-• a surprise •-

"I think I've a crush," Anagha mumbles, nibbling on the French fry, her eyes somewhere behind me.

I look over my shoulder and pause to see his silhouette against the dimming sky.

Shourya is relaxed in his seat, his long legs propped on the desk, feet crossed and eyes closed. The golden rays cascade gracefully on his face, his body stretched like ridges of sand dunes, all highs and lows defined. The contours of his face glow against the bright background, his pale skin almost translucent. He appears to be a celestial creature, doing this worldly place a favour by gracing us with his presence. How can someone look so pretentious and egoistic even when sleeping? He'd beat Agastya if narcissism was a competition.

"Did you forget to bring along your standards today?" I remark snidely and turn my head back to the front.

The girls snicker.

"Don't tell me I'm the only one!" Anagha rolls her eyes. "Just look at him. He looks otherworldly."

"He's Shourya." I remind her.

"I know right? That alone should be a huge red flag. But I still can't believe it." She murmurs with a defeated sigh.

"You're in the denial phase," I pat her shoulder sympathetically.

She looks over at us. "He's changed."

Kusum snorts the water into wrong pipe and ends up coughing. The remaining three of us pull away our tiffins from her spit radar. "I'll sue if anyone of you ever becomes a doctor," she pants, rubbing a hasty hand against her chest.

I chuckle sheepishly.

"And seriously? He's changed?" She glares at Anagha. "You can't get anymore cliche."

Anagha clicks her tongue. "C'mon! I can't be the only one to notice the difference! You know, everyone in the school is talking about it. Even the teachers. Just look at him," she sighs dreamily. "The accident has changed him."

"I don't know about the accident but plastic surgery has definitely changed him." Revathi steals a glance of him. "I heard renowned surgeons from South Korea were called to fix his face."

"Only if someone were to fix that attitude," I add bitterly.

"What's up with you?" Anagha questions me.

"What?"

"You've been particularly annoyed towards him from yesterday."

"I wonder why?" I muse sarcastically.

"Honestly, he didn't have to be so harsh about it." Revathi adds for my sake.

"And the fact that he sounded so sincere when he said that, makes it even more worse." Kusum chortles.

"I'm sure he didn't mean it."

"Anagha!" The three of us chorus, a warning in our tone.

"Fine, geez!" She raises her hands in surrender. "Just giving him the benefit of doubt."

"Don't," I state.

"Alright. He's an ass."

"Exactly." I nod and finish up the rest of my lunch. The bell rings, signalling the end of the break. I pack up my tiffin and scurry to my desk, shoving it in my backpack before the four of us rush to the bathroom to wash our hands. We return a minute later and the teacher beckons us inside.

I skim through the rest of the lectures barely present with my head. The theme of the party keeps bothering me. I've no idea what came to my mind that I blurted out masquerade. I try to assure myself that it was an instinctive response. Maybe I felt pressured and said the first thing that came into my head. But why specifically masquerade? I've no to answer to that, despite it being right in front of my eyes, or rather, currently underneath my bed.

Do I want him to come to the party?

Was I thinking about him when I said that?

It's so easy to accept things without reasons. If half of my decisions were made without any reasons, I'd overthink a little less. Because even if I think it through, measure the pros and cons, I still end up bearing consequences larger than benefits. What's the point in spending so much time making decisions when at the end of the day there's ninety percent chance you're going to regret it?

No, wait, the whole theory is wrong.

I worry even if I make decisions without thinking.

Like I did just this morning.

The problem is, being human, that's the root of all major issues I have in life.

I sound like an incapable individual.

The government better not give me the right to vote.

"Tara," Ayush nudges me on the arm when the final bell for school rings. I heave myself straight, sluggishly putting my books inside my backpack. Normally, you're excited at the end of the school. I used to be too. When I was back in England.

Schools are boring. It's an universal fact.

In my opinion, school systems need major reformation. Kids are going to hate school if they keep this up. Should I become a politician? I bet Yuvraaj would rather have me become a street artist than enter politics. That should be enough of a motivational drive for me to become one.

"What classes do you have next?" Ayush questions as we stroll through the crowded hallways.

"Chemistry." I mumble.

"Don't like it?"

"Hate it." I grumble.

"And you have it with Shourya?" He continues to poke at my wounds.

