Dear readers,

Before you begin. This is an unedited draft, meaning there will be errors- spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, name mismatches, time line errors, probable loopholes. the book is here for feedback. Read at your own discretion. You have already been warned. Any unkind comments on the errors will be tolerated. Error proof experience is resaved for kindle reads only.

Good day

Aaradhna.

The courtroom buzzed with anticipation, the sound of shuffling papers and hushed conversations dominated the room. The opposition lawyer, Mr. Ajay Singhal, an elderly man in his late 50's, scanned the case papers. It was a very easy case. He did not have to be present for the hearing, his juniors were enough to get him the win. But there was one complication. SAMRAT DESOUZA WADHWA, Aka The devil.

The court room fell eerily silent. Mr. Singhal looked up as a young man strode with an air of compelling authority. Mr. Singhal's eyes widen, he did not believe that the rumor was true. The man charged a lack per an hour of his time, he could not believe that he was representing a factory worker. A nobody. The man never lost a case in court. He was the uncrowned king in the world of law. Even reputable judges respected him. He stood up against his wishes, as did the other lawyers in the courtroom. The man had an aura around him that screamed 'RESPECT'.

At 5 feet 11 inches, he towered most of them in the court room, but it was not his height that commanded the attention, there was an intensity in his amber eyes that compelled obedience. Samrat stopped before Mr. Singhal and Offred his hand in greeting. 

"Hello, Mr. Singhal." His deep baritone resonated with confidence as they shook hands, "Long time no see?"

Mr. Singhal smiled politely as he raked his brain for an appropriate reply. No one wanted to meet the devil. Samrat's eyes glinted at the silence. Mr. Singhal could read the dark humor in the man's eyes. Samrat was always confident, his face revealed nothing—no hint of nerves, not even a slight flicker of doubt.

"I did not expect you on this case, Mr. Wadhwa," Mr. Singhal confronted him head on. "I thought you did not get involved in civil matters."

"I get involved when there is injustice, Mr. Singhal." The muscles rippled under his well tailored charcoal coat as Samrat pulled his hand back. Mr. Singhal could see his female assistant drooling. He shook his head in frustration. His day was not getting any better.

"There was no injustice, Mr. Wadhwa. My client offered a fair compensation."

"Fair?" Samrat's eyes glinted, "One lakh in exchange for the limb he lost? You call that fair?"

Mr. Singhal discretely wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers, Samrat could bend the law to his will, he knew that better than anyone else.

"We can negotiate a compromise." He made sure his voice did not betray the nervousness. As a seasoned lawyer he knew that confidence was the rule of their game. He could not loose, neither would Samrat give in. Compromise was their best chance.

"I do not do compromises, Mr. Singhal. This is the fifth case against your client. He is grossly negligent about the safety of his factory workers. Someone has to teach him that he cannot take lives for grated. Workers are not his slaves. Believe me when I say this, I will make sure he learns a very expensive lesson." Samrat's voice was so cold that it could cut though glass. Mr. Singhal felt a shiver run down his spine. Samrat was not joking. He looked at his client. The man looked tensed. Mr. Singhal was relived in a way, the man needed a reality check. Ashutosh Gujral thought he owned the world, finally he was realizing that he was no king.

Samrat walked away to take his place at the other end of the table. Mr. Singhal made his way to his client. The man stood up immediately. Something he never did before.

"What did he say?" Ashutosh sounded nervous.

"He will not compromise, Mr. Gujral. I told you this before. You need to accept his terms. What ever it is, or he will dig dirt. He will bury you so deep that it will take you years to get out of the hole."

"You are my lawyer, damn it. Do something." Ashutosh hissed. At 55 he still sounded like an entitled brat, and often behaved like one. His attitude did not impress, Mr. Singhal in any way. If he took the same tone on the stand, Samrat would annihilate him. 

"As your lawyer, I am suggesting the best option, Mr. Gujral. Agree to What Mr. Wadhwa demands. You do not want trouble in your hands...."

"I will not compromise. One lakh is more than enough....."

"Mr. Wadhwa will not rest until he gets your factory ceased for criminal negligence. Once he is done with you, trust me, you will have nothing to savage. Cut your losses, Mr. Gujral. The man is known as a Devil for a reason. You do not want to see hell."

Ashutosh looked at Samrat, nervously.  "I can buy him out?"

