Drops of water cascaded down the leaves of the plant, seeping into the blanket of soil.

Gauri watered the Bramha Kamal's plant, Rudra's gift. She had been taking earnest care of it.
"I have a gift for you."

A smile graced her face. It was difficult to believe that she was the same Gauri who never looked at boys back in college, though being their centre of attentions. Never had a male friend and now two new additions in her list of friends which once only consisted of Radhika's name. Rudra, never had she ever come across someone like him. His looks, his charm, his personality; everything was so mesmerising. His chocolate eyes blended with golden flecks which were rarely visible, seemed to dance with mirth. Always looking around, searching, exploring. A restless soul that was what she concluded about him. Yet there was something about him that was soothing. The indescribable regal power radiating out of him only added to his strong persona.

She rummaged through her book case in order to arrange it. An unfamiliar book toppled down her case. She picked and checked the cover.

"That's mine. I forgot it here," Gauri's mother, Savitri claimed.

"I didn't know you read anything other than Science" Gauri teased, "Anyways, it seems interesting. Let's see what's inside." She opened a random page. It was filled with quotes but her eyes were drawn to one particular quote.

"His appearance in reality, a hidden masquerade."

- Justin Bienvenue

She touched the words of the page, seemingly to absorb its meaning. A frown appeared on her face. Her encounter with the strange woman in Mahadev's temple flashed in front of her vision.

.
.
.

"I am late because of you. Were you eating a ship?" Gauri whined. Radhika rolled her eyes. Both were on their way to the campus and yes, on Chetak. It was finally back to its old cheerful and easy going life.

"I am not Robot Chitti; speed one terahertz, memory one zettabyte. I am human, babes. Unlike you I need food for energy. It is another matter that today I ate a little more," Radhika spoke with a pout.

Gauri saw her antics through her rear view mirror and sighed. They stopped in front of police barricading. The tight security was ensuring the obstacle less journey of the convoy of never ending cars. Probably, some politicians were passing by.

"Our very own CM and Home minister. They won the elections again. If I am right, this is their consequent sixth time as a rulling party, 'Navonnati party'," Radhika explained, "My dad says, the CM is just for namesake because ultimately all the powers are exercised by the Home minister also, the head and founder of Navonnatti party, Vijayendra Pratap Rathore. Anything and everything done in this state is operated by him and why not. He is from royalty and people regard his family as god."

Gauri looked at Radhika awestruck by her deep knowledge in politics. "Wow, why didn't you opt for Political Science?" Gauri asked teasingly. Radhika shushed her with a glare.

.
.
.

Navonnatti party's headquarter was full of hustle bustle.

The ministers welcomed Vijayendra Pratap Rathore with flower garlands.

Different important personnel congratulated him. The party workers chanted his name in pure adoration. The current CM stood by his side greeting all the members. After gracing his party members with his powerful and enthusiastic words, he and his trusted members assembled in the restricted meeting room.

"I want all the reports from each and every election booths. Lists of MLAs who won and losses of our important seats," Vijayendra ordered his secretary.

"Excuse me, sir, but there is an important issue that needs your attention. We lost this seat to an independent candidate. He is becoming quite popular there," his secretary said showing him some data.

"What? How is this possible? That seat was unmistakably bound to be won by our MLA. Who is this new candidate?" Vijay asked controlling his temper.

"Sir, his name is Devendra Raj. A new entry in politics. He is receiving undivided attention of youth and is connecting with them well."

Vijayendra rubbed his temple while walking out of the office. His guards opened the door of his car. He gave few sets of instruction to his secretary.

Suddenly, few cars halted in front of him, his guards were alarmed and attentive. Out came a tall and well built young man who didn't appear to be more than 25 years old, sporting a trimmed beard and moustache.

"Sir, Devendra Raj," Vijay's secretary whispered. The young man covered the distance between him and Vijay with powerful strides. He joined his hands and said, "Khamma Ghani (greetings), Vijayendra ji. I'm Devendra Raj. Although judging by your facial expression, I don't think I need to introduce myself further."

Vijayendra replaced his momentary lapse of rigid mask with a cordial smile. "Of course. Congratulations."

"Thanks, you too. However, this is just a small achievement. I have a long way to go. Isn't it? This is just an auspicious start," Devendra replied with a smirk.

Vijayendra scrutinized him with steeled eyes. The hidden meaning was evident to him, this man, certainly, wasn't here for a pleasant chit chat. Vijay smiled and said, "Indeed you have a long way to go. If you require any support, our party is there for you."

Devendra laughed humourlessly, "That was very generous of you, sir. But that's not why I'm here. Actually I want to inform you that you should forget about that seat. It's mine and I plan keep it that way in future."

Vijayendra smirked. "You are very new here, boy," He mocked. "But you impressed me. Coming here and... it's not everyone's cup of tea. I hope we remain friends in near future. And about that seat, consider it a welcoming-gift from my side." he walked past Devendra towards his car.

"Ah, Mr.Rathore," Devendra called out. He knew Vijayendra was a seasoned politician unlike him. That no where meant he was any less. He too had his own closet of skeletons, waiting to be filled. He wouldn't let Vijayendra win this discussion. He would make an impression worth a remembrance. "I have heard your son is back after 10 years long separation. That's a really long time. Was it due to your conflict or..." Devendra left the sentence hanging in between them, mirth shinning in his eyes.

Vijayendra's head snapped towards him, his eyes shooting daggers at him, "That's definitely none of your business. And I don't understand the interference of an outsider in my family matters. Raghuveer, move," he ordered Raghuveer, his loyal guard who himself was glaring at Devendra. Devendra gazed at their departing cars with an enigmatic smile.

.
.
.

"He said what? Hmm. Thanks, Kako sa. Looks like I need to personally wish him for his victory," Rudra spoke to Raghuveer and cut the call, ignoring his pleas of non-involvement.

Rudra chuckled, moving down the corridor of palace.

.
.
.

Rudra sat with his ankle rested upon his knee. One hand splayed over the headrest of the sofa and elbow of another resting upon the handle, looking every bit of a king.

Devendra sat infront of him with an emotionless mask, piercing Rudra with his eyes. His few supporters stood at the corners.

"Nice house. Cozy and homely," Rudra spoke breaking the silence.

"Why are you here?" Devendra asked, narrowing his eyes.

Rudra laughed, "Come on, what type of question is that? Of course to congratulate you. You took that pain for my father. It's just a little payback," he whispered out the last part
"In fact, I think you were eager to know about me."

Devendra relaxed back on the couch. "Trust me, Mr.Rudra, I have a good knowledge about you," He uttered with a smile.

"Oh, is it?" Rudra pretended to be surprised, then an unamused smile occured.

"Coming to the point Mr.Devendra Raj. I, personally, support the leaders who work for the people irrespective of their party. The matter is that, there are very few of them. You have youth support, that's remarkable. You do your work, the rulling party is there for their people. I'm sure you know how the development ratio of Rajasthan has witnessed a jump in these past years. I think you will be contributing more. But...but if I detect any foul play, let's just say situations might become difficult for you."

Devendra leaned forward, "Are you, by anyway, threatening me, Mr.Rudra Pratap Rathore?" He questioned.

Rudra leaned in, imitated his gesture, "Absolutely not. Just advising as your wellwisher," Rudra answered smilingly. He walked towards the exit.

"And Mr.Devendra, one thing you must know. Till Rudra Pratap Rathore is alive, the shield between his family members and enemies is on. If you know what I mean," Rudra spoke without facing Devendra and finally exited. A puddle of emotions created on Devendra's face before a smirk spread over his features.