《The Destiny's Chosen Son》


 Chapter 1: A boy with the Big Smile

    Visnagar is a city divided into two distinct parts. It is like heaven and Hell, the people living here are known as the Royals and the Menials. The royals are known for their wealth, connections, and the power they possess, on the other hand, the menials are just ordinary people who are employees and servants, some of them are beggars or homeless, for the menials, life is a constant struggle, marked by cruelty and inhumanity that seemed to seep into every corner of their existence, even you can feel the difference just by stepping one foot into the places.


    Visnagar is famous for its two-sided part, where both sides are from the same city yet there is nothing in common between both sides of the city, The Royal side is owned by the Royalties and Nobles, who do not follow the rules but they make them, whereas The Menials are bound to follow that rules. None of them wanted to live there but it was because of their helplessness, due to constant suppression and savagery, their inner monsters were crawling out and showing their true colors.


    Today is one fine day, Sunday, a holiday. Where everybody wants to rest and enjoy the day peacefully. But even today, the scene isn¡¯t different, where We can see that There is a Group of Teenagers beating a kid in a narrow passage, they are bullying him, cursing him, and beating him.


    Abhishek (Leader of that group): Why are you like this?


    Rahul: He is just a useless piece of sh*t


    Sam: I hate his face¡­


    But despite everything, he is smiling broadly and still has tears in his eyes. He cried out of despair since he was unable to contain himself. He covers all of his stress, fear, and grief behind a smile that serves as a screen for him.


    But because of the Smile on his face, Bullies became even angrier.


    Abhishek: Arghhhh¡­. I hate it when he smiles¡­


    Sam: How could you smile even in this situation?


    Rahul: Don¡¯t waste your energy, just beat him¡­


    They''ve started giving him severe beatings. Krishna passed out there as a result of their beatings and torture. He was lying on the floor, covered in blood and tears, like a fish without water.


    Boy 1: Is he dead?


    Boy 2: Shittt! Let¡¯s run!


    Leader (with dissatisfaction): Who cares, even if he is dead¡­


    They left him as it is and ran away from there. They got away in a car, which is usually owned by the royals only. How could they have that car? Did they steal it from the royals? Or were they the Royals? Obviously, they are the Nobles , the Royals. They came here specifically for the purpose of bullying him, just for their amusement and inner satisfaction since it was an enjoyable activity and a way for them to kill time. Witness the story of our main character, Krishna, the kid who was beaten by the group.


    Yes, He is Krishna, who is unfortunately a menial, yet exceptionally smart and outstanding.¡­ Who always has a big smile on his face¡­ positivity is his mindset, we can see that he has a very kind heart even if he knows the real face of the cruel World¡­


    Krishna : I know that the world is cruel and inhumane but it doesn''t matter because I have only one goal in my life to save even one person¡¯s life¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter whose life it is, whether an animal or a human, still I just want to save a life¡­ Even one life¡­


    He cries so desperately, that it has become the only goal of his life, he was crying thinking about the same.


    He is thinking about his life¡­ whole life flashes before his eyes¡­


    He says "Why would anybody care about me, because I am a Kid without parents¡­ struggling and can¡¯t even get the food once¡­ Why do I have to face all of this¡­ here I am hanging between a life and death situation yet there is no one¡­ No one, who can save me¡­" and then he was feeling dizzy, he fainted there, he questioned himself, "When did it all start??? Oh, I remember¡­ it all started¡­ 1 month ago¡­ When I got that letter¡­ I completely remember that day,"


    1 Month ago¡­


    On one fine day, Krishna was about to get ready for his daily routine, when he saw mail¡­ he was so confused.


    Krishna was thinking: What could it be? Is it for the rent? Or could be a new problem.


    Even though he was confused and scared at the same time, he thought, ''It''s just a letter.'' So, at last, he opened it... and he couldn''t believe his eyes at what he saw. As he read the mail, he couldn¡¯t control his tears; he started to cry, his body moving as if on its own. But this time, his tears were different¡ªthey flowed with joy and happiness. The letter was from his dream college, the number one college on the Royal Side, and it said,


    "Congratulations, Krishna. You have been admitted under the Kothari Scholarship.


    We will be more than happy to accept your application. Please contact us: 9*********"


    The college never offered admissions through scholarships. However, rumors circulated that it was because of a big business tycoon who instructed them to do so.


    The college was about to start its application process, and the Managing Director of the College and University received a call on his private number. He answered the phone and what he heard was so shocking that he instantly jumped up from his seat and wasn''t able to speak anything and he ran out of his office.


    He gathered the whole staff but couldn''t speak as he was so excited and scared at the same time. After a long pause¡­¡­


    M.D. : Mr. Kothari, Mr. Kothari is coming here¡­


    The staff got into panic mode¡­


    Staff members: Whaa- What? Mr. Kothari is coming? Did we do something wrong?


    M.D.: It was his assistant, he only told me Mr. Kothari wants to visit your College¡­


    Staff members: It is for the first time, he is visiting somewhere, and he is one of the most powerful people in the city¡­


    M.D.: Listen carefully everyone, talk less and start the preparation. Our college should look like his own mansion. It is your responsibility to make sure he gets comfortable here, got it?


    Staff Members: Got it, sir, we will do our best.


    The sentence wasn¡¯t even finished and the whole college was shaking¡­ It was like


    an Earthquake¡­ Everybody was so shocked¡­


    M.D.: It is not an earthquake, it is Mr. Kothari himself


    Staff members: What? He is here already¡­ Oh my god, what are we going to do?


    M.D. Called the executives for the meeting and told them Mr. Kothari is here¡­


    It was like a Movie. There were 10s of Helicopters, 100s of Cars along with Commandos and Bodyguards. It was like a King of the Jungle was coming.


    In the meeting, they were introducing themselves one by one, but Mr. Kothari just told them one thing,


    Mr. Kothari: "I want to sponsor a Scholarship program for the new admissions."


    Assistant: "We will host the whole thing and our team will personally select and interview the Applicants.


    They were in shock as it was not their policy, they only selected the Wealthiest Families Heirs and their Successors and Children but didn¡¯t dare to say anything against Mr. Kothari.


    Mr. Kothari checked the whole college, checked closely, and gave some Instructions and Changes to make before the new Semester starts¡­Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Rumor has it that Mr. Kothari¡¯s grandson is also taking the admission through that scholarship, to prove his credibility and intelligence. The interviewers and even the Executives, no one knows his true identity, not only that, but they also don¡¯t even know his name, the exam will be very hard as the smartest should be enrolled.


    Now, finally, the day has come, it was the day of the Interview¡­


    The Interviewers were there, they even walked in a coordinated manner, very strict and robot-like¡­ everybody was shocked by them.


    The interview has started. They were very strict with every applicant, some were even crying with their questions¡­


    Now it was the turn of 61 to 70, and Krishna¡¯s number was 66, as they got inside everyone got up out of respect, Applicants were confused as to why they were like this¡­


    Krishna saw that they did not react to their faces when they were interviewing others¡­ but when it was his turn¡­. They all became very conscious and were very interested in Krishna''s application¡­ and not only did they also give him respect, but also they asked him hard questions along with number 67 and 68. Everyone found it strange, including him.


    As there were only 3 students who didn¡¯t put their surnames, which indicates one of them is Mr. Kothari¡¯s Grandson.¡­ This was the reason why they were Conscious of Krishna, as Krishna and Number 67 were two of them who didn¡¯t put their surname in the applications, it wasn¡¯t mandatory to attach your documents or background details as it was the test for the smartest ones, not the wealthiest one.


    Krishna was impressed by 67 as he was so smart and handled everything smartly and he spoke 3 different languages with proficiency. He was not like the other applicants, he was so elegant, neat, and clean. He wanted to become friends with him but he left immediately. So they didn¡¯t get a chance to meet¡­


    One Week Later, when Krishna got the letter of acceptance,


    He was so happy that he would study in his dream college,


    He felt appreciated¡­ He couldn''t hold back his tears, He cried so much¡­


    Krishna: "Finally¡­ I did it"


    Krishna continued his daily routine till the first day of college, today was his first day of college, but he was shocked, he got to know that his dream college was not exactly what he expected¡­


    On the first day of the class, they showed him the reality, the cruel fate of Krishna and his future, which is very painful, as you have to be royal or rich to fit in the class. The society, only then you will be seen as equal, it is not so hard to understand that Menials can not sit with royals they can not even study with them, and this was the first time for the college and students to study with the menials,


    The bad luck of Krishna was that he bumped into a group of top-tier royals, it became his worst mistake as they were a very dangerous and merciless group and as a result, they started to bully him.¡­ Tortured him, harassed him, made his life miserable, and gave him their homework and assignments to do,¡­ so in return, they would bully others. Krishna was not ready for that so he made a deal, he would do all of their homework and assignments for a whole semester and they could bully him but in return, they have to forgive others, they could bully him as they wanted just don¡¯t bully other menial kids, they agreed upon his request as he was on his knees¡­


    But who would have guessed doing their homework and assignments made him even brighter and intelligent in the classroom, as writing and researching several times for the same topic made him more knowledgeable so he always smiles when handing over the homework, they all got 10/10 for each of their homework and Krishna smiles brighter which made them, even more angrier, as days went by they got furious by his smile, so now they¡¯ve started beating him, as none of them was happy with their lives even though they had everything one could ever wish for, but in reality, their lives were empty and hollow so they couldn¡¯t tolerate a poor and orphan kid thinking "how come he is so happy and optimistic without power, money, and luxury¡­?" They all had terrible lives at home, as they didn¡¯t get the love and attention, and proper values from their parents. Instead, they¡¯ve been doing drugs, parties and living like this, which became their whole life. But Krishna was different, his day starts around 6:00 am, does some light exercises for a productive day, then freshens up and does his breakfast if he has any or mostly he skips it. He does some tuitions and other part time jobs to buy his food, fees is now covered in a Kothari Scholarship so that is a relief for him, then he comes to college, studies and then returns (dormitory) home, he studies in free time and sleeps at midnight and that is how his day usually ends.


    Bullies made fun of him as now they know that there is no one to protect him and fight for him so they will bully and harass him even more than before.


    Even when he answers correctly in the class it bothers them, they use him as a punching bag during recess. So he stopped answering even if the faculty specifically questioned him, he still refused to answer the question. But deep down every student knows that he got the right answers still due to fear of that group he refuses to answer them, and everyone hesitates to go against them. As they are like the mafia of the college as their families belong to the top wealthiest families in the city.


    Present time


    Krishna: "So, this is my lowly life¡¯s routine, this is how I am tortured and bullied every day by them, so now it has become my routine¡­ Now I am used to it, it¡¯s fine as long as I can survive here. I will tolerate it with a big smile on my face.


    But I am feeling weak today, as I haven''t even eaten anything and not even drank a sip of water, as they didn¡¯t let me¡­ I was so angry, not at them but at myself¡­ I pity myself and my life¡­ I do not deserve to live, my life has no value or meaning¡­ I shall die here without food and water¡­"


    Even though he wanted to die and end his life, but he remembers the only goal of his life,


    His motivation and ray of light in the dark world,


    Krishna: "But I can not die here, not like this and not now¡­ Remember why you are here¡­ Krishna¡­ Remember that promise you made with someone special¡­ What you have to do¡­You have to save someone¡¯s life, doesn''t matter whose life it is¡­ (But here I am, I cannot even save my own life from those so-called bullies)¡­Damn it¡­ How could I become so pathetic"


    Krishna added with motivation and fire in his eyes: "Yes, I do not want to die like this, I have to get up¡­ Maybe today I am incapable of doing anything but the day shall come in my life when I will be capable enough to fulfill my dreams¡­ and my goal¡­ I will save someone''s life¡­ and Destiny will help me, Destiny does not have any other option¡­


    I can''t give up as I have so many things to do, fulfill my dreams and goals in my life and I want to live a happy healthy life¡­"


    He started to get up even though he was very weak at that point he tried his best, put every ounce of energy into getting up, he was trembling with hunger, he tried but he failed, he fainted there¡­ He woke up in the middle of the night because there were some noises, and he couldn''t believe what he had witnessed, it was an attempted murder but luckily the man they tried to kill was not dead, the murderers didn¡¯t have any clue that there was Krishna too, who is watching everything, Krishna tried to stand up¡­ He had no energy left in him, even though he managed to get up and goes to the old man, covered his wounds with his handkerchief, and tried to stop the blood, as he knew loss of the blood causes death.


