Trapped in the Mansion
Omkar slowly stood up from the sofa.
The quiet movement alone made the large room feel heavier.
"Well then . Do not waste your time . " he said smoothly, adjusting the cuff of his shirt.
Ruchika crossed her arms.
"We're not your servants, Mr. Omkar.We're helping for work. Paid work." she said sharply.
Omkar looked at her.Then chuckled softly.
"I admire your confidence .But don't mistake generosity for equality." he said calmly.
Ruchika rolled her eyes.Meera quickly spoke before the argument could explode.
"Just show us what needs to be done."Her voice was calm.
Omkar's gaze shifted back to her.
For a brief second, something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
Then he gestured toward the hallway.
"The housekeeper already prepared the supplies. Follow him." he said.
A middle aged staff member stepped forward quietly.
"Please come this way ms." The staff said to them.
Meera and Ruchika followed him down a long corridor.
Ruchika leaned closer and whispered under her breath."Why does this place feel like a luxury prison?"
Meera almost smiled.
"Because the owner enjoys control," she murmured quietly.
They entered a large utility room.
Cleaning carts. Buckets. Polishing cloths. Sprays.
Everything is perfectly organized.
The staff member explained politely ."Ground floor living areas, the dining hall, and the main staircase must be cleaned before evening."
Ruchika's eyes widened and asked him , "Before evening?? That's half a palace!"
The man simply nodded and said , "Sir wants everything perfect."
Then he left.The door closed softly behind him.
Silence.
Ruchika stared at the supplies.Then at Meera.Then back at the supplies.
"...We're dead, Meera . How can we do this before evening?" Ruchika asked her.
Meera sighed quietly and said, "Let's just start."
She tied her dupatta tighter around her waist and picked up a cloth.
Ruchika grabbed a spray bottle dramatically.
"If I collapse, tell my family I died fighting capitalism." Ruchika said.
Meera laughed softly.
"For five minutes of age you wanted to run away." Meera said.
"Yes , but now I want his money."" Ruchika said while spraying the glass table aggressively,
They started cleaning.Dusting shelves.
Wiping glass tables.Polishing the marble surfaces.
The mansion was huge.Too huge.
After a while Ruchika groaned.
"How many rich people actually live in houses like this?" Ruchika asked Meera .
"Apparently the kind who needs two college students to clean it," Meera replied quietly.
They moved toward the massive staircase.Meera knelt down and started wiping the railing carefully.
Ruchika sat on the step beside her, catching her breath.
"Okay... serious question." Ruchkia again said.
Meera glanced at her.
"What?"Meera asked.
Ruchika lowered her voice."Why do I feel like Omkar didn't call you here just for cleaning?"
Meera stopped wiping.Her fingers tightened around the cloth.
"I know , Ruchi . But what can i do about it!" Meera .
Ruchika frowned.
"Then why are we still here?" Ruchika said
Meera looked toward the empty hallway.
Her voice dropped."Because whatever game he's playing... it's better to see it face to face."
Ruchika sighed and said , "I hate rich villains."
They continued cleaning.Minutes passed.Then an hour.
Their hair slowly loosened.Their hands smelled of cleaning chemicals.
Sweat formed at Meera's temples as she wiped the long dining table.
Ruchika collapsed into one of the chairs.
"If I see one more marble surface... I'm filing a complaint." Ruchika complained to Meera.
Meera smiled faintly.
"You said you wanted the money." Meera said.
"Yes , but I didn't know we'd be cleaning a museum." Ruchika groaned.
Meera continued wiping.But suddenly...She felt something.
A presence.That strange feeling of being watched.
She looked up.At the balcony above the living room.
And there he was.
Omkar.
Leaning against the railing.Arms folded.Watching them. Watching her.
Their eyes met.His lips slowly curved into a faint smile.
Ruchika followed Meera's gaze.Then froze.
"Oh great. The villain is observing the workers." she muttered quietly.
His voice is calm."You missed a spot."
