AUTHOR POV
The outskirts of Rajasthan, a land of majestic forts and palaces, transformed into a hub of illicit thrill and excitement. The crème de la crème of society, the elite children, gathered to participate in the forbidden fruit of underground racing. The air was alive with the roar of engines, the scent of burning rubber, and the thrill of adrenaline-fueled competition.
As night descended, the moon cast its silvery glow upon the gathering, while ground lights illuminated the sky, casting a mesmerizing disco-like ambiance. The atmosphere was electric, with the sounds of thumping music and revving engines creating an intoxicating symphony. The vibe was unmistakable – this was a night of unbridled freedom, where the rules were meant to be broken.
The crowd was a diverse melting pot of Indians and international students, all united in their quest for excitement and rebellion. The smell of alcohol wafted through the air, as people laughed, danced, and made merry. Couples sneaked away into the shadows, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music.
The racing tracks, illuminated by floodlights, became a blur of color and sound, as sleek cars and bikes zoomed past, their engines roaring like beasts unleashed. The crowd cheered and jeered, their voices hoarse from screaming, as they placed their bets and cheered on their favorite drivers.
In this heady atmosphere of rebellion and excitement, the rules of society were forgotten, and the participants became one with the night, lost in the thrill of the moment. The night air pulsed with an energy that was both exhilarating and addictive.
Just then, two girls in their early teens, wearing trendy crop tops and shorts, stood sipping juice and gazing at the ground where the bike race was about to commence. The air was electric with anticipation, and the crowd's excitement was palpable.
The first girl whispered, squinting her eyes doubtfully as she spoke to her friend, "I don't think bike race number 1 is going to win!! He seems to be very young and new to this game. There are very few chances for him to win the race."
Just as the girls were engrossed in their conversation, a boy around their age appeared out of nowhere, a smirk twitching on his lips. He casually placed his arms on either side of the girls, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Tsk.... Tsk... wrong move, my dear buddies," he said nonchalantly, his voice dripping with confidence. "You guys are underestimating him and his abilities."
The girls glared at him, their faces flashing with annoyance, but the boy royally ignored them, rolling his eyes with a dismissive smirk. His gaze shifted to the bike race, which had just begun.
His eyes zeroed in on bike number 1, which was racing ahead of the pack, its engine roaring like a beast unleashed. The boy's eyes sparkled with excitement as he watched the bike accelerate, its speed increasing with every passing second.
The crowd around them erupted into cheers, their voices hoarse from screaming, as the bikes zoomed past, their engines thundering in unison. The air was filled with the acrid smell of burning rubber and the deafening roar of the engines, creating an exhilarating atmosphere that was both thrilling and addictive.
As the bike number 1 sped ahead and crossed the winning line , the boy's eyes remained fixed on it, his expression a mixture of excitement. The girls, who had been glaring at him earlier, couldn't help but get shocked seeing him winning.
"Who is this guy?" one of the girls asked, her voice barely audible over the din of the engines with disbelief.
The boy grinned mischievously and said, "Rider X." His eyes sparkled with excitement, and his voice was filled with admiration.
"Who is he, actually?" one of the girls asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Her eyes were wide with wonder, and her voice was barely above a whisper.
Just then, the whole crowd erupted into a frenzy of squealing, cheering, and screaming his name. The girls turned to see what the commotion was about, and their eyes widened in shock. "Reyansh... Reyansh!" the crowd chanted, their voices growing louder and more frenzied by the second.
The girls' mouths hung open in awe as they watched the scene unfold before them. Rider X, the mysterious and elusive biker, had removed his helmet, revealing a young and handsome face with a happy smile and smirk. He was dressed in a black leather jacket and pants, his hair messy and tousled from the ride.
As he winked at the crowd, a collective sigh of admiration rippled through the audience. The girls couldn't help but feel drawn to him, their hearts racing with excitement.
Reyansh then hugged a boy around his age, who was wearing a crisp white shirt and black pants. The boy's hair was messy, and his eyes sparkled with happiness as he grinned from ear to ear. Both boys were lost in the moment, forgetting the world around them as they basked in the glory of their triumph.
As the two girls stood there, frozen in awe, the roar of the car engines grew louder, signaling the start of the race. Their eyes widened as they took in the sleek, high-performance cars zooming past them. But one car in particular caught their attention - car number 1, a sleek black vehicle adorned with an eagle logo. The girls' eyes grew even wider as they noticed the same logo on Reyansh's bike, which had won the previous bike race.
