Riya.

The man in front of me seemed to be in his sixties, a powerful aura around him. I bit my lips and crossed my fingers.

"I'm glad that you finally accepted my invitation," he said.

I just nodded, I couldn't even say that I have no other way now. Vivek's people have crossed the limits and it's getting me worried.

"I will accept all your conditions sir," I said directly, not beating around the bush. "I will accept your protection, I will transfer college," I said.

"That's excellent!"

"But I have a condition too" I added and he stilled, looking wary now.

"What is it?"

"My mamma is not well, you have to support her, if you agree to cover her treatment expenses, I will accept your offer"

"Mamma?" he raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, a kidney failure patient in Nest orphanage, she is the only elder who is staying there," I said.

Joseph Aldrick was staring at me now.

"You can decide sir"

"It's easy," Joseph said after a moment. "I'm just surprised that someone so young can be so thoughtful," he said.

"Thank you so much, sir!" I said, relieved that I have at least done something for her.

"You can move in tomorrow"

I tried not to look surprised, I have promised myself that I wouldn't wish for the impossible again. No, I don't want to know about my family anymore, Uncle Ananth's accident had taught me at least that. I will take this purely as business, I want to survive and I want to help mamma, this is my only way now.

"Where will I be staying sir?" I asked politely.

"You can stay at Aldrick's house for now," he said and I was taken by surprise.

I don't know why I should stay at Aldrick's or transfer college, but I guess I don't have any other way now.

"How long am I expected to stay?" I asked again.

"It depends," Joseph Aldrick said. "I am investigating Ananth's death now, I am afraid you will also be targeted"

"It was a car accident!" I exclaimed.

"I don't think so," Joseph Aldrick said. "I was attacked too, they will be targeting you next"

"I have nothing to do with any of these, why would they attack me?"

Joseph Aldrick considered me for a moment "you really don't have any idea, do you?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Ananth got killed while he was investigating your family, I don't know how much they know about you, but you are in danger now"

My heart stopped then. I can't believe what I'm hearing now! I always wanted him to find my true family. I even refused to talk to him for two months until he promised me he will tell me about my parents.

If Joseph sir is right, it's all my fault, I killed him, I killed Uncle Ananth! it was me who was pestering him after my eighteenth birthday. I tried all means to convince Uncle Ananth to find my family.

"Riya, are you alright?" Joseph sir was asking me, but I couldn't even reply.

"Riya"

"Sir" I trembled. " I..I am willing to do anything you ask for, please investigate Uncle Ananth's death," I said robotically.

"I know its a shock, I am sorry Riya"

"I will stand with you, please find out who killed uncle, bring them to justice," I said again. "Even if it's my real family, bring them in front of the law sir," I said firmly.

"I am relieved you understand the situation Riya and I'm glad that you accepted my offer, Its one less thing to worry"

I nodded slowly.

"I will tell my lawyer to draw up some papers for you then, I will arrange your transfer soon"

"Thank you, sir"

"Don't call me "sir", I am Ananth's closest friend and I am as old as your grandfather," He said, smiling slightly.

I just nodded again "yes"

* * *

Nivin.

"Let go of me," I said angrily. "I know my way!" I pushed Philip away.

"Grandpa will see you in his study," Uncle JP said before going inside.

I walked inside. The place was already suffocating me, it's been nearly two years since I last came here.

"Neev!?"

I stopped in my track, It was Kamala, our housekeeper. "oh God! it's you! you are back" she said. "Did you eat? I will prepare your room" She said.

"I am not staying long," I said shortly and continued on my way.

I don't want to hurt her, she was my nanny when I was young, but nothing in this household can comfort me, it was suffocating for me to live here all those years.

I knocked twice on his door, grandpa was in his study.

"come in" I heard the order and I slowly opened the door and walked inside.

"Did you participate in any illegal racing today?" Joseph Aldrick asked me coldly, not beating around the bush.

It was always like that between us.

"we didn't create any disturbance, it was off-road racing-"

"Off-road racing in a dangerous area, did you do that?"

"Yes"

"Did you beat up anyone today?"

Bloody hell!

I know there is no point in hiding it.

"Yes"

"Did you get caught by the police?"

"There are no charges against m-"

"Did you or not?"

"Yes"

Because some stupid girl locked me up in the elevator!

I fisted my hands.

"Did you skip your classes again?"

"I Am not interested in taking PG in business administration, especially that college"

"It was your last semester"

"I Am not coming back to the company" I shrugged.

Grandpa folded his hands across his chest and drew to his full height, staring at me like some dirt.

