The Pratap family-one of Rajasthan’s most powerful elite,had built an empire that commanded both respect and influence in the Pratap garh region.

They had ruled Pratapgarh Riyasat for generations, and even though modern laws had stripped hereditary kings of their ruling powers, the people still revered them as their Raja Sa.

The current patriarch of the family, Naveen Pratap Singh, was more than just the head of his business empire. He was a respected leader, a great businessman, and above all, a devoted family man.

Despite his wealth and influence, he chose to live with his family-his wife (Navya) , younger brother (Siddharth), and the precious jewel of their household, his younger sister, Ragini.

With the family now based in Jaipur to oversee their expanding business empire, they resided in the grand Pratap Mansion-a palace in itself, secured by guards and surrounded by lush greenery.

Pratap Mansion, Morning 8 AM.

The mansion’s living area was silent, yet bright with an enormous jhoomar (chandelier) hanging from the ceiling, casting golden hues across the finely designed interiors. Servants moved through the corridors, busy in their respective works.

Right when, A commanding voice shattered the morning silence of the Mansion.

"I’ll be in the meeting. And make sure we don’t lose to them.."

Descending the grand staircase, Naveen was in a usual crisp blue formal suit. His features sharp with a piercing gaze.

Though he spoke with an authority on the phone, a flicker of annoyance was evident in his tone.

As he reached the dining area, his gaze fell upon a pooja thal, held delicately in front of him by his wife, Navya Pratap Singh.

She stood in a stunning blue chiffon saree, wrists adorned with red bangles-a symbol of her marital status.
The hereditary bangles of the Pratap family shimmered against her skin, and her mangalsutra rested against her collarbone, signifying her devotion to her husband.
A streak of sindoor in her hair parted her fate from the rest of the world-she belonged to him.

A gentle smile played on Navya’s lips as she lifted the thal, silently urging Naveen to take aarti before his day began.

For a moment, the hardened businessman softened. Without a word, he ran his hand over the thal, then placed it over her head in blessing.

Navya blushed at the gesture,that showed his love and respect both. She bent to touch his feet. But before she could, Naveen firmly grasped her arms, pulling her up.

His head shook in disapproval. His lips brushed her forehead in a lingering kiss.

Navya’s heart pounded at the warmth of his touch, and she closed her eyes, cherishing the moment.

Then, suddenly, his soft demeanor vanished. He turned back to his call, his voice sharp once again.

"I don’t want any mistakes! Mark my words.."

Navya sighed. Her husband’s ability to shift between tender devotion and ruthless dominance never ceased to amaze her.

She followed him to the dining table and placed a bowl in front of him. “No phones at the dining table.”

Naveen smirked, cutting the call immediately. “I remember, Biwi Sa.”

Navya smiled faintly, she hesitated before speaking again. “Pratap Ji, can I ask you something?”

Naveen looked up, his gaze steady. “Always...”

Her fingers twisted in her lap. “You are never this harsh with your people… why today?”

His jaw clenched, and a flicker of something dark passed through his eyes.

Before he could answer, a voice from behind them broke the silence.

“It’s because of Randheer Singh Thakur, Bhabhi.”

Siddharth Pratap Singh, Naveen’s younger brother, strode in with effortless charm. Clad in a cream formal suit, an expensive wristwatch peeking from his sleeve, he carried himself with the casual confidence of a man who knew his worth.

Approaching Navya, he bent down to touch her feet in respect. She smiled, blessing him with a gentle touch on his head.

He took a seat beside his brother and, with a knowing smirk, added, “We have a deal against the Thakurs. That’s why Bhai is in a mood today.”

Naveen’s eyes flashed. His tone harsh. “Siddharth, stay out of my matters.”

Siddharth’s expression turned serious. “Bhai, the Pratap Empire isn’t only about you.”

The tension crackled in the air. Navya, the only one who can handle their temper, interrupted before their argument would start.

“Please, don’t start fighting again..”

Both men went silent. Then suddenly raised the question together in a same pitch and tone.

"Where is Ragini?"

Navya smiled and sighed knowing it very well that no matter how these brothers fight with eachother go against each other. They'll never stop caring about their little sister.

She served breakfast to both of them and answerer, "Your Princess had assignments to submit..She forgot once again..And thus,she had to rush for college today.."

"Who comes to college this early.." Naveen spoke. Taking out his phone dialing Ragini's driver.

