-• we meet again •-

The next day after school, Agastya sends off the twins alone and we drive to the Rajawat Estate in his car.

No place has ever creeped me out as much as the first glimpse of the humongous Rajawat Estate did. It has all, the rich allure, the luxury, the promise of comfort, yet as if it is wearing a veil of sparkle, deceiving you with the glory and the glamour, hiding something vicious beneath all along.

I stare at the tall trees along the driveway, so tall they canopy the clear blue sky. The place is so picturesque worthy, it looks more like a painting than a reality. Everything that surrounds the grand mansion stands tall and proud like a shield, meant to guard what lies behind. There's no welcoming warmth that I felt when I first entered the Chauhan palace, everything here feels materialistic, cold and concealed.

I open the window and the winds tear through my locks so harsh I have to tie my hair in a bun to avoid the tangled mess. My eyes dart to Agastya, then to his hand that is clenched tightly around the wheel as he watches the outside through the windshield, his face impassive and icy.

The car slowly comes to a stop on the porch. Before I can open the doors, an attendant rushes to us and does it for me. I thank him politely as I step out and look over the roof of the car, instantly meeting Agastya's dark onyx eyes, that for some reason, in this moment eerily resembles my eldest brother's.

He comes to my side and holds my hand in his, his gaze softening when it looks down at me, making me the sole receiver of his attention.

"Don't get blinded by their glamorous outward appearances or kind smiles," he gently tucks in a strand behind my ear. "They are monsters, Tara. All of them." He whispers, causing a shiver to rack down my spine.

I swallow.

"Let's get done with this as fast as possible without getting into troubles, okay?"

I nod in reply.

"And don't leave my side for the next two days." He instructs.

"Yeah," I answer.

Last night after dinner, Vivaan came to my room to tell me the same exact things.

Don't leave Agastya's side.

Don't make friends there.

Don't speak unless spoken to.

Not just him, but I heard the same from Yuvaan and Dad as well. To say I was dreading coming here would be an understatement. I even forgot all about my tiny crush on Atharva until he came to the classroom to talk to his sister. I've been on the edge from the time dinner ended last night.

"Let's go," he mumbles, gripping my hand tighter in his, not to imply control or dominance, but as a sign of protection and assurance, that he's here, by my side.

I follow wordlessly, our feet in synchrony, slapping against the shiny surface of the marbled stairs. The huge double doors open automatically, without Agastya having to knock or ring a doorbell, and reveals a velvet smooth carpeted red path. Shiny antique sconces glow beneath arrays of frames hanging on the corridor walls, each painting telling a unique story of a different era, of victory and glory, of wars and bloodbaths, of crowns and thrones, of Kings and Queens.

I watch in awe, my hand slipping from Agastya's as I halt unintentionally, mesmerized by the colors and streaks on the canvas, a scene straight from the war, and how it glorifies death over defeat, blood over benevolence, and victory in violence.

"Tara," my hand is being held again as Agastya steps in between me and the painting. "Don't get distracted so easily." His brows furrow together in concern.

"Sorry," I apologise softly, glancing one last time at the painting over his shoulder before following his lead deeper inside the mansion.

It's nowhere complicated like the Chauhan palace, but strangely enough, I feel the complexity there is to protect you, give you time to hide and take a breath, come out stronger than before. Here the ease feels like it's there to strip you bare in the broad daylight and leave you no place to run or hide.

We finally enter the enormous living area of this gigantic architecture. Everything here is so shiny, made of white marbles and gold interiors, it's like you're the backdrop for this place and not the other way around. The living room oversees a beautiful foyer, leading two arched elegant staircases to the floor above, in the center stands an artfully carved sculpture of a delicate woman barely covered, holding onto the cloth and the crown that's being mercilessly tore away from her.

Power and Dignity.

Two things women have always struggled to have, no matter the era or place.

"Yuvaan made it,"

My head snaps to Agastya in shock. "Really?"

"For the Rajwat Estate on it's hundredth anniversary. Since they never valued a woman in their house before." He explains.

"I thought he's only into pottery," I speculate.

Agastya shrugs. "He's into everything that's art. He is art, Tara."

For some reason, seeing one of my brother's creation, placed directly as the center of attention for everyone to see and marvel, makes my chest swell with pride.

"Oh, the Chauhan princess is finally here," a rich voice resonates throughout the high walls, revealing a man stepping downstairs in his expensive three piece black suit. The smile on his face is pleasant, but the look in his eyes appears deprived of any warmth or affection.

I feel Agastya stiffen beside me and this time, it's me gripping his hand tighter.

"Agastya, what a pleasant surprise. I thought only she was invited to the mansion." He glances at me for a fleeting moment, descending the remaining stairs and coming to stand in front of us.

