Chapter 4, Part 1 - Invitation
The cream white Invitation lay placidly on the ornate table; dinner had long since been forgotten. Rajghar was royal in many aspects, it had a firm but strong history, having moved away from the Royal Socialites Rajghar made much of its headlines in the Business sector. Each Sadasia of Rajghar had majored in Business or Economics, coming in with top marks so after all receiving an Invitation to an Imperial Ball seemed hugely out of the ordinary. Manyata couldn't grasp the situation any better than the blank faced people before her; she gently removed the invitation card from her mothers hold and read its contents fully allowed:
"Mahraaj Grijraj Singh of Jaighar Estate invites you to an evening of prestige and entertainment, hosted at the Palace Hall with a luxurious banquet served at the Palace Gardens. This Ball marks the anniversary of the Jaighar Corporation with many legendary faces attending including you.
Date: 1st September 2012
Venue: Jaighar Palace Hall
Host: Mahraaj Grijraj Singh
Time: 10:00 pm
As Royalty all Sadasia of Rajghar must attend wearing formal attire to be greeted warmly at the main entrance and given VVIP seating. All Ladies will be given a small folded card that will be tied to their wrist; the meaning of this shall be revealed during the gathering."
Having finished her monologue, Manyata looked in disbelief at the invite, the other royals - Jaighar, Devghar and Tejghar - never acknowledged our existence wanting us to be swept swiftly away by the sands that surrounded our very palace, yet this direct hand of friendship towards us was very unusual, the fact that their could be no excuses, each and everyone must attend sent chills down Manyata spine. What was behind such a ploy?
"I don't want to go father, it's a waste of perfectly allotted time. Father mine and Jay's finals recently finished and Di just let us go out for the first time in months and you want me to give up such a golden opportunity to go and attend a pointless party full of Court Marshalls with their sectaries swinging by the arm no doubt in a manoeuvre to act as their wives . Di probably won't go either ' Init Sis?
He turned towards me but i was still stuck at the part were this was his first time going out, i wasn't that harsh. Was I?
"I'm sure I've let you go out before, this is isn't the first." I murmured to no one in particular
Everyone sighed and looked away
"What?"
Adda arose from his seat and addressed everyone, his voice definite, decision made and eyes set.
"You didn't hear what the invite stated 'all must attend' Vijay my beta i understand your reservations on this matter but there is little i can do for you, you haven't been taught of the ways of Royalty which is why you are blinded to the double meaning behind those words. Mahraaj Grijraj is mastermind king and effective businessman, if we insult him by not being present, he could pressurise his business acquaintances and that could prove fatal for mine and your sisters businesses. Please be considerate and get ready as we have a little time left." Adda's lip formed a hard line and he glanced at me. "Manyata Beta would you take your younger siblings to the Mall for some evening ware."
I smiled understanding completely the very essence of the request; Adda knew new clothes and jewellery would preferably quieten the fiery temper of both my cousins, but looking over at Jay and Vijay's face told me they were still in a huff.
"Hey guyz?" I waited until i had their full attention before continuing "How about i hand over my gold credit card to both of you and what ever pleases you, buy it!"
This surprised them; gold credit cards were usually a no go topic. After some mental twin discussion they nodded reluctantly, only a brief smirk revealed their true inner thoughts.
***
The trip to the mall was definitely one to remember, having lived in the states for short while Jay and Vijay knew how to spend money carelessly, buying from boutiques and jewellers every now and again. Manyata glanced at her martyred credit card her face fell a little more each time the numbers on her bank balance dropped evermore as the time went on.
The noise of the cash machines seemed all too loud almost gloating at her:
Chic, Chic Caching
Dear god! It was such bad luck today yet the infectious smiles and laughter of her two siblings entirely converged Manyata - money was always coming and going but opportunities like this passed you by if you couldn't grasp hold of them they didn't wait up for you.
Grabbing the card from them, Manyata slipped into the French Connection shop followed avidly by her 2 cousins, she and Jay browsed the women's section she hadn't bothered before about her appearance, not to be a show off but M was born with stagger halting looks, her vivid blue eyes, killer curves and those long sleek legs, tanned slightly thanks to Mumbai heat. Basically a recipe cooked up to kill and with the light blue long dress that Jay had picked out for her, each one of her features would stand out especially the blue which would play up her eyes.
