Ansh hated early morning shoots, charity galas, and weddings. But more than that he hated all that happening in succession. And the things he hates are happening today.

God, he shouldn't have climbed out of his bed today. He should have stayed in his bed eating and sleeping. At least, then he wouldn't be here surrounded by headache-inducing people.

But alas, he hadn't listened to his soul's heartfelt pleas of staying in the bed, and now, he is facing the repercussions. The repercussions in the form of attending the charity gala (elites show-off Battle Royale) after having an early morning shoot with which his recent movie The winter crown's shooting came to an end. He absolutely loved the story and the whole shooting environment and atmosphere was brilliant. They all were quite emotional while shooting the last scene but all good things must come to an end. And with that brilliant thought, he was ready to spend the rest of the day relaxing. Clubbing with old friends was also on the cards but it all went down the drain with a single call from his mother.

The Raichands were holding this year's charity ball and he was to make his presence known. And the Raichand's daughter was getting married to some big royal minister of grandpa's party. So, they had to attend the wedding too.

His day had been officially ruined right then and there yet here he is in the spectacular Royal theme charity ball of the Raichand's. Standing beside the rotating bar in a prince charming getup with a crown on his head and a glass of purely alcoholic drink in his hand. Watching the show of power and prestige span around him along with the grandeur of the whole royal ball theme gala.

It wasn't the ideal set up for the end of his week. It wasn't in any way his ideal way of spending a weekday yet here he was watching people indulge in a stupid game of power. Gossips and rumors running wild while some old fools also tried to set up a profitable match-making business. More than a few eyes had lingered on him and more than a few well-intended young ladies had introduced themselves to him. It wasn't long before he got tired and took solace in the dark shadowy corners of this place. He really should ask his mother to marry him off to some girl before he gets sacrificed in a well-intended political and power match by his grandfather. Well, trust him he does love his grandfather very much but he doesn't trust that man.

Well, he doesn't trust politics.

Lurking under the shadows, he watched Kings and queens with pawns and plotters all around him dressed as kings and queens gossiping and playing the game. A game he hated with a passion. A game that declares the true ruler of the business world. A game that makes him scoff. For it always comes down to Oberoi's versus Deshmukh's.

Yups, the Oberoi's vs his maternal family and as his mother is the sole heiress of the Deshmukh's thus Kundra's gets involved themselves.

God, how he hates this legacy battles where the entitled still battle to rule this city. The paper might claim it's not so yet beneath the surface the power struggles continues. The lust of power not so easy to give up. And he hates it all.

He hates this place. Yes, he is well aware that he is an entitled, sophisticated lad. For some people, this ball might be their dreamland with its majestic grandeur and splendor. The chocolate fountains might seem like a scene out of a fairy tale book. The surplus supply of exotic food, music, fine pristine clothes, and charitable people.

A dream environment.

Until you aren't aware of the underhand battles happening. The shield of charity used to demonstrate the power and elect the uncrowned ruler of the city. After all, money makes everything happen here.

And he may be many things but disillusioned isn't one of them. So, he is well aware politics have never been his cup of tea. He is more like his father in that regard and by father, he means the one that raised him. His mother, sister, well both sisters are the masters in the art of deceptions, flattery, and steel.

But he has no taste for politics and false mummers. He despises such gatherings yet the family he is associated with makes it essential to be a part of these gatherings.

After all who wants bad PR?
A wrong move.
A wrong word.
A wrong step.

And it'll be a political and reputable nightmare for his family.

So here he is dodging prospective brides, and lamenting about his fate. He should have known that he'll be punished for escaping the last gala. Now, here he is alone because his dear sister ditched this one for a concert, imagining what his cousin and soon going to be sister-in-law might have done in this situation. He could totally imagine Viaan inventing an impromptu match practice or shoot and disappearing forever. His cousin hadn't attended a single gala in his entire life. Perks of being the celebrity second son. Saumya kaki and bhai had attended all the gala's back home. But Aaina would have attended and he can vividly imagine heads rolling down due to the ire of the great Aaina Randhawa. She wouldn't have backed out of using her whip-like tongue on people. Now, that would have been a quite entertaining night.

But she isn't here and so he has to make do and seek other sources of entertainment that don't involve watching his parents mingling effortlessly with the crowd and the new rich trying to curry favor from the hereditary ones.