"There's time before she can venture into the world alone," Agastya smiles tightly.

The middle-aged man chuckles. "And you're what? Eighteen?"

"Young enough to snap a neck without breaking a sweat and old enough to look through the people's mask." Agastya counters.

The man doesn't say anything for a moment, then shifts his attention to me. "I believe we did not get the time to meet during the party, Princess Taranya. I'm Virendra Pratap Singh Rajawat. Shourya's father." He stretches his hand out. The flicker of discomfort that goes through me at his eyes watching me so keenly makes me hesitant to even go closer to him, let alone hold his hand.

"And I believe there's no need for introductions." Agastya slaps his hand against the older one and shakes it firmly. "We used to be family after all." He grins at the man.

Virendra Pratap looks at him, the annoyance on his face hard to ignore. "Enjoy your stay," he removes his hand from Agastya's steel grip, forcing a smile at me before he walks through between us, causing Agastya and I to step apart to let him go.

"Prince Agastya, Princess Taranya," a new voice calls for us. We both turn and find an older man approach us. He bows to us before speaking, "We're honoured to have you at the Rajawat Estate. Your rooms are ready and we've already prepared a bath for you. If you allow, I'll escort you to your rooms."

Agastya nods and I follow his lead.

"My name is Shantanu. I've been working for the Rajawat Estate for the last fifty years now. I believe Prince Agastya already knows," he begins, earning a soft nod from my brother. "For your stay here, I'm appointed as your caretaker. If you need anything, at anytime, I'm always there to take care of it for you. You just have to let me know." He glances at us with a smile. "Princess Taranya, we've been preparing for your stay for the last week now. So if there's anything you don't like or wish to be removed, feel free to tell me. I hope you take back only good memories," we reach the third floor and he unlocks a door, revealing the room I'll be sleeping in for the next two nights.

The grandeur of the bedroom startles me. I walk inside, stopping my jaw from literally touching the floor when I slowly turn around to take the beauty in. The white marble floor is so shiny and clean that I can see my reflection in it. There are two huge windows, covered in silk grey curtains with gold borders. Every piece of furniture reminds me of Victorian era, so rich and magnificent. It's so big I can literally play cricket here.

"Do you like the room, Princess?"

I nod without looking at any of them. I couldn't. Everything in the room was begging for my attention.

"Prince Agastya, let me show you to your room," I hear the butler say.

"Taranya," Agastya calls out and I unwillingly turn to face him. "Close the door." He instructs. I walk along with the two until the threshold, closing the door once they leave. Then I go back and throw myself on the bed, bouncing off the cloudy softness as it engulfs me snug, cold but cosy.

Fishing out my phone from my skirt pocket, I snap quick pictures of the room and send them to Janet. The network here is shit since it takes a few minute before they reaches her. She replies with GIFs, one from the Tangled that says wow with big doe eyes and one that says adopt me.

I giggle and turn around to lie on my stomach, diving into another meaningless conversation with her until there's a knock on the door. I say quick bye to my bestfriend and scramble off the bed, opening the door to a maid.

"Fresh towels for you, Princess" she forwards.

I take them from her and ask her about my stuff. Just as she opens her mouth to answer, a young man appears, holding my small suitcase and backpack in his hand.

I bend forward to take my stuff. "Thank you," the two retreat with a polite bow.

I dig through my bag for clothes and choose a floral white mini dress. It has a flared hem and a flattering figure-hugging bodice ensured by the shirred back. I love the billowy sleeves with large cuffs, and the square neckline is mirrored by a flattering square-cut back.

The bathtub is already prepared for me. I strip off my school uniform and sink into the tub, sighing at the warmth that courses through my stiff muscles, getting me relaxed as I reach deep neck into the water. A floral scent emanates through the air, releasing me into a calm state where it feels like I'm meditating.

My head lowers on the tub edge and I close my eyes, startling awake when I hear footsteps skid across the floor.

"Tara?"

Agastya's voice calms me down.

"I'm in the bathroom," I respond to him.

"What the hell, short stuff? Why isn't your door locked then!?" He demands angrily. Rightfully so. I should have locked the door. I almost forgot it isn't like my room back at the Chauhan palace, which requires a key to open from outside and automatically locks if you push it close.

"I- I'm sorry. I didn't realise."

"Tara," he groans and I hear him slump behind the bathroom door.

"What's wrong?" I ask softly.

"I swear to God I've never been so anxious before in my life. Do you know how many times Yuvaan and Vivaan Bhai have called me in the last half hour? Even the twins."

"Can't we go back home?" I ask him hesitantly. Yeah, the room is nice and all but it doesn't feel like home. It feels empty and cold.

