Chapter 40

"Sir, there is going to be a storm. I request you to please come inside." Nicholas Gaines bowed and hurried inside after relaying the message. Vikram did not reply and stood looking at the angry grey sea. The waves hit continuously against the breakwater stones beneath the mansion as if trying to destroy the structure. He was disturbed beyond measure and his anger matched that of the waves below. He somehow had an inkling of who had brought him to Scotland and his hands itched to deal a punch below the jaw. He had tried time and again to get more details from Gaines but had only managed to get some vague answers. The man was infuriatingly loyal to his master.

Vikram let out a deep breath. How he wished he could go back to Jaypore but the one who brought him here was too careful of closing all possible means of escape. As he thought more about Jaypore, his face took a sad sheen. He missed the city as much as he missed his sister and father. More than the palace, he wanted to go back to the hunting lodge in the middle of the wilderness. That was his special place, a place where no one dared approach without his permission. That was the place he found solace from the disaster that happened five years ago. The memory triggered the face of his sister. He balled his fists as the helplessness of not being with Nandini hit him deep in his heart. He turned in frustration and walked to the steps leading to the breakwater stones below. The fury of the sea egged him on as he began to think what his sister would be facing alone with his biggest enemy. Standing near the stones, he began to rummage his memories. As the scenes unfolded one by one his anger exceeded tremendously especially when he recalled Nandini's tear stained face, her screams reverberating in his head.

As the first drops of water fell on his arm, he lifted his head and looked at the dark sky which seemed strangely beautiful to him. Nature seemed to dispense some of his anger and he turned to walk back to the house before the downpour which now fell in quick succession. In a few strides Vikram reached the front door shaking some of the water droplets from his hair. He had just put his hand on the door latch when a short man dressed in all black came from his left side. Vikram at first startled by the sudden appearance stood in attention. His stomach turned inside out as he realized what was going to happen. '

As the pungent smell filled his nostrils the last thing he said was, Not again!

The short man together with a bulky one caught an unconscious Vikram and half dragged him to the chopper that was waiting for them.

"Couldn't you have waited till I talked to him?" the short one said. "We could have avoided this situation."

"I was scared, he looked as if he expected this." the other one replied.

Settling Vikram in the chopper, the men settled themselves and gave the go sign to the pilot who lifted off immediately.

"We have work to do. Come on you get the clothes, I'll get the hair," the short one said. "I still don't understand why we were given orders to dress him like this," he said pressing his lips to avoid smiling.

The other man simply shrugged. "Yes, even I had the same question in my head. Why did sir ask us to dress him like this? Well its between them, lets just finish doing the job, we will be nearing Edinburgh airport soon."

The first man nodded and continued to dress Vikram. By the time they finished Vikram was completely unrecognizable.

"What about the immigration procedures?"

"All done, our sir doesn't leave any loopholes. When he plans, its perfect."

"Agreed"

In half an hour, a disguised sleeping Vikram was seated in a passenger airline headed for Abu Dhabi. To his either side were the men who had accompanied him.

"Its going to be a long flight"

"Yeah and we can't do anything about it. Just keep the medicine handy will you. He needs to sleep all through this flight or else we are dead meat. Last time in London he put up so much resistance."

The man checked his pocket for the medicine and tapped it lightly. "Its right here,"

"Good. You better get some sleep. Abu Dhabi to Delhi is going to be trouble and we will need all the energy."

The man nodded and settled back into the seat. Only when the flight had taken off did they breath a sigh of relief.

After fifteen minutes, the short man took out his phone discreetly and typed a message and then returned back to sleeping.

The phone beeped and Abhimanyu glanced at the screen of his phone.

