GILDED LOVE IN THE SHADOWS

CHAPTER 3

~Next Day Morning

Manikyam Appa's closest friend comes over to the house, Appa sees him greets and calls him inside to have a proper talk, but Manikyam states that he rather not and leave once his work is done
Appa confused, stares between him and a particular strange girl dressed like a young man beside him.
Mani listen this girl used to work for me, she is good at everything, I would be doing trade outside this city and move to Port side city so it would be easier for us, hence could you give her some work, Manikyam states

(Manigandan's house already has 4 people working so adding one more would be a hassle)

I understand you need to get her a job but our house already has people, adding one more is of no use right,Appa claims

I know but I heard yesterday you had a little riff raff with your daughter, maybe just maybe she can be her servant guide her, guard her and she can help her to main town whenever she needs what do you think?...Manikyam tries to convince

You think this girl can protect her, come on I have the best body guards to protect princess, why her?...Appa boasts

But she would need a companion to share her secrets which girls her age have, She can't tell all those to her grumpy brothers or you or Lakshmi right....Manikyam pleads in the best way possible

Trust me Mani she is a trained fighter and best when it comes to driving that(points to Appa's car & Naveen's Bike)

Well since you convinced me so much why don't we swap a servant each, you take Kalyani and I'll take her,Appa exclaims

Always a businessman!! Sounds like a deal, Manikyam finishes because he doesn't want to drag it further

(Both of them laugh and Manikyam leaves, leaving the girl behind)

The stranger realises she has to introduce herself, but is interrupted by a sweet voice
Appa, Amma wanted to ask if Manikyam Uncle is staying for.... Aarthi stops mid sentence seeing the stranger, her muse

Appa finishes the sentence for her

No he isn't staying and this girl will be your personal maid instead of Kalyani, introduce yourself to her ( Appa signs her towards Princess)

Hello Sir, Hello Madam, I am Aanya Devi, 21 years old and used to work at Manikyam sir house, I was known as Sir's personal bodyguard and a right hand at debt collection, pleased to make your acquaintance, do take care of me while I am here, Aanya graciously bows

Both Appa and Aarthi stare at each other at the brief introduction she just gave

**Aarthi breaks the awkward silence

Hello there, it's not required to call me madam, since I am younger than you,she sees the stranger and smiles

No ma'am it is not right of me to call you by your name,Aanya states

You heard her do what she says, Divya will show your lodging and rules of the house once settled go to my princess room and ask and learn what is required
We pay usually at the beginning of the Month, any questions ask the other servants and always remember that you are to serve us no matter the cost, he finishes and calls another servant

As you say sir,she responds

~After settling in Aanya goes to Aarthi's room and before entering asks it it's okay to enter once okay she goes in

By the way don't call me like that makes me seem old ,she claims

Apologies but I can't and won't do that I might get punished for it, Aanya pleads

Fine while it's just us call me Aarthi, when there are people around call me Princess like how others do got it,she states

Will do......

Don't be scared since I am younger than you feel free to tell anything, Aarthi tells her and proceeds to sit

Aanya sees around the room and spots a draft of a painting in the corner and realises its her, since she told to be comfortable she goes to the painting and turns to ask her

Princess is it me,makes a dramatic amused face

No it isn't, it's just a painting of a fairy from story books, she quickly gets up to cover it

No I think that fairy looks....well like me,she beams

Stop it just because I told you to get comfortable doesn't mean you do whatever you feel like, remember I haven't forgiven you yet for what you did,she furiously covers it and tells her

~Aanya being confused as in what she did to the girl she met just now
Remembers one incident at the market a few weeks back

"Wait was that you... I am so so sorry I shouldn't have done that but if I had stopped that bastard would have run away",smacks herself internally as swear words weren't allowed in this house

Aarthi seems to recognise her mistake states, "is alright that words flow naturally since you were a thug and all but just make sure Appa doesn't hear you"

Aanya listens intently and asks,"have you forgiven me for that incident yet?"

"Never will I do that, instead stand in the sun for an hour don't move that's your punishment",she changes her topic as Aanya is too close to her and she is clueless about what else to talk or even think