Trust me, this is going to be one bumpy ride. It only gets crazier from here. :)

Zaroon

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"Excuse me...May I help you?" I asked when I spotting a tall figure standing in front of one of the paintings. After my talk with Izhaan over breakfast, I had decided to walk around the house. It was only 9 in the morning and I was not about to mess up my sleep schedule. 

The person turned around in surprise. "Who are you and why are you here?" The man seemed to be in his late twenties and was dressed in a military uniform looking ready to bolt.

"I'm very sorry, I got lost and decided to admire the artwork. I am looking for the main library. I was told it was here in the west wing?" His upright posture radiated with tension and his voice was low and urgent. I gave him a stern look.

"Why would you need to go to the library, Captain Zaroon?" I asked after reading his name tag on the uniform. His posture stiffened further.

"Major Zaroon" he corrected with a clipped tone. I hid my amusement at his quick correction. "Do you work here?" He asked as I stared at him in silence. "I am late for a meeting with my father and he said to meet him in the main library," his tone increased in urgency as he said those words.

"I do work here" I answered. Thank God I was in my informal garb otherwise I would have been greeted with bows and no answers. "And who is your father?"

"Azhar Sahib," Ah. He was Azhar Uncle's son. Ammi Jaan's secretary. No wonder he had no idea of where to go. "He asked me to meet him in the main library," he continued seeing the recognition on my face. 

"Well, we wouldn't want you to be late," I said gesturing for him to follow me. A military guy, in our home. After Ammi Jaan's warning and the urgency in his tone, I guessed his presence had been requested. I led the way to the library, aware of his eyes on me. "Is there any specific reason you're here? Or just to meet your father?" I asked trying to keep pace with his brisk steps. How was he faster than me?

"It's... just to meet my father", He answered with a dismissive look my way. I increased my speed to make sure he did not notice the shadow of annoyance on my face.

"At his workplace? In the main library?" The castle was quiet with only the low whir of the working machinery. The familiar corridors brought back childhood memories. Izzy and I running around the main library as Abba (Dad) conducted his meetings. I counted my steps admiring the dark floors as they shined under the dim light.

"It's personal," short and clipped. I clenched my jaw at his haughty tone. Clearly, the man considered himself too self-important. I was partially thinking of leading him to the wrong room just so he would miss his meeting, but we had reached the library.

I knocked once and walked into the room. "You can't just walk in... " Major Zaroon hissed as he followed me in, seemingly planning to drag me out. 

Uncle Azhar saw me, stood up, and gave me a short respectful nod. I smiled and looked at my mother who was seated behind the large mahogany desk.

"Elena. How unexpected," Her voice dripped with curiosity. "I was told you were resting," I shrugged.

"I thought I'd walk around the castle when I bumped into this lovely gentleman. Captain Zaroon. Uncle Azhar, you did not tell me you had a son," Major Zaroon practically bristled at the insult.

"Must have slipped my mind Begum Sahiba. Begum Sahiba, this is Zaroon, my only son." Uncle Azhar introduced.

Zaroon looked at me in shock, his features tightening in rage or embarrassment, it was hard to tell.

"I heard there was quite a meeting planned. Thought I'd check-in," I said sitting on one of the armchairs. Ammi Jaan massaged her head, fending off a possible headache from my antics.

"We are looking at the security arrangements for the wedding Begum Sahiba," Uncle Azhar answered after waiting for Ammi Jaan's permission. I nodded in understanding. "Zaroon has experience in that field, we thought it was better to ask an expert"

I looked at my mother and knew. I just knew that this had nothing to do with Zaroon's expertise. Zaroon was here because she trusted him. Which meant she did not trust any of the security companies that were being hired to cover the wedding. That meant she was expecting something happening. Since I was not being kicked out, I decided to stay.

"Some very important people will be present at the wedding. We can not take any chances", Ammi Jaan added looking at a piece of paper. "Zaroon, will you give this a look?...one of the companies handed me this"

After thirty minutes of discussion over hiding security cameras in floral arrangements, I decided to get up and excuse myself.

"Feroze? Ferozeuddin Gulzar is coming to the wedding?" I could feel the beginnings of a panic attack as I stared at my oblivious mother.

"Of course. Your Aunt was invited and so was he. It's imperative that he comes to the wedding. I suppose he'll be bringing his own security detail? Future Prime Minister and all that?" She said addressing the last part to Zaroon. He looked irritated by my interruption but answered Ammi Jaan with a polite yes.

The room seemed to spin in front of me. That man, as the future prime minister? I had come back for a week and there he was, ready to barge into my life again. I looked at Ammi. She could not know about what had happened otherwise she would not have sent the invite. Uncle EJ and Rania were the only two people alive who did.

Thankfully the meeting was winding down and I did not have to excuse myself. I stared at my mother mentally willing her to read the emotions that I was trying to hide from the other two occupants.

Divine intervention or sheer luck, but finally, Uncle Azhar and his surly son exited the room. I did not spare them a glance as they left and rushed towards my mother.

"Ammi, do we need him to be here? He could send a representative,"

"Elena, what has gotten into you? He's family," a cousin and twice removed, I added silently.

"I'd rather not have distant family members like him,"

"I know the two of you had a falling out," understatement of the century. "But it's been five years and you've both grown up. He's married with a young son," my hands started to shake as my mind replayed the words he had said to me that night. "Besides, it seems like he'll be the next Prime Minister, we need to make our play. The south needs to lead, as always." look at me, I pleaded mentally. Look into my eyes. How can you not see the pain?

She picked up her phone and started to read her messages.

That was a clear dismissal. I was to leave the room without any further arguments. I took a few deep breaths, got up, and walked towards the door.

"And Elena, do not think I have forgotten about how you attended this meeting. You're smart, you know what's happening but in the interest of all the parties involved, it's time to put your emotions to the side and think objectively. Your seat awaits. It is time for you to assume your responsibilities. Close the door as you leave"

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Hmm... who is this Feroze?