-• saviour syndrome •-

Virendra stares at me aghast, relying on me to get us both out of this situation. I plaster an easy smile on my face and approach the old man. "I took his car yesterday to University and didn't bring it back. I was too tired to drive after midnight. Now he wants to go somewhere but doesn't have his own car, and you know how cranky he gets about misplacing his things." I chuckle, convincing the man in question to play along with my eyes.

Thankfully, he picks up, "Just get my car back by this evening. And learn to use your own things. You've a series of cars gifted by your grandfather to his favourite grandchild." He snorts, wishes his father good morning and makes an excuse of reaching somewhere in an hour.

The Chairman turns to me. "You're my only grandson, always remember that."

I swallow. "Of course."

"I've no grandchildren other than you." He states, his face sour before he turns to leave.

"Dadu?" I call out.

He looks over his shoulder, a brow raising in my direction.

"You came here for something?" I probe.

"Ah, yes," he nods, "Come to my office before breakfast. I've something important to discuss with you."

"Sure," I lock my hands on my back and nod in obedience.

He pats my back, looks forward and walks away, the end of his handcrafted bamboo cane thumping with each step he takes.

After he's out, I close the door and head inside the walk-in closet to get ready for the day. "Yara, play some smashing music," I command, whistling softly as I slide open the glass shelves. The inner lights turn on. I look through the options, bobbing my head to the beats while I make a choice. Eventually, I settle on a black turtleneck, a cardigan with stripped brown monochromes and dark brown trousers. I put them on, shift to the glass case holding the watch collection and pick the one with large, metallic dial. I gel my hair, style them back as usual and wear my socks before putting on my brown leather shoes. Then I step out, shove the books into my backpack as per the schedule and swing it on my shoulder. I lock Yara in the safe, tuck the key on the hook in the front section of my bag, turn off all the lights and lock the room on my way out.

I descend the staircase with hurried steps, enter the hallway of the Chairman's study, turning at the corner only to slam into a man coming from the opposite end. His phone crashes to the floor and my backpack slides down my shoulder to my hand. "Shit, I'm sorry." I apologise.

The man in dark suit squats, uniquely wearing a black cap that doesn't go with his dressing style, grabs his phone and dismisses my apology with a shake of his head. "It's okay." A whisper. Our eyes meet for a fleeting second before he's out like a wind.

I frown.

Why do I feel like I've seen him somewhere?

Shaking my head, I focus on the pending interaction between me and the old man. When I knock, he allows me inside and I push the double doors open.

"Oh, there you are," he smiles at me from behind his desk.

The unintended meet in the hallway runs inside my head like a flashback. I feel tempted to ask, so I do. "Who was it that just left?" I walk in deeper and drop my backpack on the couch, pulling the chair in front of his desk to settle down relaxed.

"Who?" He glances my way.

"The man in black suit, above five foot, broad shoulders, square jaw, rugged features. Who was he?" I question in detail.

"Did you talk to him?" He asks instead.

"No, we didn't even exchange names. He didn't even wait to make introductions. He looked in a hurry."

He smiles. "You remember so much about someone you met once and don't even know the name of."

I sit straight. "I remember faces."

"Good." He nods. "Faces you should remember. Names can be stolen, right?"

I think I pale a little. "Yeah, what did you call me here for?"

He pulls out a file from between the bunch. "We've successfully acquired Jumbo Steels."

I smile as I recieve the file. "I got the news the moment it was official."

"Now it's on you to bring back the reputation it had, to make it return to the sales it used to make two years ago." He instructs. "Once you make that happen, the moment you get your business degree, you can take up the position of CEO of Rajawat Electronics."

I look up at him in disbelief. "Are you being serious?" I lean in, unable to believe my ears. I thought this would be a battle worth lasting a decade and I'm getting it just like that?

He nods. "But first, focus on Jumbo Steels."

"Yeah, I will." I smile up at him. "Thanks, Dadu," I get up from the chair, unable to surmount my excitement within myself. I need to share this great news with someone. And I know the right person for it. I bet he'd be ecstatic. Though he'd never show. "I should leave now. I've extra lectures."

He smiles back at me.

I turn to leave.

"Shourya?"

I face him again. "Yes?"

"You won't stay for breakfast?"

I shake my head. "No, I'm already late. I'll see you tonight for dinner." I'm already walking away as I say that. Closing the door behind me, I hug the file to my chest and grin huge. This fight was easier than I thought. God, I can't wait. I'd have to take entire control of Jumbo Steel, study the company in detail because when I proposed this buyout, I was solely focused on acquiring Rajawat Innovations. If Jumbo Steel is the way to have entire Rajawat in my fist, then so be it. I'd give it my fucking all.

Shoving the file in the backpack, I close the zip and walk outside the palace. The valet brings me one of my cars from the garage. I go to take the keys when I remember Yuvraaj will send me the car back to University today.

"I'll take a cab today." I give the keys back and make my way down the driveway towards the main gates.

I see no cabs on the road. Hitching a ride to University sounds so un-royal, if that's even a word. I slide my thumb along the strap of my backpack, pursing my lips as I look in both the directions. I know I can make a cab turn around even if it's coming from opposite direction just to take me to University. But isn't that power exploitation? I don't want to leave a bad impression on the citizens of my town. In future, I'll be crowned as their King.

