Behind the Mask - ManVeer FF [Ch. 23, P. 36]

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simisworld

@simisworld

Explorer

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Posted: 12 years ago

Behind The Mask

A ManVeer FF

Hello guys, my name is Simran and I am fairly new to IF. Thus far I have been a silent reader but after reading many FFs/SSs/OSs written by all the amazing writers out there, I have finally been inspired to write an FF of my own on our much loved ManVeer. I had great hopes for this show and was very sad when it went off air so abruptly. I was very impressed with Ashish's acting and just loved the way his character was portrayed; grey, forever confusing the audience. However, I was not as taken by Priyal's performance as I found both her character and her acting to be immature and annoying at times. For my FF I imagine her still be stightly jungli billi-esq but a little bit more composed at times. Imagine a mixture of Geet and Khushi with Manyata's stubborness and anger...that is how I picture her in my FF. Also, I will not be putting up a character sketch because I will be unraveling the characters slowly through my updates. All the background information you need on them will be provided in the writing itself. Finally, please please please comment and like as you read...it really helps to motivate me and see how you as readers are interpreting and receiving my writing.

Happy reading!

Simran

Background: Manyata remembers her family and her old Royal life as she was with them until she was 12. Contrary to what everone thinks, Manyata was actually not kidnapped but has been hidden from her family with the help of her Buasa for reasons that shall be revealed in time. Uday was 17 at the time she disappeared and him and Unnati (12 years old at the time) were staying at the Devghar palace. They had been orphaned as children and now stayed with Manyata's family. It has been ten years since her disappearance and she is now working in Delhi. Uday has just begun to handle his family's construction company based in Delhi and is the MD of it. His ministers and Daadisa have handled the day to day workings of Jaighar but he is their Yuvraj and personally handles pressing issues of his Riyasat. He maintains a playboy image amongst the ladies but keeps his status as a Yuvraj under wraps while in Delhi and steers very clear of the limelight there.

Chapter Index:
Chapter 1: Below
Chapter 2: Below
Chapter 3: Below
Chapter 4: Below
Chapter 5A: Below
Chapter 5B: Below
Chapter 5C: Below
Chapter 6: Page 2 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=2
Chapter 7: Page 2 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=2
NOTE: Page 2 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=2
Chapter 8: Page 3 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=3
Chapter 9A: Page 5 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=5

Chapter 9B: Page 6 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=6

NOTE: Page 7 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=7

Chapter 10: Page 7 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=7
Chapter 11: Page 9 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=9
Chapter 12: Page 11 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=11
Chapter 13: Page 12 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=12
Chapter 14: Page 14 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=14
Chapter 15: Page 16 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=16
Chapter 16: Page 18 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=18

Chapter 17: Page 19 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=19

NOTE: Page 20 https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3486429/behind-the-mask-manveer-ff-ch-23-p-36?pn=20

Edited by simisworld - 11 years ago

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penit

@penit

Beginner

Posted: 12 years ago

Chapter 1:

"Dekh kar nahi chaala sakte!" "Ugh, I'm already so late, uppar se yeh bike waale. Sadak pe chalne waale log toh inhe dikhte hi nahi", mumbled a visibly frazzled young woman as she all but stumbled her way into a posh Delhi caf.

The beautiful girl was still mumbling to herself in her ire, thinking about what exactly she'd like to say to the driver of the bike if she saw him again when all of a sudden –

"Monya! Over here!"

Akash was had been waiting at the caf for 20 minute now and Monya was nowhere to be seen; even her phone was unreachable. Kya Monya, I'm already so nervous about the conversation I want to have with you and now I can't even get in touch with you. Where are you, you're never late, thought a very worried Akash. Just as he was about to enter into panic mode, he saw her practically storming through the door looking visibly irritated and no doubt cursing someone or the other. He couldn't help but chuckle at the vision she was, especially when he called her name and she finally directed those breathtaking eyes to him. God, she really didn't know how beautiful she was did she?

Dressed in one of her typical knee-length quasi-anarkali kurti and leggings, hair pulled together in a braid laying over her right shoulder, her bangs fluttering with the slightest bit of movement, and of course that slight blush that always graced her beautiful ivory complexion due to her perpetual state of irritation with the world, she really was utterly unaware of the spell she cast on everyone around her.

"Akash, I'm so sorry I'm late. First my khadoos boss hands me a file 10 minutes before the office closes and tells me he needs it done IMMEDIATELY! Ugh, ghar mein biwi pakkaa ti hai toh kya sabki life unki jitni miserable bannayenge? Anyway, so I finished it as fast as I could and as I got in the rickshaw, I realized my phone had died so I couldn't even call you and let you know I'll be late. PHIR, I finally make it and am crossing the street to come into the caf when a guy on a bike almost splashes mud all over me…AND HE LOOKS AT ME AS IF IT'S MY FAULT! Himmat to dekho, mann toh karta tha ke pathar uthaa kar—"

"Monya, Monya, Monya", Akash interrupted. Sigh, I wish I didn't have to interrupt you; you're really just so adorable when you're like this, but I really need to say what I came here to tell you before I chicken out like the last time, thought Akash. "Tumhaare gusse mein tum yeh bhi bhool jaati ho ke tumhaari sharir ko saason ki zaroorat hai. Dekho toh, kitni laal ho gayi ho", teased Akash.

