Artful Deceit & Love ✔️

52. Piano

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Mridula's POV

I glanced to my right to find Uday still in his phone. He was acting distant and closed off since we landed in Madhavgarh. He didn't seem happy to be back to his kingdom.

And we weren't here for vacationing but to help Dhanraj Uncle in his campaign. The elections were less than a year away and Uncle asked for us to display a united front to his people.

The car halted briefly in front of a huge gate before it opened and it drove past a huge arched entrance smoothly.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Uday tense. I eyed the palace in wonder as it stood in its proud glory.

Uday was the first one to get down and even before I could close the door behind me, he walked in.

I stood in front of the entrance and waited for some assistance. My patience was rewarded as I saw Kesar rushed towards me.

She had a welcoming smile.

"I was asked to show you to your room." She said as she gestured along the same path that Uday disappeared into.

I kept a smile on my face as I walked in. She told me that the palace has four floors and is also divided into four wings. She told me that Dhanraj Uncle stays on the ground floor and Uday's room is on the second floor.

We were walking through a wide hallway and I took my time taking in the interior of the place. It was royally beautiful with every showpiece made to perfection but it seemed empty and cold. Somewhere I won't want to stay.

Kesar led us to the elevator and we used it to reach the second floor. I followed her out and she pointed to a door third in place.

I thanked her and was about to enter when she called me.

"The west wing of this palace is forbidden. No one is allowed to go there." She informed me with hesitation. She knew that I like going against the rules.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Kesar." She smiled and took my permission to leave.

I pushed the door open and walked into the white interiors. This man and his hatred for colors!

I scanned the room but he wasn't there. I wonder if he is in the west wing and that just makes me curious to go search that place.

I quickly freshened up and went to the ground floor. I asked one of the maids for Dhanraj Uncle and they directed me to his study.

"How are you, beta?" Mahantji asked as I stepped in. I gave him a reply with a broad smile. Dhanraj Uncle was on the call but he gestured to me to take a seat.

"Where is Uday? I was hoping to talk to you both." Uncle said as he cut the call and glanced behind me with a slight disappointment.

"I don't know. He just left."

Uncle sighed as he gestured to Mahantji and soon I was given a file.

"This is your program schedule, Beta. Events and charities that you and Yuvraj have to attend." I went through the list while hearing what Mahantji was saying.

"Is the schedule too rigorous? We can cut some events off." Uncle asked with concern.

I shook my head. "No, but can I attend all of these alone?"

Dhanraj uncle looked at Mahant Ji, who stepped out promptly.

"What happened, Beta? Is everything alright between you and Uday?"