Its done sir. Lift off from Edinburgh. ETA: 22:00 hrs

He placed the phone back on the desk. The news did not concern him at all nor did the passenger. He was doing it for someone else, just to see her smile wholeheartedly again. The thought did not irk him like it used to before. The trip from Vilaspore to Mumbai last night had made him think. He could forgive her couldn't he? Let bygones be bygones and start afresh. The idea seemed pleasant though he couldn't understand how it changed all of a sudden. Her proximity probably? Or the fact that you once loved her?

Did he love her now? Was it love or something physical?

He touched his lips as the scene before unfolded before him along with the words she spoke.

Where were you Abhi? I missed you.

He hadn't expected the words or the look of worry on her face. She hadn't resisted his kiss, but had wound her hands around his neck and pulled him closer. He threw his head back on the chair and let out a breath. Closing his eyes, he savoured the kiss. Nothing else mattered. But before he could lose himself in her thoughts Bhim walked in.

"Hukum," he said in an urgent voice. "I have news"

Abhimanyu opened his eyes but remained in the same position. "Hmm"

"Roopa met with Suraj last night. No idea what they talked but it seems that they have come to some understanding. I think its better to shift Rajkumari ji from the apartment."

Abhimanyu closed his eyes again. Just as I expected. I knew he would contact her sooner or later. Its time to meet her now.

"No. Arrange a dinner for two at the usual. Send people to dress her up. She should feel like a princess today."

Bhim looked confused. "You mean Princess Nandini hukum?"

"No" Abhimanyu said without missing a beat, "Roopa Sharma"

If Bhim was shocked, he did not show it. He did not have any right to disobey the prince. "Hukum," he simply said and left to do the arrangements. After Bhim left, Abhimanyu reached for his phone. He went through the contacts and dialed Roopa's number. The phone lifted on the second ring.

"I hope you are not too busy to have dinner with me? Bhim will come there in some time and will take care of everything. See you at eight"

He hung up quickly and smirked in satisfaction. He loved chess and the most interesting fact was that he could prophesize the move that his opponent made. Matters settled, he went back to thinking about the kiss and the owner of the delectable lips. The dinner had double purpose and he couldn't wait for the result.

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Geeta was sitting on the bench outside the building. Nandini glanced sideways and saw that Geeta was looking upset and worried. Wisps of anger appeared on her face and left immediately.

"You said you were not after Abhimanyu sir. So Roopa and Mala were telling the truth?"

Nandini recalled the words Geeta spoke in the conference room. She wouldn't have bothered if anyone else had said it but Geeta......Geeta supported her from day one and she couldn't see her being hurt like this.

"Geeta.." Nandini started to say.

Geeta put her hand up, "I-I don't know if I would like to hear whatever you want to say. How can I believe you after all this? I don't know what is happening anymore," she said her voice wobbly.

Nandini sighed but said nothing. She did not like being in the situation as much as Geeta. It was not her style to justify herself and she never did it but now....."I can't tell much either. I consider you my friend but there are certain things that you needn't know."

Geeta turned sharply, "Is that what you think of me? That I am nosy? I liked you Nandini because I thought you were genuine unlike the other two. You haven't been open with me from the start"

Nandini leaned back on the bench, wisps of hair flying in the gentle breeze. She tucked the wayward hair behind her ears. "I told you whatever I could but whatever I did tell you is the truth. There is a battle waging within me on whether I should tell you anything more. Its still undecided."

"You don't trust me?"

Nandini looked at her, "I do trust you and that is what I am going to share a bit of it and nothing more. You are not going to ask me anything else and will forget this matter here and now. If you can't agree to it, I won't stop you from leaving."

Geeta sat in confusion at Nandini's words. What was Nandini hiding? "Okay," she said in a soft voice.

Nandini nodded and took a deep breath. "My name is Nandini Singh. I am from Jaypore. I belong to the royal family of Jaypore."

Geeta scrunched her brows in confusion. The only words she could register was royal family. "What do you mean?" she asked hoping she was mistaken.

Nandini looked at the innocent face of Geeta and smiled, "I am Princess Nandini Singh of the royal family of Jaypore. The only daughter of Maharaj Virendra Singh."