"Don't remind me."

"Just keep your mouth shut." Arush comes to my right. I glance at him and he looks like he came out of a war. The crumpled shirt barely tucked in, his dark locks a tousled mess and a smudge of ink staining his fingers and cheekbones. He definitely went on a war, with his pen as his enemy and faced an embarrassing defeat.

"Why?"

"Your words justify your looks,"

"Pardon?" I frown.

"Both dumb." He snorts and picks up his pace.

I gasp. "You- You prick!" I scream after him, startling the hoard of students around me. He raises his arm above the surface of the crowd and waves at me obnoxiously. I stomp on my feet as anger surges from within, boiling my blood like an erupting volcano. "How do you put up with him?" My voice comes out snappy as I look at Ayush.

"I ignore him," comes his simple reply.

We part ways in front of the library. I head inside and open the door to Private Room 2. Shourya is already in there. My annoyance raises by a huge margin.

"I ignore him."

Right. The words are universally applicable. Ignoring the loud presence, I drop my backpack in the seat and walk up to the window. Atharva chooses that time to look up. My smile brightens and I send him a wave. He waves back, schooling his face blank when Agastya turns around. I withdraw my arm to my side.

"Kids," I hear the science teacher call out and turn. She is peeking inside from the threshold. "I've a staff meeting right now. It might last for thirty minutes. While I'm busy there, memorise the important five questions of today's topic. I'll test you on it upon returning. Excuse me now," with that she leaves.

I smack my lips disappointedly and settle down in chair. Both of us get our notebooks out. I've a habit of scribbling my answers, understanding them, then memorising them and then scribbling them again to remember what I learned. So as I start to write my answers on the back of my notebook, he starts to skim through the pages of the textbook.

After I'm done writing, I whisper the words to myself, a way to make myself hear them firm and clear.

"You're awfully loud," he suddenly says, stopping me mid sentence.

"Plug in your earbuds." I advise and return to my notebook.

"How about you read in your mind?" He retorts.

"I can't memorise if I don't read aloud to myself."

He sighs. "If only silence could be bought. It would be so worth it." And flips a page.

I clench the corner of my notebook in a tight grip. "Even if it could be sold, you'd never be able to afford mine."

"Smart. But don't use up your vocabulary now. You've your whole life ahead."

I clench my jaw. "Are you usually so infuriating?"

"Are you usually so entitled?"

"Excuse me? Entitled and me?" I bark out a sarcastic laugh. "Your personality and your words normally averse themselves, were you aware of that?"

He puts the book down and regards me with a cocky gaze. "You know a smart mouth is no indication of an intellectual mind, right?"

"And you know having an attitude doesn't make you cool, right?"

"Ah!" He exclaims, the slim pair of lips widening in a wicked smirk. "So it's about last night. Apologies, my lady. It was yesterday I realised common sense isn't really common. Were you offended?"

I breathe through my mouth, a poor attempt to calm myself. "I see you exist in adequate delusions. Why? Are you perfect in there?"

"Yes. Unfortunately, not alone as of now. If only I could request your absence." He snaps back, his light brown eyes narrowed down.

"Trust me, I'd rather swim with crocodiles than sit in the same room as you." I grit out.

"I'm sure you got the reptiles offended with that," he mutters.

I let out a scoff. "If your personality was half as good as your looks, you'd have been a little less insufferable."

He abruptly stops changing pages and gives me a look.

"What?" I ask when his stare doesn't break.

"Did you just call me good looking?"

I backtrack into my memories, regretting what I blurted out in the heat of the moment.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

Why don't I ever think before speaking my mind?

Why am I such a nicompoop!

"No." I straight up deny without any reluctance.

"Indirectly," he explains.

"No," I still don't waver.

"You did."

"No." I stay firm.

"You didn't."

"No." It's an automatic response before his words could even register in my mind. "I- I mean, no, I didn't."

He clicks his tongue, a cocky smirk playing on his lips as he says, "Liar."

I open my mouth to come up with a sassy response but fail. Luckily, the teacher chooses that time to enter the room. A sigh of relief escapes my mouth and I focus front, drowning him and his presence out of my mind for the rest of the lecture.