"I wish," he mutters from outside. "Did you check for the cameras before taking a bath?" He suddenly asks.

"What!?" I sit straight. The water slides down my chest and out of fear, I lie back down to hide myself. "There are cameras in here!?"

"I don't know. I hope there isn't." He replies.

"But what if there is?" I ask in fear.

"Get over with it quickly so I can check."

Hurriedly, I wash myself clean and grab a towel from the side, struggling to cover my body before draining the water from the tub. I dry myself and put on the clothes without removing the towel, heaving a relieved breath after I'm done.

Agastya gets up from the floor when I open the door for him. He steps in and looks around the bathroom, checking the switches, mirrors, windows, ceilings, curtains, even the bathtub before declaring it safe.

"You almost gave me a heart attack," I follow him outside.

"I just want you to be careful." He sits on the edge of my bed.

I walk up to the dressing table and plug in the hair dryer. "Why are we acquainted with these people if they are so bad?" I ask him.

He lays back on the bed. "People are not born bad, Tara. They become bad when they do bad. In the past, there were some good things that held the two families together. Now with them gone, the attachment is no longer present, but the connection is hard to get rid of."

"Does the hospital where Dad and Bhai work belongs to these people?" I ask curiously. The question has been brewing inside me from the time I saw how people there both respected and feared the man they call the Chairman.

He nods in response.

"Why are they working there if we don't like these people?"

He sighs and sits straight. "Because it was built together by our grandfather and the Chairman. After a few years, the two had a fall out over this new medical project the Chairman was adamant on funding. Before they could reconcile, Grandfather died in an accident. Since then, the relationship between the families never took a turn for better. When Bhai got married to Sara, we thought the differences between the families will be resolved, but one night Sara Bhabhi just stormed out of the palace with her bags and the next day, Bhai was served with divorce papers. But she didn't come back to the Rajawat Estate. It's like she disappeared from the face of the earth. And she never returned."

I switch off the dryer and place it on the table, sitting on the ottoman to absorb the information in my head. "Did he love her?"

Agastya shook his head.

"Why did he marry her then?"

"Because of the Chairman's request."

I gasp. "And I thought no one can ever make the Yuvraaj Singh Chauhan do anything."

"Not the old Yuvraaj," he adds. "Bhai was young back then and was only learning how to handle the business. Everyone knew expecting anything from Dad would be stupid. Bhai had to make the decisions alone. So he thought having support from one of the richest families in India will help him conquer everything he was aiming for. But from the moment they got married, they only fought. And not just an argument, but a full blown fight. Where they screamed and hurled things at each other. But strangely when she left for good, Bhai changed. He became even more estranged, even more cold. The last person to evoke any emotion in him, even if rage, was gone."

I let out a troubled breath.

Now how do I tell Agastya he's so cold and estranged because of being in the closet for so long. Poor guy, it must be hard to live with a secret.

A knock on the door interrupts us. Agastya gestures me to stay seated while he goes and opens the door.

"What is it?"

"The Chairman requested Princess Taranya in his study for a cup of tea,"

I stand up in haste hearing the words.

"Now?" Agastya questions further as I stop behind him.

"Yes," she answers with a nod.

"Alright, let's go," he says.

She quickly tenses. "O-Only Princess Taranya,"

I stiffen and touch Agastya's arm to seek comfort. I don't want to meet that old man again. All he talks about is his Shourya's desire to marry me one day. It's creepy.

"Fine, I'll send her in five," he says and steps back to close the door. He turns to face me, holding my shoulders to make me look up at him. "Now listen to me carefully," his voice drops low. "Be polite. Don't give up on your posture. Speak only when you're spoken to. Keep it short and concise. Don't try to flatter him, if he does so, only smile softly. Don't grin. Don't laugh. And don't show any disrespect."

"I've met him once," I remind him.

"Yeah, when he was worried about his stupid grandson's surgery. This time, he'll be focused on you. The way you behave, your confidence, how you present yourself. Show him why his grandson is so besotted by you, and also the reason why his grandson can't ever have you. Remember what you told me once?"

"What?" I whisper.

"That beauty, brains and power, all belong to you now."

Did I say something like that?

"Are you confident?"

I shake my head.

"Fake it," he nods and opens the door once again. I follow him meekly.

We descend the elegant staircase and reach the royal foyer, from there he guides me to the right of the mansion, deeper into the direction until we reach a huge pair of double doors.

"Go," he steps aside. "I'll wait here."

I take a deep breath and rap my knuckles against the doors. They are opened by a guard who lets me in and then steps outside, closing them instantly. I find myself standing straight in the sight of the Chairman, a vast distance between us, as he sits behind his wooden desk, smiling at me warmly.

Then he gets up and walks over to me. I stand with my hands fiddling behind my back.

