Time: 11 AM, Location: Bajaj Villa
A forty-year-old man sat on his knees, tied up with his hands and legs bound, and a cloth over his mouth, begging for his life. This man was none other than Prakash Rao, the owner of India News Agency.
As Yug entered, he sat on a luxurious chair like a king, crossing one leg over the other. At that moment, he looked like a dangerous beast.
Sera pointed a gun at Prakash Rao's head and said, "Boss, say the word and I'll finish him off right now."
Yug raised his finger, signaling Sera to back off, which he did immediately.
Yug pulled out his gun, blew on it, and said, "In this era, everyone seems to have a hobby of messing with Yug. So why not erase them from existence altogether?"
Hearing this line, Prakash Rao trembled in fear and said, "I'll permanently remove that news from our channel. I'll go live and publicly apologize for my mistake. I'll do whatever you say—just spare my life! I have children!"
Yug, in an arrogant tone, replied, "I don't mess with anyone, but if someone dares mess with me, I never let them go."
Prakash Rao, seeing death before his eyes, closed them and started mumbling, "I told those girls not to publish the article, but they didn't listen."
Hearing this, Yug narrowed his eyes, realizing someone else had written the article. Through his expression, he seemed to be asking, "Who is it?"
Looking at Yug, Prakash Rao said, "She works in our agency—the girl who went to that hotel yesterday and took the photos. I didn't know anything about it. I only saw the article this morning. I'm rarely at the office, so I had no idea it would come to this."
Yug angrily asked, "Who is she, the one who's invited her own death?"
"Her name is Mannat... Mannat Agrawal," Prakash Rao replied quietly.
Yug looked at Sera, who immediately took Prakash Rao's phone, searched for Mannat's number, and called her.
At the agency, Mannat was in a very cheerful mood with Naina. Both had been happy since morning, enjoying food they'd ordered in. The staff congratulated them too.
And why not? Covering such a big story was no small feat. Making headlines daily can be as stressful as losing hair! Naina noticed Prakash Rao's name on her screen and quickly answered the call, stepping aside. "Hello?" she said.
On the other end, Sera replied, "We've sent you a video. Watch it."
"Hello, who's this?" Mannat asked, but the call had already ended.
Mannat turned on her internet and played the video. As she watched it on her mobile screen, her face went pale and she began wiping the sweat from her forehead.
She immediately called back. The call was answered from the other end.
"Who are you people, and what do you want?" she demanded.
"We work for Yug Bajaj. And your boss is paying the price for what you did."
Frightened, Mannat replied, "You can't do this! Who do you think you are? You'll have to pay for this. Do you think you can get away with anything while we stay silent? No way! I'm taking this video to the police right now!"
Since the call was on speaker, Yug heard everything. His fists clenched in rage.
After the call ended, Yug looked at Sera and said, "I want that girl in front of my eyes within the hour."
Sera nodded, "It'll be done, boss." Then turned to Prakash Rao, "Where can we find her right now?"
"She came to the office early today. She should still be there," Prakash Rao replied.
Meanwhile, Mannat, disturbed, decided to tell someone but ended up sharing everything quietly only with Naina.
"We have to go to the police station right now, Naina. Otherwise, sir's life is in danger."
"I knew something bad would happen, but not like this," Naina said nervously.
Mannat urged, "We have to go now, Naina. Hurry!"
Both rushed out and headed to the police station. Mannat got off the rickshaw, and they went inside. There, they filed an FIR against Yug Bajaj.
After registering the complaint, Mannat felt a bit relaxed. The officer said, "You may go home now. We'll call you if needed."
As they stepped out, Naina anxiously said, "I'm scared. What if we get into serious trouble?"
Though scared too, Mannat composed herself and replied, "There's no need to be afraid now. We've filed the FIR. We have the video too. If he tries anything, I'll make it go live."
The two headed back to the office. But after they left, the police officer immediately called Sera and informed him of everything.
The officer also took a car out and called Sera again to say they were on their way to meet Yug Bajaj. About half an hour later, they arrived at Bajaj Villa.
Yug was seated like a king. The officers saluted and said, "Sir, we've come to serve you with great respect. A girl named Mannat Agrawal has filed a complaint against you. She wants you arrested and behind bars. If we don't act, she'll post the video on social media and show it live on the news."
Yug's blood boiled. His fists clenched, and with a devilish smile, he said, "You have to admire her courage. She's brave... I like it."
The police said, "Sir, release Prakash Rao. It'll make things easier for us."
Yug signaled Sera, who understood immediately—it was a sign to let Prakash Rao go.
With an evil smile, Yug said, "I have nothing to do with him anymore. From now on, everything I have to deal with is about Mannat Agrawal."
As Prakash Rao was untied, he folded his hands and thanked Yug.
Yug said, "In return, you'll have to do something for me."
With folded hands, Prakash Rao replied, "Whatever you say, sir, I'm ready to do it. Just give me the order."
Blowing on his gun, Yug said, "From today, you will fire that girl. Or else, I'll ruin your entire news agency."
Yug stopped mid-sentence. Prakash Rao begged, "I'll fire her immediately. I won't give you a second chance to say it again."
He left the place, bowing his head.
After Prakash Rao left, Yug checked his watch and said, "Schedule a press conference for tomorrow. Invite the heads of all media outlets. I want this disease wiped out as soon as possible. I can't tolerate it anymore."
Sera reassured, "Don't worry, boss. Everything will be settled by the end of the day."
Before reaching the office, Prakash Rao straightened up, fixed his clothes, and went to his cabin. As soon as he sat, he called for Mannat.
Excited to hear that he had returned, Mannat walked into the cabin with a smile, looked around, and said, "I'm really sorry, sir. I didn't know things would go this far. I'll make sure never to make such a mistake again."
In a calm voice, Prakash Rao said, "You're right—you won't make another mistake. Because from this moment, you're no longer working here. I'm firing you from this agency right now."
Shocked, Mannat asked, "But sir, why? I know I made a mistake, and I'm deeply sorry for that."
Prakash Rao replied, "Didn't I make myself clear? I'm firing you. Understand one thing—if I don't, they won't spare me or my family. Do you get it?"
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he turned to look out the window.
Hearing this, Mannat froze in disbelief. "What?" she asked.
Prakash Rao turned back and snapped, "Yes, it's true. It's best if you just leave this job. I'm begging you."