In my Devil's Arms

" With blessings of Lord Vishwakarma( God of Engineers) The Oberois cordially invite you to the celebration of foundation laying day for their luxorious resort and Adventure city. RIYA'S HISTORICAL ADVENTURE. Grace us with your presence and bless our new business.

Vikram Oberoi

CEO

The invitations were already diatributed. Numaan's PR firm was handling the event management. A Lavish party was organized.

A mini model of Adventure city was designed onside the palace. It was cleaned and fitted with modern lights. Manav, Tarun and a team of electric engineers helped. Air conditioning was done.

Zoya had set up a mini lawn around the palace a few days back with the help of Lisa. Sonia provided the technical details for it. By now it was developed. Zoya was a society lady. Her arrangements provided icing on the cake for Numaan.

" You have a keen eye", Sonia said to Zoya." Try your hand in design".

" Fashion designing", said Numaan. " She has a diploma in it".

" Then we can do something", said Sonia.

" What"?

" Come with me", she said to Zoya and explained her.

The new work was interesting for Zoya. But this drifted her and Salman apart. Numaan's plan was succeeding as in her absence Aasma walked in. And she and Salman developed a bond of friendship.

The foundation day party was a success.

Guests started pouring in by late evening. Gaurav , Vinod and Vikram welcomed them. Guests ranged from top businessman in Mumbai to press personnels, Bollywood celebrrities, politicians, top professionals from the firld of medicine, law and administration. Professors from History and Archaeology departments from various colleges of Mumbai were also invited.Numaan and Zoya have been creating a buzz in the city for the past few days. Newspapers, society parties, theatres, TV advertisements etc. On a whole the party was a success.

" Please put your hands together for Mr. Ramcharan Oberoi, Professor Pundit Mr. Khedekar and Mr. Pradhan and Professor Gupta as they lay the foundation stones of this Historical Adventure. "

The foundation was laid. Puja was done. Clappings and Congratulations followed.

Riya was introduced then as Vikram's fiancee and the student whose vision and research helped the developing of this resort. Everyone cheered for her.

With her hand in Vikram's she shyly walked on the stage.

" Thank you everyone", she said in a clear voice. " Our country is full of the cultural mysteries. In our day ro day life we don't get time to appreciate this beauty. We also ignore them in favour of more entertaining activities. This project envision multiple missions. To educate our youth and kids in our rich heritage, preserve ancient structures, to provide you an outlet to relax and an adventure to make history interesting. I hope we achieve this not only for ourselves but for our history, for you and our coming geberations. Thank you. And enjoy the party."

The room uproared with loud applause.

" That's our daughter", said Suhasiniji wiping her tears.

" She is", Manav's voice was heavy too.

Suhasiniji and Sonia were now good friends. Riya helped. And now aunty was busy with preparations twice over.

Vikasji said with amusement, " Slow down Suhasini. What's the hurry"?

" Two marriages and no hurry. You men don't know anything", she said.

She was the only lady in three houses. All the three men bow down to her wishes.Sonia's aunt also joined her team. She was the driving force for both the weddings. She whole heartedly accepted Sonia. Vikram on the other hand was different story.

" He is taking my daughter away", was her argument.

Numaan wished them as he met.

" You are stalling marriage", said Suhasiniji in a stern tone to Numaan.

Salma Khatoun Numaan's mother agreed.

" You are right sister. Push some brains in his head", she said.

The women started discussing marriage preparations as the boys slipped away.

" I am still scared of your mother", said Numaan nursing a drink in backyard as he can't drink in front of elders.

" So am I", said Vicky.

" Half of Mumbai is scared of her", said Sharman joining them.

" My mother has joined her team in wedding preparations ", grimaced Gaurav. Attended five dress fittungs last week.

Vinod shook his head in exasperation. Dipti was also the same. Thank God his wedding functions were over.

All the men grimaced. Shopping was one thing they all hated.

Manav shook his head and smiled.

" At least she agreed to the choice of mine and Riya's life partners. Lets begin there", he said.

" Cheers to that" , said Vikram as they clinked glasses.

Meanwhile

" Dr. Khurana is really handsome", said Zoya.

" And funny too", said Riya

The four girls were discussing Dr. Sumeet Khurana.

" And totally engaged too", said Lisa.

Malti was with them. The lively girl has soon won everyone's hearts.

" Such a shame for you two", she said. " Rest of us we are already committed ", she made a face . " To guys who hate shopping".

" Tell me about it", said Sonia. " Manav does not even want to attend his own dress fitting".

" Same", said Malti.

Whenever people talked about partners the automatic face that came to Zoya's mind was Numaan. She would always brush it off.

Alok was standing with his friends Sumeet and Salman.

" You need financial backup to break free from your grandfather", said Salman.

" Yes but how", said Alok.

" You can ask Vikram. He won't deny you", said Sumeet.

" Already they have done so much. To give that respect to baba and Riya helping Vishnu", said Alok. " He kind of adopted us".

Alok knew he was indebted. Vikram had done a lot for him.

" Then you marry a rich girl", suggested Sumeet.

" Sumeet thats outrageous ", said Salman.

Sumeet shrugged.

" Not just for money. I mean he can see a nice rich girl too".

Alok was an uptight person. He had strong values. But desperate situations need desperate measures. The idea was not bad after all. He was of marriagable age. His stepmother wanted him to get married. A nice rich girl would do.

Meanwhile

Riya was exhausted and parched. She went to get some water. Water cooler was in a corner. As she drank water she was alone in the area it was then she heard a creepy voice.

" My love you are here. I traded with devil to have you. Come to your king".

Riya froze on spot. The monster.

" No", she said and ran. She hard a hissing sound and someone following her.

She was really scared.

Vikram was looking for Riya. At that time a wind blew and a wooden structure came down.

"Uff whats this now", he said to himself. It was a chakra.

Sonia loved the four symbols of Lord Vishnu in Dasavtar temple. She mimicked the symbols and put them in a wooden design at this palace. Vikram was now holding the main weapon of the Protector lord.

" Vicky", he heard her frantic call. It was coming from water cooler. Still holding chakra in his hand he ran to her.

By the time he reached her she ran slamming into his chest.

" Aaahh", she cried in fear.

" Riya", he said.

Immediately Vikram was on alert. He sensed evil.

"Vicky", she hid in his chest.

" Ssshh you are fine", he said.

He closed his eyes as air around them smelled like sandal. He has created protection. Then he looked everywhere and finally at cooler.

" The protector", said the creepy voice. " No leave. I am no match for him".

Vicky stopped feeling evil. Riya sensed that evil was in pain.

So whoever it was ran away. He picked up Riya and walked in determined steps.