Posted: October 25th, 2018

♚ Aarush ♚

2.9 Faceless And Nameless

          Just one sentence for all color to fade from her face.

Just one sentence that puts the fear of God in her.

As I lean back, well aware she'll start spilling words faster than anyone can blink, she stands up and stumbles back a few steps in a lame attempt to put distance between her and me. Geez, did I not just say I wouldn't lay a hand on a lady? I wasn't going to harm her!

I speak in a normal voice, "Now, I'll ask again. Where...?"

I don't even have to complete the statement for her to start cooperating, "He has been in hiding the last few years just as much as you, Jhanvi. He is the last person on this Earth who would want to harm you or your child."

Jhanvi challenges, breathless. "No, that's... you're lying. He killed them and he tried to kill me."

Mohini looks at her in sympathy, "I did not want you to find out this way."

Aarav warns, "Stop talking in riddles."

Mohini spares him a glance and with a sigh, explains what she knows while I stand frozen, debating what is true and what is a fabrication. "Jhanvi, yes your mother died in that crash but he did not plan that. He was trying to save her."

Jhanvi shakes her head in denial, "No. No, mom... he was there to kill them, not to save them!"

Mohini continues to stay on her words, "He couldn't, Jhanvi!"

Aarav asks, "How can you be so sure? Why should we believe you a word you say?"

"Because they were in love!" Mohini exclaims. We all remain silent in shock. She lets out a breath before continuing to shatter our illusions, "He couldn't have killed her because he loved her. Your father knew this, Jhanvi. He knew even before they got married, but he did not care. He was simply obsessed with marrying your mother."

Jhanvi argues, "No. Mom and dad were happy together! You are lying. Stop lying."

Mohini approaches Jhanvi diligently and challenges her belief in a soft voice, "Jhanvi, why would I lie about this? I don't have any reason to. Hurting you any more does not get me anything. Tell me, do you even remember anything of your childhood? No. That accident took all your memories. You wanting to believe your parents had a happy marriage does not make it true."

Jhanvi pulls her hand back when Mohini tries to touch her, refusing to still accept this. Aarav wraps his arm around her shoulder in a comforting manner before asking, "Are you saying her father... planned this?"

Mohini lowered her head in shame for the person in question was her brother, "Yes. I don't know where Dinesh is - I wasn't lying about that. But I do know Narayan's plan was to escape just before the accident. Plant already dead bodies in the car. Frame Dinesh for the murder. He even carefully got Aarav to believe Dinesh was talking on the phone about a murder plot - and he was. He was on the call with me, but not for what you all think. He had himself overheard Narayan and so he was informing me. To stop it from happening."

Jhanvi asks, her voice on the edge of breaking. I can only imagine what she must be going through learning an entirely different reality about their parent. It can send any human in a shock because parents... we hold them to such a high pedestal. They are our first role models. Our biggest influence earlier in life. "Why did you not tell me any of this ever?"

Mohini replies in defeat, "What good would that have done? You had a good image of him. I thought it was better you live with that than the knowledge of how cruel he really is."

Aarav questioned, "Why didn't you ever correct us about Dinesh?"

She eyes him with an obvious answer, "What proof did I have, Aarav? My word against yours? It was easier for everyone to believe Dinesh planned their murder to take over the business and family wealth."

"Is... is he alive? My... father?" Jhanvi asks but with a fear in her eyes as if uncertain whether she wants an honest answer.

Mohini did not spare her the soft blunt of the answer, "I refuse to believe that such a sadistic person would go to lengths to plan out an elaborate escape and not have an escape route waiting. With the will and everything he planned out before hand, he had basically bought himself 20 years. And you can say, another reason for never telling anyone despite knowing everything was that then, he would have long ago tried to kill you. After everything he has done, I refused to let him win so easily. He had to wait till you were 25."

As much as a complex character Mohini seems to be, I have to give her this one fact: she has an intelligent brain of her own. If Jhanvi's father had gotten what he wanted when she was still a child, no one would have been able to do anything.

Jhanvi swallows harshly, asking a question to connect the last pieces of the puzzle. "If he knew about Mom and... Dinesh, why would he make him his business partner?"

For Jhanvi to all of a sudden find out that someone she had been taking as a villain in her life was anything but would be a hard thought to digest. I myself was having a hard time accepting the notion.

