Episode 5 From Mafia King to Flirting King

Arnav lay back on the plush leather couch of his luxurious room, eyes closed and brow slightly furrowed. The echoes of the meeting still lingered in his head, but for now, there was calm. Only one person dared to step into this sacred solitude.

“Are you alright, beta?” came the soft voice of Rakhima.

He opened his eyes instantly. “Rakhima? You… Yes, yes, I’m perfectly fine. Why do you ask?”

She gave him a look — the one only a mother figure could give. “Because I’ve been noticing the change in you. And you're avoiding Isha.”

“Woh... mein—”

“And I know you're confused about your feelings,” she cut him off gently, placing a warm hand on his shoulder. “You consider me your mother, don’t you? Then listen to me — don’t think too much. Just move forward and win her heart. She’s a pure soul, Arnav. One your life needs… maybe forever.”

His throat tightened.

“Thank you, Rakhima. I… I’ve been waiting for these words.”

She nodded, her smile a silent blessing. And in that moment, his face shimmered with something rare — hope.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

The college bell rang, echoing like a gentle promise. Isha’s first day had ended. She stepped out with a content smile while Kiran walked beside her like a silent shadow. She dialed Tarah’s number — they'd already exchanged contacts — and soon, the three of them met under the shade of an old peepal tree.

Isha introduced them. “Kiran, this is Tarah. Tarah, Kiran.”

Tarah, bubbly and bold, offered her hand cheerfully. “Nice to meet you!”

But Kiran… only folded his hands and said a cold “Namaste.” No handshake. No smile. Just an indifferent look that bruised Tarah’s ego like a slap.

The awkward silence passed quickly. They all said their goodbyes and walked off.

At the college gate, a luxury car awaited Isha. Kiran stayed back until she got in, then turned away quietly. Unbeknownst to them, someone else had been watching from afar — Neil. Hidden in the shadows, his smile was shy, eyes lit with a feeling he hadn’t quite named yet.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Back at the mansion, Isha was greeted like royalty. The long dining table was filled with snacks, and eager faces waited to hear all about her first day. She laughed, giggled, and talked endlessly — about Tarah, ragging, Neil, and Kiran.

Unseen by her, Arnav stood at the top of the stairs, listening. His cold heart warmed as her laughter floated up to him like a melody. He smiled softly — a smile no one else ever saw.

Then, as if catching himself, he descended the stairs. His expression instantly switched back to his usual seriousness.

He walked to the table, snatched a cookie, and sat with a teasing smirk.

“My mansion was calm and peaceful until your bak bak started. Can you please shut your mouth for a moment?”

Her nose flared. Her cheeks puffed in indignation. Her pout was adorable.

“Beast!” she snapped.

Everyone froze.

It was the first time she’d called him that in front of everyone.

Arnav stood slowly, walked to her, and leaned close — too close. His voice was laced with danger and something flirtier.

“Beast? If I’m the beast, then what are you… Beauty? Well, I accept that. Now tell me, what does my beauty wish for? A rose? A library? Or… something else?”

The staff stared in shock. Their intimidating tiger had just flirted.

Isha? She was frozen. Her heart thumped so loudly she was afraid he could hear it. Her cheeks turned crimson. Without a word, she grabbed her bag and bolted to her room.

Arnav chuckled, watching her vanish. A calm smile tugged at his lips.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

She buried herself in her books, trying to forget. But fate had other plans — she’d picked up a romance novel. And when the male lead flirted with the heroine, all she could see was him. His smirk. His voice. His eyes.

Blushing uncontrollably, she grabbed a chocolate from her bag — her only remedy — and tried to calm herself.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Dinner was a disaster. She couldn’t meet his eyes. He, on the other hand, stared at her like she was the most fascinating puzzle he’d ever seen. Their silent nok-jhok was pure entertainment for the staff.

She barely ate, said a rushed goodnight, and retreated like a flustered kitten. Upstairs, she threw herself on the bed, heart still racing.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

But peace didn’t last long.

Her sleep was interrupted — haunted again by shadows of her dark past. She sat up with a gasp, drenched in sweat. It was 2 a.m.

To distract herself, she grabbed her book again. In it, the male lead had prepared a chocolate waffle filled with Nutella for the heroine’s late-night craving.

Chocolate.

Her stomach grumbled. Her bag? Empty. She’d already eaten her emergency stash.

Her love for sweets was unmatched — but tonight, she was unarmed.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

She tiptoed down the stairs. The halls were cold. She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. That’s when she saw a large black hoodie on the coat hanger. Without a second thought, she wore it.

It smelled like him.

She ignored the flutters in her stomach and headed for the kitchen.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Elsewhere in the mansion, Arnav sat in his dark study, reading over files related to the underworld. His sleeveless black shirt revealed the muscles that spoke of hidden strength.

Then he heard it.

A sound from the kitchen.

Without hesitation, he grabbed his gun and moved swiftly. His eyes are sharp. His steps silent.

The mansion was silent.

The kitchen, shrouded in darkness.

He raised the gun.

Ready to shoot the intruder who dared enter his territory.

To be continued…

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