"Acha, teekh hai I'm sorry, phir gussa mat hona, main tumhaari mazaak nahi udaaonga. Par mujhe tumse kuch kehna hai, jiske liye maine tumhe yahaan aaj bulaaya", Akash gently reminded.

"Arre haan. I'm sorry. Mere boss aur who bikewaale ke chakkar main...khair choddo. Kya kehna tha jo aaj hum yahaan sheher ke iss kaune mein mil rahe hai?"

"Tumhe yeh caf yaad hai Monya? Tum yaha pehle aachuki ho…", Akash asked hopefully. Seeing the lack of recognition and confusion on her face sent a brief shot of pain through him. He should have been accustomed to this by now and yet every time Monya failed to remember the little things about them, about him, he couldn't help but feel this way.

I've been here before? I guess it's possible, it's about five minutes away from our boarding school but I never used to come here. How does Akash always remember these random things? Before Monya could worry herself into a frown line, Yash put her out of her misery. With a soft sigh, he reminded "Monya, this is where you and I first met. Well technically we met right outside this caf where you broke your chappal and cut your foot. I saw you and helped you into this caf to get a bandaid. Remember?" Akash smiled at the memory.

He had been 21 at the time, just finishing up college when he had started spotting a young 16 year old flitting around their campus. She was still in the boarding school his college was affiliated with. He had noticed her a few times, always in a hurry, in her own little world but she had yet to notice him. That day too he saw her rushing down the street trying to get to her friend's house, he had found out later. In all the rush, her chappal got caught in something on the ground and snapped, sending her stumbling and cutting her foot on a rock. Akash happened to be having chaat with friends across the street when he saw this happening. He immediately went up to her and tried helping her. Of course she had resisted, first thinking that he was a creep taking advantage of the situation and then because her pride wouldn't let her accept help so easily, but he had finally convinced her to come into the caf and bandage the wound. He still remembered how once she realized he was merely trying to help, she had dropped her defensiveness and fell into easy conversation with him particularly when she found out his college was in the same campus as her boarding school. Akash had been so engrossed in her that he barely registered that she was already thanking him for his help and getting ready to leave. It wasn't until after she left that he realized he had never asked her name nor told his. He had been on cloud nine for the rest of the day; even though she didn't know his name she finally knew he existed! Akash hadn't had to worry about that too long since the next day she spotted him and went over to express her thanks. This time, Akash was in a little more control of his emotions and managed to find out her name and what she was studying. Since that day, they had slowly begun building a friendship and before long they became inseparable. Despite their age difference, they shared such a strong friendship which only flourished over time.

"That was this caf? Haha I can't believe how long it's been since we first met. But I am really glad it was you that helped me that day and not anyone else," said Monya. UGH! How does she say that with such a straight face? No hesitance, no shyness, as if …as if she doesn't even truly understand the meaning of her words... Yeh ladki sachme mujhe pagal kar degi. I can't sit here trying to analyze her signals anymore. Come on Yash, just jump in with both feet.

Edited by penit - 12 years ago

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penit

@penit

Beginner

Posted: 12 years ago

Chapter 2:

Shock. Complete and utter shock is what Monya felt as she replayed those words in her head for the 20^th time. I love you. Such seemingly innocent words and yet finding Akash directing them at her left her thoroughly at a loss for words. He loves me? Since when? Since always? Wait does that mean our friendship is a complete lie? Does that mean that everything that he said or did was so I would love him back?! That brief thought momentarily pissed her off until she remembered this is Akash she was talking about and even if he had always loved her, his friendship was always pure. Well nevermind if he's always loved me, is he telling me because he thinks I love him too? Me loving Akash….OH MY GOD, DO I LOVE AKASH???

Akash didn't know if he should laugh or be worried as he watched the emotions play across Monya's face. He had certainly caught her by surprise, that much was sure. She really didn't know? Sigh…I guess I should have expected as much. But enough was enough. "Monya, please say something, you're killing me."

"I…I don't know what to say. I never knew you felt this way and I've honestly never thought about us like that…I guess I haven't thought about anyone like that…" Akash had always been a patient and thoughtful person and so did not lose hope when Monya did not immediately reciprocate his love. Instead, he realized that this was all so knew to her. Even though she was 22, her heart was still pure and innocent; she had never looked at anyone in that way, probably because she didn't know how to recognize those feelings. And in that moment, he knew what he needed to do to win her over…

"Look Monya, I want you to know that I am really glad you were honest with me, I appreciate that more than you know. But just think about this. You had once told me that love to you means friendship, trust, and honesty. Doesn't our relationship fulfill all these criteria? I think we have become so used to calling each other friends we haven't come to the realization that we may be so much more than just friends."

