Ever since the Federal Government had discovered a completely intact but most definitely abandoned mansion dating back to the ancient Vaeryan Empire in the middle of Myrvelk Island; Aadhira have always felt an innate desire to visit it for at least once in her life time- to take in the majesty of the cursed Empire's splendid architecture with her very own eyes.
Considering that even a small, broken piece of a useless furniture can be taken as a priceless treasure if it can be proven to be from Vaeryan Empire- how can she not be excited when it's a whole mansion without any of the later civilisation destroying or burning the whole building down because of its cursed title?
In any circumstance, Aadhira wouldn't think twice about accepting an offer to actually stay there for a week... to be there in person and see everything with her own eyes-
But, now…
"We're just going there for a trip as family friends, Dhira. Nobody will be forcing you to get married to Tharan as soon as you both meet," Vivashini- her mother could only sigh in exasperation as she watched her daughter's furrowed eyebrows; probably overthinking about everything and anything. "But honestly, I don't think you have to worry too much about this. As soon as he takes a good look at you... I think all his infatuation over you will disappear on it's own,"
For a minute, Aadhira stared blankly at her mother's poker face- unable to decide on how to react at the casual diss. "Are you sure that I am indeed your child and not a stray you adopted on a whim?"
"Eh.... I would have thought so too if it wasn't for your beautiful face. That level of beauty can only be the result of my family's gene,"
Aadhira rolled her eyes- as she harshly leaned against the back of the couch with her arms crossed.
Vivashini only lifted an eyebrow at her daughter's frowning face.
"I still don't trust that you and that best friend of yours will not meddle at all," Aadhira said, her fingers unconsciously rubbing her chin she gazed at her mother thoughtfully. "How about this.... I'll draft a contract as a guarantee for you, Aunt Guna and Tharan sign? That way I can enjoy this vacation peacefully without worrying about anything else," Aadhira's eyes instantly brightened as she snapped her finger once.
".... I should not have let you watch too many dramas when you were a kid," it was now Vivashini's turn to frown- her gaze somewhat resembling as if she's looking at a person who lost their sanity. "Look, both your Aunt Guna and I... we only want you kids to be living a happy.... fulfilling life. The marriage talk between you and Tharan is just for the sake of our peace of mind. After all, we know each others family... and it will be far easier to be in contact with each other-,"
"But we also know that ultimately the decision of marriage and what not solely depends on each of you too,"
Only after hearing her mother say that did Aadhira finally heaved out a sigh of relieve- her posture gradually relaxing after much of the tense feeling fading into oblivion.
"I'm just asking you to not close off your heart and try to get to know Tharan. Even if you both didn't work out- at least you two can rekindle your childhood friendship... right?"
"Right...," Aadhira nodded, a bright smile bloomed on her face as soon as they come to an understanding.
Her mother is really the best mother in the world!
"Anyway... when will we be going there?" Now that they cleared the air between them... Aadhira couldn't really hide her excitement anymore. Her gaze was brimming with excitement though she tried her best to contain it within her and not jump around like a monkey.
"Tonight,"
Aadhira who was already planning on what to pack for the seven day trip nodded absentmindedly before her mother's answer could fully register in her brain.
"What?!"
It took her roughly 2 hours to pack up everything that she needed for this impromptu trip- thanks to her mother's "early" warning.
Before Vivashini could start knocking on her door and start nagging her- Aadhira had already dressed up in her favorite windbreaker and jeans; her whole person was only a minute away from visibly trembling in excitement. "I'm ready, dear mother. Let's go!"
Vivashini who was still sitting on the couch with a magazine in her hand- looked up to see her daughter standing in front of her with a travel backpack on her back and holding a luggage in another.
"We'll be staying there for a week,"
"Yes. And?" The puzzled tone in Aadhira's voice made Vivashini take a deep breath to calm herself down.
"Is it necessary to bring so much?"
"Of course they are. I wouldn't have packed them otherwise,"
Seeing the narrowed eyes of her mother and realizing that she's indeed on the verge of getting an earful; Aadhira swiftly lifted the right palm of her hand as if she's swearing an oath. "I solemnly swear that everything I have packed is actually essential and nothing wasteful,"
Vivashini was about to say something to this incredulous daughter of hers when the sound of the doorbell ringing grabbed the both of their attention.
Both mother and daughter shared a look with each other before Vivashini decided to open the door.
And just as she guessed it, the deep voice of a young man gently greeted her. "Hello, auntie...,"
"Tharan?" Vivashini asked, her eyes gradually widening as she took a good look at the young man standing before her.
Nodding his head with a gentle smile, Tharan asked about Vivashini's wellbeing and everything before the old woman remembered to invite Tharan in to sit.
"Dhira... please bring Tharan here a drink-,"
"No...no, it's okay auntie. We will have to leave in a few minutes anyway..."
"Right.... right.. how did I forget about that," Vivashini chuckled to herself. "Didn't your mother come along too?"
"No. We'll be picking her up after this since it's just a one way road from there,"
As they chatted, Tharan loaded everyone's bags at the back of the van before inviting the mother and daughter to take a seat in the van.
