Venue

Kumari was dazzled when she saw the exterior elegance of the trade centre building up close. The glass facade was brilliantly illuminated in the night and glittered like a gem in the dark. Her eyes hid a rare innocence and sparkle, as they hurriedly moved from one point to the other.

It was if Kumari wanted to take the whole scenery into her eyes, at once. She felt as if she was in a completely different world looking at the people around who wore expensive and elegant clothes served by people who were in professional uniforms. Kumari even spotted many foreign tourists and expats who seem to be perfectly at home. Even though Kumari had seen some foreign tourists before, it was her first time to see so many people in one place.

Kumari failed to remember that she did not look any less extravagant than those people around her. Her clothes and jewellery did not lose to any other. Aditya made sure of it. He hoped that these clothes would work as a shield to Kumari in this place, and would also help her to blend in easily.

But still, Kumari's habits or the lack of a familiar environment made her a little nervous. It was rare for Kumari to feel this kind of uneasiness as she is, usually, strong and confident in her outlook. Her hands held her bag tightly as she gazed at Aditya, who was at the back, from time to time. The presence of Aditya was the only thing keeping her from having second thoughts about immediately leaving. The water jets shot from fountain nozzles were illuminated in many colourful lights and created a spectacular display. The sparkling water and it's intriguing paths soothed Kumari's mind as she slowly got into the mood.

There was a huge black banner on top of the Trade centre with a white symbol of Eiffel Tower in its middle. It was displayed to show solidarity with France's misfortune for the collapse of Eiffel Tower in the last week. Such banners had appeared in many places around the country and the world. Aditya heard Jatin mention that Anupama's birthday party was also based on French theme including decoration, music and cuisine.

The party was planned in a lounge at the very top of this trade centre, on the 31st level. The place offered an excellent view of the city, being one of the tallest points in the urban landscape.

Kumari's eyes opened wide when she entered the three-floor-high atrium as she was impressed with the internal grandeur. Once they entered the building, all the sounds from the outside were cut off entirely, and the silence felt odd to Kumari. She heard the noises originating from her heels amplified many times, which made her conscious about the pattern of her steps.

A small murmur was enough to be heard by people around. Kumari was used to all kinds of noises in this city, except complete silence. Even in their school library, one could hear distant sounds from the traffic outside the school building.

Kumari looked around the place at the fabulous decorations full of grace and the exquisite furniture. A few people in suits were sitting in the distance in couches, which looked grand. Some maids were serving them drinks.

Aditya and others were greeted by a beautiful hostess dressed in an elegant, blue saree. She politely smiled at them. Bhadra seemed to be familiar with her, as well. The hostess greeted and led them to the elevator.

The elevator was walled with transparent glass. Kumari gazed at the city as the people became smaller. She couldn't take her eyes from the view. Even though Aditya conversed with Bhadra and Jatin, he kept an eye on Kumari.

After observing her for a while, Aditya felt that it was a good thing that he accompanied Kumari when she came to this place for the first time. This trip would help her gain experience and broaden her perspective. As he was here, Aditya could make sure that she did not make any wrong choices.

Ting!

As the elevator door opened, a magnificent lounge came into view. The whole place was richly decorated with all kinds of exotic flowers. Aditya knew that these flowers were not locally sourced, and should be imported from Europe. His mother had also sourced these flowers for some special orders. According to Aditya, a handful of these flowers would be perfect for gifting on this occasion. His eyes widened when he saw that these flowers filled the place as if they were worth peanuts.

Aditya leaned towards Bhadra as he asked, "Wouldn't it be a problem if the Chief Minister was found celebrating her daughter's birthday in such an extravagant fashion? Isn't it the same as giving a chance to the opposition party to flare about the possible corruption in the government? I don't remember Anupama's birthday being celebrated in this way, last year."

Bhadra smiled as he said, "have you forgotten that Anupama has a father also? I heard my father say that Anupama's father, V.V. Acharya, had struck gold in Europe in the last few years. He made some valuable contacts and has returned to India with a full load. V.V. Acharya seems to have the idea of launching a new industry for manufacturing a new fuel. The fuel that has been in the news, lately."

"It is Anupama's father, who is responsible for hosting the event. Also, Anupama is turning 18 years old and is becoming a major. It counts as an important event in her life. She can now drink, vote and even get married." Bhadra laughed as he winked at Aditya. Anupama was a year older than Aditya.

Aditya shook his head when he heard the latter half of Bhadra's words. He did not remember Anupama mentioning her father hosting such a massive event for her birthday, in the dream world. Aditya could be said to be the only person in this whole world who knew Anupama from inside out. He knew that Anupama, in her childhood and teenage craved for nothing but her parents' attention and care.

Anupama, in her thirties, confided her childhood thoughts with Aditya. She would laugh about how foolish she was to nurture the hope that her parents would start caring for her again. So, if her father had celebrated her 18th birthday in such a way, she would have mentioned it.