"Not everyone is for sale, Mr. Gujral. You are a businessman, look at this practically. If the judge walks in now, I will not be able to help you in anyway. I can fake witnesses, try to prove that it was the workers negligence that caused the accident, but Mr. Wadhwa will know how to counteract every move. If he is here, it means only one thing. He knows your every dirty secret, everything you have ever done, your every misdeed. Samrat does not do a half assed business. Cut your losses Mr. Gujral. Agree to what ever he has demanded."

"25 lacks is a ridiculous amount to pay. He also wants me to foot the bill for the prosthetic treatment. If I give in more will come demanding...."

"What is a few lacks loss compared to your business, Mr. Gujral? Remember the Khushi's? Where are they now? One minute they were being counted in the richest families of the city, and next minute no one knows them, thanks to The Devil. Now you take a call. If you are smart, you will not let the judge walk inside. Decide."

Ashutosh wanted to fight but he was too shrewd a businessman to know when to cut his losses. He agreed albeit reluctantly. Samrat however had a different agenda. He handed Ashutosh a file and leaned back on the table.

"That is the list of workers who suffered similar plight. 5 who have already filed cases and 5 would will be filing the case today."

Ashutosh looked startled. He had silenced the others with threats. How did the man find them out?

"You will offer the same compensation to them, Mr. Gujral. Each one of them." Samrat's tone did not leave room for an argument.

"Listen Mr. Wadhwa....."

Samrat handed him another file.

"Read it and make your decision. The clock is ticking" He tapped at his Rolex watch. "You have till the judge walks in."

Samrat dismissed him and went back to the file he was reading. Ashutosh opened the file furiously. His face paled when he read the first page. It had detailed records of money laundering. The shell company he was using a big secret. He made sure no one knew about it. He as shocked to see the detailed list of transactions. He looked at Samrat who was reading some documents as if he did not have a care in the world. 

"Flip the pages, Mr. Gujral" Samrat spoke without looking.  "Let me know if my men missed out anything. I will fire them."

Ashutosh closed the file. He had read enough. The first few documents were enough to destroy him he did not have the courage to read though everything.

"I will send in the checks by the end of the month."

"Did you say by the end of the week?" Samrat looked up.

Ashutosh gulped, "Yes, I can do that."

"And the treatment?"

Ashutosh nodded his head.

"Good! Now as a Model Businessman, you will be making sure that the factory conditions are pristine. You will be offering a safe working environment to the workers. Won't you, Mr. Gujral?"

Ashutosh stiffened but nodded his head.

Samrat got up and buttoned his coat. "In that case, we do not have a problem here. My assistant will take over and follow through. I hope we will never have to meet again, Mr. Gujral. Good day."

Ashutosh was relived to here it. Samrat walked away, the crowd parted to make way for him. His aura was such that people wanted to stay clear. 

Infront of the court house a young boy waited with his back pack. He was intrigued by the courthouse. He wanted to go and watch the proceedings but he knew he could not do that. He was there on a mission. He could not loose focus.

A smile whine got his attention. The boy looked around and saw a pup struggling in a water logged ditch. The boy walked to the struggling pup and helped him get out. The dog shook himself in indignation. Droplets of water sprinkle around, drenching the boy in the aftermath.

"Hey!" the boy protested, but the the dog did not take offence and wagged his tail enthusiastically. he was happy to be rescued.

"bhega deya na (you made me wet), champ!" The boy shook his head and wiped the water from his face. His grey eyes twinkled with laughter.

"waise tu yaha kaise (how did you end up here)? " He looked around for the owner, but found no one.

The pup woofed and snuggled to him sneaking warmth. He was shriving. The chill of winter was too much for him to endure. The picked him up and made his way to the tea stall. He felt sad for the little fur ball. 

He ordered milk for the pup and a few biscuits. He paid for a plate and pored the milk for the pup.

The tea vendor looked at the boy. he was too well dressed for a place like that and a little too young. A court house was not a place for a boy his age.

"Aapka kutta hai (Is that your pup), beta?" He could not stop himself from asking.

The boy shook his head, "Mughe raste me mila, uske owner yahe kahe hoga (I found him on the way, his owner must be around somewhere...."

"Yeh pilla teen din se ghoom raha hai ayaha. Rooz hai mere paas, biscuit ke leye. Mughe laga ghoom gaya hoga lekin Koi nehi aya ise dhoodne. Shayad kese ne jaan boojh ke chod deya hoga ise. Ek ankh se andha jo hai. (The pup has been loitering around for three days. I assumed he lost his way. No one came looking for him. Now I think someone got rid of him on purpose. The mink is blind in one eye. who would want to have the little thing?)"

