The monsoon rain poured relentlessly over Kolkata, turning its streets into flowing rivers of mud and chaos. The rhythmic drumming of raindrops on the tin roof of Kabir’s house was soothing, but Kabir himself felt restless. His thoughts kept returning to the events of the day before.

The fight. The man in the suit. The way Rajiv Rathore had looked at him.

“What’s bothering you, bhaiya?” Rhea asked. She sat cross-legged on the floor, helping Arjun with his homework.

Kabir shook his head. “Nothing important. Just thinking about work.”

But Rhea wasn’t convinced. She’d known Kabir long enough to recognize when something weighed on him. “You don’t have to hide things from me, you know.”

Kabir offered a faint smile. “I’ll tell you when it’s worth worrying about. For now, focus on Arjun’s math. He’s hopeless without you.”

“Hey!” Arjun protested, pouting.

The moment lightened Kabir’s mood, but only briefly. He excused himself, stepping outside to sit on the front steps. The rain had eased, leaving the air damp and cool.

Kabir leaned against the doorframe, staring into the distance. His fists clenched unconsciously, remembering Jaggu’s sneer and the scattered tools he’d picked up. A part of him felt proud for standing up, but another part whispered that it wasn’t enough.

He needed more.

A Visitor in the Night

As Kabir sat in the stillness, a faint noise caught his attention—a car engine purring softly. It was unusual for vehicles to venture into their narrow lane, especially at this hour.

The sound grew louder until headlights pierced through the darkness. A sleek black SUV came into view and stopped just a few feet from Kabir’s house.

Kabir stood, his muscles tense. Who could it be?

The car door opened, and Rajiv Rathore stepped out, his umbrella shielding him from the light drizzle. His tailored suit seemed out of place amidst the crumbling buildings of Behala, but his commanding presence made him fit anywhere.

“Kabir Singh Rathore,” Rajiv said, his deep voice calm yet firm.

Kabir frowned. “What are you doing here?”

Rajiv studied Kabir for a moment before speaking. “I came to see you.”

“Why?”

Rajiv didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he took a step closer, his sharp eyes scanning Kabir as though searching for something hidden.

“You’re different,” Rajiv said finally. “Not like the others here.”

Kabir crossed his arms, unimpressed. “If you’re here to talk about yesterday, don’t bother. I don’t regret what I did.”

Rajiv smirked faintly. “You think I’m here to scold you for fighting? No, Kabir. On the contrary, I’m here because you impressed me.”

Kabir raised an eyebrow. “Impressed you? Why would someone like you care about me?”

Rajiv’s expression hardened slightly. “Because I see potential in you. You stood up against those goons without fear, even knowing the risks. That kind of courage is rare.”

Kabir narrowed his eyes. “What do you want from me?”

Rajiv took a deep breath, his demeanor shifting. “I work for a man who values strength, intelligence, and loyalty. I believe you have those qualities. If you’re interested, I can offer you a chance to change your life.”

Kabir scoffed. “A chance to change my life? You mean leave everything behind and become a servant for some rich man? No, thanks.”

Rajiv’s lips curved into a small smile. “You misunderstand me. This isn’t about servitude. It’s about power. The kind of power that can free you from this life of poverty and humiliation. The kind of power that can ensure your siblings never go hungry again.”

Kabir hesitated. Rajiv’s words struck a nerve.

“What’s the catch?” Kabir asked, his voice low.

“No catch,” Rajiv said. “But you’ll have to prove yourself. If you’re serious about changing your fate, come to this address tomorrow morning.”

Rajiv handed Kabir a crisp business card, the logo of the Rathore Empire embossed in gold.

Kabir stared at the card, his mind racing. He didn’t trust Rajiv—or anyone from the world of wealth and privilege—but the promise of a better future for Rhea and Arjun was too tempting to ignore.

“Think about it,” Rajiv said, stepping back toward the SUV. “But don’t take too long. Opportunities like this don’t come twice.”

With that, he climbed into the car and disappeared into the night, leaving Kabir standing in the rain, the card clutched tightly in his hand.

A Decision to Make

Kabir didn’t sleep that night. He sat by the window, staring at the card under the dim glow of a flickering bulb.

“What do I do?” he muttered to himself.

He thought about Rhea and Arjun, their hopeful faces, their dreams of a better life. He thought about Mahesh, his cruel taunts and endless demands. And he thought about himself—a boy who had always been underestimated, always made to feel small.

The idea of working for someone like Rajiv Rathore made his stomach churn, but the alternative—continuing this life of struggle—felt worse.

By the time dawn broke, Kabir had made up his mind.

The Meeting

The next morning, Kabir arrived at the address written on the card. It was an imposing building in Kolkata’s Park Street, its glass façade gleaming in the sunlight. The name Rathore Empire was etched in bold letters above the entrance.

Kabir hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. The air-conditioned lobby was a world away from the dusty streets he had grown up in. Men in suits and women in elegant sarees moved with purpose, their heels clicking against the marble floor.

A receptionist glanced at him, her perfectly arched eyebrows raising slightly at his appearance. “Can I help you?” she asked, her tone polite but wary.

“I’m here to see Rajiv Rathore,” Kabir said, holding up the card.

The receptionist’s demeanor changed instantly. “One moment, sir.”

Within minutes, Kabir was escorted to a private office. Rajiv stood by the window, gazing out at the city skyline.

“You came,” Rajiv said, turning to face Kabir.

Kabir nodded. “I don’t trust you. But I’m here.”

Rajiv smiled faintly. “Good. Trust is earned, not given. And I intend to earn yours.”

He gestured for Kabir to sit. “Before we begin, there’s something you should know. Your life is about to change in ways you can’t imagine. But once you take this step, there’s no going back.”

Kabir met Rajiv’s gaze, his jaw set with determination. “I’m ready.”

Rajiv leaned forward, his expression serious. “Then let’s begin.”