14. CONNECTION FELT

Hey Akshya Family 💗 so here is your part i was trying so hard to make it lengthy and interesting for you if i had post previous part lengthy then i think your fav part would have come till this time now sorry for that guys 😕

But dont be worried i am doing as you want this part is little bit lengthy so that you all can see your part for what you are waiting for so much time continue your good reading 👀💗

Trip begin !

The college campus was buzzing with excitement as students gathered near the bus, their luggage stacked beside them. The cool night air carried the sound of laughter and chatter, as everyone was eager for the adventure ahead. The buses stood in a row, their engines humming softly, while the teachers did a final headcount.

Arvika, Rushali, and Navya stood near the second bus, adjusting their backpacks. Rushali stretched her arms and grinned. "Finally! Rajasthan, here we are comingggg!"

Navya nudged Arvika. "Are you sure? Once the bus leaves, there’s no turning back."

Arvika rolled her eyes. "Why would I run away? I just hope this trip turns out normal."

As they climbed into the bus, the usual fight for seats began. The window seats and the last row were already taken. Arvika managed to find a seat near the middle, with Navya and Rushali sitting right behind her. Just as she got comfortable, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Hey, Arvika!"

She turned to see Kartik Ahlawat standing beside her seat, his usual charming grin in place. His jacket was slung casually over his shoulder, and he held a packet of chips in one hand.

"Kartik?" Arvika raised an eyebrow.

"The seat’s free, right?" Without waiting for a response, he sat down next to her, leaning back as if he owned the place. "Looks like this trip is going to be even more interesting."

Arvika sighed. "Was this the only seat left?"

Kartik smirked. "I could’ve taken the front seat, but then I thought, how could I leave you alone?"

Rushali and Navya exchanged amused glances behind them.

Rushali whispered, "First day, and Kartik has already made his move."

Navya chuckled. "Arvika’s patience is about to be tested."

Ignoring them, Arvika plugged in her earphones, hoping Kartik would take the hint. But he was persistent.

"You’re listening to music?" He leaned in slightly. "I can play you some real Rajasthani folk songs—authentic ones!"

Arvika pulled out one earphone. "No, thanks. I just want to relax."

Kartik chuckled. "Relax? That’ll only happen when I tell you some interesting facts about Rajasthan. Do you know why Jaipur is called the ‘Pink City’?"

Arvika sighed dramatically. "I’m going to Jaipur. I can learn that when I get there."

Kartik grinned. "So, you’re ready to listen? Great!"

She shook her head, realizing he wasn’t going to stop. The bus finally pulled out of the college gate, moving smoothly onto the highway. The city lights faded behind them, replaced by endless open roads. Some students had already pulled out snacks, others were playing music or clicking selfies.

As the night deepened, the bus grew quieter. Many students dozed off, lulled by the rhythmic movement of the bus. Arvika leaned against the window, watching the road ahead. Kartik, however, was still wide awake.

"Arvika," he said softly.

She turned, expecting another random fact or joke. But his voice was different—serious this time.

"Will you ever give me a chance?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.

Arvika sighed, her tone gentle but firm. "Kartik, I’ve never seen you that way. You’re a good friend, and that’s all."

Kartik exhaled, giving a small nod. "I knew you’d say that. But every time, I come with a little bit of hope."

She didn’t know how to respond to that, so she simply looked away.

The bus continued moving through the night, the highway stretching endlessly. By early morning, the sun began to rise, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. As they entered Rajasthan, the landscape changed—vast golden sand, old forts visible in the distance, and camels lazily walking along the roads.

Rushali was the first to wake up. She nudged Arvika excitedly. "Wake up! Look! We’ve reached Jaipur!"

Arvika stretched and rubbed her eyes, gazing outside at the grand city coming into view.

As the buses entered Jaipur, the students stirred awake, their excitement returning in full force. The golden hues of Rajasthan’s morning sun bathed the city in a warm glow. The pink-hued buildings, ancient forts, and bustling streets gave Jaipur an old-world charm that was impossible to ignore.

The bus made its first stop at a large roadside dhaba on the outskirts of the city. The students stretched their stiff limbs as they stepped down, the aroma of hot chai and fresh parathas filling the air.

Rushali yawned. "Finally! I was starving."

Navya rubbed her eyes. "Same. But first, let’s freshen up."

Kartik, still determined to stay close to Arvika, walked beside her. "What’s your order, Arvika? I’ll get it for you."

Arvika shook her head. "Thanks, but I can get it myself."

Kartik smirked. "Come on, at least let me be a gentleman this once."

