Chapter 18

Nandini clutched the wedding picture of her parents tightly. Witnessing the princess looking intently at it, Sushma had earlier removed it from the album and presented it to her. The love between her parents was clearly visible that it was almost suffocating. She knew for certain that none of the emotions that were evident on the picture would be there for her big day. Of course she would be dressed in a red lehenga, she would have a traditional marriage following all ceremonies, it would be a lavish affair with royals, celebrities and politicians in attendance, every girl in the country would envy her and want to be her but one thing would be missing – the most crucial aspect of any relationship.

There would be no love, no trust - everything from that moment on would be mechanical.

Sushma pointed out to a group of people on the far right corner. "That is your maternal grandfather and other relatives. I am not too familiar with them but yes they exist."

"Why hasn't father kept in touch with them? Don't they want to be acquainted with us? I have asked him many times about my maternal family but he is just not interested, he avoids it like a plague," she asked peering intently at the motley of people in the picture.

Sushma lay a comforting hand on her shoulder thinking of a best way to answer it. "Maybe he has a good reason for it? The royals of Jamnagar were . . . no - are quite peculiar. Your mother was cossetted all her life unlike Padmini and myself who grew up with liberal ideals and loads of freedom. Mrinalini was aghast when she knew that her marriage was arranged but she was lucky that she fell in love. Her relatives however looked only at what they would gain by getting her married to the heir of Jaypore royal family. Her feelings or opinion did not matter. She ranted to us a lot about that, wanting to escape her caged life at Jamnagar."

Nandini nodded shifting her attention to Padmini. "Padmini maa was . . . short tempered?"

Sushma let out a laugh. "That picture speaks volumes doesn't it?" she said referring to the one in which she was glaring daggers. Nandini simply smiled in response. "Padmini was not someone that you would mess with. She was a perfect combination of tradition and modern – a staunch royalist. I still remember the first day we three met at college," Sushma's eyes took a distant look. "Padmini terrorized both Mrinalini and myself in the beginning that we did not know what had hit us. However, we became fast friends and inseparable." Sushma sighed as she regarded Nandini who was listening closely. "Mrinalini's death was something that we could not digest. She was not supposed to die so early."

"Did mother know about the . . . the . . ."

"The arrangement? Yes . . . it was done with the agreement from all four of them. Padmini and Mrinalini were too excited. They had begun planning for the event that was to take place in the future." Sushma caught Nandini by her shoulders, "I am so happy that you agreed to it dear. It was your late mother's and mother-in-law's wish." Then placing her hand on Nandini's head she said. "I am blessing you from their side too. May all your dreams and wishes come true and may you live a happy prosperous and fulfilled life."

Overcome with emotion Nandini embraced Sushma and she truly felt as if she was embracing her own mother.

"Not only do you barge into my house but you also lay claim over my mother??" Uday's voice floated over to them. They turned around to see him leaning on the wall near the door. "And you . . . mom, when have you hugged me so lovingly last time," he said in mock accusation.

Sushma rolled her eyes. "Be thankful that your father and I tolerate your antics. Do you know the danger you put Nandini in when you took her to Vilaspore without proper security? Good that you had the sense to accompany her but couldn't you have taken two guards with you?"

Uday scoffed on hearing that. "It was supposed to be secretive. If I had to take the guards I would have had to tell father, who would have immediately relayed the news to her father," he said pointing at Nandini. "Besides she was literally on her knees begging me not to tell anyone, what could I do?"

Nandini gasped at the blatant lie and turned to Sushma to explain that it wasn't true. Sushma however was quite perceptive of the truth. "Right! If it was anyone else I would have at least given the benefit of doubt to what you just said," she advanced toward her son and stood right in front of him. "Timidity is not a trait of a royal Uday. She hails from a lineage of fearless kings."

The banter between the mother and son continued for some more time. Digvijay Singh popped in between and seeing what was going on slowly backed up not wanting to get caught in the cross fire. Looking at the mother-son relationship she wondered how it would have been if her mother was alive? Would it have been the same with them? Would she have supported her when she said that she did not want to get married? Would she have sent her away to the U.S.? Guessing from what she heard about her mother, she was confident that if her mother would have been alive, she would not have to face such unpleasant situations that was currently happening in her life.

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Suraj quickly climbed down the steps from the first floor in a bid to get out of the palace as soon as possible. The slight hitch that he had faced earlier did not deter him. Abhimanyu had always bothered him probably right from the time he was conceived according to the stories his mother had told him. At first Suraj thought he was dealing with an amateur, who could be easily swatted off like a fly, but Abhimanyu turned out to be a gnat, a bothersome gnat that needed bug spray to get rid off. When he reached below he saw the old blabbermouth Keshav standing at the base of the stairs. 'Once I take over the palace, he would be the first one to get sacked,' Suraj promised himself. He did not harbor any animosity toward the old man, just that he did not want the palace to have any trace of the filthy past when he took over.

