TALES OF TAJ

CHAPTER XXXIV

PLOT STORY:

Aashutosh, a young man, falls in love with Surya, the son of a powerful businessman, Rana Pratap. Despite the danger, they continue to see each other in secret. When Rana Pratap discovers their relationship, he becomes furious and vows to keep them apart.

As Aashutosh and Surya try to find ways to be together, they are forced to confront the dark secrets of their past and the evil forces that seek to destroy their love.

*Main Plot Points:*

1. Aashutosh and Surya's secret relationship is discovered by Rana Pratap.

2. Rana Pratap vows to keep them apart and punish Aashutosh for betraying his trust.

3. Aashutosh and Surya try to find ways to be together, but their efforts are thwarted by Rana Pratap's henchmen.

4. Aashutosh discovers a mysterious paint house where he and Surya can be together in secret.

5. Ava, Aashutosh's friend, becomes entangled in their love story and helps them in their quest to be together.

6. Rana Pratap's true intentions are revealed, and Aashutosh and Surya must confront the evil forces that seek to destroy their love.

*Subplots:*

1. Aashutosh's past and his connection to the paint house.

2. Surya's struggles with his father's expectations and his own desires.

3. Ava's loyalty and friendship to Aashutosh and Surya.

*Themes:*

1. Love vs. Family Expectations

2. Identity and Self-Discovery

3. Loyalty and Friendship

*Character Arcs:*

1. Aashutosh: From a timid and fearful person to a brave and determined individual who fights for his love.

2. Surya: From a obedient son to a rebellious individual who stands up against his father's tyranny.

3. Ava: From a curious and innocent person to a loyal and supportive friend who helps Aashutosh and Surya in their quest.

*Climax:*

Aashutosh and Surya's final confrontation with Rana Pratap, where they must fight for their love and their freedom.

*Resolution:*

Aashutosh and Surya's love prevails, but not without scars. They must come to terms with the consequences of their actions and the sacrifices they made for their love.

*Genre:* Romance, Drama, Thriller/Mystery

MAIN STORY:

As the clock strikes 4 am, Surya stealthily exits Aashutosh's room through the window, making his way back to his own room under the cover of darkness. However, unbeknownst to him, Rana Pratap has been watching from the shadows, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Ah, Surya, you think you can deceive me?" Rana Pratap says to himself, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and disappointment. "No matter how hard you try to hide your secrets, I'll always find out. You're my son, after all."

A hint of warning and reprimand creeps into his tone as he continues, "And now, you'll have to face the consequences of betraying your own father's trust..." Rana Pratap's smile fades, replaced by a stern expression, foreshadowing a confrontation that will shake Surya to his core.

As morning dawns, Surya slips out of the house under the guise of heading to the office. However, Rana Pratap is vigilant and discovers that Surya has no intention of going to the office. Instead, Surya makes his way to the market, where he picks up Aashutosh and whisks him away in his car.

Together, they arrive at a mysterious paint house, a place shrouded in secrecy. Ava's curiosity gets the better of her, and she interrupts Maskman, her voice tinged with excitement.

"Wait, Sir! Is this the same paint house where you hid Ruby and me?" Maskman's expression turns nostalgic, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he reminisces about the past.

"Ah, yes! This is indeed the same paint house. Surya and I purchased this place together, in secret, using our own funds. This paint house holds a special place in our hearts, a reminder of the good times we shared together." Maskman's voice is laced with a mix of sadness and longing, his eyes clouding over as he delves into the memories.

"It's not just a paint house, Ava. It's a sanctuary, a place where Surya and I created unforgettable memories. We invested not only our money but also our hearts into this place." Maskman's words are filled with emotion, his voice cracking slightly as he pauses, lost in thought.

Ava's curiosity is piqued, and she asks, "What happened next? When your grandfather found out about your relationship, did he accept it, or did he try to tear you apart?"

Maskman's expression turns introspective, and he says, "It took us a while to realize that he had discovered our secret. But before that, a lot had transpired within the walls of Taj Palace." Ava's eyes widen in surprise, and she asks, "Taj Palace? But I thought you both met at Tales Palace?"

Maskman's eyes cloud over, and he says, "Yes, we did meet at Tales Palace, but Rana Pratap had invited us to stay at Taj Palace for a few days." Ava's curiosity is piqued, and she asks, "Why did he do that?" Her voice is laced with a mix of curiosity and concern, as if she senses that something ominous is lurking beneath the surface.

Maskman's eyes sparkle with nostalgia as he recounts, "When Surya and I arrived at our secret paint house, he was beaming with joy. I had never seen him so carefree and happy before."

"We spent a wonderful day together on the beach, and when we returned to the paint house, I discovered another hidden talent of Surya's – his exceptional cooking skills. Not only was he a master of boxing and business, but he was also a culinary wizard."

"Surya surprised me by cooking all my favorite Great Indian food dishes. We savored every bite, relishing the flavors and each other's company. It was a truly unforgettable experience," Maskman's voice is filled with warmth and affection, his eyes shining with happy memories.

"Ava, when I went to the paint house, I realized that I was no longer just Aashutosh; I had become Surya's Aashu. Being with him made me feel invincible, and I knew I'd fight the world, including Nikolas, for our love."

"These memories are beautifully bittersweet. I struggle to put into words the pain of recalling our moments together and sharing them with you. My heart aches, and I often wish I'd died alongside Surya that day."

Maskman's voice breaks, and he falls silent, lost in thought. His eyes glaze over, consumed by memories of Surya. His expression is a poignant mix of sadness, longing, and nostalgia, as if the weight of his grief is crushing him.

Maskman rises from Ava's presence, and for the first time, she doesn't stop him, sensing that he's overwhelmed with memories of Surya. Maskman retreats to his room in Tales Palace, which Nikolas had sealed forever. He breaks the lock and enters, finding the room shrouded in silence and dust.

Suddenly, a radiant light illuminates the room, transforming it into its former state, just as it was when Aashutosh lived there. Maskman sees a resplendent figure standing before him, and as he approaches, he realizes it's Surya. Overcome with emotion, Maskman's eyes well up with tears, and for the first time, he removes his mask, revealing his scarred face.

The sight of Surya transforms Maskman, and he reverts to his former self, just as he was when he first met Surya. He's both joyful and tearful, knowing their reunion is fleeting. Surya smiles, his eyes locked on Maskman, and reaches out to him.

Maskman rushes into Surya's arms, embracing him tightly, desperate to hold on. Surya places his hands on Maskman's shoulders, saying, "Aashu, no matter how tightly you hold me, you can't stop me from leaving." Maskman, tears streaming down his face, replies, "I'm no longer Maskman; I'm your Aashu, and I won't let you go."

Surya's expression turns solemn, and he says, "Aashu, I must leave. You couldn't stop me then, and you can't stop me now." Aashutosh, his voice cracking, begs Surya not to leave, but Surya insists, "I must go, Aashu. But remember, you're not responsible for what happened to Ava. You've made her a better person, teaching her to empathize with others and love deeply."

Surya's words bring Aashutosh comfort, but he's still desperate to keep Surya from leaving. Surya reassures him, "Don't worry, Aashu. I'll return one day to take you with me. Tell Ava everything, and warn her to beware of those who might harm her." With those final words, Surya vanishes, leaving Aashutosh shattered and alone.

The room plunges into darkness, and Aashutosh collapses to the ground, overcome with grief. He weeps uncontrollably, his heart heavy with the knowledge that Surya is gone once more.

To be continue....