Arvika sighed but let him get her tea, while she, Navya, and Rushali found a table. The dhaba was crowded with tourists and locals, making it a lively first stop in Jaipur.

After breakfast, the journey continued. The college had booked a  hotel for the students—. The moment they arrived, everyone was in awe of its regal architecture, intricate carvings, and royal ambiance.

The students were divided into rooms, four per room. Luckily, Arvika, Navya, and Rushali were together, along with another girl from their class.

Rushali threw her bag on the bed. "This place is insane! I feel like we’re in some royal palace!"

Navya twirled in the center of the room. "Imagine if we were princesses in some past life!"

Arvika chuckled, setting her bag aside. "Let’s not get too carried away. We’re here for a trip, not a history lesson."

As they settled in, the teachers announced that they had a few hours to rest before the first exploration tour.

After a short while  aarvika get ready this time she was wearing simple yellow colour anarkali suit set with dupatta with light golden work in borders . She has opened her hairs

It was almost evening and The first place they were going to explore was the Amber Fort, an architectural marvel that stood tall against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills. The massive fort, with its intricate carvings, mirrored halls, and majestic courtyards, instantly transported them back in time.

As the guide explained the history, Arvika found herself fascinated by the grandeur of it all. She walked along the Sheesh Mahal, her fingers lightly brushing the cool stone. The tiny mirrors embedded in the walls reflected the dim light, making the entire hall shimmer like stars.

Kartik, of course, was right beside her. "You know, they say if you light a single candle here at night, the whole room glows like a dream."

Arvika smirked. "That’s great. Maybe you should come back at night with a candle."

Kartik chuckled. "Only if you come with me. It would be a shame to waste the view alone."

Arvika shook her head, moving ahead. "Not happening."

Rushali, who had overheard, whispered to Navya, "Kartik is trying way too hard."

Navya giggled. "And failing spectacularly."

The group moved further, clicking pictures, posing near the grand doorways, and admiring the breathtaking view of Maota Lake from the fort.

Aarvika was seing around and she was lost in her thoughts It wasn’t familiarity, but it wasn’t unfamiliar either. The city felt like a song she had never heard yet somehow knew the lyrics to.

Rushali nudged her. "You look lost in thought. What’s up?"

Arvika blinked, realizing she had been staring at the streets passing by. "I don’t know… Jaipur feels different. Like… it’s calling me."

Navya raised an eyebrow. "Calling you? That’s deep."

Arvika shrugged, smiling slightly. "It’s just a feeling."

Kartik, who was sitting behind them, leaned forward. "Maybe you were a Rajasthani queen in your past life, and that’s why you feel connected."

Arvika rolled her eyes. "Or maybe I just appreciate history."

But deep down, she knew it was more than that. Jaipur was more than just another city on their trip—it was pulling her in, whispering something only she could hear

Second place they were going to visit was they visited the Hawa Mahal, the stunning palace with hundreds of small windows. As they stood outside, the warm evening breeze passed through the jharokhas, making it feel like the palace was breathing.

"Imagine living here centuries ago," Rushali said, fascinated. "Looking at the city from these tiny windows, watching life pass by."

Navya grinned. "And imagine having no privacy. Hundreds of windows mean hundreds of eyes watching you back."

Arvika smiled at their banter, but Kartik leaned against the railing beside her. "If you lived here back then, I bet you would’ve been a queen."

Arvika sighed. "Kartik, if you’re trying to impress me, you need to be more original."

Kartik grinned. "Noted. But I’m not giving up yet."

Arvika was touching the walls she was slowly enjoying the moment no one was there near her evryone moved ahead and she didn't realized it She was completely lost in the beauty of the place, admiring how history and time seemed frozen within these walls.

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That’s when she felt it.

A presence.

A subtle shift in the air, the kind that makes one aware they are not alone.

Her fingers stilled over her phone screen, and before she could turn

"—You shouldn’t be alone in places like this, Arvika."

A chill ran down her spine. The voice was deep, smooth, and carried a quiet authority. She turned sharply. Vardhan Roy stood a few feet behind her, his dark eyes watching her with unsettling calmness. For a moment, she didn’t react. Then, with a careful breath, she straightened.

"I didn’t know I needed permission to be alone." Her voice held an edge. " Why you are here ?"

Vardhan smirked slightly, stepping forward. " Non of your buisiness ! I know you will be there Some places hold too many secrets. "

Arvika narrowed her eyes. "Are you trying to scare me?"

He chuckled, tilting his head. "You? Scared?" He let his gaze drift toward the jharokha she was standing near. "I don’t think you scare easily, Arvika. But you do get… confused."

