The Devil's Queen (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

Chapter-10: Shadows at Sunrise

Nikhil's POV 

Nikhil: (with a calm but dangerous voice) "Ah, good morning. I suppose you're wondering why I, Nikhil, the leader of the infamous 'Midnight Marauders' mafia gang, am up at the crack of dawn. Well, it's quite simple really, and it all started with a phone call that rudely interrupted my beauty sleep. One of my dear gang members had a brilliant idea to hold a clandestine meeting in the most absurd of places – 'The Literary Latte.' Oh, absolutely fantastic!

In their infinite wisdom, my esteemed gang members decided that a coffee shop, yes, a place renowned for its secrecy and covert ambiance, was the ideal setting for our clandestine gathering. I mean, why choose a hidden lair shrouded in shadows when you can sip cappuccinos and discuss the latest pastry trends, right?
And don't even get me started on the location! They had the world at their feet, countless mysterious hideouts at their disposal, and what did they opt for?  A ...blasted ...coffee ...shop!
It could have been anywhere, one of my meticulously chosen secret sanctuaries, but no, they went with the caffeinated, frothy, espresso-infested option!
Honestly, it's truly awe-inspiring. The audacity of selecting a coffee shop for a meeting of this magnitude SHOULD be celebrated, don't you think?
I'm positively overjoyed to swap the usual cloak-and-dagger atmosphere for the dulcet tones of baristas yelling out latte orders.
Oh, the joys of life!"

He paused; his annoyance evident in every word he spoke.

Nikhil: (sarcastically) "And what's worse is that they decided to schedule this meeting at 8 AM, 1/2 hour before I reach my office. Because, you know, I just adore starting my day with secret meetings in quaint little coffee shops. It's so invigorating. Apparently, my men were allured by the café's charm or some such nonsense. It's all absurd, if you ask me."

Nikhil sighed heavily, clearly disturbed by the entire situation.

Nikhil rose from his comfy bed, ready to tackle the day ahead. He took his morning routine seriously, just like his secret meetings. He walked into his modern bathroom, the cold marble floor giving him a little wake-up jolt. With a sense of style and ease, he began his grooming routine, making sure every detail was perfect.

As the Chilled water cascaded from the luxurious rainfall showerhead, he took his time, allowing the cold water to invigorate his senses. His favorite sandalwood-scented shower gel filled the air, wrapping him in a soothing cocoon of fragrance.

Emerging from the refreshing shower, he positioned himself in front of an expansive mirror that spanned from floor to ceiling. Here, he assessed his reflection with a meticulous eye.
 His jet-black hair, perpetually arranged to perfection, had been carefully combed. His strong jawline, sporting a clean shave, emphasized the sharp contours of his finely sculpted God- like facial features.
Nikhil's wardrobe was filled with tailored suits and designer accessories. Today, he chose a charcoal gray suit, custom-made to fit his lean frame. His shirt, a crisp white with subtle pinstripes, gave him an air of authority and power.

In his walk-in closet, he selected a sleek black tie and fastened it with precision. His choice of footwear was a pair of Italian leather shoes, polished to a mirror shine. Every detail mattered, even in the dim lighting of the early morning.

With a final glance at himself in the mirror, Nikhil couldn't help but smirk. He was ready to make an entrance at "The Literary Latte" that would undoubtedly turn heads, even in the world of clandestine meetings and the underworld.

After Nikhil had meticulously prepared himself for the day, he made his way downstairs to the grand dining room, where his family had already gathered. The dining table was an exquisite piece of craftsmanship, adorned with elegant China and crystalware, reflecting the opulence of the household.
Seated around the table were his mother - Meera, a graceful woman with an air of authority; His father- Arjun, a stern yet loving figure; His grandfather- Ravi, a wise old man whose eyes sparkled with years of experience; His grandmother - Sita, a warm and nurturing presence in their household.

Beside him were his cousins, Aryan and Riya, around his age, who shared both his bloodline and his sense of adventure. They were always up for any escapade he proposed. His niece- Diya, a bundle of youthful energy, added a touch of innocence and joy to the morning gathering.

On Nikhil's right-hand side sat his loyal confidant, a man of few words but unwavering loyalty. He was the one who had arranged the clandestine meeting at the Literary Latte. This, however, irritated Nikhil, as he had an important meeting scheduled with his clients at 8 am, and now he would have to reschedule it, which was quite a nuisance for him because Nikhil was known for his punctuality and strict adherence to his schedule.

During breakfast, the family engaged in lively conversations. Nikhil's mother, Meera, expressed her concern for his safety.

Meera: (worried) "Nikhil, dear, please promise me you'll be careful today. You know how unpredictable things can get."

Nikhil: (reassuring) "Don't worry, Mom. I've got everything under control. Besides, it's just a routine meeting."

His father, Arjun, a man of few words, nodded in agreement, showing his support for Nikhil's decisions.

Arjun: (stoic) "He's right, Meera. Nikhil knows what he's doing."

Nikhil's grandfather, Ravi, a man of wisdom gained from years of experience, chimed in.

Ravi: (wise) "Remember, Nikhil, in our line of work, you must always be vigilant and adaptable. Even routine meetings can hold surprises."

Nikhil acknowledged his grandfather's advice with a nod.

Nikhil: (respectful) "I'll keep that in mind, Dada."

His grandmother, Sita, added her own touch of warmth to the conversation.

Sita: (caring) "And please, eat well, Nikhil. You look too thin. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

Nikhil managed a smile, appreciating his grandmother's concern.

The cousins, Aryan and Riya, who were around the same age as Nikhil, couldn't resist poking fun at him.

Aryan: (grinning mischievously) "Nikhil bhaiya, are you sure you can handle this 'grown-up' meeting?" (nudging Riya to tease Nikhil more)

Riya: (teasing) "Yeah, last time, UNCLE Nikhil, you fell asleep during one of those meetings, remember?"       (A/N - They are only two years younger to him ... heehee)

Nikhil, a good sport, chuckled at their friendly taunts.

Nikhil: (with a playful grin) "Well, you see, that meeting was just exceptionally boring. I promise today's will be *sooo* much more exciting."

His niece, Diya, couldn't help but join in the fun.

Diya: (giggling) "Uncle Nikhil, are you going to wear that serious 'grown-up' face again?"

Nikhil: (smiling) "Only for a while, Diya. But don't worry, I'll be back to my adventurous self in no time."

As the family enjoyed their meal, Nikhil's newly recruited right-hand man, listened attentively, ready to carry out his orders and ensure everything went smoothly.

Their breakfast was a mix of family warmth, wise advice, and youthful energy. Nikhil enjoyed these moments with his family, even though they were short, before facing the day's meetings and challenges.

As Nikhil left home, he felt the mysterious atmosphere of the Midnight Marauders in the air. With each step, the feeling of curiosity and excitement grew stronger. He had a big reputation to maintain, a family legacy to uphold, and his loved ones to protect.
Little did he know that fate had an unexpected twist waiting for him at the Literary Latte, one that would change the course of his life forever.
What secrets lay hidden within the pages of this story? What intrigues awaited him as he stepped into the world of the Midnight Marauders? The answers lay in the chapters yet to unfold, and the shadows yet to be unveiled.
Stay tuned for the next thrilling installment, where darkness meets destiny, and power clashes with passion. The adventure has just begun.

To be continued...