I sigh and unlock my smartphone, searching for the nearest bus stop in the vicinity. I find one on a ten minutes walk.

I shove the phone in the pocket and turn, walking in the direction of the bus stop. Five minutes in and a bus to Jaigarh stops for me. The doors swiftly open, the driver peeks out and bows his head. "Please take the bus if you need a ride, Prince Shourya. It's impossible to get a taxi here." He says, the other passengers nod in response. I see the conductor come closer and reach out with his hand.

I frown. I don't need a hand to climb the bus. I can walk on my own.

He notices my expressions and points to my backpack, "Your bag, Prince," he emphasizes.

"Oh," I whisper. "No, it's fine." I climb the staircase and walk inside. A woman gives up on her seat for me. "No, don't!" She flinches. I blink. I'm not being harsh, just slightly overwhelmed. "You- you don't have to give up on your seat for me. Please, it says seats reserved for women." I point at the instructions above the window. I look inside the bus and see other people stand. "You all can sit down." They obey timidly.

When the bus doesn't move, I look at the driver in question. He's staring at me over his shoulder. "Aren't you driving?"

"I- I am, but where do you wish to go, Prince-"

"Where is the bus going?"

"Uhm, Jaigarh bus station."

"Then to Jaigarh bus station." I say briskly. "Now can you please drive? People along with me are running late to their day to day activities."

"Ye- Yes, Prince Shourya! Right away." His head whips to the front and he restarts the bus. It finally starts moving forward.

As I steal a glance around, I see a man glancing at his watch, his feet tapping impatiently. Our eyes meet and he quickly stops, clutching his laptop bag to his stomach. The crisp white shirt, new tie and prim hair tell only one story.

"Interview?" I ask him.

He flusters, nodding meekly.

"I'm sorry for causing you delay." I tell him.

He forces a smile back. "It's not a problem."

I look ahead and stare out of the window for the remainder of the journey. We reach Jaigarh bus station in forty minutes. I hold back a groan. I've already missed my extra lecture and I don't think I'll make it in time for my first lecture either.

A crowd forms in front of the doors. As soon as they open, people stumble in, spot me, gasp and rush back out in a hurry, almost toppling over each other in panic.

"Your highness," the conductor comes to me. "You've to take the back door for exit." He points.

"Oh," I murmur, embarrassed.

It's because everyone waited for me to make the first move that I didn't get the chance to realise I was using the wrong door as exit.

I correct my mistake. People walk out behind me.

I sigh in exasperation when I'm stared at like an eighth wonder of the world the moment I make myself available for the eyes. The station administrator rushes out of his office to attend me.

I close my eyes in embarrassment.

If only I knew this is what I would be inviting on myself for taking public transportation, I'd never, in my dreams even thought of it.

"Prince Shourya, please wait a few minutes. I've called security chiefs, they'll escort you-"

"Just tell me where can I hire a cab from?" I interrupt.

"Out- Outside the station." He stutters.

I make an about turn, duck my head and march outside the bus station. The man follows me in a haste, along with a few of his subordinates that keep people from approaching me.

I'm dumb.

And this is the first time I've felt such.

I had no idea it'd be this intense. I've strolled the local streets in foreign countries, no one batted an eye at me, save for the migrated Indians who keep up with their country's politics.

The moment I exit the bus station, Tara's car at the red light takes my attention.

"Thank you, everyone!" I turn around, holding out my arms so they don't follow me. "You can go back to your work now. Thank you very much." I place a hand on my chest to show them my sincerity, turn around on my feet and rush to her car before the signal can turn green.

I open the door of the backseat and slide in, startling the two girls ahead.

"Hey!" Janet looks over her shoulder. Tara finds me through the rear view mirror. "You!?" The two echo.

"Hi!" I wave, my voice breathless.

"What the fuck are you doing in my car!?" She twists in her seat to glare at me.

"The signal," I point at the windshield.

She frowns. Then realises what I'm meaning to say when cars from behind start honking. Groaning, she hits the accelerator and starts driving again. "What the hell are you doing in my car, Rajawat?"

"Starting early as your self proclaimed bodyguard, my love." I pant softly and open the window to let the fresh air in.

"Excuse me!?" She snaps. "And aren't you going to say something?" She throws an eye dagger at her best friend.

"He called you my love." Janet mumbles softly.

"Uff, Janet! Uff!" Tara slams the steering wheel.

"That was sexy, Esther. Do it again." I sprawl relaxed in the backseat.

"Shut up!" She grits out. "And as you can see, Mr. Bodyguard, that I'm absolutely fine. So why don't you stay the fuck out of my life!?"

"Tch tch tch, women shouldn't curse so much, Miss. Chauhan." I shake my head admonishingly.

"Fuck you, Rajawat." She enunciates. "Now tell me what are you doing in my car?" Comes the demand.

I chuckle. "I think I've a saviour syndrome when it comes to you. I feel this intense need in me to protect you." I lean in between the front seat. She elbows me in the chest and I fall back coughing. I wince. "That was one strong elbow jab, Esther. You taking up on those self defense classes I recommended you?"

