Chapter 22

Virendra Singh dialed his friend's number for the umpteenth time and as usual it rang for some time before going into voice mail. This was unusual of Chandra Raj as he picked up sooner or later. If he was busy and couldn't attend he made sure that he returned the call as soon as possible. The most puzzling factor was that Chandra Raj had never missed a Mahasabha meeting ever since he was crowned the Maharaj of Vilaspore. But now, he had missed two meetings consecutively and the other royals of the Rajputana were wondering about the same. The Maharawal of Udavpore who was also the president of the Mahasabha had inquired Virendra Singh of the same. What could he say when he himself was unaware of what was happening? The king pursed his lips and interlinked his fingers, placing them on the mahogany table in front of him. He wanted to make the trip to Vilaspore and checked his watch to see if he had the time to do it. It was late in the morning and if he started now it would take a good six hours to and fro. Moreover Nandini was travelling to Mumbai the next day, so going to Vilaspore was out of the question.

Virendra Singh picked up his mobile again and dialed the number hoping that Chandra Raj would answer at least this time. If this call too went unanswered then he would tell Nandini to postpone her journey by a day, he decided.

"Khamma Ghani maharaj," Abhimanyu's voice came from the other end.

"Abhi is it you?" Virendra Singh asked knowing full well that it was the prince.

"Yes uncle it is I. I hope you are keeping well?"

"Yes, yes I am quite well thank you." He paused for a second intrigued as to why Abhimanyu answered his father's call. "I have been trying to reach Chandra Raj for quite some time. Where is he?" he questioned.

"I am sorry you had to call so many times. I usually keep the phone with me but today there was some . . . unforeseen incidents."

"Why do you need to keep Chandra Raj's phone Abhi?" Virendra Singh questioned. There was total silence on the other end. "Abhimanyu? What is wrong with Chandra Raj?"

"Father has taken ill. He is not in a state to answer any calls, so I . . ."

"What are you saying Abhi? How . . .I just spoke to him last week! He was alright then. What is wrong with him? What is the nature of the illness?" the king bombarded him with questions.

Abhimanyu spoke with utmost patience. "It is nothing to be worried of. He is under treatment and the doctor has advised complete rest."

The answer did not seem to satisfy Virendra Singh. He knew his friend quite well and the man did not let illness of any sort deter him. It must be something worse.

"Hmm . . . I want to visit him but Nandini is leaving for Mumbai tomorrow so I need to be here with her. Or I can ask her to postpone her journey . . ."

"That's not needed. She can continue with her plans, I don't want to 'cause any interruptions. Father is doing quite okay now, so please don't trouble yourself."

There was silence again while the older man expected more explanation the younger one wanted the call to end soon.

When Virendra Singh realized that he would not get any more information he gave in. "By the way you need to call the Mahasabha and let them know about your father's condition. Do you need the Maharawal's number?"

"No I have his number. I will do the needful."

After he hung up Virendra Singh ruminated on the curtness of the call. This was not the Abhimanyu he knew as a kid or as a young man. He was aware of the cold war happening between the young men since five years. The friends who were once as thick as thieves now avoided each other. Vikram especially hated any mention of Abhimanyu and he also knew that Uday supported his son. What was the reason for it he did not know. He had tried to pry it out from his son many a times but Vikram just brushed it aside. Then there was also the time when Vikram went ballistic when he came to know about the arrangement. If things are going to advance in this manner then what will the future hold for his son and especially his daughter. In the near future Vikram and Abhimanyu will be related and one day they would become the maharaj and have to face each other in the Mahasabha. As he proceeded to get up from the chair, there was a knock on the door. Veer Singh entered a second later.

"Your Highness," he bowed. "You have a visitor my lord."

Virendra Singh looked at Veer Singh in confusion. "Was that on my schedule for today?"

"No sire, this is an impromptu visit. I tried to dissuade the person but . . . I have my limitations. Although if you will permit I can send him away," he offered.

"Is he someone I know?"

"Yes sire, but I have been asked not to tell you anything. I don't agree to the method but . . ."

Virendra Singh was thoroughly puzzled. "Okay, see him to the small study. I will be there soon."

Veer Singh bowed and left. The king however was lost in thoughts as he gathered the papers lying on top of the table in a bid to clear it and his mind. He would not let his daughter's life be spoiled if Abhimanyu continues to be like this.

