Chapter 4 Power He Holds

TRISHA'S P.O.V

It had been precisely one month since I made the life-altering decision to relocate to Texas. As I reflected on this milestone, I couldn't help but notice the lack of enthusiasm from my mother about my move. It was an unexpected reaction, considering the sacrifices she had made for me in the past.

The day of my departure, amidst the bustling chaos of the airport, my mother dropped a bombshell I hadn't seen coming. She expressed her desire for me to pursue a job and settle down with a decent man, subtly hinting at Adhish. Adhish - my closest friend, the one who had been my constant companion through thick and thin. But everything changed after that one unforgettable night, a night that left me grappling with emotions I couldn't quite comprehend, especially considering his current relationship status.

Despite the tension between Adhish and me, he showed up at the airport, claiming we had much to discuss. Yet, our conversations skirted around the elephant in the room, that shared moment we were both trying to avoid acknowledging.

And then there was my mother, smiling as she bid me farewell, a smile that I couldn't decipher. Had she truly accepted my decision to pursue my dreams, or was it merely a facade to hide her true feelings? I couldn't be certain.

Stepping onto campus for the first time felt like stepping into a whole new world. Seriously, this college was massive! I mean, sure, I'd checked it out online a gazillion times, but nothing prepares you for the sheer scale of the place. And no, I'm not exaggerating, okay? It's like stepping into a movie scene – surreal but oh-so-real. It was a dream come true, one I had never dared to imagine possible.

I never thought in a million years I'd get the chance to study at a place like this. But you know what they say, right? Shah Rukh Khan, the OG Bollywood king, once dropped some wisdom about how if you really want something from the bottom of your heart, the universe will conspire to make it happen. Pretty filmy, I know, but hey, maybe there's some truth to it.

The first day at college was a whirlwind of new faces and experiences. And then there's Stacey Collins. Talk about a ball of energy! She's like the human embodiment of a fireworks display, bursting with life and laughter. Unlike me, who usually takes ages to warm up to new people, Stacey just dove right in. She's like the complete opposite of me, but in the best way possible. And weirdly enough, she kinda reminds me of my friend Aashika back home.

Stacey didn't waste any time moving into my apartment, and honestly, having her around has been a game-changer. It's nice to have someone to hang out with, especially when everything still feels so new and overwhelming..

Classes? Lectures? Yeah, they're happening, but what's really blowing my mind is the vibe of Austin itself. There's this electric energy pulsing through the streets, and I'm totally here for it. Overall, life in Austin was treating me well, and I couldn't help but fall in love with the vibrant energy of the city.

"Hey, good morning," Stacey chirped as I entered the room.

"Morning, Stacey," I replied, a smile automatically spreading across my face.

"You ready to tackle the day?" she asked, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, all set," I replied, adjusting the strap of my tank top.

"Let's hit it then," she said, and we headed out together.

As we stepped onto the college campus, the morning sunlight casting long shadows, my phone suddenly began to ring. Without checking the caller ID, I answered.

"Hey gorgeous, Good morning," he greeted, his words carrying a hint of exhaustion.

"Good morning, dumbo," I teased gently, a fond smile playing on my lips. "But, it's a night for you. So, good night."

Adi chuckled softly, his fatigue evident. "You're not getting away with that," he insisted. "I've missed you like crazy, and I know you're walking to class right now, so talk to me until you get there."

I couldn't help but laugh at his persistence, a warmth spreading through me at the sound of his voice. "Adi..."

He hummed in response, a silent encouragement for me to continue.

"Nothing," I replied, my thoughts momentarily consumed by the weight of our unspoken conversation.

But before I could dwell on it further, Adi interjected, his tone suddenly serious. "Okay, I want to talk to you about something," he began, his words hanging in the air with anticipation.

I braced myself for what was to come, knowing deep down that this conversation would inevitably circle back to that night. "Yes?" I prompted, my voice barely above a whisper.

And then, the bombshell dropped – Adi had broken up with Dia. The revelation hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me reeling with disbelief.

