After the recording ended, the atmosphere in the room shifted.
The professional distance between them—
was gone.
Riya leaned back slightly, studying Ansh with a different gaze now. No longer just a reporter observing a subject… but a woman intrigued.
"…You're trouble," she said quietly.
Ansh smirked.
"I've been called worse."
A brief silence followed.
But this one—
was different.
He stood up slowly, walking closer to her.
Not rushing.
Not forcing.
Just closing the distance naturally.
Riya didn't move away.
Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her lips curving faintly.
"…This wasn't just about the interview, was it?"
Ansh stopped just in front of her.
"You already knew that."
Another pause.
Then—
she stood up.
Close enough now that there was barely any space between them.
"…You're confident," she said.
"Only when I know I'll win," he replied softly.
That earned a small laugh from her.
"Arrogant."
"Accurate."
Their eyes met.
And this time—
neither looked away.
The tension that had been building since the moment they met…
finally snapped.
---
🚪 Outside the Room
The door closed.
Softly.
But firmly.
Rudra stood there, arms crossed, expression unchanged.
Beside him—
the cameraman stood awkwardly, shifting his weight from one leg to another.
"…So…" the cameraman muttered under his breath, "…this is normal?"
Rudra didn't look at him.
"Yes."
"…Seriously?"
"Yes."
A pause.
The cameraman scratched his head.
"…Should we, uh… wait here?"
"Yes."
Another silence.
A longer one this time.
"…This is awkward."
"Yes."
Rudra remained completely still.
Like a statue.
Unbothered.
Used to it.
The cameraman sighed quietly.
"…I picked the wrong profession."
---
🌙 Inside
Time passed.
Quietly.
Without interruption.
Without urgency.
And when it ended—
it wasn't chaotic or dramatic.
Just…
calm.
Riya lay back against the couch, her breathing steadying, her expression relaxed in a way it hadn't been before.
She glanced at Ansh.
"…You're dangerous."
Ansh chuckled softly.
"I told you."
She shook her head lightly.
"No… not like that."
A pause.
"…The way you talk… the way you carry yourself…"
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"It's like you already know how everything will play out."
Ansh didn't answer immediately.
Just smiled faintly.
"Maybe I do."
Riya studied him for a moment longer.
Then—
she smiled.
"…I don't usually do this."
Ansh raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't ask."
That made her laugh.
"…Arrogant till the end."
"Consistent."
Another silence.
But this one—
was comfortable.
Outside—
Rudra still stood there.
Waiting.
Because he already knew—
this wouldn't be the last time things like this happened.
Not with someone like Ansh.
About an hour later—
the door finally opened.
Riya stepped out.
Her usually perfect appearance was… slightly ruined.
Hair a little messy.
Lips slightly swollen.
Her steps slower than before.
And her expression—
a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction she was trying very hard to hide.
The cameraman immediately looked away.
Rudra didn't react.
At all.
As if this was just another normal day.
Riya paused for a second, fixing her hair quickly, regaining her professional composure.
"…I'll send you the final cut," she said calmly.
Rudra gave a slight nod.
She didn't stay any longer.
Without another word—
she walked away.
But just before turning the corner—
she glanced back once.
Then disappeared.
---
Rudra waited a few seconds.
Then opened the door and stepped inside.
The room was quiet.
And there—
on the sofa—
lay Ansh.
Completely relaxed.
One arm behind his head.
As if he had just finished a casual nap.
Not… that.
Rudra walked closer.
"Young master…"
Ansh didn't even open his eyes.
"Hmm?"
Rudra hesitated for a second.
Then spoke,
"You shouldn't focus too much on such things."
A pause.
"It's… not good for you."
Ansh slowly opened one eye.
Then the other.
And looked at him.
A faint grin appeared.
"Rudra…"
He stretched slightly.
"My man…"
"You should enjoy life a little."
Rudra's expression didn't change.
"…That is not necessary."
Ansh chuckled.
"It is."
He sat up slowly, leaning forward.
"All these things…"
He waved his hand casually.
"They don't end."
"They keep happening."
A pause.
Then—
his tone changed slightly.
More serious.
"…And besides…"
"I also need to focus on my bloodline."
Rudra frowned slightly.
"…Your bloodline?"
Ansh nodded seriously.
"Yes."
"I need to have children."
The way he said it—
so calm.
So logical.
So serious—
That for a moment—
Rudra actually believed him.
Completely.
"…I see."
Then—
a second later—
Rudra blinked.
And shook his head slightly.
No… that can't be the real reason.
Ansh smirked.
"See? You understand."
"…I don't."
"Close enough."
Rudra exhaled quietly and decided not to continue that topic.
Instead—
he shifted to business.
"Young master…"
"I've checked the betting market."
Ansh's interest returned instantly.
"Oh?"
Rudra continued,
"The odds are heavily against you."
A slight pause.
"Currently… it's 1 : 3.5."
Ansh's smile widened.
"…Good."
He leaned back again.
"That's very good."
Rudra looked at him.
"…Good?"
"Yes."
Ansh's eyes gleamed faintly.
"The higher the odds…"
"The more we earn."
Rudra nodded slightly.
"I have brought the funds."
"How much did the old man give you?"
"Fifty million gold."
Ansh nodded.
"Perfect."
Then he added,
"I'll transfer you another fifteen million."
Rudra's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Young master."
"The betting limit per individual is fifty million."
"We can't place more than that under one name."
Ansh waved his hand casually.
"I know."
"Then—?"
"Use someone else."
Rudra paused.
"…I see."
Ansh smirked.
"Split the bets."
"Different identities."
"Different channels."
"No one will notice."
Rudra nodded slowly.
"That can be arranged."
Ansh leaned forward slightly, his tone calm but sharp.
"This…"
He tapped the table lightly.
"…is free money."
A faint pause.
"People are literally lining up…"
"…to give it to us."
A small laugh escaped him.
"Why should we refuse?"
Rudra didn't respond immediately.
But inside—
he understood.
This wasn't just confidence.
This was certainty.
Absolute certainty.
"…Understood, young master."
"I'll make the arrangements."
Ansh leaned back again, completely relaxed.
"Good."
His eyes closed slightly.
"Make sure we don't miss even a single coin."
Rudra turned to leave.
But just before stepping out—
he paused.
"…Young master."
Ansh didn't open his eyes.
"Hmm?"
"…You will win."
It wasn't a question.
It was a statement.
Ansh smiled faintly.
"…I know."