Chapter 27
Happy Anniversary (a)
”How much do you love me, papa?” She stretched out her arms as much as she could, stumbling back and landing on the floor. “I love you this much.”
“Hmm, how much?” He stretched out his arms in a similar fashion. “This much.”
Even he wasn’t the perfect family man that everyone thought him to be. An imposter.
Arnab found himself in a new predicament. While the rest of the world moved forward with their affairs, he was stuck in past, the day of the fair.
The announcement of Piya and Kabir’s performance didn’t catch his attention immediately, having been distracted with a work-related text message, but the more he thought back, he believed to have heard her full name.
Piyashree Jaiswal.
A set of old photos lay in his lap, hidden by the large desk in his home office, in case he had visitors. Could it be, that she was his little princess? Was he given a chance to reconcile with her?
But she would have recognized me.
It could all be a staggering coincidence. Even if her name was the same. But if he could latch onto this one hope that she was truly his daughter, he would ask for nothing else.
His fingers glossed over the faces of his Piyashree and Sugandh. He made a mistake, and they both had to pay for it. They became the sacrifice for absolving his infidelity.
I’m sorry Sugandh. I couldn’t be there for our daughter. Or you.
He pulled out his phone and scrolled down the endless list of contacts, to one number he hadn’t called in years, but still kept saved. He spoke a silent prayer, that the number remained the same. This was the only connection he had; the two moved elsewhere after Sugandh’s passing and left him unable to find out where.
I need to know.
His thumb shook as he pressed call. The tremors spread throughout his hand, phone shaking against his ear. The dial tone looped several times, before disconnecting.
He tried again. Several times. Hope faltered as he considered the number was no longer his.
He tried one more time.
Should I leave a message?
“Hello, Praveen. It’s.....Arnab. I know it’s been a while, but I wanted to-“
His message was cut halfway as the sound of a phone being picked up interrupted.
“Have you no shame? What do you want now?”
Praveen’s vexation towards Arnab never really went away. But the tone caught Arnab off guard. His own voice came out in stutters.
“I just....Piya..”
“How come you suddenly remember your own daughter after 13 years?”
“Where is she, Praveen? I want to talk to her.”
“She’s not here right now. Whatever you want to say, tell me.”
“I just want to talk to her. Or meet her in person. Anything. Please, I beg of you.”
“If you were there that night, then you wouldn’t have to beg to see her.”
I know. I know. He shut his eyes, grinding a hardened fist into the desk. It was one of the biggest regrets of his life.
“I know I made a huge mistake. And don’t mind if I’m never forgiven for it. I just want to see her. Just tell her, her papa is waiting for her in Dehradun.”
There was a tensed silence from both ends.
Praveen cut the call without another word, leaving Arnab in more skepticism over the identity of this girl. He pressed the phone into his forehead.
“Sir?” One of their house servants entered the office with a black envelope in hand. Arnab quickly shoved the photos into a desk drawer and composed himself.
“From the Raichand House, sir.”
He nodded and took the card, dismissing the servant. The invitations were, by then, distributed across the city, reaching the hands of humans and supernaturals alike.
As Arnab shared the arrival of the invite, the Dobriyal house exhibited a mixed share of emotions towards the party, arguing about whether or not they should attend.
It was mainly Misha versus her parents.
“Mumma, I don’t want to go. That moron Abhay makes my blood boil.” She held her hands in the air in front of her, pretending to strangle him. She shut herself in her room in hopes to convince them that she wouldn’t budge.
“You don’t have to talk to him, Misha. All your friends will be there, and I’m sure Siddharth and Mandakini would appreciate your wishes.”
Misha frowned and hugged her knees to her chest. She actually liked the two of them, just not Abhay. Stupid, arrogant Abhay.
“God knows how he’s related to them.”
“Misha-“
“Ugh mumma, you’re so......” She stood up and brandished a pillow, hugging it against her chest.
“What’s cooking between mother and daughter? Hmm?”
Arnab entered Misha’s room as a result of the commotion, twirling the invitation between his fingers.
“Nothing.” Madhu pulled Misha’s ear. “She doesn’t want to go to the party.”
“How come? Let me guess, did you fight with Abhay again?”
Misha rubbed her ear, looking away. She nervously swallowed.
“No....”
“Misha...”
“Okay fine. We did. If Piya didn’t stop us, I would’ve punched his face in.”
“Piya?”
“Yes Piya. My friend. And out of nowhere, his friend too.”
“What’s surprising about it? Piya is a very sweet girl. See, how fast she made friends with all of you. Right, Arnab?”
“Of course, she’s very sweet.”
Such was the contrast between the two girls. And yet they could be sisters.