    Krishna: "Don¡¯t worry sir! Try to stay still, I am getting some help for you, try not to close your eyes" Krishna called an ambulance¡­ and saved that middle-aged man¡­


    Krishna: "Finally, I saved someone''s life, now I can die peacefully"


    Next to that narrow passage, there was a Restaurant called "Destiny" whose owner was watching everything, yet he didn¡¯t interfere there, but after some time he saw his watch and at a certain point


    He said: "It is time for dinner"


    And he gave him water to drink, Krishna felt some energy, owner gave him food also and told him,


    Owner with a smile: "I like how you chose to help that old man, you are a very kind-hearted person, Krishna. The reward is waiting for you¡­ But the pain and misery you are feeling is nothing my friend, more is yet to come. All I can say is prepare for the worst¡­"


    And he questioned Krishna: "I am a little bit curious, Why do you smile when they are beating you?"


    Krishna couldn''t speak anything¡­ But he got the food, he thanked him and ate the food on the "Gully" and he tried to speak something but collapsed there, because of the internal bruises he even vomited blood. He thought he was going to die, and his eyes were closed. It seems this is it; this is it for Krishna. The smile on his face is fading away, like the ray of light in the darkness slowly dimming, and his breathing is gradually slowing down. He cannot speak, he can¡¯t even open his eyes, yet there are no regrets on his face; he has achieved his life''s goal, finally saving someone¡¯s life. He accepts his cruel destiny.

 Chapter 2 : The friend and the hope

    Part 1 :


    Krishna slowly opens his eyes while lying motionless on the hospital bed. The TV is quietly delivering the news in the background, breaking the silence in the room. The news report focuses on a missing case involving a leader who heads an organization dedicated to helping the underprivileged. As the information comes to light, it is clear that the organization''s members are extremely distressed about what happened and that the suspects are still at large. Members are conducting in-depth interrogations of anyone who appears suspect enough to have possibly abducted their leader, and the situation has gotten so bad that a curfew is in place. Krishna is filled with questions and concerns about the events that are taking place as he listens to the news. A smile appears on Krishna''s face as he sees the picture of the missing boss on the television and learns of the news. Even though he is in a difficult situation, he finds fulfillment and joy in knowing that he saved the life of someone who is performing noble deeds. The boss, as portrayed in the media, is a true humanitarian who commits their life to serving the underprivileged in addition to being a leader. That''s when Krishna''s viewpoint changes. He understands that his purpose is to help others, regardless of their identity or situation. With a renewed sense of purpose, he decides to change the world and be a positive influence. He has a new objective and believes it to be his destiny: to save and assist those in need, to give a helping hand to those who are most in need.


    Krishna: ¡°From now on, this has become my life¡¯s sole purpose, helping others. From now on I will just focus on doing and forget about the results, I have big goals now, so let¡¯s go Krishna, let¡¯s do the epic¡­¡±


    Krishna, with newfound motivation in his life, follows his life motto of helping others along the way while focusing on his studies and maintaining a complete routine. He attends college, where there is new hope for him. Feeling valued after saving someone¡¯s life, which was a significant event for him, Krishna believes himself worthy to live. And the thing was, Krishna requested Doctors and nurses who were taking care of that old man when they saw the news and found out who the man was, None other than the leader of the Organization they tried to inform there, but krishna stopped them saying even if we inform them and what if the bad guys who tried to kill him got to know about he is still alive or his situation and where he is located, It will be so dangerous for this man so best practice should be that first let the man recover and once he is recovered completely we can inform the organization and till the day comes i will take care of him. He didn¡¯t forget about that old man, Even weeks later he brought fruits and medicine for that Middle-aged man, because none of his family members knew about that man, as he was robbed as well, so Doctors and nurses were waiting for him to recover so they could give information about his situation and update to legal guardians or family members. The news that Krishna knew the identity of that individual and would notify his organization that he had located their boss so they may take care of him,?meant that today was the final day that Krishna spent with him. Before that, he talks with that man even though he is in a coma, Krishna shares about his life, like how he was bullied in the past and how he lost hope, but that he now has a new purpose in life which is helping others. Krishna also tells him that he has a nickname for the man¡ªhe will call him "Mr. Big Foots" because of his enormous feet, which even make him giggle. Doctors told him that he was out of danger now, not to worry about it, and he would be out of the coma within a month. Krishna was relieved after hearing those words, as it mattered the most to him, which proved that he did save someone¡¯s life. He left the Hospital after that and was on the way to college but there was an old lady who was begging on the signal, Krishna saw her and thought that ¡°she needs these fruits more than me¡±, Krishna gave his only meal to that old lady but someone was watching him, someone from the car, who was watching what Krishna did, face was not visible yet one thing was clear that he was impressed by Krishna¡¯s deed and strangely he was about Krishna¡¯s age but not only that he was also wearing the same uniform as him and just by looking at his car that anyone could say that he belongs to the Royals and at the end he nodded with a smile while appreciating what Krishna did.


    Krishna was about to enter the college, he saw the college security guard standing there with no smile on his face at the college gate Krishna noticed that and waved at the security guard with a big smile, and the security guard also waved back and instantly had a smile on his face which shows the character of the Krishna, which indicates that he is very kind and friendly and genuinely cares about others, and Krishna goes to him and they both were chit-chatting but his bad luck, Abhishek and Teena saw this and they got irritated that now they have to study with this disgusting creatures, they again tried to bully him by making fun of Krishna but Krishna¡¯s new motivation and strong mindset helped him in handling it with positive approach. In recess he didn¡¯t have any lunch with him as he gave his lunch to that old lady so now, he was gazing at the nature growing outside from the window and was thinking ¡°How beautiful it is, how lucky am I to see the real beauty of mother nature.¡±


    Strangely there is the Mysterious Boy in the class, New Admission, who is carefully observing Krishna and making his way towards Krishna, walking towards Krishna. Krishna saw him coming.


    Krishna became anxious and was talking to himself, ¡°I know he is the new student, and he might need help or something, but the problem is, why is he coming towards me? As I am just a menial, how can I help him? Is he a Royal or what? So now the new students also know that you can use this fellow to bully and kick him down? Why is my heart pounding? I haven¡¯t done anything wrong, why am I the one who is too afraid, why am I sweating¡­¡±


    Krishna: ¡°Dear God, I know you are testing me, and I am ready for it. Bring it on, I don¡¯t care what is going to happen as I am going to face it with full confidence and I will protect my pride¡±


    And a few moments later the boy was there, leaning slowly towards Krishna and says, ¡°Stop mumbling¡±


    Krishna was about to answer him but he remembers his face,


    Krishna: ¡°Oh, I remember you¡±


    The boy was confused and curious to know how he knew him.


    Boy: ¡°So, you know my real Identity? You know who I am?¡± If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Krishna: ¡°Yes, you are the Number 67, right?¡±


    Number 67: ¡°OH! So, you meant that. Yes, you are right, you have a sharp memory.¡±


    Krishna: ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Number 67: ¡°Here, you can have my lunch, I noticed you didn¡¯t bring yours¡±


    Krishna: ¡°No no, I am fine and even if I took your lunch, what would you eat?¡±


    Number 67: ¡°Oh, about that, I have an extra one, so you can have it.¡±


    Krishna: ¡°Still, I can''t accept it, but thank you for the offer¡±


    But Number 67 was so persuasive, Krishna found himself accepting his lunch, and he even revealed his name, ''Ishaan''. Krishna felt a small sign of hope in this cruel world, knowing someone was willing to help others without any apparent motive or personal gain. He found solace in the belief that some people still retained their humanity. Yet, immediately, doubt that, ¡°What if number 67 has hidden motives? Why would anybody help others here without expecting something in return?¡± This is like a jungle, where the strong prey upon the weak without any hesitation, these thoughts are roaming in Krishna''s mind, casting aside his doubt and deciding to accept the lunch.


    After lunch, Ishaan revealed to Krishna the truth about his true intentions and acknowledged that he had personally benefited from providing lunch. Krishna struggled to get over the sensation that he was correct about Ishaan''s ulterior motive as he considered this discovery. It was only natural to be suspicious in a world where selflessness seemed like a bookish thing. What was Ishaan wants from him, Krishna wondered.


    Internally wrestling with these thoughts, Krishna responded to Ishaan, offering to fulfill any request he might have. Ishaan, in turn, questioned Krishna''s certainty in granting his wish. With a hint of confusion, Krishna assured him, prompting Ishaan to finally disclose his desire, Which Ishaan reveals what he wants is friendship with Krishna.


    Krishna was taken aback by the unexpected request. ''You want my friendship? You want to be friends with me?'' he exclaimed, surprised by Ishaan''s straight forwardness. Ishaan affirmed his request, and despite his initial confusion and hesitation, Krishna accepted the offer of friendship.


    As the lunch break ended, Ishaan and Krishna continued to sit together, engaging in conversation about their subjects and the faculty. Krishna, feeling a sense of responsibility towards the new student and a new friend, Krishna assisted Ishaan on his first day. Seating together marked the beginning of their friendship, a journey that had taken an unexpected turn.


    It was almost time for the first lesson following the break. Everyone in the class was chattering away and making noises. Everyone fell hushed as the instructors entered the room. They appeared to be either respectful of him or terrified of him. He observed that several students weren''t paying attention as soon as he began to teach. He therefore posed some questions about the subject being covered. Those who were paying attention should have known the answer to the simple question. But a lot of the students weren''t focused. The college mafia group intimidated individuals, so while some knew the answers, they remained silent out of fear for their well-being. Krishna was also one of them; Ishaan was well aware that Krishna knew the right answer. Ishaan forcibly raised Krishna''s hand to show that he knew the answer and that Krishna should respond when the professor inquired if anybody else knew the answer. He assured Krishna not to worry about the group as he would take care of them. However, Krishna was hesitant. He wondered why Ishaan did that. ¡®Was it a trap? Was Ishaan with the group? If he answered, what would they do to him? Would they make fun of him, bully him, or even punish him in front of everyone?¡¯ Despite these doubts, Ishaan encouraged Krishna to answer. Krishna finally answered, shocking the whole class. It was accurate, yet the fear of the group had stopped him before. The professor was pleased that someone was paying attention and genuinely interested in studying. He even addressed the class, emphasizing the importance of respecting education. This angered the group and other students, and blamed Krishna for having to endure the lecture. Krishna knew there would be consequences and regretted answering. As he saw the others'' faces, he felt fear. However, when he looked at Ishaan, he saw him smiling. This made Krishna reconsider. Maybe Ishaan did it deliberately to humiliate him. Perhaps he had been deceived again. Despite these uncertainties, Krishna decided to face whatever consequences awaited him with confidence and a positive approach.


