It was another busy day for Aditi as she sat in Dr. Wadhwa's clinic going through her patients. She had been here since morning. Usually, her time here served to calm her down. But today she could not shake her anxiety. Last night's incident kept troubling her mind. Her sister had never looked so happy. And Vivaan had never given her such single-minded attention. It was only a matter of time before he'd make his move. Or maybe something was already on, she just didn't know it yet.

As usual, her fingers reached her bare neck, restless, seeking the reassurance of her mother's locket. But there was nothing for them there, the delicate string they were looking for was missing. She wondered where it was. Like the many other things she had lost that night, the locket too was gone forever. It would probably be lying somewhere in the muck, mangled and dirty, being trampled by tourists and wild animals. Like she had lain that night, broken and befouled, changed beyond recognition. She would not wish such fate for anyone, least of all her little sister.

Her hands shook as she picked up her mobile and dialed home. Luckily it was Kanta Chachi who answered the phone.

"Chachi, is Nehal home yet?"

"No Aditi." Chachi sighed. "It's been a long time. Even I am worried."

"Did she say where she was going? Or when she'd be back?"

"No. She left in a hurry." Aditi chewed her lip.

"Did you...see her leaving? What was she wearing?"

"I think it was another of her red dresses." The answer came after a brief pause. Aditi swallowed.

"Thanks, Chachi. Please call me when she is back."

Ending the call she closed her eyes. It seemed the wheels were already in motion. She had to act before it was too late.

*****

"I am here to scout land for a stud farm. And I also think Palampur has great potential for medical tourism." Darsh smiled broadly as he stated his reason. Balwant Sharma watched as the boy told him about his business plans. He was not a boy really, no more than his Susheel was. The same height, frame, same intense dark eyes, even the deep baritone he used to make his case reminded Balwant of his late son. It was surreal.

But he was lying. He was not here for business, of that Balwant was sure.

"But why Palampur? You are from Delhi. I'm sure you'll have many lucrative opportunities in Delhi itself. Why such interest in a remote place like Palampur?"

"I came here for a holiday, Mr. Sharma. The racing season here is famous all over India. I think a stud farm here would most definitely be profitable. And as you said, the place is beautiful. Rich Indians and foreigners would pay through their noses to come here for luxury treatments."

Balwant pursed his lips. The boy was a smooth talker, just as he had been informed. Young blood, whose meteoric rise to the top had been a hot topic of discussion in many circles. Balwant himself had not been a part of those circles for many years now, but a couple of calls was all it had taken to retrieve the necessary information. Darsh Rathore, the new star on the property horizon, was a go-getter. Some called him ruthless, some called him fierce. Many admired him, and others feared him. Everyone was wary of him, and most importantly, nobody wanted an enemy like him. That was good. He was just the kind of man Balwant needed at the moment to counter Vivaan Raisingh.

"Your idea is good." Balwant smiled indulgently. "But I was not born yesterday, boy. I know you are not here for a holiday or business. All you have done since when you arrived here is follow Aditi. So stop lying and tell me what exactly you want." Darsh licked his lips. His eyes flickered to the window, then out of the door where Balwant's men stood guard.

"Umm..you're right. There is something else," he started hesitantly.

"I am listening."

"I..might be interested in your granddaughter." Darsh gulped. Balwant smirked. Now they were talking. He was wondering when the boy would come to the point.

"You are saying you like Aditi?"

"Yes."

"How long have you known her?"

"Four days." Balwant gave a wry chuckle. It was funny how often the boy reminded him of Susheel.

"And what about her? Does she like you?"

"Umm...I don't know. Maybe not." As expected, the boy was clueless. Balwant curled his lip.

"Well then. The matter is settled."

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"But I'd like to try," Darsh added hastily. "That is why I suggested the stud farm and hospital. It would be good to spend some time together. I'd like to...convince her, with your permission."

"You mean you want to woo her, with my permission, in the guise of a business proposal?"

"Yes." Swallowing hard, Darsh nodded. "I think that's about the right way to put it."

Balwant smirked. He had the boy where he wanted him to be. Darsh Rathore would help him get rid of Vivaan Raisingh. And God willing, if Aditi agreed, there would be someone else to look after her. His own days were numbered. His Susheel was long gone, Mohit was too young. And he had no expectations from Ravi. Darsh Rathore was his last hope.

"Fine. You can try your luck," he said with a faint smirk. "You have until the end of your lease. If you're not successful until then, don't bother to extend it."

*****

A few miles from Hunter's Cottage, in a secluded riverside villa, Vivaan Raisingh sat on a sofa with the girl in his lap. Her thick hair tumbled over his face as his teeth sunk into her neck. A whimper of pain escaped her lips as she tried to move away, but he tightened his grip, keeping her in place.

"Vivaan...I have to go now. Di has already called so many times."

