Tara's POV.

The first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains of my small room. I opened my eyes slowly, stretching my arms. Today wasn't just any day-it was the day. My first day of college. My heart fluttered with excitement, but also with nervousness.

I quickly folded my blanket, as Ma always taught me, and went straight to the bathroom. The cold water splashed against my skin as I bathed, cleansing myself before prayer. I wrapped myself in a simple salwar kameez, light blue with white dupatta, and tied my long black hair into a neat braid.

Before anything else, I walked to our small mandir at the corner of the house. Lighting the diya, I folded my hands and closed my eyes.

"Om Namah Shivaya..."

I whispered the mantra softly, my heart pouring out in devotion. "Shiv ji, please bless me today. Help me to do well in my studies. And... please protect my family always."

After finishing the pooja, I touched the floor and then touched the feet of Lord Shiva's idol, just like Ma had taught me. A strange peace filled my heart.

I picked up my college bag, hugged it to my chest, and went downstairs.

---

"Good morning, Papa, Ma!" I chirped as I entered the dining room.

Papa lowered his newspaper, giving me one of his strict-but-soft smiles. "Hmm, meri beti. First day of college, haan? Remember, study hard. No wasting time."

"Ji, Papa," I nodded quickly.

Ma served hot parathas on my plate. "Eat well, beta. You'll need energy."

My brother Aarav, sitting lazily with his phone, smirked. "Bas, Tara. Don't go falling for some idiot boy on your first day."

"Bhai!" I pouted, my cheeks burning. "I'm not like that!"

Everyone laughed, and Ma lovingly touched my head. "Our Tara is not like others, she's a good girl. Don't tease her."

With that, I ate quickly, hugged Ma, waved to Papa, stuck my tongue out at Aarav, and left the house with a racing heartbeat. My college journey had begun.

---

The campus was buzzing with students, some rushing to class, some chatting in groups. I clutched my bag tightly, taking a deep breath. That's when a bubbly voice called out-

"Hey! You look new here. Freshman?"

I turned to see a girl with curly hair, bright eyes, and a smile that could light up a whole room.

"Y-yes," I stammered.

She linked her arm with mine immediately. "Perfect! I'm Ritika. You're my new friend from today onwards. No arguments."

I blinked in surprise, then smiled shyly. "Okay... I'm Tara."

"Great! Come on, Tara. Let's go conquer this boring place together!" Ritika laughed, dragging me along, and just like that, my first friendship began.



Author's POV - Russia

While Tara's world blossomed in innocence, thousands of miles away in Moscow, the atmosphere was completely different.

A long mahogany table stretched across the dark conference hall. Expensive cigars burned slowly, the smoke curling in the air. The most dangerous men in Europe sat around it-the heads of powerful mafia families. But no one dared speak first. Their eyes were fixed on the man at the head of the table.

Tyler Morozova.

The Devil himself.

He sat tall, his black suit hugging his broad frame, his piercing eyes scanning the room like a predator choosing which prey to tear apart first. His three brothers sat beside him.

Damien, calm and cold, flipped through the files in front of him. Adrian leaned back in his chair, cracking his knuckles impatiently. Ivan smirked, tapping his glass of whiskey as if bored of the silence.

Finally, one of the Italian dons cleared his throat nervously. "Mr. Morozova, we need to discuss the new trade route. The Italians demand a bigger cut-"

Adrian slammed his fist on the table, making the man flinch. "Demand? You dare demand from us?" His voice was like fire.

Damien's cold voice cut in, smooth and sharp. "Adrian. Calm." He looked at the Italian. "You get what we allow. Nothing more."

Ivan chuckled. "Besides, you should be thankful Tyler even lets you sit in this room."

The don swallowed hard, his face pale. "O-of course..."

Then Tyler spoke, his deep voice silencing the entire hall.

"This is not a negotiation. The Morozova family does not share. Remember your place."

His gaze was merciless, and the man lowered his head immediately. No one dared to argue further.

The meeting continued, filled with fear, deals, and threats. But in the end, only one truth mattered-

The Morozovas ruled. And Tyler was their Devil King.

---

Two different mornings.

One girl beginning her college journey with innocence.

One man ruling an empire of sin with ruthlessness.

Neither knew yet... that fate was already weaving their worlds together.

-------------------------------------------------------------- hope you guys like my story, and this is my first time writing a story, i know its short but i willl try to make next chapters long, and did you guys like our mafia tyler huh 😏😏😏