He held his expression, once again thinking of her. Even if Piya turned out not to be his daughter, he could only hope that she turned out the same as her. He loved Misha dearly, but her behavior was troublesome at times.
“Well, we have to go. It’s only courteous.”
“Fine, I’ll come. But papa, please don’t act all weird with them. It’s embarrassing.”
“Yes, Arnab. I was going to say the same. I don’t know what happened between you and them but I’d prefer if that hatchet was buried. I’d like to have a proper conversation with them for once.”
“I’ve done nothing of the sort, but alright.” He held his hands up in defense. The Raichands and their oddities were the least of his concerns right now.
I need to talk to her. At all costs.
——————————————————————
Witches and warlocks alike, after their truce with the vampires centuries back, couldn’t care less for territorial nonsense, and chose to settle wherever they pleased. Maya’s family lived just within the borders of vampire territory.
Abhay carried the bottle of wine as a gift, a peace offering to Maya’s mother. He admired the house as he walked by, taking a liking to its natural aesthetic. The dark oak doors were covered in tangles of vines and leaves, and smelled of freshly cut wood and a hint of citrus. He knocked thrice.
The lioness herself answered the door, with a snide smile.
Age played a weird factor in these relationships. Actual ages put them all a reasonable distance away from each other, but physically, Maya and her mother could be mistaken for sisters.
“Abhay Raichand.” She eyed the bottle of wine in his hands. Expensive, therefore to her tastes. “What brings you here? I believe we were to meet later tonight. At the party.”
“Maya didn’t tell you?”
Maya teleported to the door as soon as her name was mentioned, taking the bottle from his hands and giving it to her mother.
“He’s here to see granny, Mom.” She hugged her and looked at Abhay. “Come in, Abhay.”
“Thank you.” He replied, smirking at the fuming woman. The last thing she would do was get friendly with a vampire. Danish being a potential son-in-law irked her more, pulling every vampire into the crossfire.
Maya’s home was filled with the presence of powerful magic, credited to her grandmother. The illustrious witch was known for her bookish knowledge and collections of spells, from all over the world, kept neatly in her library. A library that definitely caught Abhay’s envy. Even if he couldn’t utilize what could be read, the pleasure of reading for pastime remained.
“Granny!” Maya called, knocking on the large set of doors down the hall. Abhay stepped back, feeling the talisman in his pocket vibrating in contact with the magic just behind the door. Not in an attracting fashion, but repelling.
Maya’s grandmother opened the doors, greeting Abhay with a smile. She always maintained a poised beauty, even with the mention of age.
“Ah Abhay, you’re here. Please, come in.”
He gestured her first, with a thoughtful smile.
“After you.”
They walked side by side into the library. The room on the outside may have been of normal size, but the actual interior was stories higher. It smelled of the musk of old books and the singe of candle wicks. The doors closed on their own, the chandelier above flickering on.
She put her dark grey locks into a neat bun and pushed a hairpin though it, turning to Abhay.
“How can I be of service? Maya told me it was urgent.”
“Yes, I....”
Abhay pulled out the talisman from his pocket and dangled it between her eyes. The stone pulsated against the energy in the room, moving on its own and away towards the door. It was trying to escape.
Her expression changed to that of worry.
“That energy....don’t tell me...”
Tragedies of a past war and enemy came to to mind. Abhay couldn’t give her any worse news.
“Unfortunately, you’re thinking in the right direction.”
She took the talisman into her fingers, wincing at the power it contained. The corrupted energy zapped her fingers like pricks from a needle. It fell to the floor, lying motionless. Abhay picked it up and placed it on the table between them.
“I need to know what spell is contained in it. The inscription might be enough to say, but I am not versed in the language. Maya pointed me to you.”
She nodded and swirled her fingers over it, forming the characters of the inscription in the air, to make them easier to read without having to touch the thing.
“It’s more or less, a cloaking spell. I expected something more omened, if I am to be honest.”
Is that why I couldn’t see Jeh with Piya?, he thought. And the human scents?
“How long have they been here? And why?”
“I know very little. A member of the main council informed me just recently.”
“Oh dear. This is unprecedented.”
“Please stay on the lookout. So far they’ve only been seen in our territory, and at Pandher. We don’t know their exact goal, but we can guess they are collecting power.”
“Of course.”
She sat in a chair and looked at Abhay. If they knew he was here, they would make him their first target.
“Hearing this from me is probably nothing new, but you must make sure they especially don’t get to you.” She explained. “Your soul is its own breed of powerful.”
“And as such it’s harder to kill me. I’m not too worried. They’ll have a hard time.” He smirked.
She managed to laugh and poured them each a glass of her own stash of wine.
