Mine Yes! : Forced to be yours Mr.Devil

Author's Note:

Hi dear readers! 💕

Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter! It's been an emotional and intense journey writing it, and I hope you felt every twist and turn as deeply as I did while crafting it.

However, I've noticed something recently—there haven't been many comments or interactions from you all. 💭 I completely understand that life gets busy, and sometimes it's easier to just enjoy the story quietly, but your thoughts and support truly mean the world to me. They're what keep me motivated to deliver the best storytelling I can.

If you've been following this story and enjoying it, it would mean so much if you could drop a comment or share your reaction. Even a simple "Loved it!" or "What's next?!" goes such a long way! 🥰 And if you feel like going the extra mile, gifts or support help me keep this story alive and thriving. 🌟

Your engagement fuels my creativity, and knowing that you're enjoying the story makes all the hard work worthwhile. So, let me know—what did you think of this chapter? What are your theories? Which characters are your favorites so far?

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Looking forward to hearing from you all soon! Thank you for being part of this journey. 💖

With love,

Your Author 💕

∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘❥∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘❥∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘❥∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘❥∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘❥∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘❥∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘❥∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘❥∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘∘The party had finally begun to thin out, guests slowly trickling toward the exit as the night stretched into the early hours. The energy in the grand ballroom had shifted—less lively now, more subdued. Conversations grew quieter, though the whispers of speculation about Kunal Rajawat lingered in every corner.

Kunal reentered the ballroom after his brief encounter with Aarav on the balcony. His expression was cool, unreadable, but his mind raced. Aarav's parting words had been laced with meaning. A battlefield where every move has consequences.

Kunal's lips tightened into a faint smile. "Aarav Singhaniya," he muttered under his breath. "A worthy opponent."

He scanned the room, his gaze naturally seeking out his brother. Arjun stood near the center of the ballroom, engaged in what seemed like a cordial but strategic conversation with an investor. Kunal decided against joining him. For now, it was better to keep observing.

Meanwhile, the Singhaniyas had retreated to one of the quieter lounges adjoining the ballroom. The room was dimly lit, its velvet-upholstered chairs arranged in intimate clusters. Aarav stood by the window, a glass of whiskey in hand, staring out at the sprawling Rajawat estate. Rudra and Dev sat nearby, while Ravi lounged on a sofa, scrolling absentmindedly through his phone.

"Well?" Rudra said, breaking the silence. "What do we think of the hidden Rajawat?"

Dev leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "He's sharp. Measured. The kind who doesn't reveal anything unless he wants you to see it."

Ravi looked up from his phone, his brows furrowing. "Why would someone like him spend three years in our company? What's his endgame?"

"To learn," Aarav said quietly, not turning away from the window.

Rudra raised an eyebrow. "Learn what?"

"Everything," Aarav replied, finally looking at his brothers. "Our systems, our strategies, our weaknesses. Kunal Rajawat isn't a man who wastes time. If he was with us, it was for a reason."

"And now," Dev said, his tone calm, "he's a part of the Rajawat empire. Which means whatever he learned from us is now a weapon in their arsenal."

Ravi scoffed, sitting up straighter. "That's a bold assumption. How do we even know he gained anything useful?"

Rudra smirked, swirling his glass of wine. "Oh, he did. Trust me. No one hides in plain sight for that long without making it worth their while."

Aarav set his glass down, his expression hardening. "The question isn't what he learned. It's how we counter it. Kunal's playing a game, and we're already two steps behind."

Dev glanced at Aarav, his tone measured. "So, what do we do?"

"We watch," Aarav said. "For now, we let him think he has the advantage. Let him make his moves."

"And then?" Rudra asked, leaning forward slightly.

Aarav's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Then we remind him who he's up against."

Back in the ballroom, Arjun approached Kunal, his expression unreadable but his movements purposeful.

"Kunal," he said, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. "It's time we leave."

Kunal nodded, glancing around the room one last time. "The night's been... illuminating."

Arjun raised an eyebrow. "Aarav Singhaniya?"

Kunal hesitated for only a fraction of a second before nodding. "We spoke briefly. He's... perceptive."