The boy looked down startled. he had not notice it before but the pups right eye was foggy. A clear indication that it had no sight. May be that is how he ended in the ditch. The boys heart went out to the pup. How could any one be so cruel to leave it out in cold to die? He was hardly a few days old.

"Paas me koi animal recue center hai, kaka (Is there an animal rescue center nearby, kaka)?" The boy looked at the vendor.

"Nehi beta. Municipality wale ayenge agle haftey. yeh tab yahe raha to lejayenge ise woh log. Age iske kismat ( No, beta. The Municipality will guys will come in next week. They will take him away. Rest is his fate)"

The boy did not like the sound of it. No one deserved to be left at anyone's mercy. He waited till the dog was done and picked him up.

"Mere saath gahr jayega champ? (Will you come home with me champ?)" He looked at the minx who gave a little woof and licked his face.

"Acha theek hai, itna khush maat ho jaa (Okay fine! don't be so excited)" The boy laughed. His laughter radiating joy and happiness. "You stink buddy, you will need a hot shower first. Ek baar bahiya se mille phir chaltey hai? Hopefully woh aaj hum dono ko ghar le jayenge (Once I meet bhaiya we can go, may be this time he will agree to take us home with him?)"

The pup woofed in excitement, just as Samrat made his way downstairs. The media saw him come and surrounded him. Samir looked up at the commotion and smiled when he saw the media taking a step back. All Samrat had to do was look and they cut him a clear berth. No one messed with Samrat Dsouza Wadhwa. The boy was filled with Pride

The boy put the was pup down and looked at him, "Tu yahe rook. Main bhaiya se milke ata hoon (Stay here, I will meet bhaiya and come back for you)"

The pup gave him a sad look but the boy ruffled his hair and rushed up to hug his bhaiya. Samrat stiffened as the boy wrapped his arms around him.

"Kitne der laga de, bhaiya. Kab se aapka intezaar kar raha tha main. (I have been waiting for you since so long)" The boy pulled back and looked at him.  His grey eyes twinkled as he smiled. Samrat had to look away, the innocence in the smile was hard to ignore. The body guards rushed to them and pulled the boy away from him.

"Sorry sir" His body guard Shawn said, "We did not see him come."

"Ouch, bhaiya. This hulk is hurting me." the boy whined. Samrat's heart skipped a beat. He glared at Shawn who let the boy go immediately. The boy came back to his side and stuck out his tongue to tease Shawn. "Bola na aapko he daat padege? Kyun haat lagaya mughe? (I already warned you. If you touch me you will end up in trouble. You should have heeded that warning.)"

"What are you doing here, Samir?" Samrat glared at the boy. 

"Sam, bhaiya" The boy draped an arm across his shoulder casually, shocking the body guards. No one dared to take such liberties with Samrat. He never let anyone that close.

"Aab maine aise kya kar deya ke aap mughe yeh bade bade ankhe dekha rahe ho (what did I do that you have to glare at me this way)?" Sam mocked as he imitated Samart's actions. 

Shawn had a hard time controlling his shock. The boy was hardly sixteen or seventeen, yet his bravery baffled him. He was glaring back at the devil, though the glare looked more like a pout. The kid looked harmless, but Shawn could sense that he was equally stubborn if not more. For a week the boy was persistently trying to win Samrat's attention. He followed him around everywhere, putting the best stackers to shame. He turned up every where and never shied to make his presence known. He did not know what the boy wanted, because Samrat Wadhwa was not the type to give in. The boy would have to give up and that saddened Shawn. The kid looked too innocent to suffer disappointment.

 "This is court, Samir" Samrat's voice was stone cold, "You should not be here"

"Haan to aap mughe ghar le jao na. Phir mughe aapko aise stock nehi karna padgea.  (If you take me home, I will not have to stock you this way)"

Samrat ignored him and waked to his car. Samir chased behind him.

"Bhaiya yaar, aaj to thoda pyar se baat karlo. (Please shower a little love today) Please." Samir whined and pleaded. Samrat ignored him and reached for the car door.

 "Mere tabeyat kharab hai, yaar. Please na. Ek baar dekhto lo mere taraf (I am unwell bahiya. Please, at least look at me)"

Samrat turned around immediately. His heart palpitated. He was sick?

"Bukhar hai (I have fever)" Samir gave him a pout.

Against his better judgement, Samrat reached a hand to touch his forehead. It was burning. He pulled back his hand immediately.

