Aditya,

It has been five months since Raksha stepped in London. The air around me has suddenly turned beautiful or should I say I feel like spring even in autumn. James and Anjali have often caught me smiling to myself. These two are aware of all my secrets and being caught had now given them a perfect reason to pull my leg. They have been persistent about me taking it forward but knowing Raksha, I am not sure. She had been insistent on the fact that nothing can happen between us and I really don't want to push.

''You are a cheater.'' Anika's loud scream broke my thoughts. I quickly got into my slippers running to the lawn. A smile stretched on my lips looking at James sprawled on the lush grass and Anika on his tummy. She was scolding him for being tall, having long legs as compared to her and hence he became cheater as she couldn't beat him in game. I smiled, Anika hates losing and this spirit at such small age inspires me. I wish to channelize her energy into the right direction. Absence of father in her life will affect her in future. She has started asking for her dad and sometimes Anjali loses her temper. I wish when Anika grows up, she understands what her mother went through to bring her up. My eyes again went to James. He was now tickling Anika, her giggles filled in my mansion. James threw her over his shoulder walking back into the house. ''So, are you attending the party tonight?''

James asked letting the squirming girl free. I shook my head, ''I don't want to. I am tired of Jade she seemed to have planned our future completely. She called me last night to inform that she bought an Indian outfit for our date and she is studying a lot about our culture. I really don't want to face her.''

''She is hot. Its ok if you have to tolerate a little dumbness to have a feel of her.'' James mocked When I glared he laughed. ''Okay, let me give a reason to attend. Your darling is too attending.''

''How do you know?'' I was attentive now. James gave me a teasing smile and I wanted to kill him for making me wait. He pushed his hands into his pocket and took a step to me, his blue eyes shining in amusement. ''Out with-it James.''

''Fine Romeo, Jade's brother Jordon is Raksha's best friend.'' I frowned when he insisted on the word best friend. He read my expressions and added, ''Yup, you got that right. Jordon likes her and who wouldn't she is beautiful and sweet. Its just you she loves to hate.''

A sudden pang of jealousy gripped my heart. ''I think I should finish my meeting, I don't want to be late for the party.'' James chuckled at my back. I scowled, and his chuckle turned to a loud laughter and then into yell. When I turned, I found Anika kicking his giant feet with her small ones for making a fool of her. It seems he said that having fruits will make her big like him and even after having a big apple she was still small. I smiled as James squatted holding his ears he was trying to win the forgiveness of the little girl. I couldn't help but wonder how different pain connects people.

***

Wilson Mansion is one of the best-looking buildings in London. Wilson family is one of richest people across Europe. Daniel Wilson is a steel baron. His wife Amelia owns one of the famous wedding apparel label. She was once known as the top designer and now she runs a brigade of such designers. We have known each other as families and business associates. He had been our guests when he visited India with his family and even he treats me like one of his family and I respect him too. Its during their tour to India that his daughter fell in love the varied colours and culture if the place. She was charmed by truth that we were Royals and still treated that way by the people around. Jade was so fascinated that she kept me bugging to know more about our history , I did obliged and one day she suddenly fell in love with me. That's what she believes. In reality, she is nothing more than a girl fascinated by fairy tales of falling for a prince and she believes me to her prince.

Shaking my head, I checked my appearance once. Looks good to me, I was about to step out but Jade's fear keeps bothering my head. I need a partner to accompany me or else Jade will stick to me like a magnet. I know exactly who is going to be my partner for the evening.

''No, I am your manager your PA but not your girlfriend.''

''Anjali, can't someone take their friend as a partner to a ball.'' I reasoned

''Adi, I can't they will take our relationship to be something else.'' She pleaded

''Do you care?''

''I don't , but I have a daughter. One who know about her father bullied her on his name and if I gat a tag she will have another reason to be bullied. Please Adi.''

Holding her by arms I asked, ''Anjali, people will talk even if you don't do a thing they will find ways. But if you don't come today you might not see me again.''

She frowned, ''What? Why?''

Smiling I replied, ''Jade might just hold me captive and then she might force herself on me. Please Anjali.'' She gaped at me before breaking into fits of giggles. A man of six feet three inches height and a muscular body, fears a 40 kgs girl. Enlighten me , how is she capable of holding you captive and forcing herself on you.''

''Anjali, I fear female tantrums.'' She shook her head, ''yet you take all Raksha throws at you. I kept quite. She smiled understanding my silence, ''let me do some arrangements to get Anika busy for rest of the evening.''

'' I'll take care of her you guys enjoy.'' James filled in. Anjali nodded and walked off to get ready. She came down dressed in a beautiful knee length aqua coloured dress with little touch up and hair made into a neat side pleat. James whistled, and she warned. ''Mommy, are you going to get daddy.''