"More than perceptive," Arjun said quietly as they began walking toward the exit. "The Singhaniyas have built their empire on their ability to anticipate moves before they're made. If Aarav's paying attention to you, it's because he sees you as a threat."

Kunal smirked faintly. "Good. Let him."

Arjun glanced at his younger brother, his expression softening slightly. "Be careful, Kunal. The Singhaniyas don't play fair. They'll exploit any weakness they can find."

Kunal stopped walking, turning to face his brother fully. "I know," he said, his voice steady. "But they won't find one. Not with me."

For a moment, Arjun said nothing, his gaze searching Kunal's face. Finally, he nodded. "Let's go."

The Singhaniya's watched as the Rajawats departed the ballroom, their exit as composed and deliberate as their entrance had been. Aarav's gaze followed Kunal until he disappeared through the doors, his expression unreadable.

"Well," Rudra said after a long silence. "That was... eventful."

"It's only the beginning," Aarav replied, his tone quiet but firm.

Ravi glanced at Aarav, his curiosity piqued. "What's your next move, then?"

Aarav's lips twitched into a faint smile. "We wait. And while we wait, we prepare. If Kunal Rajawat thinks he can outmaneuver us, he's in for a surprise."

Later that night, back at the Singhaniya estate, Aarav sat alone in his study. The room was dimly lit, the warm glow of a desk lamp illuminating the stack of files in front of him. He reached for a folder marked "Anaya's Department," flipping through its contents with practiced precision.

Kunal Rajawat's personnel file was thin, almost suspiciously so. Basic details—education, experience, performance reviews. But nothing personal, nothing that hinted at his true identity.

Of course, Aarav thought. He covered his tracks well.

Still, there were gaps. Small inconsistencies that Aarav's sharp mind couldn't ignore. He tapped his finger against the desk, his thoughts racing.

"Why did you come to us, Kunal?" he muttered to himself. "And what are you planning now?"

The faint sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts. Aarav looked up as Rudra entered the study, a glass of whiskey in hand.

"Still working?" Rudra asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Aarav nodded, gesturing toward the file. "Trying to piece it together."

Rudra smirked, taking a sip of his drink. "You'll figure it out. You always do."

Aarav leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "This isn't just about Kunal. It's about the Rajawats. They're playing a bigger game, and we need to be ready."

Rudra raised his glass in a mock toast. "To staying ahead of the game."

Aarav's gaze hardened as he picked up the file again. "To winning it."

Back at the Rajawat estate, Kunal stood on the balcony of his room, staring out at the city lights. The night was quiet, but his mind was anything but. The encounter with the Singhaniya's replayed in his head, every word, every glance, every subtle shift in their expressions.

"They're sharp," he muttered to himself. "But not unbeatable."

His phone buzzed on the table behind him. Picking it up, he saw a message from Arjun:

Good work tonight. Get some rest. The real battle begins tomorrow.

Kunal smirked, setting the phone down. The real battle had already begun.

_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+_______+______

At Singhaniya Corporation, the news hit like a tidal wave. The morning after the Rajawat gala, the world awoke to explosive headlines.

"The Hidden Son of Rajawat Industries Unveiled: Kunal Rajawat Steps Into the Spotlight."

"A Secret No Longer: Kunal Rajawat, the Mysterious Heir, Revealed at Gala."

"Rajawat's Secret Weapon: Kunal Rajawat and His Years in Disguise."

News of Kunal's identity spread like wildfire, with every business publication dissecting the unexpected revelation. Photos of Kunal from the gala, clad in his emerald-green suit, adorned the covers of magazines and filled social media feeds. Pundits speculated about his role in the Rajawat empire and the implications of his years spent working in secret.

Aarav sat in his office, a printout of one of the articles in his hand. The photo of Kunal, standing beside Arjun on the gala stage, stared back at him.

"Well," Rudra said, lounging on the sofa across from him, "this certainly explains a lot."

Aarav didn't reply immediately, his mind racing. "Three years," he said finally, his tone low. "He was under our roof for three years, and we didn't see it."

Dev, sitting in a chair nearby, raised an eyebrow. "Does it matter? He's with the Rajawats now. Whatever he learned from us, he'll use against us."

"It does matter," Aarav said, his voice firm. "Because it means we underestimated him. And that's a mistake we won't make again."