    After class, Krishna knew that he was in big trouble, as now not only the college mafia group but the rest of the royals were also angry with him. He wanted to disappear somewhere, which was the only option to save himself according to Krishna. But destiny had some plan, when Krishna tried to sneak out, the whole class was against him this time, so it was so hard. He was thinking, ¡®Why did I do such a thing when I knew the result, which is bad for me, but this is much worse than I anticipated because now the whole class is against me. What should I do? Where is Ishaan, who told me not to worry? If I was going to speak, I knew this would happen, so why did I do it?¡¯ And as the royals ordered them to, the entire class began beating him, including the menials. Krishna was using benches?to defend himself as he was cornered. The odd thing is that Ishaan is nowhere to be found. ¡®Where did he go?¡¯ Krishna thought. As they prepared to strike Krishna, who was defenseless, Krishna thought, perhaps this is it; perhaps he would never go to class again and closed his eyes. But a few moments later nothing happened so he opened his eyes, he saw that a punch resembling a hammer was headed straight for his face. But just then, something happened that would forever alter Krishna''s life. Not just Krishna but the entire class was astonished when the punch was stopped. Who could stop him from punching? Is this a courageous or foolish move? It makes no difference because now that he is on the class''s radar, everyone is going to target Krishna, including the person who stopped the punch. But when he said, "Stay away from my friend," everyone halted. They flinched at the words, and when they saw his eyes, they seemed like someone you shouldn''t mess with. The weaker members of the group were scared after witnessing his aura, and even those who were stronger wanted to leave him alone because of how angry he was. However, because they were part of the group, the leader attempted to swallow his pride and beat both of them, but he was kicked in the face. He was flying to the opposite corner because the kick was so hard. Krishna was extremely happy to learn that he wasn''t alone and that someone had come to his aid during the chaos. However, he was overcome with confusion, shock, and relief at seeing the face of his Saviour, which caused him to cry because it was none other than Ishaan himself, who had saved him. Though he didn''t trust Ishaan and believed Ishaan was using him to humiliate Krishna, Krishna later regretted his harsh thoughts about Ishaan. However, he now realizes that Ishaan is a sincere friend who genuinely wants to support him. If that isn''t the case, he is a crazy guy who engages in pointless conflict with the entire class. Now that everyone was attacking Ishaan at once, including the group leader, it didn''t appear like they were enough because Ishaan was dodging every punch and kick without using his hands, he even put his hands in his pockets. Now that a group of boys couldn''t even hit a single person, they are embarrassing themselves. Ishaan knew it was time to give them back a punch, and he did. In a few seconds, they were all cold. Hopefully, they won''t interfere with him or Krishna from now on.


    Ishaan warned everyone, saying, "I will be there, and I will make sure that you get back 100 times worse if you ever mess with Krishna." and one more thing ¡°Don''t spend your parents'' money carelessly, act like a responsible human being. Bullying someone weak doesn''t make you stronger; instead, it exposes your weakness and pitiful nature. Help them instead of bullying?them.¡±


    He then picked up Krishna, and both were on the way home. Krishna thanked him and apologized for not trusting him at first and asked where he was in the beginning when everybody cornered him. And Ishaan revealed the unexpected truth. The truth was something you cannot even imagine. He revealed the real reason for his absence was that ¡°It was Nature¡¯s urgent call.¡± so Ishaan had to go, both laughed so hard and went home.

 Chapter 2: The Gems as Friends, Part 2

    Krishna is happy today, and feeling good. He is early in the park, running at a moderate speed and thinking while jogging. "The first semester is about to end, so I am feeling confident and excited to start and work on my new project, which will play a significant role in helping people." At that moment, he saw a wounded dog on the road, covered in blood. He picks up the dog carefully, examines the wounds, and thankfully finds they aren''t severe. So Krishna checks and takes the dog to his home, giving it a good bath. He names the dog "Simba," as it resembles a lion. Krishna starts talking with Simba.


    Krishna: "Simba, how did you get here? Whose blood is it?"


    Krishna thinks Simba looks very hungry and realizes he is not in a state to talk. He brings food for Simba, who initially refuses to eat. Krishna starts thinking, "I know the world is very selfish and cruel. Nobody helped the dog. Simba looks hungry and afraid, Simba is hungry yet not eating anything might indicate he witnessed something terrible, which he shouldn''t have." Simba is too afraid to eat, so Krishna assures Simba''s safety by hugging him, which relaxes Simba a little. Simba then eats a little and starts barking, indicating he wants to say or show something to Krishna. Krishna lets Simba lead, and they go to the abandoned factory where Krishna witnesses something terrible: a girl tied to a chair with ropes, possibly asleep or unconscious. Krishna immediately understands that she might be kidnapped as looking at her she seems a royal, and Krishna wants to help her but realizes there are kidnappers present. He smartly informs the police with a photo of the girl and a message about a possible kidnapping, including the location.


    Meanwhile, Krishna tries to assure the girl''s safety but knows he could make it worse if he intervenes. Suddenly, three kidnappers wearing masks enter, about to harm the girl. Krishna throws an old wrench in the opposite direction to distract them. While they are busy investigating, he tries to untie the girl. She gains consciousness and, mistaking Krishna for a kidnapper, she bites him with all her strength left. He tries to explain, but the kidnappers hear his scream and approach him. Krishna blocks them, warning that he''ll protect her at any cost. He knows he can''t do much but he can buy some time until the police arrive.


    Suddenly, the situation escalates as all six of them attack simultaneously, armed with weapons like baseball bats, knives, and iron rods. Krishna gets a visual of a dead girl in his arms, which brings tears to his eyes and fuels his anger. Disregarding the weapons, he says, "Don¡¯t worry, Maya, your brother will protect you this time," and pushes all of them away at once, surprising them with his strength. Despite being a college kid, he manages to move the six 100kg men, fueled by adrenaline. Krishna covered her protectively. She was witnessing everything in confusion. They tried to open his cover, but his grip was too strong. They started beating him with rods and bats, causing him to bleed in large amounts and lose consciousness. They attempt to stab him, but he remains unfazed, gripping even tighter. They got Irritated by Krishna, the kidnappers fled upon hearing police sirens. When the officers arrived, they found Krishna covering the girl and assuring them both of their safety, After hearing this Krishna then opened his cover. and when they tried to wake him, Krishna fainted from exhaustion and the beating he endured...


    One day later, when Krishna opened his eyes, what he saw was pure luxury. There were teams of doctors, nurses, and six men in suits who looked like bodyguards. When Krishna showed some movement, two nurses ran, shouting, "He regained consciousness!" It seemed like the doctors and the whole team were relieved and became happy. Krishna knew he was in a hospital, but why was it so luxurious? It was more royal than someone''s bungalow. So, who admitted him here? Suddenly, the door was opened by a girl. Krishna saw her and referred to her as an angel. She was worried for Krishna. He still felt dizzy and was losing consciousness, but it was clear that the girl was royal and had made these arrangements. Not only that, but the city''s top doctors and team were on alert, and they seemed afraid of the little girl. She also appeared a little rude or arrogant to others, but not to Krishna. She treated him so nicely and warmly.


    He finally recovered from the wounds and attacks, but the main reason behind his unconsciousness was hunger because he had no energy left in him. Now fully recovered, he saw that the girl was also there, genuinely worried about him and appreciating Krishna for saving her from the kidnappers.


    The door opened and tens of bodyguards entered along with two businessmen¡ªthe royals. Krishna was familiar with them as they were big real estate business tycoons. They introduced themselves one by one to Krishna. The police were also with them. The girl''s name was Aarna; her father''s name was Chirag Modi, and her grandfather was none other than Aadinath Modi, the legend himself.


    They appreciated and cried because Aarna was their life, and he saved her. The oppositions had merged, and their multiple rivals had tried to blackmail them, even going so far as to threaten Aarna''s life. The Police Inspector also thanked Krishna for his bravery and promoted his name for the Brave Citizen Program.


    Though the Modis wanted to give him awards and rewards, Krishna refused. They presented him with a 10 crore rupees check along with a special VVIP Black card, which had nothing but a gold strip on it and the company''s name, Modi Constructions. This meant he could meet them anytime without an appointment, signifying he was special to Aadinath Modi, so their secretaries must fulfill the request of the holder.


    Krishna refused to take any of it, insisting it was his duty. He didn¡¯t act for money or praise; it was humanity, and he believed in helping anyone in need. Despite his refusal, Aadinath Modi insisted that he should accept it,


    ¡°I am like your grandfather, So you must take this as a blessing and a gift from your grandfather.¡±


    Krishna felt compelled to accept it, especially coming from Aadinath Modi himself. He thought, "I will use this money to help homeless people."


    Aadinath said, "Let''s wait outside, Chirag," gesturing for them to leave the room. Soon, the whole room was empty, leaving only Aarna and Krishna. She handed him her contact details, assuring him that he could reach out to her if he needed anything. Krishna nodded in agreement.


    Upon discharge, they continued to take care of him until he reached his house, ensuring he lacked for nothing. However, Krishna stopped them, expressing gratitude but declining further assistance. They insisted that caring for him was nothing compared to Aarna''s life, but Krishna politely requested they do nothing more for him. He would only accept their gifts if they stopped insisting, and they accepted his request.


    A week later, the Modis submitted the check to the bank, and Krishna''s account balance swelled to 10 crores, 1 lakh, 36 thousand, 618 rupees. With this windfall, he conceived the idea of starting an NGO to aid homeless and beggar populations, providing them with three meals a day and a place to sleep. Additionally, he aimed to offer employment opportunities through small businesses run by the people themselves managed by the organization.


    Identifying an inexpensive old building as a potential site, Krishna recognized the need for more land to expand his operations cost-effectively. As he was doing MBA and had knowledge of business, he Smartly allocated funds, ensuring his goals and priorities remained clear, to help others who needed it. Within a month, thanks to the efficient work of the team provided by the Modis, the NGO''s infrastructure was ready.


    Krishna then hires a dedicated team to manage the organization, instructing that all earnings and profits should be reinvested. Despite his upcoming semester, he gave his entire month-long vacation to planning the NGO''s setup. As the new semester approached, he structured his routine for both academic studies and NGO responsibilities, feeling prepared for the upcoming challenges.


    Today was the first day of the second semester. Krishna entered the college with his positive attitude and confidence, but he felt different as the appearance of the whole college had changed and rumors were floating around that the new management had taken over the college, leading to the anticipation of new ways and rules to run the college, which could be a good thing or bad thing. There were major changes in faculties; strangely, those who supported diversity were replaced. Krishna thought maybe the new management would see the students as equals. There was a new notice stating that ¡°Every student should be treated equally, no matter what family they belong to or how royal they are.¡± The placement and industry network grew under the new management, giving students an edge in experiencing a wide range of field knowledge and various industries. It seems the new group of management is more powerful and wealthy yet focuses on the quality of the education they provide. They have made plenty of changes, which were sent via mail to the registered numbers, so students must take a look and follow them.


    However, these rumors paled in comparison to one in particular: the arrival of a transfer student who happened to be a girl from the top royal family. Previously studying abroad, she had now relocated to her home country to continue her education.


    Excitement buzzed through the air as everyone anticipated her arrival. As the college day began, a convoy of cars arrived, ranging from luxurious vehicles to sports cars. Accompanied by 20 bodyguards due to a reported kidnapping incident a month prior, she finally arrived. She was instantly recognized as none other than Aarna Modi. When students and royals tried to talk with her, she ignored them like they were nothing and the bodyguards pushed everyone who tried to approach her. Ishaan and Krishna were there observing her.


    Ishaan: "Why does she show off so much? And she is so arrogant. What do you think, Krishna?"


    Krishna: "We don¡¯t know the reality yet, so let¡¯s not judge her."


    Ishaan: "Yes, you are right. Shall we go to class?"


    Krishna: "Yes, let¡¯s go."


    As they were about to enter the class, someone called out from behind, "Krishna, wait for me."


    Confused, Krishna and Ishaan turned around, along with everyone else, shocked to see who had spoken.


    Krishna: "Aarna? You¡­"


    Aarna hugged him, leaving everyone''s jaws dropping. What they witnessed seemed beyond reality. Could she have mistaken him for someone else?


    Aarna: "Why didn¡¯t you call me?"


    Krishna: "Huh? Wh-what?"


    Ishaan was staring at Krishna, wondering when this had happened. How did she know him? And, more importantly, why hadn¡¯t he mentioned any of this?


    Other students and royals were also shocked and surprised by her behavior. How could this be possible¡­


    Aarna: ''I told you to contact me. Why didn¡¯t you call?''


    Ishaan was about to intervene. How could she scold him in front of everyone? But not knowing their proper relationship, he controlled himself, thinking they might be friends or something.