Monya had gone home that night and promised Akash to give it careful thought. After a day or two of endless confusion she decided to ask buasa during their call that night and get her opinion. To her utter shock, buasa had already known! "Monya, voh ladka tumse kameshase pyaar karta tha. Tumhaari ilaava sabko yeh dikhta ta." She had tried to explain that it still didn't help her situation, when she thought of him she saw only a friend. Buasa had smiled at that statement and merely said "pagli, yehi so sabse ahem baat hai. Hamesha ek ladki ko vohi ladka chunna chahiye joh tum karti ho use zyaada pyaar tumhe kare. Khaas kar shuruaat mein. Aur ladki ko hamesha usse chunna chahiye jisse voh bhale hi thoda kum pyaar karti ho par izzat bohat karti ho. Jab aisa koi mile tabhi hum ladkiyon ke dil mein voh hamesha-wala pyaar jag ta hai."

After that call, Monya had thought long and hard about what buasa had said. In theory it seemed to make sense. The notion of growing to love someone you respected seemed quite logical. But if that was true, wouldn't she have grown to love Akash already? After all, they had known each other for over 6 years now. She had always respected him, so where was the love? What was holding her back? Oh I don't know, maybe because you're lying to him and have been for years, the little voice in her head had said. She knew she couldn't think like that. She had left that life back long ago. She had to keep this from Akash and everyone she knew for that matter, otherwise she would be forced to go back…back to him. Uday.

No matter how hard she had tried memories of him had always seemed to permeate their way in her thoughts. She involuntarily grazed the scar by her left shoulder blade as she remembered their childhood together. Filled with fighting, Monya chuckled. He had been the eldest amongst her, his sister and her best friend Unnati, her little sister Jai, and her cousin Vijay bhai and so he took it upon himself to boss them all around under the pretense of taking care of them. Pssh. Yuvraj kehke sabne unhe sar pe bettha rakha tha. Ek main hi thi joh kabhi unki baat nahi sunti thi, joh unse darti nahi thi, scoffed Monya. She wondered what he was up to these days. Probably roaming around being as tyrannical as ever, she thought. There were reports of him here and there of course, but he steered very clear from the limelight. Besides, Delhi was a ways from Devghar and Jaighar and the media here did not seem as concerned about him as the media back home. Thank god for that, it would have been too hard if she had to read and hear about her family, her old life, every day. It had been so many years she wondered if she would even recognize any of them. Her parents and dadisa yes but Unnati? Jai? Vijay bhai? Him…? It was better this way, she had continued to refuse the countless offers buasa made to see photos, be updated on her family's lives, it was just too hard otherwise.

Ugh, You need to stop thinking about them Monya. There is no point! Do you really want to go back to those people? Who took away your choices even after everything that happened with Buasa, these people just don't learn! All they care about is their so-called Rajwada. Wake up people! India has been a free democracy for 65 years, there is no Royalty! And soon her nostalgia had been replaced with anger and contempt for the people that were supposed to be her family and for the traditions they prided themselves so much on.

By the time she returned from her trip down memory lane that night she had made her decision. She knew what she had to do. Without realizing what time it was, Monya had picked up the phone and dialed Akash's number lest she change her mind. "Yes, we'll date," she had said even before a very sleepy and confused Akash could even get a proper hello out. And before he knew it, she had hung up wishing him a barely comprehendible goodbye. He had laughed at her antics. Truth was he knew she didn't love him but he had forever to make her fall for him, all he needed was her to try, to give him a chance. And for the first time in days he had felt completely at ease and fell into a peaceful sleep.

Edited by penit - 12 years ago

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penit

@penit

Beginner

Posted: 12 years ago

Chapter 3:

It had been three months since Monya and Akash had started dating. Akash knew Monya didn't have the slightest clue how to deal with the new changes in their relationship and so he had decided to take it slow. He first started by making sure they went out at least 3 times a week. Although seeing each other that often was nothing new, now Akash made sure whenever they went out, he would pick up and drop off Monya no matter what. After about a week or two of this, he had slowly started getting her to be physically comfortable. A small brush of her hand during a coffee date, moving those incessant bangs out of her eyes every now and then, wiping a bit of juice off her lips. Little by little Monya had understood Akash's love and had even started calling him every single night before going to bed. When Akash first realized she was making good night calls, he had been elated! This had been the first step that Monya had taken towards reciprocating his love and his happiness was beyond words. Soon after, he had started noticing a slight blush on her cheeks whenever she would catch him looking at her. All in all, things were going really well between the two and Akash was just waiting for the day Monya would finally utter those three words he had been dying to hear for the last 6 years.

Kitani ajeeb haina zindagi? Maine kabhi socha hi nahi tha ke mera aur Akash ka rishta aise badaljayega. Par ab mujhe lagta hai ke yeh sahi hai. Aur aaj kal, when he looks at me, patta nahi kyun mujhe sharam si aane lagi hai. I have no idea what is happening with me par shayad yehi pyar hai…Monya had been so engrossed in her thoughts that she hadn't even noticed when Akash had come taken a seat across from her. It was when he had finally stopped her from continuously mixing her now extremely cold coffee that she even realized.