“You seem different, from the last time I saw you.”
Was happier the correct term? More open in conversation?
“Do I?”
“Your soul and its essence too....” She stood up and pressed her palm over his heart, muttering a quick spell. The colors of his soul surrounded his body. The lights in the room extinguished as the dark purple tendrils shadowed them. “It’s trying to go somewhere, find something.”
She pulled her hand away, and smiled. Abhay’s nature was a secret to no one. He probably knew, but wouldn’t say. It was up to the other person to guess.
“You’ve found your soulmate, it seems.”
“You figured it out, huh?”
“I’ve seen it happen with a lot of people. You just make it more obvious.”
He looked upset, contrary to usual behaviors of elation and joy. Finding one’s soulmate was a cause of celebration, not mourning.
“Something tells me you’re not happy about it. Why not?”
“Our circumstances are much different. She’s.....human.”
He felt cheated. Nature made a mockery of this broken man. Creating such a soulmate for him, who he wanted far away from this world as much as possible, but close to him, just as much.
“Oh? Human, you say?” This took her by surprise. Human soulmates were rare for their kind. “Will she be at tonight’s party?”
“She will.”
“Wonderful. I really must see this phenomenon for myself.”
——————————————————————
The Raichand mansion was decorated to blend the interior with the lush gardens outside. Mandu specially decorated the hall, stringing small corsages onto silk tapestries across the walls. Scented candles of vanilla and cinnamon alternated at every corner and door. Guests from all over the city filled the otherwise quiet mansion with festivity.
The grand piano was shifted downstairs, sitting in the center of the floor, along with other musicians in the back.
Siddharth enjoyed a slow waltz with Mandu to the tranquil sound of the musical ensemble. Other couples joined in, but they were in the spotlight. Scintillating in a dark red sari and maroon colored sherwani to match, the two reminisced of their first meeting.
He pulled a small rose out of his pocket and tucked it in her hair.
“Just like old times, na?” She said. “Only missing your awkward expressions.”
“Because you laughed at me. I was embarrassed.”
“And bold for giving me a rose only minutes after our first meeting.”
It was the first time Siddharth ever visited the palace, along with his father. Mandu was in the garden with the queen, seated amongst the maids. Taken by her beauty and smile, he had given her a rose from one of the bushes while their parents talked of diplomatic matters that didn’t interest him at the time. She laughed at him, leaving him with puffed, red cheeks, and not without plucking the rose from his fingers.
They saw the memory together, and she laughed just like she did that day.
“But it worked out in my favor. I’m the one dancing with you all these years.” He said, touching foreheads. “Are you happy?” She smiled and nodded.
“As long as you’re here with me, I’m happy.” 303 years and counting. She peered around the numerous faces. “Where’s my sweet brother-in-law?”
“Simple answer. I’m with my lady love, and he is with his lady love.” Siddharth winked. She giggled and playfully smacked his cheek. “Unless you’d prefer Piya walk here by herself.”
“No never. I’d bring her myself if he refused.”
Abhay, as they spoke, was already waiting outside Piya’s villa, leaning against his car, arms crossed. He soaked in the light of the full moon, rejuvenating his energy. It would be a busy night for him, coordinating the party while the celebrated couple enjoyed themselves.
The blinds moved behind the front window.
Looks like she’s ready.
She emerged wearing a baby pink and white lehenga choli, her hair left undone and kept to one side. The cloth swept by her ankles and hugged her curves, accenting the blush to her cheeks. Pastel colors suited her.
Angelic. That’s how she looked.
“Do I look okay?” She asked, voice shaky. She tried to adjust herself, unsure of her appearance. Abhay looked dashing as usual, in a black and gold embroidered sherwani. They both were under the misconception that they had out-dressed the other.
“You look beautiful.” He said, in all innocence. She blushed and looked down, hiding her chagrin.
“I don’t want to look out of place.”
“You won’t. Don’t worry.”
Abhay opened the passenger door for her and helped her sit, making sure the dress didn’t get caught in the door. She wore an artificial scent, irking the sole admirer of her natural scent. He much preferred it to the strong perfume she had chosen.
The beast agreed with him for once, but for different reason. The smell of her blood was masked because of it.
Perfume? Really, Abhay? This is what you’re stuck on?
Piya could see the lights and hear the jamboree from her place, her fascination growing as the car made its approach. One party already ended terribly; it shouldn’t become a track record. Abhay felt her tension and glanced her way.
There were little grounds to use this power of his. And certainly never on her. But whatever he thought of her, it was only positive emotions. Instead of pain, they would soothe her.
She stepped out before him, staring at the large crowd in the gardens and breaking into a sweat. Abhay stood behind and let control slip, hoping the manifestation of his emotions towards her would be enough to help her relax.
