Intertwined Fates -- An IPKKND FanFic

Another Kind of People

Guards stood at the ballroom entrance, checking invitations before letting the elegantly dressed people in. Looking around, Madhumati would never admit it but she was glad that Payal didn't let her wear the plain Sari she wanted.

As they walked into the massive room that could probably fit five of her houses, her eyes were immediately drawn to the crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. Neatly dressed waiters walked around with flutes of champagne and appetizers and classical music drifted from the speakers. Madhumati's eyes nearly popped out of her head when she recognized an actress from one of her favorite serials.

"Payalia," she whispered. "What kind of people are these?"

Out of our league, Payal thought. Out of my league. I shouldn't be here.

"Underneath the pretty lights and expensive clothes, they're still people, Buaji," Khushi said.

Like the other two, she was also intimidated by the lavish display of wealth around her. However, her job allowed her to see another side of it. In court, she'd gone head to head with both a powerful businessman and coal mine owner, and soon she'd take on a man who could potentially be the Prime Minister in a decade or so.

She knew of the shadows that lurked beneath the perfect facade and because of that, it was harder for this grandeur to sweep her away.

"There's your Akash Ji. Let's go say hi."

"No, he's standing with his mother," Payal hissed.

"And we're here to see her. Come on, Buaji, chin up."

Akash spotted them as they came closer and he smiled widely. He said something to his mother. She turned around with the fakest smile that Khushi had ever seen.

Khushi internally groaned when she realized that Arnav Raizada was with them as well. "Payal Ji," Akash said. "I'm so glad you're here. And you're family too. Namaste, Buaji." She mustered a weak smile in response. "And how are you, Khushi Ji?"

"I'm very well; thank you for asking. Happy Anniversary, Mrs. Raizada."

"Happy Anniversary," Payal repeated. "This is for you." She held out the gifts.

"And these," Khushi added, handing the woman the flowers as well.

"Oh, how nice," the woman crooned. She gave the roses to Akash to hold. "You don't mind if I look at your gift now, do you?"

Now? Payal panicked. She had no idea what was in the boxes but she had to trust that Akash knew what his mother would want. "Of course."

Manorama unwrapped the gift with her name on it agonizingly slowly. Internally she gloated. There was no way that this middle class family could afford a gift that was up to Raizada standards. She wouldn't say it, of course, because then her Akash would be angry with her. But she'd make it obvious in other ways--that Buaji of Payal's looked like she could understand hints well enough.

But Manorama was in for a shock when the wrappings fell away to reveal a velvet jewelry box. She opened it to see a pair of gold-encrusted ruby earrings. "Are these real?" she gasped.

It was a good thing that she didn't look up or else she would have seen the uncertain look on Payal's face, which cleared up at Akash's imperceptible nod.

"Of course, Mrs. Raizada," Payal said. "By the way, your dress is beautiful."

She preened. "I thought it was too plain but Anjali betiya insisted. Of course, I can pull anything off so it didn't really matter what I wore."

Too plain? This rhine-stoned studded thing with a billowing skirt? Buaji could only stare in disbelief.

"Namaste, Maasi Ji," said a young man who joined them.