Mohini explains, "Torture, Jhanvi, what else? Every day, making Dinesh face the fact that the one he loved could not be his. Making your mother realize what her life was going to be like. He made their lives hell, Jhanvi. I had tried... to help her run away on the marriage day but he caught us and punished me by turning our father against me. He controlled all three of us and there was nothing we could do about it. Even today, he controls me... making me feel helpless."

I speak up for the first time in a while to make a conclusion, "Those monthly paychecks weren't for yourself. You were using them to help Dinesh on the run."

They look at Mohini for confirmation and her silence gives them that. It's not easy living off the grid if you do not have the finances to make it happen. Narayan Raichand may have set aside a chunk of savings beforehand with all his other carefully planed details, but Dinesh did not have that same luxury. Neither did he come from a wealthy line of family or royalty.

"Why kill me?" Jhanvi asks, "Am I not his blood? You said you are a true royal but I am not. Are you saying...? Is Dinesh my...?"

Mohini answers, "Oh, no. Narayan is your father. I wish he weren't but sadly, he is. I said that because there are those in our community who will not accept your legitimacy to royalty because your mother is not of royal blood. Every group has radicals, Jhanvi. And we are no different."

"Okay, so my own father wants me dead." Jhanvi concludes in laughter lacking humor.

Mohini clarifies, "No, Jhanvi. He is no fool. Why do you think he stays under radar when he has already convicted Dinesh of murder? He killed himself in front of the world's eye because he is on the run too. He won't risk exposure to kill you. I'm sorry to say... but I doubt he cares much of whether or not you stay alive. This was all his escape plan from the radicals who turned against him for marrying out of royalty. He made a deal with them: his freedom from their clutches and in return, he would deliver your mother and Dinesh to them. But he only partially succeeded. Dinesh escaped and for that, they would not have forgiven him."

"What's the worse they can do?

Mohini answers, looking my way. "Murder."

Jhanvi asks in apprehensive tone, "Aren't you exaggerating a little?"

Mohini's eyes remain locked with mines as she speaks directly to me, "You know I am speaking the truth. You know what they are capable of."

Feeling all eyes on me, I am forced to give my confirmation. "We may have heard of them in the army. They are known to take whatever action they deem justified on the name of their honor, culture."

Mohini adds to my information, "Jhanvi, their thinking is too outdated. You cannot reason with them. Associating with anyone out of royalty is considered spoiling our blood line and bringing disgrace to our ancestry. if I were to guess, I would say that yes, it would be convenient for Narayan to have you out of the way but the more imminent danger you face is not from him - especially given you are pregnant."

Jhanvi mutters in frustration, "Great, more people to add to the list of people who want me dead."

Mohini says, almost as if to assure her, "With the people you have by your side, I highly doubt anyone will succeed."

Jhanvi looks at Aarav, thinking she is hinting at him, but when I look at Mohini, her gaze is fixed on me. I brush it off, trying not to acknowledge it and ask instead. "Do you know anyone from this... group?"

She shakes her head having no answer, "Not more than I imagine you might."

I mutter more to myself, "Back to square one then."

Jhanvi requests, her face pale as everything catches up to her. I can imagine the threat shakes her core. "Can we please leave? I feel sick."

I find myself needing to reconsider everything. While walking out of the room, I blink back just once at Mohini and though I tried to shake it off earlier, I cannot shake off the earnest expression on her face now. Like she expects me to save Jhanvi.

Fuck. In my impatience on learning about Dinesh, did I make a mistake with the words I said to her in her ear?

Once out of the secure room, Jhanvi pauses momentarily to inform the police officer in charge of the case, "You can let her go. I won't be filing any charges."

The officer asks, "Are you sure, Ms. Raichand? We have enough proof to bring this case to court."

Jhanvi confirms, "That won't be necessary. Thank you."

He nods, asking her to sign the charge sheet so they could release her.

I inform them I'll wait outside by the car. As I do, my thoughts are a jumble. The person I have been harboring vengeance for has been misdirected. My true enemy does not even have a face right now. As much as I want to dismiss everything Mohini shared as that would be easier, I know I cannot.

