Raksha,

Why does she always steps in between us? Why the hell he had to care for her so much? James too could have handled the situation and e did brilliantly. Why had he had to jump into the picture and act like a hero. Throwing my phone on the bed I crashed on it, gripping the sheets on the side hard. I feel like walking on burning coal. My nerves were on the verge of bursting, I have never been this mad all my life. 

Taking a deep breath I started counting in reverse order. It didn't help, I expected Adi to come and pacify me, but his Royal blood doesn't allow him to tail a girl I guess. Scoffing, i smirked to my loneliness, may be he should see my brothers,They are head on heels mad for their wives. Ready to do anything and everything in their love. Dejected, I decided not to think about Adi and enjoy my weekend by myself. Picking my phone, I scrolled to down Jordon's number, debating whether to call him or not. His changing attitude bothered me and I decided not to call, it would be better if I discourage his advances. With a sigh I crashed on the bed, thinking what to do next. Staying in his mansion was out of question as I had proudly rejected his offer and now if I don't go out as per my words, I would be a mocking stuff in his eyes. I made a decision to go alone, dialling my chauffeur I asked him to pick me up asap. I will come back later in the evening , with a joyous expression. May be then Adi will realize his mistake. With a lifted chin I took my best casual outfit, putting it one I painted my lips dark and eyes with a single stroke of kohl. Picking my clutch, I made my way down the stairs making maximum sound by my heels. I wanted him to notice me, approach me and beg me to allow him to accompany me. When I reached the main hall, to my dismay I found it empty. Where was everyone? I couldn't hear a single whisper, stopping the passing staff I asked him about the whereabouts of everyone. He informed that Adi had taken everyone out as Anika was too shaken and scared about the morning event. I felt angry, hurt. He didn't even bother to ask me if I wanted to join or not. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks, this man claims to have feeling for me yet he never fails to hurt me. I am glad I never gave in, marching back to room, I quickly packed my stuff with tears streaming down my face. I am no ordinary girl he can walk over like carpet. I am Raksha Rathore and I own a ego much bigger than his.

Dragging my suitcase out , I dragged it roughly across the stair case. That moment the lifeless bag was the victim of my mind's state. I staff offered help but I was too angry to accept one. The honking of my car made me step out on to the porch. The chauffer quickly stepped out, helping me with the bag. Getting in, I rolled up the window glass quickly. I wasn't in mood of explaining myself or deliver a parting message. Instructing the chauffer, I leaned back on the comfortable seat closing my eyes. I felt ignored, rejected and heart-broken. I have never been neglected in my life and if he thinks I am going to run behind him, he is wrong . Hence forth, I will not give him any attention, its him who would be running behind me.

''We have reached.'' Stepping out I instructed the chauffeur to wait, I am not going to sulk over him locked in my room. After a minute, I stepped out again ready to have an eventful day. I decided to visit Sea Life Aquarium. I had got the tickets booked in advance with a thought of enjoying it with Adi. The mere thought of him gripped my heart in pain. I decided not to think of him and enjoy my day to the fullest. I roamed around enjoying the view of marine life, it was kind of soothing. I stepped out and took a deep breath smiling ear to ear. I felt amazing to be able to enjoy by myself without him. In mood to take a break, I decided to have a coffee in peace. The driver drove me to a near my café and I felt energised the moment the fresh coffee aroma hit my nostrils. I took the table near the glass wall waiting for my order to get delivered. ''Is this place taken?'' A deep rumbling voice took me by surprise and looked straight to the source. A man in his late twenties , about 6 feet tall with dark brown eyes and black stood on the other side of the table staring down at me. Moving my eyes around, I found many empty tables. I know this a way of approaching girls but for now , I was in no mood to entertain a stranger. Without looking at him I answered his request with a snub, ''NO!''

To my astonishment he grinned wide , pulled the chair and sat opposite to me waving to the servers. ''I said No.'' I snapped angrily

''Exactly, I asked is this seat taken and you said No. I took the invitation.'' He replied calm. I blinked realising my mistake.

''I meant, you can't take the place.''

''Oh that's bad, but now I have already taken it.'' He replied without a hitch

''there are other empty tables; you could have taken any of them. Why this one?'' I asked

''I liked the view.'' For I minute I was shocked, he smiled, ''I meant on the other side of the glass.''

''That's the lamest of all excuses I have ever heard.'' I snapped

He chuckled, '' Rest assure princess, my presence here is beneficial to you.'' That got my attention. My demure changed, ''Who are you?''

''A well wisher.'' He answered uncaring

''Rather than worrying about my well being, think about yours. Don't try anything stupid.'' I warned

''tch! You shouldn't vent the anger of the one person on the other. You hate Anjali, so do I.''

His words raised my curiosity. ''Hate, is a strong word. I don't hate her. What do you want and who are you to her?''

