someone special (not a bf, I'm eternally single) made me incredibly happy today. so wanted to make you happy now <3

-• we're over •-

Atharva never answers my phone.

I try calling Anagha.

"Tara, we're running late -" I hold up a hand at Janet, pacing back and forth in my room. Anxiety wrecks me from within. If Shourya is right, if Atharva did what he said, I'm ruined. My relationship with my brothers is ruined.

She walks in before closing the door behind her. "What's wrong?"

As I go to answer her, Anagha answers the phone. I breathe in sharply. "Anagha, hi,"

"Hey, sorry I was in class-"

"It's fine." I cut her off. "Atharva- where's Atharva? Is he at the University?"

"I don't know. He was in his room when I left the house." She answers. "Actually, he's acting a little weird since yesterday. He returned home from University and locked himself up in his room. He didn't even come out for dinner. I thought he's sick. Why? Is something wrong?"

"No," I whisper. "I'm sorry for disturbing you." I hang up without hearing a response from her.

"Tara, you're trembling," Janet holds my shoulders. "What's wrong?"

"Atharva went to our teacher with the evidence."

She gasps. "What!?"

A knock on the door startles us. She gestures me to calm down. I wipe the sweat settled over my lips and nose and take in a deep breath, nodding at her to open the door.

The twins stand at the doorstep. "Shourya told me what happened." Arush walks in first, followed by Ayush immediately after. "Did you guys talk about it? I thought we were keeping it under wraps for a while?" He questions me.

I shake my head. "We didn't. He made his own decision."

I place a hand on my hip and rake the other through my open hair, the panic resettling. I feel my chest get heavy. Something weighs me down mentally. I can just imagine Yuvraaj's reaction to everything. He'll lose it. Everyone knows how carefully people tread around the Chairman, and Atharva potentially declared us as his enemies.

"This is not good," Ayush mutters, cupping his face with his hands before he sits down on my desk chair. "The Chairman is not a good human being. And he has proved it. But our family still maintains a good relationship with them. If Bhai finds out, God I can't even imagine what will happen."

"But maybe this will work out for good?" Janet raises a brow.

"If it had to work out for good, she'd have handled it the legal way. Why did she go to the Chairman?" Ayush asks rhetorically.

"You don't mean...." Janet's mouth falls open in shock. "Fuck."

We don't go to the university. We just sit in my room, waiting for the doom to knock on our doors. Nothing happens in the outside world. What we find out never reaches the press. People continue with their life as if a horrid crime isn't happening just under their noses. The mighty sun falls, night blankets the bustling city.

Juyi knocks on my door at seven thirty in the evening. "The dinner is ready."

I nod at her. "Go, we'll be there in five."

She bows and retreats.

"God, I'm scared," Ayush drops his forehead on the tip of his joint hands. "What if Bhai knows?"

"Let's just go. Let's just get over with it." I wrap a scrunchie around my hair and pick up my phone and the card key. The twins and my friend follows me downstairs. We see Yuvraaj enter the living room at the same time. I slow down on the stairs, so does the three other behind me. He looks up from his phone and our eyes meet. I turn rigid. He nods at us in a greeting and goes on his way.

My head snaps behind. The twins heave a relieved sigh. We continue downstairs.

"Your highness!" The butler rushes in, stopping Yuvraaj in his steps. "The Chairman and his grandson are requesting a visit."

I freeze. Janet knocks into me from behind.

The air in the room shifts. The soft look on my brother's face grows cold. He turns into a block of ice, emotionless, almost mechanical. "The Chairman? He's here personally?"

The butler nods.

"What's wrong?" Vivaan steps out of the dining hall.

"Welcome them inside," Yuvraaj says to the man. He nods and strides off back in the direction he came from. Yuvraaj's eyes shift to Vivaan. "The Chairman is here. With his grandson."

Vivaan's entire personality changes. He goes back inside the dining hall. A few minutes later, he returns with everyone else. "Tara, Ayush, Arush, come here and stand next to Agastya. Janet, go back to your room, darling. I'll have someone send you the dinner." She obliges right away. Twins and I take our position next to Agastya.