Ruchika immediately stood up.Her eyes snapped up.
"Excuse me?" she said loudly.
Omkar lazily pointed toward the table.
"There.You wiped everything except that corner." he said.
Ruchika stared at him for a moment.
Then she threw the cloth onto the table dramatically.
"Come clean it yourself then!If you're so confident about your observation skills!" she shot back.
But Ruchika was already glaring upward.
"And maybe bring a magnifying glass too!" she continued.
Meera quickly grabbed her arm.
"Ruchi..."
But Ruchika was already glaring up at the balcony.Omkar didn't react to her anger.
Then he said ,"Ms. Ruchika."
Ruchika crossed her arms tighter.
"Yes, Mr. Arrogant?" She said with confidently.
Meera quietly inhaled.This is going to turn into another fight...Omkar tilted his head slightly, completely unbothered.
"There is a guest room down the corridor on the right .The windows and shelves haven't been cleaned yet." he said slowly.
Ruchika frowned and asked,"And?"
Omkar's gaze sharpened slightly.
"And you should clean it ." he said.
Ruchika blinked.Then pointed at Meera."Why me? She can also go." Ruchika asked Omkar.
Omkar's eyes moved back to Meera.
"Because she will continue cleaning here."Omkar answered.
Ruchika turned to Meera.Meera looked at her.Both of them understood instantly.
He wanted Ruchika gone.He wanted Meera alone.Ruchika's eyes narrowed.
"Oh hell no . I'm not leaving her alone with you." she muttered.
She stepped forward.Omkar raised one eyebrow.
"I didn't ask for your permission." Omkar said.
Ruchika opened her mouth again.
But Meera squeezed her wrist gently.
"Ruchi," she said softly.
Ruchika turned to her.Meera shook her head a little.
"It's fine." Meera said.
Ruchika stared at her and said , "No. It's not fine."
Meera lowered her voice."Please. Just go clean the room."
Ruchika looked between Meera and Omkar suspiciously.
"You're serious?" Ruchika said.
Meera nodded and said , "I'll be right here."
Ruchika still didn't move.Omkar watched them quietly... almost amused.
Finally Ruchika sighed loudly.
"Fine."
Then she pointed a finger toward Omkar and. Said,"But if you try anything funny again.."
Ruchika narrowed her eyes and said, "...Yes."
Omkar chuckled softly."I'll keep that in mind."he said.
Ruchika gave Meera one last warning look.
Then she grabbed a cleaning spray and walked down the corridor.
The mansion fell silent again.
Now only Meera and Omkar remained.
Meera turned back toward the table and continued wiping it.Her movements were calm.
But inside...
Her heart was beating faster.She could feel his eyes on her.Watching.
Then..
Footsteps.Slow.They stopped right behind her.Too close.
Close enough that she could feel his presence at her back.Meera froze slightly.
"Still pretending I don't exist?"Omkar's voice murmured softly near her ear.
Meera stiffened.But she didn't turn.
"I'm working," she replied quietly.
Omkar stepped around her slowly.
Now he stood beside her.
Meera finally looked up at him and asked, "What do you want?"
Omkar leaned casually against the edge of the table.But his gaze stayed fixed on her face.
"I told you . I need you tonight."" he said softly.
Meera frowned and said , "For cleaning?"
A faint smile touched his lips.
"No."
He moved a little closer.Meera instinctively stepped back.
But the table behind her stopped her.
Omkar noticed.His smile deepened slightly.
"You're afraid of me?" he asked.
Meera lifted her chin."I'm just annoyed by you."
Omkar chuckled quietly and said , "Same difference."
Then his tone changed slightly.
"There's someone coming to the party tonight." he said.
"And?" meera said getting annoyed by his words.
Omkar studied her reaction carefully.
"And I want you to watch that person."he said.
"Why would I do that?" she asked.
Omkar stepped closer again.Now there was barely any space between them.
His voice lowered."Because I want to see how you react."