"Kya baat hai jaan? Bohaut soch mein paddi ho…", whispered Akash as he brushed the worry lines off her forehead. "Akash! Tum aa gaye", exclaimed a very happy Monya. "Main toh kabse baitha hoon, par tum kaha khoi hui thi", chuckled Akash. "Aur haan, phir se iss caf mein kyun mil rahe hai hum? Hum dono ki office aur ghar se kitna door hai," asked Akash. He had been wondering all day why Monya had decided to meet at the very caf he had told her he loved her all those months ago.

"Voh kya hai na, mujhe tumse kuch poochna hai. Tumhe yaad hai aaj kaunsa din hai", Monya asked. "Wednesday…?" was the mundane and slightly skeptical response Monya got. "Akashhh", she whined. "Today is our 3 month anniversary! Aur tum yeh bhi bhool gaye?" Akash practically choked on his water hearing this. Monya, meri Monya ko hamaari anniversary yaad thi?! This had been the first time ever that Monya had attached sentimental value to anything related to them.

"Maine toh sunna tha ke dating karne ki yehi toh faida hai, ke saal mein teen-chaar baar anniversary celebrate kare aur gift bhi mile! Par, you forgot! So I'm not getting a gift am I," exclaimed a very annoyed Monya. Akash chuckled, hmm okay so she really just wants the gift hahah how typical, but hey at least she remembered the date. Toh kya hua agar hum two steps aage or one step peeche jaa rahe hai? At least we're moving forward at all right?

"Theek hai, tum yaha baitho, main tumhe hamaare anniversary ke maan mein coffee pila ta hoon. Vaise bhi, tumhaari bilkul thandi ho gayi hain," said Akash. "Nahi! Yeh din mujhe yaad tha, aur yahan milne ka plan bhi mera tha toh coffee ki treat bhi meri hongi. Main tumhe iski credit nahin lene doongi. Tum mere liye koi gift nahin laye ho aur yeh baat main tumhe kabhi nahi bhulne doongi, ha nai toh," fired Monya as she got up.

Pagal, smiled Akash as he pulled out a neatly wrapped little gift box and placed it by her napkin.

"Veer is coming home with me tonight no matter what", exclaimed a beautiful young woman clad in a fitted black high waisted skirt and blouse. "Please Sufiya, regardless of what you do Veer still prefers me. Haven't you seen how many times he looked at me yesterday? It's all due to my new all liquid diet," smirked her equally beautiful friend as the waiter brought Sufiya's pasta out. Sufiya saw the smirk on her friend Isha's face and immediately turned to the waiter.

Just as she was about to have him take her order back, someone from behind knocked into him sending the glass of juice in his hands flying onto Sufiya's skirt. "You moron! Yeh kya kiya tumne? Do you have any idea how expensive this skirt is? Shayad tumhaare ek mahine ki salary bhi kam padjaye," Sufiya screamed at the helpless waiter. "I'm sorry ma'am meri galti nahi thi voh..." "Tumhaari galti nahi thi?! Toh kya meri galti thi? Mujhe abhi tumhaari manager se baat karne hai, issi waqt tumhe samajh padjayega jhoot bolne ka nateeja. I swear I will make sure you not only get fired but can't work anywhere else in this city either samjhe tum! Abhi yeh…"

"What wrong beautiful, itna gussa kyun", purred a dangerously handsome man as he leaned on the caf entrance. His artfully tailored pants, perfectly fitted shirt with just the right amount of chest showing, and his immaculately groomed jet-black hair made him breathtakingly handsome, but it was that fire in his dark chocolate eyes that made him dangerous; women flocked to him like moths to a flame.

"Veer thank god you're here! Look at what this stupid waiter did. Mera pura outfit barbaad kardiya aur ab keh raha hai ki it wasn't his fault. I swear to god I will have him fired Veer. Mujhe iski manager se abhi baat karni hai," exclaimed Sufiya.

"Breathe beautiful. Jab main yaha hoon toh tum kyun tension le rahi ho," smirked the man as he walked over to the visibly shaking waiter.

Monya had no idea what this handsome stranger was saying to the poor waiter but a few minutes later she saw the waiter walking away looking dejected. Before she could think of him further, she heard the man say to this Sufiya girl "ab chalo, main tumhe ek nahi balke tumhe jitni chaahiye utni dresses kareed kar doonga. Isha tum bhi chaalo. Aaj ke party ke liye, shopping meri taraf se." "Par us waiter ka kya", Sufiya persisted. "Kya beautiful, aisa ho sakta hai ke hum tumhaari koi bhi baat puri na kare," Veer flirted as the trio walked out to his car.

Bade baap ki bigadi hui aulaad. I can't believe I thought even for a minute that he was handsome. How could he just have that poor waiter fired. I'm sure that's what he told him, the guy looked so sad. And then he takes that stupid witch on a shopping spree?! Nahin insaano ki nahin paiso ki kadar thi uss mein. "Nafrat hain mujhe aise log se," muttered an irritated Monya as she finally made her way back to Akash with the coffees.

