Chapter 16

Ever since Abhimanyu had made a surprise visit to the office, Roopa's mood oscillated between feeling glum one moment and extreme exhilaration in the other. What added to the ecstasy was that while she was waiting outside for him to finish speaking, he had emerged with a smirk, looking so glorious that she melted like a puddle at his feet. Then came the cherry on top. He spoke to her first! He actually spoke to her!

'Sorry to keep you from work.'

Those were his exact words and it astonished her because Yuvraj Abhimanyu never apologized to anyone let alone her. What she did not understand or did not deem to understand was that he had said so absentmindedly.

So why was she feeling glum?

The reason was after he left to go running on the tracks around the palace, he had not returned. She had walked so many times to the door to see if he had returned. And how did she know? The personal guard of the prince, Bhim – the hulk as she called him - was standing at the main door of the palace in rapt attention looking toward the lawns.

She sighed tapping her fingers listlessly on the keyboard of the computer staring at the picture of Abhimanyu on her phone. In the picture he was sitting on the iron bench in the garden, dressed in casuals, a day old stubble on his strong jaw, eyes closed leaning his head backward in a relaxed pose. She had found him as such while strolling in the garden herself, late one evening beyond her office hours, while wondering how her life had changed in the course of few months. She partly blamed it on her uncle. Partly - because if not for him she would not have met Abhimanyu; her prince.

The day in the garden was the luckiest day in her life. She had admired him from afar, talked to him, dreamed of sitting beside him stroking his dark hair, running her hands over the rough skin of his jaw and, kissing his glorious lips. She wanted to trap that time, that moment and she did too, by taking a picture.

Since then lot of things had happened that was mind boggling. Just last week when she came to the palace from the staff quarters, she came to know that the maharaj had suddenly taken ill. When she told Keshav ji that she wanted to see him, to inquire after his health, she was strictly warned first by the old man and then by the yuvraj himself. Then came doctors from all over Vilaspore, the best ones. She did not know what was happening and she did not want to either, if it did not concern the prince.

Roopa got up and went to check again. Dejected, she stood for some time at the door then returned to her seat. She decided to get some work done and turned to the computer, but before that she took a final glance at the picture then in one moment of defiance and obsession, she put his picture as the background of her phone.

'There! I have done it. If he wants to hang me for it, then so be it', she told herself. Then in the same defiant mood she kissed her screen long and hard.

**********************************

"Sir, we are at the gates," said Suraj's secretary gazing at the huge wrought iron structure.

"So? . . . Why have we stopped?" questioned Suraj shifting in the seat of his black BMW X7.

The driver honked the horn, but still the gates remained closed. Irritation showed on Suraj's face.

"Damn it! Will you go and check what the hell is the problem?" he shouted. The young man gulped nodding his head vigourously. He immediately got out of the car and hurried over to the gates. A security guard showed up at last.

"What took you so long? Open the gate," he shouted at the guard.

The security guard's face remained impassive. "I am sorry sir, you need to give the details of the visitor, the purpose of visit and the car number," he said in the same voice.

"What? Give the details? Do you know who has come?" the secretary shouted at the guard.

"I am sorry sir but that is the order of the Yuvraj." Seeing that the guard was beyond reason he turned in the direction of the car knowing full well what was in store. He hurried back to the car and related the same to Suraj.

At first Suraj did not respond, but after few minutes he nodded.

"Let things happen as they are . . . for now. Who knows what may happen in the near future. Give them whatever they want Shub."

The secretary Shub Malik was confused by his boss's words, but said nothing. He went back to the security guard and gave all the details that was necessary. If he thought that the guards would be awed with the occupant of the car, he was thoroughly mistaken. They never blinked an eye but after noting the details, opened the gates wide. The car raced past the guards leaving a not so stunned secretary behind. Shub sighed and started the half kilometer walk after the car.