"The cleaners.." Navya smiled on her own words but Naveen only gave her a confused look.

That suddenly a noise from the hallway drew their attention.

A thud, followed by a soft cry of pain. A voice so known.

"Ragini!" Naveen’s voice was filled with alarm as he shot to his feet, racing toward the sound. Navya and Siddharth too followed in panic.

In the hall, they found Ragini, their beloved princess, sitting on the floor, clutching her ankle with teary eyes.

Naveen rushed to her side, checking her hands and feet. “What happened, Baccha? Are you hurt?”

Ragini sniffled, pointing at a woven basket beside her. “I tripped because of this.”

Navya sighed, exchanging a glance with Siddharth. Ragini’s clumsiness was no secret.

But Naveen’s face darkened. “Who the hell left this here?! Take it away! NOW!”

Navya called the servants ordering them to pick up things. And Naveen, he began to shout at them.

He then turned to Ragini again and kissed her forehead. “Aapko lagi toh nahi na, Baccha?” He wrapped his arms around her protectively. “You are our most precious treasure… Masa Baba Sa’s last blessing to us. I can’t let anything happen to you.”

Ragini smiled, resting her head against his chest. “I’m fine, Bhai.”

Siddharth ruffled her hair, smirking. “Sure you are. This all drama was just for Bhai’s attention, right?”

Ragini huffed, shaking his hand off. “Bhai, dekhein na…” she whined, hiding in Naveen’s arms again.

(Bhai..Look at him)

Naveen chuckled, but his amusement faded the moment he spotted a small scratch on her arm.

"Baccha ye kahan lag gayi aapko.."

His tone turned firm. “Navya, get the first aid. Please”

Navya turned her heel and silently obeyed.
She came immediately and taking box from her Naveen took out cream from Box and dabbed the ointment on Ragini’s wound.

“You’re so careless, Ragi.” Naveen scolded lightlt

"Because I like you caring about me," Ragini admitted innocently, her big eyes looking up at her elder brother,with all her cuteness and innocence.

"Ragi..." Naveen's voice softened. "If anything happens to you, I'll lose everything. You are the most precious gift to me.."

She pouted. "I know, Bhaiya. But I’m alright. And by the way, I’m grown up now." She spoke proudly.

"Well, so grown up that you still can’t take care of yourself," Siddharth added intentionally teasing her.

Rolling her eyes, Ragini turned towards Navya. "Bhabhi, they are both scolding me!" she spoke crossing her arms in irritation.

Navya smiled and ruffled her hair. "Hey, don’t you dare scold our princess. She’s still younger than all of us," she added replacing Naveen and carefully cleaning the small scratch on Ragini's hand before applying ointment with practiced ease.

Naveen looked at her and smiled.

"Are you done with your work?" Navya asked, helping Ragini.
Ragini nodded.

"Good. Then let's have breakfast," Navya said, standing up.

"I'll just freshen up and be right back," Ragini replied, marching towards her room,like a cute panda.

The three smiled watching her and once she was gone, Naveen and Siddharth took their seats at the dining table.

As Navya served them, Naveen spoke to Siddharth in a firm tone.
"I want you at the office sharp at nine, Siddharth."

"Bhai, I think it's better to cancel that deal, We shouldn't interfere..." Siddharth suggested cautiously.

Naveen’s face hardened. "I have already denied your thoughts on this matter..and now I'm ordering you Mister Siddharth.." he stated coldly.

"Bhai.. Seriously.." Siddharth began to spoke but got interrupted by Navya.

"Please don’t bring office matters home."

That one sentence was enough to silence them both. Navya and Ragini were the only two people who had any hold over the Pratap brothers. Their happiness could change their moods, and their sorrow could shatter them.

After their parents’ death, it was Navya who held the family together. Though her marriage to Naveen had been arranged by their grandparents, love had blossomed between them, with years of support,care and respect that came mutually.

Bound in a child marriage, where Navya was just 16 and Naveen was just 20. He respected her boundaries, cared for her studies more than she herself did.
Meanwhile at the tender age, Navya understood, Naveen's burdens and took on her responsibilities with utmost sincerity. Deciding to be a house wife looking after his siblings.

Ragini, the youngest, had been only five when tragedy struck, and it was Naveen and Navya who became her protectors. Siddharth, being younger than Naveen, had always looked up to Navya as a mother figure, even if he often clashed with his elder brother.