She felt the tension wash away, like she was floating on water. The stress headache she gave herself vanished as well, a subtle warmth spreading from her chest. She felt like someone was embracing her and healing her from the inside.
She looked back at Abhay. He put his hand in his pockets and walked beside her, escorting her inside. Some of the other vampires took note, gossiping amongst themselves about the human girl who had captured their leader’s attention.
“Piya!” Mandu waved, rushing forth to give Piya a hug. Siddharth followed just behind. The dancing continued in the background.
The two looked amazing, matching with each other to the last thread. It was a crime to look that good.
“Happy anniversary!” She said, with a big smile.
“Thank you very much, Piya.” Siddharth replied. Mandu brushed Piya’s hair.
“Are you doing alright?” She asked. She wasn’t able to talk to her directly since the day of the fair. Piya nodded.
“I’m okay.” She blinked once, slowly, in reassurance.
“Good,” Mandu replied, parading Piya around with her for some time, and leaving Siddharth with Abhay. He got right to teasing.
“Your own wife just ditched you. Looks like she’s sick of you.”
“If she was sick of me, we wouldn’t be married for 303 years.”
Abhay faked a cough.
“8....8 years.”
“Blasted fake number.” He frowned. Abhay took two drinks from a server’s tray and stuck one into Siddharth’s empty hand.
“You seem to be in a good mood. What’s the occasion?”
“Nothing special. Just someone’s anniversary.”
“I can’t wait to use that line on you.”
“Keep dreaming.”
Abhay stared off to the side, distracting himself with the incoming guests. The Dobriyals were next to arrive. Misha immediately joined Piya’s side, throwing her arms around her in a hug.
“Actually, tell Mr. Dobriyal 303 years. I want to see him freak out.”
“Please don’t fill my anniversary party with his conspiracy theories, Abhay.”
His eyes followed Arnab carefully, making a keen observation.
He looks bothered.
Siddharth left Abhay behind to greet the family. To their surprise, Arnab greeted them properly, but then stagnated in general conversation as he stared point blank at Piya. Abhay noticed and positioned himself between her and Arnab’s line of sight. He peered into his thoughts.
So he’s has his suspicions about her. But does she know?
Piya wasn’t too happy to be the object of his attention, excusing herself and dragging Misha with. Abhay wasn’t keen on inviting them to begin with, given their history with Arnab and the recent fight with Misha, but Mandu insisted.
Arnab was itching to ask her about her identity. She wasn’t the same girl, right? He just needed to talk to her, that’s all.
——————————————————————
“You’re not mad at me?” Piya asked Misha. The group camped out near the bar, watching the dances. She pulled Misha aside for a minute while Kabir and Ruhi talked between themselves.
“That is literally impossible, don’t worry dude. It was a stupid fight anyways.” Misha glared at Abhay, who looked back and smirked with his usual arrogance. “Moron. Is he really sweet? I don’t see it.” She took another drink from a passing server, emptied it in one shot, and placed it on the bar counter.
“I swear. He’s just really good at pretending he’s not.”
“Hmm...”
Piya’s phone buzzed, interrupting their conversation.
Mamaji?
She spoke to him a week or so ago. While his calls weren’t a surprise to her, something felt off about it one. She walked to a secluded corner of the hall and answered.
He sounded worried.
“Piya dear, are you busy?”
She looked around. Everyone was busy with the party. She could spare a few minutes.
“No mamaji, tell me. Is everything okay?”
“Is...Arnab there? In Dehradun?”
Piya paused, her phone nearly slipping out from her fingers. She never told him that she found Arnab here, then how did he find out?
She looked at Arnab for a brief second.
Does he know who I am? Did he contact mamaji?
“Piya?”
She closed her eyes and spoke. It was best that he know the truth, for his satisfaction.
“Yes, he’s here. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to worry you.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’m sure you had good reason. He called me two days back, out of the blue.”
“For what?”
“He asked for you.”
She sighed and suppressed her anger. Twice this man ruined her mood at an event where she wanted to not worry about these things. No wonder he kept staring at her.
“Are you okay there? I don’t want that man causing any problems for you.”
“I’m okay, mamaji. I want to stay away from him anyways.”
“Just take care of yourself, dear. He told me he was in Dehradun and I got worried.”
“I will. Promise.”
She hung up, turning back to see Abhay standing close behind her. He already overheard a majority of the conversation, keeping his own anger under wraps. Arnab kept staring intermittently.
“Are you okay?”
“I think so.”
——————————————————————
This was originally one chapter, but since it was too long I split it into two. Next portion will be up much sooner than usual 😃
Anupamaa
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