Her fingers curled around her phone, her pulse quickening.

"I don’t understand what you mean."

Vardhan’s gaze sharpened slightly. "That’s the problem, isn’t it? You don’t understand a lot of things. Like… who was really behind the messages that led you to Abhir’s house?"

Her breath hitched. Her body stiffened as her mind rewound to the past—to those anonymous messages, the mysterious warnings, the hints she never pieced together.

Her throat went dry. "What… are you saying?"

Vardhan took another slow step toward her. "I gave you a hint once. That you don’t know who sent you there. But tell me something, Arvika—haven’t you ever wondered why those messages came at the right time? Why they always knew things before you did?"

Her heart pounded. No. No, this wasn’t possible.

"It was… an unknown number," she said slowly, gripping onto whatever logic she could. "Someone who just—"

"—Knew exactly how to push you into that house?" Vardhan completed, his voice soft but sharp. "Tell me, Arvika, doesn’t that sound too well-planned to be a coincidence?"

Her lips parted, but no words came. The weight of realization settled in, pressing into her ribs like a vice.

Vardhan watched her reaction carefully. "I didn’t expect you to figure it out back then. But now… now I think you’re ready to know the truth."

Arvika’s fingers trembled slightly. "Why?" Her voice was barely a whisper. "Why would you do that? How you know everything about me and abhir ?"

Vardhan’s smirk returned, but his eyes held something unreadable. "Now that’s a question you should really be asking yourself. How do i know ?"

Her throat felt dry, but she forced herself to speak. "I asked you something, Vardhan. Why? Why would you do that?"

Vardhan exhaled, a quiet chuckle escaping him. He tilted his head slightly, as if considering his answer, his dark eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

"Why?" He repeated, stepping closer, forcing her to take a step back until her back was nearly against the cold sandstone wall. "Because I wanted to see how far you'd go when pushed in the right direction."

Arvika’s eyes widened slightly. "You were testing me?"

Vardhan's smirk deepened. "Testing you? No, Arvika. I was giving you an opportunity."

She frowned. "An opportunity? For what?"But she wasn’t done. Not yet.

"You’re talking in riddles again, Vardhan." Her voice was steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Enough of these games. What do you really want from me?"

Vardhan stopped in his tracks. Slowly, he turned back to face her, his dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

The smirk that had played on his lips was gone.

"You."

A single word. Heavy. Unapologetic.

Arvika stiffened.

He took a slow step forward. "I don’t care how long it takes. I don’t care what I have to do. But you, Arvika..." His voice dropped, dangerously soft. "You will be mine."

Her breath hitched, a cold wave of unease washing over her.

"You're insane," she muttered, taking a step back.

Vardhan chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. "Maybe."Vardhan’s smirk returned, but this time, it was different—possessive. "You think you have a choice?" He leaned in, voice barely above a whisper. "You don’t. Because no matter how much you deny it, no matter how much you fight it..."

He lifted his hand slowly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"You were always meant to be mine."

Arvika slapped his hand away, her eyes burning with fury. "I don’t belong to anyone, least of all you."

Vardhan exhaled, shaking his head like she had just said something amusing. "That’s what you think now." His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then he took a step back. "But you’ll see soon enough, Arvika. There’s no escape from me."

With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the corridors of Hawa Mahal, leaving behind only his words—dangerous, intoxicating, and laced with a promise that sent a chill down Arvika’s spine.

For the first time, she wasn’t just angry. She was afraid.

Now everyone was tired After hours of exploring, everyone returned to the hotel exhausted but happy. The teachers gave them a curfew and asked them to be up early for the next day’s sightseeing.

Back in their room, Rushali stretched out on the bed. "Today was amazing! Jaipur is magical."

Navya yawned. "And we’re just getting started."

Arvika sat by the window, looking out at the dimly lit city. Despite her usual reluctance about these trips, she had to admit—Jaipur had a charm she hadn’t expected.

Just as she was lost in thought, her phone buzzed. A message from Kartik.

Kartik: Not bad for a first day, right?

She shook her head, typing back.

Arvika: Don’t get too happy. The trip isn’t over yet.

Kartik’s reply came instantly.

Kartik: Good. That means I still have time to impress you. Well you look beautiful today "

Arvika smiled and  placed her phone aside. This trip was going to be anything but boring.

AT Rajput Haveli in night

The Rajput Royal Heritage Night was nothing short of a grand spectacle. Held at the Rajput Palace, the event was a blend of tradition and opulence. The sprawling lawns were decorated with shimmering golden lights, Rajasthani folk music echoed through the air, and the scent of roses and sandalwood filled the venue.

