”

He paused, his gaze scanning the room.

“Life always goes on. So do everything in your life that you want to. Never just stick to studies.”

Aaradhya listened closely, sensing there was more depth to Rajveer than what met the eye. His speech ended, leaving the audience—and Aaradhya—with much to think about.