The shadow stepped into the dim light.
Ananya's breath caught in her throat.
It wasn't Raghav.
But one of his men.
Dressed in black. Face partially covered.
Cold eyes.
"Stay back!" Ananya shouted, pulling Ayaan behind her.
The man smirked.
"Boss just wants a message delivered."
Ayaan clung to her tightly.
"Mama…"
Fear shook her, but she stood firm.
"Leave. Now."
The man took another step forward.
"Or what?"
Before he could move further—
The door behind him burst open.
"Or I break every bone in your body."
Aarav.
His voice was ice-cold.
Deadly.
The man turned—
Too late.
Aarav lunged forward, grabbing him and slamming him against the wall.
The sound echoed through the room.
"You picked the wrong house," Aarav growled.
The intruder struggled—but Aarav's grip tightened.
"Tell Raghav," Aarav said, his eyes burning with rage,"If he comes near them again… I won't stop."
The man smirked through the pain.
"This is just the beginning."
Aarav's fist landed hard.
"Then tell him… I'm ready."