Revati sat across from Rahul, her face a conflicted canvas of disbelief, yearning, and quiet pain. The morning sun crept gently through the window, bathing her features in soft gold — but nothing about her mood was light. Her eyes were locked on him, searching for answers that weren't easily spoken. She wanted to believe him. She really did. But the tale he had spun — from slaying beasts to owning entire businesses — sounded too fantastical to be real.
Rahul sat quietly, letting her emotions rise like the tide. He knew this moment would come. There was a clear divide between his actions and the narrative he had presented to her — and Revati was trying to bridge it with fragile trust.
He finally broke the silence with a soft smile. "The hotel and restaurant," he said, "are under your name now."
She blinked in disbelief, unsure whether to laugh or cry. "What…? Rahul, why would you…?"
"I know it's sudden," he interrupted gently. "But it's done. You're the owner now."
Revati's lips trembled. "I don't want any of this! I didn't ask for any of it. I just want—"
"…Me to stay?" Rahul finished, tilting his head with a soft grin.
Revati looked down, cheeks tinged red. She nodded, whispering, "Yes… just like this… forever."
It was a heartbreaking moment wrapped in affection. Rahul reached over and took her hand.
"I'm leaving tomorrow morning," he said softly.
That single sentence shattered the calm. Revati's eyes welled up instantly. "Why? Why now? Where are you going?"
"To the zamindar's palace," he answered. "The lord has summoned me. He must have a job in mind. He wouldn't have sent such extravagant gifts if he didn't."
"But… what if it's a trap?" she whispered. "What if he tries to hurt you? He has many soldiers. His palace is well-guarded."
Rahul gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I've already fought eleven of his men, Revati — and a sloth bear — and I'm still here. They couldn't lay a finger on me."
She reached forward, pressing her fingers against his lips to silence the ominous words. But Rahul, ever mischievous, kissed her fingers before she could pull them away. Her blush deepened.
She tried to steady her heart, asking him about his return. He could only offer vague assurances. "I'll write to you. I promise."
The morning of his departure was painted in muted greys. Even the sky seemed reluctant to let him go.
Kalidas arrived to see him off, and Revati stood quietly beside the carriage, a veil of sorrow draping her usually radiant face. Despite the long embrace they had shared before stepping outside, her expression bore the weight of goodbye.
Rahul turned to Kalidas. "Help her manage the business in my absence," he said.
He handed Kalidas a pouch containing 1000 gold coins. The man's eyes widened, but he nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, sir."
Kalidas hesitated, then asked, "What about the brick house we built after her hut burned down?"
Rahul's eyes lit up. "Oh yes! I almost forgot. Give her the keys. It's hers now."
Kalidas beamed. "As you wish, sir."
Before stepping into the carriage, Rahul took Revati's hand again and led her a short distance away, out of earshot.
Mr. Prabin Chandra Roy watched them from afar, visibly uneasy. The sight of a high-born man openly touching a woman from an untouchable tribe would have triggered outrage under normal circumstances. But under orders from his lord, Prabin swallowed his distaste.
Rahul spoke with calm conviction. "I'm heading into the unknown, Revati. If I gain wealth and power, great. If not, I still have this business set up for us. Kalidas will help you. The new brick house is ready too. Everything's in place."
He paused, gazing into her eyes. "But more than anything, I need to know you'll stay strong. I need to know that when I fall, you'll be there — steady, unshaken."
Revati's eyes, wet with emotion, hardened into resolve. "Yes. I can. And I will."
But then she remembered something and frowned slightly. "Wait… You said… your woman?"
Rahul gave her a sly grin. "Yes, I did."
She squinted. "And what exactly do you mean by that?"
"I think you know."
"Oh, I know what you meant."
"I'll get your answer when I return," he said with a wink. "For now… goodbye, my dear."
Revati blushed furiously but smiled as she waved him off.
The carriage rumbled forward, horses whipped into motion. They passed through crowded markets, muddy outskirts, then into the wilderness — a trail of dust in their wake.
The journey took days. Each night, they stopped to rest, built bonfires, cooked meals, and slumbered under star-strewn skies. Rahul tried making conversation with Mr. Roy, but the man was cautious and spoke little. Whether due to introversion or secrecy, Rahul couldn't tell.
On the fifth day, the city's inner walls came into view. It was a different world. Paved roads, cleaner surroundings, better architecture — everything spoke of wealth and order.
Eventually, they arrived at the zamindar's residence.
It wasn't quite a palace, but it was grand nonetheless. Massive outer walls made of brick and limestone enclosed a sprawling estate. Iron gates stood tall, flanked by archer towers and musketeer posts.
The path to the main residence was lined with gravel stones. On either side, lush gardens bloomed with fountains, mango trees, parrots, rabbits, and even tortoises near a small waterbody. Rahul drank in the scenery, nostalgia hitting him like a wave. It was everything he had read about in novels — regal, poetic, and alive.
Guards approached. One of them kept staring at Rahul. Recognition clicked. It was the soldier he had spared during an earlier encounter.
Mr. Roy returned after speaking privately with the guards.
"Our lord has traveled to the king's court. He won't be back for a week," Roy said apologetically. "But you are to stay here as an esteemed guest."
Rahul looked toward the grand building, then back at Roy.
"No. I'll stay elsewhere," he replied. "I have errands to run."
Roy was clearly disappointed. "At least allow some guards to accompany you—for safety."
Rahul smiled. "That won't be necessary. I'm safer alone."
It was clear both men knew the guards were more for surveillance than safety.
Roy sighed. "As you wish…"
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🔥 Coming Up in Chapter 14:
The hunt for truth leads Rahul to a smoky den called "Pyaasa", where drinks are poured and secrets spill faster than liquor. Behind the bar stands a man who knows everything—and sells it for gold. But not all truths come cheap… or without consequence. When history, politics, and bloodlines collide, will Rahul still hold the upper hand—or uncover something that changes everything?
👉 Gear up for revelations, betrayals, and bold moves. Drop a vote if you're thirsty for more. 🍷🔥