"Miss PA." RK suddenly called, a hand holding the handle to the half opened car door.

The November skies had turned a perfect orange at this time of the evening.

"Yes, Sir?" Prachi replied, not bothering to avert her gaze to him.

"To the left part of my cabin, enter the room, a blue coloured file is placed in the left shelf near the couch. Go, fetch, quick." Ordered he, pulling off his goggles.

"I'm not allowed to leave you, Sir. Certainly not for a file." Prachi informed him in a firm tone of her voice.

RK titled his head to stare at her, annoyance visible in his narrowed gaze.

"The file holds importance, Miss PA, much more than you do. Had your feminine fingers completed their work on time, you would have known that." He mocked her. "Now you might marvel in repeating the same mistake again, RK doesn't. The work goes to a different person now. One better suited with better abilities. So go, bring the file, and hand it over to Mr. Sinha next to Aryan's cabin. Tell him I need it by tomorrow morning."

RK took a step towards her as he completed. Looking at her in the eye intently, he stated with a tone of authority. "And even if it didn't, even if the file was as worthless as you, if I say you have to go, means you have to go. You're lucky I won't make you run back here for it after we reach the mansion. So, just go while we haven't started and bring it fast." RK declared, standing at the centre of the three shimmering automobiles ready to leave. "Am I clear?"

"Clear enough that I'm quite lucky you're forgetful enough to forget such an 'important' file in the first place and then make me ditch my job for it, RK Sir." Prachi asked sarcastically, making RK ball his fists in anger.

"That is your job, Miss PA. Remember, P-A? To do everything I say. No matter what." He enquired, raising a brow. "Now has the whole 'taking care of me' fiasco taken over your head? Are you thinking of yourself better than doing such running around tasks? Don't fool yourself into thinking I need you to do anything more than just what I order you to do, get that? Would this be your second mistake then? Giving up already?" He challenged her.

"Keep a close eye on the surroundings and him." Prachi, after about ten seconds, ordered the other three men standing there behind him, as they nodded, before RK's hard glare directed at them turning their gazes to the floor at once.

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The black car stopped swiftly before the large doors of the mansion. The chauffeur quickly jumped out of his seat, running to the other side of the car as he opened the door to RK's seat. RK stepped out. It was precisely five fifty-five in the evening. However, before he could take another step forward, his vision was blocked by a female figure standing right before him.

"Here."

RK eyed the blue object in Prachi's hand with a raised brow.

"The file, Sir. I had given my word to complete it within two hours and rectify my mistake. Here you go. Use it, or throw it to Mr. Sinha to satisfy your glowing ego. Tying myself to the clock now, my jobs-"

She glanced at her wrist watch with a quick motion. 06:00 pm.

"-are done here."

She handed the file to a guard standing next to him, before leaving without bothering to spare him another glance.

RK looked at her retreating figure. His face was hard to decipher as he did so, and his eyes had an emotion similar to a mixture of intrigue, anger, as well as awe.

The dark had finally settled in. Covering her form moving away from him, quickly. As his vision slowly got covered by the drapes of the night, something more vivid began to take form in his memory. As if a forgotten cassette from the previous night playing itself before his eyes on the background of the night right now.

A shivering him. Someone moving before his eyes in a blur and sliding the windows shut.

A discomforted him. Someone removing his shoes and treating his wounded feet.

A half-conscious him. Someone gently laying a jacket over him. Her soft hair delicately brushing his face. He opened his heavy lids for a split second in an attempt to know who the person was. His eyes met her face - she being too lost in adjusting the cushion behind his back - for that split second. Before he fell into complete unconsciousness, his head falling softly onto someone's warm shoulder.

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Four Days Ahead
16th November, 2024
1735 Hours (05:35 pm)

RK placed the hanger right above his chest, the dazzling image staring at him through the mirror before him. Tilting his neck to the side twice, he removed the suit and tried another one, this time a black in colour.

"You're still not ready?" Aryan entered his room, buttoning his midnight blue tuxedo.

"Hmm. Glittery. Not bad." RK looked at him through the mirror as he came to stand behind him.

"Well, glittery or blandy, I make all look awesome." He winked with self-pride.

"You, on the other hand-" Added Aryan. "-really dolling yourself up? I thought RK looked dapper in every cloth he touched. Why so picky today, Mister?"

"And so RK does." RK replied, his chest swelling with superiority and confidence as he lifted a third hanger from the long clothing rail standing beside him. "Just picking the one that deserves me tonight, you know."

"This one." He ordered, handing the other two suits to the pair of stylists standing next to the rail. The men nodded, before one of them placed the hangers on the rail and began to slide it out of the room, while the other pulled out a large valet tray, presenting before RK a huge collection of expensive watches to choose from.