"You break all of the rules we had, you hang out with the wrong kind of people all the time, you participated in an illegal racing, beat up people, get caught by police and even succeeded to get noticed by the media," grandpa said

"media? that's not possible, I was always careful-"

"Do you have any idea how much I had done to block the news? you are a disgrace to the family! I warned you many times Nivin, but this is it, I can't allow you to ruin the family reputation anymore" he said firmly.

"I was careful to be undercover all the time, if media get hold of the news, I suspect it's from inside," I said.

I meant it too. it could even be grandpa, to trap me.

"Are you accusing me boy?" he looked deadly now. I refused to budge. "you are grounded Nivin Rosh James Aldrick! I'm going to take away your credit cards, cars and that penthouse too" he said.

Grounded? I Am 26 years for God's sake!

"You can't do that! My dad left it for me!you can't take it away-"

"Don't talk to me about your father! like father, like son, you are following the same step-"

"Shut the hell up" I shouted, I lost it completely. If there is one thing I am sensitive about, it's my parents and grandpa know it too.

"Did you just curse?" grandpa growled, he rang the alarm and instantly Philip opened the door.

"Confiscate his credit cards, make sure he doesn't get out of this house"

"I can't stay here!"

"You are going to stay here Nivin and you are going to attend college too"

"I am not!"

"I will give you an advice boy, since you are an Aldrick, you are expected to get a masters degree in business management, complete your course and you can get back your freedom"

"I don't fu**ing care about the damn course!" I shouted.

Everyone stilled. Even I was shocked for getting so worked up.

"Take him to the second floor, Philip, you know what to do," Grandpa said calmly.

Philip came forward happily. he was always like that, punishing me was his favourite past time.

Nothing ever changes in this hell hole.

I didn't resist as Philip dragged me away, my eyes still challenging grandpa.

* * *

Riya.

"Please come in, Joseph sir is waiting for you" The person who introduced himself as jayaprakash said, opening the car door for me.

I stepped out nervously. I was in front of a huge house, no, scratch that, I'm standing in front of a mansion.

I never thought I would feel so out of place here, but it's like a different world inside.

"Riya?" Uncle JP called and I snapped out of it.

"This..this is Joseph sir's house?" I asked, tightening my grip on my small travelling bag.

"Yes and you are to call him 'grandpa', let me get your bag for you," he said.

"No..I mean..I can manage-"

"Nonsense! let me escort you inside, come on" he took the bag and started to walk inside.

I had no choice but to follow him nervously.

"This way please" he guided me through the door. it was too much for me to take in. I had never in my life saw such a house before.

"Who is it, Uncle JP?" I heard the soft female voice and turned around.

"Ah...This is Miss. Mehra, our guest Joseph sir told you about" he said cheerfully.

I tried to smile."I am Riya" I said slowly, trying to be confident and friendly, but it was a failure as the sophisticated looking lady took me in from top to bottom, her lips in a thin line, making it clear that she doesn't approve of me.

"This is Alice, Riya, John Aldrick's wife"

So she's the daughter-in-law of Joseph sir.

I nodded respectfully.

She looked in her forties and she just nodded and walked back without any word.

So much for the welcome!

It just made me more uneasy. I noticed other people working in the corners and they were trying their best not to look at me.

"Come on," JP said again. I am starting to have second thoughts now.

Did you really think they are going to accept an outsider in their house Riya? it's like interfering in their private life!

Uncle JP took me to a large study, that has bookshelves all around and it was probably as big as the whole of my little house in the village. It was the kind of room I used to see on the television only.

"Welcome Riya" I heard his voice and snapped to reality. grandpa raised from the chair and come towards me.

"Please sit" he pointed to the nearest sofa.

For the next fifteen minutes, he was telling me to make myself home and those things.

It was hard trying to concentrate because I felt this sixth sense, that I'm in trouble.

"Is..is it necessary that I stay here? I can transfer colleges but I will check out some renting house nearby" I said now.

"No no, you are always welcome in this house Riya, just make yourself comfortable," he said again, then turned to uncle JP.

"Is her room ready?" he asked.

"Yes, but I was thinking that she will be more comfortable in the second or third floor, you know -"

"Please show her the room now," grandpa said smoothly, but I noticed uncle JP's uneasiness.

"This way Riya," JP said and I followed him again. I was starting to hyperventilate now. I just want to run far away.

"HANDS UP!"

The shout made me really startled and I automatically took a step back.

"Got you! ha!" a very cheerful and energetic voice said, now removing the real-looking gun down.

"Don't scare her, Danny!" Uncle JP said.

But he was already watching, walking around me.

