Chapter 40: The Fall of the Tyrant and the Arrival of the Apex Predator
The Sensational Aftermath
The city of Bengaluru, usually characterized by its bustling traffic and relentless pursuit of success, was momentarily paralyzed by a single, sensational scandal. The image of the police escorting a bruised, shackled Rajat Singh from an industrial complex—the same young man known across the city for his family's immense wealth and his own arrogant exploits—dominated every screen.
Aarav and Ayushi were both admitted to a secure private hospital, their injuries immediate proof of the violence that had transpired. Aarav underwent surgery to remove the bullet fragments from his chest, his rapid recovery a silent, unexplained marvel to the medical team, while Ayushi was kept under close observation as the residual effects of the neuromuscular dampener wore off.
On television screens mounted in every waiting room and cafeteria, the news was inescapable.
BREAKING NEWS: A channel flashed the headline, "Millionaire Scion Rajat Singh Arrested in Kidnapping Plot: University Students Attacked."
The news anchors spoke in hushed, dramatic tones, detailing a web of criminal activity far exceeding a simple campus rivalry.
"The initial police report confirms that Mr. Rajat Singh is the mastermind behind a shocking plot that involved professional armed thugs, a violent assault, and the attempted kidnapping and illegal confinement of a female student," one anchor reported, the camera cutting to a grainy image of Rajat being placed into a police vehicle.
Another channel, focusing on the corporate fallout, detailed the wider investigation: "Sources confirm that that the investigation has uncovered evidence of conspiracy to commit industrial espionage, a serious attempt to frame a rival student, and various unknown underhand methods used by Mr. Singh to undermine local businesses and competitors."
The public was shaken. On the streets, the discussion was relentless.
"I always knew that boy was trouble," an elderly man muttered to his friend at a tea stall. "He thought his father's money could buy him anything. This is a disgrace to that family name!"
"And imagine that poor girl!" a woman exclaimed to her colleague in the hospital waiting area. "A brilliant student, almost ruined by that monster! But what about the young man? Aarav, wasn't it? They said he was shot protecting her and still managed to subdue the kidnapper. A real hero!"
The sensational nature of the story—the combination of wealth, crime, romance, and brutal justice—guaranteed its place in the national spotlight. The full extent of Rajat's crimes was gradually being brought to light, proving the complexity of his malice.
Flashback: The Decisive Trap
Four Days Ago
The scene shifts back to the small computer lab, days before the birthday attack and moments after Ayushi's empowering campus broadcast. The mission had been successful, but Aarav was not satisfied. He knew the humiliation would only drive Rajat to a more devastating act.
Aarav stood over the console where Pooja sat, her fingers already working magic on the campus server.
"I need to cut off his life support completely," Aarav had stated, his voice tight with resolve. "The man who tried to ruin Ayushi's honor with a photo is the same man who had the 'Kryptos Leak' planted. He will come after us again, with something much worse."
Pooja, understanding the gravity of the mission, had nodded. "We need to cut off his life support completely. I need proof of his past attempts to sabotage you, not just the one photo."
For hours, Pooja had dug deep into Rajat's digital life, traversing firewalls and decrypting coded messages on Rajat's personal server. Aarav had guided her, anticipating the kind of underhand methods a spoiled, wealthy rival would use. Pooja successfully linked Rajat to the financial payments for the armed thugs in the attack that failed on him, the anonymous accounts used in the police frame-up, and, crucially, evidence of Rajat's involvement in several other anonymous acts of corporate sabotage against smaller local rivals who had dared to stand up to him. These were the unknown crimes now coming to light.
"Found it," Pooja had announced, her voice flat with disgust. "He thought he was untouchable."
Aarav, his eyes cold, had confirmed the evidence was sufficient for a complete criminal takedown. His original plan was to use this mountain of evidence to ensure Rajat's punishment. Pooja carefully packaged the data into a secure file.
"I can set up an anonymous, timed upload," Pooja explained. "It will be a torrent of encrypted evidence that will hit the Bengaluru police server and the media simultaneously."
Aarav agreed, setting the timer for 11:00 PM on the night of the birthday party, hours after his planned confession. His aim was to use the confession to solidify his relationship, then use the evidence to crush Rajat's power permanently. He was not predicting the kidnap scene; he was merely preparing for a strategic and inevitable counter-strike against all of Rajat's previous criminal activity, aiming to guarantee his imprisonment. He never suspected Rajat would accelerate his malice to such a violent degree.
Two Months of Quiet
The hospital room was bright and quiet. Two months had passed.
Akash was propped up on his bed, his leg in a brace, but the injury was almost recovered. He required rest, but the color had returned to his face, replaced by a deep, new layer of maturity and a quiet respect for the dangers of the world. Pooja sat beside him, gently auditing his recovery schedule and ensuring he took his medication on time, their bond now cemented by shared trauma and mutual care.
The two months had been a period of profound healing. Aarav's chest had mended with unnatural speed, the scar tissue already fading to a thin line. Ayushi's fear had given way to an unshakeable resolve, and the emotional scars of the kidnapping were slowly being tended by Aarav's quiet, persistent love. They talked for hours, building a real future on the foundation of the confessed truth.
The threat of Rajat was gone. Their business plan was on hold, but the university, in a show of support, granted them a sabbatical, ensuring their academic futures were secure. They were finally at peace.
The Arrival of Vijay Singh
The scene shifts abruptly to the sleek, ultramodern confines of Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru. A massive luxurious private plane, emblazoned with the logo of Vanquish Global Holdings, had just touched down on the tarmac.
From the plane emerged Mr. Vijay Singh, Rajat's father. A man built like an immovable force, his tailored suit exuded a silent, overwhelming power. He had flown to India for a series of further business plans, acquisitions, and high-level corporate negotiations that were expected to solidify his Indian market share. He was flanked by his personal assistant and a quartet of imposing bodyguards.
Vijay Singh walked with the assured stride of a man accustomed to having the world bend to his will. His personal assistant, Ms. Evelyn Reed, walked half a step behind him, efficiently managing the flow of information.
Just as they reached the waiting motorcade, the personal assistant's secure line rang. She answered, listened for only a few seconds, and her face, usually a mask of professional calm, twisted into an expression of surprise and profound shock.
"Sir," Ms. Reed began, her voice tight with forced control. "I—I have urgent news from the Bengaluru office. It concerns Rajat."
Vijay Singh stopped dead. He raised a hand, dismissing the bodyguards who were attempting to hold the doors open. "What is it, Evelyn? He finally bought that ridiculous yacht?"
"Sir," she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. "Rajat Singh has been arrested. He is in jail. The charges are severe: kidnapping, assault, and corporate espionage. The news is everywhere. The police have substantial evidence, and the prosecutor is requesting no bail."
Vijay Singh's face did not pale; it hardened, becoming a terrifying, granite mask of pure, concentrated fury. The noise of the airport, the chatter of the travelers, the purr of the waiting cars—all of it seemed to shrink before the terrifying silence emanating from the man. He hadn't been defeated; he had been humiliated through the shame of his heir.
In a voice that was low, dangerous, and vibrating with suppressed violence, he delivered his command.
"Cancel it all," Vijay Singh stated, his eyes blazing. "The acquisitions, the meetings, the negotiations. Cancel every single business plan."
He pointed a finger toward the city, his entire being focused on a single, vengeful goal.
"Get the car. We are going to the police station." 1 of 2 In list 2 items