"Go back home, Samir. You need to see a doctor...."

"Are is shehe me mera ek he ghar hai, waha to aap ane nehi dete. To main jao kaha? (I have only one home in this city, but you do not let me come there. So where should I go?)" Samir leaned against the car and gave him a charming smile, "ghar le jaoge kya (Will you take me home)?"

"Stop it Samir" Samrat spoke harshly, "You will never me welcome in my home. Go back to Mumbai to your mom and dad. That is where you belong."

"My mom and dad?" Samir's eyes glinted. Shawn and the other body guard exchanged looks. Samir did not look like the harmless lamb any more. He looked like a angry cub. A lion cub!

"Aapke kuch nehi lagte? (Do they mean nothing to you?)"

"Kuch nehi lagte (No they don't)" Samrat emphasized each word, "Na tu mera kuch lagta hai, (Neither are you my brother) Samir. Stop wasting your time and go back."

Samir's eyes filled up, but he blinked them away immediately. Samrat had to look away. The tears made him restless. He meant every word, but he still could not bear the tears.

"Na maane se rishta to nehi badal jata na bhaiya? (You cannot deny the relationship we share bhaiya)"

"Bhaiya nahi, Samir. Samrat (Do not call me bhaiya, Samir. Address me as Samrat....."

"Aapko shauk hoga rishto se bhagne ka, mera aisa koi shauk nehi hai. Bhaiya ho mere aap. Main aapko bhaiya he bulaoga. (You might want to run away from relationships, but I don't have your preference. You are my brother. I will address you as 'bhaiya') Get used to it."

Samrat ignored him and opened the car door. Samir reached for his hand and stopped him.

"Pasie kahtam ho gaye mere paas. (I don't have any more money.)" 

"Is not your dad a millionaire?"

"Right! Millionaire hai to kya aapne bache ko muh mage pocket money de denge? I spent all the pocket money on the hotel room that I do not even need. Aab aur paise nehi hai mere paas. Bhook lage hai, subah se kuch khaya bhi nehi. (If you're a millionaire, would you give your child endless pocket money? I spent all my pocket money on a hotel room that I didn't even need. Now I don't have any more money. I'm hungry; I haven't eaten anything since morning.)"

"Don't you have a credit card?"

"i lost it"

What he did not tell him that he could not use his credit card because his father would know that he was not in Goa but Delhi. He had told his parents that he was going on a trip to goa with his friends, but came to Delhi instead. 

Samrat glared at him but reached for his wallet and grabbed a few notes. "but a return ticket and board the flight, Samir. Go home"

Samir took only a couple of notes and handed him back the rest. "Bacho ko itne zyada paise nehi detey bhaiya. (you never give so much money to a kid bhaiya) What if I buy drugs with this?"

Samrat's eyes glinted, "Will you?"

Samir gulped. Those eyes could scare anyone. He shook his head immediately.

"Good. Now leave." he thrust the notes back into Samir's hand, "If I see you again I will call the cops."

"Haww bhaiya. Aap bache ko police ke hawale kar doge? Itne zalim ho aap? (Haww, bhaiya, you will call the cops on a child, are you so stone hearted?)" Sam gave him a charming smile. Samrat forced himself to ignore the charm and get into the car and drive away. Samir sighed as he saw the car speeding away. His bhaiya was a stubborn man, It would not be easy to win his heart, but what his bhaiya did not know was that his younger brother was equally determined. 

The pup's whines startled Samir out of his thoughts. he looked at the little fur ball who came looking for him and picked him up.

"Dekh bhaiya ne paise deye hai, Aab ek ache hotel me check in kartey hai aur fresh hoke phir bhaiya ke ghar jatey hai. Hum bhi to dekhe woh kitne din humse door reh patey hai. Kyun champ? (Look, bhaiya has given us money. Now let's check into a good hotel, freshen up, and then go to his house. Let's see how long can he stay away from us. Right, champ?)"

The dog woofed again. Samir smiled and made his way out of the compound with renewed determination. Samrat Dsouza Wadhwa had lost his way, it was time he brought him back HOME!

Next episode after 350 votes and comments.

1- Your first impression on

a- Samrat

b- Samir

2- Who is more stubborn?

3- Your opinion on their bond.

4- What do you wish to explore in this book?

5- Will Samir succeed?

6- Why do you think Samrat denies their relationship?

7- Does Samrat come off as arrogant and mean?

8- If you went though the character profile, which charter do you wish to meet next?