Ravi, who had just entered the room with his phone in hand, shook his head. "The media's having a field day with this. Half the headlines are about Kunal's 'hidden identity,' and the other half are asking why he worked for us."

Rudra chuckled darkly. "Let them ask. It just makes him look more suspicious."

Aarav leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant. "It also makes him look calculated. And if there's one thing we've learned, it's that Kunal Rajawat doesn't do anything without a reason."

 _✿_____✿______✿_______✿_____✿______✿_______✿_____✿______✿_______✿_____✿______✿_

The day after the reveal of Kunal Rajawat's identity, the media buzz showed no signs of dying down. If anything, it had grown louder. News anchors dissected every detail of Kunal's life, from his time abroad to his years spent working at Singhaniya Corporation. Speculations ranged from espionage to family reconciliation.

But the biggest shock came when Kunal agreed to an exclusive live interview.

In a sleek studio with panoramic views of the city skyline, Kunal sat across from a seasoned journalist. Dressed in a tailored charcoal suit and an ice-blue tie, he exuded the calm confidence of a man who knew exactly what he was doing.

The journalist leaned forward, her tone probing but respectful. "Mr. Rajawat, your revelation has taken the corporate world by storm. For three years, you worked quietly at Singhaniya Corporation without revealing your identity. Many are questioning your motives. Why did you do it?"

Kunal's expression softened slightly, a faint smile touching his lips. "I understand the curiosity," he began, his voice steady. "And I'll be honest—it wasn't an easy decision. When I returned to India three years ago, I had just completed my studies and wanted to gain real-world experience. Singhaniya Corporation is a leader in its field, and I wanted to learn from the best."

The journalist raised an eyebrow. "You chose your family's rival company to gain experience?"

Kunal nodded. "Yes. Because once upon a time, the Singhaniyas weren't rivals—they were family. Our fathers built their empires side by side, and there was a time when the Rajawats and Singhaniyas shared a bond of mutual respect and friendship. I joined their company not as a spy, but as a student. I wanted to learn, to understand their values and their vision. And I'm grateful for the experience—it shaped me into the leader I am today."

The journalist paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "That's a bold statement, Mr. Rajawat. Do you think the Singhaniyas will see it that way?"

Kunal's smile widened slightly. "I hope so. Because at the end of the day, this isn't about rivalry—it's about growth. Both our families are shaping industries and lives. My time at Singhaniya Corporation is a chapter I'm proud of."

The interview concluded with applause from the studio audience, and within minutes, excerpts of Kunal's words flooded social media and news platforms.

  __________✤_________✤_________✤_________✤_________✤___________✤__________

The employees at both Rajawat Industries and Singhaniya Corporation were abuzz with the news. In the breakrooms, whispers about Kunal's true identity filled the air.

"He worked here? For three years?"

"I never even suspected! He was so quiet."

"Do you think he was spying on us?"

In a corner office, Anaya, Janvi, and Pranali huddled together in front of a computer screen, watching the interview unfold. The sleek modernity of their surroundings was at odds with the charged atmosphere in the room.

Anaya leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed, her brow furrowed in thought. "Well, that's one way to spin it," she said, her tone laced with skepticism.

Janvi, who had worked directly under Kunal during his time at Singhaniya Corporation, looked conflicted. "He's... not wrong," she said quietly. "He never seemed like someone with bad intentions. He was always fair, always professional. If he was learning, it wasn't in a malicious way."

Pranali, who had joined the company only a year ago but had heard the rumors swirling since the reveal, raised an eyebrow. "Still, it's hard to ignore the timing. He knew exactly what he was doing. That interview was calculated to make him look like the hero."

Anaya glanced at Janvi. "You worked under him. Did you ever feel like he was hiding something?"

Janvi hesitated. "Not really. He was private, sure, but a lot of people in leadership are. He focused on the work, and honestly, he made me a better professional. But..."

"But?" Pranali prompted.

Janvi sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know. Maybe I'm just overthinking it, but there were moments when I felt like he was watching everything—like he was trying to understand every little detail about how we worked."

Anaya's gaze shifted to the screen, where Kunal's composed face lingered as the interview replayed on loop. "Well, if he was watching, he learned from the best. I just hope it doesn't come back to bite us."

