The early morning sun filtered through the high, arched windows of the mansion, casting long shadows on the floor. The grandeur of the palace was undeniable, the air was thick with the scent of fresh jasmine and distant murmurs of the servants, preparing for a grand function later in the day.
Abhimanyu strode through the corridors with Karan trailing closely behind. It was mind-boggling how this man walked out casually as if he did not just torture a person.
The ground floor was abuzz with activity. Servants darted between the kitchen and the banquet hall, arranging tables, laying out intricate patterns of marigold flowers, and setting up elaborate silverware.
The floor was a whirlwind of motion, but, as soon as Abhimanyu stepped inside, his presence commanded immediate attention.
Without him saying a word, the servants paused, turning their heads to acknowledge him,
"I want the preparations done by 6 pm today, the guests will start arriving as soon as the sun dips below the horizon"
The servants, a mix of seasoned workers and nervous newcomers, exchanged glances of pallor.
"So, I better not hear anyone slacking off"
Karan's eyes darted around, taking in the sea of unfamiliar faces and frenetic pace of preparation.
An old lady with a kindly face approached Abhimanyu with a silver tray and glass,
"Saheb, your tea"
Abhimanyu took the hold of the silver cup.
"Sheetal ji, let him assist you with flower arrangements," Abhimanyu spoke while taking a sip of the warm tea,
"Ji Saheb,"
Karan followed the old lady, leaving Abhimanyu behind.
"How old are you?"
"16"
"16.. you are only 2 years younger than Chote Saheb"
"...Chote Saheb?"
"Yeah, the one who brought you here?"
"There... there is a bade Saheb too?"
The old lady let out a chuckle, "His father, we address him as Bade Saheb"
"Oh, so he doesn't have any siblings?"
"No, but he has an older cousin, his name is Satya"
"How old is he?"
"21? 3 years older"
"Oh"
The old lady took him outside of the banquet hall.
A solitary corner, partially protected from the sun, decorated with baskets of roses and marigolds, and a wooden charpai.
"Come, sit beside me"
The old lady guided Karan's fingers to shape the intricate patterns of the floral arrangement,
"Why is there a function today?" Karan asked,
The old lady clicked her tongue, "It is the 5th reception of that stupid wedding"
"Whose wedding?"
"Satya"
"5th reception?"
"He says it is a chance to set up alliances with more politicians and MLAs," *scoffs* "As if he can ever replace Chote Saheb"
"..What do you mean replace?"
"Satya is the son of Bade Saheb's late brother, that man aims for nothing but the throne,"
YOU ARE READING
Song Of The Scorpions
Teen Fiction♤ A son who is just like his father, except that he really likes a boy.
