CANVAS OF COURAGE [Ongoing]

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The figure leaned back slightly, his tone becoming more insistent. "You realize what you're turning down, don't you? This opportunity could change everything for you."

"It can also ruin everything for me," I said, feeling the weight of my words.

The tension between us was palpable, and the air seemed to grow colder. I had to remain steadfast in my decision, despite the mounting pressure. The lives of my loved ones depended on it.

Suddenly, the figure's demeanor shifted, and he leaned in closer, his voice a mere whisper. "It's about your father, Siddarth. He's back, and he's not happy with the way you've been handling things."

My blood ran cold at the mention of my father. My father was a notorious criminal in the underworld, a man whose name instilled fear in many. Back in the past, I had made a deal with him to ensure the safety of myself and Arya. That night, the most traumatic night of my life, I had lost my mother and brother to the violence that surrounded my father's world. To shield Arya from that dark past, I had distanced myself from my father's dealings and started my business without his help.

But now, the shadows of my past were creeping back in.

"What does he want?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, the tension in my chest tightening.

"He wants you back in the fold, Siddarth. Your success has made waves, and he sees an opportunity. He's not asking, he's demanding," the figure replied, his tone grave. "If you refuse, he won't just come after you. He'll come after Arya."

My heart pounded in my chest, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. My father was a ruthless man, and his threats were never empty. The lives of my loved ones were at stake, and I knew I had to tread carefully.

The figure's eyes bore into mine, a mixture of sympathy and determination. "You need to make a choice, Siddarth. The stakes are higher than ever."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The memories of that traumatic night, the loss of my mother and brother, and the vow I had made to protect Arya flooded my mind. I couldn't let history repeat itself.

"I need time," I said, my voice firm despite the turmoil within me. "I need to think."

The figure nodded, understanding the gravity of my request. "Very well. But remember, time is running out. Your father won't wait forever."

As the figure stood up to leave, I felt a mix of dread and determination. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but I had to protect my loved ones at all costs.

The shadows of my past loomed large, haunting my every step. His departure left me in a state of turmoil, my mind racing with thoughts of my father and the dangerous path that lay ahead. As I sat in the dimly lit corner of Velvet Bistro. I needed plan.  I have to think fast.

I quickly settled my bill and left the restaurant, the cool night air doing little to calm my nerves. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I glanced at the screen to see a message from Eshan confirming that Arya was safely home. I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing she was out of harm's way—for now.

The city was bathed in a silvery glow from the streetlights as I navigated through the quiet streets of New Delhi. The usual hustle and bustle had died down, replaced by an eerie tranquility that settled over the night. The distant hum of traffic and the occasional honk of a horn were the only sounds that broke the silence.

I sat behind the wheel, my hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. The cool night air rushed through the open window, ruffling my hair and providing a brief respite from the weight of my thoughts. As I drove, the memories of my past swirled in my mind, haunting me with their persistence.

The headlights of my car cut through the darkness, illuminating the road ahead. The cityscape blurred past me, a mix of shadowed buildings and flickering neon signs. I couldn't escape the haunting recollections, no matter how hard I tried. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders, and the anxiety of my father's return gnawed at my consciousness.

As I waited at a red light, the sound of a nearby street vendor shouting his wares momentarily pulled me back to the present. Yet, it wasn't long before the past came rushing back, consuming my thoughts and transporting me to that fateful night.

"No!" I screamed, running towards him, but it was too late. He fell to the ground, and I collapsed beside him, tears streaming down my face. The pain of losing him, coupled with the realization that my own father was responsible, left an indelible scar on my soul. My mother was devastated, and I felt completely helpless.

I can't believe he's gone.

I need to protect Arya. I can't let her suffer the same fate.

 Now, years later, the news of my father's return had shaken me to the core. The fear of losing Arya all over again consumed my thoughts. I knew I had to protect her at all costs, even if it meant facing the demons of my past.

As the light turned green and I continued my drive, I couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled in my chest. The shadows of my past continued to shape my present, but I was determined to fight for a future where Arya and I could finally find peace.

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