Manvi's POV:-

Ahh, I finally landed after so long. Wait, first let me introduce myself: Hello, I'm Choudhary Manvi Sherawat. I mean, Mahi. I just turned 23. I live in Gurgaon with my mom; she is the sweetest person I have ever known. Wait, my phone is ringing. As I looked at the caller ID, I was hell annoyed. It was my lovely mother. I love my mom like crazy, but I think she is more crazy than me.

I picked up the call, and again I was bombarded with the same question:

"Hello, betu, kha hai? Poch gayi? Bhai aa gaya lene? Teri bhabi bhi aayi hai kya? Woh kaisi hai? Aur ab kon sa month chal raha hai uska? Kuch to bol, chup kyu hai?"

When she was finally done, I started giving her the same answer I had been giving for the past hour: "Mama, as I told you just 15 minutes before, I have landed safely, You didn't ask, and no, I haven't met anyone yet. I was just about to call him so that dumbass could come and pick me up. Mummy, ab me chhoti bachchi nahi hoon, poch jaungi aaram se apne ghar. Okay, and now I will call you, not you. Thik hai."

I heard a chuckle from the other side. "Betu, listen, as you said, I just called you 15 minutes before, that means I know you have landed safely, but betu, I am your mother. If I won't worry about you, then who will? And, and, and you little bean of mine, listen very carefully: Mera phone karungi jab man karega karungi, her ek minute me karungi, aur tu pick bhi karegi, thik hai. Mummy ko order nahi dena ka. Samajh gayi."

I slightly laughed at her childish action, but as I said, I love her till infinity.

(Hello child, where are you? Have you reached? Has your brother came to pick you up? Is your sister-in-law also there with him? How is she? Which month did she enter? Say something why are you quiet?")

( Mom I am not a child now I will reach My Home safely. And now I will call you not you. Ok")

(and you little bean of mine listen, My phone, I will call whenever I wish. I will call you after every another minute and you will pick . Don't order your mother. Understood.)

I know now she will be rambling about: I gave birth to them, I kept them nine months in my tummy and see these selfish children of mine saying don't call me again. Tho it was not what I said but still. It's ok.

As I came out of my imagination of her scolding me, I immediately called my brother, but he was not picking up. This was the first time he was not picking up my call; no matter how busy he was, he would definitely pick up my call. I called him one more time, as I have a habit of calling someone just two times, and again it went to voicemail. I ignored the fact that he never does this and booked a cab to our home.

When I reached there, again my mother called me, but this time I didn't answer. I pressed the doorbell, and soon I heard footsteps coming. I became very excited, 'cause why not, it's my darling's birthday. As soon as the door opened, I engulfed my sister-in-law in a tight hug. "Happy birthday, darling, my sweetie, my cutie, my baby. Happiest birthday to you." She didn't spook and relaxed in my arms. I know she is smiling.

We broke the hug, and I looked at her, smiling and raising my eyebrows. "How's the surprise?" She welcomed me, and we sat on the couch that was placed in the living room. She laughed and said in her melodic voice, "Which surprise?" I looked at her with a questioning look, and then she continued, "Oh, wait, are you talking about you? Then let me tell you, before you arrived, my dear mom-in-law called me and informed me of your arrival."

I looked at her with a bored expression because I knew my mom had no rest; she would immediately call her to ask about me. After a few minutes, I called my mother and told her I reached safely. I asked about my brother, and then I got to know that he is on duty today, and she also informed me that he is somewhat on a mission from the last few days.

He is extremely busy and rarely comes home. At first, I felt bad for her because she is four months pregnant and alone, but then I couldn't blame him because he is a Lieutenant Commander his duty and the country calls him.

After a few chit-chats and having snacks, I went for a little nap.

[Their house is like a normal house they have a living room 3 bedrooms downstairs and a kitchen. Spacious enough IYK it is 2250 square feet and most importantly they have a little garden at the back. It gives cozy vibes feels relaxing and calm]

Author's pov

On the other side in a dark basement where there is only one big light hanging in the middle and several men who are dressed in all black from head to toe surrounding five men tied in a circle

These five men had multiple lacerations and were in a precarious state. Four of them were seething with anger, their eyes blazing with fury, while one was pleading for clemency.

The man standing before them was smiling malevolently, his gaze fixed on his phone. A mask concealed half of his face, and his piercing eyes seemed to bore into the souls of the captives. He handed his phone to an accomplice standing to his right.

"How foolish you are," he sneered, his deep, ominous voice sending shivers down their spines. "You thought that by intercepting one of my shipments, you could put an end to the illicit deliveries and corruption?" He chuckled menacingly, clearly amused by their naivety.

One of the captives retorted weakly, "You'll pay for this. You've ruined countless lives. Someone will exact revenge on you. You bastard!" Just then, the man's phone rang, and he smirked as he glanced at the caller ID. "Well, in that case, I have no hand in destroying someone's life. I merely supply goods. It's your government and senior officials who are corrupt, allowing us to operate with impunity. You're the ones who are foolish, blindly following orders like puppets." His voice several octave deep and manly.

He paused momentarily before putting the phone on speaker. "Hello, Mr. A.S. The ship that was tracked by the authorities is now back in our safe zone. You may proceed with the next steps." The smirk on his face broadened as he ended the call, relishing the horrified expressions of the five captives. "I suppose you're all aware of the person on the other end of the line. Yes, it was your senior commander who ensured the safe return of our ship."

As he was about to continue, another phone rang, interrupting him. He glared at his accomplice, who was holding the phone. The accomplice looked at the table, where five phones were placed, and picked up the ringing one. He examined the photo on the screen, narrowed his eyes, and handed the phone to the man.

The man looked at the photo and broke into a sinister smile. After a few moments of contemplation, he turned to the captives and said, "You know, I had more sinister plans for you, but since I'm in a good mood, I'll let you go. Just remember, don't interfere with my business again, or you'll face the consequences." One of the captives shouted, "Just kill us! We don't need your mercy, you fucker!"

The man's smile faltered, and he gritted his teeth. "You see, Mr. Deven Sherawat, it's not your fault. You're loyal, but your government, seniors, and country are not. We've been operating long before you were born, and many have tried to stop us before. Yet, we're still alive and thriving, thanks to the protection we receive from your so-called government and seniors, whom we generously compensate."

"I must admit, I respect you, Mr. Sherawat. I've studied your background Personally, and I know you're a dedicated individual. However, the profession you've chosen is flawed. This cat-and-mouse game will continue indefinitely, and if you try to make a difference, your seniors will transfer you, and another corrupt official will take your place."

"I heard your wife is four months pregnant. Please convey my warmest wishes to her. (he chuckled lightly) Wait you don't even know my name." As he said this a wave of shame rushed through Deven. He continued "As for you, Mr. Sherawat, I must say it's amusing that it took you a year and a half to intercept one of my ships, whereas it took me merely 30 minutes to retrieve it. And let's not forget, I have numerous other shipments and operations in place. You see, Mr. Sherawat, you're no match for me."

As he finished speaking, the five captives turned pale, filled with regret. The man began to leave, instructing his accomplices, "Release them, and keep a close eye on my soon-to-be brother-in-law. Report everything to me." As he walked away, he muttered to himself, "My sweet cheeks have landed safely. Take rest, sugar. It won't be long before you will be in my arms, My Lady." He gazed at a photo of a woman walking down the stairs with an old lady, adorned in a light red Anarkali suit that accentuated her curves perfectly.

.........