"Well, carry on, charm-boy. I'm sure many hearts are relying on this tonight." Aryan winked at him again, this time with a smirk, fuelling his narcissism even more.

Where was the lie, though?

"I'll be downstairs." Aryan informed as he left the room, 'The black one.' being the last thing he heard behind him.

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The black limousine swiftly settled to a halt before the large building. As soon as the door to the vehicle swung open, yells from all around buried the twilight evening into excited cries and murmurs. A black monk strap emerged from the vehicle's floor, placing itself with polishness on the carpeted ground below, as a dashing young man appeared out of the car, flashes born from different kinds of devices greeting him incessantly.

"RK! RK is here!" A man yelled from somewhere in the crowd, all the microphones and cameras gathered around the area turning towards his direction simultaneously. Six of his bodyguards were already before him, enclosing him in a circle as they formed a ring around him, holding each other's hands tightly, leading him to the huge glass doors at the end of the wide, red-coloured carpet spread beneath his feet.

"RK! How do you feel about this upcoming project of yours? What can fans expect from you this time?" A paparazza shouted in his direction.

"RK! What are you wearing tonight? Is it a Danish Ruia?" Another reported cried.

"RK! Just one picture!"

"Over here, RK!"

"Since when was this collaboration under work, RK?"

Not paying heeds to the voices around him, RK was led to the entrance of the large hotel, before the huge doors opened and he disappeared inside.

"It is something we have planned very recently. Just for RK's fans. RK has a lot in store for his fans this time." RK heard Aryan speak to one of the microphones as he left.

"Yes, he is wearing Danish tonight. The entire look has been designed solely for this celebration."

And Aryan continued to answer a couple more interrogations thrown his way, before two guards helped him tear away from the crowd to the gates to the grand party after a 'Please, excuse me now.' from him.

RK emerged from the entrance to the large Hall, attired in a black tuxedo that made him look breathtaking at the very first glance. His chestnut hair was softly gelled into a textured quiff. A loose black watch fastened around his wrist and black monks contributed to a view that stopped a number of hearts in the Hall as soon as he came into view. His 'RK' chain rested right on his chest, and somehow, instead of disturbing his perfect look of the evening, it seemed to add to the irresistibility of personality that the man had. One look at him, and the desires popping themselves in the minds of the womenfolk around him were beyond weaving into words.

RK walked right into the centre of the Hall, as he did so, two of his guards settled on either side of the main door, two of them mingled themselves in the crowd, staying close to him secretly, while two other resorted to following him closely by the heels.

The huge Hall was decorated with fancy, bright and golden lights all around. Huge chandeliers hung from the ceiling; elegant drapes covered the large windows that looked onto the darkness outside - a view completely in contrast to the atmosphere inside the grand Hotel. A large casino table was set at one far side of the room, and an elegant bar was set on the other side of the room displaying some of the rarest and most expensive drinks, while the centre of the room hosted an elegant fountain of champagne glasses. Busboys roamed around the place, carrying huge trays in their hands filled with long glasses of champagne, canapés, and other items. Circular tables and chairs covered with spotless white and golden clothes were scattered around the area; while an orchestra played live music at all times in the background. The entire place was filled with guests exclusive to the elite class - actors, musicians, singers, producers, and even rich businessmen - all of the men dressed in impeccable formal attires and tailored suits, while the women were tastefully covered in long, showy gowns and dresses.

Right on the huge wall exactly opposite the entrance gates was an enormous black banner, filled with two names engraved on it in aurum -

Fusion Beats
AMX

RK raised his head proudly at the sight of his creation hanging there reputedly. Fusion Beats. His everything.

"RK! Here he comes, our favourite musician!" A man almost in his fifties with a gray suit called out to RK as soon as he saw him.

The group of men surrounding the old man all looked in RK's direction, smiling widely at him as they saw him approaching them. And as they did, some of them introduced themselves to him with a certain kind of desperation to their voices.

"Finally, Mr. RK! You look fabulous! I thought I'd never get the chance to see you personally." A man almost the same age as RK confessed.

"Well, consider yourself lucky enough, then, Mister." RK joined the group almost right at the centre of the Hall. The men laughed, one of them extending his hand towards him for a shake.

"Hello, RK. I'm Siddhant Chauhan. Looking forward to working with you on this."

RK nodded at him with a formal look, shaking his hand for a brief moment before tucking his hand inside his pocket again.

"Must say, Sir has lived up to his word." Another guy began. "He had promised us all we will be working with RK Sir for this project. After what happened with Mr. Malhotra, I was quite worried that you won't turn to us ever again."