Edited by penit - 12 years ago

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penit

@penit

Beginner

Posted: 12 years ago

Chapter 4:

"Khamagani Yuvraj. Rajmaata aap ka ander intezaar kar rahi hai."

"Shukriya, hum abhi unhe milte hai," said the young man to the red uniform clad butler.

As he made his way into the palace of Devghar, he smiled at the memories the walls of this home held for him. Coming back here always brought him a sense of peace, love, and the security of happier times; of a time before he was and his sister were left orphaned, before he was forced to grow up overnight.

His mother had passed away while giving birth to his sister when he was barely 5 years old. He was still too young to form proper memories of his mother before she was prematurely snatched away from him. However, his father had done his best to give his children the love of both mother and father; teaching them values and compassion along with strength and the wisdom to run their kingdom. Unfortunately, he too passed away from an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer leaving behind a barely 12 year old son and 7 year old daughter.

It was in those dark days that he and his sister had moved into the palace of Devghar. The palace that had once been his favorite place to visit had suddenly become his permanent home. Even though he was amongst his fathers' closest friends, people who were closer than blood to him, he had still felt so lost. The walls that had once born witness to so much laughter and happiness could hardly recognize the ghost of a boy that had stood before them then.

And his sister, she had never known their mother and would barely remember their father. She hadn't even known what it meant when someone died. How was he supposed to explain to her that they were truly alone in this world? He would have completely fallen apart in those first few days had it not been for the occupants of this palace. The adults had all formed a protective wall around him and his sister, each with their unique traits. Kakisa had always been like a mother to him and then more than ever he felt himself enveloped in her unwavering warmth and affection; continuing to remind him the importance of compassion. In Kakasa he found glimpses of his father and the strength he wished he would one day possess, a trait required of all Rajwade. And finally there was Daadisa with her unparalleled wisdom and knack for politics. He had always been close to her but in the days that followed the death of his father, he had slowly become her shadow. He didn't know when or how this had started to happen but he had known that he and he alone was now the future of Jaighar. Although the ministers and Daadisa would handle matters until he was of age, he knew what his rightful place was and what he would have to do to become worthy of it; follow in Daadisa's footsteps.

However, had it not been for a particular someone, he would have completely lost his true self in his quest to become worthy of his title. That first day in Devghar, he had been ideally sitting in the room that would henceforth remain his for god knows how long when the incessant tinkling of her payal had brought him out of his thoughts. He had not known how long she had been there but she seemed quite annoyed by the time he realized she was there. Apparently she had been trying to get his attention as he saw her constantly waving her small hands in front of him.

"Aap kab aaye? Hume kisine bataya bhi nahi. Issiliye nah kyun ke aap dar gaye? Pichlee baar humaari talwaar-baazi adhoori rehe gayi thi aur hume abhi khatam karni hai. Hum aapko harra kar hi chodenge Yuvraj," she sneered.

Is she for real? Mere pitta ko guzre hue ek hafta bhi nahi hua aur is pagal ko apne khel is padi hai?! The anger he had felt at everything, the world, God, was on the verge of exploding. He was so blinded by rage that he didn't even stop to think that like his sister, she was probably too young to understand the implications of his fathers' death. All he did in that moment was march down the hallway to the room where the practice swords were kept, followed closely by her. She had barely entered the room when he had thrown her small practice sword at her feet.

He needed her to shut up but more than that he needed something to do. And right now, there was nothing better than sword fighting to vent his frustration. She was only 7 and much smaller than him so he always fought with one hand while she with two. In addition, the object was not to fully unleash his power and skill on her but merely to get his mind off of things. And so they had started, step to step, metal to metal. Yet somehow with each block, each strike, he saw a montage of his life; images of his father, mother, sister, loneliness, happiness, anger…anger…that is the one that he experienced most frequently. When the blows became more fierce and direct he did not know. It wasn't until he heard her blood curling shriek and noticed the blood that was unabashedly flowing did he realize what he had done. Horrified, the sword fell to the ground as he ran to her. The whole palace had run to them hearing her scream trying to stop the bleeding but he knew that the gash was so deep it would be permanent; she would be forever marked…

Although she had forgiven him easily in the days that followed the accident, he had not been able to forgive himself. Slowly, however, they had gotten past it. He didn't know why but something about her was comforting in a way different from anything else, even Kakisa. Her gussa, her laughter, her fighting, her ridiculous demands…moments with her made him temporarily come out of his shell and become what he really was; just a 12 year old boy. He hadn't known it at the time, but she had kept him sane, kept him human instead of just a shell of a person who could only think of succeeding in his fathers' footsteps.

Thoughts of her always left him uneasy, riddled with guilt even though everyone told him it wasn't his fault she was missing. He had taken it upon himself to be responsible for her even though no one expected him to and so he should have been there. But like everyone else, he too had no idea where she was or what had happened to her…

Before he could continue down this line of thought, he was greeted by Daadisa.