"What? Why?" I exclaimed, unable to mask the shock in my voice.

Adi's response was swift, his frustration evident. "Oh come on, is it really that hard to understand? I don't feel for her anymore. It's-"

But his words trailed off as I interjected, my heart heavy with guilt. "Adi, you're not making me feel any better," I admitted, the weight of his decision bearing down on me like a heavy burden. "To think that our night together played a role in your breakup... it makes me feel awful."

"Ishy, listen to me," Adi implored, his voice softening with understanding. "You're not the reason. I've been grappling with these feelings for a long time." He paused, his words hanging in the air like a delicate dance between us. "Let's leave it for now. We'll talk about this later, when you're in a better headspace."

I nodded silently, feeling the weight of his words settle over me like a comforting embrace. But before I could dwell on our conversation any longer, fate intervened in the form of a collision – I bumped into someone, sending my phone tumbling to the ground in a chorus of clatters and clangs.

Oh no, please don't break, I cannot afford to fix you right now.

Panic seized me as I scrambled to retrieve my phone, praying that it had survived my carelessness unscathed. Thankfully, it seemed to have survived the fall without any major damage.

I whispered to myself, frantically reaching for it.

"Sorry, sir, my mis-" I began, but I was cut off by Lara's voice.

"Hey, Trishaaa, come here, fast. Mr. Phillip is asking for your designs," she called out.

"Wait, I'm coming," I replied hastily, my heart racing as I hurried towards the classroom, leaving behind the chaos of unsaid apologies and fractured conversations in my wake.

DANIEL'S POV

As I leaned back in my leather chair, Mr. Kapoor's trembling form before me. But instead of sympathy, I couldn't help but feel a surge of power coursing through my veins. The man's fear was palpable, radiating off him like heat from a flame. And I reveled in it, relished it, like a predator savoring the scent of its prey.

"I think you didn't understand what I said, Mr. Kapoor," I growled, my voice low and dangerous. "I'll have to deal with this shit in my own way."

He stammered, sweat pouring down his face, his words faltering in the face of my dominance. It was almost too easy, watching him crumble under my gaze. But then again, when had anything ever been difficult for me?

"Sir, please..." he managed to choke out, but I silenced him with a dismissive wave of my hand.

I couldn't suppress the grin that crept across my face. "Here," I said, thrusting a tissue towards him. He hesitated, his hand shaking as he reached out to take it. I watched with amusement as he wiped the sweat from his brow, his movements frantic and desperate.

"Give it to me," I commanded, rising from my chair.

He looked up at me, confusion and fear warring in his eyes. "Oh, not the tissue," I clarified, my tone dripping with menace. "Give me that land. It's mine now, and I won't ask again."

"B-But sir–" he stammered, but I cut him off with a sharp glare.

"Don't be so dumb, Mr. Kapoor," I hissed, my patience wearing thin. "The land, and therefore the building, is mine now and I intend to take it. You have until tomorrow morning to hand it over, or you'll regret it. Choose what's good for you. Use that old brain of yours"

He nodded, his resolve crumbling in the face of my dominance. "Okay... sir," he mumbled, defeated.

I smirked triumphantly, knowing that I had won. "Tomorrow morning, 10 o'clock. My secretary will fetch a cheque for twenty million dollars."

With that, I turned on my heel and strode out of the room, leaving him trembling in my wake.

My associate Jason's laughter echoed in the hallway. "Man, he looked like he was about to piss himself!" he exclaimed.

"You are going in hell for laughing on that old man's misery" I chuckled darkly, relishing the fear I instilled in others.

It's a rush, isn't it? The power, the control. It's intoxicating.

Jason raised an eyebrow, his laughter echoing through the hallway.

"Hey man, I gotta run to college. I promised her that I will meet her today." he announced abruptly.

I rolled my eyes. "Why the hell are you dating a child, anyway?" I scoffed. "Does she even have a clue what she's doing?"

He laughed, unfazed by my jab. "It works, man. Besides, she's not a kid. She's 23."