Elsewhere in the building, Jai sat in his own office, staring at his phone as he replayed the interview for the third time. He and Kunal had worked together for nearly three years, and while they'd formed a friendship, Jai had never suspected the truth about his colleague's identity.

"He's slick," Jai muttered to himself, a mixture of admiration and frustration in his tone.

The door to his office opened, and Rudra Singhaniya stepped inside. Jai immediately straightened, his expression shifting to one of composure.

"Sir," Jai said, standing.

Ravi waved him off, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Relax, Jai. I'm not here to scold you." He gestured to the screen. "Watching your old buddy's big reveal?"

Jai hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, sir. It's... unexpected."

"Unexpected?" Ravi echoed, stepping closer. "Or calculated?"

Jai frowned. "Sir, if I may... Kunal was always professional. I never saw any signs that he was working against us."

Ravi's smirk widened, but his eyes darkened. "And that's exactly why he's dangerous. People like Kunal don't show their cards—they play the long game. He wasn't just here to observe; he was here to learn. And now, he's using what he learned to elevate the Rajawats."

Jai looked conflicted but said nothing.

Ravi clapped him on the shoulder, his voice lowering. "Keep watching, Jai. And keep thinking. The game's only just begun."

 _______⁎________⁎_______⁎_______⁎________⁎_______⁎_______⁎________⁎_______⁎_______⁎_______

At Rajawat Industries, Kunal returned from the interview to a storm of activity. His assistant hurried to his side, handing him a tablet with updates.

"Mr. Rajawat," she said breathlessly, "the response to your interview has been overwhelmingly positive. Investors are impressed, and our partners are already reaching out to congratulate you on your approach."

Kunal glanced at the screen, skimming through the headlines with a faint smirk. "Good. But let's not get comfortable. The Singhaniyas will respond, and when they do, I want to be ready."

"Yes, sir," the assistant replied, hurrying off to execute his orders.

As Kunal entered his office, he found Arjun waiting for him, a glass of whiskey in hand.

"That was a bold move," Arjun said, his tone neutral. "Playing the hero in front of the media."

"It wasn't playing," Kunal replied, pouring himself a glass. "It was the truth."

Arjun raised an eyebrow. "The truth, spun to your advantage. Nicely done."

Kunal took a sip of his drink, his gaze distant. "They'll retaliate, Arjun. They have to. But they'll play it cautiously, at least at first."

Arjun nodded slowly. "And if they come at you directly?"

Kunal's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then we remind them why the Rajawats always win."

 ...∳...∳...∳...∳...∳...

The world was still abuzz with the aftermath of Kunal Rajawat's revelations. His words in the interview had sent shockwaves through the corporate world, casting him as a bold, visionary leader rather than a calculating opportunist. But beneath the polished narrative, the ripples of his actions spread far and wide, stirring questions and unsettling alliances.

At Singhaniya Corporation, the boardroom was unusually tense. Aarav sat at the head of the table, flanked by Rudra, Dev, and Ravi, as the company's senior executives debated their response.

"He made us look like steppingstones," one executive said, his tone sharp. "As if the only value Singhaniya Corporation has is as a training ground for his ambitions."

"Calm down," Rudra said, his voice low but cutting. "Kunal spun the story to suit his needs. That doesn't change who we are or what we've built."

"But the perception matters," another executive argued. "Investors are asking questions. Are we mentoring the competition now?"

Aarav raised a hand, silencing the room. His gaze was cold, unyielding. "Let them ask questions," he said evenly. "Kunal's interview was designed to paint him as the hero, but heroes have flaws. We'll find his."

Dev glanced at Aarav. "And in the meantime?"

"In the meantime," Aarav replied, his voice steely, "we remind the world why Singhaniya Corporation is untouchable. Launch the tech initiative proposal ahead of schedule. Strengthen our partnerships. And above all, stay focused. The Rajawats may think they've gained ground, but this game is far from over."

Rudra smirked, leaning back in his chair. "I like it. Let them underestimate us while we build momentum."

Elsewhere in the Singhaniya offices, Anaya, Janvi, Pranali, and Jai sat in a corner lounge, their conversation dominated by Kunal's interview. The sleek modern space, usually filled with laughter and brainstorming, now carried a weighty silence.

