-• moving on •-

"This is your locker, and these are the keys." The cafe owner drops the set of keys in my hands. We stand in the changing room. "You open the cafe on Fridays and Sundays. They are the busiest days so we open earlier than usual." I nod. "Since Heer, our last employee dropped work, we'll have to make up for her absence as well. On somedays you'll have to be the waitress, somedays cashier and somedays the cleaner. Are you sure you'll able to do that?"

I nod.

"Let me make this very clear, Taranya, I know you're a princess. And I've deep respect for your family and your title. Let me repeat that, I've deep respect for your title. So don't expect me to go easy on you. Because you're Princess of Jaigarh out of this cafe. In here, I'm your boss and you're my employee." He states firmly.

"Yes, sir, I understand. I won't let you down." I clasp my hands on my front.

He smiles, escorts me to the main entrance, and bows deeply. "See you tomorrow at work." Then he returns to his business.

Mr. Rathi is your typical middle-aged Indian man you pass randomly on the streets. He has a receding hairline, which I'm sure bothers him a lot because he keeps combing through the remaining rather obsessively. But his brows can give hair stylists run for their money considering how bushy they are. His eyes are usual brown, but when he speaks of his work, they sparkle. He wears dark polo t-shirts, and his belly portrudes through the thin stretch of material proudly. He's a happy man, and a fair businessman. I like him.

I clutch the keys to my chest, inhale a deep breath, and smile. Even the polluted air feels fresh today.

"Tara?"

I whirl around. My smile broadens meeting the familiar copper eyes.

"Atharva, hi there," he walks up to me, and nods his head, urging me tag along with him inside the cafe. I shrug and follow. He opens the door for me. Mr. Rathi looks up from the counter, raises a brow at me, then smiles when he sees Atharva step in behind me. He nods, as though impressed by my choice.

To hide the blush on my face, I quickly choose the corner booth and sit down. I'm sure he got the wrong idea of us and I'm not about to fluster and prove him right. With time, he'll understand Atharva is just another classmate I'm friend's with.

Atharva slides into the seat across from me. "So, how come I see you here? Did you come to the University to fill up any requirements?" He pours himself a glass of water from the jug.

I shake my head. "From next Friday, I'll be a part timer here."

He coughs, the water spits out of his mouth. I blink. Slowly push my chair back. "So- Sorry." The glass slams down, he grabs a few tissues from the box and cleans his mouth. "I'm sorry. I was shocked."

"I get it." I nod.

"What can I get you?" The waitress comes over. I look up and smile at her. She smiles down at me.

Vishakha is the only girl working part-time here besides me. I said girl, because the three other are women, and they work back in the kitchen. We've another guy as a waiter, but he's a full timer. And at least a decade older than us. So I'm assuming there are slim chances of us getting along. My last hope is Vishakha and so far, witnessing her jolly attitude, I'm sure she's in the same boat as me.

"I'll take Mango Lassi." I say. She notes it down, her eyes drift towards Atharva in question.

He clears his throat, "Uhm, cold coffee. Add whipped cream on top of it. Lots of it."

She nods and jots it down on her notepad. "Just give me a few minutes." She smiles at him, turns to me. "Boyfriend?" She mouths. I shake my head, cup my mouth from one side so it's hidden from Atharva's sight, and mouth back just friend to her. She snorts, not believing me, and walks off. I sigh.

"What was that?" Atharva questions.

"What?" I look at him, playing innocent. I know he saw us communicating secretly, which was not so secretly. I should never become a spy. I'm horrible at it.

"She said something to you, you replied."

"No." I shake my head.

"I'm not an idiot." He chuckles.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

He rakes a hand through his hair and bites down on his lower lip to resist a smile. I fail to hold back mine. It transforms into a full blown grin.

"Anyway," I lock my feet, slide them back, and lean in bracing the table. "How come you're here?"

"We moved in two weeks ago near the university. See that building?" He leans over as well, pointing through the window somewhere behind me.

I look over my shoulder. My brows pull together. There are lots of buildings.

