COLLUSION: THE WEB OF COFFINED TRUTHS (PART1)

Old Warehouse – 3:00 AM

"Ahhh! Help! Somebody, please help me!" a man screamed in pure agony as he was mercilessly whipped without any pause. His half-naked body was drenched in blood and covered with deep cuts. The unbearable pain had him slipping in and out of consciousness, but each time he passed out, salt water was poured over his wounds, forcing him to wake up and endure the torture once again.

And this had been going on for three straight hours now.

But the man torturing him showed no sign of stopping. His rage only seemed to intensify.

"Shout all you want! No one's coming to save you here!" Rehansh Raisinghania (RRS) growled as he cracked the whip harder than before, making the man shriek in unbearable pain. His face was twisted in pure hatred and fury. "How dare you touch my Arya!? How dare you even think about laying a hand on her, huh?!" he roared, his voice dripping with venom as he lashed the man again, causing fresh blood to ooze from his already raw skin.

"B-Boss...I-I think you should take some rest now...it's been hours," Shivin, his right-hand man, spoke meekly, afraid to trigger his boss's wrath.

But that was a mistake.

"NO, SHIVIN!" Rehansh thundered, his voice echoing through the abandoned warehouse. "This b***** had the audacity to touch my Arya! My Arya! And you expect me to spare him?!*" His hands gripped the whip even tighter, and without missing a beat, he struck the man twice as hard, making his screams pierce the silence.

Shivin knew it was useless. Whenever Rehansh lost his temper — especially when it involved Arya — it was better to stay away. He quietly turned on his heels, walked outside, and texted Vansh about his brother's current state.

Seven Hills Hospital – 7:30 PM

"Hah! What a day..." Arya sighed, dragging her tired feet out of the hospital premises. Her car had refused to start in the morning, so her best friend, Srikant, had offered her a lift. However, his shift was still ongoing, leaving her no option but to find an auto to get home.

After waiting for ten minutes with no auto in sight, she sighed in frustration. "Great! Now I'm definitely going to be late."

Just then, a familiar car pulled up in front of her, honking. She blinked in surprise as the car door opened, revealing Rehansh.

"Hey!" he greeted, flashing his signature smile.

"Hi...what are you doing here?" she asked, confused but smiling.

"I should be asking you the same. What's up? Where's your car?"

"Ugh! Don't even ask. The stupid car refused to start this morning, and now I'm stranded," she groaned, clearly annoyed.

"Then come on, I'll drop you home!" he offered without hesitation.

"What? No, no... I don't want to bother you—"

"Bother? Arya, friends do these little favors, don't they?" he said with a cheeky smile. "Or did you forget we're friends now?"

"Friends? When did that happen?" she teased, raising her brows.

"Ouch!" his smile faltered slightly.

"I'm kidding! Chill...of course, we're friends," she laughed, making his heart melt.

"Great! Now get in...I'm dropping you home, no arguments!" he grinned.

After a moment of hesitation, she finally got in. "Very chivalrous, I must say," she giggled as he shut the door for her.

"Thank you!" Heat rushed to his cheeks as he quickly started the engine.

"So...hungry?" he asked casually.

"Huh?"

"I mean...it's dinner time anyway. Wanna grab something to eat?"

"What? No! You've already done enough—"

"No ifs and buts, Arya. Friends treat friends, right? And tonight, dinner's on me!" he smirked.

Realizing it was pointless to argue, Arya sighed. "Fine! But just tonight!"

"Deal!" he grinned, driving them to one of his hotels

VR Hotel – 8:00 PM

Arya nervously glanced around as they entered the lavish hotel. "Umm...I'm not really dressed for this place, Rehansh. Let's just—" she whispered hesitantly.

"Don't worry! This is my hotel...and we're heading to the private dining room anyway," he reassured, gently holding her hand and leading her inside.

The manager who witnessed the scene froze in shock. His terrifying boss was holding a girl's hand? That too...softly? "Who is she?" the manager wondered, quickly greeting them before guiding them to the private chamber.

"Order whatever you want!" Rehansh smiled.

"Uh...I'll have Soupe à l'oignon and Coq au vin. For dessert, Chocolate Soufflé, please," Arya ordered.

"I'll have the same," Rehansh quickly dismissed the waiter, his gaze fixed solely on Arya.

"What?" she asked awkwardly.

"Um...have you tried these dishes before?" he asked curiously.

"Uh...no. I just liked the name," she laughed, making him chuckle.

"Well, your French accent was perfect!"

"Thank my language teacher for that," she smiled.

God...he was falling harder with every second.

Sarvodaya Apartments – 9:45 PM

"So...should I pick you up tomorrow?" he asked hopefully.

"Uh...I mean...won't it be inconvenient for you?"

"Inconvenient? Arya, friends help each other, don't they?" he pouted cutely.

"Ugh! Stop making that face! Fine! Pick me up at 10:30 AM...but only until my car is fixed!" she said.

"Deal! Goodnight, Arya. Drive safe," he smiled.

"You too. Goodnight, Rehansh."

As she walked inside, he watched her till she disappeared behind the door. His heart was already screaming her name.

VR Mansion – 10:40 PM

Humming happily, Rehansh entered the mansion when his Daadi stopped him.

"Rehan beta! Why do I see you smiling like an idiot today?" she teased.

"Uh...nothing, Daadi. Just a good day," he lied, scratching his neck.

"Hmm...good day, huh? Never mind...but whatever this reason is, I hope it keeps you this happy forever," she smiled, blessing him.

He chuckled. "It will, Daadi...very soon."

Next Morning – Joggers Park – 7:30 AM

As expected, Arya was at the park. Rehansh quietly observed her from a distance, hesitant to approach her.

Suddenly, an elderly man stumbled and fell. Without hesitation, Arya rushed to his side. "Uncle, are you okay?" she asked, genuinely concerned. Helping him to a bench, she offered him water and examined his leg.

"I...I live alone. My wife passed away years ago. My children live far away," the man explained sadly.

Arya's heart melted. "Can I have breakfast with you, Uncle? Let me drop you home later," she offered.

The old man smiled gratefully. After a beautiful breakfast, Arya booked him a cab and ensured he got home safely.

From afar, Rehansh watched her with awe. "God, how can someone be this pure-hearted?" His admiration for her only deepened. "I swear...soon she'll have a big family to call her own. I'll make sure of it."

And with that promise burning in his heart, he drove off — determined to make her his forever.