He took a deep breath, ''Her husband...No, ex-husband's friend. I watched my friend destructing himself for that woman. He was a good guy and now he will treated as a criminal. Only because of her.'' The hate he held for her was too evident, but I had witnessed the show in the morning. Trusting the one opposite to me would be foolishness.

''I have witnessed your friend's goodness this morning. So just cut it an leave. I am not interested.'' Taking a sip I turned my face away, a sign for him to leave. He didn't

''I understand you don't care for my friend , but you care for Aditya Ranawat. For him , just once listen to me.'' 

After a minute, I gave him my attention. ''Why do you think Aditya is here in London, leaving all his inheritance back in India? It's because , his parents hate that woman. Who would go beyond limits for a friend? If he wanted to help, he could have arranged a house and a job in some other city. He didn't instead he kept her and her kid in his mansion, giving Anjali the complete authority and an attractive position in the in his organisation.''

I was aware of his mother's dislike for Anjali. The other day when I visited his office, I had overheard his conversation with Anjali. My mind was messed up

''May be he knew how bad your good friend is.'' I supported Adi.

He laughed, pulling a paper out he extended it to me, ''This is Anika's birth certificate. Check the father's name and you will have your answers. Princess, not all you see is true. There are two sides of everything. You agree to Adi's good and Shaan's bad side. Just for a moment, think of Shaan's perspective. '' With that he left the table. I sat there staring at the paper, scared to unfold it. My eyes went to the road , he turned at smiled at me. Gesturing me to look into the paper, he waved disappearing in the crowd.

The conversation at the coffee shop left me disturbed and bothered. I decided to end my day's adventure and go back home that instant. I do trust Adi, but his unconditional support to Anjali bothers me. I stood in the balcony , my back supported on the railing and my eyes glued to the piece of paper on my study table, it fluttered with the wind, eager to be read. Turning away, I stared at the approaching darkness. I know Adi, he is a good man. Not even once I have heard a single bad thing about him, that man must be lying.

'true, but what about Anjali? Can you trust her? She can secure her future through Adi, her daughter would be called Adi's daughter . Which mother wouldn't want a man like Adi to called her child's father?'

My mind asked, confusing me all the way more. Kaka knocked asking for dinner, I nodded asking him to proceed. I was about to leave when The sound of screeching tyres halted my steps. Adi's car zoomed into the front porch. My heart thudded with anticipation, he came for me. I knew it, that man was lying. I stood frozen at my place overwhelmed. My trans was broken when a vile grip on my arm pulled me closer as I fell on a hard chest. I stared at into the eyes of handsome intruder, he looked mad but that didn't scare me. ''Are you mad?'' he screamed and I blinked moving back

''What are you doing here?'' I asked composing my mad heart.

''I am here to make you realise how irresponsible and foolish you are. You left without informing me. Couldn't you just drop a message. I was sick worried when I couldn't reach you. It's when I called your mansion , I got to know of your royal presence her.'' That sounded sarcastic

I realised , in my anger I had switched off my phone and later forgot to switch it on. Crossing my arms at my chest, I tried to look strong. Though, my feet wobbled in strange excitement hearing the worry in his voce, ''Will you speak? '' he snapped

''I don't have to explain myself. I followed my will.'' I replied with my chin lifted up.

''His nostrils flared, he looked beyond mad. ''You are the stupidest of all I have met. Your selfish will left all of us sick worried. A message wouldn't have cost you your inheritance princess.''

His words filled me with rage, ''I am sorry to cause you discomfort your highness, but don't you think you have no right to question me when it was you who left the house to make things better for your dear friend. And , without informing me.''

''I left? Really. Don't bluff, you just didn't bother to check where I was and assumed things. Your small pea brain couldn't think of the alternatives and decided to act on impulse. ''

''You are insulting me Adi. I have a free will, I can come and go as per my will.''

''Yes, but learn to be responsible.'' He said and then racked his hands through his hair, ''Why am I talking to you? You don't even care what others feel. You witnessed Anjali's pain , yet I decided to go out with you. What did you do? You just snubbed me as if all that happened was intentional. I was aware about you being airy, but never thought that you would be heartless. '' There was silence between us, and then I reacted slapping him across his face. He stayed still even after the impact, ''leave Aditya Ranawat. From here on, I relieve you from my brother's promise.'' He glared at me for a minute before walking out.

***

Third POV

''Its done as per your instructions Ma'am. I will make sure Princess Raksha hates Anjali, that will help us throw the woman and her kid out of the mansion and Adi Sir's life.'' The old butler disconnected moving back to his duties. 

Back at the Palace in India, Queen Anuradha smiled. If her son thought he could keep her at bay by staying miles apart. he was wrong, she always had her will and will have it now again.  

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Done. Please drop in your views and comments. And ignore my mistakes