"Which one?"

"That one. The black and grey one." He stretches his arm to the limit. I click my tongue, get up slightly from my seat and try to look where he's pointing at.

"Oh! That one? Black Sapphire?"

"Yeah."

We both turn our heads at the same time. His face is a hairbreadth away from mine. Our eyes collide, the surprise settles in. My breath hitches at the lack of distance between us. I quickly sit back, force a smile at him and dismiss the awkward moment by picking up the jug to pour myself a glass of water.

"So?" Thankfully, he breaks the newly frozen silence. "How have you been?"

"Good, I guess."

"It's been almost a month since the accident."

"Yeah, and I already missed my first week of college."

He shakes his head. "Nothing important happened anyway. You can start tomorrow and you'll miss nothing."

"Oh, thank God." I sigh.

Vishakha arrives with our order. She places the drinks down, mutters a small enjoy and retreats. "Let's see how this tastes. Because I'm planning to become a regular here." He smirks.

"Is my beauty already attracting customers?" I curve the back of my hands beneath my chin like a moon.

"Please, don't ever do that." He looks aghast.

"Why?" I smile through offense. "Am I not cute?" I make a puppy face.

"You just gave me chills."

I feign a pout.

"Jesus Christ, I'll have to cleanse my eyes after going home." He covers his eyes.

I lean over to hit him on the arm. He chortles in amusement, puts his hands down, "Oh, you've got muscles on you, don't you?" The playful tone brings a grin on my face. I flex my non-existent biceps. He nods, pretending to be impressed. "She-Hulk, huh, you should have ordered pistachio lassi."

"I know right. This doesn't go with my vibes." I stir the straw in my mango lassi and take a sip. "Hmm, it's good though." I nod in appreciation.

"So, how come the Princess of Jaigarh is taking on the role of a waitress in a local cafe?" He inquires curiously.

"Since she decided she's not choosing a STEM major or Business Management." I shrug.

He grows serious. "Wait, your family's not supporting your career choice?"

"My eldest brother isn't. Though my second eldest offered to take the responsibility but I denied. I've applied for student loans and whatever study materials I need, I'm hoping this job helps me pay for them." I explain.

He frowns. "Why would you do that?"

"When my two other brothers decided to choose their dreams, they had to do everything on their own. Bhai didn't support them. So yeah, I just felt it'll be unfair if rules change for me just because I'm a girl." I justify.

The confusion on his face converts into a smile. "You're amazing."

"Am I?" I didn't know I was dying to hear that. Everybody else called me immature.

He nods. "I'm taking the same course as you. But I don't think I'll be able to become a waiter in a random cafe. I guess I rely too much on my mommy's money." He jests.

I chuckle. "I relate, honestly. I don't think I'll be able to give up on my lifestyle just because I took this job. I've gotten too used to it. And I'm the same girl who used to think twice before buying an ice cream in the park."

"Life changes." He smiles.

"Yeah, it does. Life sure changes." I nod, looking outside the window at the world in front of me.

We part ways in the parking lot. I get inside my brand new Ashton Martin and drive out. I stole it from Yuvaan's collection. Vivaan offered to buy me a different car directly from the showroom, but I didn't want anything different. I wanted this one. Vivaan said it's impossible to make Yuvaan give one from his collection so I should not even think about asking him. The last option is to import it from overseas. And that meant a long wait, which has no guarantee because we don't even know if another model is available or not. Hence, yesterday, I put on a show.

I was walking down the stairs when I saw Yuvaan coming out of the kitchen.

I purposely tripped, and made it seem like I was about to faint.

"Tara!" Yuvaan rushed to me, held my hand, and guided me to the sofas in the living room. "What happened? Are you okay? Is it some side effect? Did you also hit your head during the accident? Should I call the doctor?" He knelt down. "I'll call the doctor -"

"No," I reached out to hold his arm. He stopped. Looked at me worriedly. "I grow tired easily these days." I sighed. "Gosh, I wonder how I'll travel thirty kilometres to the University everyday from next week. Vivaan Bhai said the car I want will have to be imported since it isn't launched in India yet." I put my head in my hands. "I'll have to take a cab or ask any available driver to drop me off back and forth. It's going to be so hectic."