Manyata liked it, she liked a balance in her life - she didn't shy away from wearing western clothes nor was she embarrassed by the traditional wear stoked up in her wardrobe.
It was shockingly plain more than it should have been for a party as important as this but it matched so well that she couldn't help falling in love with it. Jay and Vijay gave her thumbs up when she came out of the dressing room!
"You look mind boggling sis, trying to kill a few business executives huh!" He winked at me
I laughed lightly "Yeh, so i can get them to deal with our company - you know me too well."
"Sis you are going to kill everyone who even glances at you with that dress on, no one is gonna bother to look else were" She appraised me, her eyes wide.
She changed quickly, and joined her siblings they moved towards the shops exit door after M had brought the new dress and Vijay his new shoes.
Faint footsteps stopped Manyata before she could reply to something Jay had said turning in the direction of the noise Manyata took in a pair of muddy brown eyes.
"Maam, you were very looking hot in that, there are other clothes on a half price deal would you like me to undress- uh, uh, uh i mean show them to you"
Vijay made a terrible noise under his breath and Jay stepped closer to M protectively, the boy looked at her curves hungrily. Manyata wanted to gag her face reddened but not with a blush but with anger, this filthy dog talked to her like that. It was all she could to restrain herself from jumping up and scraping his eyes out.
Looking at the name plate she chose her words carefully "Akash I don't think you know to well who i am but if you use such words again, i might just lose my temper and you definitely wouldn't like that now would you"
The boys eyes gleamed and he licked his lips "Come on Maam, your not all that - spending some of your time alone with me will tame you"
She slapped him scaldingly across the face, she was livid - this scum had the audacity to speak to her with such dirty words. The fact that she was a princess was one matter but even as a normal customer this behaviour was cheap and filthy
"How dare you!" I stepped up right near him "You cheap, filthy dog ' Just were did you find the courage to talk to me in such a way. Call your manager i want to speak to him immediately."
The boy clutched his now swollen cheek, eyes blazing "You wrench! Just because you have money you think you can treat someone in whatever way pleases you, I'll show you just who the manager is!"
He grabbed her, manhandling her roughly trying no doubt to kiss her but before he could reach his designated place a muscled arm with spiked tattoos grabbed him from the scruff and landed him a full rounded punch knocking the boy flat out onto the ground a few of his teeth lay beside him.
I turned hastily to my side meaning to thank my saviour but received a small shock it was the boy from race track the one who looked like he had a permanent scowl etched into his features but at this present moment with his face in neutral condition he looked, well what could i say? Captivating - his neat bronze cropped hair with hard black eyes framed with thick black lashes and defined angular check bones, this boy looked like he'd just modelled down a runway or had photographed on an airbrushed vogue magazine. His expression was just as miffed but quickly controlled he held out a hand.
"Yuvraaj Udayveer Singh Nice to meet you."
Manyata's eyes widened a little his voice was just as impressive -like hot honey dripping from a spoon.
His soft eyes lost their curiosity replaced with concern "You Okay?"
I nodded quickly unable to speak "Thank you so much, i appreciate your help" Taking his strong hand i smirked "Manyata Singhania"
"You look pale, let me talk to the manager I'll have him out of his job for such rude behaviour!"
M had nearly forgotten about the employee but her face turned towards him again agitated, her thoughts were disturbed as the manger swept towards her, she realised she clutched Udayveer's hand letting go as a soft blush lit her features M looked at the man who was supposedly in charge
"I am so sorry Maam, I saw much of what happened from eh security cameras and I so whole hardly want to apologize for the actions of this employee."
His eyes were grave and he looked like a big friendly teddy bear, she melted "Of course, it was no such fault of yours, but I'm sorry i don't think you should have such a worker in your shop he has no care for customer service."
The manger nodded vigorously "He was employed because a new scheme set up by the government to give opportunities to those who have just come out of prison but i will tell his probation officer right away and have him removed. Please have a good day Maam!"
