Aviram :

I COULD feel my heart pacing wildly. I was almost deafened by the beating. I picked my thumb, drawing in a deep breath.
I was about to pick up the call.
Just about to slide the green colour sign up when it hung up on its own.

There was a knock at the door.

"Raja ji, the saree is here.", Santosh shouted.
I could barely breath as I sat back on the bed.
"Bring it in.", I said, trying to catch my breath.

Santosh walked in as I recoupped. Wishing that was also a nightmare.
It never happened.

"Your Highness.", Santosh said with his head bowed low, holding out the saree before me.
I took it and the towel.
"Get my car ready.", I said as I walked down to the bathroom door and knocked.

She slowly opened a sliver through the door and placed her hand out.

I placed the saree and towel on her hand.

I turned as the door banged shut behind me.

I picked up my phone, took my suit and walked out of the room.

•

Devika :

Thankfully Rakshas Ji was out of the room when I walked out, yet again drapped in a saree of his choice.
After finally getting ready, I walked out.

The saree was a soft pink in colour, unconventional for the Raghuvanshi royalty, but beautiful. I had matched it with silver earrings and a pearl necklace. With light make up and hair left open, I was ready to go.

"Where is Aviram?", I asked a servant.
She looked at me and gasped.
"How can you call Raja ji by his name?", She asked, like I had done some heinous sin.
"Because Raja ji is my husband. Okay? Now tell me.", I said, half annoyed.

I was told he was outside the palace with his car.

I immediately rushed down to the main gates of the palace.

They were at a huge distance from the large wooden door. In between was a huge fountain with a constant supply of water.
As a young child, I remembered looking up at it in wonder.

The huge gates of iron painted with white stood open. The sign of an arrow in a bow was embroidered on them over an iron shield and attached. Years ago, that had been the very symbol of this kingdom.

I turned to a side to find the car driven towards me.
A black Mercedes, it was.

I stood in silence as the car halted right before me.
I carefully sat inside.

Damn. I am feeling super rich.

I sat back on the seat, looking at the interiors of the car. I had only seen this car from afar, but sitting in it felt like some dream come true.
I had obviously intended for the car to be mine, not my husband's, but it felt good nonetheless.

I looked to my side to find Aviram immersed in his tablet.

"For how long have you known Mrinalini Devi?", I asked softly, feeling the excitement bolt through me.
"For over ten years, I guess.", He said casually, looking firmly into his tablet.
"Do you think she will take me as her student?", I asked like an excited kid.
He drew in a deep breath, and finally looked up.

He wore a white suit today, much unlike himself. He was always in either black or brown, but the white suited him. He had changed his shirt to black. And he looked effortlessly handsome, with his hair combed back to perfection.

His gaze fell on me, and he froze.
I could see the dilation of his pupils. As if he had seen something really beautiful. He looked at me with the typical smitten expression that I had seen many men give.
But from him, it felt different.

Ha ha. I always knew I was incredibly beautiful. Come on..

"Ahem ahem.", I said, letting my smile escape my lips.
But he did not look away.

He simply edged closer to me. I felt my heart skip a beat, as his face was just inches apart from mine. He carefully tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
I sat, staring at him.

For moments, our eyes locked.
His eyes seemed to conceal something. Something painful.
"What has happened?", I asked almost involuntarily.
"Nothing you can mend.", He replied softly, as if in a daze, looking straight into my eyes.

And then suddenly both of us snapped out.

He immediately moved away and sat back.
I looked straight, drawing in a deep breath.

The attraction is undeniable Leela. Tread carefully.

He cleared his throat.

"You are the Queen of Jodhpur. Mrinalini Devi doesn't have a choice but to take you as her student.", He said, wearing back his shell.
"But.. I want her to take me for my capability!", I said immediately, in rebellion.

He looked at me, with a raised brow.
"You are getting things easily and still wish you had it the hard way?"
"Obviously! I don't want any favours! I am capable enough.", I said firmly.
He smiled softly.
As if impressed.

"You are different, Devika.", He said sitting back.
I said nothing as I looked at him. For moments the sadness was off his eyes. He looked content.
And then he averted his eyes back to his tablet.

The rest of the journey went in silence.

After half an hour we reached his office.

We got out of the car. He straightened up, adjusting his suit.
"Do I look okay?", I asked awkwardly.
"Okayish.", He said.
I looked up at him with narrowed eyes. He simply smiled back at me, with a subtle mischievous smile.

He can play jokes and be normal too! Wow.

I immediately looked away, slightly taken aback. Immediately two guards jogged down to us.
We walked into the white building, almost twenty-storied.
The guards guided us to the lift and then one of them stayed with us, and finally led us to his cabin.

Aviram Raghuvanshi.
CEO.

The guard pushed the door open for us.
We walked in to find the woman.

Mrinalini Devi immediately stood up, and turned to face us. She wore a blue saree with golden zari work at the edges.
In her late fifties now, the woman still did not look a day older than late thirties. She had been my dream Guru. It felt like a dream.
I couldn't help myself as I involuntarily walked down to her, bent down and touched her feet.

And then I stood up.

She looked at me.
Taken aback.

She looked past me at Aviram.

"And that is your most dedicated fan, Mrinalini Devi ji.", He said.
I immediately added, "Yes! I really really want to be your student. I had called your Academy as well!"

"But.. Raja ji.. she cannot touch my feet.. I cannot be her guru. She is the Queen. Dance is forbidden outside the palace for her.", She said.

My heart dropped.

"What? But.. why? I don't accept this!", I mumbled, taking a step or two back.
In absolute denial.

"Indeed, it was.", I heard Aviram from behind.

"Was? Raja ji, I must remind you, it is a law. An unbreakable law.", Mrinalini Devi said firmly.

I turned to look at Aviram, feeling somewhat helpless.
I knew I could walk away from him, but I had chosen not to.
And I knew that the Raghuvanshis never break their laws.

He looked back at me. He looked like an abrupt realisation had drawn on him.
He looked almost shocked.

"This is my dream!", I said desperately.
"Raghuvanshis never break their laws. I apologise to let you know so, Rani Sa, but you cannot dance outside the palace.", Mrinalini Devi added, almost regretfully.

I could see the lines of tension on Aviram's face. I could almost see his decision in his eyes.

"If you don't say yes, I am leaving.", I said sharply.
He drew in a deep breath and looked down.

"You might want to, then.", He said simply.

It was all so easy for the heartless beast, isn't it?

•••

Anushashan Pratishta Parampara
😅

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