"Oh, yes… I forgot to mention that apart from us- there would also be another person staying at the mansion too,"
"I… didn't you say that you booked for only two families? They didn't scam you for more money did they?"
"No, auntie... of course not. It's just that the other person's and our booking coincided accidentally. Since, it's a no refund policy and there are a lot of rooms in the mansion…we decided to just compromise this once," at this point Tharan turned to look at Aadhira who was sitting by the window; her gaze fixed upon the blurring trees and cars as the van sped down the road. "I hope auntie and Dhira wouldn't mind,"
"Of course, not. Stuff like this always happen, right?" Vivashini emphasized the 'right' as she gave Aadhira a look- her signal for her daughter to open her precious mouth and say a few words about this matter instead of sitting still and looking out the window like a statue. "Yes, don't worry... we won't mind,"
Vivashini could only sigh to herself helplessly when she noticed the indifference in her daughter's voice.
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The rest of the journey to Myrvelk Island was nothing but a torture session for Aadhira who always had preferred quiet comfort; thanks to her mother's best friend and Tharan's mother: Gunasunthari's enthusiasm after seeing her.
The last Gunasunthari met Aadhira in real life- the girl was still a 10 year old child. Even though she had kept in touch with Vivashini through video calls- she had rarely communicated with Aadhira thanks to the girl's reclusive nature.
Of course she didn't mind it much. She understands that it's just the way Aadhira operated ever since she was a kid.
But could anyone blame her for wanting to know more about her best friend's daughter? Especially when her only son's been crushing on the other person since their childhood years?
"So… what are you doing now, Dhira? If I'm not mistaken, you should be in college now… isn't it?"
Aadhira nodded her head once as affirmation, "Yeah, I'm in my Sophomore year at Trizynex University… majoring in History,"
"Wait… history? So, this trip must be invaluable to you, right?"
Aadhira was momentarily stumped by Gunasunthari's question; silently watching from the backseat as this aunt of hers shot a meaningful gaze at the back of the passenger's seat. A coy smile appeared on her face for a few seconds before Gunasunthari cooled her expression before looking back at Aadhira.
Humming an acknowledgement; Aadhira could only shift in her seat to ease her nerves.
Thankfully, Gunasunthari has no interest in pursuing the matter and diverted her attention to Vivashini instead. The best friend duo who had been separated for so long spent the entire journey catching up with each other- leaving their children to their own devices.
Soon the group of four caught the ferry which will take them directly to the Myrvelk Island where the private property of the Mansion from Vaeryan Empire located.
And during this entire four hour trip- from the van to the ferry; Aadhira could confidently say that she had done her best to mingle along with both Tharan and Gunasunthari. She even warmed up with the mother-son pair enough to show some semblance of excitement in front of them.
After all, she does need to spend quite some time with both of them during this entire staycation and if it really wasn't for Tharan- she may not have the opportunity to visit the Vaeryan Empire's mansion by herself.
So, when Tharan took the bags from her hands- Aadhira quietly accepted the man's goodwill and even shared a few words with him.
The journey towards the mansion itself felt like a fever dream for Aadhira as she quietly watched the vast ocean surrounding Myrvelk Island.
"The Mansion's owner will be picking us up from here and directly taking us there. Is that okay with everyone? Or do you guys want to visit any other places before heading there?"
"I don't think anyone here is in the mood to go out and play right now, Tharan dear..," Vivashini said, though her lips were upturned in a mischievous smirk. "Especially your mom… If she stood under the sun any longer- she really is going to become charred meat,"
"You! Who are you calling charred meat?!" Gunasunthari slapped Vivashini's shoulder with such force till the loud resounding 'paa' sound gained a few looks from the other tourists near them.
Vivashini gently massaged the sore spot on her shoulder- her face slightly twitching as she winced and muttered "Cruel woman," under her breath.
Gunasunthari's red face under the scorching heat became even more redder with Vivashini's taunt. But before she could properly 'refute' her best friend in her own special way; a black van suddenly parking in front of them stopped her actions.
"Hello. I'm Yoga, current owner and your tour guide for this entirety of the trip-,"
"Owner?" for the first time after a long while,...Aadhira, the quiet spectator of the group asked out loud as she openly scrutinized the young woman standing in front of her.
The nameless mansion is Aadhira's obsession ever since the first news about its discovery came out several years ago. She had been closely following all information obtained from the research of this place.
Researchers of the Archeological site had confirmed that the mansion had been clearly abandoned before the purge of Vaeryan people actively began by later civilization to free themselves from the curse.
Although some commoners may have escaped the purge and somehow blended themselves with later generations- it couldn't be said the same for the socialites, merchants and the royals.
It's practically impossible for these lineages from the Empire survive at the time; not to mention to leave behind an heir to continue their family tree line.
And surely a mansion of this scale wouldn't be owned by a commoner who somehow escaped.
"Yes, Ma'am.. I claimed the rights for the mansion after it had been discovered and took care of its care and maintenance all this while," Yoga said, her voice was just as gentle and calm as her round eyes. "So, let me help with your bags… and we'll head directly to the mansion. Of course, if you have anywhere you might like to visit- that would not be a problem too,"
"Not for now, Ms. Yoga. The mansion's fine," Tharan took the lead to answer before grabbing his mother's luggage and his own before heading to the trunk of the van and neatly arranging them with the help of a man who had a white button down shirt and slacks on.
