SS : The 5:30 People -- part 7 --pg-40(24th December) - Page 19

Originally posted by: -ChitraRocking-

awesome update
loved the update 😊

Originally posted by: rmifzala

hey Anita waiting was worth bcz loved the update & lots of secrets of may b piyas past life are been revealed & I want piya to come back soon:(
but loving the seventeen century track too;)

Originally posted by: Dark-Beauty

Fabulous update

Loved it

Thanks for pm

Please continue soon

Eagerly waiting

Originally posted by: as-Sweet

Bangon updt..Abhay & misha sibbling responsible for piyashree's protection_sid-misha-pia-abhay's convo r awesome..i soo wished to see such scenes on pkyek also bt alas..Abhay-piashree tashan & luks..lastly abhay played his cards 0n jeh..Gr8 wrk__tnx 4 pm:)

Originally posted by: Abhiya-4ever

Nice update Anita..Do update soon

Originally posted by: .rumki.

amazing update
waiting for next part

Part 5 :- The Royal Amalgamation

Impossible itself says I m possible!

There was no guarantee that Piya was Miss Goody-Two-Shoes, but Ruhi's heart refused to believe that she could be a backstabber! Unless there was concrete proof against Piya, Ruhi knew she wouldn't place her into the fraud category.

"Why Angad? ", she asked, "What makes you think so?"

"Right Now News keeps me updated Ruhi. This is what people will believe in a heartbeat!", replied Angad coolly shrugging a shoulder.

Right Now News was Angad's favorite news channel and Ruhi knew it all too well. What she couldn't understand was why he was mentioning it presently. What reason could the followers of this channel have, to blame Piya for the present situation?
" I don't understand why anybody would blame Piya. What has Right Now News to do anything with this?"

"Everything Ruhi everything!", replied Angad.
The puzzled look on Ruhi's face urged him to speak and so he did. "Who is our biggest competitor presently?"
"RTW. Why?"

Queen Technologies was an Indian multinational technology company, headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It was well known for designing, developing, and selling consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. It's hardware products included smartphones, tablets, personal computers, portable media players and smartwatches. Among its most important and widely used consumer software was its operating system- Pendant.

Its competitor RTW or better known as Royal Tech. World was another multinational technology company, headquartered in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, that functioned similarly. It's best known software product was the Monarch line of operating systems. All its hardware devices that used the Monarch OS were termed as Thrones, for example, the Throne smartphones, Throne tablets, etc.

It had originally been headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, but eight months ago that changed with the shifting of its CEO, an Indian NRI, to Srinagar.

"What is Piya's shopping complex named?", Angad quarried further.
"Royal Cavern", replied Ruhi, not understanding why Angad was more interested in hosting a quiz then simply stating the facts.
"You must have heard about the Royal Amalgamation then?", he quipped making Ruhi's face turn into a full blown frown as she couldn't recall anything about the said event or whatever it was!

*************************************

"What?" Prabal almost growled, "She slapped me and you said nothing. Why bother now?"

Abhay, Misha and Arth exchanged inquisitive glances, trying to figure out what he could be speaking about. They thanked nature wholeheartedly for the massive tree whose trunk was completely covered with wild creepers. Standing between Prabal and the trio, it obscured them almost completely by casting looming shadows upon them.

Prabal was talking over the phone, and they could just use the distraction before he used his senses and became aware of his surroundings.

"You twins go and get whatever you need from the hospital. I am heading to my place with Piya", said Abhay mindlinking both the twins simultaneously. They could not afford to actually talk and grab attention. Not that Prabal, the sloth, would actually be a big threat, but was there not something more important to deal with, than him?

"Arth, make sure that there is no trace of even a single drop of blood here. I don't want any disturbance later."

"Sure! ", replied Arth with a small nod and then off they disappeared into opposite directions, leaving Prabal to fume dramatically.

************************************

"Sorry! A little help, please." Ruhi could not remember if the term was even familiar, as her mind was clouded with the fear of Jeh's reaction after he returned from wherever he was, and found the work pending. She cringed mentally in memory of the many beatings she had received earlier for no fault of hers.

