Vansh rocked the old wooden chair as his mind worked on numerous ways to keep an eye on the staff. He was aware, most of them were extremely loyal but to figure out the weeds in Rathore pastures he had to take the step. He smiled looking at the sample of new uniforms for the staff, in particular it was the button after the collar, random uniform held the cameras and microphones. He had asked Veer to pass a new rule that staff will have to submit the uniforms when they call the day.

Vansh was glad that his uncle gave him the insight on which they could trust blindly and who should be under the scanner, he was ready. Now, he just had to wait for odd one to pop up.

With a huff, he left the chair and switched off the lights of the big Library. Moving out, he firmly locked the door as he made his way to his suite. Vansh had plans to be prepared with at least something concrete about the hidden enemies which would help him brief and prepare Vikram . He smiled recalling his siblings he hadn't seen for a year, they were visiting for summer break and Vansh had planned a lot for his brother. About sister, he was planning to be in control as he had been warned by his dad against misbehaving with their precious Princess. Vansh scoffed, only if they knew she was a walking trouble.

He entered and locked his suited , moving to the window of his room which overlooked the lush Palace gardens. Unlike many, his suite didn't had an extended portico and he was glad for that. He never liked them anyways, his eyes wandered around and then got fixed on someone siting by the huge marble fountain. He smiled as he watched the figure scan the surroundings. Vansh shook his head, Chitra was no where close to her mother Sitara. If Sitara was a predator, Chitra was a blooming flower. It was difficult to discover Sitara even if she was close whereas Chitra could be heard miles away. He watched as she climbed over the fountain wall rolling her bottoms till knee, she then sat on the circular marble fountain wall tossing her legs into the water. He chuckled as she moved them against the water causing small ripples. He was sure she was humming her favorite song. Vansh contemplated against joining her , with a shake of his head he quickly made his way to the elevator and then to fountain.

Vansh tip toed to Chitra then booed her from behind, she squeaked all scared, was about to slip when he pulled her back to her place, ''What are you doing here all alone at this hour?'' He asked , sliding next to her. She stayed silent , her eyes on the water. After a minute, she turned and locked her eyes with his making Vansh smile unknowingly, ''I will tell you on a condition.'' He nodded gesturing her to go ahead, ''I came here because I couldn't sleep and condition is you won't tell my mother about be loitering here in the night.''

''I won't but it can be dangerous.''

''This is home, how can it be dangerous.'' She asked with a innocent tilt of her neck

''it's a big Palace, you can't just trust everyone around. People's intention and feelings change with a flick of fingers.'' Vansh explained

She stared at him for long, ''Do you know Hukum what is best about trust?'' He shook his head , waiting for her to respond. She smiled, ''It makes you fearless and happy. Like I am. I know I am safe and someone would be definitely watching over me. Like today.'' She drawled.

He smiled, pulled her nose hard before giving up. For her 12 years, she was way too matured. They sat there for about an hour before he walked her to the quarters, walking back to him room.

***

''Why have you turned into a saint?'' Rolli asked her brother who had turned an introvert since past few months. Though, he was one but not with her. Vikram just shrugged his shoulders going back to his laptop but Rolli wasn't the one to give up, ''Would you prefer a head massage bhai?''

Vikram's brow went up hearing the word bhai, that meant trouble and a big one. he shook his head refusing it. She jumped up, ''I know you need it, let me give you one.'' before Vikram could protest she poured about half a litre oil over his head, tapping it repeatedly like a professional. She then rubbed his scalp vigorously signing some random songs, slapping his head and forehead repeatedly in name of massage. He just huffed, it wasn't the first time. He had learn to be patient with his sister who loved showing off her worst skills, and not to forget , he was the lab rat right from the beginning.

Rolli pressed her lips trying to stifle the laughter watching her brother taking all her torture silently. Her intention was to make him smile and get to talk, she knew she could. After an hour long session of torturous oil dripping head massage. She combed his hair as if he was four, parting it from right she combed them flat making sure not a single strand was free, ''perfect! Now, just one black dot on your cheek to ward off the evil eye.''

he just huffed and waited for her to complete, she then pulled out her phone, made him pout and clicked a slefie , quickly forwarding it everyone in family. ''Done!'' he asked as she was done sending . She shook her head n confirmation. He smiled once and that earned him a squeal, ''GOd! I was dying to see that smile Vicky!'' She danced happily making him laugh, he rolled over staring at the picture she had just clicked, ''Come here !'' She did and he gave her a bear hug, ''love you!''

''I know! Now, just yes or no.'' She commanded , he nodded

''Is there something serious going back home?''

''No!''

''Are you tensed about your studies?''

''No''

''Did somebody hurt your sentiments?''

''NO!'' this came with a roll of eyes

''Did you fight with Sona?''

