Raksha,

I woke in a warm embrace. As I opened my eyes, they landed on the most handsome face. Adi slept on his back with my head on his shoulder and warm wrapped around my body  protectively. I realised we slept without changing our clothes. I caressed his face with my fingers. He stirred and then settled turning towards me. Leaning closer, I contemplated about kissing me or not. I realised he was in deep sleep and if I did, he wouldn't know. The thought was tempting and controlling my desire to kiss  this handsome man was now getting difficult. Giving in to my temptation, I pecked his lips. He smiled, ''That's unfair to take an advantage of a sleeping man.''

I blinked , all embarrassed. I wanted to be swallowed by the earth in that moment. He tricked me by pretending to be in deep slumber. ''How long have you been up?''

''Since the time you have been staring at my sleeping form or would I say pretentious sleeping form.'' I punched him playfully moving out of the bed. Pulling my hair in high  bun, I made my way to his wash room to freshen up. I feel amazing, having Adi around gives me a sense of security and importance. Come what may, I will never be rude to him. I heard the ringing of my phone and asked Adi to answer.

''Raksha, Its Ananya'' he called out. Wiping my face , I ran out to take the call.

''Ananya, I missed you girl.''

''Where are you?'' Her voice came angry

''At Adi's place. What's wrong?'' Her tone was giving me goose bumps. I felt Adi's soothing palm on my back.

''Leave the place as soon as possible.''

''Why Ananya?''

''Adi's mom was here, she was emphasising in getting you 2 married as you are practically living together. Raksha, if you really want to complete your masters, leave immediately or it would be very hard for me to handle Ranvijay.'' I read the warning in her voice.

''Fine, as you say.'' With that our discussion ended. I made my hair quickly and started looking for my shoes. ''What's wrong Raksha?''

''I shouldn't have spent the night here Adi, our families got a wrong impression about it.'' I answered strapping my shoe and then looking for the other.

He stood quite and then halted my nervous movements. ''Will you elaborate.'' Leaving my body lose on the edge of the bed, I narrated about the call.

''My mother in Jaigarh! For our alliance! Who told her about your presence her? '' He looked confused as he rubbed is chin thinking about the words I told him.

''I will have to leave Adi, this is my last chance. If I broke another rule, my brothers might just drag me back.'' My limbs were shaking in fear, Ananya's voice had given me the idea of my brothers' anger. After locating my other shoe under the side rack, I pushed my foot into it without undoing the strap. I groaned in irritation as I wanted to leave asap and this shoe was delaying me for no reason.

A moment later, Adi was on his knees helping me with the shoe. He gently undid the strap and placed my feet into it , tying it around my ankle, ''Calm down Raksha, I will handle my mother. And I am sorry, she had no right to barge in with proposal.''

''I am sure you will, I am scared what will be the outcome of this. I just hope, bhai doesn't order me to come back.'' I don't know when but a drop trickled down my cheeks. He cupped my face, ''hey, don't you worry, nothing will happen. If you want I will speak to them''

''No, not now.. Let me handle it.'' He wiped my tears and nodded. I rushed down to leave to be greeted by James and Anjali. I just nodded, informing them I was in hurry. ''Adi, forgot to tell you. Your mom called yesterday.'' Anjali informed while arranging the plates on the table. My eyes went to Adi and then to her, I think he understood my thoughts. He just gave me an assuring nod walking me out to my vehicle.

***

I lived next 2 days in fear of bhai barging through the door and dragging me back. When nothing of that sought happened, I felt relieved. This Masters was important for me, I wanted to work like any other normal girl and make my family proud. Adi kept a check on me calling me every hour.

It was a Monday morning and I had few very important lectures. Quickly getting ready, I packed my necessary books and walked down to have my breakfast. ''Please be quick, I am already late.'' I requested the cook. He nodded quietly walking back, I noticed his eyes moving in one particular direction. Confused I turned around to be shocked, Hansa stood tall at the entrance of the dine-in room smiling at me. Blood froze in my veins as numerous questions clouded my mind. Has my family send her to drag me back or just to keep an eye on me?

''I am here at your service Princess. Your 2 guards were homesick, so hukum decided to replace them with me.'' She said with a smile on her face. I just nodded. I know why they have send her, I cannot have my way with her the way I had with other two girls.

''Join me Hansa.'' I invited her to the table and she joined with a smile. Hansa is not ordinary, she is 2 year older to me and an economics graduate. Our family has sponsored her education realizing her caliber. Bhai wanted her to make a good name in corporate, but this girl decided to come back and be a part of the Palace. She is trained like other lethal guards and has a habit of taking orders from either Granny or bhai.   

Hansa had breakfast with me behaving as normal as possible. But it was me who was walking on fire, this girl looks fragile but she can defeat an army just by using her brain. I know she will act all friendly and supportive, in reality she is just my brother's informer.

