I was seated in the living room, my eyes lazily drifting over the soft hues of the morning as I waited for the girls to come downstairs. We were supposed to leave for Anu's friend's wedding soon—Renuka, that was her name. The air was filled with a quiet anticipation, the house humming with the subtle sounds of last-minute preparations.
It had only been two days since I returned to Hyderabad, but those days had passed in a whirlwind of tasks and decisions. The moment I arrived, I contacted Uncle Paani and told him about my decision to adopt Rajan. I wasn't sure how long it would take, but true to his nature, Uncle Paani worked swiftly. The adoption papers were drawn up, signed, and finalized in record time. Just like that, Rajan became a part of my family.
The thought brought a small smile to my face as I leaned back into the plush cushions of the sofa. Rajan had settled in quickly, as if he'd always belonged with us. He split his time between my place and Balu's, finding comfort and familiarity in both homes. It was a joy to see him adapting so well, his laughter echoing through the house whenever he was here.
Today, however, Rajan was with Balu. I'd asked him to look into schools and handle the admission while I was away for the wedding.
The house was quiet now, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the wall and the soft murmur of distant conversation upstairs. The girls were still getting read.
Speaking of Balu, his life had taken an interesting turn. When we returned to Hyderabad, I offered him a position as one of the board directors at Nirvana Enterprises. Initially hesitant, Balu had finally accepted the role. He was now being mentored by Seenu, who was patiently guiding him through the intricacies of managing the company. It was a new chapter for him, and he was taking to it with a mix of enthusiasm and apprehension.
Now back to present as I settled into the living room, I absentmindedly toyed with the small cube in my hand. It was a seemingly ordinary toy, the kind that children often fidget with—a Rubik's cube. But this one was different. Inside, cleverly concealed, was a USB drive containing critical evidence of Jaidev's criminal activities.
Two days ago, a plan had formed in my mind. It was a simple yet effective idea to gather irrefutable evidence against Jaidev. I had contacted Athreya, tasking him with collecting all the necessary information. His thoroughness had paid off, and now all the crucial data was stored securely on that tiny drive. As for why I needed this information the reason soon become clear.
As I glanced around the room, I noticed the girls were still upstairs, likely engrossed in their makeup routines. I sighed, a mix of impatience and amusement tugging at me. "Girls and their makeup take too much time," I muttered to myself, shaking my head with a wry smile.
I rose from the sofa and made my way toward the stairs, the anticipation of the evening driving my steps. The house was quiet, save for the soft hum of hairdryers and the occasional burst of laughter. As I reached the top of the stairs and approached my room, I could hear the girls bustling inside, the sounds of their preparations filling the air.
I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The sight before me was a lively one: Ammu, Raji, and the others were gathered around, immersed in the final touches of their preparations. The room was a flurry of activity, with hairbrushes, makeup palettes, and curling irons scattered across the vanity.
Seeing the scene unfold, I couldn't help but smile, though a touch of impatience tinged my expression. "Girls, hurry up," I said cheerfully, my voice carrying a mix of encouragement and mild exasperation.
Ammu looked up from where she was seated, her hands deftly working on her hair. "Just a moment, Krishna. We just have to set our hair, then we'll be ready."
I chuckled at her response, knowing well how these last-minute touches could stretch on forever. With a playful grin, I offered, "Let me help."
Raji glanced up, her eyes narrowed in amused skepticism. "And how are you going to help us?"
I walked over to where Ammu was sitting, With a confident smile, I said, "Let me style your hair."
Ammu looked at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "You can do that?"
I nodded, my smile widening. "Of course. I can do anything."
Ammu's surprise turned into a grin as she gave a little nod. "Okay, let's see what you've got."
I worked diligently, carefully arranging Ammu's hair as if I had been doing it for years. My fingers moved with a practiced ease that belied my lack of formal experience, each stroke and twist executed with surprising precision. After a few minutes of focused effort, I took a step back to admire my handiwork.
Ammu's hair was styled perfectly, each strand falling into place with a polished elegance. I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as I leaned in to give her a light kiss on the cheek. "All done. How does it look?" I asked, my voice carrying a hint of pride.
Ammu turned to face me, her eyes widening with delight. She touched her hair, running her fingers through the styled locks, and her smile grew even brighter. "Wow, it looks really good!" she exclaimed, her tone full of genuine surprise. "I didn't know you could do that, Krishna."
I chuckled, feeling a warm glow from her praise. "Thanks for the compliment," I said, grinning. "Didn't I tell you? I can do anything."
"You and your mysterious," she said with a teasing smile. I grinned back, savoring the moment of lightheartedness. "You know me," I replied, "always full of surprises."
Turning to the other girls, I asked with a cheerful tone, "So, who's next?"
Aamukta's eyes sparkled as she raised her hand eagerly. "Me, me!" she said with a bright smile.
"Alright, Cutie pie, come here," I responded warmly. Aamukta slid into the chair, her excitement palpable. I set to work on her hair, my fingers moving carefully to style it just right. As I worked, I felt a sense of calm and focus, enjoying the simple act of making my friends feel special.