"Keshav baba I saw Chandra Raj uncle, I cannot believe what happened," he said in a bid to make him spill the facts.

Keshav looked down concentrating on his toes to avoid looking at Suraj's face. "Yes kunvar sa, it is unfortunate that maharaj ji had fallen down the stairs."

Suraj smirked applauding Abhimanyu's tactics. "Okay then baba I will leave now," he said in a sad voice put on to show the old man how much he was suffering.

"So soon kunvar sa? Please stay for lunch . . ."

"No baba, I am quite busy, maybe next time," Only next time I will be the one in charge here. "Err . . . where is that young lady who I met earlier?"

Keshav showed him to the office room and left immediately after. Suraj entered it and found Roopa deep in conversation over the phone in hushed tones. It was quite clear that it wasn't an official conversation. She wasn't aware of his presence and he didn't let it know either. A buzzing sound came from the desk and he looked down to see the light blink on the phone. He frowned wondering if he had made a mistake. He picked up the phone and pressed the button in the middle, the light came up again and he stared at the picture of Abhimanyu that was on the background.

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"How did Uttara happen?"

Nandini and Uday were in his mother's study. Sushma had left them both shortly after to arrange for lunch. She put her phone to charge and made a call from the landline to inform her father that she would not be joining him for lunch. Then she dismissed the auto driver paying a handsome amount for the trouble he had been put through. He was more than happy thanking her profusely for her generosity. Now sitting across from Uday on a comfortable rocking chair she waited for Uday to answer her questions.

Uday exhaled heavily knowing full well that she would not leave him till he had given her an appropriate reply.

"In Mumbai a year back," he said gingerly flexing his fingers.

"Would you care to elaborate," she leaned forward in anticipation. "I remember her faintly as a skinny quiet kid with glasses." Uday remained quiet for some time before he started,

"Uttara – well what can I say about her. She was rarely at Vilaspore and the reason for that was she grew up in Simur, in the palace of her grandparents. The time I properly saw her was five years ago as a fifteen year old in the Dussehra party. She was – she was looking out of place, shy and uncomfortable; or so I thought . I went up to her to give her company and I still remember the way she looked at me like I had gone nuts. For a fifteen year old she was a force of nature. She disapproved of her brother bringing in alcohol on the palace grounds, hated the behavior of some of the kids there and looked at me like I was a piece of shit when I asked her for a dance. If you think Abhimanyu is too much then wait till you meet Uttara.

"After that day, with all that happened, I did not see her again until last year. Father was invited to an art exhibition in Mumbai. He pulled me along even though I wasn't interested. The artists were all graduates of prestigious fine arts colleges from all around India. I was so bored and was wandering around the exhibition hall that was when I saw her again. She was standing with a group of girls discussing animatedly about a painting on the wall. I did not realize who she was in the beginning, but she recognized me. Let me tell you Nandini she is not the skinny quiet kid you once saw. She did not want to do anything with me at first but I was pretty persistent. I pursued her relentlessly day and night and finally she said yes but . . .

Uday ended the monologue.

Nandini waited for him to continue, when he didn't she urged him. "But what . . ."

He started fiddling with his mobile phone. "She will not upset her brother and wants me to make everything as before between Abhi and myself. She said that if we ever marry it will be with the blessing of her brother."

Nandini nodded in understanding. "I know the feeling." A beep came from her phone indicating that she had a message. She ignored it thinking to check later.

Uday looked at her quizzically. "How come you guys never met?"

Nandini considered the question for a while. "As you said she was hardly around Vilaspore and she is younger to me by two years right? We never moved in common circles even if she was present. In the brief encounter that we had there wasn't any occasion for a long chat. I personally think she did not like me and I have a feeling that she was jealous that Padmini maa was more concerned about me than her."

Uday seemed lost in thought and perplexed contemplating whether to say the next bit or not.

"There's something else?," she questioned feeling chills run up her spine.

Uday sighed. "She hates you!"

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When Roopa turned to her desk after finishing the call with her mother, she was flabbergasted. Standing in front of her was Suraj with an enigmatic smile on his handsome face. She stood up suddenly not knowing what to do. Her favourite movie star was standing in front of her and to add to that he was royalty. If her heart had not been set on Abhimanyu, the man in front of her would have made the cut.

"Sir! What can I do for you?" she asked bobbing up and down in excitement.

