Back in the study, Veer was already in motion. He activated a secure, encrypted line to the financial division.
A firm, clipped voice answered. "What do you need, sir?"
"How much capital can you move off the books?" Veer's question was stripped of all pleasantry.
A pause, then a low, confident chuckle. "A trillion. Perhaps more."
"Prepare it. Send me the access codes." Veer terminated the call without another word
He rose and moved to the window, surveying the sprawling estate below. Domed towers gleamed in the sunlight, modern glass structures blending seamlessly with ancient stonework. The family's domain—perfectly maintained, precisely controlled—was now a stage for the legend's return.
Veer's eyes narrowed as he took it all in, already calculating the moves to come.
A few moments later, a young man in his mid-twenties hurried down the hall, approaching the butler.
"What's the matter, Dad?" he asked, concern threading his voice.
Javed placed a firm, steadying hand on his son's shoulder. "Aryan," he said, voice low and confidential, "the family head has a task for you. Whatever he says inside—not a word is to leave this room. Follow his orders to the letter. Not a single mistake."
Aryan's curiosity shifted into a serious expression. "What do you mean, Dad? What's going on?"
"Just follow the orders efficiently and without question," Javed replied, eyes sharp with warning.
With that, Javed turned and pushed open the doors to the study. Inside, Veer stood with his back to them, gazing out at the sprawling estate. He turned at the sound of the door closing, his eyes immediately assessing Aryan.
Aryan performed a respectful half-bow, a gesture drilled into him since childhood.
"Greetings, Family Head," he said.
Veer nodded slightly, his gaze holding the young man. He offered no smile, no greeting—his silence a command in itself. Closing the distance between them, Veer's footsteps were silent on the thick carpet, his eyes still cold and assessing.
"Have you told him anything?" Veer asked, his voice quiet yet commanding.
"No, sir," Javed replied firmly.
Veer simply nodded—a subtle gesture that carried the weight of absolute trust.
Aryan watched the exchange in stunned silence, his confusion growing. He had witnessed his father's quiet authority his whole life, but this was different. The silent understanding between the two men was a language he had never learned.
Then Veer's gaze landed on him. A wave of tension swept over Aryan, his posture stiffening under the full weight of the family head's presence. He felt completely exposed, face-to-face with a man who held the family—and the world—in his hand.
"There is a task for you," Veer said, his voice a low, controlled whisper, more intimidating than a shout. "I hope you can do it."
Aryan swallowed hard, his throat dry. "As… as you command, Family Head," he stammered, composure faltering.
"I trust you won't make any mistakes," Veer continued, calm yet final.
Curiosity, ingrained from a lifetime of service, overcame Aryan's fear. "What is the task?" he asked softly.
Veer's lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile. "Nothing much. You just need to take care of a person… for a time."
The weight of those simple words hung in the air, heavier than any formal command. Aryan understood immediately: this was no ordinary person, and this was no ordinary task.
Veer's voice deepened, deliberate. "He has lost his memory. You are to follow his every order, though you may offer suggestions. Do not cross him in any way. And most importantly—no one must know of him. Not the other family members, nor the council elders."
Aryan's chest tightened, the gravity of responsibility settling on him. He nodded once, sharply, his resolve hardening. He had been entrusted with a secret that could tip the balance of power—and failure was not an option.
His mind raced. The family had hidden many things over the years—alliances, enemies, even assassinations—but never a person. To conceal someone from both the Council of Elders and the family itself… that was unthinkable.
A chill crept up his spine as the magnitude sank in. His fists clenched unconsciously. The air in the study felt heavier, pressing down like an invisible hand. He could hear his own heartbeat—fast, uneven, betraying his calm facade. For the first time in his life, he felt something unfamiliar coil in his chest—a knot of fear, mingled with awe.
Veer's gaze cut through the silence, sharp and unyielding.
"Do you understand?"
Aryan met his eyes, summoning every ounce of composure he could muster. "Yes, sir." His voice was steady, but a tremor beneath it betrayed the storm inside.
"Good."
Veer turned, walking back toward his chair. Every step seemed deliberate, each one echoing the quiet authority of a man accustomed to absolute obedience. The faint light from the desk's holograms cast his shadow long and imposing across the floor.
"Get a new haircut—or change the color. Alter your appearance so the other family members won't recognize you."He paused, eyes locking onto Aryan's again. "Now, get some rest. Meet me in the garden at sunrise."
"Yes, sir," Aryan replied quickly, his voice low but resolute. He turned slightly, ready to bow and take his leave, but Veer spoke once more.
"Rest while you can," Veer said, his tone almost a whisper—cold, measured, final. "You may not get the chance again for a long time."
The words hung in the air long after he had finished speaking.