When I finished, I leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "All done," I said with a smile.
Aamukta looked at her reflection, her face lighting up with delight. "It looks beautiful!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
"I'm glad you think so," I replied, my smile widening.
Turning to Anu and Raji, I nodded towards them. "Let's not forget you two," I said, my tone warm and encouraging. They both moved to the chairs, and I took my place, ready to style their hair.
With each stroke and adjustment, I made sure to give them the attention they deserved. When I finished, I kissed each of their cheeks, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. "It's done," I said softly, my voice carrying a hint of affection.
Anu and Raji both looked pleased with their looks. Anu's smile was particularly radiant.
Raji added with a grin, "You really do have a talent for this. Who knew?"
I laughed softly, feeling a warmth in my chest. "I guess I'm full of surprises," I replied, brushing a strand of hair from Raji's face.
I glanced at the girls, each of them looking radiant in their freshly styled hair and outfits. "Now my girls look even more beautiful," I said with a warm smile. "Shall we go?"
Their faces lit up with matching smiles as they nodded in agreement. With a shared sense of excitement, we made our way towards the main door of the house. I had already packed all the luggage into the car, so our departure was just a matter of locking up and heading out.
As we reached the door, I paused for a moment and turned to look at it, making sure everything was in place. Anu asked, "Does Ma have another key?"
Her question brought a gentle chuckle from me. It had become quite endearing how my girlfriends now affectionately referred to my parents as Ma and Papa. "Yes, Ma already has another key," I explained with a reassuring smile.
Hearing my response, Anu's smile widened, and we continued our walk towards the car. As we approached, Aamukta's curiosity was piqued. "Krishna, I don't think I've seen this car before. When did you buy it?"
I draped an arm around Aamukta's shoulders in a gentle embrace, pulling her slightly closer. My smile was warm and reassuring. "Cutie pie," I said with a playful tone, "I think you might have forgotten that your boyfriend is quite rich. Even if I didn't work for a lifetime, we could live comfortably without any worries."
I paused for a moment, my gaze drifting to the sleek vehicle parked before us. "As for this car," I continued, "this is a 7-seater Toyota Vellfire. It's part of my car collection. I chose it specifically for this trip because it's perfect for us. It's spacious, comfortable, and can accommodate all of us with ease."
"Wait, you have a car collection?" Aamukta's voice was filled with surprise and curiosity.
I chuckled softly, enjoying her reaction. "Of course I do. I'll show you all the cars when we get back from Andhra," I said, my smile widening. The excitement in her eyes was infectious, and I could see the other girls also perking up at the news.
I glanced back at the house, a thought crossing my mind. "You know," I said, addressing the group, "I'm starting to think our house might be getting a bit small for us. What do you all think?"
Raji, always quick with her opinions, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I was thinking the same. It's feeling a little cramped."
The other girls echoed her sentiments, their agreement clear. It was a unanimous response, and I could see that they were all considering the idea.
I nodded thoughtfully, already mulling over the possibilities. "Well, in that case, I should think about renovating the house once we return from our trip."
Ammu's eyes lit up with a new idea. "Why not just get a new one, Krishna?" she suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Hearing Ammu's suggestion, I smiled warmly and shook my head. "No, this house holds too many memories for me. It's where I grew up, where I shared so many moments with Anu, Raji, and all of you. It represents my childhood, my family, and our time together. It's precious to me."
Aamukta, still wrapped in my embrace, hugged me back tightly. "We understand," she said softly, her voice tinged with affection. "But I'd really like my own room when we renovate the house."
The other girls quickly chimed in, their voices overlapping with agreement. "Me too," Anu said, her tone earnest. "I'd love to have my own space."
"Same here," Raji added, nodding. "A little personal space would be great."
Ammu and Raji echoed their sentiments, their enthusiasm for having their own rooms clear.
I chuckled and gave them a reassuring smile. "Of course, we can make sure everyone has their own space when we renovate. For now, let's focus on our trip and enjoy the wedding."
With that, we all climbed into the car. I started the engine, and the gentle hum of the vehicle filled the air. As I pulled out of the driveway, I glanced at the house one last time.
The car ride was filled with light chatter and laughter as we drove toward Andhra Pradesh. As I drove along NH 65, the scenery gradually shifted from the bustling cityscape of Hyderabad to the more open and tranquil vistas of the Andhra Pradesh countryside. The lush green fields and distant hills created a serene backdrop, contrasting with the vibrant city we had just left behind. The car hummed steadily on the road, and the soft sunlight streaming through the windows added a warm glow to the journey.
Raji's voice broke the calm as she leaned forward, her curiosity evident. "Krishna, where are we going now?"
Before I could respond, Aamukta, sitting beside her, said. "What do you mean, Raji?"
Raji's expression was a mix of confusion and intrigue. "I mean, Kakinada is nine hours away from here, and it's already eleven in the morning. It'll take us a long time to reach. So, where are we going, Krishna?"