I nodded politely distant; the lean Stranger accompanied me his lithe movements keeping up with my long legs. I felt tired and shaky, this was a first for me usually Abhiya handled problems like this very well, all M wanted to do was go on home yet she looked over at her sister who still hadn't chosen a dress let alone the shoe shopping that would start. As if reading her thoughts Udayveer asked if she wanted a ride home, she wasn't ungrateful but the thought of going home with a unfamiliar person slightly just so very, very slightly scared her. Oh god how much courage it had taken to swallow her pride and admit that even to her it was shameful but it was true yet her cousins were all to eager to see her go and there chori chuphi glances at UV told her the reason why.
"OK" I said looking at him earnestly
He smiled crookedly and warning bells swept through Manyata but she followed too exhausted to care much. His car was ridiculously sexy regretfully M thought - ever since her Adda had brought her Mercedes as a birthday gift, M had fallen in love with cars, and it ran in the blood her whole family was obsessed with cars and this one left M feeling breathless a black Ferrari with sliding doors and exhaust like a roaring lion. Uday gently placed his foot on the accelerator and the car shot forward like a snarling leopard.
Manyata stroked the black leather, in her own happy land to recognise Uday's staring at her face intently. "I read your executive report on the cosmetics market, it was very interesting." I was suddenly pulled out my reverie, confused
"If my memory serves me right - aren't you in the hotelier business, why would you be interested in cosmetics"
He laughed clearly caught out in his well planned lie
"What's the deal Yuvraaj you have some crush on me?" I winked at him playfully
He laughed and it felt like bells were ringing in my ears suddenly we were both laughing "It looks like you know me well but not well enough I'm engaged."
I froze, why did this disturb me? Yet even as my insides were deflating, pieces were fitting together ' of course after I'd heard his name there had been recognition laced in his essence only now I understand exactly who he was!
"Ah Yes 'Rajkumari Anvesha a royal socialite, clubbing expert, Fashionista and the Tabloids favourite friend. I've read all about her!"
To her surprise UV face flashed anger and M knew she might've treaded to far "Sorry!" She said
"No it's okay, i guess i should have got used to it by now, it's just every time i think she's changed , she'll do something childish and ruin everything." His voice held a thread of sadness and regret
"Looks like you like her a lot, my only advice to you is don't let go of her, my mother let go of the person she loved and i still see her pain everyday." I finished earnestly the car stopped in front of the Tejghar gates i was glad the sharp wind would be refreshing site. Why did she feel like she wanted to cry? The freshness of the air would help but UV soft vice answered her before she could move towards the door.
"I don't love her!"" he was looking straight ahead, his knuckles white from holding the steering wheel so hard "Loving someone like Anvesha is really too hard, i guess i have to accept what my sister says to me Anvesha is something i need to acclaim - to love Anvesha is as impossible as walking through quick sand."
The words stung, even if he didn't notice it - he held some place in his heart for her, to being so upset by his own words.
"It's never too late!" My voice was a whisper i wondered why he was telling these things to me, maybe because he felt as royals it could be done however why did M get this feeling that he trusted her or at the very least felt comfortable in her presence. Maybe it was just her mind!
She got out of the car and as she ran to the door she never quite caught his last reply the quietest of them all.
"But it is too late Manyata" The whisper shivered and dissolved into the crisp air
M turned as she reached her door but the Ferrari was still there and its owner was still staring at her softly, realising he smiled and gestured for her to continue into her home. She grinned and waved slipping into the warm Palace corridor. The warmth enveloped her and she closed her eyes, could Yuvraaj Udayveer be so complicated? Well she hoped to meet him again, Yes! even as her treacherous mind shoved all the negatives at her, she still craved for his company. I guess you'll have to wait for the dance tonight - Yes i presume i will have to!"
This would be fun!
IMPORTANT NOTE 😃
Hey guyz this was originally very very long but i had to cut it down, so this is like a filler mostly, the real action will be reveled in the next part that i will upload tommorrow evening/night 😃😛
So please comment and like. Your Chapeks are really expensive so don't waste them by throwing them at me LOL 😆
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