In my Devil's Arms

King Randheer stood tall at 6 feet one of the few who could compare with Vikram in height.

He had a vast knowledge and a sharp brain. Also his business accumen was keen. He was less of a talker which suited Vikram just fine. He was a couple of years younger to his father.

" The palace is around four centuries old if I am not wrong", he said.

" Yes the art and bricks used resonate with the time", said Mr. Khedekar.

" I met the previous owner the king of Vilassa in USA", he said guaging Vikram's reaction. He met with a blank face.

Vikram faked surprise

" Really", he said. Alok knew his profession.

" Yeah I hear its haunted", said the king.

" It was a ploy by local gambling gangs and hustlers to keep public away",. Vikram brushed it off as unimportant.

" Ohh so there is no story", said a beautiful British lady. She was crowned prince Ranbir's wife Jeniffer.

" There sure is ", came a voice. " A story of love and betrrayal."

Vicky looked up at his dream girl.

She walked towards them in a neat business attire. Black striped pants and a maroon button down shirt.Her hairs were straightened and tied in a neat ponytail. She wore gold studs in ears and a simple gold chain. A simple watch was on her wrists. She wore black pumps. With confident strides she walked towards the royal entourage.

Zoya Qureshi accompanied her.

" Your highness meet Ms Riya Sachdeva", said Mr. Khedekar. " Mr. Gupta's apprentice and the one who discovered this ancient site", he said.

" Your highness", she curtsied.

" So a beauty like you in boring history", he asked.

" Its actually interesting like a story", she said.

King looked at her keenly.

" Its a pleasure to meet beauties", said the king. As he looked at her his face broke into a smile and his eyes twinkled.

He took her hand and kissed the back of her palm. She turned tomato red .

Vikram joined them placing himself between king and her.

" She is soon to get her PHD in history. She is really talented", he said putting a hand around her. IT INDICATED HIS TERRITORY. King wisely backed off.

" A story you said". It was crown princess Jeniffer. " Is it a love story". Her husband lovingly embrraced her.

" It is", said Riya. " A tragic one", she said.

Zoya opened a few potraits.

They were of Chandbai. Vicky clenched his fist and teeth.

It was one condition she set of leading the project. That she wants the potraits for display.

" You were not ashamed of parading me naked in front of those men. What shame do you feel now", she said.

" My God she is a beauty", said the crowned prince Ranbir.

" Who is she", asked Jeniffer.

" King Ranjeet's consort and the palace courtesan Chandbai", Riya said with a straight face.

As the royals scrutinized the photograph Vikram's eyes froze and Riya felt like a specimen all over again.

" She looks sad", said Jeniffer. " Her sadness is tangible".

" She was", said Zoya. " The king molested her. She was a village belle. Married too".

" I am sorry to hear that", said the crowned prince.

" What do we know on her", asked the king.

" Not much I am afraid", said Riya. " Just that she was killed by one of the king's jealous wives. He had three".

" Ohhh", said Jeniffer.

In a clear tone she narrated Gunjan's story but only that much of which historical proof was available. SHE WAS EMOTIONAL NOT FOOL.

But her eyes smarted narrating the story. Princess cried freely. Vikram was sulking. His heart felt the pain Riya was feeling.

She showed the other potraits. The war, the figurines and finally they looked at Ranjeet Singh's potrait.

" So he askes for forgiveness and love", said king Randhir.

" Hmm", said Riya.

" He is handsome", said Jeniffer. " I fancy my son should be as handsome as him".

" Hope his moral standards turn out better than this one", Riya said in clipped anger.

" Everyone deserves a chance at

redemption", said the future queen.

Riya stood stunned hearing the same words from her mouth she once said. She and Vikram stared at each other.

An emotional Vikram said, " And that is what guides him your highness and gives him hope to penance and suffer for centuries. A chance: At forgiveness and her love".

" But then a high character is needed", Riya argued.

" About that, if Jeniffer is a child's mother he will have a high character and bright future", said the loving prince to everyone.

His wife blushed.

Vikram liked the prince. He would have fiound it easy to do business with him. He was not an expert like his father but he had eyes only for his wife.

King Randhir on the other hand was a different story.. A taciturn man he avoided direct talk. Plus he gave extra attention to Riya which earned him Vikram's negative points.

A possessive man he remained with Riya like a shadow to her dismay. He would offer her drinks, snacks, fruits, water or just simply hold her waist or shoulders.

A CLEAR MESSAGE TO KING. MINE. BACK OFF.

Riya got fed up.

" Stop following me around like a hound", she said. " I feel stalked and haunted".

" Hound", his lips curved into a smile.

Her eyes narrowed.

He raised his hands.

" I guard what is mine", he said. " The old man is uncovering you with his eyes. I feel like gouging them out".

Her lips opened in an O. Was he really serious now. He gently closed them with his fingers.

" Not hound. A watch dog maybe", he said. " A love sick puppy", he winked.

She rolled her eyes. 🙄

Later Vikram did get a chance to have a word with the king.

" I like the idea", the king said. " An amusement park, museum and a luxoorious hotel. Its unique. One of a kind".

" It was Riya's idea", Vicky said with pride.

" One talented girl", said the king looking lovingly at her.

Vikram clenched his fist.

" About the investment ", he said quieting his agitation. Business he thought.

" I need partnership ", said king Randhir. " A fifty percent".

" No", said Vicky. " For museum and cultural heritage we get in grants from Government. Top entertainment brands invest in amusement park. We need the the investment just for luxorious resort."

" It still will earn you 50% of revenue", said the king.

" You forgot my investment ", Vikram retorted.

" 35%", said the king.

" 10%", said Vikram.

" 30%".

" No deal. I can see other investors ", said Vikram.

" Okay 20%" , smiled the king.

His lawyers already told him that was maximum Vikram is going to let go.

" Deal", said Vikram.

They shook hands.

" So we can look forward to working together in future", said the king.

" Just one last condition", said Vikram.

" Shoot", said the king.

" RIYA IS MY GIRL. SO IF YOUR EYES WANDER IN HER DIRECTION AGAIN I GOUGE THEM OUT AND PLAY MARBLES WITH IT", he hissed.

" Your girl", king looked at her again.

" Didn't you hear me", Vikram increased the pressure on his hands.

The king looked at him.

" I am sorry. I have no bad iintention", he said. " She is like a daughter to me. And you both make a great couple".

Vimram held his hands as he stared into king's eyes.

Well no evil there. His lips curved into a smile.

" Well your highness then we have great future ahead together".

The king laughed out loud. He liked Vikram Oberoi.

" To future", he said.

They clinked glasses.

As if Goddess Saraswati blessed their voice at that time. The men didn't know how interwoven their future was.

The king was Vikram's future and Vikram was his. This story will be written in future but for now it has to wait.

Evil has already crept near them.