The coincidence was striking, and the girls exchanged a glance, their minds racing with questions. As they watched, the black car with the eagle logo sped past the competition, crossing the finish line first. The crowd erupted in cheers, screaming the winner's name.
The boy who had been standing next to the girls, leaning against the wall with a smirk, pushed off from the wall and approached them. "That's Kabir Rathod, the sole heir of the Rathod empire," he said, his voice filled with admiration and excitement.
He pointed towards Reyansh, who was standing next to another boy, and continued, "And that's Reyansh Singhania, the prince of Sirodhya and next in line to be the king of Sirodhya. The boy next to him is Vedanth Chauhan, the only son of a businessman and ex-navy officer."
The boy's eyes sparkled as he talked about the three friends. "They're the best of friends, have been for the past 12 years. They're a combo of power, kindness, and rudeness. One makes the rules, another breaks them, and the third doesn't know what rules are. One's an extrovert, one's an introvert, and the third is as grumpy as a rock."
He chuckled, clearly entertained by the trio's dynamics. "Many have tried to separate them, but nobody's been able to. They're not just three humans, they're three persons, one soul. They'd kill for each other and give their lives for each other. They're the alpha boys, nobody's less. All three are a perfect blend of rude, powerful, and kind."
The boy's voice was filled with awe as he continued, "From studies to sports, they're the winners. They know how to play, manipulate, lose, and win. Their friendship has some hidden, unknown magic that keeps them together. Maybe it's brotherhood..."
As the boy finished speaking, the three friends walked away from the crowd, their arms slung over each other's shoulders. The girls watched, their mouths still hanging open in shock, as the trio disappeared into the distance.
As the boy spoke, his voice resonated with power and authority, each word carrying weight and conviction. His eyes gleamed with intensity, and his tone screamed of the unbreakable bond between Kabir, Reyansh, and Vedanth.
Their friendship, he seemed to say, was not just a casual acquaintance, but a deep-seated connection that went beyond words. It was a bond forged in fire, tempered by trials, and strengthened by unwavering loyalty.
California,
US
As the warm morning sun peeked through the windows of the pastel pink and white themed bedroom, a young girl in her early teens, lay fast asleep, surrounded by the soft, fluffy pillows and the plush comforter. Her long, dark hair cascaded around her like a waterfall, framing her peaceful face. Her skin glowed with a soft, golden radiance, illuminated by the gentle morning light.
Just then, the door creaked open, and her father, Dheeraj Verma, the king of Vayuodhya, entered the room with a warm smile. He was dressed in a casual white T-shirt and black joggers, his hair perfectly messy. As he approached Aadhya's bed, his eyes sparkled with love and affection.
Dheeraj gently got down on his knees beside Aadhya's bed and stroked her hair with tender love. "Gudiya... Aadhya, my gudi, wake up, bacche," he whispered softly. "It's already 10 am. Sleeping late is a bad habit. Get up and have your breakfast... C'mon, c'mon, my gudi is a good girl. Wakey, wakey!"
As Dheeraj spoke, he gently kissed Aadhya's forehead and tickled her, trying to rouse her from her slumber. Aadhya slowly opened her eyes, a sleepy smile spreading across her face. "Daddaa, please," she whined, snuggling closer to her father's chest.
Dheeraj chuckled and shook his head, stroking Aadhya's hair with affection. To him, Aadhya was still the little girl he had held in his arms for the first time, and he couldn't believe how fast she had grown up. He had always made sure to give her everything she wanted, to make her happy, and to protect her from any harm.
Just then, a gentle cough broke the intimate moment between the father and daughter. They both turned to see Aadhya's mother, Lahari, standing in the doorway, dressed in a elegant salwar suit, her black beads mangalsutra gleaming around her neck.
"Mumma?!" Aadhya exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.
Lahari's expression was stern, and her voice firm. "Aadu, in the washroom, now!"
Aadhya's face fell, and she quickly scrambled out of bed, her sleepiness vanishing instantly. She hurried to the washroom, her heart racing with anticipation.
Lahari turned to Dheeraj, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "It seems someone is getting too spoiled," she said, raising an eyebrow.
Dheeraj chuckled, knowing he was guilty of pampering Aadhya. "I couldn't help it," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "She's our little princess."
Lahari smiled, her expression softening. "I know, but we need to teach her discipline too."