Suraj crossed his hands in front of him. "I just thought we did not have the chance of a proper introduction. I am Suraj Pratap Singh."

Roopa gushed when he said his name. "Sir, please! There is no need for introduction sir. You are quite famous all over. Who wouldn't know you!"

"That is so sweet of you Ms. Sharma. It is good that Abhi had some sense to recruit a capable young woman as yourself to manage the palace," he said appreciatively.

"Oh! Thank you sir, but it was not Yuvraj Abhimanyu who gave me the job but maharaj ji," she corrected.

"Ah! My uncle is very brilliant. Ahm . . .Say! were there any visitors to the palace these last few days?" he inquired casually.

Roopa's expression soured as she recalled Nandini's face. "Yes sir," she replied without any enthusiasm. "Princess Nandini from Jaypore came to the palace to meet maharaj but as she was unable to she met with the yuvraj. She spent over an hour with him," she said distastefully.

Suraj clenched his fist in a bid to control his budding anger. "Oh is it! Was she alone?"

"At first it seemed like it but then another young man came after some time. Someone called Uday?"

"Hmm . . . Do you know the purpose of her visit? Did she say anything?" he pried for more information.

"No sir. I-I did not know who she was at first," Roopa said recalling the incident. "She came dressed in servant's attire demanding to meet the maharaj but I think Abhimanyu sir was expecting her because he asked me to bring her to him with utmost respect."

"What was she doing in a servant's attire?" Suraj's eyebrows scrunched up trying to understand the scenario.

"I have no idea sir. After about an hour she came down and it was then from Keshav ji i came to know that she was a princess and that she was going to be engaged to Yuvraj Abhimanyu," she said a sad tint to her voice.

"WHAT???," Suraj roared making her flinch in surprise. He cleared his throat and forced a smile to his lips, "I am so sorry to make you jump, I am just surprised by what you said," he spoke with great difficulty.

Roopa did not reply but continued to look forlorn.  Suraj looked around to see if there was anyone outside. He then pulled out a card from his pocket and handed it to her. "Call me tonight at 7 sharp!" with that he turned to go. When he reached the door he stopped, "This call will change your life."

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She hates you!

The phrase ran over and over in her head.

Why should she hate me?

She asked herself if she should feel bad about something that someone whom she hardly met once or twice had said. Sushma, noticing that she was picking on her plate asked her whether the food was not to her liking. Nandini quickly replied in the negative but her mind was in turmoil. Uttara had a good reason to be angry with her but it was all a misunderstanding wasn't it? But why should she hate her! Does her brother know? And if he does then how will he convince her for the impending marriage. Or maybe just maybe Abhimanyu would call off the whole thing because of his sister. The thought strangely made her heart lurch.

In such situations Nandini preferred her haven where she could sit and mull and she longed to get back home. Uday on the other hand chided himself for saying what he shouldn't have. Many a time he caught her eye but she simply smiled and looked away giving the impression that she did not mind if her future sister-in-law hated her.

After lunch Nandini insisted on going back alone or calling for a car from the palace but Sushma and Digvijay Singh wouldn't hear of it. Seated in the same car in which she had travelled to Vilaspore, she stared out of the window trying her best to be pleasant. She even hummed a song for effect. Uday was not deceived.

"I am sorry sweetheart. I . . . I should have been more considerate."

Nandini remained quiet for a long time. "It is okay Uday, you need not feel bad. So where is she now?" she asked trying to stop Uday from pitying her.

Uday exhaled heavily. "I don't know. She was in Mumbai last month then she came to Vilaspore for a bit. She called me from there but after that she just disappeared." his face fell thinking about Uttara.

"Disappeared? What do you mean? Is that why you had visited Vilaspore few weeks back."

"Yes" Uday nodded in affirmation. Then quickly realizing how it might sound he corrected, "It's not like what you think. I think Abhimanyu might have something to do with it. He wasn't too happy when he came to know about us," he said wryly.

"Why would he have a problem with you guys?," Nandini was confused. Uday came from a very good family, they were or had been friends, he was perfect for Abhi's sister.

Uday shrugged, "Who knows what's going in his mind. I don't blame him though, if I was in his shoes I would have locked her up," he let out a short laugh though it did not reach his eyes.

"I think that's exactly what he did," she said.

Uday turned to her sideways, "What do you mean?" he asked with a frown.

Nandini closed her eyes for a moment, "Back at Vilaspore when Abhimanyu found out that you had accompanied me, he asked me to tell you that you will not find what you are looking for this side of eternity. I did not understand what it meant at that time, but now thinking about what you said I have a strong inkling that it means Uttara."