The difference between hereditary rich and new to richness is also quite clear in these meets. The hereditary ones are proud and playing this game for years. Some of them as old as the reign of this country and survivor of playing with the royals and invaders. The merchant and business family of old with few still rich royals thrown in the mixture of disaster. Add the power-thirsty new one's aware of the game trying to hold on to the ruler to prop themselves up in a position of more power and then there are the new ones invited for the first time totally unaware of the hidden workings of this gathering and face on the face of people.

These galas are not even a single percent less than the court of kings. Each here for their own gain and as interesting as watching all this in a totally third perspective manner is. It still gets monotonous after so many times and he can't see a new face invited.

Hush, it must only be he and his simply awesome sarcastic consciences for the company tonight.

Wait a minute, Is that Om uncle and Gauri aunty walking mum and dad? From when did they start attending the gala? As far as he was aware they never attended the gala. It has been so from the past 20 or so years.

Intrigued, he ran his eyes around the hall, and there they were the OBEROI'S with the Raichand's, Raizada's, Malhotra's, and Omav's PA. God, if Omav could bring his PA along then why couldn't he? And for all, he knew and matters his PA is way more beautiful than Omav's anyway.

The Oberoi's were fashionably late as always and Ritisha Oberoi, Pinky and Shakti Oberoi were not attending as always. But then Anika Oberoi is attending such an event for the first time since he started attending these functions. Unconsciously, his eyes started analyzing his birth mother. The lady who had given birth to him and then lost him.

As a third person, he could see similarities between them. They were minute but there. He had her smile, nose, and hair and he was caught staring he realized noticing Shivika's gaze on him. Some other guy might have averted his gaze feeling embarrassed but not Ansh Kundra. He met Shivika's gaze head-on and smirked lazily towards the princess dressed in gold, raising his glass in a silent toss.

Shivika averted her gaze from him.

Victory!!! He decided as he eyed the Oberoi's warily. Something was different. Anika Oberoi is attending the gala for the first time. Even Shivaaye Oberoi is attending when he generally doesn't attend when the Oberoi elders attend the function. Om uncle and Gauri aunty is also here.

Omav Oberoi is attending the party alone. Now, that's strange every other time he brought a new date a model, actress or designer.

Peculiar.

Very peculiar.

Well, there goes Shivika Oberoi towards Omav's group consisting of Nikhil, his PA, Ornov Raizada, and Mudit Aurora with there dates. But where is Omisha?

Ansh thought with furrowed brows as his eyes scanned the crowd for the golden nightingale of the Oberoi's. He couldn't spot her anywhere around. His frown just deepens spotting the Oberoi brood walking towards the bar.

"What did little Shivika complain to Omav about glaring meany SRK?" Ansh thought sardonically eyeing them. It wasn't like he was afraid of them or something. He may not have Aaina's hold on the war of words but he can stand on his own just fine in such battles.

After all, he is the son of Ishana Deshmukh Kundra and no DNA report is ever going to change that.

"Then why aren't you telling about that to your mother?" His conscience mocked him.

"Because I don't want to hurt her feelings. She might think she failed me somewhere that made me seek about my birth parents. When she never did. I failed her many times. I'm her heir, " Ansh retorted snappily to my consciences. See, he even battle with even his mostly awesome conscience sometimes.

His conversation with his conscience was broken by a clearly offensive tone to the left of the bar. Curious, he walked a little to the left and found a very entertaining sight along with the girl he was seeking.

Omisha Oberoi looked ethereal in red and gold. She was a fiery delightful sight with an ice-cold gaze. A gaze presently directed towards Shivika. Well, maybe not Shivika but the man whose hand was interlaced with Shivika's.

"Ooh la la, what we have got here? Drama. So much drama. This got to be interesting," Ansh thought sipping on his drink and analyzing the situation in front of him.

"Di!!! Ornov is my boyfriend, " Shivika's tone was clearly defensive and Ansh couldn't help but wonder what kinda venom was sprouted before?
Everyone was kinda looking at Omisha warily.

"So, I was just reminding your boyfriend of his status. He seemed to have forgotten that and I was helping him, so that the next time voh apne sapno ki had apni aukat tk rkhna na bhule, bade Sapne aur choti aukat ka anjaam bohot dard bhara hota hai, " said Omisha, dismissively eyeing the people around her.

"He just asked you for a dance, Misha" Mudit Malhotra also known as Omisha's ex-bf and best buddy jumped to Ornov's defense watching Shivika's hurt expression and Ornov's confused expression.

"Then maybe he isn't worthy of having a dance with me, " Omisha drawled haughtily.