"I knew you wouldn't know it. The Royal Amalgamation is the term coined by media for the business relationship between RTW and Royal Cavern. It's the most featured news on Right Now News since the past fortnight! "

This now was new, thought Ruhi. What relationship could there possibly exist between a shopping mall and a multinational technology company? "Do you mind enlightening me with the manner of this relationship? "

"Why not? ", he said rather joyfully, "The one and only Mr. R. K. Kabir, yes, the CEO of RTW is enamoured by the services and quality of products of Royal Cavern. He has thus offered to make an app for Royal Cavern to make its service online."

"And that makes Piya bad! How?"

"God Ruhi! You seriously act so nave at times", he chided, "If RTW is offering Cavern such a massive lift then is it impossible to believe that it's because Piya works for them, and is here only to cause trouble? "

*************************************

"I am truly grateful that you chose us", said Arnab to the well-built young man dressed in an all black, crisp business suit, sitting across the table, opposite him.

When he had heard Piya giving examples of R. K. Kabir when she had first expressed her wish to work, the last thing he had expected was for Kabir to be this young. According to business magazines he was into his early thirties, but with his perfectly combed jet black hair, a handsome face with a perfect jaw, warm brown eyes, and smile almost infectious, he hardly looked the mentioned age.

"But why us Mr. Kabir? I cannot recall what we have done to receive a favor so huge! ", remarked Arnab letting his curiosity win over his otherwise calm demeanor.

"Trust me Mr. Dobriyal I am actually helping myself and not you", quipped the young man only raising more questions in Arnab's mind.

"Care to explain?"

"My girl, Mr. Dobriyal! The love of my life", he said, placing a hand over his heart. His eyes glistened with love even as he spoke of the girl, something which Arnab noticed and felt himself smile. "She loves your service and if it were possible she could happily spend her hours in this beautiful complex of yours. And that is what makes me jealous. I am a young man in love after all", he said. "If you agree to this bond between us and the app comes into existence, I can have my girl all to myself. You understand?"

"Oh Sure! I get the picture", replied Arnab with a chuckle. "Still Mr. Kabir what is the other reason that I should know of?"

Obviously who would believe such a thing? Kabir could not really voice the original reason, but that which he had supplied was no lie either.

The brown pupils of the older man infront of him reminded him of a certain someone that he once had the pleasure of knowing. Only Kabir knew how bad he wished to meet her again. He had waited to be in her company just one more time, and he could not let the opportunity slip, not when he was this close!

"You Mr. Dobriyal are a self made man", he said knowing that Arnab would not let him go without a solid reason, "You learnt business from your mother no doubt, but she was somebody's employee which you are not. You shaped your dreams into this huge mall and I respect you for that." By the proud smile on Arnab's face he understood that his words were received well and he could retreat to his useful cool self. "The reason that I gave you earlier is but all true and since we both are Royals, we are like family. And family Mr. Dobriyal, should stay together."

"I agree on that Mr. Kabir."

"Kunwar", said Kabir.

"Sorry! Come again?"

"The K in my name stands for Kunwar. I don't like people elder to me and specially those which I know personally, addressing me as Mr. You can call me Kunwar Kabir if just Kabir is difficult for you."

Arnab wondered if it was just a coincidence or was he actually talking to someone that belonged to royalty. Kunwar indeed was an old term for Prince! And if his history was not poor, then the last royal family in Dehradun were titled Rathore. Kabir did have an R in his initials as well. "Are you a real Prince?"

Arnab found it amusing when Kabir groaned and covered his face with his palms. "I take back my words right away. Please call me Mr. Kabir. I will not start with my lineage now."

That made Arnab laugh. "Am I right in assuming you to be one then?"

"I am not bound to confirm that!", he replied quiet dramatically but in good humor. Kabir then pushed a file towards Arnab. "Here", he said, "Sign the papers and seal the deal."

That is exactly when Arnab's face dropped and he smiled, but apologetically.

**************************************

Abhay noticed the smirk on Misha's face. She was certainly enjoying the way he was being treated. But he had to focus on more important matters. "Does anybody else know that you read the so called funny book, Princess?"

Piyashree's face turned into a scowl as she replied, "No. And I remember having said the first page has a funny warning. I never said that the book is funny. "

Abhay thought what could he possibly say that would not want the Princess to murder him. Not that he could be murdered, still.

"Pardon me for being so wrong, Your majesty! But this is serious. Will you please answer if anybody else is aware of it or not? ", said Abhay in the most gentle manner. But it seemed like the scowl on her face only worsened. She kept glaring murderously at him and he wondered if he had uttered something that he wasn't supposed to.

