Chapter 13
Sevavann
Part Three
“I thought I’ll see those magnetic roads, with cars flying above it,” Manya said.
“They were indeed cool, but the majority wanted these. Those magnetic roads are now only used for races,” Vidyut said.
“Races, Like Formula 1?”
He smirked. “Nothing like that.”
They approached a junction with two distinct paths. One path appeared normal, with conventional roads, while the other was more intriguing. The second path had a striking black and orange pattern in between the road, through which cars were passing.
Her gut churned with an odd sensation as they passed through the gates. Lesser than a second, she was on the path much closer to the castle. From afar, the castle seemed to be on the same level as the rest of the surface, but now it was hundreds of feet in mid-air. The reflection of the alluring infrastructure was easy on eyes, amid the decoration.
Vidyut stopped the car near the entrance, attached to endless steps of stairs leading to heaven.
“Can’t we fly the stairs?” Manya said.
The moment they exited the car, it turned into particles and flew into Vidyut’s ring. It was captivating. However, it won’t prevent the long walk to the castle.
“Flying beyond is restricted during events,” Vidyut said. “But I can always carry you.”
“I can’t risk the health of my driver, Can I?”
Their faces lit up with smiles.
***
Her jaw dropped. She was at the top of the stairs with a single step. “What trick is this?”
Vidyut chuckled. “Access to normal stairs is restricted to natives below 18 years.”
“Why?”
“Till 18, lives of natives are controlled.”
“What about 2 or a 3-year-old?”
“Only those who can’t crawl may have the support of their parents.”
“Who is this king of yours? How can he torture kids?”
“See over there,” he pointed at a bunch of infants crawling their way up the stairs. The surface there was smooth, but they weren’t losing grip. One of them was laid on the back, drinking milk from a bottle and using his feet to push upward, with little to no effort. They all were smiling. “Even if they accidentally fall from here. They won’t die.”
“Let me guess,” Manya said. “Steps fly to grab them?”
“No, there’s a teleportation layer beneath steps. Look!”
Even he just had explained her. She rushed to save the baby from the fall, but blocked by a partition. A few seconds later, the baby who had just fall appeared inches above another baby, got a free piggy back ride until the baby beneath with pacifier shoved him away.
“What the hell is wrong with this world?”
Vidyut laughed. “Come.”
Once again, unknowingly, Manya had wounded Marina; made her rush inside with his lackeys.
The sheer size of the castle left her in awe. To get a glimpse of the castle’s towering heights, she had to tilt her head to its limit. It was a testament to the majesty, where everything seemed larger than life.
“If you don’t mind, can I ask you to hold my arm?” Vidyut said. Her eyes narrowed in doubt. “Only to raise my dominance at workplace.”
It was difficult to deny such a charming gesture. As they neared the entrance to the castle; thousands of smiles and waves from the surrounding people turned them into the centre of attention. It was a dilemma; whether to focus on people or vibrating Vidyut.
He showed a pass, probably the invitation to the evening’s event. Does she need one? A single pass should be enough for two individuals. At least on Earth. “Right?” she said.
“You said something?” Vidyut said.
She smiled and denied.
Even in such an extravagant place, the path was divided into three; two for people like her and the bigger, middle one for rich. Vidyut’s mansion and servants and cars weren’t enough to enlist him in a rich category.
A guard stopped them. However, it wasn’t both of them, but specifically her, that the guard had addressed. The guard instructed her to go from the path in the middle, one that appeared to be almost empty of any security measures, unlike the others and meant for individuals with… noble blood. “He’s with me,” she said.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
A winning smile crept Vidyut’s lip. With butterflies crawling in her stomach, she took a step on the empty but intense path.
“You must be Vidyut?”
They both turned towards the voice. The newcomer, dressed in lavish formal attire, but his coat was draped over his shoulder and a cigar in his fingers. This was a person of considerable means and influence and with no sense of age. In mere seconds, Vidyut’s heartbeat wrapped her arm. Concerned; she tightened her grip.
“Yes, sir,” Vidyut muttered.
“You are a talk among the staff,” the man said, “a man with a perfect record. I always wanted to meet you.” They shook hands. “Who is this beautiful lady with you?”
It was weird for someone not to know her after seeing such attention. Since she had arrived on this planet, they were all over her. Was he belittling her?
“She’s Ira,” Vidyut said.
The man’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh.” He raised his arm. Will he kiss my hand too? “I am Taro Watari. Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ira,” his voice soft and clever. And to her relief, he didn’t kiss her hand.
“The feeling is mutual,” she said.
The man placed his hand on Vidyut’s shoulder. “It’s nice to see a hardworking man like yourself.”
The wealthy man departed, leaving her alone with Vidyut, who seemed distracted by his hand and shoulder.
“Who was he?” she said. It was enough to break his enchantments.
He laughed, full of excitement. “Who was he? He’s the owner of OWLs!”
Her brows arched. “How can someone own birds?”
“Not birds, OWLs, Osamu Watari Legacy, manufacturer of my ride.”
“So what if he’s a bit rich?”
“A bit rich. He’s the 6th richest person of Sevavann.” He again scanned her hands. “And I met him!”
“If you still want me to hold your arm, better move,” Manya said.