"He is my bf, di" Shivika murmured hurt, her expression clearly highlighting her pain.

"Then you should think about changing boyfriend, dear, " Omisha's words were sharp and cruel.

The horrified gasp of people around her confirmed that and the warning hiss of her name from her brother a subtle warning. She was in dangerous waters. Omisha turned a blind eye to it all.

"Apologies, Misha" Omav hissed lowly to Misha but Omisha just met his gaze head-on.

"I didn't say anything wrong, " Omisha challenged unmoved.

"He is your sister's boyfriend, " Omav hissed

"I know, I just suggested a breakup, " Omisha shrugged uncaringly.

"Well, Mudit I was really angry when you broke up with her but now I can see why? After all, who will want to stay with her when she is being such bitch, " Omav said cruelly, anger clearly dancing in his eyes watching Shivika's watery eyes.

"Good gracious, " Omisha shrugged.

Even though it hurt. She was always the best among all of them in the art of masking her feelings.

"You might think you're a Queen with that crown and cringe-worthy red dress but you aren't Misha, don't forget you're not even the heiress," Mudit's date whose name Ansh wasn't aware of but knew she was a director or something spewed vitriol.

"I'm a princess, crown, or no crown. Don't forget I'm an Oberoi, Jasmine and I rule red. No red ever looks cringy on me ever and I'm an heiress too,"

Oh! God, they totally shouldn't have left Omisha with Aaina. Now, the fiery queen is emitting icy vibes. Ansh decided, sipping on his beverage and enjoying the live show.

"And Omav is the next heir, " Jasmine said in a tone that made it clear in few days Omisha will be married off and then have no business with the Oberoi empire whatsoever.

"He may be the Oberoi's heir but I'm my parent's heir, " Omisha retorted unbothered but Ansh could see it was wearing down on her as the people surrounding her spluttered indignantly laughing.

"An Artist's heir, oh lord, what's your aukat then madam, " Jasmine, Mudit, Nikhil mocked as one while Shivika and Omav stayed silent.

"Google it, you'll be quite aware. My father may be an artist but he isn't just an artist, " Omisha's words were knowing. She had the last laugh. She'll always have the last laugh. It was clear.

"So, that's why you're avoiding us for the last few days, " Ornov asked Omisha feigning curiosity but the malice was clear in his tone.

Omisha didn't bother to reply. She turned away from them ordering another drink.

"So, What's the price of Omkara Oberoi's heir Omisha Oberoi's heart then?" Jasmine asked Omisha mockingly. Well, in no way Omisha's dad can be richer than Mudit or Ornov.

The smirk that graced Omisha's lips said it all.

"Di, "

"Well, you never answered what's the price of an Oberoi's heart?" Ansh stepped out of the shadows. An infuriating smile on his lips.

"I'm not just any Oberoi, " Omisha sassed.

"Well, won't you want to know Kundra, " Omav sneered.

"Well of course, after all, I might have a chance. Can't say the same about you, Oberoi. After all, no Kundra makes the same mistake twice, " Ansh twisted the dagger of his words in Omav's heart.

Omav paled and glared but didn't say anything while Ansh sent Omisha a flirtatious smile.

"Still, waiting for an answer, nightingale" Ansh eyes lingered on Omisha. Royally ignoring the glaring people around them.

"Stardust, "

"Now, I don't shed dust love. But for you, I am ready to even roll in dust, love, " Ansh feigns the voice of a poet promising to pluck stars for his love.

Omisha rolled her eyes clearly unimpressed.

"Well, I had to try so am I worthy enough to have a dance with you, my fair maiden?" Ansh asked still enacting the prince charming part as he forwarded his hand towards Omaha,.

A thoughtful looking Omisha.

"Oh! This is my fav song. Give thy decision hastily, my lady" Ansh ushered.

Omisha giggled placing her hand on Ansh's waiting hand and Ansh led the vision in red to dance floor.

In no time, they were in the center of the stage swaying to the catchy beats of senorita. Dancing on a perfect mix of salsa and ball dance forms. Setting the stage on fire by their mere presence. After all, both of them were performers. And Ansh didn't miss the looks of people around them.

The swallowed lemon plus the girl is slipping out of our hands look of Tej and Jhanvi Oberoi. The impassive yet keenly watching eyes of Shivaaye and Anika Oberoi. The bewildered, disbelief filled expressions of Shivika and Omav Oberoi. The repulsion filled expression of Mudit. The envy filled expression of half of the room and despair filled, of the other half.