    Krishna replies to Aarna, "I was busy doing something. That''s why I didn''t even have time for myself. I told Ishaan too that I would be busy for the month, and we didn¡¯t even talk." She understands it, and adds that she will be studying here with Krishna in the same classroom. So, Krishna introduces her to Ishaan, and all three of them become friends. Their friendship makes many students jealous and angry since Krishna was nothing, yet she chose to be friends with him and ignored everyone, including the royals. In just a few days, they became the best of friends, forming a trio that supported and helped each other. This trio worked out best for Krishna, as whenever anybody tried to bully or make fun of him, both Ishaan and Aarna stood up to protect him. With their support, Krishna gained confidence and learned to protect himself and those around him.


    Krishna eats his lunch and dinner at the NGO owned by him. He named the NGO "The God¡¯s Helping Hand," where it is more convenient for him to eat and also oversee the events of the previous week. It is not a matter of trust; he trusts his team very well, but he wants to ensure that his purpose is being completely fulfilled as he envisioned.


    On one weekend, while on his way to the NGO, he witnessed an accident and paid close attention. A girl, possibly in distress, was running and found herself in front of a moving bike, causing it and the rider to fall. As a crowd gathered, distracting some troublemakers, she took advantage of the chaos to hide. Coincidentally, or perhaps fortunately, she hid near Krishna in a corner. The troublemakers approached Krishna and asked if he had seen a girl wearing yellow baggy clothes and a black mask.


    Krishna was standing there, understanding the situation immediately and showing the directions. When the girl heard him telling the direction, she was scared, wondering why he would reveal her location. But surprisingly, they ran in the opposite direction. She was confused. When the goons left, she asked him why they had run that way. Krishna replied, "Because I told them that you went that way." She was confused and relieved at the same time, asking, "Why so?" Krishna answered, "Because I understood the situation and knew the goons were dangerous. They even had knives and guns with them, so I thought they might kill you. Therefore, I decided to intervene and help you." She thanked him, and Krishna, without asking her the reason, left with a sweet smile.


    She wasn''t happy, being an influencer used to getting attention. Typically, boys and men of her age would try to pursue her at any cost, but Krishna was different, He neither made any move nor tried to impress her. Unable to restrain herself, she grabbed Krishna''s hand. Krishna was shocked thinking why she would do so. At that moment, she dragged him into a corner and asked, "Don¡¯t you want to know the story?"


    Krishna: What story?


    Girl: The story about what happened and why they were following me.


    Krishna: I understand it''s personal. I won¡¯t interfere. If you need help, I can call the police for assistance.


    Girl: What are you talking about, dude? Don¡¯t you see an attractive girl in front of you? And clearly, she is interested in you, I mean, interested in talking with you.


    Krishna: Ma''am, I barely know you. Please let me go.


    Girl: Don¡¯t call me ma''am. My name is Aanya, and I am...


    Krishna interrupts her and suggests that maybe she''s not in the right state to talk and should rest due to fear and stress, which might be affecting what she''s saying.


    Aanya: Okay, forget everything. Can you just tell me your name? And share your social details?


    Krishna: My name is Krishna.


    Aanya: Krishna? Nice name! I will contact you soon.


    Krishna wanted to slip away and disappear as he felt awkward. He had never talked to a girl like this before, never even had an interaction like this. He was scared too.


    Next day, there was a news rolling out about an influencer named Aanya rajput with 36 million followers who exposed a big pharmaceutical company, ¡°Maestro Brothers Pharma LTD¡±


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Everybody was appreciating what she did because in today¡¯s world, everyone is mad for money. She turned down a lucrative offer to maintain authenticity and provide an honest reaction for the promotion. There are very few people left with such character. She not only saved people''s lives by not promoting the product, but she also exposed the company, which was a very brave and righteous thing to do. The whole story was revealed exclusively in a podcast by the famous news channel, along with her interview where the story covered what happened that day and how she was saved by the savior, according to Aanya.


    The story goes like this: Aanya is a young fitness influencer and certified nutritionist at the age of 21, with over 36 million followers. It was not a big deal that many companies wanted her to promote their products. They tried everything to contact her, yet she only promotes a few products as she is not money-hungry. According to Aanya, Maestro Brothers contacted her to promote their product. She needed some time to review it, check everything, and see the results as she does not promote anything illegal or that she does not use. She thought it was her duty to check first and then promote to her followers. When she found out that the product was not only harmful to humans but could also cause deadly diseases, she contacted them about this matter. They invited her to their company to discuss the issue further in depth, luring her by saying they wanted to see the results themselves and required her valuable input and feedback.


    Aanya was hesitant at first as it was not morally correct to promote such a product and company, but due to her good nature, she couldn¡¯t say no. She reached the company a day earlier without prior notice, thinking it might be a quick visit just to refuse them. As she was about to enter the room, she heard someone talking and stopped, thinking the owner was in a meeting. What she heard was shocking. She couldn''t trust her own senses as the noises were from the Maestro Brothers discussing their sinister plan: "We knew this might happen, so we''ll stick to the plan. When she comes tomorrow, let''s try to bribe her and make her join our team, and if she refuses, we''ll eliminate her like we''ve done before."


    When Aanya heard this, her legs trembled, and her mind went blank. She tried to escape, but the manager saw her and informed the Maestro Brothers. They didn''t know she was aware of their plan, so they thought she just didn''t want to deal with them. Even so, they decided to put men behind her for a week to monitor her activities. Weeks later, while she was silently collecting evidence against them to give to the police, she discovered that the policeman she contacted was one of their associates. He informed the Maestro Brothers, who then tried to kidnap her. Knowing she had enough evidence to incriminate them, they decided it was better to eliminate her. They planned to make it look like an accident and inform her followers that she was taking a break from social media. However, she escaped before they could catch her because one of their team members, who was like a brother to her, informed her about the attack. She ran away just in time.


    She also mentioned a savior who saved her from the goons. She even took a photo of him from behind but couldn¡¯t show the image due to his privacy.


    Because of Aanya¡¯s honesty and loyalty to her followers, she became even more popular among the people and turned into a valuable celebrity. There are many interviews of her, and with her growing popularity, the number of haters also increased. These haters spread rumors that she did everything for fame and popularity, even calling her fake. However, Aanya doesn''t care about those who talk behind her back, as she has grown very strong mentally.


    It was one thing to have haters, but now she has made enemies, specifically the Maestro Brothers, who went to jail because of Aanya and the evidence she submitted. They are angry with Aanya and what she did. They even mentioned that they are just small fish in the ocean, but she has angered the real shark of the ocean. He is not going to spare her or anyone connected with her; even her so-called savior will also pay a price for protecting her, she should have minded her own business and not stuck her nose into this matter.


    On the other hand, Krishna was familiar with Aanya¡¯s voice but couldn''t recognize her because when he saved her, she had a mask on her face. He thought, "I know this voice and tone of speaking. Have we ever met or something?" Anyway, the internship is coming up in a few months, ¡°so I have to prepare a plan to achieve optimal results. I want to gain knowledge in the transportation field to work on my taxi-related startup idea.¡± Because of this, he was searching for an internship in a taxi company, but due to his lack of background, he only got a part-time job as a taxi driver on the Royal side of Visnagar.


    He was happy with this, as it would allow him to study the industry closely. It didn¡¯t matter to him that an MBA aspirant was driving a taxi; he thinks everything is a learning opportunity. It will help him grow. Not only that, but he also started his part-time job after three months, and on the very first day, he realized it is a very tough job.


    He decides to use everything he had learned from the other taxi drivers before starting the job. These drivers were older than him, yet Krishna blended with them perfectly. They helped him, and he helped them in return.


    Now the theoretical part is over, it is time for the practicals. His boss seemed rude to his employees and cared only about the business. Nothing else mattered to his boss. His boss¡¯s name is Dev Mehta, but he is known as Devil because he is hated by the employees and even the customers due to his behavior. Even if an accident occurs, he would prioritize his cars first, then the customers, and then maybe the employees, which Krishna thought was not a good trait for anyone who is providing employment.


    Krishna always carries a diary to note down everything in points that he thinks are important and the areas where he could improve.


    On the very first day, during his training period, he completed it much faster and more accurately than others, and the boss became happy with him, believing he would generate good profit with less maintenance. Therefore, he allowed Krishna to drive the taxi on the road as a taxi driver, a privilege usually granted after a minimum of two weeks of training.


    Other employees were shocked but understood when they realized the motive behind this was earning more money, which made them even more disappointed. Krishna was ready for his first day as a part-timer, an employee, and even an entrepreneur, as this would be his first step towards his startup/business aimed at providing comfort for employees and customers.


    He started the taxi, and his boss came running, warning him not to give lifts for free and not to allow passengers to pay later. If they do not have money, he should search for another passenger and ensure that the taxi remains unscratched. Krishna reassured him not to worry and that he would take care of the taxi more than himself. His boss liked his confidence.


    Krishna was waiting for a passenger and finally got a very nice one who was so friendly that Krishna couldn''t believe someone from the royal side could be so kind to a menial worker. Despite a gut feeling that something bad might happen, he accepted him as his passenger. The passenger''s over-friendliness made Krishna uneasy, but he ignored his inner feelings.


    When they reached a silent area, Krishna¡¯s fears were realized. The passenger, who turned out to be from the menial side, intended to rob him, as the car was worth much more and was pure luxury. However, in the realm of the royals, it meant nothing. The robber wanted the car and any money Krishna had, but since it was Krishna''s first day and the robber was his first passenger, he had nothing to offer. The robber then pulled out a gun, but Krishna begged him to spare the car, promising to pay him more than the car¡¯s value if he gave him a chance.


    The robber, confused, concluded that Krishna might be the heir of a royal family and decided to kidnap him to demand ransom from his parents. Krishna revealed that he was poor and without parents, so there was no one to pay a ransom. Disappointed, the robber didn''t notice when Krishna cleverly drove to a police station. The main inspector, who knew Krishna, instantly acted upon the message Krishna had sent, informing them about the situation. They arrested the robber, appreciating Krishna''s bravery and quick thinking.


    Krishna had continuously engaged the robber in conversation to distract him. When the robber told Krishna to stop the car, Krishna explained that the taxi was monitored by his boss via GPS, and stopping would trigger a call from his boss, who might inform the police if he didn¡¯t answer. This ruse allowed Krishna to keep driving until they reached the police station. The robber, losing his senses, accepted this offer and was consequently jailed. It turned out the robber had a bounty of 1 million dollars on his head for previously robbing the royals, who were willing to spend millions to catch him.


    Since Krishna had caught the robber, he was entitled to the bounty. However, he insisted it was a coincidence. The royals, impressed by his bravery, decided to give him even more money. Krishna asked them to donate the money to "The God¡¯s Helping Hand" NGO, where he volunteered. They agreed.


    On his way home, Krishna received a call from his team manager, who shocked him by saying, ¡°Sir, Mohit here.¡±


    Krishna answered, "Yes, Mohit. Is everything alright?"


    Mohit replied, "Sir, you won¡¯t believe what just happened."


    Krishna said, "I¡¯ve told you not to call me sir; we are like friends. Can you elaborate on what happened and what you are talking about?"


    Mohit continued, "Alright, Krishna. Buckle up because what you are about to hear will shock you."


    Krishna responded, "Yes, I am listening, Mohit."


    Mohit exclaimed, "I just got a notification that someone donated 1.8 million dollars to our NGO!"


    Both were happy and excited. Krishna told Mohit that he was aware of the donation, as he had suggested it to the royals, but he hadn''t expected them to donate so much or so quickly. They couldn''t believe the amount, so Krishna instructed Mohit to check with the bank to verify the donation.


    Krishna reached the company and honestly told his boss everything that had happened. Although his boss was upset that a passenger had tried to rob Krishna and steal the company¡¯s taxi, he scolded Krishna. However, the next day, when the incident was in the news and newspapers, Krishna''s name and photo were blurred. Krishna was happy that he wasn¡¯t identified as one of the robber¡¯s victims and had saved his boss¡¯s car.


    When the boss saw the news, he forgave Krishna, admitting that he might have overreacted. He appreciated Krishna for his bravery in saving the taxi and instructed him to continue working.