The pleasant demeanor on Uday's face disappeared and it was replaced by anger. If Abhimanyu thought he had the right to interfere in his life then he was mistaken. It was high time that he confronted Abhimanyu and the time was perfect for it.

After dropping Nandini at the palace Uday took out his phone and dialled a number. "Its me, I want to meet you."

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Roopa stood by the lone street light holding her bag closely to her body. She bit her lips wondering if she had made a rash decision in agreeing to meet Suraj at such a deserted place away from the main road and further away from the palace. Why had he wanted to meet her in the first place? The question kept revolving in her head. She knew from the write ups and gossips about Suraj that he was a womanizer and that he was known to be seen with gorgeous women every now and then. Was it for that reason he wanted to see her? A cold sweat formed on her brow and she hastily brushed it away. It was better if she leaves from the place and get back to the safety of the palace. As she started to walk a sleek black sedan stopped in front of her. The front passenger side door opened and Shub Malik stepped out.

"Ms. Roopa Sharma?" he asked politely.

Roopa was hesitant on whether she should reply to a stranger. Sensing her reluctance Shub lifted his hand in assurance.

"Ms. Sharma, I am here on orders of Suraj sir. He is waiting for you and has ordered me to bring you safely. Please don't be afraid," he spoke gently trying not to scare her. He then opened the back door of the car and held it for her.

"I-I am not sure if I should . . ."

"Ms. Sharma, Suraj sir does not like to be kept waiting. If you are thinking of not showing up that is not good either."

Roopa felt she was doomed and mentally slapped herself for venturing out like this. Finally against her better judgement, she got inside the car and Shub closed it behind her. Then he got inside in the front seat and told the driver to go.

"W-where are w-we g-going?" she stuttered as the car passed beyond the street and into the muddy fields. Shub did not answer but kept on looking straight ahead. Her heart started beating harder and her palms turned clammy with sweat. She wiped it on her skirt feeling grateful that she had worn a long one.

After few more minutes the car came to a stop. Shub got out immediately and opened the door for her. She climbed out of the car in fear and stood unsure of what to do next. While she was contemplating, Shub got inside the car and it drove off leaving her behind. Roopa was scared to death berating herself for making that call to Suraj. She ran to where the car had disappeared hoping to go back the same way but seeing the dense growth of tall grass she stepped back in fear. It was becoming darker by the minute, the only light was from the moon. She scanned the place hoping to find some sort of assistance. On one side tall grass of some sort grew and on the opposite side was a lake, reflecting the moon and giving an eerie look to the area. Far ahead in front of her were the hills.

What should i do? What should i do? , she thought frantically. Remembering that she had a phone she quickly searched her bag and retrieved her phone with shaky hands. On pressing the home button her phone sprang to life and she stared at the picture of Abhimanyu that was on the background of her phone. The more she looked into his eyes the faster her fear abated. She would call him to come pick her up she decided. Before she could dial his number a movement was heard from the tall grasses on her side. Roopa turned sharply toward the noise holding her phone to her heart. A figure slowly appeared.

"Good evening Ms. Sharma, I am so sorry for frightening you, but believe me when i say that you are thoroughly safe. This whole place is surrounded by my guards so you are in safe hands." Suraj stepped forward followed by two guards. One of them was holding two chairs in either hands while the other held a lantern. The guard placed the chairs opposite to each other and the other placed the lantern on the ground between the chairs. After arranging it they disappeared into the grass.

"Please take a seat." he said waiting for her to sit. Roopa walked slowly and sat on one of the chair. After she sat down Suraj took the other chair.

"Let me get straight to the point. What I am about to say will remain between us and I can assure you that you will benefit a lot from it. In fact you can be sure that your life is going to change drastically."

Roopa frowned at his words. "I don't understand sir."

"You need to do something for me and in return I will give you Abhimanyu."

Roopa's eyes went wide. He continued, "I know that you like Abhimanyu but he is spoken for. One thing you can be happy about is that he is not yet engaged. I can get him to consider you as his possible Maharani," he laid the bait waiting for her to take a bite.

"Why would you do that sir? I don't belong to your class," she said suspiciously.

"That is absolutely true and I personally would not even consider it but i would rather see my brother be happy and marry for love than get married to someone he does not love and suffer for life."

Hope in the form of a fire cracker burst in her chest swathing her body with happiness. "You will help me sir?" she asked unable to believe that someone would help her achieve Abhimanyu.

"Yes I will help you but you must do something for me in return," he said.

"Of course sir! What do you want me to do sir?" she asked gratefully.

Suraj smirked looking at the flickering fire inside the rustic lantern. "You are going to be my spy"