Ansh noticed it all while pulling, pushing, and twirling Omisha in his arms with the beats. His eyes meeting his mother's teasing one while dancing as he silently begged his mother to make a video of their dance. He needed it. The amused expression of his father. The friendly smiles on the faces of Om uncle and Gauri aunty.

"So, how are you?" Ansh asked Omisha dipping her low.

"Like I was yesterday, " Omisha said smiling softly.

Ansh had formed a tentative friendship with Omisha in the last three or so months. After their first meet in Delhi and it had nothing to do with the fact that they shared the same blood. Watching Omisha's behavior with them strangely reminded him of his days after being adopted by the Kundra's. There was blank in his memory and he didn't know what was the acceptable behavior around them? What was he allowed to do and what he wasn't? It was all a strange few days. He was afraid to sleep in the bed. He didn't know how to operate the shower in the washroom. He didn't even know whether he was allowed to eat or not? Was he to be a slave? What were his duties? It was a strange world back then.

And Omisha's expressions mirrored his at that moment. It was a strange new world for her. She was too uptight, a pompous, pretentious soul at the beginning not at all aware when to not be formal. But in the coming months, their company had managed to loosen her up a bit. The girl under the haughty exterior is a gentle being with a kind heart full of good intentions.

The last few months were great. He knew who he was but as Aaina promised it changed nothing. They all were happy and content with their present lives. No one came knocking on their doors with mystery and danger flashing. But he should have known it was the calm before storm.

"The one your eyes are seeking won't make an appearance today, dearest" Ansh whispered teasingly to Omisha watching her eyes dart to the entrance of the hall as they swayed on the slow beats of a "thousand-year, "

"Who?" Omisha feigned innocence looking at Ansh questioningly.

"My one and only mortal frenemy, " Ansh exhaled dramatically.

"How?" Omisha asked wide-eyed was her feelings for a certain cricketer so obvious? She thought she did a better job of hiding it. She couldn't be so transparent, could she?

"Well I've eyes and I might be keeping an eye on him, " Ansh shrugged.

Omisha looked at him questioningly.

"Well, he is my enemy. I have to keep an eye on him. Otherwise, he'll steal my Vi from me and you, my dear, looked like a loveria infected puppy around him, " Ansh said very seriously.

Omisha blushed and looked down self-consciously.

"Promise me, you won't tell him, " Omisha asked Ansh shyly.

"Yeah, I won't. I'm on your team, " Ansh said, internally grinning gleefully. Savvy was as infatuated with Omisha as it was possible for Savvy and why will he tell that oblivious fool about Omisha's feelings? When he could tease him to his heart's content without doing so.

Omisha glimmered and he twirled her as the song changed to "O Bekhabar," and similarly the energy around the ballroom changed.

Every eye was locked on the entrance of the ballroom. The whole room seemed to inhale and hold their breaths together. And Ansh would have ignored it all thinking a new drama but turned to inspect it watching Omisha's wide eyes.

Walking in was a vision in black if the girl dancing with him ruled red then the girl walking in ruled the color black. The girl was walking arm in arm with another girl. Every eye in the hall was fixed on the girl in black but Ansh just couldn't tear his eyes away from the girl escorting the girl in black. She really looked like the Queen of butterflies in her dress.

"Close your mouth or you'll catch flies, " The teasing words and fingers on his jaw made him aware of his hanging jaw.

Snapping out of the daze.

He again looked at the new guests of this gala.

Aaina Randhawa and Danika. God, why hadn't anyone informed him of their arrival? He would also have joined their entry then? He watched as Aaina froze just momentarily while passing Ornov. Others might have not noticed it but he did for he knew her. And watched as both of them walked towards his mother's side smiling.

"Sorry, I got super late mum, " Aaina apologized in a tone that made it clear to Ansh she wasn't really sorry.

"It's fine, beta, let me introduce you, " Ansh watched as his mom turned to the people around her. Ready to make introductions.

"She said she won't attend?" Omisha asked him confused.

"I know, I don't know what changed" Ansh repeated. Watching Aaina's frigid smiles and sharp tongue live in action.

The lost princess has returned back to her kingdom.

But she isn't a princess anymore.

She is the new ruler.

Ansh thought wryly.

~to be continued~

Omisha dress, crown & hairstyle.

Aaina dress, crown & hairstyle

Shivika dress, hairstyle & crown

Danika dress hairstyle & crown

Jasmine dress, hairstyle & crown