11. MYSTERY AGAIN

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I know every part is coming with suspense for you what can I do 🤧 i like it when you all have curiosity and its a best part for writer . Continue with your reading and I will ask you 😉 something

Here Kartik Ahlawat had always been the kind of guy who carried a smile no matter what. But ever since that night-his birthday party-something inside him had shifted.

He hadn't expected Arvika to say yes immediately, but he also hadn't expected her to run away like that. And what followed after? The punch. Vardhan Roy, the man who never reacted to anything, had hit him. For what? Because he proposed to Arvika? Kartik couldn't understand it, and honestly, he didn't want to.

After that , he stopped going to college. He couldn't face Arvika-not because he was ashamed, but because he wasn't ready to pretend everything was normal. He had confessed his feelings in front of everyone, and she told that she love someone else . That wasn't something he could forget easily.But how long could he hide?

On that night as he sat staring at his phone, debating whether to finally go back, his mother walked in.

"Kartik, how long are you going to sulk?" she asked, placing a plate of food in front of him.

"I'm not sulking," he muttered.

His mother rolled her eyes. "Then what do you call sitting in your room, staring at your phone, and avoiding college?"

Kartik sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just don't feel like going, Ma."

His mother sat beside him, her expression soft. "Is it because of that girl?"Kartik didn't answer.

His mother smiled knowingly. "Beta, life doesn't stop just because someone doesn't feel the same way about you. If you truly care about her, you should respect her decision and move on."

He scoffed. "It's not that easy."

"No, it's not," she agreed. "But hiding isn't the answer either."

Kartik knew she was right. He couldn't avoid Arvika forever. She had made her choice, and he had to accept it, no matter how much it stung.

On next morning Aarvika stepped into the college campus,with divya today she was wearing simple white kurti with blue jeans and cream colour chunni in her neck

her thoughts still lingering on the stormy night before. Her sleepless eyes scanned the students scattered around, some rushing to classes, others chatting in small groups. Just as she reached the corridor leading to her department, she noticed a crowd near the main notice board. The murmurs and excitement in the air felt unusual.

She was going to submit the application of yesterday she gone from college before the time then she seened that everyone was gathering near the notice boards everywhere she was going to check what is it then only navya and rushali called her name from behind and she turned they there were

"Trip to Rajasthan?" Rushali's voice reached her as she came running toward Aarvika, Navya following behind.

Aarvika frowned, stepping closer to read the details. It was an educational plus cultural trip organized by the university. The itinerary mentioned Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, with special access to certain royal heritage sites for an exclusive experience. The fees-₹6000-made her pause.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Navya grinned, nudging Aarvika.

"Why would I even think about this?" Aarvika sighed, already imagining her parents' reaction. "Forget the money; convincing them is impossible."

"Maybe not," Rushali smirked. "I overheard the committee members saying a few students will be chosen for a sponsorship program. Their trip fees will be covered."

Aarvika turned to her sharply. "On what basis?"

"They'll announce it in the seminar today," Rushali shrugged. "But if they're covering full expenses, why not at least try?"

Aarvika remained silent, her fingers unconsciously clutching the straps of her bag. The idea was tempting, but a part of her hesitated. She wasn't sure if she wanted to be part of this trip-or not.

|Don't worry for expenses- (shadow)

While then again message appeared Aarvika was still deep in thought, she should tell to her friends ? the air around them shifted. A noticeable buzz filled the corridor. Students were whispering, turning their heads toward the entrance.

Kartik Ahlawat had entered the college.

Aarvika didn't react immediately, but Navya and Rushali exchanged glances. It wasn't every day that a senior, especially someone like Kartik, made such an impression just by walking into the campus.

"He looks different," Rushali whispered, tilting her head slightly.

Aarvika finally looked up, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes met. Kartik looked composed, but there was something... distant in his gaze. He walked past them without a word, heading toward the administration office.

Navya sighed dramatically. "Poor guy. Proposes one day, gets rejected, and the next day walks in like nothing happened."

Aarvika ignored her and turned away. But before she could step into her class, she caught a few students whispering near the office window.

"Why is he meeting the director?" someone asked.

"I heard something about event sponsorships," another replied.

The word caught Aarvika's attention. She turned toward them but didn't ask anything. Instead, she stored the information in her mind, now more curious about what was happening.

Later that afternoon, the seminar hall was packed. Students filled the seats, eagerly waiting for the announcement about the Rajasthan trip. Aarvika sat with Rushali and Navya, still unsure whether she even wanted to go.

The event organizers took the stage, explaining the details of the trip and its significance. Soon, the topic of sponsorship came up.

"There are five fully sponsored seats for students who have shown exceptional participation in college activities, leadership, or academic performance," the coordinator announced. "The names will be revealed now."

Aarvika listened absentmindedly until-

"Aarvika Singh from BBA third year ."

Her head snapped up.

Rushali gasped. "You're in!"

Aarvika's brows furrowed. "But... I didn't even apply."