"I still can't believe it," Jai said, breaking the quiet. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Three years working alongside him, and I never suspected a thing."

"You and me both," Janvi added, her tone tinged with disbelief. "I worked directly under him. He was always professional, always focused. But now, looking back, there were moments when I felt like... like he was observing everything, analyzing every detail."

"Of course he was," Pranali said, her voice sharp. "He was preparing. Everything he did was calculated."

Anaya frowned. "You say that like it's a bad thing. If anything, it shows how smart he is. He wasn't here to sabotage us—he was here to learn. And maybe we should take that as a compliment."

Pranali raised an eyebrow. "A compliment? He used us, Anaya. He made us look like stepping- stones."

Anaya crossed her arms. "And yet, he didn't harm us. He said it himself—he respected this company. Maybe instead of assuming the worst, we should focus on what we can learn from this."

Jai sighed, running a hand through his hair. "All I know is, this changes everything. The Kunal I knew... I don't know if that was the real him."

Janvi spoke softly, almost to herself. "Maybe it was. Maybe he's both. The professional we knew and the strategist who kept his identity hidden. People can be more than one thing."

At Rajawat Industries, Kunal's office was a hub of activity. His assistant moved quickly, coordinating calls and meetings, while Kunal himself reviewed proposals for the government tech initiative. The interview had gone exactly as he'd planned, and the response had been overwhelmingly positive.

But as much as he thrived on control, Kunal couldn't ignore the lingering tension beneath the surface. The Singhaniyas wouldn't let this slide. And then there was Jai.

Jai had been one of Kunal's closest confidants during his time at Singhaniya Corporation. While Kunal had never revealed his true identity, he'd valued Jai's loyalty and insight. Now, he couldn't help but wonder what Jai was thinking.

Kunal's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his door. Arjun stepped in, his expression unreadable.

"You handled the interview well," Arjun said, taking a seat across from Kunal.

"Thank you," Kunal replied, setting his tablet aside. "But we both know the real work starts now."

Arjun smirked faintly. "True. The Singhaniyas won't stay quiet for long. We need to be ready for their next move."

"I've already instructed the tech team to accelerate our proposal," Kunal said. "We'll have the edge."

"Good," Arjun said, his tone approving. "But don't underestimate them, Kunal. Aarav is as sharp as they come, and he'll be looking for any weakness."

Kunal's jaw tightened. "Let him look. He won't find one."

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That evening, as the city lights glittered against the night sky, Rudra Singhaniya sat in his private lounge, a glass of whiskey in hand. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a single lamp casting long shadows across the walls.

Rudra stared at a photo of Kunal from the interview, his expression unreadable. He took a slow sip of his drink, his mind working through the implications of Kunal's words.

"Once upon a time, the Singhaniyas weren't rivals—they were family."

Aarav sat silently in his chair same with Rudra, the soft glow of his desk lamp illuminating the reports in front of him. The room was quiet, but his mind was anything but.

Kunal's words from the interview echoed in his thoughts. "Once upon a time, the Singhaniyas weren't rivals—they were family."

Aarav's gaze hardened. "Family doesn't spy on each other," he muttered.

He glanced at the side of table. It was Rudra.

"Did you watch it?" Rudra asked when Aarav answered.

"I did," Aarav replied.

"And?"

Aarav leaned back in his chair, his expression dark. "Kunal Rajawat wants to play the hero. Let him. The higher he climbs, the harder the fall will be."

Rudra's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. He could feel it—the subtle shift in the air, the calm before the storm. Something was coming. Something big.

And as much as Rudra enjoyed the game, he knew better than to underestimate his opponents.

"Let's see what you're really made of, Kunal," Rudra murmured, raising his glass in a silent toast.

At the Rajawat mansion, Kunal stood on the balcony of his room, staring out at the sprawling city below. His phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. It was a message from an unknown number.

"Impressive interview. But the game isn't over. Let's see who wins."

Kunal smirked, his fingers hovering over the screen before typing a reply.

"The game's just getting started. I hope you're ready."

The message sent, Kunal slipped his phone into his pocket and turned back toward his room. The night was quiet, but the battle lines had been drawn.

To Be Continued…