"Taranya, it's been so long since we last spoke to each other." He places his hand on the small of my back and leads me towards the right couch. I sit down with a small thanks. "Tea?"

I find myself nodding to his question.

He walks up to his desk and orders two cup of Earl Grey tea through the receiver. Then he comes over and sits adjacent to me on the sofa chair.

"How are you?" He regards me with all of his attention. For some reason, his frail facial features appear warm, but the warning ringing inside my head given by my brothers and the vibes of this place has me constantly on the edge.

"I'm fine. What about you, sir?" I ask out of politeness, holding my posture like a fine lady of a royal descent, just what Mrs. Dodiya has taught me.

"Good." He nods.

Just then the doors open and a middle aged lady brings the tray inside. She serves us the tea before excusing herself with a bow. I lean in to pick up the translucent cup and take a sip, clenching my jaw to not display my dislike openly.

"How is it?"

"Nice," I force out.

He chuckles. "It's okay. Put it down. These flavours are usually not of young people's taste buds."

I sigh and put the cup down.

"Do you miss your home back in London?" I look at him perplexed. "I'm aware of your past." He explains.

Oh.

"Uhm, not really. I'm trying to adjust here." I answer uncomfortably.

"It must be hard to start anew, in a different country, among the strangers."

"They are not strangers. They are my family."

"Family you weren't aware of three weeks ago."

I swallow.

"Do you trust them yet?"

I meet his eyes. "I do."

"Because you've no other choice?"

"Trust never comes with a choice. Consequences, perhaps? But not a choice." I answer.

He stares at me for a while, almost throwing me into a flight mode. But then he puts his tea cup down and locks his hand around his hiked knee.

"So do you trust the world?"

I almost roll my eyes. What stupid question is that? I'm not dumb to trust people blindly.

"No."

"Why?"

"Because the world did not rush over when my mother died, it did not grieve with me, it did not protect me from the rain, it did not hug me warmly and called me little star, it did not care when I was alone and unheard, on the verge of ending up an orphan. It would never stand in front of me like a shield. It would never risk its life to protect me. But in these last three weeks, I've figured out my brothers enough to know that they will. In a heartbeat."

"Careful, Princess, you're placing your bets too quickly. Don't rush it." He smiles at me playfully.

"I'd only be worried if I was standing against me," I remark.

He nods slowly. "For the first time in my life, I agree with Shourya's choice."

There he goes, bringing his creepy grandson in the middle of the conversation.

"Let's go and meet him?" He gets up from the chair, looking down at me in question. I reluctantly get up too and follow him out. Agastya straightens from his leaning position and greets the old man. After they exchange pleasantries, we're taken to the fourth floor using the elevator and into the room Shourya is in. I wince seeing his condition. His entire face is covered with gauze, right arm and right ankle is wrapped in a plaster, he looks completely tattered, only skin and bones.

"Shourya, my prince, look who's here. It's your Taranya." He whispers to the boy, gently brushing his finger through the scalp. The boy doesn't move an inch. Thank God. "She came to meet you. Now you should wake up soon and see for yourself." He presses a kiss on Shourya's forehead.

"Will he ever wake up?" I blurt out before I can mince my words. Agastya grabs my wrist and squeezes it in a warning.

The Chairman looks at me coldly and I lower my head. "He will. He will wake up. He will wake up soon." He says. "Let's go,"

Agastya and I nod.

For the remaining of the evening, I spend it in my room. After dinner, which was thankfully served in the room, I call Janet to share about my day and listen to hers.

But her voice keeps breaking in between.

"Tara, I ca- hear- go to somewhere the- network!" She snaps angrily.

I walk out of the room in search of network, saying hello over and over again.

"Yes, now I can hear you!"

I sigh and lean against the corridor wall as we resume speaking. An hour later when I hang up, I realise I've wander off to the floor above in search of network.

Am I lost?

Oh God!

Not again.

I walk in the direction of the elevator when out of nowhere an arm shoots out from the dark and swallows me inside a random room. A hand clamps over my mouth before I can shriek.

My back is pinned to the door frame before a towering figure steps closer, their breath a wisp of a smoke in the cold night. I look up in panic, my whimpers muffled when I find myself staring back into the pair of ebony eyes that have several times made it into my nightmares. My gaze drops low, to the scarf covering half of his face, the remaining features of his powerful body barely visible in the moonlight. Terror washes over me and I thrash wildly in his arms.

He chuckles, the sound deep and haunting, arousing goosebumps all over my body.

"We meet again, Princess Taranya." His dark playful eyes curve as he smiles behind the mask, half a lie, and half a threat.

For some weird reasons, I missed the mystery man lmao

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to vote and comment. Makes my day.