Though Suraj behaved as if the small inconvenience at the gate did not matter, he clenched both his fists trying to control his inner rage. This was not the time or place to show his true feelings. He breathed in and out the whole way till they reached the portico. Then putting on his most enigmatic smile, he got out as the guard posted at the entrance pulled open the door for him.

Hearing the sound of the car,  Keshav Satara hurried over wondering who the guest was. When he saw Suraj standing by the steps, he froze.

"Kunvar sa." Those were the only words that left his lips.

*********************************

Abhimanyu did not glance at his watch even once. He did not know for how long he ran around the jogging track. The exercise paid off however, his mind was clear – crystal clear. He peeled off his sweat drenched hoodie placing it carelessly on his shoulder. Then he ran his fingers through his hair trying to dry the sweat off his hair and flicked his T shirt a number of times. The earlier call with Nandini suddenly popped into his head without warning making him glower. The commanding way of her tone irked him to no extent. If she was in front of him at that moment he would have . . . he would have kissed her silent!

'Woah! Back up, back up! Now where did that thought come from?,' he berated himself.

'Kissing your enemy is not the way to extract revenge Abhi. Even if that enemy is gorgeous, sexy and extremely desirab...' he exhaled deeply at the flow of his thoughts. "Cut it out will you," he said aloud to himself and plonked on the low wall by the fountain.

The remainder of their conversation caught his attention. If she thought that she would live in comfort at the Jaypore House then she was mistaken. He wanted to tell her that over the phone, but where is the fun in that?  he mused. It would be pleasurable to relay the news to her directly after they reach Mumbai; a place where she had no power.

The main agenda of the call was Vikram. It was part of the deal that he made with her and he would keep his side of the bargain. However, it was not important that she be passed on information regarding it. He knew very well how to keep stuff under wraps, he smirked in satisfaction. Other than his father's condition, he was actually looking forward to the days in Mumbai, where he can personally see to it that her days are miserable as possible. He wanted her to grovel at his feet, begging him for mercy.

While these thoughts took precedence, his personal guard came up to him with a missive.

"Sorry for disturbing you hukum," he said solemnly.

Abhimanyu looked up to see his loyal head of the security Bhim standing in front. The man was just as his name beefy and huge - a complete nightmare to those who dared cross his path. He controlled the security of the palace along with a team of highly trained men whose first and foremost duty was the protection of the palace and its inmates especially the king and the prince. He had first met Bhim few years back in Ladakh, where he used to go every year to recoup himself. The man was found battered and abandoned fighting for his life while he was trekking the nearby hill close to the monastery at Padum. How Bhim came there was still a mystery but Abhimanyu made sure that he received best medical attention. There was something about the man that endeared him to the prince. Once he recuperated, he had followed Abhimanyu for the rest of his journey. At first he was annoyed but when he realized that Bhim wasn't going to relent, he reluctantly agreed. The bloke stuck with him through thick and thin ever since.

"Yes?"

Bhim relayed the information awaiting further orders. Abhimanyu remained silent not sure of what to make of it.

"Do you want me to handle it hukum?" asked Bhim ready to take charge.

Abhimanyu almost agreed to the suggestion but caught his tongue right in time. That was not the protocol of Vilaspore. If his father knew, he would be disappointed in him.

"No," he sighed. "This is something that I need to take care of," with that he lifted himself off the wall and strode toward the palace.

**************************************

Keshav hovered near Suraj with a happy smile on his aged face. The uncertainty and dejection he felt in the morning because of the maharaj's condition almost vanished at the sight of the estranged royal. After a formal welcome, he ushered Suraj to the main hall making sure he was comfortably seated, he barked orders to the butler to bring in refreshments. Within some time two male servants arrived, one pushing a trolley laden with all sorts of snacks and the other carried a silver tray with a fine bone china tea pot filled with hot water, a plain white cup with a golden line running around the rim and several small bottles of tea leaves – Earl Grey, Ceylon, Darjeeling and what not.