"Which model?"

"Vantage V12." I smacked my lips together in disappointment.

"I have it." He mumbled hesitantly.

"I know."

"Oh," he looked around to avoid looking into my eyes. "You- you can take it until- until your arrives."

"I can do that?" I faked excitement then quickly shook my head. "No, I'm aware how much you love your cars. I can't do that. Also, there's no guarantee the model isn't sold out."

"Yeah," he whispered, chanced a glance at me. I clutched my head, closed my eyes, and acted as if I'm stressed out. "It's okay, keep it."

I opened my eyes and sat straight so fast he flinched back. "Are you sure?" I dropped my tone to make it sound sad.

He forced a smile and nodded at me. "Yeah, keep it. I don't go out much anyway."

I shrieked and tossed my arms around him, tackling him in a bone crushing hug on the floor. He stiffened but thankfully didn't throw me off. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I love you! You're the best!" I kissed him on the cheek and leaned back, holding out my hand to him.

He smiled shyly and placed his hand in mine.

"Dude, the keys." I deadpanned.

"Right. Follow me." And he quickly strode upstairs.

I shake my head in amusement of the memory. Yuvaan doesn't show affection much, but he has his moments. Just like Yuvraaj.

Increasing the volume, I bob my head to the Indian song playing on the radio.

I attract several eyes at the red light.

A knock on the window startles me.

My smile widens seeing him. He's wearing everything black as usual, gloves and all, a helmet covering his face. That black monster bike of his nothing less attractive than my black Martin. He lifts the glass shield and winks at me. His ebony eyes sparkling against the sunlight. I send him a flying kiss. He makes a show of catching it, shoves it in the pocket of his jacket and shoots me a two fingers salute, riding off sexily when the signal turns green.

I bite my lower lip to stop the grin. Because if I don't, my cheeks might just fall off at this point. Today has been the most postive since the accident. I thought the accident might render me incapable of driving, as it did me of sleeping, but that's not the case, and I'm nothing less grateful.

At the palace, a valet takes the keys from me and bows, getting inside the car after I step out. I've my own spot in the garage now. With my name on the wall.

Juyi comes rushing to me when I walk into the living room. "She's here."

I gasp. "Already? I thought she's coming at five?" I glance at my wrist watch and swear under my breath. It's quarter past five. "Take my purse to my room. Where's she?"

"In Prince Agastya's room," she informs.

"Ah, fuck," I grunt and rush upstairs to the third floor. Juyi follows me. I turn right in the direction of his room.

I promised Agastya I'll be there with him during his physical therapy sessions. And I'm fifteen minutes late on the first day. Yay, me!

I stop at the doorstep. Agastya looks up, his shoulder free of the support straps as the physiotherapist makes him do littlest possible movements.

"Can we have some privacy?" She inquires curtly. Her eyes narrow through the round glasses she wears.

I swallow.

"I want her here." He states. "You're late." He looks at me.

"Sorry," I whisper.

He removes his arm from her hold. "Tell her what should be done. She'll help me." He instructs.

The woman appears flustered.

I grow awkward too.

But somehow, we make it work.

"I'm so sorry for coming late," An hour later, I carefully wrap his injured shoulder with the shoulder support and strap it up. He winces when I put the shirt on him. "How are you feeling?"

"Why were you late?"

I drag a stool near the bed and sit down. "I went to the cafe I'll start working from next weekend."

He shifts back on the bed and rests his head on the headboard. "You still haven't given up."

"Nope." I pull up the comforter until his torso. "Do you need something?" I place my hand on top of his.

"Where's everyone else?"

"Yuvraaj Bhai is in the office. Vivaan Bhai and Dad are at the hospital. Arush is trying to catch up with what he missed, which I don't think is a lot since he only missed a week of college. Yuvaan Bhai is in his room, probably working on his new art. And Ayush must be in the library. Janet is in her room, cramming up everything about her course since she changed last moment, and also probably losing her shit because she still hasn't informed her parents about it yet."