    Krishna started the taxi and was waiting at the stand when an old man got in and instructed Krishna to take him to a specific location. Krishna followed the instructions and when they arrived, the old man opened the door to leave. Krishna stopped him and asked for the fare. The old man searched his pockets but found he had no money. He told Krishna, "I will pay you some other time as I don''t have my wallet, and I don''t use a phone so I cannot pay you right now. It''s urgent for me to go, so I''ll be going. You can wait here; when my work finishes, I will come back with the money and pay you."


    Krishna agreed to wait. After two hours, when the old man didn''t return, Krishna went inside the building to find him, but he was nowhere to be found. Disappointed, Krishna found other passengers and continued his work.


    When he returned to his boss and shared the incident, his boss became furious. He scolded Krishna, saying, "I have warned you not to let passengers sit without ensuring they have money." To repay for his own loss, the boss took Krishna¡¯s tips given by the other passengers. He warned Krishna again, "This is your last warning. If this mistake is repeated, you will be fired."


    Krishna accepted the warning and resolved to be more cautious in the future.


    On the third day, a similar situation occurred. Two brothers were desperately trying to find a taxi, but no one allowed them to sit because they looked disheveled and carried files, making everyone assume they had no money. Krishna saw them and made eye contact, feeling that they were good men who wouldn''t deceive him. He decided to help them.


    The brothers asked Krishna, "Can you drop us at the FBC Headquarters?" Krishna, familiar with the location, was a little shocked but didn''t say anything. He simply replied, "Yes, I will drop you there."


    Krishna drove them to the FBC Headquarters, hoping that his intuition about the brothers was correct.


    Along the way, the brothers discussed their startup, and Krishna overheard them. He suggested some significant changes, and the brothers were shocked by Krishna¡¯s insightful suggestions and knowledge. Impressed, they listened more attentively. It became clear that Krishna also wanted to start his own business, and he shared his entire startup idea without hesitation. The twins'' idea was similar to Krishna''s but more polished and focused on humanity.


    They introduced themselves as Karan and Arjun. Despite being twins who often fought, they took care of each other in every situation. As they reached their destination, Krishna dropped them off. They thanked him, saying, "Krishna, thank you, and we will remember your help."


    Krishna didn''t ask for the fare, assuming they might have money issues. Karan and Arjun looked at each other, each expecting the other to pay. They began to argue:


    Karan: "You didn¡¯t bring the wallet?"


    Arjun: "You¡¯re supposed to handle the financial part, dummy."


    Karan: "Mind your language, I am your elder brother."


    Arjun: "Huh! Only by 1 minute."


    Karan: "Let¡¯s leave this and figure out a way to pay him."


    Krishna, seeing their predicament, said, "Don¡¯t worry, this is on me. You can go! Best of luck."


    The brothers looked at Krishna gratefully.


    Karan said, "Thank you so much, Krishna. We really appreciate your help and your suggestions."


    Arjun added, "Yes, thank you. We¡¯ll make sure to use your ideas."


    They shook hands, and the brothers headed into the FBC Headquarters. Krishna felt satisfied that he had made a positive impact, even if it meant not getting paid this time.


    They asked him if it was really okay and if it wouldn¡¯t cause any problems. Krishna assured them, "It will not cause any problem," even though he knew it wasn¡¯t true and that it might cost him his job.


    Despite this, Krishna thought it was worth it to help those who wanted to help others. Their cause was similar to Krishna''s own aspirations, so he felt compelled to assist them without any regrets.


    After dropping them off, Krishna returned to the company. When he shared the incident with his boss, the boss was furious and fired him on the spot for not collecting the fare. However, Krishna felt no remorse. He believed in the potential impact of helping Karan and Arjun, and he was satisfied knowing he had supported their noble endeavor.


    On the other side, Karan and Arjun were not just college kids but entrepreneurs there to meet with venture capitalists (VCs) at the FBC Headquarters, one of the top VC firms in the world. This firm invested in ideas and people who aimed to make a significant impact, especially those who intended to help the poor. When Karan and Arjun pitched their idea, the VCs were interested but didn¡¯t feel fully convinced, initially offering to invest only $50 million.


    However, when the twins incorporated Krishna¡¯s suggestions and advice into their pitch, the VCs were astonished and immediately decided to invest $400 million for a 4% stake in the company. Arjun fell to his knees upon hearing the news, and Karan was trembling. They had never imagined such success. They accepted the deal with one condition: they wanted Krishna, whose suggestions had been crucial, to own a share of the company and be authorized to make decisions, as much of the refined idea was his.


    The VCs were hesitant, never having met Krishna, but the twins were adamant. They convinced the managers, who finally agreed. Both brothers had achieved a win-win situation and immediately set out to find Krishna to share the good news and offer him a 25% share in the company. This would leave 35% each for the twins and 1% for their parents, who had initially supported their startup.


    When they reached Krishna¡¯s company, they were shocked to learn that he had been fired. Other drivers informed them that Krishna''s boss had humiliated him for giving free rides and making mistakes. With tears in their eyes, the twins realized Krishna had sacrificed his job for them. They asked for his address and went to meet him, but Krishna wasn¡¯t home. Determined, they waited all night and into the morning.


    Meanwhile, they received numerous calls from their team asking about the meeting. When they shared the news, their team was ecstatic, having already seen the headlines announcing the deal. The team demanded a celebration for securing the funding. The twins'' manager called to inform them they needed to make the announcement official through media promotions arranged by the FBC Group. They had everything prepared, including clothes for the event.


    Reluctantly, Karan and Arjun left, promising to return to meet Krishna the next day. They told the neighbors to inform Krishna that Karan and Arjun wanted to meet him.


    On the other hand, when Krishna was feeling low, he went to his NGO to volunteer and discuss future plans with Mohit. Few people knew that Krishna was the founder and main managing director; he had appointed Mohit as the executive director or CEO to carry out his vision. They planned to start subsidiaries for the NGO under a private group owned by Krishna, ensuring the NGO''s safety and sustainability as they grew. The 1.8 million dollars would be sufficient for the NGO to operate independently, allowing Krishna to use his own funds to establish other companies for the benefit of the people. Unknowingly, Krishna had become a multi-billionaire. He stayed late at the NGO and slept there.


    When Krishna returned home, his neighbor, an elderly lady, told him that two twins had come by wanting to meet him. Puzzled, Krishna thanked her, opened his door, and was about to close it when he heard three knocks and a voice calling out. Surprised, as he rarely had visitors, he asked, "Who is this?" He heard someone crying and recognized the voice.


    "Who is it?" he asked again.


    The person replied, "Krishna, please forgive me. What I have done to you is wrong. Please open the door."


    Krishna opened the door and saw someone he never imagined: his ex-boss.


    His ex-boss stood there, visibly distressed. "Krishna, I am so sorry for how I treated you. I fired you unjustly, and it was wrong. Please forgive me," he pleaded.


    Krishna was taken aback. He had never expected an apology, let alone his ex-boss at his doorstep. "Why are you here?" Krishna asked, trying to process the situation.


    Dev Mehta: "Krishna, I have lost everything, son."


    Krishna: "Sir, what are you talking about, and why are you here?"


    Dev Mehta: "It was the worst mistake to fire you."


    Krishna: "No, sir, you were right in your decision. It was my mistake."


    Dev Mehta: "No, Krishna, I never knew you were this great and had so many connections."


    Krishna: "Great? Connections? What are you talking about, sir? Please, have a seat. Let me bring you some water. Now, tell me everything that happened."


    Dev drank the water and began to reveal what occurred after he fired Krishna.


    Dev Mehta: "When I fired you, a few hours later, two lookalike brothers came looking for me. They said I had lost a gem in you and that you were more capable than me. They asked for your address and left. Later, they gave me an offer to buy my company and remove me from it. I ignored it, but then a convoy of cars arrived. A business tycoon with his bodyguards approached me with a briefcase. He warned me that when I fired you, it was unnecessary to humiliate you. He said you were a good kid and that I didn''t know how great you were. He accused me of arrogance and mentioned that I had taken your money. He gave me a briefcase containing 10 million dollars and five more briefcases, instructing me to take the money and give him my company in return. He told me to come to a specific address in two days with signed documents stating that I was selling the company to him."


    Krishna listened intently as Dev continued, recounting how the situation escalated when the Mafia, mistaken for enforcers sent by Krishna, arrived. They beat Dev and demanded he apologize to Krishna in front of everyone present when he had humiliated Krishna.


    Dev Mehta, tears in his eyes, pleaded, "So please, son, come with me to forgive me."


    Krishna responded firmly, "Sir, there is nothing to forgive you for. I only know the twins you mentioned; I don''t know any of the others. I will help you as much as I can."


    As Krishna arrived back at the company, he found the situation even worse than Dev had described. His office was in shambles, with blood on the floor. Suddenly, Dev fell to his knees, touching Krishna''s feet and pleading for forgiveness. Krishna felt uneasy but eventually moved and assured Dev, "I forgive you." Dev, relieved, began to clap and tearfully thanked Krishna for saving his life.


    In confusion, Krishna was dropped off by Dev, who drove the best car available to him. Dev ensured Krishna''s safe return home. However, upon arriving home, Krishna noticed mysterious figures watching him from the bushes and nearby buildings. He couldn''t shake the feeling of being observed and wondered who they might be.

 Chapter 3: From shadow to the spotlight

    It was the end of the first year, and as per tradition, Business Schools from the countries were gearing up to host the best college fest, vying with other top-tier colleges. Starlink business school, where Krishna studied, was one of the best colleges in the country, yet they had never won this informal competition. There were no judges to decide the winner, but it was a rivalry among the top six business schools to prove who could pull off the best fest. This time, things were different for S.B.S. A new management team encouraged the competition, leading to top-notch preparations. The whole city was abuzz with banners and advertisements; it felt like a marketing fair.


    This year, the fest featured webinars and talks by top entrepreneurs from around the globe, celebrities, and much more. For Krishna, who had never been part of anything like this before, it was a dream come true. Determined to contribute, he volunteered, but the main in-charge of the team intentionally assigned him to work outside the auditorium to keep him away from the main events. However, Ishaan and Aarna were with him this time, ensuring Krishna wouldn¡¯t be bullied by the college mafia group.


    Excitement filled the air as the fest approached, becoming the hottest topic in town, even more popular than a concert. The rivalry among the top six colleges made it highly anticipated, promising the best food, entertainment, and experiences for the public. Alongside Krishna, Ishaan also volunteered but was stationed inside the auditorium. He wanted to swap places with Krishna, but once assigned, positions couldn''t be changed. Aarna offered to help Krishna get a different role, but Krishna was excited about his job outside, escorting guests from their cars to the auditorium and ensuring no one came near them. Though bodyguards were assigned to each guest, Krishna¡¯s task was to accompany them and make sure they had enough water and food. Essentially, he was a spot boy for the bodyguards provided by the college.


    Krishna didn¡¯t mind his role, seeing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with many businessmen and entrepreneurs. He had his notebook ready to Note down any advice he could get from the guests. There were four main gates for the guests, each assigned to different individuals, and Krishna was at Gate 3. Rumor had it that a famous celebrity, known for declining college invitations, had accepted this one. She requested the student database from the college management, citing an influencer program to spread awareness about male modeling. She specifically asked for data on male students to offer them mentorship and guidance. Despite privacy concerns, the new management agreed, seeing it as a unique opportunity. Additionally, several young entrepreneurs, including billionaires, were invited. Some declined, but others were excited to market their companies to 10,000 students, recognizing the great opportunity it presented.


    The day finally arrived, and it felt like a festival. The public turnout exceeded expectations, and the colleges received tremendous responses. The event would continue for the entire week, and the rankings would be determined based on previous years'' winners. This time, the public had to install an app to rank the colleges based on hospitality, arrangements, food, entertainment, education, and so on. The overall score would be calculated, and rankings would be given. This concept, suggested by a guest, was agreed upon by all colleges and would be managed by an independent agency hired by that guest. This approach would yield accurate results and make the audience more engaged.