Anika's sudden question bought everything to a dead silence. Anjali said nothing, turning her eyes away she walked off to the car. Anika lowered her head, her mother didn't hug her before leaving. Squatting down I pulled her in a hug, ''Jamie said when mom looks beautiful she gets daddy home.'' Her innocent words pricked my heart. I didn't understand the story behind Jamie but some one must have said something and her little heart must have drawn some conclusion. ''One day, you will get your daddy. But you will have to be a good girl and stop asking mom about him. Do you promise.'' She lifted her innocent eyes nodding her small head. Pecking it I walked off. I could hear the beginning of the bickering between James and Anika the moment as I stepped out of the door. 

***

The party was one of the lavish ones. ''I don't belong here Adi.'' Anjali whispered clutching my arm. I rubbed her tense knuckles with my soothing fingers. ''Even I don't, but will have to for old friendship sake.''

''Or for your long-time love.'' She teased. Rolling my eyes, I just walked in taking her along. I was being greeted by many known faces and the warm hosts. Jade took swift steps me, she smiled and gave a quick peck on my cheek, ''You look dashing in that blue suit Adi, I just can't take my eyes of you.'' She chimed battling her lashes at me. I thanked her politely introducing Anjali. Jade greeted Anjali with a smile. This is best about this girl, she is sweet and honest. Jade isn't like girls who show their money and power off. She is down to earth and sweet, but I don't love her.

My eyes kept scanning the people and finally a smile had my eyes frozen. Raksha stood in a corner with a group of few people. Jordon had his arm around her shoulder and she seemed to be fine with it. He leaned and kept his lips over her ear whispering something and I felt daggers through my heart. ''Its okay Adi, she is enjoying her freedom.'' Anjali comforted me.

''That's what I am worried about. She doesn't understand the value and meaning of freedom. She is too naive to understand people. '' 

''Then let her learn.'' I know what she meant , but I can't stop worrying about her. She believes people whom she shouldn't and that scares me. Suddenly our eyes met and she turned them away quickly. I couldn't help but notice that she had changed, her hair had golden streaks she had tattooed her shoulder which She was showing off proudly. The melodious music tempted people for dance and many couples moved to the floor. I dragged Anjali when I saw Jade walking to me. Anjali rolled her eyes and kept teasing me dancing with me on the floor. Jade requested, and I obliged, I felt bad to ignoring this sweet girl and I wanted to know about Jordon and Raksha. Grooving I began the conversation, ''Is Jordon not attending.''

''Oh he came in just to show his face, it seems there is some party at his friends place and he going there.''

''Yeah, these are the days to enjoy.'' I just filled in.

''And he just is too smitten by a girl Raksha. Seems she is Royal too and my she is beautiful. She visits are mansion quite often.'' Rave thoughts clouded my mind. Are they dating or seeing each other and what kind of party is she attending. Is the place safe. I recalled her attire, she had worn a short dress that displayed her legs more than required. And how come her security isn't aware about all this. How can she be allowed? This just meant one thing, she is ditching her security again. ''Where did you said was the party?''

''Oh that's in Hampsted... .'' She continued giving me the complete address, Jade can be so gullible at times. Excusing myself I made my way to exit dragging Anjali along. I phoned James asking him to be reach the address. 

After dropping Anjali off I drove rashly towards the given address. I just hoped her to be fine. We were greeted by a house full of screaming crowd. As we walked past them, some drunk girls threw themselves on James and me. James rolled his eyes following, my eyes located Jordon making out with a girl. He looked wasted and I pity his family. They such decent people and hopes high of him and here he is wasting all. ''Take Jordon home, I will find raksha.''

''I can't leave you, I am your security.'' James replied

''No one knows who I am , take him home.He is sloshed.'' James gave up. I watched him as he carried Jordon over his shoulder. Moving through the hall I walked into the back yard , where people were cheering for some girl. I saw a girl standing on a high table shedding her clothes one by one as the crowd cheered. She looked drunk. I turned my eyes away and decided to look for her in the rooms. Just when I turned I heard the crowd cheering her name. My eyes widen in shock as I watched Raksha climb the table and with another guy. He pulled her close by waist and the crowd cheered them to kiss. She looked comfortable and that broke my heart a million times more. 

Blood pounded and anger surged I marched towards them and pulled Raksha down with a jerk, ''Hey you'' someone said and I just raised my palm. I must be looking dangerous because they crowd parted giving me the way. ''Let go Adi.'' She screamed as I dragged her to my car. With a jerk she freed her hand, ''What the hell Adi?''

''Exactly , what the hell you were doing up there.''

''Kissing, is that a problem.'' She asked as if it was nothing

''Is he your boyfriend.?''

''You don't have to be committed to kiss someone Adi. I was having fun.'' 

''Your family might not like it.'' I reasoned trying to put some sense

She glared, ''Leave them, I think its you who was more bothered .''

''You can't behave this way. Either mend your way or I will have to inform Ranvijay or Veer.'' at that she glared at me. "Do whatever you like and stop interfering in my life. You are no one to me.'' 

That moment I wanted to slap her. Grabbing her arm I pushed her into the car driving off. For now I will inform her guards and henceforth I will keep a check on her. I may be nothing to her , yet no one has the right to touch her in an intimate way.Just NO ONE.... 

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