His Secret Empire

Chapter 2

Anjali stared at Rohan, her eyes wide with fear. "Rohan, I think we're in danger."

Rohan immediately grabbed her hands, his voice thick with worry. "What happened? Who called?"

Her voice trembled as she recounted it. "It was an unknown number. They said you'd made a big mistake... and now I have to pay for it."

Rohan's face darkened with anger. "Who the hell was it? What else did they say?"

"Nothing—just that I'd find out soon." Anjali's hands were shaking.

Without hesitation, Rohan pulled out his phone and dialed. "Leon, I need you here. Right now. At the house."

Within minutes, Leon—Rohan's trusted head bodyguard—arrived. Rohan briefed him quickly about the threatening call and his growing concern for Anjali's safety.

Leon nodded calmly. "Understood, sir. Don't worry. My team and I will handle Anjali ma'am's protection 24/7 from now on."

Rohan turned to Anjali, squeezing her hand. "You don't have to be scared anymore. Leon and his guys will always be watching over you."

Anjali felt a flicker of relief, but the knot of fear in her chest didn't fully loosen. She knew Rohan's enemies weren't ordinary—they were powerful, ruthless people who wouldn't hesitate to cross any line.

Trying to lighten the mood, Rohan gave her a small smile. "Come on, get ready. I'm taking you somewhere special for lunch."

Anjali tried to smile back, though the worry still lingered on her face. "Where?"

"Surprise," he said, winking.

A short while later, they pulled up to **Nouveau**, one of the city's most exclusive restaurants—known for its elegant ambiance, impossible reservations, and sky-high prices.

Anjali's eyes widened. "Wow... this place is insane. I didn't even know something this fancy existed here."

"For you," Rohan said softly, leaning close, "I'd pull down the stars if I could."

They were seated at a private table. The waiter handed over the menu, and Rohan asked, "What do you feel like, love?"

"I have no idea—everything looks overwhelming. You order," she replied.

Rohan chose a few signature dishes with confidence. Just then, Anjali spotted a familiar face across the room—Lavanya Dixit, her old university classmate.

Lavanya had always been the type to look down on Anjali—beautiful, rich, and unbearably arrogant about both.

Lavanya noticed her too and sauntered over with a fake-sweet smile. "Anjali? What are *you* doing here? Hunting for some rich guy to latch onto?"

Anjali's jaw tightened, but she kept her cool. "I'm here with my husband, Lavanya."

Lavanya glanced at Rohan dismissively and smirked. "Oh, *this* is your husband? He looks so... ordinary. What does he even do?"

Rohan smiled politely. "I love my wife more than anything. That's enough for me."

Lavanya ignored him and turned back to Anjali. "You're so lucky, Anjali. At least you snagged someone who can afford to bring you to a place like this."

That was the last straw. "What exactly are you trying to say, Lavanya? Here to humiliate me again?"

"Oh no, darling, just complimenting your good fortune," Lavanya said innocently.

Rohan had had enough. His voice dropped to an icy calm. "I think you should leave. You're bothering my wife."

Lavanya laughed. "And who are *you* to tell me what to do? You're nobody."

Rohan's patience snapped. He signaled the waiter. "Please escort this woman out. She's disturbing the other guests."

The waiter looked surprised but professional. "Ma'am, if you'd please follow me..."

Lavanya's face turned red with fury. She glared at Anjali. "You'll regret this, Anjali. I'll make sure of it."

Then she stormed out.

Anjali looked at Rohan, a rush of pride and gratitude flooding her. She'd never seen this side of him—so commanding, so protective.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For standing up for me like that."

"I'm always on your side, Anjali. No one gets to hurt you. Ever," he replied, his eyes fierce.

They finished lunch in relative peace, though Anjali's mind kept drifting. Everything felt like it was shifting under her feet.

As they left the restaurant, her phone rang—her office assistant. She was urgently needed for a meeting on the Alicia Mall project.

Anjali was the lead on it, the biggest opportunity of her career so far. She was thrilled.

Rohan dropped her off at the office and headed home. In the meeting, she learned exciting news: her uncle Matthew, now the new president of Islands Inc., had decided to scale up the project—adding more luxury brands, making it even grander.

Anjali was over the moon. If she nailed this, her career would skyrocket.

She came home buzzing with excitement and told Rohan everything.

He congratulated her warmly, pride shining in his eyes. "I knew you could do it. You've got this."

What Anjali didn't know was that Rohan had quietly spoken to Matthew weeks earlier—nudging him to expand the project, giving her the perfect stage to shine. He wanted her to succeed on her own terms, even if he pulled a few invisible strings.

A few days later came the grand re-launch event for Moraya Phones. Rohan, still publicly the "mysterious Rajput heir," appeared alongside the Five Princes and their families. He addressed the crowd with quiet confidence.

Anjali sat beside her mother-in-law, Ayushi Rajput, watching the media frenzy online—speculation swirling that the "ordinary assistant" Rohan might actually be the Rajput heir.

Ram Desai's PR team swiftly and efficiently shut down the rumors, preserving Rohan's low profile.

But life refused to stay calm.

Back in Quirino Province—where Rohan had once lived quietly—a high school reunion turned ugly. An old classmate, Gaurav Prasad, used his weak connection to Alok Singh's uncle to publicly humiliate Anjali in front of everyone.

Another former schoolmate, Krish Gaur—a local thug with a criminal record—physically attacked Rohan.

With Leon and Alok's help, Rohan handled it decisively. Gaurav learned Rohan's true identity only moments before his life unraveled—job gone, reputation destroyed. Krish was arrested soon after.

Rohan felt he'd protected Anjali, avenged the insult. But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning. Shadows from his past were still circling—and they could reach her too.

On the drive home from the reunion, Anjali asked quietly, "Why do you think they're targeting us like this?"

"I don't know yet," Rohan admitted. "But I promise you—I'll protect you and our family. Always."

She believed him, but fear still gnawed at her. Nothing would ever be the same.

Back home, Rohan summoned Leon. "I want everything on those two men who harassed Anjali today."

"Already on it, sir," Leon replied.

Hours later, Leon called back. "Gaurav Prasad is connected to Alok sir's uncle. Krish Gaur is a known criminal—multiple jail stints."

Rohan’s voice was steel. "Teach them a lesson, Leon. Make sure they understand who they crossed."

"As you wish, sir."

By morning, both men's lives had collapsed—Gaurav fired, Krish behind bars.

Rohan thought justice was served. But he was wrong. This was just the opening move.

That night, as he and Anjali slept, Rohan had a nightmare.

He stood in a dark forest, eerie whispers surrounding him. Then he saw Anjali—trapped in a cage, screaming for help.

He ran to her, clawing at the bars, but they wouldn't budge.

A chilling voice echoed from the shadows: "If you want to save her, you'll have to sacrifice your most precious thing."

Rohan jolted awake, heart pounding. Anjali slept peacefully beside him.

He pulled her close, holding her tight. He would protect her at any cost.

But he had no idea the nightmare was about to become reality—and the hardest decision of his life was coming.