Characters

Priya Vikram Malhotra

Age: 20

Background: The youngest daughter of politician Vikram Malhotra, Priya was born into wealth, luxury, and power, but also into a promise she never agreed to. While her brothers control business and politics, Priya dreams of freedom, art, and a life on her own terms. She is spirited, intelligent, and unafraid to speak her mind, though she's been sheltered from the darker truths of her family's alliances. But now, her independence is under threat not from an outsider, but from the very man her family trusts the most.

"I was born into a cage. I just didn't realize the lock was held by someone I called brother."

Rahul Dev Thakur

Age: 29

Background: The only son of a feared mafia don, Rahul was raised in blood, loyalty, and silence. As a child, he found safety and affection in the Malhotra household especially around Priya. When she was born, a promise was made between their fathers: Priya would one day be his wife. Rahul never saw her as a sister. He saw her as his.Now powerful, cunning, and dangerously obsessed, Rahul waits in the shadows. To the world, he's Arjun's best friend. But in his heart, he is Priya's futureand no one, not even she, will stop him from claiming what was promised.

"She doesn't need to love me. She just needs to understand-there's no life for her beyond me."