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PROLOGUE

VISHNU

‘They say power changes a man; what they don’t know is how much a man must change to wield it.’

Standing in the luxurious bathroom of my bedroom at Walia Mansion, I gaze at my reflection in the mirror. The man staring back at me is a stark contrast to the boy I once was, haunted by the painful memories of my past. The death of my mother when I was just twelve years old left a gaping hole in my heart, a void that only my father’s love could fill—a love that for so long seemed unreachable, just beyond my grasp.

My father, Pratap Walia, a powerful political figure, couldn’t—orwouldn’t—acknowledge me as his own. I was his hidden secret, born out of wedlock and a threat to his flawless image in his carefully constructed world. The longing for his acceptance was a constant ache, but I had made a promise to my mother on her deathbed—to stand by him and protect him, no matter the cost.

For years, I had lived in the shadows, always close enough to keep an eye on him. I became his shield, his silent guardian, fulfilling the promise I had made to my mother. It was the only thread tying me to a man who seemed to value his career more than his own flesh and blood.

But then, fate has a way of changing things. Eighteen months ago, my father finally saw me—like he truly saw me. He stood before the world and publicly acknowledged me as his son, risking everything he’d built, even risking his position as Chief Minister in the upcoming elections. That day, it felt like I was reborn. The love I’d craved for so long finally flowed freely, and since then, our bond has only grown stronger.

I have everything now—a loving father and a doting half-sister, Meher, who has found happiness with Ayaan Shergill. Ayaan is the son of my father’s childhood friend-turned-foe-turned-friend again, Kailash Shergill. Even their old wounds are healing with the reconciliation between him and my father, breathing new life into the bonds that were once broken.

Yet, as I adjust my shirt and run my fingers through my beard, a familiar ache tugs at my heart. There’s still a piece missing, a regret that haunts me till date.Simran. Meher’s best friend—the woman who touched a part of my soul I didn’t even know existed. I foolishly let her slip away, too caught up in my duty and my own pain.

Today is a big day, and I can’t afford to let these thoughts distract me from what’s lying ahead. I clench my fist, feeling the immense weight of the new responsibility that’s about to be placed on my shoulders. It’s what my father wants, and I’ll do anything to make him proud and protect this family we’ve built. But deep down, I wonder—am I truly on my own path, or am I still living in the shadow of old promises and unspoken expectations?

With one final look in the mirror, I turn away. It’s time to step into the spotlight and become the man my father believes I can be. But even as I prepare to embrace this new role, I can’t seem to shake off the feeling that my greatest challenge—and perhaps the discovery of my truest self—still awaits me in the unknown.

PRATAP WALIA

The sprawling lawn of the Walia Mansion is teeming with activity, as political party members, social workers, and close friends gather together to celebrate over lunch. The designated media area hums with anticipation, cameras ready to capture the momentous announcement about to be made. As I look around, a sense of pride swells within me. The legacy I have painstakingly built over decades stands tall before me. Stepping into politics at a very young age and finally fulfilling my dream of becoming the Chief Minister of the state is an achievement that fills my heart with immense joy and satisfaction.

I take a moment to reflect on the journey that has led me to this moment. From a young, ambitious politician to the Chief Minister of the state—it’s been a path filled with challenges, but it has also been extremely rewarding. Winning the elections eighteen months ago, especially after publicly acknowledging Vishnu as my son, was no small feat. I was prepared to sacrifice everything for him, even my career. But by some miracle—perhaps due to the people’s faith in me—I won. Life hasn’t been the same since. My responsibilities and duties towards the state have doubled, and I’ve been fulfilling them with pride and dedication. Today’s event marks the beginning of a new dream, and I cannot wait to see where this next chapter of my life will take us.

Ever since I openly acknowledged Vishnu as my son, our relationship has changed for the better. I am no longer the distant father who dismisses his children’s wishes and responsibilities. Despite my demanding schedule, I now make time for my children because I want to be the father who genuinely cares, and who knows what’s happening in their lives. But balancing both these roles has been challenging. While Meher freely shares her thoughts and experiences, Vishnu remains a closed book despite always being close to me. He shares nothing about his desires, goals, or plans, keeping it all to himself. Yet he never fails to fulfil his duties towards the Walia family as if he’s still sworn to protect us all.

“How far we’ve come, haven’t we?” Kailash’s voice breaks my reverie. “Our next generation is stepping up, taking on their duties with such ease and dedication. It fills me with so much pride, Pratap.”

Kailash Shergill, my old friend and former bitter enemy, now stands beside me, a living testament to the power of reconciliation.

I grin at him as he pats me on my back. “Which means we are growing old,” he adds dramatically, a glint of humour in his eyes.

I can’t help but chuckle.

“Ah, you might be turning old, not me, Kailash. I still feel the same fire and drive towards politics as I did when we first dreamed of this as teenagers.” I pause, my tone growing serious. “But you’re right about our children. They’ve made us proud. If it hadn’t been for them, even our age-old enmity wouldn’t have faded, and we wouldn’t be standing here as friends again.”

I grasp Kailash’s hand tightly, my voice thick with emotion. “This time... forever.”

Tears well up in Kailash’s eyes as he nods, gently patting our joined hands.

“And this also reminds me,” I continue, lightening the mood, “where is my son-in-law, Ayaan? Is he still in Austria?”

Kailash sighs. “He is. You know his work. It’s like the weight of the entire world’s law and order is in his hands. He is that busy.”

I laugh and nod in agreement. Ayaan’s position as one of the Directors of the Global Law Enforcement Network carries huge responsibility. Tracking down the world’s most elusive criminals and battling international crime demands his full attention and unwavering dedication.

“He’s currently on another confidential and risky mission that requires his supervision,” Kailash adds. “But he should be back in two months. At least that’s what Meher told me.”

At the mention of my daughter, I spot Meher standing some distance away, chatting with my nephew Aksh and his wife, Devika. As if on cue, she turns and walks over to us, hugging me tightly.

“Congratulations, Dad,” she says, her voice brimming with happiness. “Finally, another one of your dreams is coming true today.”

I smile, thanking her for her wishes.

“When my son-in-law calls, tell him that I’ve summoned him here. It’s about time we finish that chess game we left unfinished ages ago.”