She is not wrong when she says I know what this radical group is capable of. No one knows more than I. I am living proof.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

          On leaving the police station, we make our way to the court house. The entire Raizada family along with their close relatives are already waiting there along with a few governmental officers, Mr. Sheikh - the lawyer, a magistrate to legalize a marriage, and Raizada's team of security.

Arnav nods at the lawyer once Aarav and Jhanvi sit and he presents the proper documents to register the marriage. The magistrate has them sign at a few locations. It is a process, but it happens in pin drop silence. The only person speaking is the magistrate with his brief words of instructions.

Arnav asks. "Sheikh, have the POA transfer papers ready?"

"Here they are," Mr. Sheikh presents a file and points out where to sign. After him, Jhanvi signs. "Congratulations Jhanvi. The estate and all the businesses are now all yours."

Her lips thin in a smile and she nods at him but I imagine it is not a fact she is up for celebrating right no - not after learning her father's true face, "Thank you."

He nods at Aarav and her, "Good luck to both of you."

Aarav replies, "Thanks uncle, for always being here for us."

"Don't sweat it, lad. If not me, it'd have been some other lawyer." He then informs in general, "I'll get these filed with the court. It usually takes a few weeks but I'll do my best to expedite the process."

Arnav speaks conveying his trust, "We know you will."

Aarav stands up from the chair along with Jhanvi. She says with her eyes towards the exit. "We're married."

He echoes, "We're married." Their eyes lock. His gaze is soft as he wraps an arm around her in a side hug and presses his lips to the top of her head. "We'll be okay." He says to comfort her from everything that has been happening since last night.

"Yeah," Jhanvi mutters.

Lavanya clears her throat, "Alright newly-weds, first order of business: blessings."

Jhanvi raises her brow, "You better not be serious about making a pregnant lady with a fractured leg bend to touch your feet."

Everyone laughs and I figure this is her personality around people she is comfortable around as opposed to the one I have witnessed minutes ago in the police station. She isn't afraid to call her mother-in-law out and if anything, treats her as a friend.

Even Lavanya responds warmly when the couple reaches her and she places her hand over Jhanvi's head. "How can I be?"

Jhanvi lowers her head and her eyes momentarily flutter close as Lavanya presses a kiss to her forehead.

Lavanya adds, "This probably isn't what you imagined but we promise you a proper wedding once this is all over."

Anjali confirms, "Yes, a wedding grand and fitting for our heir and heiress."

Jhanvi holds each of their hand in hers, "You all are here. That's all I wanted, a family. Nothing else matters."

Arnav walks up to her with a smile that is rarely seen in public - then I have to remind myself he is probably is a lot different with his family members as he rightfully should be, "Well, you've got more family than you bargained for."

Khushi comes to stand next to him, "Yeah, we'll last you a lifetime." After they all hug her, Khushi adds speaking to Aarav, "She's pregnant but you're not. What's your excuse?"

Aarav raises a brow, "Khushi, when have I ever touched your feet for blessing?"

Khushi swats him, "Shut it, Junior. We don't need to give you another lesson on our culture."

He drags out a sigh as if he is being bullied into adhering to our traditions but there is a smile on his lips as he bends and touches her feet along with every other elder present in the room.

Lavanya adds, "Twice, kid. One for you and one for Jhanvi."

He counters, "We just got married, you know?"

"Your point?"

He cheekily points out, "We'll share the blessings. No need to do it twice."

Lavanya rolls her eyes and swats his arm. "You can never have too many blessings."

He says to Jhanvi with squinted eyes, "Shona, after delivery, you owe me so much," before he seeks everyone's blessing again while she smiles back at him lovingly.

I look away from the couple and slip away looking for a quiet place. I once again pull out the engagement rings hanging from my chain. Something that was not going to be in the cards for me ever and now... I did not even know whom I could blame for it.

On hearing footsteps approaching, I blink away the lone tears and turn to meet Eva walking up to me. As often is the case, worry is written on her face. "You okay?"

To her, I answer honestly. "No."

She opens up her arms and reaching on her front of her feet, wraps them around my shoulders in her warm embrace. She speaks to assure, "We'll figure this out, Aarush."

I sigh into her shoulder, wrapping my arms around her back tightly and taking a moment to allow myself the feel the love of friendship which she offers. Then, parting, I express. "I know, just... I guess the part that makes me mad is how much longer before she gets justice? Before they..." I trail off when she looks at me curiously. "What?"

