Chapter 40: The Unexpected Truth
Aadarsh stood frozen, his ice cream spoon suspended mid-air as Amrita looked at him with a calm expression.
"What did you just say?" Aadarsh asked again, disbelief etched across his face.
Amrita sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Yes, Aadarsh. The principal of Icon Red Institute is my mother."
The revelation hit Aadarsh like a tidal wave. He had always wondered about Amrita's composed demeanor, sharp decision-making, and how she seemed to hold a unique influence over others in the institute. It all made sense now.
"But… you never told anyone about this!" Aadarsh exclaimed, still trying to process the news.
Amrita gave a slight smile. "And I had no reason to. I didn't want anyone treating me differently because of my connection to her. My mother and I agreed that I'd join the elite class anonymously to prove my capabilities without her shadow over me. But… now you know."
Aadarsh sat down slowly, running his hands through his hair. "Wow. That explains why you carry yourself the way you do. No wonder you're the team leader. But wait, doesn't that make things complicated? Especially with… everything going on?"
Amrita's expression darkened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "Yes, there's a lot at stake. And my mother has always taught me to face challenges head-on. That's why I have to ensure we don't get tangled in Raunak Ahuja's web."
Aadarsh nodded, realizing the weight of the situation. "So, you think going to that party could lead to trouble?"
Amrita looked thoughtful. "Raunak Ahuja doesn't throw parties for no reason. It's not just a 'welcome' gesture. There's always an agenda with him. And as Kiara pointed out earlier, anyone willing to humiliate others wouldn't suddenly turn generous. He's testing us, trying to see who can be manipulated. The best way to win against someone like him is not to play his game."
Aadarsh admired Amrita's resolve but couldn't help wondering if avoiding the party was the right choice. "But what if he uses our absence against us? Makes it look like we're afraid or unwilling to engage with others?"
Amrita raised an eyebrow. "That's a risk I'm willing to take. I'd rather deal with the fallout of missing a party than let him catch us off guard."
Aadarsh couldn't argue with her logic, though he still felt uneasy.
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At Moon Hotel
Meanwhile, Kiara and Naira arrived at the Moon Hotel, a luxurious building with golden lights reflecting off its modern architecture. The two entered the grand lobby, where a tall man in a black suit approached them.
"Miss Kiara, the guest is waiting for you in the private lounge," he said with a courteous smile.
Naira shot Kiara a curious glance. "Who is this mysterious guest, Kiara? Don't tell me you've been keeping secrets from your best friend!"
Kiara chuckled softly. "You'll find out soon enough. Come on."
The two followed the man to a dimly lit private lounge. Inside, a lone figure sat at a table, sipping a glass of red wine. As they approached, the person stood up, revealing a man in his late twenties with sharp features and a confident demeanor.
"Princess Kiara," he said with a sly smile, bowing slightly. "Always a pleasure."
Kiara crossed her arms, her expression cool. "Enough with the theatrics, Samrat. What do you want?"
Naira blinked in surprise. "Samrat? Who's he?"
Kiara sighed. "Samrat Roy. A former elite class student and Raunak Ahuja's rival. He was expelled from Icon Red Institute three years ago after a major incident."
Samrat smirked. "Expelled for exposing corruption, you mean. But I'm not here to dwell on the past. I've got information you'll want to hear."
Kiara narrowed her eyes. "About Raunak?"
Samrat nodded. "He's planning something big at this party of his. It's more than a power play. He's aiming to humiliate the entire elite class, and if he succeeds, your reputations will be destroyed."
Kiara and Naira exchanged alarmed glances.
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Back in Amrita's Room
As Aadarsh and Amrita continued discussing their plans, a sudden knock interrupted them. Amrita opened the door to find a breathless Kiara and Naira standing there.
"Amrita, we need to talk," Kiara said urgently.
Amrita stepped aside, letting them in. "What happened?"
Kiara wasted no time. "Raunak Ahuja's party isn't just a social event. He's planning to trap us. We can't ignore it. We need a strategy."
Aadarsh stood up. "What kind of trap?"
Kiara hesitated before saying, "I'm not sure of all the details yet, but if we let him get the upper hand, it could ruin everything we've worked for."
Amrita frowned, her mind racing. "So, we have to attend the party after all. But we won't go unprepared."
Aadarsh looked at her determinedly. "What's the plan, Team Leader?"
Amrita's eyes sharpened. "We'll show Raunak Ahuja that the elite class isn't just a title—it's a force to be reckoned with. Let's turn his trap into his downfall."
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To Be Continued…
Who is Samrat Roy, and why is he helping Kiara? What exactly is Raunak Ahuja planning? And will Amrita's leadership be enough to protect the elite class from disaster? The stakes are higher than ever as the next chapter unfolds.