The teetering shadows of guards fell ahead of Rudra's steps in the never ending dimmed lighted corridor. The vigilant guards bowed deep in his presence. Rudra walked past them without even an acknowledging glance, perhaps the need to attend the matters in hand seemed to be more important as of now.

Doors to the majestic yet dark room opened to give faint sound of painful groans. His most trusted, loyal and ruthless guards stationed in the room instantly dropped on their knees, in submission. Each one of them was known for his valor and implacable strength.

This particular squad of high level royal guards, was the most feared among the rest of the royal families of the country. They had sworn loyalty to Rudra's great grandfathers running through their veins, which now belonged to Rudra. Not because this man was descendent of Rathore's royal blood, rather due to the way he won their minds and souls with his commanding and brooding personality, at a young age. Their young lord had a stark contrast to all the present royalties known.
Extremely witty, unfathomable and... cold-hearted when necessary.

The gruesome image of the man groaning in pain, who seemed to swing between thin string of consciousness and sleep, sent a thrill of sadistic pleasure in Rudra's subconscious mind.

"Bhairav, has he opened his mouth?" Rudra asked. The said man came forward, eyes still lowered to the floor.

"Yes, your highness. He was keeping an eye on you and your daily activities. He sent your pictures and information to this particular number. When interrogated further, he refused to reveal the name of his master. Our investigations led us to trace the number but the ownership details and other information about the number are false. Least to be said is, that simcard was discarded the moment we caught him." Bhairav explained. He hesitated a bit and continued,

"Your highness, he... he appears to carry deep... deep resentment towards ...you. It almost looks like this resentment has been instilled into him thoroughly," he lifted his gaze to see his young lord's face.

A shadow of malevolence fell over Rudra's face. Then, a cold smile stretched on his face.

Bhairav's insides churned with deep fear. It was unreasonable for him to be afraid. He had always looked upon Rudra despite his absence in the country. His gaze shifted towards the creature lying bound on a chair. Bhairav's insides screamed him to rip off the man's flesh and send him to the doorsteps of hell, but he knew better than to disobey his young lord.

However, Bhairav couldn't deter the chilling fear that encompassed him with that one look on Rudra's face. Was it only him or did the temperature actually drop down a few degrees since the young lord's arrival?

"It's good to know, I am so much loved by my enemies. This insufferable dog is our long time guest. Make sure to meet his every demands," Rudra said solemnly.

"All of you, I don't want him dead. Carry on with your interrogation. Inflict every amount of pain and tortures on him that was suffered by my men. But keep him alive. Death is just an easy escape. I want his cries to resemble the cries of their families when they cremated their loved ones. Make him beg for death which only will remain as his unattainable dream."

The guards cried in support. Their eyes blazing with furry and revenge. "With pleasure, your highness," Bhairav muttered.

Rudra strode out of the room. His fingers ran through his long lush hair. Taking a deep breath, he moved down the hallway.

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The humongous study room was occupied by two men. Vijayendra and Rudra sat face to face indulged in a game of chess. So far, Vijayendra was having an upper hand.

"I think all these years in abroad have rusted your abilities" Vijayendra taunted Rudra. Nonetheless, his son appeared to be nonchalant. Vijayendra frowned, "Was it a trap?"

Rudra made a move only to lose his pawn again at the hands of his father's knight.

"Raghuveer, informed me you payed a visit to Devendra Raj. I don't understand why? I am there to take care of that insolent brat. What more could he do? A new entry in politics and thinks he can raise his voice against me. Vijayendra Pratap Rathore. A snap of fingers, that's what I need to do in order to take him down," Vijayendra said arrogantly.

"Never underestimate your opponents, daata. You never know when a harmless kitten turns into a feral cat and... harms you," Rudra continued with a gleeful smile,
"Checkmate."

Vijayendra's shocked eyes moved over the board to find his king castled. He looked at Rudra with an emotion similar to pride.

"I, sometimes, see my father's reflection in you, Rudra. You seem to have inherited him a lot more than me," Vijayendra spoke with fondness. "He was a man who could persuade anyone to commit suicide and then, would walk without an ounce of regret."

"Sounds like someone I would love to meet," Rudra chortled.

"You did. When you were an infant. It was difficult for us to handle you. You would throw tantrums and cry your lungs out but the moment my father used to hold you in his arms, you would stop crying and stare at his calm face with utmost attention. He would just smile and head out with you for hours. My father, his love and compassion for his people and subjects was unfathomable, so was his anger for enemies. I see these qualities in you Rudra, only more refined," Vijay concluded.

Rudra stared at the empty space ahead. Vijayendra tried reading his son's cryptic and inscrutable expression, all in vain.

"Do you like the scorching sun in the middle of desert with no water bodies around and people to interact?" Rudra asked still not looking at his father.

Vijayendra frowned, "I don't think I will particularly like it."

Rudra finally met his father's eyes, "I like it very much. The heat penetrating your skin burning you from inside, parched throat begging for water, helplessness crowding your mind. You have a whole desert for you yet no one, nothing, to call yours. Only you and your loneliness," he said.

Vijayendra sat immobile. "Your words imply you haven't yet forgiven me for the past." He quipped Rudra. The latter smiled and moved his hand to caress the bonsai plant kept on the table.

"You assume a lot, daata." Rudra answered in a dignified way.

Vijayendra slumped back in his seat. After contemplating something he spoke, "I think our party has sprouted some traitors within."

Rudra gently touched a leaf, "When a part of plant becomes virulent, you ought to get rid of it before it starts affecting the whole plant," he said plucking a diseased leaf and crushing it beneath his palm.
"Rest you are intelligent," Rudra completed. Without a word more, he walked out of the room.

Vijayendra stared at the crushed leaf with a smirk.

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The edge of scissors grazed over the stem of plant before snipping it.

Gauri cut out the abnormal part of plant. Beads of perspiration rolled down her forehead. This was a regular duty of hers. She tended to all the plants present on her terrace. The scorching sun was unbearable. She fanned herself with her hands and concluded her activity.

She wipped her face in a towel after taking a bath. Today was a holiday and her family went to a nearby relative for a gathering, leaving her behind. She was engrossed in the thoughts of how to make her day useful, when her phone buzzed with life. Someone read her thoughts, Gauri giggled. She attended it.

"Hello, Rudra," she chirped.