I glanced at Raji through the rearview mirror, noting the glint of curiosity in her eyes. A smile played on my lips as I replied, "You remembered that, huh? I'm impressed."
Raji's face lit up with a smile of her own. "I know you must have everything planned out already, so just tell me where we're headed."
As Raji's question reverberated in the car, I replied with a smile, "We're heading to Amaravati, and we'll be staying at our hotel Opulent Heights. I've already informed the manager about our arrival."
Before I could say more, the car erupted into excited exclamations from the girls, except for Ammu, who had already been briefed as my secretary before becoming my girlfriend. "What? Opulent Heights is our hotel?" they chorused.
I chuckled, "Yes, but why all the shouting?"
Raji, her eyes wide with surprise, responded, "What do you mean, 'why are we shouting'? Opulent Heights is one of the premier luxury hotel chains in the world!"
Aamukta leaned forward, her face lit up with excitement. "It's renowned for its top-notch service, stunning interiors, and lavish amenities."
Anu added, her voice filled with awe, "It's known as one of the most expensive hotels in the world!"
Hearing the girls' astonished reactions, I let out a small sigh before addressing their curiosity. "Let me clarify a few things, girls. First of all, I'm one of the richest people in the world. My parents don't know the full extent of it, but Bhaiyya is aware. As for why you don't see any of this on social media, it's because I have some people managing that for me. They ensure that my personal life remains private."
I paused, letting the gravity of my words sink in. "Do you ever wonder why you haven't faced any issues despite everyone knowing you're my girlfriends? It's because there's a team of security personnel around you 24/7 when I'm not around."
Aamukta's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what?"
I nodded, trying to reassure them. "Yes, but don't worry—they're all female security personnel. Their job is to keep you safe and ensure that you don't face any problems."
Aamukta furrowed her brow in confusion. "I mean, I didn't understand any of this. If there are people around us all the time, why didn't we ever notice them?"
I smiled softly, understanding her confusion. "That's the point. They're highly trained professionals who blend into the background. Their presence is subtle, so you're not bothered or even aware of them. They're there when needed but remain unobtrusive so you can go about your lives without any added stress."
Hearing the girls' reactions, I could see their concern growing. Anu spoke up first, her voice tinged with worry. "That's not what she meant, Krishna."
Ammu, who was still trying to process the information, said, "I didn't know there was something like this going on, Krishna."
Raji's voice trembled slightly. "Krishna, what's happening? I'm starting to feel scared now."
I could sense the rising anxiety and took a deep breath, trying to calm the situation. "What the hell? Why are you feeling scared? I thought it was important for you to know about my life. It's your right to understand what's happening around us."
Seeing their distressed faces, I said with reassuring smile. "Look, you don't have to worry. You all believe in me, right?"
They nodded, though the tension was still palpable. I tried to lighten the mood. "So, you really don't need to worry. As long as I'm alive, no one will come near my family. And don't worry, I'm not planning on dying anytime soon."
Before I could finish my sentence, Anu suddenly punched me on the arm. Though it didn't hurt, it was enough to jolt me. "Anu, what are you doing? I'm driving!"
Anu's face was a mix of frustration and concern. "Then why are you talking about dying? Don't say stupid things like that!"
Her words hit me harder than the punch, and I could see the genuine fear in her eyes. I turned to her, trying to soften my tone. "Anu, I didn't mean to upset you. I was just trying to reassure you all."
Anu crossed her arms, still visibly upset. "It's not reassuring when you talk like that. Just focus on driving and stop talking about things that scare us."
Hearing Anu's serious tone, I tried to maintain a lighthearted demeanor. "I just meant that you all have nothing to worry about. Just enjoy our time together."
Anu's gaze was unwavering. "Krishna, what more are you hiding from us?"
I glanced around at the concerned faces of the girls. Their eyes were full of questions and unease. Sighing deeply, I tried to choose my words carefully. "There is something more, but it's not the right time for you to know. It's not that I don't trust you. In fact, you are the people I trust the most. But some things are better left for the right moment. When the time comes and destiny reveals what's necessary, you'll know. Until then, try not to worry and just enjoy life."
As I spoke, I saw the girls' expressions soften slightly, though their concern didn't completely fade. I said with reassuring smile. "For now, let's focus on the present. We're heading to Andhra Pradesh for a special occasion, and I want us to make the most of it."
To shift the mood, I pressed the accelerator a little more, causing the car to speed up. The sudden change in speed elicited a chorus of protests from the girls. "Krishna, slow down!" they shouted in unison.
As the girls' voices rose in unison, protesting my sudden acceleration, I couldn't help but smile. "Don't worry, girls. The one who taught me driving is the greatest driver in the history of the world."
Yet, as I said those words, a strange feeling lingered in my mind. The statement felt oddly significant, almost as if it held a deeper truth I couldn't quite grasp. Shaking off the unsettling thought, I refocused on the road ahead.
(A/N: If you'd like to support me, please use this UPI: omgadekar29@oksbi "Om Gadekar". If you do, please let me know your webnovel name so I can recognize you.)
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