Chapter 33

"For the last and final time, I am not at liberty to explain where the princess is or when she will be back. I will inform her that you had come, and she will contact you if necessary."

Suraj glared at Vrushali not at all pleased by her attitude and annoyed that she hadn't fallen down at his feet like the other women. He was rendered speechless for the first time by her indifference and without saying another word, clenched his fist and walked out.

Vrushali exhaled loudly and caught a chair for support feeling dizzy with exertion from the exchange with the disgruntled movie star.

What an insufferable man! She thought to herself as she sat down. A perfect evening gone down the drain!

An Hour back

Vrushali was sitting in the drawing room reading a book. It was a latest crime thriller by an upcoming writer. She loved reading thrillers and mysteries and it was a habit of hers to finish a book in one sitting. She had reached the most interesting part, where the killer was going to be revealed and was totally gripped by the book when the intercom rang suddenly making her jump. Catching her throat at being startled, she kept the book beside her and went to answer it finding out that it was the security from the gate.

"Madam, Suraj Singh sir is here, shall I let him in?"

Vrushali scrunched her brows in confusion. Suraj Singh, now who was this. "Who is Suraj Singh?" she asked trying to remember if there was a mention of the visit of such person when the Maharaj had called in the morning.

The surprised security guard explained who Suraj Singh was and Vrushali's confusion increased further. She however asked the guard to let him in. What was a film star doing here?

After ten minutes Suraj Singh made a grand entrance. The moment she laid eyes on him, a cold dread formed in the pit of her stomach. The man was handsome but he somehow did not seem like a hero to her - more like a . . . a villain.

"Good evening Mr. Singh," she said in her most formal voice. "How can I help you?"

Suraj scanned at her appreciatively from head to toe. "I am here to meet Nandini," he said continuing his appraisal.

Ignoring the way he was looking at her she continued. "Do you have an appointment?"

At this Suraj's eyes locked with hers. "Excuse me?" he said unable to believe that some one had the audacity to ask him for an appointment.

Unabashed Vrushali repeated the question a bit more firmly. "Do you have an appointment with the princess Mr. Singh."

"No, but she knows me. Call her!" he said in a rude tone.

Vrushali shook her head. "I am sorry but you can't meet the princess without an appointment. Not only that she is unavailable at this moment."

Having had enough of the insult Suraj raised his voice in objection. "Your work is to inform Nandini that I have come. Go and do your work," he said taking a seat on the sofa.

"Princess Nandini is not here and I don't know when she will be. I will let her know that you called and if you leave your number I can fix an appointment with her."

"Leave my number with you? You think I am going to do that! Why, so that you can stalk me later?" he sniggered.

"You are mistaken Mr. Singh. I am Princess Nandini's companion and I have no intention to stalk you or to even entertain you. Remember that you have come here not the opposite." Vrushali looked at him sternly. "I would stand by what I said earlier. I will let the princess know that you had asked for her, fix an appointment and inform you if . . . you are comfortable in leaving your number. Otherwise you can call back at the house to find out."

Suraj slowly stood up and walked to where she was standing. "Do you have any idea who I am and . . . what I can do?" he said in a sinister voice.

Vrushali was unfaced by the threat looking as calm as possible. "That does not concern me Mr. Singh. I have no interest in knowing anything about you."

Suraj's laugh echoed throughout the hall. "You are such a stupid girl," he said moving to the left and walking toward the staircase.

"Wait! Wait! Where are you going? Listen . . ." Vrushali ran ahead of him to the base of the stairs obstructing his way. "You are not allowed here! I will be forced to call the police if you don't leave now."

The shouting attracted the staff and butler to the hall. They all stood watching in fear and confusion not knowing exactly what was happening. Vrushali glanced at the butler and signaled him to come forward. He came over tentatively not wanting to be caught in the line of fire.

"Ask him," she said. "Ask the butler if you don't believe me."

Suraj turned in the direction of the butler - who looked thoroughly frightened - and asked, "Where is Nandini?"

The butler hesitated for a second before answering. "Princess Nandini is not here. We don't know when she will be back." The butler's answer was what that made Suraj leave.

Now sitting in the hall, she held her head in her hands. What an absolute mess all this was? It is all my fault, my fault,  she blamed herself. She shouldn't have come to this place, she shouldn't have gotten involved.

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

Roopa rang the bell to her new apartment with gusto. Before leaving Bhim had handed an envelop to her which contained an appointment letter to the new position starting from tomorrow. The depression that had shrouded her two days back disappeared completely. She also tried calling Suraj in the time being but her call was left unanswered. There were quite a few questions and she wanted no needed all the answers.