The servant placed the tray on the coffee table and waited for further order.

"Kunvar sa, green tea or black tea?," Keshav asked reverentially.

"Green tea baba, I am on a strict diet," he replied.

Keshav nodded and eyed the servant to pour a cup of green tea. While the servant was busy with the preparation, Keshav took a platter of butter biscuits from the trolley and held it in front of Suraj.

"The famous butter biscuits of our palace kunvar sa," he said proudly. Suraj smiled and took one biting into the soft melt in the mouth biscuit. When Keshav forced him to take another he politely declined.

"I have told you baba, strict diet," he reminded.

Roopa had earlier heard some commotion coming from the entrance but was caught up with a volley of phone calls, all inquiring about why the maharaj was not to be seen nowadays. After answering mechanically to all the inquiries just as the prince had directed, she stretched her hands and decided to find out what the hubbub was about. At first she peeked a bit from the wall tentatively thinking at first that it was the bratty princess but when she saw the form of a man from behind and Keshav ji in attendance she relaxed.

Thinking him to be some dignitary, she smoothed her outfit, ran a hair through her tresses and confidently walked to the duo.

"Good morning sir," she said pleasantly. When Suraj turned in the direction of the female voice, Roopa looked as if she was going to faint.

"Good morning," Suraj replied sliding his eyes appreciatively over her lovely form. It escaped her notice as she was openly gawking at the man.

"S-Suraj Singh? The Suraj Singh," she fumbled as she squeezed her eyes shut thinking she was dreaming.

Suraj's lips twitched at her discomfort. It was the same reaction he received everywhere and he basked in it.

"Why yes and you are?" he asked. Roopa rushed forward with her hand extended in hopes of introducing herself, but was aptly stopped by Keshav Satara.

"Wait Roopa ji," he said in a serious tone. Roopa looked at the man in confusion.

"What is the problem?" she asked annoyed at the interruption.

Keshav did not answer her but instead turned to Suraj. "She is the manager of the palace kunvar sa."

Roopa's ears perked at the formal title with which Keshav addressed the actor.

Suraj's eyebrows rose a notch. 'That was something new,'  he mulled in his head. 'What a waste! A clear diversion from tradition," he scoffed. Before he could say anything, Abhimanyu walked in followed by Bhim.

Keshav immediately rushed to the yuvraj. "Kunvar sa gave us a surprise visit hukum," he said enthusiastically. Suraj rose from the sofa and turned. With a fake smile plastered on his face he walked toward Abhimanyu. The tension in the room was electrifying. Keshav was blithely unaware of it, bobbing up and down in excitement. Roopa however stepped back not wanting to get in the way of two intimidating men.

"Abhi, how are you?" Suraj spoke first pushing his hands into the pocket of his chinos.

"Suraj banna," Abhimanyu responded. "I am doing good. This is a surprise visit indeed, you are here for shooting purposes?" he asked formally.

"Hell no! Why Abhi," Suraj's face took on a mock hurt expression, "can't I visit home just for the sake of it? I have also come to meet uncle Chandra Raj. Keshav baba here seems to go silent every time I broach the subject," he said.

Abhimanyu smiled at the farce that had not escaped his eagle eye. "Sure, come up with me. I think it's better that we discuss these matters in privacy," he said showing a hand toward the stairs.

Suraj agreed and the two men climbed up the stairs in silence. Keshav retreated to the small dining room, while the servants cleared the trolley.

Roopa, who was a witness to the exchange between the men racked her brains wondering what the matter was about. She got curious and hurried after Keshav to the staff dining room. On reaching it she saw Keshav sitting and pouring a cup of his favourite ginger tea from the flask. She went and sat down in the chair opposite to him.

"Would you like some tea Roopa ji," he asked.

Though she hated the strong flavour of the tea, Roopa realized that it was the best way to start a conversation. "Yes please," she said and picked an empty tea cup and poured herself some of the hot brew.