So, Aditya could confirm that this party was a consequence which was influenced by the Organisation or Tya. He favoured the Organisation's influence as the main reason as the effect of Tya was only limited to him and a few people around him.

This theory further strengthened his confidence in achieving his purpose of coming to this party. Also, from what Aditya knew about Anupama's father, this show of affection was mixed with some ulterior motive. Aditya even knew that the present Anupama would definitely fall for this gesture. V.V. Acharya was a successful businessman in the dream world as well, but he never cared about Anupama. Aditya did not delve too much about on this issue, as he was here to take care of things.

But the talk about the new fuel also sparked his interest. As he had heard about the 'modified Hydrogen Fuel' from Maahi as well as his 'Silence Is Not Golden Here' group in the dark web. He knew that the fuel was made by microorganisms, which were genetically modified. Although the process of this fuel manufacturing was pretty straight forward, he knew that the genetically modified micro-organisms could only survive in some unique environment.

Aditya also wanted to get his hands on these species, as he had envisioned his 'secret laboratory' being powered by this fuel. He knew that his laboratory would require astronomical amounts of energy and a simple solar plant covering a few hundred acres would not be enough.

Aditya would have to draw supply from the electrical grid. Even though he was prepared to pay the amount, the consumption had high chances of attracting unwanted attention. No other source was as simple and effective as this eco-friendly fuel. Its utilisation would close any loophole through which his lab could be discovered.

Jatin, who was overhearing the conversation, chuckled and said, "Even if Anupama has attained marriageable age, it's not like Aditya could marry her. Have you forgotten that males have to wait for 21 years to get married, let alone Aditya is a year younger than Anupama."

Before Aditya could steer the conversation into another direction, Kumari butted in as she asked with sparkling eyes, "What! Does Aditya want to marry Anupama? Then, what about elder sister Hamsa? Aditya, are you cheating on elder sister Hamsa? If so, I have to notify her."

"This little devil..." Aditya cursed under his breath. He knew that Kumari was screwing with him. He pulled her by the hand towards the venue, " Kumari, don't mess up." Bhadra and Jatin grinned as they followed them.

The venue was on the rooftop, and the place had a stunning ambience. Many guests had already come and had taken their respective positions. Not one of them was from an ordinary background. Some people, who appeared to be security, cast their eyes on Aditya's group. They retreated their gazes as they couldn't find anything unusual.

Aditya and others were checked before they entered the building, but more security guards could be seen everywhere. The number of VIPs coming to this event was no joke, and the security was having a hard time. Some guests recognised Bhadra, Kavya and Jatin as they all hailed from prominent families, and nodded at them.

The sky was clear, but only a few stars could be seen in the sky. It was because of all the light pollution in the city. Aditya remembered that in his childhood, he would sleep before he was able to count the number of stars. And now, the number of visible stars was on the tips of his fingers.

But in return, you get a beautiful city view with bright colours. The place overlooked a tree-fringed promenade alongside a placid lake. Kumari had been silent since Aditya had held her hand. Usually, she would protest and even beat up Aditya if she felt like it.

But now, for some reason, she liked the feeling of Aditya holding her hand. Kumari did not want to disturb the moment by speaking or struggling. Kumari also unconsciously held Aditya's hand firmly as she gazed at the city. All her worries and insecurities seemed so far away and small.

"Beautiful," Kumari muttered as she looked at the city.

"You should see Dubai and then, maybe you won't be so impressed anymore," Jatin said as he drew a cigarette. He leaned on the railing with his back to the city.

Kumari smiled as she asked, "Can you view Bangalore city from Dubai?"

"No"

"I like this view, partly because of the beautiful landscape. But for the major part, its because I have grown up in this city. This city has become a part of me and has grown along with me. With all its defects and hurdles, this is the only place which I can call home. Maybe, one day, I will visit Dubai and other great cities, and enjoy the view. But, I am sure the feeling won't be the same. I will be a visitor, a tourist in those places. But here, I am a part of this place." Kumari replied in a calm voice, as she continued looking at the scenery.

Aditya's eyes twinkled when he heard Kumari's words. Of all the new philosophy that Kumari was spouting, this felt the most authentic and from her heart. Kumari was getting better at this.

Jatin, who was lighting his cigarette, stopped, as he turned back to look at the city. Kumari's words got him to look at the city with a new perspective. Jatin nodded a little as he lit his cigarette.

"Hear, hear. Wow, I did not think that Kumari possessed such exquisite thoughts," Kavya said as she held Kumari's hands. "Come, I will introduce you to my friends. Anupama should be coming any moment now."

"When will Anupama come?" Kumari asked as she looked at Kavya. Before Kavya could answer, the whirling sound of an engine intensified as a black helicopter came into view.

Kavya smiled as she replied, "there she is."