Shourya brings the man on a wheelchair. Even if I hadn't met the old man before, I'd still recognise him from miles away. He exudes the aura that threatens you. It automatically makes you stand straight, chin to the ground. I twist my fingers together, avoiding looking at him because the moment he's brought in, his eyes find me. I notice Yuvraaj stand in his line of sight, blocking his view of me.

"Your Majesty," Yuvraaj bows and gently takes a hold of his fragile hand, raising those knuckles to touch his forehead. "What brings you here, Sir?" A practiced, professional smile replaces the blank look on his face.

The old man fixes the shawl draped across his lap. "Something interesting happened this morning." He chuckles. His tone, as I remember, low, spoke hoarsely, neither screechy, nor offensive. But it still sends shivers down my spine. I crack my knuckles aggressively. "A lovely woman visited me. Princess Taranya must know her. I heard she teaches at University of Jaigarh, am I right, Princess Taranya?"

I nibble on my lower lip anxiously, my head doesn't rise, my mouth doesn't open. I stand quiet in my place. This is the same man who uses kids as test subjects for some sick project. This is the same man that neither deserves the respect he receives nor the glory of his title. But that's what power does. It sides with the monster.

"If I may ask, is something wrong?" Vivaan queries. "Did Taranya do something? If she did, I request you to overlook -"

"The third floor of Mankind Medicare is a sacred place for me, Princess Taranya. Of course, normal people view it as wrong and immoral, but it's a place where sacrifices are made for a greater cause."

I almost scoff out in disbelief.

Silence fills the room.

"You kill children." I muster up the courage to speak.

"Taranya!" Yuvraaj grits out sternly. I meet his eyes.

"You knew, right?" I ask him. "You all knew," I look at Dad and Vivaan. Their eyes drop to the ground in shame.

"What's happening? What are you guys talking about?" Agastya steps forward, demanding answer to his question. Yuvaan storms over and grabs his wrist, dragging the unwilling teenager out of the sight. Agastya resists until he could no longer.

"I would never." The Chairman speaks. "We are working for the betterment of mankind. We're trying to build a future where no one loses their life because of cancer. We're trying to change the outlook of world towards medical science. We're creating a miracle there."

"You're killing children!" I snap.

Shourya glares at me, shaking his head subtly.

My fist trembles by how hard I clench my hand. "Stop sugar coating things. It doesn't change the fact that you're a murderer." I say through gritted teeth.

"You're young. You've a long time to understand life. When you grow up, you'll realise why I had to do it. The world will remember me as the saviour. When we fight a war, we're bound to lose some lives. But we don't call them murders. We call them martyrs." He sighs. "It's no point talking to you. I don't expect you to understand humanity. After all, you're half British. Your people ruled mine for over two centuries. What I'm doing, is for the sake of this world. For your future."

I stand speechless.

This man is mad. He's unhinged. And the horror of it all is, he believes in the sanity of his insanity.

"Anyway, we're a family I believe. So I'll overlook it." He clasps his hands on his lap. "On one condition." He eyes me sharply. "I paid twenty million dollars to keep a loose mouth shut. I deserve an apology for the losses I incurred because of your childishness, Princess Taranya."

"She sold that proof to you?" I ask in disbelief. I had a hunch, I knew that was what she went there for. But I still can't believe. I admired that woman. I thought of her as someone who's never capable of injustice. What a slap to my face.

Greed.

It's in human nature.

How can they ever defy it?

"Say sorry, Taranya." Vivaan commands me. He looks me in the eyes and begs me to not put up anymore fight.

I sniffle. "I'm sorry. I acted out of instinct."

"Unfortunately, poor Inayat will have to pay the price for it." He sighs in disappointment.

I pale.

No.

He can't.

Inayat doesn't deserve that.

"No, please," I rush over, tears streaming down my eyes. "She didn't want to. I practically forced the truth out of her. She just wants to live. Don't do anything to her."

"I know. I know, darling. But consequences." He shrugs. "Normal people don't understand my methods. They need to embrace silence. Either willingly or unwillingly."