"Khamagani Udayveer beta. Kaise hai aap?"

"Khamagani Daadisa. Aap sab ko bohot yaad aayi thi jab hum Delhi mein the. Par kya kare, vahan ka business bhi toh sambhalna hai. Sab teekh toh hai yahan? Aur Unnati kahan hai? Hame dikhai nahi di?"

"Who Jai aur Vijay ke saath ek charity function mein gayi hai. Kuch hi der mein sab vaapas aajayenge. Acha kiya jo aap vaapis aagaye. Hume aapse ek bohot his zaruri baat karni hai.."

"Kya hua Daadisa? Sab teekh toh hai?"

"Nahin beta. Pata nahin kyun par hume pichle kuch dino se bohot hi ajeeb sapne aa rahe hai…hamari Manyata ke baare mein…"

Manyata. Hadn't he just been thinking about her? But hearing her name always cut through him like nothing else…he tried to listen as Daadisa continued…

"Main jaanti hoon ke saalon se hum sab unhe doondhne ki koshish kar rahe hai par hame jaldi kuch karna padega. Pata nahin kyun aisa lagta hai ki kuch ho raha hai unke saath joh galat hai, joh nahi hona chahiye. Uday beta, hume pata hai aap hi unhe doondh sakte hai. Aaj hum teekh hai, par sehat ka kya pata? Humaari umrah bhi toh ho gayi hai…hum chahte hai ke hum phirse Manyata ko dekhe, hamare parivaar ke saath, tumaare saath…kya yeh hamaari aakhri khwahish samajh ke—

"Daadisa! Please aap aise baate mat kijiye. Hum vaada karte hai, hum jald se jald unhe doond kar leyenge. Par please aap doobaara aise baate mat kijiye."

When he left Daadisa's office sometime later it was with a new determination. In the last 10 years no one had quit their quest for the long lost Rajkumari Manyata but hearing the desperation in Daadisa's voice he vowed to find her at any cost. Daadisa ki har ek khwahish puri karne ha farz hai hamara. But in order to do that he would need a plan. He would have to start again from the beginning. Go back to the few leads they had. Talk to the people that allegedly saw her being kidnapped. Kidnapped…that part had never settled well with him. If she were kidnapped, why no ransom call? If not for the money then why would she be taken? Who would benefit from kidnapping her without any money? Even if she were kidnapped why didn't she try to contact them in anyway? She was surely old enough when she was taken to remember her old life…There were too many questions and not enough answers. He would talk to Murari first thing in the morning. He had been the last to see her all those years ago and he would be the first Uday would talk to…

Edited by penit - 12 years ago

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penit

@penit

Beginner

Posted: 12 years ago

Chapter 5A:

"Akash this is beautiful," Monya exclaimed. Inside the gift box lay an intricately designed key pendent necklace from Tiffany's with a monogramed "A" crafted into its detail. "Tumhe kaise patta tha ke yehi necklace mujhe chahiye? Pata hai main pichle teen hafte se meri salary se paise bachha rahi thi is ke liye? Par yeh todha alag hai, iss mein to 'A' hai…?"

"Kya? But you have so much money, tumhe bachhane ki kya zaroorat?"

"Nahin Akash, voh Buasa ke paise hai. It was her responsibility to provide me with the best of an education and take care of me while I couldn't. Par meri aishon-aaram ke liye main unsi kabhi kuch nahin mangnewali."

And there it is, thought an equally amused and proud Akash. Her immandaari always filled him with a sense of pride but it was also something more. There were so many times when he couldn't place his finger on it but there was something about her demeanor, her aura that was almost other-worldly. It made her so different from anyone else he had ever known and was just one of the million reasons he loved her…

"Mujhe pata hai Monya, aur yehi baat mujhe achhi bhi bohot lagti hai. Par mujhse toh maang sakti ho na?" Before she could argue against it, he decided to change the topic to what he really wanted to tell her…

"Vaise, mujhe pata tha tumhe yeh chahiye kyunke maine tumhaare computer pe iss necklace ka page khulla hua dekha ta. But that's not the main reason I got it for you," smiled Akash. "Maine socha ke jab tum yeh pehenogi, tumhe hamesha iss baat ka ehsaas rehega ke mere dil ki chaabi tumaare paas hai. Issi liye maine yeh waala chunna tha. I love you Monya and I want my love to always be with you."

"Thanks so much Akash! Sachme, it's really beautiful! I'll wear it always," beamed Monya.

Again, there was that slight twinge in his heart as he received no proper reply to his proclamation. Although they had surely made lots of progress in their relationship over the last few months he still yearned to see that love in her eyes; he was dying to see his reflection in her eyes. It's okay Akash. Friendship has grown to like and like will one day grow to love. You just have to be patient and wait for her, he reminded himself. He knew he could wait forever for her if forever is what she needed…

Edited by penit - 12 years ago

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penit

@penit

Beginner

Posted: 12 years ago

Chapter 5B:

"Murariji, aap yahan pichle 40 saal se maali hai. Aap iss parivaar aur inki takleefon ko bhi bohot acchi tarah se jaante hai.