''I'll see you evening Hansa, make yourself at home''

''I am coming to drop you off to the university.'' She stood up wiping her hands. Her lips stretched into a smile.

''That isn't required.'' I reasoned.

''I am sure it isn't, but it's my duty.'' She replied calm, shutting me off. With a nod I stepped in my vehicle and she followed. 

***

I thought my day at University would be little peaceful, I was wrong. Seems like goddess of luck has turned her face away from me, Jordon is getting weird around me. He keeps questioning me about the time I am out of University. I have told him multiple times that such behavior is not acceptable , he ignores brushing it off giving it the name of care. Off lately, he has started questioning me on my comrade with Adi. I seriously get irritated at his cross questioning, but he doesn't seem to understand any of it.

''So how was your weekend.''

''Great!'' My reply came as a monologue

''Seems you had fun with Adi'' His reply was laden with sarcasm.

''What if I did? How does it bother you ?'' My patience was wearing out.

''It bothers me because you are my friend, I care for you. He is a player and you are too naïve.''

That was enough, I decided to let him know what Adi really was, ''Jordan, I have known Adi since I was a kid. We are family friends, he went to school and college with my brother and I know all the girls he has dated or rejected till now. Adi, is not a pretender. He does things on face, without caring who likes it and who doesn't.''

Jordon was quite for sometime after my outburst, then he smiled, ''that man have you wrapped around his pinky. Isn't it?''

I gave up, there was no point explaining someone who wasn't ready to understand, ''Jordon, we are just friends and will remain that. As far as Adi is concerned, I have known him  longer than I have known you. He has and always will have an upper hand.'' Picking my bag, I barged out of the cafeteria. Hansa had already messaged me about her arrival, to my shock. She was driving this time, bhai and his contacts. Huffing I got in as she reversed, driving off immediately.

***

My face lit up as I walked in to be greeted by Adi in the main hall. He got up the moment he saw me entering, ''All good.'' He asked as his eyes went to the new person, Hansa.

''Yes, she is Hansa. A friend and my personal security.'' It was true, but for now I wanted to impress Hansa to get her off my back. My eyes went to her face, she was smiling or was it a smirk, telling me she was too smart for my naive moves. 

''I' ll take your leave Princess.'' She said walking away, I know she wouldn't be far.

''Are you free?''

''I have lot of assignments to do, I can't compromise on my grades. Bhai will screw my happiness.'' I replied and he scoffed

''That doesn't suit you Princess. Come let me help you with your assignments.'' I was elated, he patiently explained me everything, by the time it got over, it was 9:00.  ''Let's have dinner outside.''

I was about to accept the invitation when Hansa stepped in the room uninvited, ''Sorry to interrupt your plans Princess, it would be good you guys refrain being seen alone for sometime . I believe, there is someone out keeping an eye on you guys.''

''Are you trying to put restrictions on her?'' Adi's voice came threatening. Hansa stood unfazed , ''No, I am just doing my duty.'' Her eyes met mine, ''Its for your benefit, rest I leave on you.'' She walked off leaving us alone in that room

''Was she eavesdropping our conversation?'' Adi asked angrily. I rubbed his arm to sooth his anger, ''Adi, she is doing what she is being asked to do. And she isn't like other guards.'' He nodded, ''Could you figure out why Anjali informed your mother about my overnight stay?''

''I doubt its Anjali, it has to be someone from the staff. Mom is playing smart, but why? Don't you worry , I will tackle everything soon and no one will dare to lift a finger on you ever again.'' I gave him a thankful smile. 

''Since, we are restricted from going out, can we have dinner in the house?'' He asked stroking my cheek. Nodding I made my way to the kitchen and he followed. We had a quite dinner, thankfully Hansa decided to excuse us from the scrutiny. Adi left after we had a long walk in the lawn area. It was a perfect ending to a disturbed day.

***

After arranging all my books and packing my stuff for next morning. I made my way to the room, tension worry and fear had worn me out completely. I just wanted to have a good night sleep. I watched few old dvds of Tom& Jerry, before deciding to call my day. Sliding inside the blanket, I dimmed the room lights. Just when I closed my eyes, my phone started buzzing. Some one was messaging me. I thought it would stop after one or two, but it just went on and on. Irritated I extended my arm to pick my phone up. To my surprise, the messages were still pouring. It was from some unknown number. I started opening them and realised, these were pictures, of Anjali with some guy who had his back in every picture. In some pictures she was smiling, laughing and in some she was looking at the guy with lot of adoration. She looked in love with him. The last one was a text message, 'Wondering whose the guy? wait for my next set of messages. Your Well wisher'   I lost my sleep, who could this man be. Was I doubting on Adi just like that. God it's all so confusing. Keeping the phone aside, I decided to sleep. Will think of it once I get the next set. I have promised not to doubt Adi without reason and I won't

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