We're allowed to call it a day at six thirty. I pack my backpack and swing it over my shoulders before exiting the classroom. My eyes zero on Atharva in the reading area and I jog up to him. He lifts his head from the phone screen and smiles before his eyes drift to somewhere behind me.

I look over my shoulder as Shourya strolls out of the library, carrying a stance that is just as cocky as his obnoxious personality. My face turns sour. He'd make a good runaway model. He has the qualities. Emotional availability of a rock and looks that'd get Adonis an inferiority complex.

When I look back at Atharva, he appears unsettled. I occupy the chair beside him and hold his hand in mine. "What's wrong?"

He glances at me and shakes his head, forcing a smile on his face.

"You sure?"

He nods. I can tell he's lying but I don't force him into answering me.

We leave the library together but have to seperate on the ground floor because of my brothers. I say bye with a wave and he returns the gesture half heartedly.

The drive back home is void of any verbal sparring between me and the boys. They all appear both mentally and physically frazzled. So I take the liberty to play the music of my choice and put on best of Stephen Sanchez.

Upon reaching the palace, I throw the door open and step out. The four of us enter the house. Ayush and I talk about school work while the other two discuss something about their game.

"Uhm, excuse me?" A familiar, very familiar voice speaks when I step on the flight of the staircase with Ayush. He steps back to clear my line of sight and my breath hitches in my throat at the person standing in front of me.

I let out an ear piercing shriek that has everyone wincing, and in Yuvraaj's dictionary is very unlady-like. Though, as of now, that's the least of my concerns. Because it's my best friend standing in front of me, God damnit!

"Janet!" I toss my bag in Ayush's arms and tackle my best friend in a bone crushing hug. We both topple to the floor but that's not enough to loosen my grip on her. She giggles under me while I'm busy crying in the nook of her neck.

I squeeze her tight and end up losing my balance so we roll on the floor like human burritos.

"You're going to squeeze her to death, little star," I hear Dad say playfully.

"I'm so happy," I sob into my best friend's arms.

She chuckles, soothingly running her hand up and down my back. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." I pull away and pout at her. "So much." She smiles and kisses my cheek. I kiss her cheek back before hiding my tear stricken face in her neck.

It takes me five minutes to compose myself. Everyone settles on the couch in the living room and Yuvraaj orders the maid to serve us with refreshments and snacks. I don't leave Janet's side, our hands interlinked tightly.

"Wow, you girls are so dramatic." Agastya shakes his head.

"This is the knucklehead I told you about, remember?" I point at him.

She nods. "Third hottest." She whispers in my ear.

I roll my eyes.

"Knucklehead?" Agastya snorts. "Short stuff, I'm smarter than you."

"He's also slightly delusional but other than that, he's okay." I add.

Everyone snickers at that.

Agastya glares at me, his jaw locking visibly. I stick my tongue out at him.

"And that's Ayush. The nicer of the twins." Ayush smiles and Arush rolls his eyes. "This is the other one. He's also okay."

"Hi," Janet says softly, resisting a chuckle.

"Hey," they greet back.

"And that's Vivaan," I point at the one leaning against the wall, his arms crossed on his broad chest. He's wearing brown sweatshirt and black fitted trousers. His usual style, and he does justice to it as always.

Vivaan raises his hand to wave at her.

"I know about you the most. She never stops talking when it comes to you." Janet murmurs.

"Really?" He raises a brow, looking at me teasingly.

I smile shyly.

"And that's Yuvaan,"

"The second hottest," she whispers. I nudge her on the shoulders.

He nods at her in a greeting.

She nods back.

"And you've already met Yuvraaj and Dad." I shrug.

The maid returns, carrying a tray that holds refreshments and snacks. I thank her when she hands me the glass of lemonade.

"How was the flight, darling?" Dad takes an initiative to make the small talk.

"Amazing. It was my first time traveling in first class. I loved it." She says with a simper.

"And did you have any trouble on your way here from the airport?" Yuvraaj inquires.

"No, not at all. Your secretary made me feel absolutely comfortable and welcomed. Thank you." She says in gratitude.

He nods and focuses back on his phone.

"By the way, we've already prepared a room for you-"

"Can't she stay with me?" I interrupt Vivaan.

"Taranya, she's a guest. Her comfort and privacy is our priority." Yuvraaj butts in.

"Oh, but I don't mind sharing a room with her. If anything, that's more comfortable to me." Janet speaks up for us.