Dressed in their finest attire, Jaipur’s elite had gathered—royal families, business magnates, and dignitaries. The night was not just a celebration; it was a statement of power, legacy, and the unbroken pride of the Rajputana bloodline.

The center of attention, of course, was Naksh Singhania Rajput, who had returned after years in Canada. Everyone was eager to see him. The heir of the Singhania dynasty was known for his enigmatic personality, a man who spoke less but held an aura of command.

As the guests mingled, a hush fell over the hall when the doors opened. Naksh Singhania Rajput walked in, exuding effortless dominance. He was dressed in a a bright dark blue kurta with white work  a royal brooch pinned to his chest, and a matching stole draped over his shoulder.

His piercing gaze swept through the crowd, scanning the familiar and unfamiliar faces. For a moment, his grandfather, Shailesh Rajput, observed him from afar, pride glimmering in his old eyes.

Whispers floated in the air:

"He has the same presenceas his grandfather have ."

"No wonder he became so wonder ."

"He lefted  India again he came after so many years for what ? "

Naksha, however, was unaffected by the murmurs. His mind was preoccupied—not with the people, but with the responsibilities that came with this !

The grand courtyard was filled with Jaipur’s elite, dressed in their finest, the air heavy with the scent of sandalwood, roses, and power.

But in the midst of all this grandeur, Naksh  stood on the palace balcony, away from the crowd. A glass of whiskey rested in his hand, but he hadn’t touched it. His sharp gaze scanned the gathering below—watching, calculating.

That’s when a familiar voice cut through the night.

"You still like to stay alone or you are avoiding me ?"

Naksh didn’t turn immediately. He was recognizing the voice before even looking.

The air between them crackled with unspoken history.Naksh raised an eyebrow. "There should be any friendship for avoiding someone "

Veer chuckled, shaking his head. "Bhala ho tera, Naksh. Kitna bhi waqt beet jaye, teri baatein waise ki waise hi rehengi—tez, aur seedha dil pe lagne wali."

Naksh finally turned fully to face him. "V..veer ? Is it you ? "

"Ohh god ! You remembered me I thought you forgotten "

" you was taken by a family right  ?"

Veer leaned against the balcony railing, looking down at the grand party. "Ohh yah let me tell you story peoplewho adopted me was a good family naksh.. they loved and then like this my full name is veer rathore !"

Naksh was confused " So how you are here "

Veer " oh yah actually now i worked in As corporation in Delhi! So through them only ...kismat kheech layi ya .. koi or  "

Naksh didn’t miss the hidden meaning behind his words. His gaze hardened slightly. "Seedhe bolna sikha nahi ab tak?"

Veer’s smirk deepened. "Aur tu ab tak har sawaal ka jawab dena nahi sikha?"

For a few seconds, they simply stared at each other.

Naksh finally looked away, his expression unreadable after he heard about AS corporation he want to through him through balcony but naksh was good at hiding expression But his fingers curled around his glass just a little tighter.

Veer noticed. "Well I heard you never returned here so ? How this time "

Naksh " I have to come for dada sa you know that he wants me here that's why "

Naksh and veer both know that naksh has many reason that's why he came otherwise he will never come to this place.

Veer " well.. if you have return only so just be carefull for yourself .. "

Naksh " why ?"

" like this only i said like ... you never wants to come so .. just that's why "

however veer was once friend of naksh he can't say the truth about vardhan but he gave him a hint naksh expression were also changed after listening him he understood that on whom he had to trust or not but still this naksh was confused that about and for what he said him to be careful kaden had didn't tell any of the activity of Vardhan so what's going to be happen with him

Vardhan's side ..

Meanwhile, in the background, Veer Rathore stood, watching everything unfold. He was dressed sharply in a dark bandhgala, but unlike the royals and businessmen around him, he wasn’t there to celebrate. He was here to observe, report, and protect.

Working directly under Vardhan Roy, Veer was a man of calculated silence. He had built his reputation not just as a strategist but as someone who knew everyone’s secrets. His loyalty lay with the Roy family, but he had his own ways of handling things.

As he sipped his whiskey, his sharp eyes fell on Naksh veer voice came " Everything is going as you have  planned"

Vardhan smirked " ohkey do it tonight what I said.. I will handle next part he noded and gone

What's going to be next is shocking 🙌

All for today part tomorrow I will try to post next part as it will fulfill your wish too and your curiosity but ya something big is there

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