He hums. "So, everyone's moving on in their lives."

"No, everyone is just trying to catch up with the world." I state. "Apparently, being left behind is scarier than joining the rat race."

"Am I left behind?" He asks me.

"You were always different from them." I cup his cheek and smile. "You always did what you wanted to do, not what the world expected of you."

"Still. They didn't lose anything in that accident. I lost everything."

"Well, that's some prejudice." I raise my brows.

"I did sound self-centred just now, didn't I?" He smiles at me sheepishly.

"A little," I pinch my index and thumb.

He chuckles, his gaze drops to his lap.

"Should we go on a walk?" I rub a hand on his arm.

"Should we?" He lifts his head to look at me.

"C'mon," I get up from the stool and put it in its place. He slides off the bed. As I turn, I find his hand waiting for me. I slip mine, our fingers interlace and together, we leave his room. "Should we go to the river?" I ask him once we reach the gardens.

"Should we?" He smiles.

"C'mon!" I giggle, dragging on his healthy arm. He jogs behind me to keep up with my strides. "Remember the day you saw me here with Tarun?" I turn around once we reach the river.

He nods.

"You said I'm just like Dad. Fraternising with a commoner." I remind him.

"Wow," he scratches the back of his head. "I was a real douchebag back then."

"You were." I nod.

He looks at me surprised, not having expected me to agree. I chuckle. "Do you want to come inside?" I bend over, folding my pants until my knees.

He shakes his head. "No, I'm fine here."

"Suit yourself." I shrug and turn around, lifting my right foot before I gently dip my toe in the water. Damn, it's cold. I step forward and shiver, but don't stop until I'm knee deep inside the water. "This feels good." I turn around to face my brother. He's seated on the grass, legs folded, cradling his healing arm, a smile on his face. "You sure you don't want to come?" I ask again. He shakes his head. I cup the water in my palms and splash it at him.

"Tara!" He gasps, scrambles back.

Unfiltered laugh bursts through me.

We stay there until the sun falls. When we return to the palace, Juyi informs the dinner has already started. I help Agastya to his room, wash my hands in his bathroom and we head back downstairs.

"You're fifteen minutes late." I drop my gaze hearing Yuvraaj's stern tone.

Dad pulls the chair for me.

"Thank you," I sit down and flip my plate.

"Did you two go somewhere together?" Vivaan asks curiously.

"Yeah, initially we just wanted to take a stroll, but then I said let's go to the river." I detail him. "Sorry for coming late. We lost the track of time." I glance towards Yuvraaj when I apologise.

"No, it's fine. Did you enjoy?" Dad asks Agastya.

He looks up, appears slightly awkward and nods. "Yeah, it was fun." I smile. We did have fun. After that one sided water fight, I collected flat pebbles and we built individual towers. He broke mine by the way, as his revenge for splashing water on him. That adorable jerk.

"Ready for this Monday?" Yuvraaj asks.

Four heads nod, including mine.

"Good. Make sure to catch up with what you missed." He says, then looks Agastya's way. "Agastya," their eyes meet, everyone else waits in apprehension. I swear, if this time around he says something bullshit, I'm going to strangle- "I cancelled your admission." We stop eating. The shock settles in faster than a lightening bolt. "Take your time. I did some research, and I heard traveling helps people who feel lost in their lives. So if you want, I can -"

"No, I'm fine. I don't want to travel or anything." Agastya rejects the offer.

Yuvraaj clears his throat. His research often puts people in an uncomfortable situation. "Okay, but take your time. Take a year. Or two. Or a decade. Or- or however long you want. Just- Just live." He whispers.

I smile melancholically. My eyes tear up. Gosh, I'm such a cry baby.

"Just live. Please." He adds softly.

It'll be hard, but as readers, let's move on from this phase too. We've many more things coming up in future.

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