Only when Siddharth nudged her, did she speak, "No! ", while crossing her arms and looking far away into the woods.

If there was anything that irked Abhay, then it was being avoided. How difficult was it for her to maintain the eye contact, he thought with annoyance.

Piya was enjoying this. She was not sure if there was any source of entertainment in this century. Why let the drama be wasted?

So, while watching Piyashree and Abhay indulge into an arrogant war of words, she had let her curls open and was running her hands through them, in order to settle them.

He was not going to be ignored, decided Abhay. "Good! ", he said, "Else you could have put many lives in danger." He applauded himself mentally when Piyashree turned her attention back to him immediately. Piyashree zero and Abhay ten!

She now looked at him almost viciously. What could she be possibly thinking, thought Abhay. He didn't have to wait for long to know that though.

"You Bloody, Tusky Monster!", she cursed, barely concealing her anger, "how dare you imply that I am trouble for my own people? "

He clenched his fists by his sides as his own anger soared through his system and Misha's giggle only fueled it more. "I don't have tusks you Peanut! ", he shot back, "Do I look like an elephant to you? Get your eyes checked! "

"This is it. I will finish him now", she hissed before lunging at him, but was held back by her brother. "Bhai, let me at him or I will seriously hurt you."

Yes Prince, please listen to her', spoke Abhay but mentally. I would drink her dry and finish this chapter once and for all.' But for some unknown reason the thought of hurting Piyashree did not sit well with Abhay. He was really confused by the effect the girl was having on him.

"Piya stop I say", pleaded Siddharth, "Don't act like a whiny kid, please"

"He said I am blind! How dare he? Didn't you hear that?

And he also called me a Peanut! A dry fruit!"

"That is because you are one", remarked Abhay quite impressed by himself, "You are as small as a Peanut!"

While Siddharth was having a hard time holding Piya back from causing any damage to himself or Abhay, Misha and Piya were doubling with laughter in the background.

"Leave me Bhai or else-"

"No Piya you listen to me-"

"Leave me or I will tell father that you invited this imbecile and- and he attacked me."

Siddharth felt his eyes going wide. His father would have him thrown out of the kingdom if Piyashree did anything like that. "But he didn't do that. Why would you-"

"I would. I would cry while saying so and also gather some bruises or a cut for him to believe me. And you know he would. Father loves me more than you after all."

This reminded Piya of Arnab, the only member of the Dobriyal family that actually cared for her. If Piya ever waited for mornings then it was only because breakfast was the only time that she got to spend with him.

Her Uncle would worry if she didn't return. Suddenly all that Piya wanted was to return home. The jungle drama not seeming as lively as before. She wondered if her Uncle would be able to notice her if she walked home, now.

In her worry Piya failed to notice her closeness with Piyashree. A massive force of attraction was the only warning she got before Piyashree had shifted onto the same spot.

A myriad of colors and images of a magnificent palace, a regal couple, and several other blurry faces danced in Piya's vision, as her translucent form made contact with Piyashree's body. She had not realized that she was cold until the welcoming warmth of Piyashree's form engulfed her. The attraction to Piyashree now made sense to Piya.

A dazzling white light blinded her vision as her translucent form merged with Piyashree, making Piya recognize Piyashree's body as the shell of her existence in the seventeenth century, making her recognize herself as Princess Piyashree Suryavanshii!

Piya was now relieving her previous birth as Piyashree. They were now a single identity- Piyashree Suryavanshii, whose present concern was an arrogant blue-eyed vampire that she wanted to kill!

"Some friend you are! ", Siddharth shot at Abhay while he pleaded with Piyashree to calm down and not complain against him.

But Abhay didn't seem to mind it. He wanted to be prepared with another storm of words before Piyashree called him something even more weird. So, he did that which was a blessing for vampires- he tried to hear Piyashree's thoughts.

A wide range of voices hit his sensitive hearing and Abhay hissed. He could hear Misha worrying over something that he was yet to understand. Siddharth's mind was occupied by a courtroom drama- confrontation with King Vijayendra. And Piyashree- BLANK!

That was not possible thought Abhay. She couldn't be thinking about nothing when it was obvious that she was possibly cursing him and enjoying Siddharth's misery. Her expressions spoke volumes but her thoughts gave not the slightest hint. There was an invisible, impenetrable shield around her.