Her confusion deepened as the other names were announced. She barely paid attention to them, her focus stuck on one question-how she had been chosen easily? And why?As she stepped out of the seminar hall, her phone vibrated. It was again a anonymous message.

|see you in Jaipur Aarvika |

Her heart skipped a beat. No name. No clue. Just that one line. She looked around, but no one seemed to be watching her. Is this person only bearing all expenses for her but why ?Yet, an uneasy feeling crept up her spine. this can't be a coincidence? Or something else?

The news of sponsorship spread like wildfire across the college. By noon, almost everyone knew about it. Some congratulated her, some whispered in curiosity, and a few were wondering how she got so lucky. But Aarvika knew better. That someone is there who is keepin an eye on her, who was still hidden in the shadows.

And that thought unnerved her.

She was standing near the staircase, flipping through her phone, when Kartik Ahlawat walked up to her.

"You really have the best timing, don't you?" he remarked, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Aarvika glanced up. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

Kartik leaned against the railing. "Just saying Congrats for your sponsorship."

Aarvika :"Thanks ..I didn't do anything."

Kartik: "Right... well.. I want to say .. Before he could speak what he meant, a sudden shift in the atmosphere made both look toward the entrance. And that's when he saw him. The Arrival of Vardhan Roy Rajput , The entire hall fell silent. Every conversation stopped, and heads turned. Vardhan Roy had entered the college.Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his presence was undeniable.

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He wasn't just another visitor-he was someone important. Someone who demanded attention without saying a word. Aarvika was looking innocently towards Vardhan because she wasn't know him or his purpose for coming .

"What the hell is he doing here?" Kartik muttered beside her, his entire demeanor shifting into something tense and guarded.Vardhan didn't glance around. He walked with purpose. And that purpose led straight to her.

The crowd parted as he approached.

Aarvika stood her ground, refusing to show even a flicker of unease. Vardhan stopped in front of her. Everyone was looking now towards them and aarvika was hesitanting

His eyes, sharp and unreadable, scanned her face. And then, he smirked.

"Miss Red Chilly!" His voice was smooth, almost amused. "We finally meet again."

Aarvika folded her arms. "I didn't know you were desperate to meet me Mr Roy ! I thought you came here for kartik ! "

"did I ? " Vardhan replied, tilting his head slightly. " But not for kartik ."

"Then ?" she asked, forcing herself to sound casual.

Vardhan chuckled, stepping just a little closer. "Do I really need a reason?"

Kartik shifted beside her, his posture tense. "Vardhan, what do you want?"

Vardhan barely spared him a glance. "Relax, Ahlawat. I'm just talking."he taunted " it seems like your face has been healed "

His attention returned to Aarvika. " you will be here for some work right? Then go i have to take classes ."

Vardhan : "Not really." She met his gaze. "But it looks like i am here for you ! " Vardhan's smirk deepened. A chill ran down her spine.

"Well," she said, masking her unease, "if you're done wasting my time-"

"I never waste time, Aarvika." Vardhan interrupted, his voice dropping slightly. "

Vardhan smirked, his sharp gaze lingering on Aarvika. "You know, Aarvika, if you keep looking this stunning, I might just have to extend my stay in Kanpur."

Aarvika raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Oh, really? Then I should start dressing worse. "

Kartik and a few students nearby snickered, but Vardhan chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Now, now, don't be so cruel. I was just appreciating beauty where it's due." Aarvika rolled her eyes .

Vardhan ran a hand through his hair, flashing his signature smirk. "Every girl is fan of my look i look handsome what you think about it ? "

Aarvika didn't even blink before replying, "jitna aap soch rahe hai usse thoda kam "

Vardhan, unfazed, leaned in slightly. "Matlab phir bhi acha lag raha hoon?"

Aarvika crossed her arms, smirking. "Haan jaise free ka wifi-dikhne me acha lagta hai par kaam kam hi karta hai "

The crowd howled with laughter. Even Kartik was just watching all this and getting more mad at Vardhan now

Vardhan placed a dramatic hand on his heart. "Ouch. Your words are hitting like 4G speed-sharp and straight to the point in my heart ."

Aarvika smirked, flipping her hair. "Aapko hurt kam, aur aadat zyada dalni chahiye." She was again trying to escape

Vardhan again stopped her way :" tell na ? Kaisa lag raha hu Mai " he was setting his hair in style and expecting that aarvika will give answer what he thinks but rather she said

Aarvika: " Mavali! Mavali lag rahe ho happy ? " she said and mumering to herself " Apne mu miya mithu banna huh!"

Vardhan shocked " WHATT!! .. seriously?" No one has insulted like her ever to Vardhan he was going more closer to her then only

Kartik stepped in, his tone sharp. "Whatever you want, say it from a distance. She doesn't need to talk to you. Can't you see ? "

Vardhan let out a soft chuckle, his eyes flickering toward Kartik for a second before returning to Arvika. "I came here for something interesting... but I think I found something even better."

Arvika narrowed her eyes. "I don't have time for these types of man Mr Roy !" And she was just going from there

Vardhan's smirk deepened. And said to stop her "Oh, But you have time for your Cheater Boyfriend opsss!!! Your Ex - I know ! "

Her stomach twisted at his words. Vardhan took a step closer, lowering his voice just enough for her to hear.