As she rang the bell again and waited for the door to open, the watchman appeared and informed her that the girls in the flat had gone to work and will return in half and hour. Roopa sighed thinking of what she could do for half and hour. Getting no ideas she made her suitcase a makeshift chair and sat on it. She decided to call Suraj once again and took out her phone from the purse. The phone rang again for a long time and got disconnected. Where was this person? Why doesn't he pick up my call?

Leaning against the wall she closed her eyes immediately dreaming about Abhimanyu. His handsome face floated in front of her eyes. She loved him, that much she was sure about and it hurt her that he did not realize it. Why couldn't he love her? Just because he was supposed to marry a spoilt princess? She was no princess, but she was in no way lesser than Nandini. Wasn't she beautiful? Wasn't she educated? Then what was the problem! She recalled what Bhim had said to her when he picked her from that old lady's house in Vilaspore. What did he know about true, she sneered. Whatever it takes, she will get Abhimanyu, she promised herself. It was not the brat Nandini who deserved Abhimanyu, but her. He will realize it and then she will have the last laugh. But then again, isn't that why he had brought her to Mumbai and given her a job in his office? Maybe he did have hidden feelings for her. Her heart raced as such a possibility a shiver working its way up her feet.

"Who are you?"

Roopa opened her eyes to a young woman standing in front of her. She stood up wondering if it was one of the so called 'girls'. "I have been sent here by Abhimanyu sir?" she said.

Mala's eyes widened in realization. "Oh! So you are the new girl. I was intimated by the office that you will be coming today." She turned the key, opened the door and switched on the light. "Come in," she said moving away from the door.

Roopa walked in with her suitcase and looked around. "This is a nice place," she said.

"It is. So what is your name and where are you from?" asked Mala looking curiously at her from head to toe.

"Oh I am so sorry. I am Roopa Sharma. I was working at the Vilaspore palace but now Abhimanyu sir gave me a position here."

The purse slid from Mala's arm and hit the floor with a thud. "You were at Vilaspore?" she screamed jumping like a child. Then catching hold of Roopa's arm, she pulled her to the sofa while she herself lifted her legs crossing them. "Tell me everything, please," she pleaded.

Roopa smiled, "Okay, okay," she said getting ready to divulge information about what she thought was her future home. "Vilaspore is beautiful and The Vilaspore Palace is beyond gorgeous. I can't describe it in words. It spread over acres and acres. The palace has three floors, countless rooms, libraries, dining halls and huge courts. It has three swimming pools, to two tennis courts, two badminton courts, several orchards and vegetable garden. Do you know that we don't buy any vegetables from the market. It is all freshly got from the palace gardens."

Mala drank in whatever Nandini said greedily. She conjured up the images in her head. "Tell me about the prince," she pestered.

"Not prince but Yuvraj. He is the heir to the whole Vilaspore fortune summing up to thirty thousand crores and more," she said recalling what she had read on the internet.

"There is some lucky girl out there who will get all that along with the Yuvraj," said Mala wistfully.

Roopa had a sudden surge of boldness. She did not know why she said it but then it came out of her mouth before she could stop it. "You are right and you are looking at her."

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

Uday slept fitfully for an hour or two he couldn't remember, but he woke up feeling fresh and energetic and extremely hungry. He ambled to the fridge half-heartedly thinking he would find nothing. He was amazed to see that it was fully stocked with all his favorite drinks and snacks. He grabbed a coke can from and took a swig from it. Walking to the dining table he saw a number of covered dishes. He opened them one by one to see that fit was full of fresh food, everything that he liked. 'Thanks ma,' he said out loud as he helped himself. As always his mother had gone and out done herself. While he was eating the driver appeared from the kitchen carrying a jug of water.

"What are you doing here?" asked Uday.

"Sir, I have an extra key. Madam ordered me to do everything possible to make it comfortable for you. The maid had come and cleaned the flat and prepared food."

"That's nice," said Uday taking a bite.

"If there is anything regarding the food or anything else that you require, please let me know sir," the driver said benevolently with folded hands.

Uday nodded in response and the driver left soon after. He then picked up his phone and dialed Nandini's number. It rang for a long time but there was no response. He replaced the phone back on the table and continued with his food. After some time he picked up the phone again and dialed Vikram's number. It rang for a long time but there was no response. Uday placed the phone on the table with a thump. 'Why can't they answer the damn phones?' he spoke out loud.

By the time he finished his dinner, he got a return call from Vikram.