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Roopa rubbed the red skin of her arm vigorously. Since the time she had received the phone call from Abhimanyu, she had pinched her hand many times. At first she jumped up and down, then she stopped and went through the call list to see if she had dreamed. Seeing Abhimanyu's number on it her smile widened and she hugged the phone to her heart. What was the meaning of all this? He had ignored me for so long and now all of a sudden he wants to take me out for dinner? A grain of suspicion squirmed its way into her head. But then her conversation with the unknown man whom she now recognized as Suraj surfaced. He had promised that he would give her Abhimanyu hadn't he? She shook her head to dispel the doubts. Dinner date with the prince was beyond what she could imagine. She hurried to her cupboard and opened it searching restlessly for a dress to suit the occasion but nothing seemed to satisfy her. She pulled out her western wear and some dresses that she had got when she started working at Vilaspore. They all seemed tattered to her eyes. Abhimanyu was magnificent and his partner would have to be equally magnificent isn't it!

As she was occupied with these thoughts the door bell rang. She hurried over to the door and opened it with gusto and was satisfied on seeing Bhim.

"Well, well, whom do we have here!" she said sarcastically as she met his eyes.

"Yuvraj Abhimanyu has told me to make arrangements for the dinner in the evening. He looked to the left and a woman appeared with some bags.

"Good morning ma'am. My name is Sheetal and I am from Eventual. I am here to help you get ready."

Hearing the name of the expensive, exclusive, fashion store her eyes popped out of the sockets. She stood dumbfounded for a second. How considerate he is? she thought. Sheetal  entered the house and stood waiting for Roopa. Before turning to go inside she looked at Bhim her eyes full of pride.

"Do you remember what you said during the ride to Vilaspore? If you don't let me repeat it. If you are trying to catch his attention for selfish motives or hoping that you will somehow be a part of his life, then you are mistaken." She smiled broadly, "I am so glad that Abhi has sent you for this errand. It seems he knows how mean you were to me. I used to think this in my head but now I am telling it out loud. The moment I become the Queen of Vilaspore......" she pointed her index finger at him, "........you will cease to exist. I will make sure of it." Without waiting for a reply, she closed the door on Bhim's face.

Bhim stood still deliberating if he should knock, ring the bell or break the door. He knew that the prince had something in his head but he couldn't understand what. If the prince had wanted to get information he could have done it easily than enduring dinner with the senseless creature. He retreated slowly humming on the tune of an old hindi song so that he won't be tempted to go back, break open the door and wring her silly neck.

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"You are a princess?" asked Geeta looking bewildered.

Nandini nodded her head in reply.

"A real princess? I-I mean of course you will be a real princess. I mean its just......you aren't pulling leg are you?" she looked closely at Nandini.

"You have a phone in your hands, check it if you want."

Geeta shook her head. "No I don't need to do that. I believe you." She sat in silence processing the information. She had no reason to believe otherwise. She was quite different from the other girls. There was an unknown aura about her and the way she carried herself with poise always seemed like she was from a well to do family. Then suddenly a thought came to her mind. "Are you and Abhimanyu sir in a relationship? I mean he is a prince and you are a princess....so....."

Nandini smoothed her hair, "I am sorry but I cannot tell you anything else."

"I understand" said Geeta. She was more calm now and the new revelation about her roommate filled her with awe.

"You cannot tell anyone okay. At least for now."

Geeta smiled, "Your secret is safe with me." Her brows scrunched as she recalled Roopa's claim. "Why does Roopa say that she is Abhimanyu sir's girlfriend?"

If Nandini was surprised she sure did not show it. She shrugged, "You have to ask her that."

Back in her seat Geeta ran the conversation in her head. The information though exciting also seemed strange. She wondered why Nandini stayed with them in the small apartment and also why Roopa claimed to be her boss's girlfriend. But there was some truth to Nandini and Abhi sir's relationship. The kiss between them was a testament to that. She couldn't decide if it was fate that led her to see the kiss. Otherwise why would she get an urgent call from the office when she had taken half day off.