"Ji Yuvraaj," replied the middle aged man as he sat in the lavish study of Udayveer's private chambers within the palace. The grandeur of this beautifully architecture palace never ceased to amaze him…

"Issi liye hum chaahte hai ke aap hame ek bohot his khaas mamle main haamri madat kara. Hum jaante hai ke iss baat ko hue 10 saal ho chuke hai par hum aapke Rajkumaari Manyata ke baare mein baat karna chaahte hain. Hame patta hai ke aap unse bohot pyaar karte the."

"Bitiya?! Mera matlab, Rajkumari ke baare mein kya baat? Kye aap ko unke baar mein kuch paata challa? Kahan hai voh, kaisi hai?"

"Nahin Murariji, abhi mili toh nahi par hame ek faisla liya hai. Jab voh gayab ho gayithi tab hum kaafi na samjh the, poore 17 saal ke bhi nahi the. Aur aisi bohot saari cheeze hai unki investigation ke baare mein joh hum nahin jaante hai. Hume toh sirf pichle 7-8 saal mein hi puri tarah se unhe dhoondne ki koshish ki hai. Aur us waqt hame joh leads Daadisa aur police ke paas thi unke mutabit hum apni talaash jaari rakh rahe hai. Lekin woh conclusions aur leads pe Daadisa or police kaise pohonche hame nahin pata. Iss liye hum doobaara pehle se shuruat karenge. Aur kyunki aap hi woh aakhri insaan hai jiss ne hamari Rajkumari ko dekha tha hum aapse us din ki baare mein poochna chahenge. Joh bhi yaad hai, hume baata dijiye," Uday concluded.

He felt bad putting the man through this again. Murari had been questioned countless times over the last ten years and Uday knew Murari held himself as responsible for her disappearance as Uday did. However, nothing about her disappearance added up, in fact it never did. His instincts told him to trust no one and verify everything…and that is precisely what he focused on as he buried his emotions and allowed only his reason to dictate the situation.

Edited by penit - 12 years ago

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penit

@penit

Beginner

Posted: 12 years ago

Chapter 5C:

After Murari left, Uday sat there for quite some time replaying the maali's account of what had happened… According to Murari, Manyata had grown tired of running around the house with Jai, Unnati, and Vijay and so had decided to spend some time in her favorite place in the palace, the garden. Twelve year old Manayta was very fond of plants and took a great interest in them as maali saab explained all the different varieties to her. Manyata had run around freely in the garden under the supervision and protection of her bodyguards and palace security. However, there was suddenly a loud commotion in the palace and almost everyone ran inside. Murari too ran inside to see what had happened with Manyata following close behind…or so he had thought.

Uday remembered that event clearly. He had been in the midst of one of his tutoring sessions when he had heard all hell break loose in the otherwise orderly palace. To his utter shock, there were a group of 25 or so enraged villagers accusing Rajmata of allowing a factory to be built illegally on their land. Although of course they carried no weapons, security at the Devghar palace had been lax for years. There had been no turmoil or dissatisfaction amongst its citizens or with rivaling Rajwade. And so Uday immediately recognized the potential threat with such a volatile group so infiltrated into the castle. The security guards had immediately escorted all the children, Rani Komal, and Buasa to secure quarters leaving only Rajmata, Uday and Raja Brijraj to hear the complaints. He had assumed Manyata had been with the rest of the children as well. It wasn't until much later when the threat to the family had been neutralized that they realized Manyata was nowhere to be found. And yet it wasn't until they finally found both her bodyguards murdered in the garden did their panic turn into heart stopping fear.

Is Murari a suspect? No, his mind concluded. He was close to the family, he ran in the direction of the noise. He thought Manyata was with him. He thought she was protected by her bodyguards. Perhaps I too would have done the same, he concluded. Besides, what would he have gained with her disappearance? Nothing.

So now what? Murari's account is the same as it had been years ago...perhaps I should investigate the deaths of the bodyguards? Interview all those that were on watch that day? It would be a long and tedious task but it needed to be done. He would find her no matter what. However this round of interviews would have to wait. Pressing business was calling him back to Delhi…

Edited by penit - 12 years ago

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penit

@penit

Beginner

Posted: 12 years ago

Chapter 6:

Uday looked on in disbelief at the mela in front of him as he stepped out of his car. THIS is where they want to build, he thought incredulously. Granted on first glance the land seemed like a good option for the new posh residential community; flat, open and a short distance from the heart of the city, however from his understanding this land was government owned. Just the extra bit of crap I need to be dealing with right now. Can't they just pick a privately owned strip that I can easily acquire, groaned Uday.

"Isn't it absolutely perfect Mr. Singh", beamed Mr. Malhotra, the middle-aged, rotund, and slightly balding NRI client from South Africa.

