UNIVERSITY ARC
When I decided to help Geetha, I knew I had to act quickly. I returned inside to inform my friends of my departure.
|"Keshava, please take care of Deepika and try to console her. Raksha and I have some urgent work to attend to. We'll return as soon as we're done."|
Keshava looked at me, confused and a bit frustrated.
|"Manoj, how can you leave her in this state? You've seen what Geetha is going through. She needs us."|
I took a deep breath, steadying myself.
|"Keshava, I understand. But even if I stay, I can't do much to help. Please try to understand. This is really important."|
To my surprise, Geetha spoke up, her voice trembling but determined.
|"Keshava, don't force him. Manoj, thank you for coming this far for me. I'm sorry for the trouble."|
I was taken aback. This wasn't the Geetha I knew. The sharp, confident girl I'd grown up with had softened into someone fragile yet resilient. Raksha had been right—Geetha had changed, but perhaps for the better.
|"No, Geetha. I'm sorry for leaving you like this. But thank you for understanding. I'll see you soon."|
My friends were left puzzled, but they didn't press further. With that, Raksha and I managed to leave without drawing more attention.
As we made our way out, Rahul and a few of our remaining classmates arrived at Geetha's house, having heard about the incident after we left.
Once outside, we headed directly to the nearest guest house—a property gifted to me by one of my uncles on my eighth birthday. The place had been maintained by a team of butlers ever since I was reinstated as a successor of the Vardhan family, following my grandfather's orders to preserve all my belongings.
Back at Geetha's house, Rahul was eager to share some good news.
|"Geetha, don't worry. I have something that might help. The only person who can handle that gangster Kubera is Mr. Surya Raj."|
Keshava looked skeptical.
|"Rahul, are you serious? We can't even get through to one of his officers. He's a big deal."|
Rahul smirked.
|"Yes, Keshava, you know these things well. That's why you should listen."|
Geetha's expression changed slightly, a flicker of hope appearing in her eyes.
|"What do you mean, Rahul? Just get to the point."|
|"I can contact him."|
Deepika's eyes widened in excitement.
|"Really, Rahul? Of course, you can! You're the only one at our university who could manage that. I completely forgot!"|
| "Come on, no need for formalities. My father and Mr. Surya Raj were childhood friends. But, you know, he's always busy. The man barely sleeps four hours a day. He's booked for months, even for family events. But I'll ask my father. Give me a minute."|
Rahul stepped aside to call his father, explaining the situation. His father's response was less enthusiastic.
|"Rahul, you idiot! Why would you promise them that? We're just old friends. He probably doesn't even remember me."|
|"Dad, please don't say that. I've already given them hope. It's also about your reputation. We've got to try."|
After a brief silence, his father sighed.
|"Fine, I'll try to get you an appointment. But don't get your hopes up."|
Later, Rahul's father called back, sounding somewhat astonished.
|"Rahul, you're in luck. He actually remembered me. I'm too busy to join you, but you have an appointment. Go to his office and handle this quickly."|
|"Thanks, Dad. You're the best. I'll make sure this meeting counts."|
He returned back to Geetha, barely able to contain his excitement.
|"Friends, my father managed to get an appointment with Mr. Surya Raj! I'll be back in an hour with good news. Trust me."|
Rahul jumped into his car and sped off to Surya Raj's office. The grandeur of the place stunned him—the sprawling gardens, the opulent decor—it all screamed power and wealth. Fortunately, the office wasn't crowded, and Rahul didn't have to wait long.
When he finally entered the office, the sight of Mr. Surya Raj made him freeze. The man was absorbed in his work, exuding an aura of authority that left Rahul momentarily speechless. But he had come too far to turn back now.
Meanwhile, back at the villa, I was lost in thought, contemplating my next move as Manoj Vardhan. A name flashed in my mind, someone who could help. But first, I needed some privacy. I turned to Raksha.
|"Raksha, stay here for a while. I need to step out and clear my head."|
She nodded, understanding my need for solitude. I made my way to the quiet garden at the back of the villa, where I found a bench and sat down, taking deep breaths to calm my mind.