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"Yes doctor, yes, I understand. Of course she is having the tablets you prescribed. Hmm....no....I don't think she will agree for that. Let things go as planned. Okay then see you tomorrow."

Uday hung the call and placed the phone beside the table. He got up and stretched his hands rubbing his eyes of the tiredness. He had lots planned for tomorrow, the day when Nandini would find out the truth. He was apprehensive but also hopeful. He wished if Vikram could also be there unfortunately his phone was still off. What could have happened?  No he did not want to dwell on that. First Nandini, then Vikram. Strangely he was not too worried about Vikram. He felt that Vikram was safe and sound. As he threw himself on the bed, he felt more relaxed than usual. He fell asleep quickly dreaming about a certain girl that continued to visit him every night.

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Roopa glared at the clock yet again. It was just six thirty. A hour and half to go, she mused. The woman named Sheetal had done her part and left at five. Now she was waiting for Bhim to arrive with the car or will Abhimanyu himself come to pick her up. If the latter was going to happen she so would like Nandini to witness it. That would give her so much pleasure. Anyway she would make sure that she tell it to Nandini. She got up and looked at herself in the floor length mirror. The green salwar looked awesome. However she would have preferred something else as or even another colour as green was not her favourite. Well, there would be time to tell him of my likes and dislikes. Her hair was done stylishly and makeup a bare minimum as Sheetal had told her that she did not require much. She looked at the clock once again.

Six-thirty two? What was wrong with the clock today?

Frustrated she opened the door and walked to the hall and switched on the television. The door bell rang and Roopa quickly went to open door. However her smile turned down as she saw Geeta, Mala and another girl. The two girls were shocked by Roopa's attire while the third stared open mouth.

"Are you going somewhere?" asked Mala. "You look lovely."

Roopa smiled shyly, "Abhi and I have a dinner date. He has been busy these days so he couldn't spend time with me. He is trying to make up, but I won't forgive him so easily."

Ha, what a joke, thought Geeta.

The new girl's interest was piqued. "Geeta akka, Abhi means your boss right Abhimanyu?"

Roopa looked curiously at the new girl while Mala smile. "Yes Veena, its Abhimanyu sir. He is Roopa's boy friend"

Veena's brow scrunched, "But, why would a prince date a commoner? Is it not against the rules?"

Irritation seeped into Roopa, "What do you mean?" she asked a bit harshly. "You think I'm lying?"

"No no akka but i was just stating the facts. From the time  I have got to know that Geeta akka's boss is a prince I started doing some research and I know a lot about royalty. A prince marries a princess according to Indian royalty or you should be someone extremely rich."

"Not necessarily," interrupted Roopa. "Sometimes people marry for love irrespective of their status."

Veena however was not ready to give up. "But....." she started to say but was duly stopped by Geeta.

"Unakku enna venum. Nee onnum pesaade. Why are you bothered? Don't talk anything. I am taking her to my room. Have a nice time Roopa," Geeta said dragging Veena along with her before she could say anything more.

After the sister duo closed the door Mala looked eagerly at Roopa. "So you were telling the truth. I was beginning to doubt if you were Abhi sir's girlfriend." She clapped her hands excitedly. "Is he coming to pick you up?" she asked.

"I don't know. It will probably be Bhim or he might send a car. I think he might not come as media is always searching for news. I don't want to create issues for him."

Mala nodded in agreement. "Did the other one come?"

Understanding that Mala was talking about Nandini she shook her head. "No, i wish she could see me having a date with Abhi."