Vivaan smirked. Ten times, to be precise, and there were innumerable texts. Aditi had been trying to reach her since morning, in between her patients, whenever she got a breather. Unfortunately for her, Nehal was stuck with him, unable to move a muscle without his consent.

"Some more time, sweetheart. I can't have enough of you." Pulling her closer, he worked harder, eliciting sweet moans from her lips. She was all over him, and he couldn't wait to get inside her. Alas for him, his grandfather's warning was fresh in his mind.

"Don't get too handsy. And keep your trousers zipped."

Vivaan grimaced. Handsy, he already was, he just couldn't help it. And he didn't know how long he could contain the bulge in his pants. For a moment he was back in the library, with another girl pressed to him, ripe and taut, ready to pluck. He should have taken the chance then, tasted her while he had the opportunity. Shaking his head he adjusted his position. That girl had never left his mind, not since that library episode, not ever since their childhood.

"Vivaan..please. It's late. I have never been out for so long before.."

"There's always a first time for everything, my love. And Aditi stays out all the time. You should learn something from her."

Silencing her mouth with his, he worked her soft spots. Her protests soon subsided as she gave in to his demands. She was too submissive. So soft and mushy, he could as well be cuddling a pillow. There was none of the fire of her wilful cousin, neither the lithe body nor the taut curves. How he wished it was Aditi and not this dumb girl. It would be much more fun taming the wild than this.

"Next time, wear a peach dress," he commanded when he was finally done. The sun had nearly sunk and Nehal had gotten his permission to leave for home. "And for God's sake, stop wearing red all the time. I am getting sick of it."

The girl gave him a half-puzzled, half-scared look. Then nodded unsurely.

"Vivaan, you love me, right?"

"Of course, I love you, Nehal. And I'll keep loving you forever, just remember to be a good girl like you have always been." The girl's face brightened, then fell again.

"But what about Di?"

Vivaan shrugged. "What about her? You know I have to marry her, Nehal. Our grandfathers decided it long back. But don't worry, it'll always be you who I love."

"But..why can't we marry Vivaan? Di doesn't even love you." She whined and Vivaan smiled. Her jealousy was a wonderful balm for his bruised ego.

"You know my hands are tied, sweetheart. Grandpa is adamant about this marriage, I can't go against him. I have to marry Aditi to keep him happy. But my heart will always belong to you."

Pulling her closer he pecked her lips, then tied a golden bracelet around her wrist. It had both their initials engraved on it. V and N. Nehal looked delighted, her gripe a second ago completely forgotten.

"Thanks for coming." He mumbled insincerely, stifling his yawn. "I was feeling so lonely."

"Anything for you Vivaan. I'll be there whenever you need me."

Vivaan shook his head. Her stupidity was her only saving grace. The girl had practically fallen into his lap, he never knew it would be so easy. She had been there for him from childhood, it seemed, waiting for him to take notice. All this time when he was promised to her cousin, Nehal had harbored a crush on him, secretly wishing for Aditi to go away so she could take her place. And yesterday, by some miracle, she got her wish. He had finally noticed her, kissed her, and granted her wish.

Vivaan smiled as he waved her goodbye. His needy kiss on the spur of the moment had led him to an unexpected discovery. And not a moment too soon, he needed something drastic this time to make his point to Aditi. His days of hurting servants and horses were over. He had to hit where it hurt the worst. And Nehal was an apt target, readily available, at his service.

*****

Half an hour later Balwant Sharma left, followed by his men. Darsh let out a sigh of relief. He had a feeling of being neatly led into a trap. Only he had walked in willingly.

The man was shrewd. Too shrewd, too dangerous, and too close to the truth than he would have liked. Admitting the real reason for his visit would be near suicidal. It would lead to uncomfortable questions, then to his brother's shameful deed. And then there was no telling what'd happen next. It won't matter that Vicki was already on his deathbed, the man would seek retribution. There would be further punishment. His life, his business, his family everything would be at stake.

He needed an alternative. Something that would suit the changed circumstances and protect the interests of both parties. It had to be a believable excuse. And what could be more believable than what the man already suspected?

Not that it was the untruth, he thought wryly. Now that he had said it aloud, he had no trouble admitting it to himself. He was attracted to her. Or rather, enamored was the right word. She had possessed his mind right from the first moment he set his eyes on her. Haughty, proud, and beautiful inside and out, she was unlike any he had met before. He was lucky he hadn't acted rashly and harmed her. He would have only scuppered his chances. And this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Excitement bubbled in his tummy. This was going in the right direction. Tomorrow. He would start tomorrow. He still had twenty-six days left. Not that he needed that many going by his previous record. But this new challenge was too important to lose.

Whipping out his mobile he made some important calls, first to his mother, then to his business partner Rajeev. Preparation was the key. He had no intention of extending the lease on this cottage. But neither did he want to leave Palampur in a hurry.

***** *****