As they spoke, Aadhya emerged from the washroom, her face freshly washed, and her hair tied up in a ponytail. She looked up at her parents, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
"What's the plan for today, Mumma, Dadda?" she asked, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Lahari and Dheeraj exchanged a glance, smiling at each other. "We'll tell you soon, beta," Dheeraj said, ruffling Aadhya's hair. "But first, let's have breakfast together as a family."
As they finished breakfast together, Aadhya skipped towards the shower, her ponytail bouncing behind her. She emerged a short while later, her hair tied up in a fresh ponytail, and her face glowing with a gentle sheen. She walked towards her parents, who were seated in the living room, engaged in a hushed conversation.
"What's up, my dear parents?" Aadhya asked cheerfully, plopping down beside them on the couch.
Both her parents turned to face her, their expressions somber. They exchanged a glance, and then her father, Dheeraj, spoke softly, his voice laced with a hint of melancholy.
"Gudiya, we are shifting back to India," he said, his eyes locked on Aadhya's face.
Aadhya's brow furrowed in confusion. "India?" she repeated, her voice tinged with surprise.
Dheeraj nodded. "Yes, beta. You know that your grandparents are becoming old, and they can't handle the kingdom on their own anymore. As the future king, it's high time for me to take on the responsibilities of ruling the kingdom, along with your mother as the queen."
As Dheeraj spoke, the colors in Aadhya's face began to pale. Her eyes widened in shock, and her lips parted in a silent gasp. She looked like she had been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her.
Aadhya's mind reeled as she struggled to process the news. She had always known that her family was royal, but she had never really thought about what that meant. She had grown up in a life of luxury and comfort, surrounded by loving parents. The thought of leaving all that behind and moving to a new country, where she would have to adapt to a new life and new responsibilities, was overwhelming.
As the reality of the situation sunk in, Aadhya's face crumpled. She felt like her whole world was being turned upside down, and she didn't know how to cope. She looked up at her parents, and whispered, "But why? Why do we have to leave?"
Lahari's soft voice was like a warm hug, enveloping Aadhya in comfort and reassurance. She reached out and gently stroked Aadhya's hair, her touch soothing and calming.
"I know it's not easy for you," Lahari said, her eyes filled with empathy. "You've spent the last 15 years growing up here, and the thought of leaving everything behind can be overwhelming. But trust me, beta, you will love India. It's a beautiful country, full of vibrant colors, rich culture, and warm people."
but Lahari's words began to lift her mood.
"Everyone is waiting for you back in India," Lahari continued, a smile spreading across her face. "Your grandparents can't wait to see you, and your bua is already planning all sorts of fun activities for you to do together."
Aadhya's gaze drifted off, her mind beginning to wander to the possibilities of her new life in India. She had always been fascinated by the stories her parents told her about their homeland, and the thought of experiencing it all firsthand was starting to excite her.
Absentmindedly, Aadhya nodded her head, her eyes still fixed on some distant point. Lahari smiled, knowing that her daughter was starting to come around to the idea. Aadhya's gaze refocused on her mother's face. She looked up at her, a small smile beginning to form on her lips. It was a tentative smile, but it was a start.
Hyderabad,
South india
India
In the grand mansion, a sense of excitement and chaos filled the air. Police guards stood at attention outside, while workers scurried about, loading luggage and belongings into a massive container. The family was shifting to another state, and the atmosphere was electric.
Chandrashekhar Reddy, a man in his early thirties with a commanding presence, stood tall, addressing the police constables in a firm yet stern tone. "Due to pressure from the central government, I've been transferred to Rajasthan as Deputy Commissioner of Police. I expect the same discipline, rules, and cleanliness in my absence. Keep me updated, and remember, Jai Hind!"
As the current DSP, Chandrashekhar had earned a reputation for his sincerity, punctuality, dedication, and respect for his job. His commitment to truth and justice had made him a standout officer, earning him a transfer to Rajasthan and recognition from the central government.
Just then, a soft, feminine voice interrupted the scene. "Nannaaaaa, congratulations!" A young girl, in her early teens, came running towards her father, wearing a beautiful white anarkali with her long hair braided into a French braid. Her skin glowed in the natural light as she hugged her father, resting her head on his shoulders.
Chandrashekhar smiled, his eyes filled with love and pride, and kissed his daughter's forehead. "What's my Prerana Bangaru doing?" he asked, using a loving nickname.
