THE ROYALTY

7. Haveli

"I heard that you wanted to become an entrepreneur when you were a child. You have great ambitions Vaani, do you have anything on your mind for now about this?" Ms. Aashna spoke and my breath got hitched on the mention of that profession. An adventurous aim, a life full of challenges and ideas. New innovations. Once, she desired all this but now everything, wrecked an abolished.

"That was in the past, Mam. I was merely a foolish kid then. My future lies in what my parents have chosen for me and I think engineering would be the best for me."I said quietly not wanting to further elevate the topic.

"Is that so? I think you would make an exceptional businesswoman with your wit." She chuckled and glanced at me.

"Thank you so much for the compliment Mam but my interest doesn't lies in that field." I quietly said and turned my head sideways.

"Oh! such a sad thing, isn't it? I had something in mind for you." She spoke and stared at her i-pad reading some documents. Her comment piqued my interest so I replied, "And, what would that be?"

"You see, the cosmetics and skincare brand "Azure Allure" will be needing a new leader soon. As the COO, It is my job to pass on my legacy to someone capable and I believe you will do a excellent job. My sister-in-law wants her daughter to take over the whole company and reduce my influence but I want you to take my position in future and maintain it diligently."

"You are caught up in the internal politics, Ma'am and why would you specifically want me to play this role? I'm sure you don't want a stranger entering the exclusive family business. What are you gaining from me?"

"Gain? there is so much to benefit from you my dear, you have the potential to reach the utmost top but what I see in you is far more greater. You are my hidden weapon against all, a true and loyal ally." She mirthlessly grinned and spoke

A hidden weapon against all? Are you conspiring against your family? Are you just here to use and discard me? What are your motives?

Too many questions, meri jaan. You will get all these answers in time, have patience. Remember, the Suryavanshis never betray, it's in our blood and you are expected to do the same.

"Is that so? Then, why do you need a hidden weapon, a true and loyal servant, a stranger among your own blood?"

She averted her eyes and sighed. No words were required, an unspoken truth, the silence confirmed everything that I needed to know. The facade of a glorious and honorable family was hollow from the inside, there was no trust between their own blood. The struggle for power made them blind for mercy. 

"And what do I gain from this?"