I pulled out my phone and dialed a private number. The line rang a few times before a familiar voice answered.
|"Hello? Ravi uncle, it's Manoj. Do you remember me?"|
The voice on the other end brightened instantly.
|"Manoj! Of course, I remember you. How have you been, my boy? I think you forgot me."|
|"Uncle, how could I ever forget you? You've done so much for me."|
|"Ah, no need for all that. How's Raksha? She must be all grown up by now."|
|"Yes, she's doing well."|
|"Good, good. But tell me, what's going on? You wouldn't call out of the blue unless something was up."|
I smiled, appreciating his insight.
|"You're sharp as ever, Uncle. I need a small favour. Can you help?"|
|"Manoj, I told you, no need for formalities. Just tell me what you need."|
|"There's a family I know—they're in danger. They've been targeted by a company called Kubera Group."|
I didn't want to mention Geetha for her safety and privacy. There was a pause on the line before Ravi uncle responded.
"Kubera? Hm, I never heard his name before. I think he is not a major player as far as I'm concerned. But if you're asking, I'll see to it."|
|"Thank you, Uncle. I'm really sorry for the trouble. Present I'm not in a position to help in this."|
|"Don't mention it, Manoj. I'll handle it. Take care."|
The call ended, and I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I went back inside to share the news with Raksha, who was visibly relieved.
At the same time, Rahul finally faced Mr. Surya Raj, who was still immersed in his work. Without even looking up, Surya Raj asked him.
|"What do you need? How can I help?"|
Rahul struggled to find his voice, intimidated by the man's presence.
|"S-sir, my name is Rahul. I'm the son of Mr. Shekhar. My friend Geetha…"|
Before he could finish, Surya Raj's phone rang. The moment he saw the caller ID, his demeanor changed entirely. He answered with deep respect.
|"Yes, sir, what can I do for you? Oh, I see. I'll handle it, sir. No sir! No need for you to get involved. I'll take care of it personally. Thank you, sir."|
As soon as the call ended, Surya Raj barked orders to his staff, who immediately scrambled to make arrangements. Rahul stood there, bewildered, unsure of what had just happened.
As Surya Raj prepared to leave, Rahul tried to speak up again.
|"S-sir, about my friend…"|
But Surya Raj, now all business, simply walked past him, surrounded by his bodyguards.
Confused, Rahul turned to a staff member nearby.
|"Who was that on the phone? What made him react like that?"|
The staff member glanced at Rahul, amused.
|"That was unknown. To put it simply, the boss of Mr. Surya Raj—and our boss too."|
Rahul was stunned.
|"There's someone in this country who can make even Surya Raj nervous? I thought he was the one who scared everyone until now.
The staff member nodded.
|"He is, but even he answers to someone. Only a few high-profile people know who they are. The rest of us can only guess. Once my manager said, they are powerful enough to rule every politician in this country."|
Rahul processed this revelation, realizing that if he could convince Surya Raj to help, it would be a miracle. The man was burdened with responsibilities far more significant than their problems, barely having time to eat, let alone deal with a small issue like this.
Meanwhile, back at the villa, Raksha and I were winding down, exhausted but relieved. We shared a quiet meal, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Raksha's eyes gleaming with pride.
|"Brother, I'm so happy. No, sorry, sir—I'm so happy you're finally taking charge."|
I chuckled at her formal tone.
|"Come on, Raksha. Drop the formalities. Just be my sister."|
We both laughed, easing the tension that had built up over the day.
Elsewhere, Kubera was in his office, reviewing some documents. Nearly twenty to thirty cars stopped in front of his office. He was suddenly informed by his security that Mr. Surya Raj had arrived with a convoy of cars. Startled, Kubera quickly rose and rushed out to wish him.