Prerana giggled, replying, "Nothing, Nanna. Just went out with Annaya for ice cream." The scene was filled with warmth and love, a testament to the strong bond between Chandrashekhar and his daughter.
A boy, aged 20, walked into the scene, parking his bike and approaching his sister from behind. He smacked her head playfully and complained to their father, Chandrashekhar, "Nanna, you know your little princess emptied all my pocket money buying ice-creams! And surprisingly, all her 10th-grade friends were also present there. But this monkey didn't go nor talk to them. I don't understand how she'll survive in society if she's this innocent, shy, and introverted."
Prerana pouted and whined, "Nannaa, you know I'm not comfortable..." Her voice trailed off as she looked up at her father with pleading eyes.
Chandrashekhar glared at Karthik, his expression stern, but his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Karthik, this is the last time I'm warning you: if I see you teasing my Bangaram again, I swear I'll take my revolver and shoot you." His voice was firm, but his tone was playful, and Karthik knew he was just joking.
Karthik rolled his eyes and replied, getting annoyed, "Nannaaa, you've been saying this since Prerana was born." He chuckled and shook his head, knowing his father would never harm him.
Just then, their mother, Padma, walked into the room, carrying a tray with steaming cups of tea. She was dressed in an elegant saree, her hair neatly tied up, and a warm smile on her face. "Your father can never do that, chill! It's just that he loves his Prerana a little more because she's his mother reborn. But he loves you both a lot," she said, setting the tray down on the coffee table.
Karthik and Chandrashekhar chuckled at Padma's words, while Prerana smiled, feeling blessed to have such loving parents. The atmosphere in the room was filled with warmth and laughter, a testament to the strong bond between the family members.
As they sat down to enjoy their tea, Padma turned to Chandrashekhar and asked, "Have you spoken to the movers about the location?" Chandrashekhar nodded, taking a sip of his tea.
"Yes, I spoke to them and the packing of the house will be done by tonight. And will be transferred by tomorrow night. Tomorrow morning we can start our journey to Rajasthan ."
Padma nodded her head.Karthik, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly spoke up. "Nanna, can I talk to you about something?" Chandrashekhar looked at him curiously. "What is it, Karthik?"
Karthik hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I was thinking... since we're moving to Rajasthan, I'm planning to pursue and give UPSC."
Chandrashekhar's expression turned thoughtful, and he set his tea cup down. "That's a great idea, Karthik. I'll speak to some of my contacts and see what we can do and take further steps and guidance. But first, let's focus on getting settled in Rajasthan and then we can explore this further."
Prerana, who had been listening to the conversation, suddenly spoke up. "Nanna, what about me? What college will I be going to in Rajasthan?" Chandrashekhar smiled and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, Bangaram. We'll find a great school for you. Actually I have taken admission for grade 11th in a best college in Rajasthan no worries "
Prerana nodded her head, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She had always been an introvert, shy, and innocent person from childhood, finding solace in the comfort of her family. Her shyness had made it difficult for her to make friends, and as a result, her family had become her entire world.
Despite her introverted nature, Prerana had always been an exceptional student, consistently topping her class and making her parents proud. Her love for learning and her dedication to her studies had become her strengths, helping her to overcome her social anxieties.
However, the thought of moving to a new city, Rajasthan, was daunting for Prerana. She had grown up in Hyderabad, surrounded by familiar faces and places.
With a newfound sense of resolve, Prerana smiled to herself, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. She knew that this new chapter in her life would be filled with ups and downs, but she was ready to take on whatever came her way, one step at a time.
Rajasthan,
India
In the grand mansion, a young teenager, Rhea, lay fast asleep on her stomach, surrounded by the chaos of her messy blue-themed bedroom. Clothes were scattered all over the floor, and her bed was a tangled mess of sheets and blankets. Suddenly, her mother, Vani, burst into the room, her voice shrill with anger.
"GET UP, RHEA! SEE WHAT YOU'VE DONE AGAIN, YOU BRAT!!!" Vani yelled, her face red with rage. "WHY THE HELL DID YOU BREAK HIS HAND??? NOW HIS PARENTS ARE COMPLAINING, AND HERE YOU ARE, SLEEPING LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED?"
Rhea, however, remained oblivious to her mother's outburst. She didn't flinch, nor did she wake up. Instead, she snuggled deeper into the blanket, her peaceful slumber a stark contrast to the storm raging around her.