I scoffed again. "And I suppose she's not after your money like the last one?"

"She's not a gold digger, alright? You need to find someone who'll change your perspective."

I waved off his comment, irritation simmering beneath my calm facade. "Chicks are fine in my bed," I retorted dismissively.

"But some..."

"Enough chatter," I interrupted sharply, cutting him off mid-sentence. "Let's get moving. I have more important matters to attend to."

Jason shrugged, falling into step beside me as we made our way to the car. "Whatever you say, man," he muttered, but I could sense the skepticism in his voice.

He may be my college buddy, but he still didn't quite grasp the depths of my ambition. And that was just fine by me.

After all, in a world ruled by fear and power, there was no room for weakness. And I intended to be the strongest of them all.

****

The car came to a smooth halt outside the college gates, and as the door swung open, my bodyguard stood at the ready. Stepping out, I felt the atmosphere shift around me. Silence fell like a heavy cloak, heads bowed in deference as I made my way through the campus.

Everywhere I walked, it was as if the very air trembled with respect. Students and faculty alike lowered their heads, acknowledging my presence with a silent reverence that spoke volumes. I couldn't help but revel in the power I held over them, the undeniable authority that radiated from every step I took.

I smirked at James as he was practically running "sir!"

"Yes, James," I replied smoothly,. "It has been too long, hasn't it? But fear not, I'm here now."

James let out a chuckle, his eyes darting around anxiously. "We're happy to see you," I chuckled softly, "Of course you are," I replied, my smirk widening.

James forced a smile, though it was clear he was struggling to maintain his composure. "Well, we've missed having you around," he said, I said casually. "I've been busy taking care of other matters."

James nodded, though it was clear he was eager to change the subject. "Yes, well, we've been doing our best to take care of things here," he said, his tone hopeful.

I raised an eyebrow, feigning interest. "Oh?" I asked, though I already knew what he was going to say. "And how's that been going for you?"

James smiled proudly, puffing out his chest as he launched into his explanation. "Well, as you know, we've been working hard to update the facilities, improve the curriculum, and ensure that the students have everything they need to succeed."

"Mr. James, you may go," Jason interjected, saving James's ass. Relief washed over James's face.

I and James were strolling along, talking about how to upgrade the infrastructure of the college, when suddenly someone collided with me. "What the–" I began, irritation creeping into my voice, but then I saw her.

Now, I'm not one to be easily swayed by every woman who crosses my path, but there was something about her that caught my attention.

I couldn't see her face at first, as she was bending down to retrieve her phone, but even from that angle, her curves had me mesmerized. They were like a work of art, perfectly sculpted to perfection.

"Sorry, my mi–" she started to apologize, but her words were drowned out by another voice calling her name.

"Hey, Trisha," came the interruption, and she straightened up, her face finally coming into view.And damn, what a view it was.

Everything else around me seemed to fade into a blur as my eyes locked onto her. "Holy fuck," I whispered under my breath, unable to tear my gaze away from her.

And there she was, the embodiment of beauty itself. My breath caught in my throat as I took in every detail of her face. Her eyes, dark brown and shining with innocence, held a power that drew me in. Her wavy brown hair cascaded down her shoulders like a soft halo, and her lips... oh, her lips held a promise of untold pleasures.

In that moment, I knew she was the one who could soothe the beast inside me, the one who could tame the wildness that lurked within.My eyes were filled with a hunger I couldn't deny, a lust that consumed me from within. Yes, "lust" was the perfect word to describe what I felt in that moment.

But before I could say another word, she turned and ran off in the direction of the voice that had called her name.

"Dan, she looked like-" Jason couldn't hide his stunned expression.

"I know" I smirked to myself, the thrill of the chase coursing through my veins. She was a challenge, one that I was more than willing to accept. With a predatory glint in my eye, I whispered her name like a promise.

"Trisha, huh?" I mused, already plotting my next move. "See you soon, signora."I added, my voice dripping with a dangerous edge as I watched her disappear into the crowd, already counting down the moments until our paths crossed again.

**