"You didn't recommend me shit." She growls.

"Oh, I didn't?" I lean back in as she carefully steers the car slowly through the growing traffic. "I've one in mind,"

"Who?" Janet looks at me.

I raise my right hand, stick an index out, and slowly, dramatically point it towards me.

Tara gives both me and my finger a glance, and snorts.

"Why?" I pout. "I bet I'm the best trainer cum bodyguard cum husband you'll get."

"Don't start, Shourya." She warns me.

I shrug and sit back.

"What were you doing in the middle of the road though?" Janet asks me seriously.

"I left my car back at the University last night. I decided to take cab, but couldn't get one so I had to ride in the public bus. I was getting out of the Jaigarh station when I spotted you guys at the red light." I explain.

Janet frowns at me.

"What?" I frown back.

"Did you reset him?" She asks Tara.

"What?" Tara questions.

"Did you put him in the rice?" She continues.

"What are you talking, Janet!?" The frustrated Tara glows brighter in anger. Sometimes I love my sense of humour. How come I'm so good at so many things?

"How did he turn so polite?" Janet whispers to her best friend, eyeing me suspiciously.

I roll my eyes. "I'm just in a good mood this morning."

She squints her basic browns at me, as if trying to unravel the real me using some sketchy voodoo shit. I won't put it past her. She looks like someone who'd stab little black dolls with pins and needles.

The car wheels inside the gates of University. I step out once she parks it in her usual spot. The female attention isn't lost on me when I wave bye at my princess and walk away without receiving one in return. So heartless. Is she the same girl who straddled me, kissed me and touched me like she can't get enough of me just yesterday? She has a long way to go before she accepts me as who I am.

I sit through the remaining lectures, have my lunch in the cafeteria and take updates on Tara's whereabouts directly through her instead of my hacking capabilities. Grudgingly so, she co-operates. At the end of the day when I see her drive out with Janet in her own car, I follow in mine slowly behind and sigh when she's finally in the safety of her palace grounds. I steer the car back to Rajawat Estate, have early dinner and head back to my room under the pretext of studies. Then I shower, change, grab my bike keys and glasses out of the safe, and sneak out of the palace at around ten in the evening.

"I've a good news!" I announce as soon as I exit the elevator.

Rachel, the secretary Yuvraaj personally hired for this office gets up to greet me. I nod back at her and enter Yuvraaj's office. He's already looking at me in confusion. I slap the file of Jumbo Steels on his desk. "All I need to do is bring this company back to its initial position and Rajawat Empire is mine."

He frowns, picks up the files, reads through it and as the color drains from his face, so does my excitement.

"What's wrong?"

"Did you even read this file?"

"Not carefully, but I did spare it a glance." I nod. "What's wrong?"

"Don't tell me the Chairman put you up for this challenge and you accepted it blindly?" He asks me.

I blink. "Bli- Blindly? What do you mean? Why are you panicking?"

"Do you know why I recommended the buyout of Jumbo Steels?" He leans in bracing his desk.

"Because it was in debts." I shrug.

"Do you know how much?" He asks me.

"How much would it be? Fifty million? A hundre-"

"Seven hundred."

I freeze.

"It's useless." He throws the file on the floor. "All I wanted was to create a competitive instinct in the Chairman's mind, that's the only reason I mocked him for not having an internal supply of raw materials as I do. That's what drove him to buy this company even when it was in so much debts! And now he's dumping it on you? He can take it out of debts easily, but you can't. Do you understand what that means?"

"He's testing me?"

"No, you fucking fool! He's suspecting you!" His voice booms and I startle.

"Sus- suspecting me?" I whisper.

"Shit, I'm sorry!"

"It's okay."

"May I see the list of our investors?" I demand in a hurry.

"What?" He frowns.

"The list of our investors!" I grunt. "Rachel!" She comes rushing in at my one scream. "Get me the list of our investors with their whole fucking biodata. In ten minutes!"

"Ten?"

"Minutes!" I press.

She swallows and runs back to her desk.

"He knows I've funds." I look up at Yuvraaj. He nods in agreement.

"Or rather he's suspecting you have them, since he challeneged you, and not confronted you. He wants to see how you raise funds to get this company out of debts." Yuvraaj explains. "And the bait is Rajawat Empire. He's blinding you with greed."

I sit on the chair with a thud.

If he finds out what I'm doing behind his back, it's fucking over for me.

Rachel comes back with the list of our investors. I surf through the pages quickly and find him, forwarding the stapled documents to Yuvraaj. "It's him. He's not one of us. He's an insider for the Chairman."

Yuvraaj sighs tiredly.

"Is everything okay?"

"No." I reply. She looks at me worriedly. "But we'll make it okay." I tell her, my eyes shift to Yuvraaj.

The two nod. I feel a short spark of courage lit in me.

We'll make it okay. We have to. We have no other choice.

Ugh, the adrenaline rush I get when I write from his perspective. Switching back to Tara's in the next chapter. I know so much is going on all at once so it's hard to keep up, but bear with me.

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