Abhay found himself getting surprised beyond belief. This had never happened before. Piyashree was completely human, on that he could bet, else he- The Mystical King would have recognized what she was!

Then why could he not read her thoughts?

***************************************

Not unbelievable but it just didn't seem right. If an association with RTW made Piya bad then Ruhi thought, Angad could be seen in the same light. He was a part of the Korean branch of RTW just an year ago, after all.

"You were an employee of RTW not more than an year ago. Why can't you be the bad one then? Maybe you still are working for them", remarked Ruhi, her lips drawn into a smirk as if challenging Angad to answer that.

Angad found himself at a loss of words. Ruhi had been his classmate and project partner six years ago, while they were pursuing there M.Tech degree. Both of them were meritorious students and Ruhi had been the topper of the batch. Back then, she had been a shy and nerdy, who always managed to make him speechless with her rare dazzling smile.

Even after all this time he still found himself gawking at her like an idiot whenever he saw her lips curve, even if they ended into a smirk. "Urmm", he said, chuckling nervously, "You- You're doubting me."

Angad was sure he must have said something funny for Ruhi laughed, her form vibrating as tiny wrinkles formed near her eyes. "Relax Angad! ", she said, placing her hand on his. Angad tried to ignore how the world seemed to be perfect when her hand touched his. Instead, he focused on her ring, reminding himself that she was not his, had never been.

"You looked like a lost puppy", she said, "I am not doubting you. I was just saying it's easy to assume things. It's better to not play the blame game."

Then as if muttering to herself she spoke, "It would rather be Jeh's lewd actions, if Piya has actually caused us this trouble."

And just like that Angad found his body heating, but this time with anger. Jeh didn't deserve Ruhi. Hell! The creep did not deserve anything good. But what could he say to Ruhi? What was he to her, more than a co-worker?

"Okay, we have wasted enough time. Let us re-program this."

"You're right. Lets do it. It would be easier than aimlessly hunting around", said Ruhi, her tone devoid of any emotion.

****************************************

Arnab apologized for wasting Kabir's valuable time. He explained that he did not venture into anything without his niece's consent and also that it was Piya whose signatures mattered and not his.

"No problem", said Kabir his voice having not the least amount of anger that Arnab had expected. "I would love to come around."

Then with a formal smile and a handshake he exited the large cave shaped mall, almost colliding with a worried Dipannita on the way. He wondered if he should ask her the reason for her worry but on second thoughts, he walked away towards the parking, excusing himself and muttering a brief apology.

Sure his intentions were good, but he didn't have the reason to pry into anybody's personal matters, right?

******************************************

"Don't you see how dark is it? How long will your maid act being you? ", said Siddharth, hoping that it took Piyashree's mind off the present argument.

All the determination of strangling Abhay left Piyashree's thoughts as the distress of a loyal maid occupied her mind. "How could I forget it? ", she panicked, "Let us leave!"

Siddharth grinned at his victory. He tossed a scroll towards Abhay which contained the map of the kingdom, "Use that and wait where I told you to. We would talk later."

Abhay nodded and watched them exit the woods on their horses.

He was there to find out the vampire that had dared to cause trouble in this kingdom, for sure, but a mystery- Princess Piyashree was someone he wasn't looking forward to leave alone.

**************************************

The girl was small, probably a five-six year old. Her shoulder length black curly hair was disheveled, and her knee length blue frock had mud stains. The creamy skin of her limbs had several bruises and were slightly bleeding. Her cheeks were tear stricken and her innocent eyes reddish and puffy.

"Let me go", she begged, crying and struggling to free herself from the vice like grip of the hooded figure.

"Mumm...", she cried out before her voice was lost in the air, as the figure vanished with the little girl.

"Piyaaa!", Sugandh screamed as she woke up sweating profusely, while her heart beat violently and warm tears escaped her eyes.

Orange rays of the early sun streamed through the large window in the room. And Sugandh could not help but think that this morning was not going to be one of the best of her life. Otherwise what reason was there for her to dream the worst moment of her life?

***************************************

A/N: Are you a DWTG fan? If yes, then tell me, what in this update reminds you of the show.

If not, then say Yay' that the night being dragged since the 2^nd chapter is finally over! Do tell me your thoughts. J

Wish you a healthy and blissful year ahead! Happy New Year!