    The venue, a mansion-like building, was mutually decided upon, offering great space for the expected crowd. Each college had to prepare accordingly. As the time for the guests'' arrival approached, Krishna was ready to escort them, hoping to learn something valuable.


    The team was on high alert. The first guest arrived with a convoy of eight cars, and Krishna was initially confused about which door to open. He opened them one by one until he found the guest in the fifth car. The guest, a highly respected businessman from a neighboring city, was laughing at Krishna''s innocent act. Despite his age, he was incredibly energetic. "You¡¯re so full of energy!" Krishna exclaimed to the old man. "It¡¯s amazing how lively and fresh you are!" which the guest greatly appreciated. Krishna, even talked with him along the way as he also found this personality so interesting, and for some reason he wanted to talk with him forever. However, the In-Charge, Abhishek, saw what Krishna was doing, stopped him, and scolded him in front of the guest. Apologizing, he said, ¡°Mr. Raghunath, please forgive his idiotic behavior. He is a menial and doesn¡¯t know his place or how to speak to a great personality like you. We are extremely sorry for his actions and words.¡±


    To their surprise, Mr. Raghunath was happy instead of angry. He told Krishna, Completely ignoring Abhishek, "Young man, let¡¯s go somewhere quiet. I would rather spend my day with you. It''s been a long time since I saw someone like you, who doesn''t show off." Krishna replied, "Sir, with all respect, you belong here as it would benefit so many students who are genuinely interested in learning from you." This response made Mr.Raghunath even happier. Handing Krishna his card, he said, ¡°Please meet me at this address whenever you have time. I would really like to spend my day with a genuine person like you.¡±


    Krishna escorted Mr. Raghunath to the auditorium. The announcer introduced him, "As the king of the medical industry, Mr. Raghunath has just arrived. Please give him a round of applause." The audience was thrilled to see him, recognizing him as a gentleman with a helpful nature.


    To Krishna¡¯s surprise, he witnessed something shocking when he was about to escort another guest who had just arrived. They had only three cars, and Krishna thought they were showing off but not excessively. He wondered who they might be. To his shock, a tremendous number of people from the auditorium ran towards the cars, and the bodyguards were on high alert. The crowd was chanting ¡°Aanya, Aanya,¡± and it clicked for Krishna that she was none other than the influencer who had exposed the Maestro brothers. The other two cars carried her crew, and she had only one bodyguard, her dad. This made Krishna feel judgy, but he admired her bravery for doing what no one else could: exposing the giants.


    Little did he know, volunteers from the auditorium were also there to catch a glimpse of Aanya, known by her renowned name ¡°Sparkling Spirit.¡± Krishna thought it was a perfect title for her and appreciated the crowd for following a good influencer instead of greedy and fake ones. Ishaan and Aarna were also there.


    When Aanya¡¯s car door opened, she instantly ran towards Krishna. After catching her breath, she yelled, ¡°You are the reason...¡± Everyone was shocked by her actions and waited for her to complete the sentence. They wondered why she ran to a mere volunteer. Did he do something wrong to her? Or was there another reason? Ishaan and Aarna were on alert to protect Krishna, but they were also shocked when she finished the sentence. She completed it with, ¡°You are the reason why I agreed to come here.¡± Hearing those words, everyone was stunned, thinking Krishna might be Aanya¡¯s secret boyfriend. Suddenly, she hugged him, causing Ishaan to feel nostalgic. This had already happened with Krishna when Aarna first met him. Ishaan smiled in the corner, looking at Aarna, indicating that the celebrity knew Krishna and there was a high possibility she was interested in him.


    They both left, leaving Krishna in shock, wondering who she was and why she did this in front of everyone. Krishna didn¡¯t want to embarrass her by rejecting her actions, so he whispered in Aanya¡¯s ear, ¡°Let¡¯s go inside, and you can tell me how you know me.¡± She agreed, grabbed Krishna¡¯s hand, and they went inside the auditorium. The whole crowd followed them. She dragged Krishna with her and made him sit beside her. He was still in shock and couldn¡¯t understand what was going on. She insisted Krishna sit with her. As a volunteer, he knew he shouldn¡¯t, but no one would stop her given her influence.


    Krishna told her, ¡°You must be mistaking me for someone else. I am no royal, just an ordinary student studying here on a scholarship. We¡¯ve never met before.¡±


    Aanya replied, ¡°It¡¯s true that you don¡¯t know me, and maybe you¡¯ve never seen my face in person, but I know you very well. In fact, you are the reason I chose to come here. I was looking for you. I tried so many ways to find you, but all I knew was your name and your college hoodie from that day.¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Krishna: ¡°Which day? Have we met before?¡±


    Aanya: ¡°Yes, remember when you saved a girl from goons? That was me. You saved me that day.¡±


    Krishna: ¡°Oh, that¡¯s why your voice was familiar to me.¡±


    Aanya: ¡°Yes, I wore a mask that day, so you might have had trouble recognizing my face. But I spoke to you that day, so you remember my voice. How nice of you to still remember my voice¡­Wow¡­¡±


    Krishna, feeling awkward: ¡°Ok, I should get going. Good to see you, Aanya.¡±


    Aanya: "Wait, Krishna. Don''t go yet. I haven''t even thanked you properly. That day, you saved my life. I owe you so much. I''ve been searching for you ever since. I knew I had to meet you again, and now that I have, I can''t let you just walk away."


    Krishna, still feeling awkward: "It''s really nothing, Aanya. I just did what anyone else would have done in that situation."


    Aanya: "No, Krishna. Not everyone would have risked their own safety for a stranger. You did, and that means a lot to me. Please, at least stay for a while and let me introduce you to some people."


    Krishna reluctantly agreed, realizing that leaving now would only cause more of a scene. As they sat together, the crowd murmured with curiosity and excitement. Ishaan and Aarna watched from a distance, their concern mixed with intrigue.


    Then Aanya wanted to say something to Krishna, but when she was about to share, some volunteers and Abhishek, who was in-charge of the volunteers, arrived. They wanted to take a selfie with Aanya and told Krishna to move back to his place. Abhishek was jealous of Krishna, seeing Aanya next to him made him angry. Krishna was about to move, but Aanya brought out her phone. Krishna noticed something odd about her wallpaper: it was a photo of him from that day, taken from behind. He wondered why someone, especially a famous personality like her, would have his photo as their wallpaper. Why would she do that just because he saved her?


    At that moment, everyone thought she was going to take a group selfie with them using her phone, perhaps to share it on social media, which would have been a big deal for them or anyone. But instead, she asked Krishna, "Krishna, can we have a selfie together?" The group was shocked and told her, "We don¡¯t need to include him." She simply ignored their words and asked Krishna again, "Just the two of us," and Krishna nodded in agreement. She took a selfie with Krishna only, making the others jealous and feeling ignored.


    She dragged Krishna out of there, and the whole environment was shocked. Even the higher-ups were talking about Krishna, wondering, "Who is he? Is he her boyfriend or something? Or is she doing it out of pity?" Suddenly, she whispered something in Krishna¡¯s ear and started making a video for her social media. She went live, and her fans and followers asked various questions like, "Who is he? Is he your boyfriend? Who is he? We cannot see his face properly," because the video automatically blurred only his face. But everyone was busy enjoying themselves.


    Aanya was happy that she got the chance to be with Krishna, and Krishna was happy that it was the most peaceful day among the businessmen and businesswomen. Ishaan and Aarna arrived and asked Aanya, "May we borrow Krishna for a minute?" Aanya initially said no, but seeing Aarna¡¯s cold gaze, she couldn''t refuse again. Ishaan asked Krishna, "What is going on here? How do you know her? Why is she so friendly with you? And why are you letting her touch and behave around you like that? Are you guys dating?" Aarna, with red cheeks, also asked, "Is it true? Are you dating her?"


    Krishna replied, "No, guys, it¡¯s nothing like that." He shared the story behind it, and Ishaan said, "Wow, so you are that super-savior she was talking about everywhere. That¡¯s amazing, Krishna. Helping strangers is in your nature without expecting anything in return. You always save someone who is a complete stranger, and you risk your life too.


    Krishna: "Ishaan, brother, it was nothing. Let¡¯s focus on the event. I am so excited for this event as my idols will be here, and I won¡¯t get another opportunity like this to meet them."


    Ishaan: "Yes, I am excited too. There will be influencers, CEOs, and top management."


    For some reason, Aarna left without saying anything, but they didn¡¯t interfere, thinking she had something important to take care of.


    The event was about to start when Abhishek arrived and told Krishna, "How many times do I have to tell you to take your position? Is this a joke to you?"


    At that moment, Aanya arrived and grabbed Krishna¡¯s hand, dragging him with her. Krishna didn¡¯t say anything, but everyone was murmuring and gossiping about Krishna, remarking on how generous and kind Aanya was to save a volunteer, and how humble she was despite her fame. Some even said, "That¡¯s our Sparkling Spirit for you." Aanya heard everything but chose not to speak.


    When she got on the stage, Ishaan was about to save Krishna, but Aanya grabbed the mic from the announcer and shouted, "Krishna!"


    "Krishna, I have something to tell you. Ever since I got here, I¡¯ve seen so many people who don¡¯t know who you are¡ªwho the real Krishna is. Here, everybody is gossiping about you without having a clue what a gentleman you are. Everybody is disrespecting you without knowing how powerful you are. I am just going to confess my feelings for you, so hear me out. I have feelings for you, and let me share the story with these people who are treating you like nothing."


    When Aanya shared how Krishna helped and saved her, indirectly leading her to expose the Maestro brothers, everybody felt embarrassed about how they had treated and talked about Krishna. But at the same time, they all began clapping in unison, chanting "Krishna¡­ Krishna¡­" which made him happy. He thought, "Maybe now I have added some value to someone¡¯s life. I am on the right track to help others, and even my small steps have turned out to be so effective. It¡¯s amazing." He thanked everyone and praised Aanya for taking this brave step. Aanya was happy to hear those words but wanted a response, so she asked again, "Do you have feelings for me?"


    Krishna wasn¡¯t ready to reply and told her he needed time to think. But the crowd started chanting, "Say yes¡­ say yes¡­ say yes¡­" He explained that making any rushed decision wouldn¡¯t be fair to either of them, so he needed some time to think about it. Some people questioned why he needed time, saying that if they were in his place, they would have said yes immediately. However, many others stood up for Krishna, agreeing that his approach was mature and that it was a personal matter.


    This led to a long debate, and some higher-ups wondered what was going on, thinking it looked more like a love park than an event. Krishna was about to move when someone from behind the stage yelled, "Hey Krishna, is that you? Don¡¯t move an inch¡­ stop right there¡­" Everyone thought, "Is this melodrama? Another twist?" Krishna turned around and saw the twin brothers. He was about to say something, but they said, "You are the reason¡­ how could you do that to someone¡­ What you did to us was commendable. Ladies and gentlemen, Krishna is the reason behind our company¡­ our billion-dollar empire¡­ we are here because of him."


    The twin brothers kneeled before him, asking for forgiveness and sharing how Krishna helped them, which caused him to lose his job. They explained how they used his ideas and advice, how knowledgeable, smart, intelligent, and kind Krishna is. Everyone was so impressed by Krishna, realizing he is a genuine, kind soul who always helps others without any hidden agenda, even risking his life. They shared the whole story with everyone, and again, there was an earthquake of applause as they chanted his name in unison. Krishna thought, "Is this a coincidence? Why is everything good happening today? Maybe this is a dream¡­ or maybe a nightmare because when I open my eyes, I know the world won¡¯t be like this."


    Krishna couldn''t believe what had happened to him today. It felt like a dream. The twin brothers told everyone that, in return for Krishna¡¯s help, they had something for him which he would definitely like. However, Krishna humbly replied that it was his duty to help those in need.


    The twin brothers approached Krishna to share something, but the announcer interrupted, "Sorry to interrupt, ladies and gentlemen. We tried to invite ''The Big Smile,'' but didn¡¯t get any response from them. For those who don¡¯t know, ''The Big Smile'' is a very famous and influential writer. Every company and producer wants to work with them, but they do not expose themselves. Nobody knows whether they are a company or an individual. But we assure you that next year, they will be S.B.S.¡¯s chief guest." The crowd went crazy hearing this, as ''The Big Smile'' was more famous than anyone there.


