:: 16 ::

                                    

                                          
[ Long chapter ahead ]
Ever felt how amazing it feels not to be bounded by words, promises, people and situations? If not then you should start packing your things and go for trekking because, why not?
Just the other day, Prashanth had caught up with an old friend—Adhiraj, a school buddy who had transformed into a young political leader with an almost magnetic presence. Tall, broad-shouldered, and carrying an air of quiet confidence, Adhiraj was the kind of person who didn't need to say a word to capture attention. His mere presence demanded it. There was a reason Adhiraj had risen so quickly in the political world—he had the looks of a man born to lead, and the mind of a strategist who thought twice before speaking. And, of course, there was one more reason for his following which Prashanth often tells, Adhiraj was as good-looking as Prashanth. They often joked about it, because frankly, they looked like brothers from another mother.
As they sat down in a cozy restaurant tucked behind an array of ixora plants and palm trees—a perfect hideaway from prying eyes, especially the journalists. They exchanged easy banter about old times, stories that never failed to elicit laughter, but there was always that underlying intensity in Adhiraj's gaze. It was like he was always thinking two steps ahead, calculating, analysing.
Prashanth had always admired that about him. He was more than just a politician. Adhiraj was a man of substance, someone who spoke thoughtfully and measured his every move. And as much as he appreciated that, it also made their conversations incredibly intriguing.
"So, how did the whole 'grandmother's ultimatum' thing go?" Adhiraj asked, his voice laced with curiosity but also amusement.
Prashanth chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, the ultimatum ended on this very day, and I'm still standing. Not bad, right?"
Adhiraj clapped his hands together, leaning forward. "That calls for a celebration, Prashanth! Two months, and you didn't cave in just for the inheritance. That's some serious willpower!"
Prashanth let out an exaggerated groan as Adhiraj patted him on the back. "Celebrate? What do you mean—should I gather all your party members and throw an open house?"
Adhiraj burst out laughing, shaking his head. "Now that would be a sight! Those guys would love to have a reason to throw a party. But, seriously, let's wind down."
Before Prashanth could respond, an elderly man approached their table, his eyes lighting up when he spotted Adhiraj.
"Adhiraj! It's really you, isn't it?" The man beamed, clasping his hands together in excitement.
Adhiraj stood, offering a polite smile as he greeted the man. "Yes, sir, it's me. How are you doing?"
The man beamed with admiration. "I've been following your work closely. Your latest social project—the one building schools in rural areas—is truly remarkable. You're doing great things for our country."
Adhiraj nodded modestly, "Thank you, sir. It's all part of a team effort, but I appreciate your kind words."
The man's eyes shifted between Adhiraj and Prashanth, his brows furrowing with curiosity. "Are you two twins? You look so much alike!"
Prashanth and Adhiraj exchanged an amused glance. "No, not twins," Adhiraj replied, his grin widening. "But we've been mistaken for brothers before."
The man chuckled, patting Prashanth on the shoulder. "Well, if you're half as sharp as this one, young man, you're doing well. Keep it up!"
The man gave a final nod, turning to leave, leaving Prashanth and Adhiraj laughing quietly at the encounter.
Prashanth shook his head, grinning. "Twins, huh? You've always had the charm."