Meera stared at him and asked,"What kind of game is this?"
Omkar reached out slowly.Before she could react.His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair from her face.
The touch was slow.Unexpected.
Meera's breath caught.
She immediately stepped away.
"Don't touch me," she said sharply.
Omkar didn't move.Instead he looked slightly amused."You're very dramatic, Meera."
"I'm serious."she said.
"So am I." he said.
His gaze dropped briefly to her hands.
They were still gripping the cleaning cloth tightly.
He gently took her wrist.Not forcefully.But firmly enough that she couldn't pull away immediately.
"You're trembling," he said quietly.
"I'm not."she argues.
Meera tried to pull her hand back.
But his grip tightened .Then he leaned closer.
His voice almost became teasing."Tell me something, Meera."
She glared at him and asked , "What?"
"If the man at the party turns out to be someone... important to you...What will you do then?" he asked while watching her eyes.
"I don't have anyone important in your world."she said.
Omkar smirked and said ,"You're very confident about that."
Meera finally pulled her hand free.
"Stop speaking in riddles."she said.
Omkar slowly straightened."I'm not telling you who he is."
"Then why mention it?"she asked.
"Because . I want to see your face when you recognize him tonight." Omkar said softly,
Meera's eyes narrowed.
"You're unbelievable."she said.
Omkar stepped closer again.
This time gently placing his hand on the edge of the table beside her... trapping her between the table and his arm. But close enough that she couldn't move easily.
His voice dropped lower."You should be grateful."
"For what?" she asked.
"For inviting you to my party ." he said.
Meera scoffed and said, "I didn't come here for your party."
His eyes held hers.
"But you will stay for it ." he said.
Meera's heartbeat quickened and asked ,"Why would I?"
Omkar's lips curved slowly.
"Because you're curious now ." he said.
He leaned even closer... his voice almost whispered ,"And because deep down... you want to know who that person is."
For a moment neither of them moved.
Then suddenly
From the corridor,
Ruchika's voice shouted,"MEERA!! This stupid window won't open!"
Meera quickly stepped away from Omkar.Breaking the moment instantly.
She picked up the cloth and said,"I think i should go check your windows." she said coldly.
Omkar watched her for a long second.
Then a faint smile appeared again.
"Don't worry.You'll find out everything tonight." He turned and started walking toward the stairs.
He paused halfway up the staircase and looked back at her.
"And Meera... Don't try not to run away before the party. If you do then you will know what I can do!!" he threatened her .
She didn't respond.
Then he disappeared upstairs.
Leaving Meera standing there...
She wasn't sure whether she feared the night...
Ruchika's voice suddenly echoed again."MEERAAA!!"
A loud BANG followed.
"Why is this stupid window not opening?!"
Meera sighed quietly and placed the cloth down.
Before she could move.
Omkar's calm voice came from behind her."Sounds like your friend is fighting with my house again."
"Maybe you should check before she breaks something," he added.
Meera frowned and said, "She's not going to break anything."
Another loud THUD came from the corridor.
Then..
"I swear I will throw this window outside if it doesn't open!!"
Omkar chuckled quietly.
"Yes.Very gentle." he said dryly.
Meera ignored him and walked toward the guest room.
The moment she stepped inside.She saw Ruchika standing on a chair, pushing the window with both hands.
Her hair is slightly messy.Her face is red with frustration.
"Ruchi..." Meera called her.
Ruchika turned immediately and said,"Oh finally!"
She jumped off the chair.
"This window is insane!"
Meera looked at the frame and touched it.
"It's just stuck."Meera said.
"JUST stuck?" Ruchika repeated dramatically.
"I've pushed it.I've pulled it.I even threatened it.It still won't open!"
Meera tried pushing the frame.
It moved slightly.Then stopped again.
"It needs force," Meera murmured.
Before she could try again
A calm voice spoke from the doorway.
"You're doing it wrong."
Both girls turned instantly.Omkar was standing there.