"I won't, if I see your Mr. Malhotra anywhere within sniffing distance of me." RK replied, making the men go suddenly silent for a moment. "I'm here just because your Boss seemed to be a decent man. And I'm hoping his employees might know a thing about decency too."

The group was silent for a minute.

The man, who had introduced himself as some Chauhan picked on the sudden seriousness of the atmosphere and decided to interrupt it.

"We are extremely sorry for our previous conduct, RK. But since we've to work together now, let bygones be bygones." The man's voice was sincere and firm. "We feel extremely lucky to have you here. And don't worry, Malhotra is not on this project."

RK responded with a sharp nod.

"Busboy!" The man called in a direction away from the group, and a waiter appeared before him with his tray.

"Here, have something to drink." Siddhant picked up a glass of wine and offered it to RK, which he formally refused.

"Perhaps, you'd prefer champagne, Sir?" Another voice from the group spoke with a hopeful smile. "Should I bring something else?"

"I'll suit myself, Misters. Please make yourselves comfortable." RK gestured with his palm for them to begin.

"RK Sir is here, where's our other half of the constellation?" Someone, whose name RK had forgotten completely by now, enquired.

"Right here!" A bold voice came from right behind RK. He turned to the source, only to find the man who had persuaded him to collaborate with his company standing there with arms open wide and a wide smile spread across his face.

"Right on time." The middle-aged man checked his watch once, then smiled, eyeing RK with a knowing look, as he said so.

Dressed in an extravagant auburn suit and brown shoes complimented by dark, short hair, there was something about his face - perhaps, experience - that made him look exactly what he was - someone to be respected and considered when you see them.

"R-K." Said the man with a stern yet positive tone. "It's so good to see you here. I'm glad we're doing this." He extended a hand towards him.

"I guess calling it a good start will be fair, Mr. Mehra." RK held his outstretched hand, shaking it for a few seconds.

Abhishek Mehra chuckled, his rather jovial demeanor at times always a contrast to and in awe of RK's choice of words.

---

Two Days Before
14th November, 2024
1404 hours (02:04 pm)

RK checked his watch on the chilly November afternoon.

A minute more and he would dismiss the meeting. A company whose Boss himself fails to show up at time, can never grow to the shoots of success now, can it?

The clock struck 02:05 pm, and RK was about to leave for his cabin when he heard a voice coming closer to him.

"RK." He looked up at the mention of his name, finding a middle-aged man dressed in an expensive suit pacing towards him, two men following him with a couple of files and briefcases in their hands. Two other guards who had led him to this floor of Fusion Beats bowed once to RK, and then disappeared.

"Mr. Mehra." RK replied. Then, not bothering to stand up, gestured with his hand for him to sit before him.

"Abhishek. Abhishek Prem Mehra." The man slid a card from his wallet on the glass table before him as he sat down.

Prachi, who had been standing right behind RK this entire time, swiftly picked the card, turning it to RK for a better view, before removing it from the table.

"Who won't know you, Mr. Mehra?" RK stated as a matter of fact. "Been in the industry since thirty years. First a singer, and now a producer. Yet, punctuality isn't one of your strong suits, I guess?"

"What he means to say is-" Aryan began, who was seated next to RK. "What's a five minute difference between such big deals? We're really glad to have you with us too."

Abhishek chuckled.

"I know what he means, Aryan. The great RK, famous for his blunt reputation. Well, what do I say? Guilty as charged. You're right, punctuality isn't really one of my strongest suits."

"But this is." He said, forwarding a file in their direction. "Music. The thing that we are both here for."

"Now before you open the file and we go through all the professional and legal terms, here's the thing-" Abhishek began.

"RK, I've seen you since the start of your career here. A couple of times before as well I've tried to bring you to our company. But you wanted to start your own label back then. Another reason for me to respect you as an artist. Now, as I had promised, I apologise for the misconduct towards that respected artist by one of my newbies last time. Hopefully, your youth will be able to look past it and into the file."

"Then before I open the file-" RK replied without missing a beat. "Why should I work with you, Mr. Mehra? Why should I consider your apology?"

"Music." Abhishek replied with a firm tone. "That what you hold the most dear, and so do I. There are a numerous singers available, RK. And if this deal doesn't work out, neither of us will really lose anything. But I've chosen you personally with such insistence cuz like I said, I respect you as an artist. As artist is not confined to age, and I can proudly say I'd feel honored to work with an artist as you. If I talk about benefits now, there will be a long list for both of us, but let's just say, music is the only benefit I believe in working for. And if I'm not wrong, so do you."

"I would like to go through the file and clear all my terms before I announce a decision." RK replied formally.