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Roopa huffed as she printed yet another paper full of boring figures and accounts that had come by mail on the official id of the palace. She glanced at it casually then kept it in a folder full of similar papers. This was the usual routine for her since a couple of days. She sighed waiting for the prints to get over fast so that she could take it to Abhimanyu. She tapped her fingers on the keyboard distractedly recalling the happenings. She had duly relayed the incident word for word to Suraj just as he had asked her to. He hadn't said much but it was clear from his gruff tone that he did not like the news. Though she wasn't sure completely but she had a faint idea that Suraj liked Nandini. The man's behaviour had given her that impression. She let out a sigh thinking what was so special about Nandini that men swooned at her feet. Of course she was beautiful she agreed grudgingly but even she was pretty. The only plausible difference was that they belonged to different backgrounds.

She mentally ticked off the things she knew so far: Abhimanyu liked her once but hated her now, Uday liked her and if she was right even Suraj had feelings for her. 'She must have been an enchantress in her previous life,' she muttered to herself.

The final paper came out of the printer making her sigh in relief. She gathered the papers and adjusted it according to the date. Her black book was ready with the information or to take notes. She looked around the table for her pen and found it hiding near the printer. Getting out of her chair she smoothed her dress. She had spent over an hour deciding on what to wear. Finally fixing on a peach coloured salwar that was gifted by her uncle for last Diwali, she accessorized with silver bangles and anklets. Were the anklets too much? No nothing was too much when it came her to prince.

Taking in a deep breath she gave one final look in the small mirror she possessed. Not too much make up, not too little either - just perfect. Clutching the folder close to her body she walked out of the office. On the way she met Keshav Satara and he looked at her in amazement from head to toe.

"Roopa ji you look very pretty today," he said appreciatively. Roopa smiled in reply. It was not the old man who needed to tell her that. As she proceeded to climb up the stairs, she stopped midway.

"Keshav ji, I saw you talk to someone in the morning and he looked familiar, who was he?" she inquired indifferently.

Keshav fumbled for a second. "I – I don't know what you are talking about. No one came in the morning."

When Roopa gave him a knowing look, he looked away speaking too quickly. "Oh! This morning you mean, some visitor for kumar sa." He then made a show of searching for someone. "I need to talk to the butler. Have a good day Roopa ji."

"But . . . listen Keshav ji . . ." called out Roopa after the old man who was hurrying away as quickly as his feet could carry.

Roopa laughed shaking her head in amusement. "I know everything dear old man," she spoke out aloud. She turned back toward the stairs and climbed them slowly. She was nervous as hell but if she had to make a place in Abhimanyu's heart she needed to be more assertive. She quickened her steps to the first floor.

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"So what news in the movie industry. I heard its going through a slump?"

Virendra Singh was seated with Suraj in the small study of the Jaypore Palace. When Veer Singh had told him there was an unexpected visitor he did not envisage that the person would turn out to be the son of Aditya Raj. He was pleasantly pleased. It was also a welcome distraction from the thoughts that were plaguing him. It had been many months since he had seen Suraj. The last being a felicitation function that  both attended.

Suraj threw back his head and laughed. "Where did you hear that hukum?" he asked after his laughter died down. "There is no problem with Bollywood. It is flourishing as ever, at least for me."

"I know that much, the newspapers and media is full of your photographs. You are a sensation in all of India Suraj. I am happy for you and I am sure your father would have been too," he spoke warmly.

"You are too kind hukum," replied Suraj with a hand on heart. "Though there are many enemies around who would like to see my career kiss the dust. But, fighting is in my blood hukum, I don't give up easily be it in career or in life."

Virendra Singh nodded his head in approval. "That is so true Suraj. This is the attitude that youngsters nowadays need to adapt. Today's generation needs to understand that everything comes with a price and that hard work is the only key to success."

Suraj smiled charmingly running his fingers through his hair. "Today is too hot isn't it hukum?"

"Hmm . . . climate change . . . is a big problem indeed. Here in Jaypore itself many new buildings have come up past few years. I fear that our deserts will vanish one day if things go on like this."

"Why can't you take it up with the authorities hukum?"

"We are doing all we can through the Mahasabha. Lets see what we can do."

They spoke more on general topics. The more he spoke the more he managed to charm Virendra Singh.

In the garden, Nandini closed her book and kept it aside. Although at first she had sat soaking in the sun after some time it had gotten hotter and she shifted her seat under a canopy. The air was filled with the smell of freshly cut grass.

