Second Chance: A Dark Tale of Urban India-Chapter 103: Father’s Deal

As Rohit stepped out of the room, his gaze instinctively dropped to his bandaged left hand. He flexed his fingers slowly, testing the stiffness. Arya had done a good job with the bandage.

There was still a faint pull under the skin, but it no longer throbbed like before. He could lift his hand without much strain.

’Two... maybe three days,’ he thought. ’And I won’t even need the sling anymore.’

Raj Singhania’s study was downstairs, so he headed that way.

He spotted Ragini at the dining table, listening to Kalyani and Ananya.

She looked exhausted—still in her nightgown, hair loosely tied, eyes half-lidded as she stifled a yawn. Yet she was trying her best to keep up with the conversation.

Rohit slowed slightly as he passed.

"...I’m telling you, Arya has been acting strange lately. The way she answered back was so disrespectful.." Kalyani muttered.

Ananya scoffed softly, adding fuel to it.

Rohit didn’t linger. Petty talk wasn’t worth his time.

Then he spotted Vijay, staring straight at them—or rather, at Ragini in particular. Her cleavage was still partially visible, so Rohit instantly read his gaze.

He stepped in between, startling Vijay, and folded his arms. "Need something...?"

Vijay straightened, irritation flickering across his face."Yeah. The Wi-Fi password. I’m trying to connect."

Rohit held his gaze for a second longer than necessary, then replied casually,"I don’t remember it myself. I’ll send you the QR code later. Use mobile data till then."

A brief pause.

"...Fine," Vijay muttered. "You heading somewhere?"

"My dad’s study."

"Right."

Rohit couldn’t help but inwardly smirk. Oh, I’ll send you something... just not what you expect.

***

The study door stood slightly ajar.

As Rohit approached, he slowed.

Inside, Raj Singhania sat behind his desk, relaxed in his leopard-print robe, a cigar resting between his fingers.

Across from him, seated at the visitor’s table, was Kamalnath, Akhil’s father, who looked quite composed in his formal attire.

Raj noticed him first and gestured him inside.

Kamalnath turned as well, his expression tightening ever so slightly.

Rohit stopped a few steps in, sensing the tension.

Kamalnath rose from his seat, addressing Raj instead of acknowledging Rohit."I believe we should conclude this meeting, Mr. Singhania. I don’t have much of a choice. My son’s safety comes first."

Raj nodded slowly."I understand. I’ll see what can be done. But I won’t allow the Singhania name to be dragged through the mud."

Kamalnath nodded and left, ignoring Rohit as if he was invisible air.

"You called me, Dad," Rohit said once he was sure Kamalnath was out.

"Sit there. I have something to ask." Raj pointed to the visitor chair.

Rohit took the seat. He gave a brief glance at the background behind Raj, which was filled with photos, medals and relics of power and influence. Bookshelves lined both sides.

Raj leaned forward slightly, studying him."Tell me honestly... are you involved in this? In any way?"

Rohit straight-up denied it. "No, Dad. I am not."

A pause lingered.

Raj nodded."I believe you."

He took another deep puff, tapped the ash into the ashtray, then took out a briefcase. He pulled out the share papers and passed them to Rohit with a pen.

"Sign these."

Rohit was puzzled. He thought he’d missed his chance. The elder who came to see the dealing had been pissed and should have returned. More than that—what was the endgame of this thug? After catching him having an affair with Ananya on night feed, it was hard for Rohit to digest his fatherly act. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Sign it. It’s the pending reward you deserve. You can read it if you want," Raj said, crossing his fingers.

Rohit scrolled through the papers. The shares were legitimate and ensured him a place on the list of new shareholders with future stakes in the company. The only downside was that the nominee in case of his death would be his father, Raj Singhania.

In short, if something happened to him, all his holdings would transfer to Raj Singhania.

’What a wolf in sheep’s clothing, thug-bastard,’ Rohit internally snickered.

Rohit asked aloud, "What’s going to happen to me, Dad? Are you sending me somewhere?""

Raj frowned. This was the first time Rohit had countered questions without following it. Still, he decided to fulfill his curiosity. "Nothing... With me here, nothing will happen to you, son. But yes... you’ll have to go somewhere."

He leaned back, voice firm "There’s a bigger game at play. I’ve spoken to Akhil’s father. I know who’s behind this—but you don’t need to concern yourself with that. Just do as I say."

Rohit looked straight into his eyes. "I trust you, Dad... but I’m not blind. He was my friend. I deserve to know what’s happening."

For a moment, irritation flashed across Raj’s face—then vanished behind a measured sigh.

"Look... you know Akhil was kidnapped and the police came last night. It was only temporary. They fear the Singhania name, but the law fears none."

He tapped ash into the tray.

"They want to question you. You’ll go. Stay in custody for a few hours. Then you’ll be released. That’s all.."

He clicked his tongue, adding, "Honestly, it was hard to convince that elder to leave the shares here. He’ll be returning this evening, so we have less time."

Rohit took a moment to piece it together.

So the elder hadn’t returned. He can sign, or rather, this arrangement was only possible because Raj’s interest was tied to the shares.

Since Rohit’s fate was in question, Raj wanted it handled before that.

Short summary: he was done for after signing it.

He shook his head and returned the papers, making Raj frown. "No, Dad. I can’t sign the papers."

He added emotionally, looking down. "I feel guilty for Akhil. Even though I’m not directly responsible, my heart pains. I cannot forget his mother’s plea. I want to do something, Dad. I don’t know what, but I want to find him myself. Until then, I can’t accept this reward."

Raj gave him an amused look. He took out one of his cigars, smelled its fragrance, put it in his mouth, and asked, "You think.. you can do that?"

Rohit denied, "Not alone, Dad. I need the authority of Singhanias. Give me your men and influence. I’ll figure something out."

Silence stretched...

Raj nodded, burning his cigar with a lighter. "When I heard you lost your memories and were recovering, I couldn’t help but worry that you would change. But I see you’re still the same... emotional and fighting for justice. I like it. Don’t lose that spirit."

Rohit was surprised. There was no rebuke, no mockery. But he soon got his answer.

"But son, authority doesn’t come with values alone. It needs guts to behold." Raj pulled out his drawer as he took a long drag, and placed a 9mm pistol parallel to the papers.

"Take this—my favorite Sig Sauer Reserve collection, fully loaded and licensed. This is my authority. One display of it.. is enough."

He looked at Rohit with renewed interest.

"I’m giving you a choice. Sign the papers and leave this to me... or take the gun and do it your way. I will handle the consequences."

A pause.

"You have three days. If you fail—don’t come back questioning me."

Rohit looked at the gun, with an overall length of 8.6 inches, height of 6.0 inches, and width of 1.7 inches, 20 rounds, semi-automatic defense. Real name: P226-XFIVE 9mm Pistol—a plaything from his earlier past self.

He took it without hesitation and felt its familiar weight. "I’ll be taking this."

Raj Singhania smiled, as if the outcome had never been in doubt. He stood, slipping the papers back into the briefcase.

"Good. For the next three days, you’re on your own. Balwindar will assist you—but remember..."

His gaze hardened."My empire is watching... Deal?"

Rohit shook his hand. Raj patted his shoulder and asked him to follow.

Rohit let out a quiet chuckle as he fell in step behind him. Old man... you have no idea. Thanks for the gift.