The King's Secret

Chapter 1

Aashi walked through the schoolyard, a smile lighting up her face as she chatted with her friend Arjun. Mahira her only girl best friend was absent today but Aashi didn't mind as Arjun was there. 

They leaned against the old tree, discussing the upcoming science test.

"Do you think we'll have to dissect anything?" Aashi asked, wrinkling her nose.

"Only if you promise to take the lead!" Arjun joked, grinning at her. Their laughter mingled in the air, carefree and bright.

Randhir was in the middle of a basketball game with his friends—Neel, Ayan, Sameera , and Utkarsh. They were in the midst of a heated match, but Randhir's focus was elsewhere. His gaze was fixed on Aashi. 

A possessive fire burned in his chest as he watched her smile at Arjun, especially knowing he was just the driver's son. He didn't like seeing her with anyone else, especially not him.

"Look at that," Neel said, spotting Aashi and Arjun near the tree. 

"The lovebirds are together! Let's have some fun, guys."

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Neel made his way toward Aashi, leaving Randhir seething behind him. 

As Arjun's phone rang, he excused himself, glancing back at Aashi with a reassuring smile before walking away.

Aashi felt a twinge of unease as she noticed Neel approaching. She didn't want any trouble. Quickly, she decided to walk in the opposite direction, her heart was racing.

"Hey, where are you going?" Neel called out, his tone playful but predatory. Before she could escape, he reached out and grabbed her wrist.

Aashi froze, fear gripping her. "Let go of me!" she said, pulling away, but he held on tightly.

"Aw, don't be like that," Neel smirked, stepping closer.

 "Just wanted to say hi to the star of the show."

A cold knot formed in her stomach as she realized she was isolated, away from Arjun and surrounded by Randhir and his friends. 

But Neel held on tight , dragging her back toward the group.

"Look, everyone! It's the maid's daughter!" Neel called out, laughter erupting from his friends. 

"What a catch!"

She tried to ignore them, focusing on walking away, but the laughter rang in her ears. 

Randhir's gaze locked onto hers, a teasing smirk curling his lips.

"Hey, Aashi!" Ayan called out, his tone light but laced with mockery.

"Look who we have here—the maid's daughter, romancing the driver's son! Shouldn't you be studying instead of wasting Randhir's dad's money?"

Laughter erupted among the group, and Aashi felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She tried to ignore them, but the sting of their words cut deep. 

She squared her shoulders, determined not to let them see how much their words hurt. 

"I'm not wasting anyone;s money," Aashi shot back, her voice sounded firm. 

"I was discussing something important with him. He's my friend. Don't twist it into something it's not."

She glanced at Randhir, wanting him to see the truth in her eyes, desperate to clear any misunderstanding.

Randhir's expression hardened, a mix of jealousy and disdain flaring in his eyes.

"Oh, how noble of you, defending the driver's son," he snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You think that makes you special?"

He stepped closer, the tension between them palpable.