After arranging everyone's luggage once again, everyone took their seat in their usual arrangement though this time Tharan had to sit at the back with his mom and others as Yoga will be taking the shotgun position.
"By the way… this is Vinod, our driver and if there's anywhere you would like to go in the coming days- feel free to use him as you please,"
Vinod in the white shirt who was already fastening his seat belt at the driver's seat lifted an eyebrow at Yoga's introduction- his annoyed gaze being pointedly ignored by the other person. Still, Vinod gave the group a friendly smile. "Hello, everyone. Just like what our boss said… don't hesitate if you want to go anywhere, okay? I promise I know all the nooks and crannies of this Island like the back of my hand,"
"Are you born and raised here, Vinod?" Gunasunthari asked, her voice dripping with curiosity as she looked at the somewhat innocent looking boy who looked like he just finished high school sitting in the driver seat with his gaze fixated on the road.
Only Aadhira, watching the entire conversation from the back seat noticed the subtle glance Yoga threw Vinod's way.
Involuntarily it made her frown; though for what reason… she couldn't exactly tell.
"No, Ma'am. I'm from a distant town… far from this Island actually. If it wasn't for my kind hearted boss… I would most likely end up becoming a beggar on the streets for a good part of my years," Vinod emphasized the 'kind-hearted boss' in his words as he shot a grateful look at the silent Yoga beside him.
It moved the heart of the two old ladies sitting behind them.
After another few minutes of chatter- where Vivashini and Gunasunthari took turns to ask questions about the suitable visiting places and Vinod answering everything without losing his focus once during the driving; the black sleek looking van had already entered a long driveway with thick but well trimmed bushes lining either side of the path elegantly.
Immediately, Aadhira's heart began to pound against her chest as excitement began to thrum in her nerves. She couldn't bother with any information her mother and friend was trying to glean out from the young driver.
Even Vivashini noticed the way her daughter suddenly sat up straight- her gaze fixated beyond the van's window with a smile on her face.
She could only shake her head; amused by Aadhira's eagerness.
Soon the van came to a stop in front of what appeared to be a huge driveway… right in the middle of a water fountain where a stone statue of seven headed snakes were sprouting water from their mouth and a few steps of stairs which lead to the interior of the mansion.
It looked nothing like an abandoned; horror-stricken building like what it first appeared to be in the news- though Aadhira could tell with certainty that the building and design of the outside of the mansion had preserved its Vaeryan Empire's aesthetic.
Compared to other discovered buildings which were damaged beyond repair; the size of this mansion was relatively smaller and seemed to be quite isolated from nearby towns.
A hidden paradise.
"I officially welcome everyone to Nirvana Mansion- the last and only standing building of the Vaeryan Empire," Yoga said, her hand clapping once to get everyone's attention in front of her.
"All of you will be led to your respective rooms by two assistants who we have specifically arranged to care for your needs during your stay here. All of them are fully equipped with the basic knowledge of the Mansion's history, so if there's any question… you can just ask them. The workers including the driver and myself will be staying in the east wing of the mansion- so, if you do need us for something we're always nearby to give you our aid,"
"Also, several parts of the mansion are still under various degrees of repair… so, don't be surprised if your access to certain places is denied. Your assigned assistant will brief you about the rooms or spaces you wouldn't be allowed in during the tour later. As for when you'll like them to show you around- that entirely depends on you,"
"You have my phone number with you, right?" This time Yoga looked at Tharan who was listening to her instructions whole heartedly with a serious expression on his face. Noticing that Yoga had asked him a question, Tharan instinctively nodded his head before taking out his phone to check Yoga's contact information. "Yeah… I do,"
"Then if you need me for anything… I'm just a call away. Hope everyone will have a great time here. Farewell," Before leaving, Yoga turned around to look at the two women standing behind her who were wearing similar attire to the driver who drove them. Giving them a nod; Yoga swiftly turned around to enter the mansion without even introducing the supposedly two assigned assistants.
The two women shared a look among each other; their gaze filled with both exasperation and amusement before schooling their expression to be more friendly and approachable.
"Hello, I'm Shuana and this is Jyothi. We'll be your assigned workers. We'll lead you to your rooms now-,"
It didn't take long for both Shuana and Jyothi to arrange other servants to take all of their luggages to the rooms and personally lead the four of their guests in the direction of the grand staircase winding up to the second floor.
From the pristinely clean marble floor with a huge ornate design in the middle to the glass chandelier hanging on the ceiling- Aadhira drank in every little detail she could find like a parched man stumbling upon a pond.
She admired the antique vases standing proudly on top of a long circular table, with neatly arranged flowers- the little trinkets both from the past and present displayed proudly in some or several places;
Aadhira felt like she had gone back to a time she deeply longed for but hadn't realized it herself.
As she excitedly followed behind her mother and the other two, Aadhira failed to notice the shadow fleeting past on the third floor of the east wing which had stayed and observed the group's interaction all this time.