I choke back on a sob. "Do- Don't! I'll keep quiet. I won't ever speak about this. Don't do anything to her, please. She never wanted to be a part of this. She just wants to live."

"I'll reconsider if you convince me." He states.

I frown.

"I've heard Princess Taranya fancies the old ways of leniency." He smiles, his eyes behind the thick frames crinkling at the corners. "Kneel," he pauses, enjoying the shock on my face, "and beg." And the way he grins, sends a current zooming through my body. "Let me judge the sincerity of your apology," he motions for me to obey.

I stand rooted to my place for a moment, unable to move a limb. I can't kneel in front of a King whose castle is built upon the skeletons he buried. But Inayat's smile flashes before my eyes and my body moves on its own accord. I walk up and stop in front of him. My hands curl around the fabric of my dress. I feel my lower lip tremble. When my eyes meet Shourya's, his own appear defeated. He turns his head away, jaw clenched, his knuckles fisting the handles of the wheelchair white.

I lower my head to the ground, sniffling softly as I prepare myself to beg a monster for mercy.

"No," Yuvraaj grabs my elbow and gently brings me behind him. I stare at his back in surprise. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but this moment might stay with her until the end as her most horrible memory. She's young. And I admit, what she did was wrong. But I- I beg of you, please don't." He whispers.

I clutch the back of his shirt, holding back the sobs that threaten to break out.

The old man nods. "I understand your concern. For a young royal blood, pride is their everything. Isn't it, Shourya?" He cups the back of his grandchild's hand.

"Yes, Dadu." Shourya replies.

"And my grandson is also fond of the girl. I'm sure he hates watching her in this state." He sighs. "So you do it on her behalf," he looks up at Yuvraaj.

Vivaan steps forward in shock. Dad freezes.

Blood drains from my face at his insuiniation.

The palace falls quiet.

"Let this stay as a lesson for her. She brought the Crown King of Jaigarh on his knees because she failed to know the difference between right and wrong. And offending me, is the only wrong one should never do in their life." He announces. "So, Crown Prince Yuvraaj, go on your knees and beg for forgiveness."

Yuvraaj doesn't think twice before obeying.

He kneels.

I gasp.

"Yuvraaj!" Dad takes a step ahead but Yuvraaj holds up a hand, shaking his head slowly.

Vivaan looks away, his eyes brimming with tears.

My heart drops. I cry softly in the palm of my hands.

"Please forgive my sister, Your Majesty. She's naive, but she means well. I assure you this won't repeat." He says, his eyes to the ground.

The Chairman wheels himself ahead, until he's beside my brother and pats softly on Yuvraaj's shoulder. I press my lips together to avoid sobbing louder. "It's okay. I understand. Get up." Yuvraaj gets up from his position, his head still lowered.

No.

Please, this is not Yuvraaj.

This is not the man who makes people quiver in their shoes.

This is..... This is my brother. And for some reason, I hate that even more.

"Your Inayat will live," he regards me sternly. "But on one condition."

I wipe my eyes to look at him carefully.

"You're never to contact her again."

I nod.

"And whatever rubbish you've collected under the name of investigation shall reach my desk tomorrow morning."

"Yes."

"Let's go, Shourya. It's time for my medication." Shourya turns the wheelchair around and walks him out. Yuvraaj stands there until they're out of sight. And then he strides off to his room. Dad and Vivaan follows after him quickly. I stand in my place, ashamed, humiliated, and hurt. My brother had to kneel in front of a monster. Because of me. All of this happened because of me. Because I insisted on finding out the truth.

"Atharva," Arush growls. "All of this happened because of that bastard."

Something sets off in my head. I run upstairs and grab my car keys from the hook, heading back downstairs to the garage. Using the fob, I unlock the car and get inside, slamming the door close before I pull out of my spot.

It takes me fifty minutes to reach the apartment building. I park my car outside at the side of the road and enter the gates.

"Oh, hello, sign-" I look at the guard. He recognises me immediately. "Pro- Protocol, Princess Taranya." I walk up to his desk and write my name in the file.

"Atharva Saxena?"

"Third floor, B wing, Apartment number 203."