''Yes...!'' Vikram turned quiet. He realized all the head massage and Q&A was just to get things out of him. She got up and sat opposite to him on the floor, ''Vicky, talk to me. I know you.''

''I don't know where to start.''

''From the beginning.'' She insisted. He narrated about their fight over Sona neglecting his messages and call. Once he was done, Rolli didn't react. She instead stared at her brother with a frown, ''Say something!''

''You don't want to hear it.'' She replied looking mad. When he insisted she decided to throw some intelligence on to him, '' Vicky, she is young, immature and all she wanted was more attention of yours. What's wrong in that? At this age every girl wants it.''

''You never did'' he interrupted

''because I had more that required. All kept hovering me like surveillance cameras. Now, don't divert it. Your problem is your anger, you need to keep that in check.''

''I was sick worried and she was having fun at my cost.''

''Wrong words! She was enjoying the affection you have for her. You are about 20 but your mental age is of a 60 year old guy and you expect others to be the same. Vicky, you are defiantly in love with her and I am sure she feels the same but you are ruining it with such a small thing.''

''What do I do?'' He asked

She stared at him as if he had grown horns, ''hook me up with her.''

''What?'' he asked shocked

''Call and talk to her. Then see her as soon as possible.''

''I deleted her number.'' he confessed looking guilty

''I expected it. '' She shook her head , next moment his mobile beeped, ''Now don't ask how do I have her number. I was the one who got the details for you.'' He stood up to hug her but she ran off, ''Go and shampoo first, I am sure it will take you ours to get rid of that oil.'' He chased her around till he gave her a bone crushing hug.

Rolli huffed once he ran off to solve the mess, ''Now I can breathe.'' She messaged Dev asking him to pick her from the classes next day. She was sure Vicky would be busy winning his girl back. She had been desperate to see him but Vikram's sudden change of mood had send her love life on rocks for 3 months. Rolli wanted to let Dev know that she would be travelling for her break and would see him after a month.

***

''A month! Are you serious? We are meeting after 10 days and now you will be gone for a month. That's not fair.'' Dev kicked in the air turning around from her. She took slow steps to him, wrapping her arms around his middle she place her cheek against his back, ''I will be in touch.''

''yes, but that isn't enough.'' He complained

''Dev, why are you being childish?''

''Because I love you. Madly! I have to see you to keep me sane.'' he replied getting more agitated. She chuckled placing a peck on hi back, ''That won't work either.''

''Dev, what' wrong. I have never seen you this disturbed since we met.'' Dev turned, grabbed her by arms and pulled her hard against hi chest, ''You aren't just a being in my life. You are my life , may be more than want I can express in words. I feel alive around you, I can feel my heart which never existed before we met.  You have awaken the desire to love and to be loved, I don't want a life without you. Not now not ever.''

 Rolli kept staring at him for long, she could easily see through him. Deep in his heart there was some pain, she wanted to help him heal but for that they both had to come clean about each others background. Rolli wasn't ready, her family mattered more than anything, even her happiness. If her parents asked to keep her royalty a secret, there ought to be a reason. She took a deep breath and hugged him tight, ''Dev, you need to trust me.''

''I do! Do you?''

''Yes, Why do you ask?''

''Just like that.'' He placed a deep peck on the top of her head. ''Know this Rolli, I can and will do anything for you. You are mine , till the end of time and I won't let anyone between us. With that I mean anyone.''

''You are mad Dev!''

''Yes, I admit being mad for you...and I will always be mad about you for life.''

She smiled, leaning on to his chest he asked playfully, ''What if tomorrow something goes wrong between us and we end up separately?''

He slightly pushed her away, holding her at arm length, ''Then I will snatch you from the fate..or anyone who tried to take you away from me.'' Dev's eye held a kind of madness which made Rolli shiver for a while but she wasn't the one to be swept away, she knew and practiced control. For now he decided to divert the discussion.

''Okay, answer this. What made you fall for me?'' She asked playfully.

''Remember the first punch, it landed straight on to my heart. You were something I had never met, cute, adorable, tiny and extremely brave. No one , means no one till date could stand against me , let alone punching me my face. Then we met at derby, there was no need for you to help that guy, yet you did. That gave away your good heart. A beautiful face with an extra ordinary heart, who would want to lose that?'' 

She nodded, '' I have a lethal brain too. My friends say that.''

''Doesn't matter, because here its the heart what matters.'' he replied pulling her to his chest. They walked hand in hand for sometime before he threw her over his shoulder . She squealed as he twirled her around. They stood holding each other  watching the on going down. Rolli was thankful that she didn't had to worry about her brother asking about her whereabouts a he was busy solving his mess.

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Hope you like this one.  I am back this week and settling down with office work. 

Do drop in your views and comments.