Ruchika's expression darkened immediately.
"Oh fantastic.The king of the house has arrived." Ruchika said in an annoyed voice.
Omkar ignored her sarcasm.
"You're pushing the wrong side," he said.
"Oh really?" she said.
"Yes."he said.
"Well then . Please enlighten us with your incredible window opening skills." she said loudly, stepping aside slightly.
Meera whispered softly,"Ruchi..."
But Ruchika wasn't stopping and said ,"You sent me here to clean the room .But apparently the window requires a professional technician."
Omkar walked into the room slowly.
His gaze briefly met Meera's.Then he looked at the window.
"You're impatient."O.kar said.
Ruchika scoffed."And you're arrogant."
"Possibly," Omkar said calmly.
Ruchika pointed at it again and said,"Then open it!"
Omkar gestured slightly.
"Move."
Ruchika didn't move and said,"No."
Omkar blinked once.
"No?"
"I'm standing here . If you want the window, go around me." she said stubbornly.
Meera rubbed her forehead.
"Ruchi, please..."
Omkar looked almost amused now.
"Ms. Ruchika . You are blocking the window.And I need to reach it." he said slowly,
Meera stepped between them quickly.
She gently pulled Ruchika aside and said, "Let him try."
Omkar walked toward the window.
Then he lifted the frame slightly upward...and pulled it sideways.
Click.
The window slid open smoothly.
Fresh air rushed into the room.
She looked at Meera and said,"You're telling me... it opens like THAT?"
Omkar turned calmly.
"Yes."he said.
Ruchika stared at him in disbelief.
"I pushed that thing for ten minutes!"
Omkar shrugged."And yet... here we are."
Ruchika narrowed her eyes.
"You did that on purpose."
"Did what?"he asked.
"You sent me here knowing the window was stuck!"
Omkar leaned casually against the wall."I needed the room cleaned."
"No. You wanted Meera alone." Ruchika snapped.
Meera immediately looked at her.
"Ruchi...stop it . Please"
But Ruchika continued.
"I'm not stupid."
Omkar's gaze slowly moved to Meera.
Then back to Ruchika.
"And if I did?" he asked Ruchika.
Ruchika's jaw dropped.
"Oh wow.Did you hear that?He didn't even deny it!"
She looked at Meera dramatically.
"Ruchi, stop."Meera said.
But Ruchika stepped closer to Omkar.
"Let me make something clear . She is not one of your house staff you can order around." she said firmly.
Omkar crossed his arms and said,"And you are not her bodyguard."
"Maybe I am." Ruchika said.
Omkar tilted his head slightly.
"You talk too much."
"And you act like a villain in a drama." Ruchika said.
Omkar smirked and said,"Interesting comparison."
Meera stepped forward quickly and said,"Okay, that's enough.Please stop fighting."
Both of them looked at her.For a moment neither of them spoke.
Then Omkar looked at Meera again.
"There will be many guests tonight."he said quietly.
Meera frowned."You already said that."
"Yes."he said.
"And one of them...will surprise you."
He paused slightly.
Ruchika rolled her eyes dramatically.
"If this person turns out to be a magician I'm leaving immeiately."
Omkar chuckled softly.Then he stepped closer to Meera.Close enough that Ruchika noticed.
"Omkar," Meera warned quietly.
But he leaned slightly toward her.
His voice lowered."Try not to run away before the party."
Meera's heartbeat quickened.
"Why would I run?"
Omkar's eyes held hers."You might want to."
Ruchika immediately stepped between them."Okay!That's enough mysterious flirting."
Omkar laughed quietly and said,
"I wasn't flirting."
"Yes you were.And it was very obvious." Ruchika snapped.
Omkar walked toward the door.
But before leaving.
"I'm not coming to your party." Meera suddenly said.
Omkar's smile returned.
"We'll see."Then he walked out
Ruchika stared at the door.Then slowly turned to Meera and said, "...I officially dislike that man."