She answers with a smile, "You just said justice, Aarush."

Did I?

"When did wanting vengeance turn into justice?"

Well. When did it? Till this morning, I was sure I wanted vengeance. Now...? My voice expresses the debate going on inside of me, "I'm... figuring it out, I guess."

She hooks her arm with mine, nudging us to walk while talking. "I definitely approve of you reconsidering."

"Yes, I heard your previous disapprovals quite clearly."

She changes the topic to express her concern, "Aarush, everything has changed and don't tell me I am wrong to worry. Your life is more in danger than ever."

I place my hand over hers and pause walking to portray my seriousness, "Eva, I have covered my tracks. They are not going to get to me, I promise you."

She exclaims, "But it's not enough, Aarush! We are talking about you going back to that world where they want you..."

"Dead?" I interject when she hesitates. "Yeah, this wouldn't be the first time." She glares at me sharply with my choice of words and nonchalance for the dire situation. Exhaling, I place my hands on her shoulders. "I can handle myself, Eva. I'm not so easy to kill."

She holds my gaze, debating, before finally relaxing the tension from her shoulders. "I swear, if I didn't know who you were, I would call you arrogant."

I chuckle, turning the moment light. "Well, your cousin already thinks that about me. Speaking of, I should get back to work."

"Yeah, okay." She answers and I leave with a final squeeze to her palm to assure her she did not have to worry about me.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

          I return to the mansion in the evening with my suitcase for Australia. I nod at Vikas by the entrance, Aarav's security head. "All ready?"

"As can be," he answers opening the trunk of the car so I can load my luggage in. "They should be out soon."

I nod in acknowledgement, "Give me a second? I'll be right back."

He nods back and I walk in to find Eva.

Eva walks down the back stairs that lead to the poolside, "Looking for me?" My brows knit together and she informs, "I saw you coming in."

I confirm, "Yeah, just thought I'd come see you before leaving since I don't know when we'll be back."

She speaks in confidence, "Oh, you'll be back soon."

"You know something that I should too?"

"Maybe."

"Eva."

She dismisses my concern, "Don't worry, it's nothing jeopardizing. You'll know when you need to know."

I protest. "I can't do what I do when I don't know everything about what's going on, Eva."

"Trust me, okay? I know what they're doing. As long as you can keep Jhanvi from venturing anywhere out of the house in Australia, everything will be good. Seeing as she's down to one working foot, it won't be hard. You'll manage just fine."

I glare at her for her light mocking. Even if Jhanvi was perfectly healthy, I am more than capable of keeping an eye on her.

She continues with her advice, "And for God's sake, learn to use your words. You're a freaking adult now. This isn't the academy where you stick to 'yes, sir' and blindly follow orders."

I tease at her later comment, "I don't recall you being the rebel."

She chuckles, "Well, duh. That was the academy. Do you not know Brigadier Chakraborty? He'd have delivered my head back home on a silver platter and then Sam would have declared World War III. But, it's different now."

"I talk to you just fine." I point out in response to her previous accusation.

"Yes, but I am not the only person in the world, Aarush. It's like you are a child and someone needs to teach you how to speak."

I roll my eyes wordlessly.

She pats my back least affected, "Anyway, go on and make me proud."

"I guess I don't have any other choice," I mutter with sass into the quick hug. "Say hi to Jigar for me," I add knowing he was due to return home in the next week. I was slightly miffed I won't be able to see him as it had been years but I do understand duty comes first.

"Will do," she replies and when I turn around, she holds my arm to stop me. She hugs me again, "Come back alive, you hear me?"

I smile into the hug and promise, "I will."

She walks out with me and a whole round of goodbyes take place for the next half hour before we're in the driveway.

Vikas orders holding out his hand, "Hand it over."

"What?" I pretend to be clueless and he bods his head to the side to convey I knew exactly what he meant. Exhaling a sigh, I reluctantly take out the car keys from my pocket and give it to him. "I'll get back at you for this."

He isn't bothered by my warning and brushes it away, "Yeah, yeah, we'll see." He opens the driver door and gets in, leaving me to walk around the car.

He won't let me drive because of the injury in one hand. It's not even that big a deal! I hate the passenger seat. I hate just sitting back and doing nothing.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

          The flight feels short as I take much needed sleep and when we land, I open my eyes to a place I had left far behind.

