Chapter 124: Game Behind The Scenes

**Hyatt Hotel Restaurant Area, Morning**

Rohit sat at the table, casually tearing into a crisp masala dosa dipped in sambar. His phone rested beside his plate. Across from him, Balwindar sat with the same untouched meal, head lowered in guilt and embarrassment.

Ten minutes earlier, Rohit had called him over and shown him the screenshots — private messages between Balwindar and Raj Singhania, Rohit’s father.

Every concern Raj had raised was addressed, but one line stood out like a betrayal: Balwindar had revealed that Rohit was the main instigator behind the MLA’s resort raid, including the part where he fired at point-blank range.

Rohit took a calm bite, chewed slowly, then spoke.

"Tell me, Balwindar... why did you mention my involvement in the MLA’s resort raid? You gave me your word you wouldn’t share that. I want to know why."

Balwindar’s lips pressed into a thin line.

"Young Master... your safety was my top priority. Shooting the MLA’s son on his own property could bring severe consequences. I thought you might need backup, so I informed your father. I apologize for breaking my word."

Rohit shook his head, disappointment clear on his face.

"Balwindar, there are games being played in the shadows, and I’m at war. My life is on the line, yet you’re reporting my movements to my father when you’re supposed to be completely under my command for these three days. How can I trust you going forward?"

Balwindar met his eyes.

"But Sir, reporting to your father is also part of my duty. I see no conflict in following protocol."

Rohit stopped mid-chew, took a sip of lassi, and swallowed.

"So that’s your answer?" He wiped his hands on a warm towel. "Then tell me — if you’re so strict about rules, why didn’t you mention anything about the gold? Isn’t that a little too convenient?"

Balwindar’s jaw tightened, his gaze dropping to the table.

Rohit continued calmly, "I understand your concern for my safety, but do you really think my father cares the same for you?"

The question clearly struck a nerve.

Rohit leaned forward slightly. "Think about it. How did those screenshots end up on my phone, clearly showing your name? Do you truly believe serving a man who doesn’t care about your image or sacrifice is worth it?"

Balwindar’s hands clenched on the table, barely containing his fury.

Rohit smirked, fanning the flames. "Or maybe he was confident that even if you found out from me, you couldn’t do anything about it. That’s why he sent me directly — to flex his control. In that case, I’d have no choice but to send you back, proving I’m nothing without him."

Balwindar finally looked up, understanding the full picture. After a heavy pause, he spoke.

"I’m out of words, Sir. I made a mistake. Whether you use me or discard me is your choice. I will follow your command."

Rohit sighed.

"Look, Balwindar... I didn’t bring this up because I doubt your loyalty. In fact, I have a proposal — if you’re willing to consider it. I see you as a friend. Do you see me the same?"

Balwindar straightened. "Yes, Sir. Just give me the order."

Rohit nodded, satisfied.

"It’s simple. Sell yourself to me. Officially, you’ll still report and collect your paycheck from my father... but your true priority will be me."

Balwindar replied without hesitation, "Certainly, Sir."

Rohit tapped the table. "I’m not done. My requests won’t be simple. I want absolute obedience. No questioning. No leaking details."

Balwindar hesitated. "But Sir..."

Rohit shrugged. "You can decline. Eventually, when I come of age, you’ll follow me anyway. But I’ll remember this conversation."

Balwindar sighed in defeat. "No, Sir. As long as it’s ethical and doesn’t harm civilians, I have no issue. That’s my baseline."

Rohit’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Valuable, but not fully trustworthy. A Flawed dagger that might turn on its owner.

He smiled. "Of course. I suppose you already have an idea of what I’m like."

Balwindar nodded.

Rohit took a sip of his lassi. "So, what did you do with the gold?"

"I rented an apartment and kept the briefcase there," Balwindar said, placing a key on the table. "It was too risky to carry in the car."

Rohit nodded as he took the keys. "And how much is it worth?"

"Exactly 320 biscuits, Sir. Each should be worth 10 to 12 lakhs in market value. Total estimate — 30 to 35 crores."

Rohit replied calmly, "Good. I’m planning to give you 3 crores out of it as your reward."

Balwindar’s eyes widened. "What...?"

Rohit raised an eyebrow. "Not happy? Fine, 5 crores it is. I still have to handle the dealing and stakeholding."

Balwindar shook his head quickly. "No, Sir... it’s too much."

Rohit offered his hand with a small smile. "5 crore. Take it."

Balwindar hesitated, but eventually shook his hand — thinking of his three younger sisters back home.

Rohit stood up. Balwindar followed, but Rohit stopped him.

"Finish your meal and stay here. When Aisha wakes up, take her home safely."

Balwindar frowned. "But Sir, your mission—"

Rohit cut him off. "As I said — following me means no questioning. I’ll call you when I need you."

Balwindar looked reluctant but finally nodded.

Rohit walked out of the restaurant to call a cab, a satisfied glint in his eyes.

***

Rohit was halfway down the stairs, done booking a cab, when Lisa’s voice spoke softly in his earbud.

[Sir, you have a call from Akansha.]

He paused on the landing and quickly connected it.

A sultry, playful voice greeted him immediately.

"Hi, handsome~"

Rohit frowned. No matter how much he wanted to hear from her, every conversation with Akansha felt like stepping into a trap.

"I’m listening," he replied curtly.