Similar to the narrow alley from today, there were no photographers or any media. Upon reaching the entrance, they came across multiple sizable doors and a flight of stairs with unique steps. Mostly the non-rich kind used the stairs, which flew them as they stepped on it. While the rich ones were using an entrance with golden borders and red hue in-between.
Stepping inside, they entered an expensive path leading to a massive door to an enormous hall. “Ballroom?” she said.
***
Inside the ballroom, the music of different instruments enveloped her ears. The ballroom was filled with a crowd wearing a futuristic spectacle, with accessories emitting a radiant glow, highlighting the wearer’s ego. Amidst the countless styles, there was a woman whose hair was connected to a green, vine-like design with flowers also covering her neck and shoulders. Her eyes searched around to glimpse an alien species, but the hall was occupied with just humans.
“Are aliens or beings from other planets aren’t allowed here?” Manya said.
“It’s a private event,” Vidyut said. “And Yajvan doesn’t like the interference of outsiders in such an esteemed event.”
“Will he come to this event?”
“Not likely.”
It was still hard for her to believe that Atharv belonged to such a world. Even with her memories intact, she doubted to be something more than a clerk here. Experiencing so much colourful limbs and hair around, having golden blood wouldn’t be anything special.
Everyone was enjoying the dance or event; no talk or hint of Pre-Initiation process. The earlier it had started, the sooner she could leave and look for Atharv. By the corner, gulping down drinks were Marina’s lackeys, and she was busy gossiping with a group; peeking at Manya. And it wasn’t just them; she had become the centre of hundreds of gazes of all types: stern, pity, excitement, jealousy.
She looked at Vidyut. “Are you, like, the most eligible bachelor here?”
It took him aback. “I-I don’t think so.”
“Then why am I a target?”
He took a sip of faint grey liquid. “Because you are the most… trending person online. In a poll of unranked. You were the only one—who seemed worthy to achieve purple rank.”
“Purple rank?”
“You’ll learn about it sooner.” He extended his arm and gestured towards the dance floor. “One shouldn’t make your fans wait.”
“Fans?” She looked around, and the people present there were busy with themselves. “Where?”
“Wherever the live feed is running.”
Avoiding the crowd, she walked to a corner. She didn’t know how to dance, and he has asked her to perform? People would remember this Pre-Initiation Day as the day a famous newbie embarrassed herself in front of future high-ranking officials. Only person who would gain something would be Vidyut, for helping the poor girl.
“Are you ok?” Vidyut said.
“I won’t dance.”
“You won’t, or you can’t?” He moved closer. “I will be there with you.”
She took a few steps back. “I won’t—”
A spotlight fell on her. She wasn’t the only one, confused; but the only one who couldn’t accept the change.
Vidyut held her hand, and his mouth approached her ear. “Not dancing now will be far more embarrassing than dancing bad.”
Excitement enveloped the entire ballroom. Manya prayed to Krishna for help in mastering a dance style she had only viewed as entertainment.
Taking a deep breath and holding Vidyut’s arm, she greeted strangers, and walking as slowly as she could without losing the grace. Her heart racing, hoping that Vidyut doesn’t feel her nervousness.
As the spotlight disappeared, the magical ballroom glimmered around her. Igniting a desire to dance, but she hesitated, fearing that her lack of dancing bone would lead to embarrassment. Few eyes among the crowd were scanning her outfit. With only one misstep, she could become breaking news.
A familiar sensation crawled across her skin. She stopped. She had believed they had removed the SL, but now it seemed like it might still be on her, and the sensation was even more confusing as it appeared to be moving on areas that were covered. Despite her efforts to control the tickling sensations, a few giggles eluded her lips.
“You, ok?” Vidyut said.
“… Yes, just excited to be a part of such a beautiful event.”
They arrived at the centre of the ballroom.
“What now?”
“Now. We dance,” Vidyut said.
With the music, Vidyut started the first dance pose, and to her surprise, her body responded almost instinctively, moving in perfect harmony with his.
They moved with precision and grace, as if they were attuned to each other. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and their performance drew the attention of most of the surrounding couples. What the f…?
“And you were nervous?” Vidyut said. His hand a warm support, guiding her effortlessly.
“A new planet. A castle out of imagination. A crowd who looks up at me. How can I be nervous?”
The energy in the room shifted as the dance continued, with whispers and gasps of amazement filling the space. The crowd became absorbed by the captivating spectacle.
“You know what’s common?” He moved his face closer. “I was with you all those times.”
“… There’s a fine line between hope and suffering, Mr. Vidyut.”
Vidyut’s eyes remained locked on her. His friendly gaze has turned into a gaze of a hunter. Not even a complete day of friendship and he was harbouring thoughts of profound or superficial connection. “A smile will be enough to capture their hearts,” he said.
With each twirl, the chemistry between them grew stronger, creating an enchanting and magnetic aura that seemed to captivate and even irritate those around them. Memory of the dance with Dhruv fell out through her blurry eyes. She blinked rapidly, fighting back her tears.
Vidyut slowed down, and with a final shared smile, their dance reached its conclusion. A wave of emotions swept through the crowd. The applause began, a gentle rustling, like the whisper of leaves. But in no time, it grew into a resounding symphony of appreciation, echoing through the room. Her surrounding filled with smiles, nods of approval, and the unmistakable glow of admiration. Amidst the appreciation, she longed for a glimpse of her beloved mamu—smiling at her—or recording her performance, or teasing her that it could have been better. Thank you, Krishna.