"Where are you Vikram? What is the situation there?" asked Uday as soon as he picked up the call.

There was silence from the other end.

"Hello, Vikram are you there?" Uday spoke into the phone pressing it close to his ears. "Hello . . ."

After a whole minute Vikram's voice could be heard whispering from the other end. "Uday I can't speak for long. Things . . . things are not going good."

"What is it Vikram? What has happened?"

There was silence again. "How is Nandini?" asked Vikram. "Is she safe? Is she okay?"

Uday was quick to answer. "Yes, yes . . . she is good. She is safe. Tell me Vikram, what is wrong?" he pressed.

"I'll call you back. Just wait for my call okay."

Before Uday could ask anything more the line went dead. Almost half an hour passed by with Uday pacing to and fro, looking at the phone every now and then. Many a time he picked the phone to see if there was any network issue. He was getting tired of waiting when the phone rang. It was from an unknown number. He picked it up quickly.

"Hello?"

"Its me," came Vikram's voice from the other end.

"Wha . . . Whose number is this?" asked Uday in confusion.

"I have come out and am calling from a telephone booth," came the reply.

Uday could hear the honking of horns and a variety of other noise which was quite disturbing. "Where are you dude? What's that noise?"

Vikram did not answer any of the questions. "Listen Uday, I don't know how long I have. Last week Arjun had gone out to get some supplies and he disappeared. . ."

"What do you mean disappeared?" asked Uday trying to understand.

"I don't know anything. He did not return that day or the day after. I called on his cell phone and it is switched off. I could not go to the police as things could go really bad for me. I have been going out everyday in search of him but there is no clue, there is nothing."

"Shit! What can be done Vikram? Sooner or later his family will start enquiring," said Uday who was pacing again.

"That's what Uday," said Vikram in hushed tones. "He used to call his family twice or thrice every day. Don't you think they would have noticed it, called me? But nothing . . . I have received no calls, none at all!"

"It is odd!"

"Isn't it?" Vikram exhaled audibly, "I am beginning to wonder if this is a part of some elaborate plan."

Uday stopped pacing. "What do you mean?" he asked sitting down.

There was more silence.

"What elaborate plan Vikram?" questioned Uday.

"I-I am not sure right now but I don't think it has to do with me owing money to the investors. I think I am being watched. There is a black car outside the house since few days." Vikram sighed, "If I don't make it Uday please, please make sure that Nandini doesn't marry that b****** " he said in a strained voice.

Uday stood up in a flash. "What the hell Vikram? Why are you saying such things? Nothing is going to happen to you! I am going to tell dad everything and . . ."

"NO!" shouted Vikram. Controlling himself he spoke again, "No! Don't tell anyone. Father will fall in trouble and Nandini, she will be devastated. I will see what I can do."

They spoke for some more time trying to gauge possibilities. After he hung up Uday could not shake the feeling that some thing bad was going to happen. He stared at the phone in his hand and automatically scrolled the various numbers on his contact list, stopping at one. He deliberated whether he should make the call or not. They hadn't exactly parted in a good way and there was also a sensitive issue between them. But . . . there was something beyond all of that. Hadn't they been lifelong friends? A familiar voice spoke in his head ------

As for you and Vikram. You were supposed to be my friends and no matter what friends trust each other. Both of you believed the first lie that you heard . . .

Uday brushed it aside making up his mind. Now was not the time to dwell on the past. Vikram might skin him alive later, so be it. Nandini might stop talking to him, so be it and he might not take any action at all.

That was to be seen . . . .

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

Nandini watched as Abhimanyu talked on the phone swiveling his chair to the left and right. She was seated opposite to him toward a corner. She glanced at her watch and found that it was already six thirty. Most of the staff had left long back but she was stuck here doing practically nothing. The lunch she had planned was a failure. Abhimanyu had mentioned the same in passing after he had come back from his meeting. He had also told her directly not to attempt such things again. Most importantly she wanted to call Uday as he had called her twice already and she couldn't answer.

Tired of sitting in the same position since afternoon, she cleared her throat and spoke, "How much longer should I sit like this?"

Without lifting his head from the file he was seriously studying he answered. "As long as I want. Get me a coffee," he said off handedly.

"You already had three since evening! How many more do yo---" she stopped midway on seeing the look in his face.

"I will have as many as I want."

She got up silently and went to the small counter which had a coffee machine. While the coffee was brewing she closed her eyes for a second concentrating on the gurgling sound of the coffee. Several seconds passed by and the opened her eyes as the sound ceased.