Despite their differences, the Pratap brothers shared one common truth-Ragini and Navya were their world. And the reason they can destroy the world.

After some time, Ragini returned to the dining hall, her face seemed downcast.

"Why do you look so upset, Ragi?" Naveen asked.

"Bhai, I lost my bracelet," she sighed.

"I'll get you the same one," Naveen assured her.

Before she could respond, Siddharth jumped in. "I'll find it!"

Ragini’s eyes lit up on Siddharth's reply. "Pakka, Bhai?"

"Yes," Siddharth confirmed with a small smile.

"Thank you!" she beamed, hugging him tightly.

He gently caressed her hair, while Naveen shook his head with a small chuckle.

"By the way, why did you go to college so early today?" Naveen asked, his protective instincts kicking in.

"I had to submit an assignment. No one was there except Shipra Ma’am," she replied nonchalantly.

Naveen’s brows furrowed. "Why was she there so early?"

"I heard her family is quite rude to her, so she prefers staying at college," Ragini explained.

Siddharth, who had been listening silently, murmured, "Yeah, I know."

Ragini turned to him. "You said something, Bhai?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. Just focus on your breakfast."

Navya, smiled and served Ragini her favorite dish.

"Ooh wow! Pyaaz kachori! Thank you, Bhabhi!" Ragini grinned.

Navya simply smiled, happy to see her glowing again.

Meanwhile, Naveen checked the time and stood up. "I'm leaving. Siddharth, follow me to the office."

Siddharth nodded but turned to Ragini and whispered, "Shh... Should I drop you off at college?"

"I just came back from there. I’m not going again," she rolled her eyes.

"Han han... see you! Bye," he chuckled, pressing a quick kiss on her forehead before heading out.

As the roar of their car engines echoed outside, Navya sighed, worried.

"Same destination, different ways. Will they always remain like this?" she murmured.

Ragini squeezed her hand. "Chill, Bhabhi. They can’t stay mad at each other for long. And even if they try, Ragi is here!"

She spoke proudly and tearing the first bite of her fresh kachori she extended it to Navya.

Navya chuckled and fed her instead, placing another kachori in her plate.

"No! I’ll gain weight! Bhabhi..." Ragini protested.

Navya simply laughed. "But they are your favourite..aren't they.. drama queen."

.
.
.

PRATAP ASSOCIATION.

Both Naveen and Siddharth arrived at the same time, but instead of walking together, they entered through different lifts. Their cabins were close, yet the silent wall between them was unbreakable.

While Siddharth drowned himself in files, Naveen entered the conference room.

Everyone stood to greet him.

"Start the meeting," he ordered.

"Sir, Mister Thakur is yet to arrive," a man hesitantly informed him.

Naveen’s jaw clenched. "Are we supposed to wait all day for him?" he snapped.

Just then, the heavy doors swung open.

"It's really not needed," a deep, authoritative voice rang out.

All heads turned.

Randheer Singh Thakur strode into the room, his body language speaking the attitude and command.

Naveen turned her head the other side sighing, "His fucking attitude.."

But really not caring about any one else Randheer, took his seat as if he owned the place, his presence itself getting the attention.

The meeting begun and it was dragged on for hours. Finally, Randheer leaned back in his chair and declared,

"Well, I think I’m not interested in working with Pratap Association. So, I’ll hand over the deal to Mr. Sehrawat. Go ahead."

Buttoning his coat, he stood up, ready to leave.

Everyone nodded in agreement, but Naveen’s expression hardened.

"Is this again your ego speaking? Thakur Randheer Singh.." he challenged.

Randheer smirked. "Maybe."

Naveen’s fists clenched. "That arrogance will bring you down one day."

Randheer's smirk deepened. His voice was sharp, lethal. "To bring down Thakur, no one has been born yet, Mister Pratap."

Their eyes locked, a silent war waging between them.

The rivalry between the Thakurs and Prataps ran deeper than anyone could imagine. It was a battle not just of business, but of blood and pride.

How many lives would be caught in this storm?

And when Ragini,soft, innocent, untouched by darkness,found herself in the path of Randheer Singh Thakur, would she survive his ruthless world?

Would love be strong enough to rewrite fate?
Or would their enmity bury them both?
To know more, continue reading...

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