    Krishna was also a fan of ''The Big Smile.'' For now, he was seated with the guests, as everyone knew him and he had become a personality. Businessmen and women he had wanted to talk to were now curious about him and wanted to meet him. They even wanted to do business with him, thinking that if his advice had made the twin brothers billionaires in no time, it would be smart to work with Krishna at least once in their lives. Reporters and camera crews were clicking photos, and TV journalists and anchors were there to cover exclusive footage of this business school event. Krishna was all over the internet, but the biggest surprise was that none of his photos were clear, and no one could identify him from those pictures, not even Ishaan, his best friend. Ishaan didn¡¯t raise any questions. Instead, he told Krishna that it was good his face was covered; they were maintaining his privacy, which made sense, and they moved on.


    Heading home after meeting so many people who had now become fans of Krishna, along with businessmen and famous personas, Krishna was amazed. However, as he was about to reach home, something unexpected happened. A group arrived and kidnapped him. He tried to resist, but they somehow subdued him. During the struggle, his phone fell out of his pocket. After some time, a girl picked up his phone, revealing a tattoo of a ¡°smiley¡± on her hand.

 Chapter 4: The Kind Heart Group

    The night was dark, the kind of dark where every small sound felt amplified. Krishna sat in an old, dusty chair, his hands tied behind his back. His face was covered by a cloth, the smell of it making it hard to breathe. Every few seconds, he tried to move, but the ropes around his wrists were tight. He had no idea who had captured him or why.


    He had been walking back home after a normal day at college when everything went black. The last thing he remembered was a car pulling up beside him, followed by a sudden sharp pain on his head. And now, here he was, trapped in some strange place, with only the sound of his heartbeat for company.


    Footsteps echoed through the room, and the heavy door creaked open. A figure stepped inside, tall, imposing, and shrouded in darkness. "Who is this?" a gruff voice demanded. "Why did you kidnap him?"


    Krishna couldn¡¯t make out the figure clearly, but his presence alone was enough to make him tense. The man walked closer, and before Krishna could say anything, the gang members surrounding him began to remove the cloth from his face.


    Just as Krishna was about to protest, the door flew open, and another group stormed in, wearing black attire with a distinctive logo: a "Smile on the Shield." They moved like a well-oiled machine, swift and efficient, taking down the original captors one by one. Krishna watched as these masked men and women subdued the kidnappers without breaking a sweat. They had skill, power, and above all, a sense of control that made Krishna nervou.


    Without a word, the leader of the new gang walked over to him. "Let¡¯s get you out of here," he said calmly, offering Krishna no explanation but only a hand.


    Krishna hesitated for a moment before accepting it, unsure of what was happening. His mind raced with possibilities. Who were these people? Why were they helping him?


    As they exited the building and entered a sleek, black car, the gang members around him remained silent. The car sped through the dark streets, and Krishna could feel his anxiety rising. His mind kept replaying the question: Why me?


    The car came to a halt, and Krishna was escorted into a mansion. It was luxurious, to say the least. The kind of place where power and wealth radiated from every corner. As they walked through the halls, Krishna couldn¡¯t help but feel out of place.


    "This is where you''ll stay for the time being," the leader said, his voice calm yet firm.


    "Who are you?" Krishna asked, trying to regain some control over the situation. "Why did you save me?"


    The leader turned to face him. "We are The Kind Hearts," he said, his tone unwavering. "A group dedicated to helping people like you. We¡¯ve been watching you, Krishna."


    Krishna blinked, taken aback. "You¡¯ve been watching me?"


    "Yes," the leader said, nodding. "I¡¯ve seen how you¡¯ve always stood up for others, how you¡¯ve protected the weak. You saved someone¡¯s life once, and that person never forgot you."


    Krishna¡¯s mind spun. He hadn¡¯t expected this¡ªThe Kind Hearts? He had heard of them, of course. They were the stuff of legends in the underground world. A gang, but unlike any other. They were supposed to be on the side of good, helping people in need. But why him?


    The leader continued, ¡°I know who you really are, Krishna. You don¡¯t belong in this world of shadows and power struggles, but your actions have changed things. You¡¯ve already started a revolution, even if you don¡¯t know it.¡±


    Krishna shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m just a regular guy trying to live my life. I¡¯m no leader.¡±


    The leader smiled, his eyes filled with a kind of knowing. ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong. You¡¯ve already taken the first step.¡±


    The days that followed were a whirlwind for Krishna. His life, which had been so simple, was now tangled in a web of power, danger, and intrigue. The Kind Hearts didn¡¯t just protect him; they began to teach him the ways of the world he had never known¡ªthe world of gang politics, power plays, and survival.


    As Krishna went about his day-to-day life, a strange feeling began to settle in. He felt like someone was always watching him, as though eyes were upon him wherever he went. He tried to shake the feeling off, but it lingered, gnawing at him.


    It didn¡¯t help that, on his way to college one day, he witnessed a fight between two men on the street. Without thinking, he rushed over, trying to break it up. But before he could reach them, Ishaan appeared, dragging Krishna away with surprising strength.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Krishna protested. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to help.¡±


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°You¡¯re not helping anyone by getting involved in this mess,¡± Ishaan snapped, his voice tense. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re getting you to college.¡±


    The two men continued to fight behind them, but Krishna¡¯s attention was already elsewhere. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something deeper was at play.


    In truth, the fight between the two men wasn¡¯t just a random street brawl. One man was sent by Aarna¡¯s grandfather, and the other by Aanya¡¯s family. They had been keeping an eye on Krishna, watching him from afar, trying to figure out who he was. But there was more to it than that. There was a third faction involved, an old man who believed Krishna was destined to be the successor to a powerful legacy.


    The word spread quickly. The Kind Hearts gang leader was aggressively searching for Krishna, but the rumor mill twisted the story. Some thought he was coming to harm Krishna, while others believed he was on a mission to protect him. Tensions reached a boiling point, and soon, the whole city was divided. A war was on the horizon, one that would determine the future of the streets.


    But then, just as things were about to explode, something incredible happened. Another gang, a powerful rival faction, launched an attack on The Kind Hearts. The two gangs clashed in the middle of the street, a chaotic battle that seemed to have no end. But when the dust settled, a shocking truth emerged: the leader of the rival gang wasn¡¯t a stranger at all. It was someone Krishna knew¡ªa man whose life Krishna had once saved.


    This revelation changed everything.


    The two gangs, once bitter enemies, merged. They formed a single powerful force, united under a common cause: protecting Krishna. However, the lower ranks of both gangs were still clueless. They had no idea why Krishna was so important. They were just trying to prove themselves, bullying Krishna to show their worth. But when the leaders found out, they were furious.


    The bosses stormed in, their faces cold with rage. They swiftly beat down the members who had mistreated Krishna and made them kneel in apology. It was a spectacle¡ªpowerful, ruthless gang leaders bowing before a college student.


    ¡°Do you know who you¡¯re dealing with?¡± one of the leaders barked. ¡°This is Krishna. He¡¯s not just a regular guy. He¡¯s the one who saved us. He¡¯s the reason we¡¯re all here. And you will respect him.¡±


    The gang members, trembling, apologized. But Krishna was still confused. He didn¡¯t understand why everyone was treating him like some kind of hero.


    The leaders turned to him, their voices softer now. ¡°You don¡¯t realize it yet, but you¡¯ve become something more than just a college student. You¡¯ve become our leader. Our boss.


    And we will follow you. We will protect you, as long as it takes.¡±


    Krishna stood there, speechless. His entire life had just turned upside down. But there was no turning back now. He had no choice but to accept his fate.


    In the days that followed, Krishna¡¯s life became something he could never have imagined. He was given a new house¡ªone so luxurious it could have been a palace. Servants, security, luxury cars¡ªeverything he had ever dreamed of, and more. The leaders of The Kind Hearts and their allies moved in to protect him, taking turns to stay with him, ensuring his safety.


    But even with all the wealth and power around him, Krishna felt like a stranger in his own life. His old house was left behind, and his neighbors were shocked to see the gang members moving in.


    "Is he really a part of all of this?" one of the neighbors whispered to another. But there was no denying it. The whole neighborhood was abuzz with the arrival of The Kind Hearts and the mysterious new leader they were protecting.


    The gang leaders, along with the wealthiest and most powerful figures in the city, threw a grand party in Krishna''s honor. Business moguls, CEOs, and influential figures filled the hall. Everyone was eager to meet the new leader.


    Krishna, however, felt completely out of place. He had never asked for any of this. Standing before the crowd, his nerves got the best of him. His speech faltered. How did I end up here? he wondered. The room was silent as the guests waited for him to speak.


    "Is he really the heir to some great fortune?" someone whispered from the crowd.


    The Big Six¡ªthe most powerful people in the city¡ªstepped forward, their faces concealed. The atmosphere shifted instantly. It was as though the entire room could feel their presence without a single word being spoken.


    And in that moment, Krishna understood. He had arrived. This was his life now. No one would dare challenge him.


    The future was his.

 Chapter 5: The Big Smile Revealed

    The streets of the city were buzzing with news. Rumors of The Kind Hearts gang¡¯s rise to power had spread like wildfire, and Krishna¡¯s name was now on the lips of everyone in the underground world. But there was another piece of news making the rounds, one that promised to change the game completely: The Big Smile was about to be revealed.


    Krishna didn¡¯t know what the fuss was about. The whispers surrounding "The Big Smile" were vague at best. Some said it was a new criminal organization. Others believed it was a celebrity with a mysterious past. But one thing was clear¡ªthe name had become synonymous with power. And for a person like Krishna, who was just beginning to navigate the complex web of alliances, this news made his world seem even more unpredictable.


    Meanwhile, the media world was ablaze with speculation. There was talk of an exclusive contract being negotiated with a media giant, a deal worth millions. The person at the center of it all, the mysterious woman known only as The Big Smile, was a force to be reckoned with. Every CEO, every business owner, every media mogul in the city was desperate to sign her on. They would stop at nothing to make sure she chose their company. Why? Because whoever had The Big Smile on their side was bound to gain unmatched influence.


    The woman behind the smile was a mystery. But one thing was certain: she was a rising star, a billionaire in the making. No one knew her true identity. Some speculated that she had connections to the highest levels of power, while others believed she had her own agenda. But the one thing everyone could agree on was that she was the future.


    Krishna, unaware of the storm brewing on the other side of the world, continued with his life, trying to get used to his new reality. With The Kind Hearts standing guard over him, he felt both protected and trapped. He wasn¡¯t sure how to feel about his sudden rise to power, or the fact that he had more wealth and influence than anyone in his college. He had become someone people feared and respected, yet he remained the same person deep down.


    One evening, while Krishna was at the mansion, sitting in a room filled with servants and security, his phone rang. It was a name he hadn¡¯t seen in years: Aadhya.


    His heart skipped a beat. Aadhya was his childhood friend, someone he had lost touch with a long time ago. Back then, she had been his closest confidant. They had spent their childhood days together, laughing and playing, but then one day, she had disappeared from his life without a trace. Krishna never got the chance to ask why.


    He answered the call, his voice shaky. ¡°Aadhya?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Krishna,¡± she said, her voice smooth yet filled with an edge of mystery. ¡°It¡¯s me. We need to talk.¡±


    Aadhya didn¡¯t waste time with pleasantries. ¡°I know you¡¯ve been searching for answers about your past. I can help you. But you need to come to me.¡±


    Krishna¡¯s mind raced. He had questions. So many questions. He had always wondered what had happened to Aadhya. Why had she left without a word? And now she was calling him out of nowhere. But something about her voice felt off¡ªlike she was hiding something.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where you are, Aadhya. How am I supposed to find you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you find me,¡± she said cryptically. ¡°But be careful, Krishna. There¡¯s more to this world than you can imagine. It¡¯s not just about power. It¡¯s about understanding the game.¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    The line went dead before Krishna could respond. The words "understanding the game" echoed in his mind. What did that mean?