"It is a good strip Mr. Malhotra. But this will set us back at least a month if not more. The team working on your project has already been working on the plans according to the specifications of the land you had previously decided to purchase. The design you approved may not be feasible on this plot. Also, I believe this is government owned."

"Government-shovernmnet Mr. Singh. There is no problem a little bit of green can't take care of," Mr. Malhotra sneered as they walked through the various stalls set up in the mela.

You little shit! It is because of corrupt pricks like you that this country is in shambles. The land that my ancestors and countless other families have vowed for centuries to use for the benefit of the people is being bought for pennies by assholes like you to make millions, NONE of which its people get to benefit from, the Yuvraaj in him wanted to roar. But that little shit was also one of the most successful international developers whose contract would generate excellent revenue for his company. And so the Mr. Udayveer Singh, MD of Singh Constructions, settled by saying "unfortunately, unofficial transfers of 'green' are strictly against my company's ethics and policies. However, you have the word of Yuvraj Udayveer Singh that I will do everything in my power to present a proposal of sale to the Government of Delhi that both parties may benefit from."

Mr. Malhotra noted the subtle changes in the young man in front of him; the way his feet were firmly planted, shoulders square making him appear to have grown another 2 inches'the hard set of his jaw and the fire in eyes as he uttered those words. He knew in this moment he truly was speaking to a Yuvraj and not just his contractor. He had heard of this young man's lineage and also his unparalleled sense in business and decided he did not want to push the issue. So long as he got the land for a price that was acceptable to him, he decided he didn't care how it was done.

"Excellent Yuvraj," he said as he extended his hand. "Please Mr. Malhotra, Mr. Singh is fine," Uday said as he returned the handshake and Mr. Malhotra's gesture of peace.

"Now, how about we walk through the rest of this mela and take in a bit of culture. I has been away from India for long and have missed the colorful sites of these melas."

They had hardly walked over a few more stalls when they noticed a decent sized group gathered up ahead.

"Monya, dekho hume iss mein nahi padna chahiye. This is between them, let's just walk away," said Akash as he tried to pull away a furious Monya. If perpetual irritation was her normal state of being then this was something else altogether. Loose tendrils which had fallen out of her braid in her agitation framed her, her cheeks and face was tomato-red as she huffed, and her eyes held that unique fire that once again reminded him of something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"Nahin Akash," she persisted as she yanked her arm out of Akash's hold and turned to the man in front of her. "Pay. Him." She hissed. "Agar tumhaare order mein koi galti thi toh tum khaana vapas bhi kar sakte the. Tumhe koi haq nahin banta aise inki property ko damage karne ka. Aur ab, tum is nuksaan ke paise donge," she gritted as her little 5'4" frame got in the face of the 5'11" street thug. "Haha. Are oh londe, ee jungle billi ko leja varna dono bohot pachtaonge," he sneered at Akash.

"Dekho Monya'

"Isse kya baat kar raha hai. Agar mard ka baccha hai to mujhse baat kar."

Uday had made his way through the crowd just a minute ago. Although the young woman had her back to him and he could not see her face, he could see the thug she was talking to. And that last comment definitely did not go over well...

What the f**k is her friend doing? Why is he standing to her side like that, thought Uday. He could see the thug was about to erupt as the girl hurled more curses at him. Oh my god, he's going to hit her'

Oh my god, he's going to hit me, was the last thing Monya thought before she found herself being pushed to the side by a man dressed in a suit. And indeed she would have been struck had the man not held the thug's hand firmly. In the next instant, the thug had punched the him and the two were at it. She couldn't get a proper look at the man as the two attacked one another. But soon enough, the suited stranger had the thug on the ground with his arm twisted behind his back. "Paise doon aur dafaa ho jao yahan se."

Monya could see the thug paying the stall owner and limping away as she made her way over to the stranger. He was still looking at the ground wiping away the slight bit of blood on his lip and had not seen Monya but she had definitely seen him.

YEH?! Yeh toh uss din coffee shop mein the, voh, voh amir-zaade'and the long speech of gratitude she was planning on giving to this stranger flew right out the window. She couldn't decide if she hated him or was grateful and so settled on a curt "Thank you".

He had looked up so see a beautiful young woman who for some reason looked like she was annoyed at him. He couldn't understand why, but he didn't have a chance to think much more of it as she quickly turned around to leave after her quick thanks. Whatever, he thought as he brushed the dirt of his suit.

"Monya tum paagal ho. Tumhe pata bhi hai aaj kya ho sakta tha. Kya zaroorat thi yeh sab karne ki," yelled a very upset Akash as she walked over to him.

"Akash, mera dimaag mat pakkao. Main abhi bhi bohot gussa hoon. Aur tum! Jaane ki kyun baat kar rahe the? Ek laaped nahin de sakte te uss goonde ko? Seedha line pe aa jaata...ha nai toh," exclaimed Monya as they began to move through the crowd.

Uday had just picked up his phone and was making his way towards Mr. Malhotra and the rest of their associates when he heard it. Ha nai toh...

Edited by penit - 12 years ago