"So you are our guest! I'm glad you are looking good" he winked at me.

"How old are you?" I folded my hands across my chest.

He looked around 16 or 17.

"Old enough" he smiled. "Too bad, I have someone I like already," he said.

"I am disappointed" I faked hurt and he laughed.

"I am Daniel, welcome to the Aldricks" he offered his hands. "for the record, I'm 17, just two months away from getting my license" he added proudly.

"Riya Mehra"

"Welcome Riya," he said and I tapped his forehead.

"Ouch"

"That's Riya chechi for you, I am 7 years senior to you"

"Ooh! You look young, anyways, 'chechi' it is then" he added cheerfully.

"Let her go now, I'm showing her room," Jp said.

"Why are you taking her to the first floor then?"

"Her room is there"

"What!?" Danny looked shocked. "don't tell me that you arranged -"

"That's enough Daniel," Uncle JP said warningly, making me uneasy again.

"Uh..chechi, all the very best" Daniel turned to me. "take care"

"What is it, Daniel?" I asked skeptically.

"You are staying at Aldricks, you would need it," he said, giving a look at Uncle JP. "And call me Danny" he added.

And so I reached my room at last. Uncle JP left me and I turned to look around. The room was very spacious, furnished in Black and White.

it was very stylish but I couldn't help but feel something missing.

The room was too much for me. The large bed in the middle was covered with a light pink bed cover.

I think they tried to make it comfortable for me.

What am I even doing here!? it seems like I am entirely at a different planet!

I started to unpack. I only took a few of the things I had.

Okay Riya, freshen up and let's think about everything later.

I walked to the bathroom.

"Whoa!" I said surprised. it was huge with a big bathtub.

Nivin.

I lifted it up again, the only room in Aldrick's house I can spend time is the gym. I was pushing myself too much and I continued lifting the weight

I have to find a way out, I can't just stay here, its only 6 more months till the last semester but living under grandpa is a different thing.

By the time I finished working out, I was sweating. I walked out of the room.

I dialled Jason's number.

"Hello?" it was Amy who picked up. "where are you Neev? are you okay?"

"Don't worry about me, how's Jason?"

"He's good, we all are here with him in the hospital, the match is postponed too"

"Okay, listen, I think I can't make it, grandpa's watching me"

"Rick told us everything"

"Yes, he wants me to finish my course, I don't think I can slip away now or grandpa's going to crush you guys too"

"Don't worry about us, just try to get out of there" Sid said now. I think my call is in speaker mode.

"The thing is, he wants me to stay here for now, I will try to find a way out"

"Don't go fighting with him" Jason said. "don't provoke him to punish you" he added.

"Yea, control that nasty temper of yours boy," Rick said.

I didn't tell them that I had already been punished.

"Take care guys," I said and disconnected it.

I opened my door, but it was locked.

F**k!

Since it's easier for me to escape from this room, They want me to change rooms.

Well..think again, I'm not going to give you the satisfaction grandpa!

I opened it with my spare key.

Locking up my room is not going to work.

I opened it inside and removed my shirt.

I will just stay here today and talk with grandpa tomorrow.

I decided. I opened the bathroom door and stilled.

I stared at the figure in my bathtub. her long, slightly curly black hair flowed down to the floor, tendrils of it slightly hiding her face. Her skin seemed soft and smooth, She seemed to be dozed off.

What the hell neev! why the hell would you keep staring at her?

The truth was, I couldn't seem to move. I could vaguely make out her naked body under the water and my eyes spotted that tiny black mole just under her beauty bone and it had a really bad effect on me.

Nivin Rosh Aldrick! turn around, NOW!

It was at that precious moment she opened her eyes, looking startled. There was a moment of silence when she gazed at me and recognition flashed through me.

"You!?" I said at the same time she screamed her lungs out.

Riya.

In Front of me was a guy who is shirtless, he was checking me out this whole time! his muscled body screamed of strength, his strong jaws were clenching.

I screamed my lungs out. I know he could snap me into pieces if he wants to. he is one of those people who are dangerous to even look at.

"You!?" he shouted at the same time.

I pulled the bathrobe from the side and tried to wrap it around me in a hurry.

"Get out of here" I screamed and he turned around, facing the wall.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" he shouted.

I was out of the tub now, still fumbling with the tie on my bathrobe.

"How dare you-" I stopped midway. I was filled with a dangerous aura and I think I recognised it.

"You are that..oh God! HELP...SOMEONE PLEASE HEL-" I started screaming again.

He is that person who was fighting yesterday! I really don't want to get killed by him!

"SHUT UP!" he turned back around to shout at me.