    <hr>


    Later that week, Krishna found himself in a high-end coffee shop, surrounded by the flashing lights of the city. He was alone, waiting for Aadhya. His mind raced as he sat there. How had she changed so much? What had happened to her since the last time they¡¯d spoken?


    The door opened, and in walked a woman whose presence commanded attention. She wore a sleek black dress, her hair styled in waves, and her eyes hidden behind dark glasses. The moment she stepped inside, everyone in the cafe seemed to stop and stare. There was no mistaking it. This was The Big Smile. The woman who had captivated the entire city with her mysterious persona was standing right in front of him.


    Krishna¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Aadhya?¡± he asked, almost unsure of what he was seeing.


    She smiled, but it wasn¡¯t a warm, welcoming smile. It was the kind of smile that sent chills down your spine. It was both beautiful and dangerous, like she held the world¡¯s secrets in her hands. "It¡¯s been a long time, Krishna," she said softly, taking a seat across from him. "I¡¯m sorry for disappearing on you all those years ago. But I had my reasons."


    Krishna sat back, trying to process everything. The Big Smile was Aadhya? The childhood friend he had lost track of was now one of the most influential women in the world?


    "How did this happen?" Krishna finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Aadhya¡¯s smile widened. "The same way everything happens in this world, Krishna. Power, money, influence. It¡¯s all about taking the right opportunities, making the right moves. I¡¯ve been building something powerful¡ªsomething bigger than anything you could imagine. I¡¯ve written books, started businesses, and made connections that most people can¡¯t even dream of. I did it all because I knew one day, I¡¯d need to help you."


    Krishna leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Help me? With what?"


    "With understanding who you really are," Aadhya said, her voice suddenly serious. "You¡¯re not just some random college kid, Krishna. You were never meant to be. You were always destined for something greater. And now, we need to talk about your future."


    <hr>


    As Aadhya continued to speak, Krishna felt a storm brewing inside him. She spoke with authority, as if she had already seen everything that would unfold. She revealed that she had known about Krishna¡¯s potential long before he did. She had been tracking his every move, keeping an eye on him from the shadows, waiting for the right time to make her move.


    "I¡¯ve been waiting for this moment," Aadhya said. "You¡¯re the missing piece, Krishna. You¡¯ve always been the key. And now it¡¯s time for you to claim what¡¯s rightfully yours."


    Krishna shook his head, his mind spinning. "What are you talking about? I don¡¯t want any part of this."


    Aadhya¡¯s eyes hardened. "You don¡¯t have a choice, Krishna. It¡¯s already happening. Whether you like it or not, you are a part of this world now. You¡¯ve been chosen."


    Before Krishna could respond, Aadhya stood up. "The truth is, Krishna, I¡¯ve been trying to protect you. But you need to understand something. The people around you are not what they seem. The Kind Hearts? They have their own agenda. And as for the old man who wants you as a successor? He¡¯s not the only one who sees your potential."


    Krishna¡¯s blood ran cold. "What are you saying?"


    Aadhya smiled again, her gaze cold and calculating. "The game is far bigger than you think. And you¡¯re at the center of it. You always have been."


    <hr>


    As the meeting came to a close, Krishna was left with more questions than answers. He watched as Aadhya walked out of the coffee shop, leaving him alone in the chaos of his thoughts. She had dropped a bombshell. Everything he had known up until now was nothing more than a prelude to something far more complicated. And now, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, Krishna couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was about to be pulled into something far bigger than himself.


    The Big Smile, The Kind Hearts, the old man, and Aadhya¡ªevery thread was pulling him deeper into a world of power, secrets, and lies. And Krishna had no choice but to play along. But would he emerge as a leader? Or would he be consumed by the game that everyone seemed to want him to win?

 Chapter 6: The New Successor

    The day had finally arrived. The tension in the air was palpable, thick with anticipation and unspoken truths. Krishna stood at the threshold of the largest and most luxurious hotel in the city, staring at the towering building in front of him, a symbol of the wealth and power that had always been out of his reach. Yet here he was, about to step into the lion¡¯s den, a place where decisions were made and lives were shaped.


    He had received a call earlier that morning. It was from Grandpa, the mysterious old man who had been guiding him for weeks. Grandpa had made it clear: today was the day Krishna would be tested, and he had to make a choice that would alter the course of his life forever. Krishna wasn¡¯t sure what that choice was yet, but something told him he was no longer the helpless, uncertain boy he once was. He had the power to make decisions now.


    The doors of the hotel opened, and the staff welcomed him like a king. They escorted him to a private suite, where the air was heavy with the presence of people who had the power to shape industries. At the head of the room, seated behind a massive mahogany desk, was the man who had been waiting for him¡ªthe man whose influence had shaped the very city Krishna now stood in. Grandpa, the legendary figure whose name sent chills through the ranks of even the most powerful families.


    Krishna had only heard of him in passing, but now, standing before him, he felt the weight of the man¡¯s legacy. Grandpa¡¯s eyes were piercing, yet warm, as though they could see straight through Krishna.


    ¡°Come in, Krishna,¡± Grandpa said, his voice calm but filled with authority. ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡±


    Krishna stepped forward, heart pounding in his chest. This was it. The moment where everything would change. He had no idea what Grandpa wanted from him, but he had already made up his mind¡ªhe was done being a pawn in someone else¡¯s game. If this was his chance to take control, he would seize it.


    ¡°Sit down,¡± Grandpa said, gesturing to the chair opposite his. ¡°Let me tell you a story.¡±


    Krishna took a seat, his eyes locked onto Grandpa¡¯s. The old man leaned back in his chair, his hands steepled in front of him.


    ¡°Many years ago,¡± Grandpa began, ¡°there was a boy who saved another boy¡¯s life. The boy was small, fragile, beaten by his own father. No one cared. But this boy stepped in, called the cops, and made sure that the abused boy was taken to safety. That boy was Ishaan.¡±


    Krishna¡¯s breath caught in his throat. Ishaan. His oldest friend. The person who had been his ally since day one. He had no idea that the story of Ishaan¡¯s life was so intertwined with his own.


    ¡°The boy who saved him,¡± Grandpa continued, ¡°was you, Krishna. Do you remember?¡±


    Krishna¡¯s mind raced as he tried to recall the memory. It had been years ago, a day that seemed insignificant at the time. A moment when he had simply acted out of instinct, when he hadn¡¯t known the consequences. But now, in the cold light of reality, Krishna understood that his actions had set the stage for everything that followed.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know,¡± Krishna said softly, looking down at his hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that one choice could change everything.¡±


    Grandpa¡¯s eyes softened. ¡°Every decision, every choice, no matter how small, has a ripple effect. You saved Ishaan that day, and because of that, he¡¯s standing here today, by your side. And now, Krishna, it¡¯s your turn to take control of your future.¡±


    Krishna looked up at Grandpa, confused. ¡°But what do you want from me? Why me?¡±


    Grandpa smiled, a knowing, proud smile. ¡°I want you to be the successor to my legacy, Krishna. I want you to take over Our Group. The world is changing, and I see in you the potential to lead. You¡¯ve already proven yourself, and I believe you have the strength and heart to carry on my work.¡±


    Krishna was stunned. The weight of Grandpa¡¯s words hit him like a ton of bricks. This wasn¡¯t just about a company. This was about inheriting power on a scale he had never imagined. And yet, somewhere deep down, he knew that this was the moment he had been preparing for without even realizing it.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want this, Grandpa,¡± Krishna said, his voice filled with hesitation. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be the person everyone expects me to be. I just want to be myself.¡±


    Grandpa¡¯s eyes hardened, but his voice remained gentle. ¡°That¡¯s the thing, Krishna. You are yourself. The person you are, the choices you¡¯ve made, they have already set you on a path. You¡¯ve seen what this world has to offer, and you¡¯ve survived. Now, you must decide whether you will accept what¡¯s been handed to you or create your own legacy.¡±


    Krishna stood up abruptly, his hands clenched into fists. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of this. I¡¯ve had enough of being manipulated, of being told who I am supposed to be. I¡¯m not a tool for anyone¡¯s power games.¡±


    Grandpa raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Krishna¡¯s outburst. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than I thought, Krishna. I see now why you¡¯re the one who will take my place. But understand this¡ªyour journey won¡¯t be easy. There will be enemies, there will be people who will try to tear you down. But you must stand firm. If you truly want to lead, you must learn to embrace the power and responsibility that comes with it.¡±


    The door to the suite suddenly burst open, and Ishaan entered, dressed in a sharp business suit, his demeanor as calm and collected as ever. Krishna¡¯s heart swelled with relief to see his friend safe and sound.


    ¡°Krishna,¡± Ishaan said with a grin, ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here. It¡¯s about time we had this talk.¡±


    Krishna turned to him, confusion evident on his face. ¡°What talk?¡±


    Ishaan¡¯s smile faded, and he took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ve known for a long time, Krishna. I knew that you were destined for something bigger than this world could ever offer. But I also know this: you¡¯re not alone in this. I¡¯m here for you, always. We¡¯re in this together.¡±


    Krishna felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. For the first time, he realized that he wasn¡¯t just a puppet on strings. He had a family, a team, and people who believed in him. And in that moment, he made a decision.


    He turned to Grandpa, his eyes burning with resolve. ¡°I¡¯m not here to take over your legacy. I¡¯m here to create my own. And I¡¯ll do it on my own terms.¡±


    Grandpa¡¯s eyes twinkled with approval. ¡°I knew you had it in you, Krishna. Welcome to the real world. And remember, the choices you make will define you. But you¡¯ve already shown that you have the strength to shape your own destiny.¡±


    As Krishna looked around the room at the people who had gathered¡ªhis friends, his allies, the supporters who had always stood by him¡ªhe felt the weight of his new role settling on his shoulders. The world had been handed to him, but it was up to him to decide how to use it. And for the first time, Krishna wasn¡¯t afraid. He was ready. Ready to lead, ready to fight, and ready to claim his place in the world.


    But just Before the speech, When Krishna sat alone in his room, the weight of the day pressing heavily on him. That¡¯s when the door creaked open. Emerging from the shadows was a massive figure, his presence suffocating the room. The man¡¯s face remained unreadable, his eyes piercing through Krishna like he was looking into his soul.


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember, do you?¡± the man said, his voice deep and guttural, every word carrying the weight of buried truths. ¡°But you will. Your blood, your fire¡ªit was never ordinary. You weren¡¯t sent away by chance¡­ you were chosen. Protected.¡±


    Krishna froze. ¡°What are you talking about? Protected from what?¡±


    The man leaned in, his next words spoken so quietly they might as well have been a thunderclap in Krishna¡¯s mind. His heart raced, fragments of forgotten memories clawing their way back¡ªchaos, fire, a battlefield drenched in blood. His stomach turned.


    Before Krishna could speak, the man stepped back into the shadows, his voice trailing off:


    ¡°Decide who you are, Krishna. The time for running is over.¡±


    The figure vanished, leaving Krishna alone with the storm of emotions inside him.


    When he stepped onto the stage moments later, the crowd waited in tense silence. Krishna stared them down, his usual calm replaced by a simmering intensity.


    ¡°You all think you know me. The boy who rose out of nothing, the one you can manipulate, control. Let me make something clear: I am done being underestimated.¡±


    His voice was steady, but each word hit like a hammer. ¡°I¡¯ve been broken, beaten, betrayed. But not anymore. You want someone to follow? You follow me. You want someone to fear? I¡¯ll give you something to fear. This world doesn¡¯t get to define me. From now on, I define the world.¡±


    He paused, the room utterly silent. ¡°You wanted a leader? You¡¯ve got one. But understand this¡ªanyone who dares stand against me won¡¯t just lose. They¡¯ll vanish.¡±


    With that, he stepped off the stage, leaving the room in stunned silence. In the shadows, the mysterious man watched with a knowing smirk. Krishna had made his choice.


    And the world would never forget it.