I exhale. I listen to the air that escapes me. ‘How did we even get here?’ I ask, laughing.
Vedveer’s shoulders drop to a relaxed position. ‘Our folks findus well suited!’ he says, adding, ‘That’s how well they know their children.’
I want to give him a high-five, but I’m not sure if I will be breaking protocol.
‘The question is, how do we end it? It doesn’t matter how we got here!’ I say.
He nods. He wants to say something, but he’s holding back.
‘But you were almost already engaged,’ I say, giving him an out.
‘Someone else also likes to scroll, I see!’ he says. ‘But rookies must be warned not to believe everything they see and read.’
TittleTattle
Gupshup Column
Code Apart, Whoever Thought Anything Happens in Bengaluru!
Curious so-and-so,
A little birdie confirmed that the Ranibagh Royals had called on Prathap Gowda at his Bengaluru residence a couple of days ago. Bear with us, we are a little confused here! Was the dhoti-kurta-wearing Finance Minister of Karnataka the reason why the Rathores were dressed to the nines?
Did the Royal contingent zip down in their finery just to secure a business deal?
Meanwhile, a photograph of Aaditha Prathap in ripped jeans clinging to Prince Vedveer has gone viral.
TT’s question: Is Aaditha, the daughter of Prathap Gowda and CEO of COFFEE Before Books & Bras, a fan or a friend of the Prince?
Hit us up if you have an opinion.
Aaditha hasn’t been snapped with either of the young Ranibagh Royals before this. It’s possible that the families know each other. The photograph did spark familiar vibes.
TT is guessing Aaditha is a fan because of how she’s turned out. She must’ve been on an evening out with Lavanya Patil, heiress to the Patil jewellery empire (who has been conveniently cropped out of the frame). Aaditha and Lavanya must have run into the Prince. She probably quickly linked her arm with the dashing Royal for one to show Papa or savefor posterity. Because who knows?
Somebody be kind and tell the girl extreme rips are out; it’s the subtle abrasions and the lived-in looks that are in, but even that is a no-no if you want to pose with royalty!
The only reason TT is wondering, darlings, is because the Crown Prince consented. He’s not known to pose with random people, unless, of course, they’re friends, which is a possibility here.
Just to keep this guessing game going a touch longer, Aaditha Prathap was photographed last evening in her café with another toothsome gent. They were having coffee together! And this time she is dressed in a dull, shapeless co-ord set (her wardrobe is crying for a stylist, and god knows she has the money to invest in herself).
TT has learnt that the gentleman even had a floral bouquet delivered to Aaditha in the morning. Listen up, people, the bouquet had a smattering of red roses!
TT can’t help but wonder if Aaditha is making a point to the Ranibaghs. Did she slip that photograph with the Prince into the hands of a hanger-on? I’m single, come get me, but hurry up or… there’s someone waiting in the wings!
6.
Vedveer
Delhi Darbar
It is eighteen minutes since I pulled back the curtains and let the early-afternoon light flood Father’s study. Gaurav Rathore Singh huffs behind his glasses, which Rajkumar, the butler in attendance, swiftly procured from the other end of the room.
Father hasn’t mentioned Aaditha in the interim. That’s a relief.
He shifts his position, turning away from the window.
‘It feels like I’m sunbathing in Mykonos in August,’ he mutters. ‘Too much light, wattage, heat!’