Everything stopped.Arvika's breath hitched. She felt like the ground beneath her had cracked open.

Kartik stiffened beside her, his confusion evident.

"What? How you know about it " Arvika's voice was barely above a whisper. Vardhan watched her, waiting, as if enjoying the moment.

" find me when you're ready to hear the truth." Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving behind an earthquake Arvika wasn't prepared for worse-a hint. Again a message poped in her phone.

|"A trip can change your life, but this one will change everything you thought you knew. - Pack your bags, Arvika... the journey awaits."

Seing this now again aarvika was afraid that who is he who was sending her a message why vardhan said like that ?

After that The whispers followed. Aarvika exhaled, her heart pounding. Something wasn't right.And deep down, she knew-this trip wasn't just a trip anymore.

(What you think guys ? Who is sending the messages to aarvika it's Vardhan or naksh or someone else ? Who is in shadow ) comment for it !

Vardhan's side ..

Vardhan Roy sat in his private study, the dim golden light casting sharp shadows on his face. A cigar rested between his fingers, its smoke curling toward the ceiling like a silent omen. He had been waiting for this moment. And finally, it had come.

His phone buzzed. Aviraaj Singhania. His father.

A smirk played on Vardhan's lips before he answered. "To what do I owe this honor, father?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Aviraaj's voice, however, was firm, carrying the authority of a man who rarely explained himself. "Rajput Royal Heritage Night is happening. Dad wants Naksh there."

For a moment, Vardhan said nothing. A slow, dangerous smile formed on his lips. Naksh? Coming back to Jaipur? So the old man was finally handing it all to him.

"He's really calling Naksh back?" Vardhan repeated, his grip tightening on his cigar. "You mean to tell me, after all these years, after all the sacrifices, it's Naksh who gets everything?"

"It's not a discussion," Aviraaj replied coldly. "It's happening. And we will be there."

A silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Vardhan leaned forward, voice now sharper. "Not you. But Naksh?. The one who doesn't even belong to this throne. And you-" He exhaled, his frustration barely masked. "You're fine with this?"

Aviraaj's tone was unreadable. "I have my reasons."

Vardhan chuckled darkly. Reasons? His father had always been a man of control, but there was something deeper in his voice this time. Something calculated. What was Aviraaj hiding?

But that could wait. Naksh was returning, and that was enough reason for Vardhan to make his next move.

Vardhan knew something others didn't. His grandfather, didn't know about Aviraaj's second marriage, about the son he had hidden away like a mistake-Vardhan himself. No one in the Singhania family knew the truth. they believed Aviraaj had only one son-Naksh. And that secret, if played correctly, could be Vardhan's greatest weapon.

As soon as the call ended, Vardhan's smirk turned cold. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The call was answered on the first ring.

"I have a job for you," Vardhan murmured, his voice laced with quiet danger. "The prodigal prince is coming home. Make sure he never reaches the throne."

A low chuckle echoed from the other end. "Consider it done."

Vardhan leaned back in his chair, eyes glinting in the dim light.Meanwhile, Aviraaj is still in the dark. He believes Naksh has nothing and doesn't take him seriously. It's only after Dada Sa officially supports Naksh that Aviraaj realizes he has been blind.

But by then, Vardhan is already ten steps ahead, playing a dangerous game where Naksh doesn't even know he has become the target.

After refusing Kaden's insistence to return to Jaipur, Naksh spent the next few days drowning himself in work, deals, and distractions. But no matter how much he tried to distance himself, Jaipur found ways to crawl back into his mind.

He was in a meeting when his phone vibrated on the table. Another call from Ramu Kaka. He ignored it. But then, Kaden entered the room, his face unusually tense.

"Naksh, you need to hear this," Kaden said, tossing a file onto the table in front of him. Naksh raised an eyebrow, flipping it open lazily-until his eyes caught a particular detail.

" The Rajput Royal Heritage Night "

"Why is this on my desk?" Naksh's voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it.

"Because," Kaden said, stepping closer, "Your Dada Sa has personally announced it. It's happening and he didn't have much so it his last wish to see you and something more ..."

Naksh's fingers tightened around the edge of the paper. If there was a gathering of the Rajput family , it meant only one thing-power was being shifted.

"WHAT THE HELL !! So, what?" Naksh leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips.

Kaden studied him. "You don't care ? I think you should go ..?

Naksh let out a dark chuckle. "I don't need your thinking and your opinion. I'll return when they least expect it-and when I do, they won't be ready."

Kaden shook his head. "And if it's too late by then?"

Naksh's smirk deepened. His voice dropped to a cold whisper.

"Some people can try to erase me. But when I return... I'll remind them who the real king is." kaden know whathe mean it

As Kaden left the room, Naksh stared at the file in front of him. His fingers traced the Singhania crest printed on the page. Jaipur was calling him back.

(Jaipur was about to welcome its lost prince. But when kings return, wars begin.....)

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