But I was too busy trying to run out of the bathroom.

"Stop screaming!" he put a hand around my middle and backed me to him, lifting me up effortlessly, so that I couldn't run away.

"Put me down!" I gasped.

"Don't run away"

"Put me down you perv-"

"Shhh.." he placed his right palm on my lips.

Sounds were starting to come from outside and he locked the bathroom door. he dragged me to a side.
I stilled, we were both facing the mirror and our eyes met.

"What are you doing in my room!? how did you even reach here?" he said disgustedly.

My eyes widened.

His room? what does it mean? Isn't he some thief?

"Yea, that's right, this is my house," he said angrily. "what plan do you have now?" he asked.

I was going to push him off me when the knock came. both of us stilled.

"Riya..what's wrong? are you alright?" I recognised the housekeeper, Kamala's voice.

"What's going on here?" I heard other voices too, now knocking on the door.

"Tell them nothing is wrong" he whisper-yelled in my ears. "Now!"

I looked at him for a moment.

"Or do you want to open the door half naked? half of the house staffs are there" he raised his eyebrow. I sighed, I know he's manipulating me, but it was effective also.

"Riya?"

" I..am alright Kamala, I..just saw a lizard," I said. There was silence on the other end.

"Okay, I will bring your dinner up, grandpa said you will meet the family tomorrow"

"Y..yes," I said shakily and that jerk set me down back on my feet. his eyes were taking me in full now.

"Don't you dare look at me" I said angrily in a whisper as I tried to tighten the bathrobe more close to me.

"Change and come out!" he ordered and walked out.

Dear God! I think I'm in trouble!

I started to change.

"Are you done?" I heard the impatient voice and I opened the door.

He grabbed my hands and dragged me out of the room, practically throwing me outside.

"Get out of my place", he said.

"Uh?"

I'm sure I heard it wrong, but next second my travelling bag was flying towards me.

" I said, Get the hell out of here"

"But..I..grandpa-"

"I know exactly what type of girl you are, get out of here before I report you"

That got me angry.

"And what type of girl am I? I clutched my bag tightly.

"I don't have time for this" he slammed the door in my face.

Whoa! I have never met someone as rude in my life! he is the definition of JERK!

I looked at my wrist and it still had that faint bruise from yesterday.

Fine then.

I started to walk out of the house.

"Riya?" I heard and turned around to find Uncle JP.

* * *

Nivin.

I stilled as I saw her having breakfast with the rest of the family.

The nerve of her!

I gave her a withering look before sitting down, taking the seat that was furthest from her and grandpa.

I could feel Danny and Auntie Alice peeking at me from time to time and it is getting on my nerves.

Yesterday we had a huge fight and grandpa decided to make her stay. I was even madder as he gave her my room.

Just wait Riya Mehra, I will make sure you are kicked out of here in no time...

I have promised it myself. I'm going to show everyone what kind of girl she really is.

"Brother Neev! That bike is cool! Just show me some moves when you are free" Danny said to me.

"Concentrate on your studies, Danny" Auntie Alice said and I smirked.

Yeah, that's it, Aldricks are supposed to run the family business so they have to start training from a very young age.

"I am getting a bullet for my 18th birthday," Danny said.

"You are not," Uncle John said. "your teacher called me, you are dropping down again, concentrate on your studies," he said.

"Dad! I am supposed to join the company even if I am going to fail all the subjects, there's no need for me to work hard" he said angrily.

"Daniel," Grandpa said. "You know exactly what happens if you decide to play around" he looked over at me, apparently I'm the biggest example of a loser in our family.

"Yea, that's right, you don't want to end up like me, Danny," I said, my voice full of sarcasm, I looked over at grandpa.

"I'm leaving today, I have no intention of going to college, frankly, I don't care about a masters degree"

"Neev" Uncle John warned, it's a signal not to make grandpa angry.

Riya.

I am suffocating here. I tried my maximum to concentrate in my breakfast, but it was too difficult.

They all were having some kind of cold war.

God! I never expected this!

"Both of you are attending college today as I told you before. Everything is ready, there is no need to postpone it any longer" grandpa said.

"She's attending Neev's college?" Auntie Alice asked in surprise.

"I told you, her dad is away on a business trip and she'll be staying with us for this time so it's only practical she is attending GIBS," grandpa said easily.

I nearly choked my food when I hear the name, drawing everyone's attention to me.

"What..you don't mean..Global international business school?" I asked incredulously, my eyes wide.

Nivin gave me a look that clearly meant I'm stupid, but I didn't mind it as I was more occupied with the new information.

"Of course," Grandpa said.