After taking a sip of the strong tea, she cleared her throat. "Keshav ji, I am sorry but why did you call Suraj as kunvar sa?" she asked.

Keshav took another sip and placed the cup on the table. "He is a kunvar. Didn't you know?" he said without missing a beat.

Roopa sighed in frustration deciding to try again. "Does he belong to a royal family too?" she questioned. If he did then it was quite amazing.

"Of course." Keshav looked at her as if she had lost her mind. "You are working at the palace for so many months. Don't you know?"

"No! I don't," she almost yelled in frustration. "Which is why I am asking you?"

Keshav lifted the cup and took a sip from it pondering over her words. "Oh! That's right, you were not here when it happened," he spoke almost to himself.

"When what happened?. . . . Keshav ji? . . . . . Keshav ji?" she called out realizing that the man had zoned out.

"Yes, yes. Ah! Where do I start. Well kunvar sa is the son of late Kunvar Aditya Raj Singh. He is the nephew of our current Maharaj Chandra Raj Singh and a cousin to kumar sa."

Roopa's head started spinning. The actor Suraj was related to the royal family of Vilaspore! It was incredulous and quite confusing too! She knew that Abhimanyu had a uncle, but what she did not know was that the man was married and had a son too?

Keshav Satara poured himself another cup. Seeing the confusion on her face he started the tale of Vilaspore.

"Late Maharaj Mahendra Raj Singh had two sons, the elder was one was Aditya Raj Singh and the younger Chandra Raj Singh. In all families the younger sibling is the rebellious one but in this case Aditya Raj was quite a rebel. Before he could reach a marriageable age, his father arranged his marriage to the princess of Bikkaner in hopes on tying him down. Aditya Raj was livid because of that  as he was not ready to assume responsibilities of being married. He wanted to be free and travel the world. Mahendra Raj was insistent, he forced him to get married or to give up his claim to the throne. Aditya agreed with a heavy heart and got married just as his father wanted but, he could never bring himself to love the princess. Immediately afterward, he went away to London and remained there refusing to acknowledge his wife or to see his father. He only kept in touch with his younger brother as he was the only one who spoke in his benefit. Mahendra Raj passed away in few years pining for his elder son.

"That was when Aditya Raj  arrived from London. He was quite remorseful but that did not deter him from changing his habits. Just two months after the late kings death, the newly crowned Maharaj Aditya Raj continued his wayward ways. He still refused to acknowledge the princess of Bikkaner as his wife. The poor princess left him at last and went back to Bikkaner. Then one day he had a terrible accident. It was during the polo match, he was intoxicated and fell off his horse. It was quite horrible. He was in coma for so many months, then he came back to life.

"All through this time his brother was most supportive. He got a zeal to live and began correcting his errant ways. He even went to Bikkaner to bring back his wife but unfortunately the princess had married again and left for the States. All was well for some time but then he got married again to Pratima Devi. She was from a noble family the Thakurs of Girpur, but more than that she had made a name for herself and destroyed her family's name.

"She was an actress, a pretty good one too. The fame of her beauty spread far and wide. Men were attracted to her like flies to the honey pot. Alas! Aditya Raj was not immune to her charms and beauty too."

Keshav stopped his tale, draining the cup of tea and placing it with a thud. His face looked thunderous as he recalled the past. Roopa gently urged the man to go on.

"From the time she entered the palace, the whole system went for a toss. The way the earlier maharanis' of the palace had shouldered the responsibilities and issues were all ignored. There were parties every night with wild drinking and revelries. Her influence was to such an extent that even Aditya Raj who had left all his wild ways began to join her in merrymaking. When we all thought that the family and the palace was doomed, Chandra Raj married Rajkumari Padmini from Simur.