Just then, Tarun, Rhea's father, entered the room, his calm demeanor a soothing balm to the tense atmosphere. He stood beside his wife, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, and whispered, "Jaan, let her sleep, nah? Why are you shouting? See how tired my baby is. It must be that boy's mistake, not our baby's mistake. We know she's a rebellious, bold kid, but she wouldn't harm an innocent like that. Let her wake up, then we'll sit and talk calmly. For now, let's leave her be, hmm..."
Vani's glare could have frozen water at a hundred paces. She turned to her husband, her eyes blazing with anger, and snapped, "For God's sake, stop supporting your daughter! That guy mistakenly touched her hand, but your daughter took a bat and broke his head! His whole head was bleeding, and he got 10 stitches too! Because of you, she's getting spoiled too much!"
Tarun's expression remained calm, but a hint of concern crept into his eyes. He knew his daughter was a firecracker, but he also knew she wasn't malicious. He decided to intervene, to calm the situation and get to the bottom of what really happened.
"Vani, let's not jump to conclusions. We don't know the whole story yet. Let Rhea wake up, and then we'll talk to her and find out what really happened."
Vani folded her arms around her chest, her eyes flashing with annoyance, and glared at her husband. "You want to sit and talk, right? Fine. I need you and your daughter in the dining area in just 10 minutes," she said, her voice firm and commanding. With that, she turned and walked away, casting a glance at Rhea's sleeping figure and Tarun.
Tarun let out a sigh of relief as Vani left the room. He looked down at Rhea, who suddenly opened her eyes and sighed in relief. Tarun's expression changed from relief to surprise, and he squinted his eyes at Rhea. "You naughty girl! You were acting like you were asleep, weren't you?" he accused, his voice laced with amusement.
Rhea pouted, looking adorable, and held her ears cutely. "Sorry, papaaa. I was scared of your wife," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tarun's eyes went wide, and he looked at Rhea with a mock annoyance. "Oh, please. She's your momma too," he said, trying to sound stern.
Rhea shook her head, her ponytail bobbing behind her. "Noooo, papaaa. You're first your wife, and then my momma," she said, her voice matter-of-fact.
As Vani stood near the bedroom door, her eyes flashing with annoyance, Tarun and Rhea exchanged a nervous glance. Tarun's attempt at humor had clearly fallen flat, and now they were both facing the wrath of Vani's anger.
"Over fighting over me or anything else left?" Tarun had joked, but Vani's expression made it clear that she was not amused.
Rhea, sensing her mother's anger, quickly scrambled out of bed and stood up, her eyes fixed on Vani's face.
Vani's glare seemed to bore into their souls, and both Tarun and Rhea gulped in fear.
Finally, Vani spoke, her voice low and even, but with a hint of steel beneath. "Rhea, get ready and come to the dining area. We need to talk. And Tarun, you'd better come too."
Both nodded and rhea came to dinning hall where alre
Rhea walked into the dining hall, her parents already seated and waiting for her. Vani's expression was stern, her eyes flashing with anger. "You better give me a better explanation, or else you're going to face my wrath today," she warned, her voice firm.
Rhea nodded, her eyes cast downward. She took a deep breath, reached into her pocket, and pulled out her phone. She navigated to a video and handed the phone to her mother.
Vani's eyes widened as she watched the video. It showed the boy, his eyes fixed on Rhea, intentionally touching her back. His expressions were visible, and it was clear that he had been harassing Rhea.
Tarun's face turned red with anger as he watched the video. He rose from his seat, his fists clenched. "Today, that piece of shit is going to face the wrath of Tarun Roy!" he thundered. "How dare he come to my house and complain about my daughter?"
Vani felt a wave of guilt wash over her. She had questioned Rhea's actions without giving her a chance to explain. She realized that she had been too quick to judge her daughter.
Rhea, sensing her parents' reactions, got up from the table and walked out of the dining room in silence. Vani tried to call out to her, but Rhea didn't respond. She locked herself in her room, leaving Vani feeling anxious and worried.
A lone tear rolled down Rhea's cheek as she sat on her bed looking the door, her back against the wall. She wiped it away, trying to compose herself. She heard her mother's voice outside her door, apologizing in a broken tone.
"I hope you're fine, baccha. I'm sorry," Vani said, her voice cracking with emotion.
Rhea didn't respond. She just sat there, lost in her thoughts, as Vani walked away, leaving her alone. The silence between them was palpable, a reminder of the misunderstanding that had driven them apart.
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