I look at Yuvraaj and Dad hopefully. "Please."

Dad glances at Yuvraaj and nods, not as an order, rather as a request. The younger man relents with a sigh. "Fine. I'll ask the butler to move her stuff into your room."

Janet and I Hi-five excitedly.

Post the formal pleasantries and mandatory introductions, we're allowed to head to our rooms. I practically drag my best friend upstairs and throw the door open, walking backward with open arms as I proudly display my beautiful room.

Her eyes sparkle as she takes in the perfection that would put Pinterest aesthetics to shame.

"Wow, you're living the dream, Tara." She sighs as she walks in, trailing her hand along the slick edge of my study desk.

"Exactly my reaction," I chuckle.

"Looking at it through video call and looking at it physically is so different. As if, I don't even deserve to stand here." She rubs her sole on the velvet carpet.

"And this bed is so strong, Janet. No matter how many times I bounce, it doesn't break." I climb the soft as cloud bed.

"Let me be the witness," she nods and joins me on the bed.

I do the countdown. "3,2,1!" We both jump on the bed like kids splashing through puddles in monsoon season. Giggles escape us unrestrained. We hold each other's hands and abuse the bed like it's trampoline. Then we grow tired and flop down on it, our hair a mess and we pant like overexcited dogs. "God, I'm so happy you're here, Janet. Thank you so much for this surprise. Who planned it though?"

She turns on her side, her head propped on her upturned palm. "Your brother."

I smile. "Vivaan? Expected of him-"

"No, your other brother."

I frown.

"Yuvraaj," she states.

My jaw drops.

"No." I shake my head.

"Yes," she chuckles. "He called my father and requested I come to India for your birthday party. Dad was a little hesitant since finals are close. But then he allowed after my countless begging."

I sit up straight. "You're saying Yuvraaj planned this surprise?"

"Yes, Tara." She nods. "Why is it so hard for you to believe?"

"For me?" I mumble, pointing at myself.

What would he gain by bringing Janet here? Her presence is of no use to his public image and I refuse to believe he did this just out of goodness of his heart. If there's any.

There has to be some catch.

"Wow, is he that bad that you can't believe he can do something nice for you?"

"Actually," I nod.

"Well, he did. So be grateful instead of questioning his intentions." She shrugs and lies straight, unlocking her phone.

"How many days are you here for?"

"I'm leaving day after tomorrow." She replies.

"Janet," I twist my lips in disapproval.

"You can't complain. Dad sent me here on the condition that I return to England as soon as possible." She peeks past her phone screen.

I let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine, beggars can't be choosers," I lie down and wrap my arms around her tightly.

"You've turned very clingy."

"I'm deprived of physical affection." I grumble.

"You've a huge family."

"They are all grown men." I counter.

"Point," she pats my forearm.

We hang out in my room until it's time for dinner. Janet is amazed when a maid personally comes to escort us to the dining hall. And she is even more amazed by the palace, stopping after every five seconds that I had to grab her arm to remind her we're walking together.

The dining hall opens to my six brothers and father waiting for us. We walk in and Dad pulls the chair for me while a male staff helps my bestfriend.

"Please, help yourself." Yuvraaj says politely, motioning to the feast on the dining table.

Janet isn't shy when it comes to food. So she fills her plate to the brim and compliments every dish openly. I can tell Dad and Vivaan like her attitude. However, her loud voice and table manners make Yuvraaj uncomfortable, but he doesn't make it very obvious. He should never have kids. If his baby somehow smears somthing on his face, I won't put it past him to throw the whole child away.

After dinner, I request Ayush to accompany Janet to the third floor while I make my way to Yuvraaj's study. At the second knock he allows me in. I open the door and step inside.

"Yes?" He cocks a brow in my direction, busy sorting his documents.

"Thank you."

"For?"

"For bringing Janet here. I've never been so happy before." I say honestly.

He nods. "I concur."

"Good night," I turn to leave.

"Taranya," he calls out and I spin on my feet to face him.

"Yes?"

"Am I in the list now?"

My brows furrow together. "Pardon?"

"Nothing. Good night." He says dismissively.

I step out and close the door. That's when it hits me.

Oh.

Oh shit.

I swear, Yuvraaj is so awkwardly cute. 😭❤️

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