Jhanvi asks the question I seem to be thinking, "What is this place? I thought we were going to Australia."

Aarav answers, unbuckling the seat belt and stepping into the aisle. "We are, but I thought this pit stop was necessary. You said a while ago you wanted to see your home and now that you officially have the keys, I say: welcome to your palace, Princess."

Jhanvi stays silent as she follows Aarav out of the jet, followed by Vikas and myself.

Touching ground at the private airstrip, Jhanvi says with a deep exhale, "You know, a day ago I would have been thrilled to be here. But after knowing what I know about this place..."

Aarav drapes his arm over her shoulder, bringing her to his side. "Hey, don't let what you found out from your Aunt change how you feel. You are still born of legacy and you hold the power to write over any and all wrongs your father has."

If only Aarav knew the true extent of the truth in his words. And, if only Jhanvi knew just what power she held. She believes being a Queen in this time would mean nothing but in this community? It's going to mean a lot more than she expects and I hope she's ready for that.

Because from here, her true enemies lie in wait.

I sit in the passenger seat on the car in silence as Vikas drives again. I watch the familiar surroundings pass by for half an hour before we turn into the roads leading to the palace in the middle of the city.

Aarav asks seeing how we were starting to drive towards uneven roads, "Vikas, are you sure you know where you are going? Stop and ask if we are lost."

I blink my attention out of my thoughts to Vikas and realize he does look lost. Returning to the road, I reply faster than Vikas could, "It's just up ahead. Make a right at that sign."

"Are you sure?" Vikas asks. "Maybe I'll just stop and ask."

"Road ahead leads straight to the palace." I answer confidently. It's not a road I am going to ever forget.

"Okay." Vikas answers, continuing to drive ahead but not trusting me entirely. Not that I take offense. How will he know why I know these roads, after all?

I close my eyes, resting my head back against the seat. The haunted memories refusing to leave. I call on to the image of her smiling face as I often do to get me through the tough days. It's the only thing that gives me the strength to keep going. And yet, this time, it does not come to me as easily as all the other times.

All there is, is darkness. In that darkness, a faceless and nameless enemy who I know is just waiting for an opportune moment to strike. An enemy I need to get ahead of before everything is on stake once again.

I open my eyes only when the car gradually comes to a stop above the paved driveway leading to the front doors of the palace. Exhaling quietly, I remind myself to compose everything. I have to be careful.

Stepping out of the car, I pull open the back door just as Jhanvi is about to get it herself. Her eyes flicker up to mine in surprise before she grasps it in. She isn't used to others opening her doors for her or even having a bodyguard around.

I step aside and offer my hand to her to make it easy for her to get out. I am aware of how much it hurts the initial days with a broken bone without any pain relief medicine for it. I've had my fair share of injuries. I've built my endurance but I doubt she has.

She thinks for the briefest of second. What, I do not know. Then, she slips her hand in my palm in a firm grip as she pulls herself out of the car. Accidentally, she places too much pressure on the injured foot and stumbles back hissing in pain.

Quick to react, my arm wounds up around her back to hold her steady. Her grip on my hand tightens and my attention is pulled to it as she balances herself.

Aarav walks around to reach her, "You okay, Shona?"

She opens her eyes and nods, "Yeah."

I pull my arm back ignoring this strange feeling that overcame my being on holding her hand.

. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .

∞ author note ∞

PLOT TWIST!! Haha, what do you think? Neither Mohini nor Dinesh are the true 'villains'. Again, my point with this is that it is not always clear in life. It isn't a fairytale, after all, where the villains go around dressed in black and such - making it easier for us to spot them. They blend in and you never truly know. Also, circumstances can make even a good and kind person turn into something they are not. No one starts out as 'evil'. We just paint them to be as such because it makes it easier for us to have someone else to blame for our condition.

PS: I know we haven't had Aarav POV in a LONG time... but there is a reason for it. Building up to something ;) Besides, book1 revolved majorly around him and now with more characters, there is a lot more I have to show. Don't mean to sideline his importance but for the moment, this is just how it is turning out. Hope you'll understand :)

QOTC: Are you starting to see a progress in Aarush's character? Maybe you have a 'feel' for him thus far - let me know what you think of him? I need to know where to work on!