Nandini sucked in a sharp breath as she looked around. It was the same place, same surroundings, the same vision. She hastily looked around for the table with the bowl of apple and she found it exactly in the same spot. A man appeared out of nowhere dressed in jodhpurs. He went to the large bookshelf and took out something like papers or file from beneath the books. He looked at them somberly and replaced it back at the same place. Then he turned in her direction. His face was still blurred and his voice was resonating. "The fruit is rotten. It does not belong."

"What fruit? What are you talking about?"

The man moved toward a huge chair and sat down leaning backward. There was extreme sadness in his eyes and tears flowed rapidly. He then lifted a hand and pointed to the books. "Keep looking. You will find answers here. Quick there is no time"

She tired to go to him but found that she could not move her legs at all. The man watched her every movement smiling at her feeble attempt to get to him. "No time. Chandra Raj is here, meet him, take his blessings. No time"

"Chandra Raj uncle is in Taurus? Why?"

The man got up and walked toward her. His face was still blurred and Nandini reached out her hand hoping to touch him. He passed through her saying one last thing which she heard quite clearly before vanishing in a wisp of smoke yet again.

'You belong with Abhimanyu. That is your destiny.' The words reverberated through her entire being.

"Wait, wait . . ." she shouted. "I want to know more. Wait!" The vision broke and Nandini furiously grabbed the air around her. This time however she felt the restriction like bands of steel around her body. "Let me go, I did not understand what he said. What should I look for?" she continued fighting with whoever was holding her. The heaviness in her head slowly dissipated and she opened her eyes to see that Abhimanyu was holding her with a confused look on his face.

"Nandini, are you alright?" he asked shaking her slowly.

Nandini looked at his face and without a warning she looped her hands around his neck hugging him. Her body was shaking and her mind was numb. The only thing she could remember was the vision, the man and the words he uttered.

Abhimanyu was aghast by the sudden change in her. He steadily brought his hands around her holding her securely. What had just happened?  he asked himself. One minute she was standing near the coffee machine and the next moment her eyes were closed and she was speaking out loud. At first he thought she was speaking to him but slowly he realized that it was as if she was possessed. Then suddenly she stopped violently grabbing something in front of her. If he hadn't caught her at the precise moment, she would have hurt herself badly.

Right now though the hug was doing something peculiar to him. His body felt like a burst of sunshine brightening his whole being. He felt hot all over especially where he shouldn't feel. Luckily before he could do anything that he might regret later, Nandini broke the hug moving back several steps like a deer escaping from its predator.

She stared at him for several seconds that seemed like hours to them both. "I -I am sorry hukum, I don't know what happened," she said trying to avoid his eyes.

Abhimanyu did not respond immediately. "What happened," he spoke at last.

"I don't k-know. It felt so real but . . "

"But?"

"It was a dream I guess."

"Hmm . . . you can leave. Come at the same time tomorrow," he said dismissively.

Nandini nodded and hurried over to the desk to collect her bag and phone and then walked to the door. Before leaving however she turned to him, "Is Maharaj Chandra Raj here?"

Abhimanyu turned sharply in her direction. "What?" How could she know?

"Chandra Raj uncle, is he here?" she repeated. "I would like to meet him."

"Who told you? One of the guards? I told all of them to be quiet about it . . ." he said confirming the fact.

Nandini herself was astonished. "No, not the guards . . ." she said shaking her head.

"Then who," he advanced toward her. "Who was it who told you?"

"The man from my dream. He told me Chandra Raj uncle is here and that I need to take his blessings."

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

Vikram blew hot air from his mouth on to his hands and then rubbed them vigorously. His pace was quick and steady as he was desperately trying to get back to the safety of his house, though for how long it would be a safe haven he didn't know. He chided himself on not taking guards with him when he came from Jaypore. But at that time who thought that he would land in such a position. He dwelled on the conversation with Uday he had earlier. Did he do the right thing in telling him everything he wondered. He sighed deeply wishing with all his heart to see his father and sister once again.

As these things occupied his thoughts he did not notice a black car moving at a slow pace behind him. The area which he now passed was not densely populated. By the time he realized that he was being followed, Vikram broke into a run. The car picked up speed keeping up with him. He turned into one of the alley's and hid behind a dumpster waiting for the car to pass. After about fifteen minutes he got out of his hiding place hoping he managed to fool who ever was following him. He had just stepped out of the alley when headlights flashed in his eyes blinding him. The last thing he remembered was a hand with a wad of cotton on his nose.

The black car speeded past carrying an unconscious Vikram inside.