"All yours." Abhishek gestured towards the files kept before him.

And after a meeting of about seventy more minutes, the words 'We've a deal.' were heard.

"Perfect." Uttered Abhishek. "I would like to celebrate our collaboration and the following announcement with an event soon."

"Works for us." Aryan replied with a formal excitement.

"In a couple of days, then. You're two are cordially invited."

The meeting was suspended after a round of signings and formal handshakes.

---

Present Day

"Drinks?" Offered Abhishek a glass to RK.

"After you." RK replied, picking another glass of wine and offering it to Abhishek.

The two exchanged their glasses and gulped down the expensive liquid down their throats in a swift motion.

After a whille of professional discussions, Abhishek ordered for a bottle of champagne. Then, raising the bottle high in air, knocked his fingers on the glass bottle to draw the attention of the crowd.

"Ladies, and their Gentlemen." He began. "It's time." A loud round of cheers followed.

"Here is the announcement you had all been waiting for. I, Abhishek Prem Mehra of AMX, hereby announce our collaboration with RK's Fusion Beats for our upcoming events."

The crowd erupted in a loud applause. Flashes could be heard everywhere. The media was let into the Hall for precisely this announcement. He clapped his fingers twice and two helpers arrived sliding the wheels to a large board veiled under a golden drape. They placed the board right next to Abhishek and left.

"I would now like to call our favourite, the star himself - RK!" The audience clapped again. "RK, please come over here to uncover the poster of this grand collaboration."

Surrounded by applause and cheers all around, RK made his way towards Abhishek, gave him a formal handshake, then yanked the ribbon attached to the veil, revealing the grand multi-coloured poster stating the announcement about their upcoming tour all around in different fonts and styles, and huge letters at the centre screaming the names of the two companies, now to be put under one banner for a while.

"AMX and Fusion Beats, hereby present their fans with a release of four albums all across the world through four big concerts. The tour will take place across four big cities of the world - one in each continent to establish our music worldwide even strongly than it already is."

"Starting with home, the first concert will take place in our very own Mumbai, starting the next month. Covering Asia with that, we'll move to Melbourne the following month, followed by Virginia, and finally Geneva. This will bring to the fans the time of their lives. So start booking your tickets already, reservations open after the function tonight!"

A round of loud cheers, hoots and howls follow again.

"With this, I would like to raise a toast to our collaboration. Please, raise your glasses and join me." Abhishek announced for a final time, then, forwarded the bottle in his hand to RK.

RK took the luxurious bottle from Abhishek's hands. The cork flew open with its iconic 'pop' in a swift motion, some amount of the alcohol spraying in splashes out of the bottle as it did, and the aroma of the liquid settled quickly in the air all around, lending to the ambience the final touches of the celebratory atmosphere. Crowds cheered even more, people began to dance to the now loud music, relishing in the joys of the expensive champagne flowing down their throats, every noise other than zeal and pleasure reduced to a mere blur in the background.

RK kissed the bottle to his lips, lifting his head up as he reveled in gulping down the luxurious fluid with scents of an extravagant happiness all around him, he, however, being unbothered to it all. As he parted with the bottle and gently dropped his head, something caught his attention as a blur of black right before his eyes. He narrowed his eyes a bit, in order to get a clear view of it that was only visible to him through the pyramidal fountain of the numerous champagne glasses erected right before him, for someone stood right on the other side of it, staring at him with a cold expression.

RK watched without moving, his senses somewhat dimmed by the alcohol he had just consumed, numb for a moment, as he saw the person move towards him, for a moment, only the sound of her black boots moving towards him audible to him even amidst the loud music around him. She approached him with a confident gait, standing right before him as she stopped.

"Congratulations, RK Sir." Prachi uttered, her long lashes directed right into his eyes, which was locked to her own face.

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Author's Note -

Hey, all! Hopefully this was sooner than the last update? :)

Would have been quicker, but I had developed a fever last week, so sorry for the delay of a week, Lol.

I hope it didn't seem too long now, did it? (4000 words 👀) I know this didn't have much of Pranbir scenes, but trust me for building the plot! Wanted to include more in this chapter, but it had already crossed a certain word limit.

Nevertheless, hints - you're gonna love the next chapter ;)

So, looks like a new character has entered the story. Hmm. Any thoughts?

What do you think will happen next?

And, of course, what was your favourite line/scene from today, if any? ;) 

Any suggestions?

Would love to know your thoughts about the same, if you want the chapters quicker! Also, do share it with your friends if you like the story!

Not proofread.

Really hope you liked it. Waiting for your feedback. Constructive criticism is welcomed as well.

Thank you for reading. Lots of love to all of you :)

-Your Author