"What will you wear?" Asked Radhika.
" Well I don't know lets go shopping." Said Asha.
" Let's ask Mam." Radhika suggested and jumped up to go and ask Dr Pal.
Snigdha was lost in her thoughts.
" What would she do if she was faced with that man?" She thought."Over a 100 years have passed, would he still be the same. It scared her."
After some time Radhika was back.
" Yes we have the permission." She said jumping around with Joy. " Let's go."
All the girls got up to leave, when Snigdha's phone rang.
"Hello." She spoke into the receiver.
" Hi Jaan." Abhijeet spoke on the other side.
" Hi." Snigdha answered smiling as a soft blush creeped up her cheeks.
" What are you doing?" He asked.
"We are going shopping for the party." She answered.
"Want me to come?" He asked in an expectant voice.
" No do your work, let the dress be a surprise." Snigdha answered.
Abhijeet groaned.
" Bye." Snigdha cut the line.
They had been to the market and were now back. The girls were in Snigdha's room getting ready. Snigdha had on a dark blue gown of silk. Her hair was done up in a french roll with curls coming out and falling on her cheeks. She had on a pair of pearl drops and and a string of pearls on her neck.
" So is someone going to come to pick you up today?" Asked Radhika in a teasing voice.
" Hmmm may be I don't know." She answered.
Just then the phone rang. Snigdha picked it up.
" Hello!" She answered.
" Are you ready. I'm down in the lobby." Abhijeet asked.
"Yes I'll be down in a moment."Snigdha answered.
She cut the line and picked up her purse.
" Ok guys my ride is here." She said as she moved to the door.
" Hmmm Lucky you." Radhika moaned. "See you their."
Snigdha reached the lobby to find Abhijeet waiting there. He looked breath-taking in his black tuxedo. Abhijeet was observing his phone when he heard her footsteps and looked up, he felt like his breath had left him. She was gorgeous.
" You are beautiful." He complimented as he extended his hand to her.
She took his hand, he kissed it greeting her like a proper gentleman.
" Let's go." He said.
They reached the Kali Haveli at 8 pm.
The main hall was decorated with gold and blue silk cloth and white carnations at strategic places. They were greeted at the door by Mr Singh.
" Good evening." Mr Singh greeted them. " Right this way."
He led them to a round table where seating arrangements had been made for them. Drinks were being served every where, as traditional Rajesthani ghumar dance was being performed in the center of the hall. Soon Abhijeet and Snigdha were joined by the others. The whole group occupied 3 tables.
After some time the host Mr Madhukar Rai arrived.
" Maharaja of Vatikapur His Majesty Sri Madhukar Rai." The door attendend announced.
Snigdha felt cold fingers of fear touch her spine. She shivered. Held on tight to Abhijeet. Abhijeet looked down at her.
" Don't worry I'm here." Abhijeet assured her.
He looked at the man with fire in his eyes. The man was old with white hair and beard, but his eyes were still evil. His grandson stood next to him. Who was a spitting image of the old man.
The party was on in full force. Abhijeet and Snigdha were dancing. When suddenly someone tapped on Abhijeet's back. He turned to see, it was the old man.
" May I have this dance with the lovely lady. She reminds me of someone." He demanded.
Snigdha was clutching Abhijeet's arm tight.
" I'll be closeby don't worry. There are many people here he will not be able to do anything." Abhijeet told her as he gave her hand to the old man.
The old man took her hand to his lip, and kissed it.
" Greeting young lady." He greeted.
They started moving to the music.
" You seem to remind me of some one I knew long time ago." He said.
Snigdha didn't answer just looked away.
" It looks like you know who." He smirked evilly. " What do I call you? Miss Ganguly or Barkha devi?" He asked again.
" Let me go Mr Rai." She said struggling to free her self from his grip.
" Mr??? Did you not hear? I'm the Maharaj now." He said.
" I'll never acknowledge you as the king. You are just a thief to me... a thief and a murderer." Snigdha hissed in anger.
" Ha ha ha ha." He laughed out loud. " May be. But how will you prove it Princess?" He then let her go.
Greeted her and left. Abhijeet was at her side immediately. Snigdha was trembling.
" Are you ok?" He asked putting her arms around her.
She shook her head.
" No I want to leave." She gasped.
" Ok let's go out side to the garden you'll feel better." Abhijeet offered.
" Prof we'll be outside." He informed Prof Dixit who had come to stand next to them when he saw Snigdha agitated.
" Ok Go." He said.
They left the hall and walk on to the terrace. Snigdha looked up at the sky, being a less populated area, the stars in the sky were all visible. It was a full moon night.
" It is beautiful isn't it." She said sighing.
" No not as beautiful as you." Abhijeet said smiling at her.
" Oh how cheesy." Snigdha said laughing.
Abhijeet held her hand close to his heart.
" You have no idea how I had lived the rest of my lie after you left me. Everyday was like a punishment to me. Your father lost his mind and Nikunj took over. At the time Madhukar had disappeared for 10 years. Everything was peaceful. I had to ascend the throne without you by my side." He said.
" Did you marry?" Snigdha asked.
" I had to for the country. However you were the only one in my heart. She was just a duty." He said giving her t9ta sad look.
Snigdha put her head on his chest.
" Since my childhood I felt like I was incomplete. As if I had to be somewhere. Someone was waiting for me. Then when I came to Vatikapur, I felt like I was home. After I saw you I realized what I was waiting for." She said looking into Abhijeet's eyes.
Abhijeet caressed her lips with his thumb, then bent down and captured her lips in his. Moved his tounge on her lips, asking for entry. She opened her mouth moaning, Abhijeet deepened the kiss. Pulling her closer to him. He let up for breath. Looked deep into her eyes.
" You were what I was waiting for all my life. Thank you for coming back to me." He said.
He bent down and kissed her neck, bitting it softly then licking her there. They were loosing their control when some one cleared their throat. They turned around in unison to find Madhukar Rai looking at them with evil eyes.
" So you've found him too." He said.
" I'll find him in my every life. You'll never have me." She sneered.
" May be but do you think I'll let you be together?" He asked.
" There is no king ship anymore. So you can do absolutely nothing." Abhijeet said.
He held on to Snigdha's hand, and started walking away.
" Let's go." He said.