"Rajkumari sa," Nandini opened her eyes to see her maid in front of her.

"What is it Kamal?"

"Rajkumari sa, you are wanted in the small study by his highness."

"Okay, I am coming." The maid bowed and left. Nandini got up holding her book in one hand. Then she stopped. 'Small study,'  it meant that he had a guest. Who might it be?  Her heart skipped a beat as a thought occurred. Was it someone from Vilaspore?  Her steps quickened unknowingly as she scrambled to get inside. When she reached the small study, her steps slowed and she stood outside trying to get her breath back to normal. The sounds of laughter and animated talk drifted toward her. Her heart sank. It was not whom she envisioned it to be,

She entered demurely. "Father you called?"

"Nandini come in dear. We have a guest."

Nandini turned to the person sitting opposite to her father with a smile on her face. She had seen the face somewhere but where?

"Hello Princess Nandini," said Suraj getting up from the chair.

Nandini nodded in reply. Though she was meeting him for the first time, his face and voice felt so familiar.

Meanwhile Virendra Singh got a call and he excused himself to answer it. Nandini sat on an empty chair near to him and he followed suite. Unconsciously she arranged the chair in such a way as if she was trying to get away from him.

"I am so sorry, I don't think I know you. If you don't mind can you tell me your name?"

"My apologies princess, my name is Suraj Singh."

Nandini nodded again. "I-I feel like I have seen you somewhere, but . . ."

"I am an actor. You might have seen me in movies?"

"Oh is it? That's good . . ." Suddenly she remembered where she had seen him. "I remember now . . ."

Suraj knit his brow. "Excuse me?"

Nandini jumped in enthusiasm. "I know where i saw you. Kajri . . ."

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Back at Vilaspore Palace Roopa was standing in front of Abhimanyu who was inspecting the folder full of papers. In between he was barking orders at her which she was duly noting in her black notebook. The cling-clang of her bangles was heard with every movement of her hand. Abhimanyu lifted his head to glance at her hand occasionally. He was reminded of another who loved to adorn her hands with bangles. He clenched his teeth tighter with every sound willing himself to turn his attention to the matter at hand. After some time he dropped the folder with a thud on the desk which made her jump a bit.

"What's the occasion?"

Roopa looked at him feigning  a puzzled look. "I am sorry sir?"

Abhimanyu pointed a finger at her attire. "What's with the deck up?"

"I-Nothing sir. I just felt like . . ."

"You felt like being unprofessional?"

It was as though someone had given her a solid punch. "I-its n-not that sir. I-I . . ."

"Can't you speak without stuttering? What the hell is wrong with you?"

Roopa gasped and took a step back. Retreat. Retreat. Retreat. her brain warned. It was as though her feet were made of stone. She was upset and angry. Enough was enough. No matter what she felt for him, this was no way to treat a woman. She steeled herself.

"There is nothing wrong with me sir. I am perfectly fine and I have been doing my job ever since I stepped into this palace." Abhimanyu tilted his head in boredom and looked amused at her outburst but she continued. "I know I don't belong in your class, or don't have your status but I have my self-respect. Maharaj ji was so good toward me. But you as his son . . ." her breath hitched as a tear escaped her eye. She hastily brushed it away. "I quit sir. I am leaving."

She opened the door wanting to get out as quickly as possible. As she descended the flight of stairs she just had one thing in her mind to escape the palace and his vicinity. She rushed to the office and grabbed her bag from the table and without a second look ran out from the palace.

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When Virendra Singh returned from the call, he was greeted by an amiable sight. His daughter was laughing at something that Suraj had said. They were in the midst of an argument and Nandini's features were vivacious.

"No, no . . . I cant agree to that Suraj. Bollywood plots are all cliches. There is nothing serious about them."

"Then you haven't seen my movies."

"I am sure I won't find any difference. Your face was plastered all over Kajri."

"Gosh! Nandini please don't embarrass me."

Nandini laughed again.

'So they were on first name basis'  Virendra Singh noted with interest. When he entered both of them looked up and stood.

"Sit, sit," he said looking at them both. "What was the discussion about?"

Before Suraj could answer Nandini jumped in. "Suraj here says that Bollywood movies are one of a kind ones, even better than Hollywood-"

"I did not say that"

"You did"

"No"

"Yes"

The banter continued to and fro for some more time. Virendra Singh watched the two carefully. He went back to the clipped conversation he had with one and the easy way this other was speaking. For a moment he pondered if the two young people in the front of him would have been the right choice.

