Friend Turned Employer?Payment Dispute and Data Ownership Issue — Unemployed Engineering Graduate Seeking Legal Advice

I'm an engineering graduate, currently unemployed. A few months ago, a friend working as a consultant asked for my help with his client applications, offering a fixed commission per application. I worked tirelessly on my personal laptop, often 18-20 hours a day, as earnings depended on the workload. Payments were made irregularly through random UPI transfers from his clients.

Later, he shifted to a fixed, much lower salary structure while expecting the same level of effort. I agreed to work limited hours and clarified I’d quit if pressured. After 10 days, he demanded overtime, which I refused, informing him I’d leave at the month’s end. Despite completing 4 applications, he initially paid only half the agreed salary, claiming it was "out of friendship." After a dispute, he eventually cleared the payment and released me from extra tasks.

Following our separation, I removed his access to my payment sheets and he requested access to the Sheets and deleted the sheet. Since the sheet was under my account and no longer relevant, I removed his access. He later accused me of wrongfully doing so, asserting I had no right to restrict him. He also began labeling me as his "employee," though no formal contract or employment agreement ever existed. In fact he approached me to help him.

I’m concerned about potential legal consequences or intimidation since he's wealthy and influential. I seek advice on whether I face any legal risks and how to protect myself moving forward.

Thanks.