"The Gods were benevolent to us from then on. Even though she was the youngest daughter-in-law, she turned everything around. She conducted rituals and rites to cleanse the palace, forbid parties after dusk and conducted prayer and fast every alternate day. In short everyone was scared of her and respected her wholeheartedly. Even Aditya Raj did not say anything though his wife instigated him many times. Then Pratima Devi got pregnant and it was such a happy time for the whole palace – except for her husband. No one knows why but he was angry all the time, refusing to see his pregnant wife. Everyone at the palace thought that the maharani would stop all her activities from then, but we were sorely mistaken.

"After the child was born, Aditya Raj was filled with even more rage. He began staying outside the palace not returning for days together. After three years Rajkumari Padmini became pregnant and it coincided with the day Aditya Raj returned. He was genuinely happy for the couple. A year after kumar sa was born, Aditya Raj called the Mahasabha and decided to abdicate the throne in favour of his brother Chandra Raj. Pratima Devi was livid with his decision and she made her disapproval known loud and clear – for all palace to hear. Nothing budged Aditya Raj. He went ahead with his plans even though his brother and his wife tried to dissuade him. Even when the Mahasabha gave him an option to make Suraj as yuvraj fell on deaf ears.

"Aditya Raj was adamant that Chandra Raj should become the next maharaj and Abhimanyu to be the yuvraj."

Keshav finished his tale and looked at Roopa who was absorbing all this information.

"The day before the crowing ceremony, Pratima Devi left the palace with Kunvar Suraj. Even though our Maharani Padmini tried to stop them, she did not listen and accused of them trying to steal her position and her son's inheritance. A month later Kunvar Aditya Raj sent papers for divorce. At first she did not agree but finally she did," Keshav sighed.

"They don't see eye to eye do they," Roopa finally spoke.

Keshav understood whom she meant. "It was because of the court case."

"The court case?" she questioned.

"Which world are you living in Roopa ji? The case is famous in all India," he said disbelievingly.

Roopa looked a bit sheepish. She wasn't exactly the news reading type. "I – I must have missed it," she said trying to escape.

"Pft . . ." he snorted. "Kunvar sa filed a case saying that he was the rightful heir to the Vilaspore palace and that the current maharaj had influenced his late father to concede the throne and the property," he said.

"Oh! And what was the verdict?" she asked eagerly.

Keshav glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh! Look at the time will you, its going to be lunch time soon. Let me check if kunvar sa is going to stay for lunch," saying that he got up. Roopa did not push any further. It was pure luck that he was so generous with the details. She too got up and hurriedly went to the office room. Sitting in front of the system she googled 'Court case Vilaspore royals verdict' . There were so many links. She clicked on the top most one.

THE JAYPORE HIGH COURT FAVOURS THE CURRENT OWNERS

In a high voltage drama of sorts seen just on the television, the case for the property and assets worth at least thirty thousand crores of the Vilaspore princely state was ruled in favour of the current owner Maharaj Chandra Raj Singh. Justice Niketan Shah pointed out that though Indian democracy does not recognize the princely states, it cannot ignore the traditions and customs that have been passed on from centuries. He also stated that the crowning ceremony of Maharaj Chandra Raj Singh was done in view of all the community and nobility, with his elder brother actively in attendance and much before the divorce could take place. Hence, the court cannot deny that the late Aditya Raj was of sound mind when he transferred all deeds and titles to his younger brother.

The plaintiff Suraj Singh is the nephew of the current maharaj and a prominent actor in Bollywood. His mother Pratima Devi herself was a yesteryear actress and socialite and the ex-wife of the late Aditya Raj.

As Roopa finished reading the article her eyes became wide.

Thirty thousand crores! Thirty thousand crores! Yuvraj Abhimanyu was the heir to thirty thousand crores.

*****************************************************

A/N: Hello everyone thank you so much for all your support. I would like to thank deeply and from the bottom of my heart to the dear ones who wait for the update. I am writing just for you guys. Please do let me know how the story is progressing. How do you like the characters? Thank you all once again.