Early in the morning, Vikram Das was ready. He had packed all the essentials for his stay at the Rajput family estate. As per the agreement, he was required to reside there full-time, except for occasional breaks to visit his family and take care of personal matters.
Before leaving, Vikram decided to drop Lily off at her office. But as they stepped out of the house with their luggage, a jaw-dropping sight greeted them—hundreds of eyes were already fixed on them. The entrance of the Frost family's grand palace was packed with people.
Not just any people.
The nine esteemed house members, their ever-dramatic young master Eric, and a horde of curious servants had all gathered as if they were about to witness a once-in-a-century solar eclipse.
Vikram frowned. "Savi, what's this nonsense? Is the Frost family hosting a farewell concert?"
Savi smirked, arms crossed. "Brother-in-law, It's because of my mother, Ruby. She has been waiting for this day since the Ice Age. The moment she heard about your new job, she ran her mouth faster than a bullet train! She even made sure to wake up the old patriarch, Louise, just to announce it personally!"
Lily sighed and exchanged a helpless glance with her father, James. She had expected her mother to spread the news—but overnight? To the entire Frost family? That was next-level enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, the gathered servants weren't just standing there for fun. Their expressions ranged from pure disbelief to deep resentment.
"This is outrageous! A criminal like Vikram Das got a job in the mighty Rajput family?"
"A personal guard to the princess? Are we living in a fantasy novel?"
"Next thing you know, he'll be riding a royal elephant!"
The Frost family's relatives and members were no better. Their faces twisted in frustration, as if someone had just served them burnt toast for breakfast.
One of them muttered, "This is ridiculous! How could they hire a criminal?!."
Another sneered, "Did he bribe the Rajputs with his good looks? No way. Look at him! That face can't even bribe a street dog!"
As Vikram casually loaded his luggage into his old, battle-worn Ambassador car, the tension only grew.
Eric, who had been watching with folded arms and an infuriating smirk, finally spoke. "What are you all standing around for? He's just got a lowly secretary job. If I feel like it, I can end his employment with a single phone call." He scoffed and turned to James. "Let my dear uncle's family enjoy their five minutes of happiness before reality slaps them in the face."
With that, he strutted back into the palace, his coat dramatically flapping in the wind, as if he had just defeated a villain in a Bollywood film.
The other family members took the cue and left, but not without tossing in some mocking remarks.
"Enjoy your 'big break,' Vikram! Hope they don't make you clean toilets!"
"If you ever need a help, don't come to us!"
"Maybe we should place bets on how long he lasts!"
Ignoring the circus behind him, Vikram slid into the driver's seat. Lily, sitting beside him, kept her face stoic, but her fingers drummed against her lap—her irritation was visible.
As the old Ambassador car rumbled down the hill, leaving the Frost family estate behind, Savi turned around and yelled:
"Mother, can't you wait for one day?!"
Back at the estate, the servants and house members watched in silence as the dust settled.
The morning spectacle was over. But the drama? Just getting started.
-
The old Ambassador car rumbled along the road as Vikram Das drove toward Bandra West, the location of the Rajput family palace. The streets were bustling with the usual morning rush, but Vikram's mind was focused on his new job and the potential challenges ahead.
Lily had already been dropped off at her office, and he had mentally prepared himself for the upcoming responsibilities. However, as he crossed the industrial sector, right near Lily Industries' factory, his phone buzzed.
Glancing at the screen, a knowing smile appeared on his face.
Arya Roy.
He had been expecting her call for some time now. Arya Roy wasn't just an ordinary woman—she was the secret powerhouse behind Arya Industries, which controlled 10% of India's total business sector. While her name was well-known in the corporate world, very few people were aware that she was the true mastermind pulling the strings from behind the curtain.
Vikram was one of the few who knew. After all, he had played a major role in her empire's rise.
From childhood, he had absorbed ancient Ayurvedic knowledge from his family's scriptures, and later, he had shared several potent formulations with Arya. Those formulas had become the backbone of her high-end beauty and wellness line, bringing Arya Industries into the limelight.
He pressed the answer button and lifted the phone to his ear.
"How are you, brother-in-law?" Arya's playful tone greeted him, laced with amusement.
Vikram smirked. "I'm good. And you? Still ruling the corporate world with an iron fist?"
She chuckled. "Oh, you know me. But let's not waste time. I have information that will definitely interest you."
Vikram leaned back slightly, keeping one hand on the wheel. "Go on, I'm listening."
Her tone turned serious. "I never imagined that our modern society was crawling with so many hidden cultivators and secret sects."
Vikram's eyes narrowed slightly. "Cultivators? I thought they were supposed to stay in the shadows."
"Exactly. That's why this is strange." Her voice lowered, as if she were afraid someone might be listening. "Something's changed in the last six months. Events have been unfolding behind the scenes, unnoticed by most people. But after deep investigation, I discovered three major sects making moves across India."
Vikram gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Which sects?"
"Three big ones, each originating from different nations." She took a deep breath. "The first one is the Eternal Lotus Pavilion, a sect with deep roots in India. The second is the Azure Dragon Palace, located in the Himalayas in China. And the third is the Celestial Beast Home, hidden somewhere in the Rocky Mountains of the United States."**
Vikram's mind raced. He had heard legends about these names before, but never imagined they were still active today.
"They are all active in India?"