The conversation was interrupted with the door bell ringing. Mala hurried to open the door and saw a man in a driver's uniform. Roopa's heart sank as she had half expected Abhimanyu to turn up. But it was okay, at least she was going to have dinner with him. She bid Mala goodbye who mouthed "All the best" to her and followed the driver. In the car she sat wondering what the night would hold for her. Would she get her first kiss today? Well, not exactly first but first from Abhimanyu. The feeling made her stomach tingle.

Abhimanyu rifted through the papers in quick succession signing wherever designated and reading here and there. He had spent time thinking about Nandini and had even postponed two important meetings. However, he did not regret anything but a small smile played on his lips as he envisioned the would happen later on.

"Hukum, the car is on its way to the hotel," said Bhim in a serious tone which made Abhimanyu look up from the papers he was going through.

"You look angry Bhim. May I know the reason?"

Bhim stood in silence for a minute and then said, "That girl goaded me in the afternoon hukum. I did not like it."

Abhimanyu closed the file and stood up. "Did someone from Eventful come along with you?" he asked taking a sip of water.

"Yes hukum. I did as you instructed."

"Perfect," said Abhimanyu looking at the watch. "Its seven thirty, and we have a full hour in front of us. What should we do Bhim?"

"Hukum? I- hukum the meeting is at eight," said Bhim.

Abhimanyu smiled, "I know." He then stretched himself on the plush couch. "Just wake me up at eight thirty will you?"

"Hukum" said Bhim feeling relieved that the prince would be leaving late.

"And Bhim?"

"Hukum"

"Find out where the princess is."

"Yes hukum," he bowed and left.

The car with Roopa inside stopped in front of The Celeste, a famous fine dining restaurant. Roopa gasped as she saw where she had come. Never in her dreams had she thought she would set foot here as it catered only to the super rich with a long wait list. A uniformed guard opened the door for her while another led her inside where she was seated. She looked around at the guests that were already present. All of them looked beautiful and among them she recognized some famous faces that filled her with awe.

Roopa looked at her watch impatiently. It was already quarter past eight and Abhimanyu had not yet arrived. She ran her fingers gently through her hair not wanting to mess up the hair style. A waiter arrived with a glass of water and placed it on the table. She grabbed the glass a took a large mouthful. The confidence with which she had started from home slowly began to dissipate. Is he not going to come? Her face betrayed the emotions that she was feeling inside.

Seated on the far right corner Director Sameer Oberoi saw the pretty girl from a distance. In between talking to the actress Sitara he occasionally glanced at Roopa. Sameer was impressed by the delicate features. The girl was a natural beauty, he thought to himself.

"Sameer sir, is Suraj never going to come?" whined Sitara as she looked toward the door and then at her phone. "He is not answering my messages."

"Nor mine," replied Sameer looking at his phone.

"Let me call once again," she said and dialed the number. "Its saying switched off now..."

"Well we have to wait. Shall I order another drink for you?"

"Just diet coke. I have to lose three kgs for my next movie," she said flipping her brown hair.

Roopa scrolled through her phone her eyes fixed on some useless news in a bid to avoid embarrassment. The waiter who had already come thrice to the table now looked at her with pity as though she had been stood up.

I think I better leave, she told herself. Nandini might have found out somehow and stopped Abhi.

As she was going over various scenarios in her head she heard a huge commotion from outside. People were screaming and cameras were flashing. She craned her neck to see who it was. After some time the crowd parted and Suraj entered accompanied by his guards and secretary Shub Malik. Roopa's breath caught in her throat as she started to remember the past happenings. Suraj was busy waving at the crowd. He turned all of a sudden and looked around the restaurant and caught the eyes of Roopa who was gaping at him dumbfoundedly. She half stood from the chair she was sitting on confused if she should go to him or stay. Suraj's eyes blazed as he avoided her gaze and went straight to where Sameer and Sitara were sitting. Roopa stood straight deciding to go to him and took a step forward.

"Are you leaving? Or did you see someone you know?"

Roopa turned in the direction of the voice and looked directly into the enigmatic eyes of Abhimanyu.