"Thanks." I mumble and head towards the elevator.

My face in the reflection of the metal doors ashames me. I rub beneath my bloodshot eyes and wipe my nose, composing myself before the elevator opens on the third floor.

I walk out and locate the apartment 203.

I ring the doorbell.

Nobody answers.

I ring it again.

It takes a moment, but someone finally opens the door.

"Tara?" I walk past Anagha and into the house.

"Where's he-" my feel halt abruptly noticing all the boxes lying around.

"Who is it, Anagha?" A woman walks out of the kitchen dressed in sweatpants and an oversized top. Her hair in a lose bun. She appears haggard. "Princess Taranya?"

"What is this?" I point around the mess.

"We're leaving this city." As soon as she answers, a door in the hallway connected to the living room opens and a familiar person steps out.

"Oh," I scoff out a chuckle. "So you're kicked out of the city?" I nod. "Good."

Atharva lifts his head, guilt swarming in those copper eyes. "Tara, I'm sorry -"

"Zip it." I snap. "Not a word. You fucked up, and you're paying the price for it. I don't give a fuck."

His eyes tear up. "I didn't know she would -"

"Exactly!" I shout, flinching him. "You didn't know, Atharva! So you shouldn't have done it! I told you we can't! I was willing to tell you why! But you didn't listen! You were the one to eavesdrop on my conversation with Shourya, right? You lied, right?" I demand.

His head lowers.

"And your made up your own theory?" I walk up to him. "What did you think? Oh, innocent Tara is getting fooled by Shourya. She's such a hopeless. Losing her mind behind a boy. Is that what you thought?" I question him. "But guess who ended up becoming a fool?" I push on his chest. "You. You, Atharva Saxena."

"I'm sorry-"

"You fucked up. You fucked up big time. I was planning to handover that evidence to my brother. I knew it was the only sane decision. I knew the world couldn't be trusted with that information." I shake my head. "But you went and ruined everything. You ruined everything, Atharva. You doubted me, you made a terrible decision, and you compromised Inayat's safety."

He nods, accepting my every accusation.

"We're over, do you hear me?" His head snaps up.

"Tara, no, please -"

"Whatever it was between us. It's over. The friendship, the past, the bond, everything." He shakes his head. "If we cross paths in future, look the other way and walk away. Never show me your face again. You didn't trust me and this is your price to pay."

"Tara," he reaches out to hold my hand. I throw the touch away and walk out, slamming the door on my way.

As the elevator fall close, I slide down in the corner and pull my knees to my chest, breaking down in heavy sobs. The image of my brother kneeling down and begging for forgiveness keeps flashing in front of my eyes, tormenting me with the guilt of it all. The memory left a scar on my soul. A scar to prove I've commited an irreversible sin.

The elevator dings open and I stand up clumsily, stumbling out to get back to my car. Igniting the engine, I drive back home.

When I reach, my footsteps breach the eerie silence. Even with all the luxuries of the world, tonight this huge palace appears the emptiest. Like it's stripped off its dignity and honour. The feeling breaks my heart.

I head directly to my brother's office. Without bothering to knock, I push the door open. I notice him standing at the window. His back to me.

"Bhai,"

He slowly turns around. His face void of emotions.

"I'm sorry," I let the tears fall and fling myself in his arms.

He embraces me back tightly.

"I'm so sorry." I weep over his chest like a child. "I'm to be blamed. And I hate myself for what I did. I'm so sorry, Bhai. I'm sorry you had to kneel in front of that monster because of me. I'm so sorry!"

He pulls away and looks down at me, a tenderness in his eyes. He wipes off my tears with the calloused pad of his thumbs.

"For my family, I'd kneel not once, but a thousand times, Taranya. And I think of it as my greatest fortune." He says, "Power does not entail in making heads bow. That's fear. My power is in you," he cups my chin. "It's in your brothers. In everything I've built with stable hands and capable mind. That's my power. And when time is right, it'll win."

I nod in confidence. "It will."

He reveals one of his genuine smiles and hugs me again. I feel at peace in his arms.

I hate how bad this chapter made me cry. And I hate how it is just the beginning of it.

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