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Roopa wandered listlessly on the road without a direction. She stopped at a small restaurant and feeling thirsty went inside to get a drink. Though it was lunch time food was the last thing  she could think of. Sipping on the soft drink she felt refreshed and probed her actions. Had she overreacted? She could never go back to the palace. By this time her belongings would be kept outside the palace gates she thought. She fished for her cell phone in her bag and scrolled the list for the land line number of the palace. Should she call and find out? . . . . . . . She decided against it. Not understanding what to do she realized she could call Suraj. Immediately she dialed his number. He did not pick up at first but the second time he did and she related all that had happened. Suraj sympathized with her and asked her where she was. Then he asked her to come further into the town near a vacant place where a small shrine was situated.

Roopa sat on a rock beside the shrine for over four hours at the place where Suraj suggested her to wait. It was not a shrine exactly but a huge banyan tree. The trunk was smothered in red and yellow powder and numerous red and yellow threads ran around it. Roopa turned to look at the tree. It was four now and in a short time dusk would fall. Occasionally passerby's stopped and said a word of prayer and left immediately. Some stared at her while some attempted conversation and asked if she needed help.

Roopa attempted to call Suraj again but the call went directly to voicemail. Dusk was now falling rapidly. Deciding to abandoned the place and get back to the palace as quickly as possible, she picked up her bag and started walking. In half an hour darkness completely covered the area. She quickened her steps in a bid to reach an area with at least a street light. This was a bad idea, a really bad idea. She hoped she could get back to the palace in one piece.

The sound of motorbikes and raucous laughter came from behind her. Clutching her bag more tightly she half ran forward. Sound of wolf whistles filled her with dread and a cold chill ran up her spine. Her palms became sweaty and she frequently rubbed it against her salwar.

"Hey sweety where do you want to go?"

That one sentence was enough for her. Her adrenaline spiked and she ran like she never had. The men laughed like hyenas as few of them whistled again. Mustering up energy to her feet, she did not stop even to catch her breath. At this rate she realized she would not get back alive, she ducked into the undergrowth and remained there not breathing, nor moving. The men on the motorcycles passed her and it was then she let out a breath of relief. She leaned on the branch of a tree and willed herself to move.

The motorcycles were back.

Her face completely drained of blood. She moved inside the thick bushes hoping the men would give up looking for her.

"She must be inside. Lets go in and see," one of them spoke.

Roopa gasped and looked around wondering what she could do. She dug inside her bag retrieved her cell phone. Without further ado she dialed his number.

"Hello," Abhimanyu's voice came from the other end.

"S-sir, sir please help me. Some men are here, they are searching for me. I am scared sir. Please, please help me."

"Where are you?"

"I don't know I was walking back from the old banyan tree on the outskirts."

"For how long did you walk?"

"Almost half hour . . ."

"Well . . .well . . .well what do we have here?"

Roopa looked up in horror to see a man with a large pock mark on his face leering at her. She dropped her phone in fear. "Please," she cried tears flowing freely down her cheek. "Let me go."

"Let you go! Sweetheart we haven't yet started," he laughed evilly.

The other men gathered around her and dragged her to a clearing in the bushes.

"This is a perfect place," a stout man spoke.

"Quick, she called someone. Let's get it done with and go back quickly," said the pock mark man.

Roopa screamed in horror as the words they uttered sunk into her head. "Help! help! please somebody."

The men laughed again. Roopa squirmed fighting off their vile hands that were roaming on her body. She groped around and found a piece of log. With a mighty heave she swung the log on the leg of one man. He fell on the ground and shouted in pain. Roopa fumbled around in the bushes searching for the way to the road. Something pierced her feet and she cried out in pain and that was when she realized that her sandals were missing. Finally the road came into view and she stumbled onto the road. She ran to some distance not bothered about the pain in her feet. After she had gone ahead a considerable distance she stopped trying to catch her breath.

"There she is!"

Roopa watched in horror as the men ran toward her. She shook her head and forced herself to run. Her senses had gone numb, she felt as if she was being blinded and her energy was completely depleted. Then she hit a wall.

Strange she thought! The wall was holding her trying to support her. She opened her eyes and stared into the lava black eyes of Abhimanyu.