What! it's the university only the rich people can afford! it might even cost me the whole tuition fee that I had paid all these years for just a semester there!

"Mm..can I attend some other college grandpa?" I asked slowly.

"Why? I heard your father is some rich architect abroad, can't he afford it?" Auntie Alice asked me.

I was taken aback for a moment.

"Yea, Arhitect..abroad" Nivin scoffed. Grandpa looked at me sternly.

"I..I just thought it would not be convenient as I am staying only for a short time," I said slowly.

"Riyechi you are welcome to stay longer," Danny said, breaking the tension.

"Thank you Danny" I smiled at him and Nivin gave me that glare again.

What? I Am not supposed to talk to anyone here?

"Nivin, make sure to graduate this semester, JP had a lot of trouble solving your problems there, you can attend this semester so don't mess it up again"

"I'm not going there, I told you-"

"It's fine if you don't want to," Grandpa said to him and I looked up in surprise, I know he's not someone who gives up easily.

"I am going to give that bike away, you can't go back to your penthouse and your credit cards are frozen," grandpa said.

"Don't touch my bike!" Nivin practically growled.

"That's Ecosse titanium series limited edition motorbike grandpa! you know how much trouble he had with the customs to import it, you can't just give it away!" Danny exclaimed.

What's the big deal with it? He's not even bothered about his penthouse and credit cards!?

"Make sure you do it right, Nivin, you know what I can do if I really want it," grandpa said.

I saw Nivin clenching his fist, but he didn't reply.

"So that's settled" grandpa announced as he finished his breakfast. "One more thing, take Riya with you, she is new around here," he said again.

My eyes grew wide and I think I would've really choked to death if I was eating. Nivin gave me a withering look.

Dear God! If looks can kill, I would be dead by now.

* * *

Nivin slammed the door and started the engine, not even bothering to look at me.

He changed gears and we flew forward. I had to grip the sides tightly even with seat belts.

Jeez! I think this is my last ride in the earth.

"Can..can you slow down?" I asked and Nivin took a sharp turn.

"Slow down, okay?" I said loudly now. "It's not my fault grandpa is doing this to you"

He slammed the break and I came forward.

"Get out"

"What?"

"Are you stupid or deaf? Get out of my car" he said again.

I looked around, we were in the middle of the road.

"College-" I started, but he cut across me.

"Let's make a few things clear first," he said, raising his index finger

"One, I am not your driver, so don't expect me to take you to college" he raised a second finger.

"Two, you are not someone who I usually associate with, it's bad enough I have to put up with you at home, stay away from me, don't even pretend to know me from college"

Wow! I never thought he could be ruder!

"Don't worry, I have no intention of involving in your bus-"

"And Three, I'm not stupid, so I don't buy your story," he said

"You are calling me a liar?"

"Exactly and I promise you, Ms.Mehra, I will expose you, your dad is working abroad huh? Tell me then, why the hell would you appear at that third class apartments with people chasing after you?"

"Just like you said, just stay away from me too, grandpa-"

"I don't know what plans you have with him, but know one thing, considering yesterday's events and how grandpa side with you, I know you both have a plan and you are deceiving everyone, so wait till I expose you, you are going to end up in jail"

I stared up at him. I don't know what I have done to him for him to hate me this much!

"You hate me!" I said. "Why?"

"You are wrong, Mehra, I don't just hate you," Nivin said. "I despise you," he said. "I know you are one of those girls who will do anything for money"

It took me a lot of willpower not to reach out and slap him hard.

It's alright Riya, Think about mamma, she is going to get good treatment as long as you endure this, And Uncle Ananth, you owe him, you can at least do this so that he doesn't die in vain.

I turned to him. "I got your message loud and clear, let's just keep away from each other, I don't like you too," I said, now opening the car door.

"I'm glad we agree on something at least," he said. I stepped out and closed the door.

"I never thought I will meet someone so petty" I muttered before walking away.

That seemed to have the desired effect as I caught that dangerous glint in his eyes before walking away.

I saw the car practically flying forward again.

Does he think the road is his family property too?

I walked to the nearest bus stop.

* * *

It took me nearly half an hour to reach the college. I stopped in front of the huge gate.

Dear God! help me survive this place, you know I don't have any other way but stay here now.

I slowly started to walk inside.

I passed the gate and that's when it happened, I heard the loud roars of the engine before I was engulfed by the dust particles.

It was too late as I realised two cars, a blue sports car and another black one, was racing towards me, now only feet from me.

I closed my eyes tightly, I could faintly hear all the shoutings around me. But I was frozen in my spot, not even able to move out of the way.

.............................

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