The Royal Tatvas

Chapter 4

Yug barely managed to restrain himself. Just then, a commotion stirred near the entrance. He didn't need to turn—he already knew the reason. With a subtle roll of his eyes, he watched as a few men instructed the crowd to step aside.

And then he arrived.

A man in a sharply tailored black suit stepped into the hall, his presence casting a heavy, commanding shadow. His aura was dark—intimidating. Silence swept through the space as if even the air paused to acknowledge him. He didn't speak, yet his very walk echoed authority. It was none other than Abhay Pratap Singh.

Gasps followed. Whispers floated across the room. Girls swooned, their gazes locked on the man whose face looked like it belonged on a magazine cover, whose demeanor screamed royalty. He didn't just enter—he conquered.

He looked like a king who had never been dethroned.

Meanwhile, Aditi remained unfazed. She sipped her soft drink, relaxed, while Vivaan chatted beside her.

"Who's this?" she asked, glancing toward the entrance. "Some celebrity? They cleared the way like he's some VIP. Rich people and their theatrics."

Vivaan laughed, clearly amused. "Do you even know who that is? That's Abhay Pratap Singh.People don't just fear him—they *respect* him. No one dares to stand in his shadow."

"Please," Aditi scoffed. "That's not dominance. That's just overcompensating."

She stood up to find the washroom, and Vivaan directed her accordingly. As she walked through the hallway, her gaze wandered across the wall decor, admiring the intricate detailing with a childlike curiosity.

From a distance, Yug watched her. He recognized her instantly—and though his mind told him to look away, he didn't. There was something about her that made it impossible. She seemed so... detached from the world's chaos. Innocent, almost.

Aditi suddenly stopped, touched her earlobe, and turned.

"Have you seen an earring like this?" she asked, pointing to the one she still wore.

Yug shook his head silently. She sighed in frustration and began scanning the floor. Moments later, they both noticed something glinting under the light—it was the missing earring. They moved to pick it up at the same time, and their hands brushed against each other.

Their eyes met.

For a second, everything stilled. Then Aditi swayed, unsteady. She clutched her head, disoriented, and began to collapse—until Yug caught her just in time. One hand supported her waist, the other gently cradled her head.

"Excuse me—are you alright?" he asked, concerned.

She didn't respond.

Panic crept into him. He looked around, unsure of what to do. Without thinking further, he lifted her in his arms—bridal style—and carried her to a nearby guest room. Once inside, he paced the floor, mind racing, uncertain of what had just happened—or what he was supposed to do next.

Meanwhile, Vidhi was searching for Aditi. Vivaan had gone to look for Yug.

"Should we check the rooms?" Vivaan asked.

Vidhi nodded.

They opened a guest room door—and froze.

Aditi lay unconscious on the bed. Vidhi rushed to her side and checked her temperature. Her eyes shifted to Yug, who stood silently nearby.

"Yug... did you *touch* her?" she asked sharply, a sudden realization dawning in her voice.

"It wasn't on purpose," Yug replied, confused. "But why does it matter?"

Vivaan's eyes widened. Unlike Yug, he understood. Something deeper, unspoken. Dangerous.

"Yug bhai, Bade Papa is looking for you. You should go. Don't worry—we'll take care of her."

Reluctantly, Yug nodded and stepped out, though every part of him wanted to stay.

As soon as he left, Vidhi turned to Vivaan. "What is your friend? A touch-me-not plant?" He snapped.

Vidhi glared at Vivaan.

Without another word, Vidhi pushed him out and closed the door. She sat beside Aditi, held her hand, and closed her eyes. The pendant around her neck began to glow—a soft white light radiating from it. The point where she touched Aditi's hand started shimmering as well.

Moments passed, and the glow faded. Vidhi let go.

Aditi stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and she sat up groggily. Vidhi called Vivaan inside. Once he confirmed the situation in the hall was under control, they helped Aditi freshen up and return to the event.

Later, Aditi stepped into the garden alone, trying to clear her head. The cool night air brushed her cheeks as she walked beneath the fairy lights, unaware that someone was watching her—closely.

From the shadows, a figure stood, his eyes fixed on her every move.

"Karan," he said coldly, "I want every single piece of information on this girl by tomorrow morning."

He smirked—slow, dangerous.

"Not this time, Princess. I won't let you play hide and seek any longer."

Why did Aditi faint after Yug touched her hand?

To know keep reading The Royal Tatva.