Akansha pouted on the other end. "So mean... I came all this way to help you and this is how you treat me?"

"I’m short on time. Speak business."

She sighed dramatically. "Fine. I have Jayesh’s phone. I tried to open the link, but it’s locked. If you can unlock it, I’ll bring the phone to you."

Rohit’s eyes sharpened. Jayesh’s phone was exactly what he needed to unravel the mystery behind Akhil’s kidnapping.

"You have it?" he emphasized. "Great. Send it to me."

Akansha chuckled. "Not so easily, handsome. I still have my pending reward, remember?"

Rohit rolled his eyes, checking the time. "Fine. Meet me at 2 PM sharp. Book a place near the airport."

Akansha gasped in mock offense. "Wow... now I have to book the room just to get fucked? At least have some manners to please a lady."

Rohit ignored her teasing and asked seriously, "Wait... if you have Jayesh’s phone, didn’t he suspect you? How did you manage it?"

Akansha sounded surprised. "Oh? So you do care whether I live or die. How sweet. It was simple. I bought the same model, swapped the SIM, cracked the screen, and placed it where the old one was. By now, he’s probably already transferred all his data to the new phone."

Rohit nodded. "Understood. Still... stay safe. He’s unstable."

He cut the call abruptly as his cab arrived.

The driver rolled down the window. "Sir, location and OTP?"

Rohit was about to reply when Lisa spoke again in his ear.

[Sir, you have a direct message from Masato Fujimura. He’s sent his written address. He says it’s urgent.]

Rohit frowned. "How did he get my number?"

[No idea, Sir. But judging by his tone, the meeting is highly recommended. The address is only twenty minutes away.]

Rohit thought for a moment. A man of Masato’s stature messaging him directly was significant. He still had two hours before his mother’s flight.

"Change of location," he told the driver, handing him the new address.

The driver nodded and entered the details. As the cab pulled away, Rohit leaned back in his seat, eyes sharp with curiosity.

What does someone like Masato Fujimura want with me?

***

Same time,

Mori Gate Scrapyard Warehouse, Outskirts of Delhi

In the dusty courtyard surrounded by mountains of rusted scrap metal, Mukhtar Ahmed sat relaxed in a plastic chair, slowly sipping his morning tea.

In front of him stood Chota Sheth, head bowed, hands clasped in front like an obedient slave. A fresh red palm print burned brightly on his left cheek.

To Ahmed’s right stood Suraj, his most trusted right-hand man, expression cold and serious.

Ahmed took another calm sip, then spoke without looking up.

"One more. Harder. I want blood."

Slap!

Suraj’s heavy hand cracked across Chota Sheth’s face with brutal force.

The impact sent him sprawling onto the dirt. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Yet within seconds, Chota Sheth pushed himself up and returned to his previous position, head lowered, body trembling but submissive.

Ahmed finally placed the teacup down.

"What are the losses?"

Chota Sheth’s voice was hoarse. "150 kilos of drugs burnt... 1,100 kilos seized by NCB and police, Bhai. Since its mimic variant and local synthesised the roughly estimated amount is.. "

Ahmed’s eyes narrowed. "I’m asking about the gold."

"Thirty crore(300 million) worth of gold biscuits... and double that in fake currency. All gone."

A heavy silence fell. Ahmed slowly rose from his chair. Chota Sheth instinctively staggered back a step.

Ahmed walked closer, his voice dangerously soft.

"And you... know nothing about it?"

Chota Sheth’s voice cracked. "Bhai, I swear on my loyalty! I have served you for more than ten years. I know nothing!"

Ahmed stared at him for a long moment, then turned toward the scrap-filled yard.

"You do know we were supposed to deliver that gold to Anna of the Southern Bloc. How do you plan to compensate?"

Chota Sheth quickly suggested, "We can send them our old dampened stock of 300 kilos as compensation... and 100 kilos of expired RDX as an apology. Both are cheaper."

"Hah-Ha-Hah-Ha"

Ahmed suddenly laughed louder. Suraj and the others joined in. Chota Sheth forced a nervous laugh too.

Then, without warning, Ahmed’s hand shot out and grabbed Chota Sheth by the throat.

"You will handle the transportation yourself," Ahmed said coldly, tightening his grip. "No mistakes. Understood?"

Chota Sheth nodded frantically, gasping for air. "Of course, Bhai... of course."

Internally, his eyes burned with rage.

Motherfcker, my time will come. For now, I’ll keep all that gold for myself... and push the transportation burden onto that Mittal brat.

Just then, Suraj spoke up.

"Bhai, what about the judge’s kid? Police checks have tightened everywhere. Even big names are involved now."

Chota Sheth sneered. "Those are just empty threats. Our reach is deeper than.."

Ahmed raised a hand, silencing him instantly.

"You have a farmhouse on the outskirts, correct?"

Chota Sheth swallowed. "Yes, Bhai... but we have the few seeds of the next consignment stored there."

Ahmed smirked. "So what? One more guest won’t make a difference."

Chota Sheth sweated. "But recently the police raided nearby..."

Suraj cut in, "That’s perfect, Bhai. Once police search an area, they rarely return soon."

Ahmed turned to Chota Sheth with finality.

"You will take responsibility for the kid. Take extra fighters with you. If the any trouble dare show up... handle them."

Chota Sheth could only nod meekly.

"Yes, Bhai."