Lost and Found

9. Meet Maximus

Ranvijay's point of view

Why this weekend has to be so long. I know Rudra needs to take rest. But I want to meet her. Maybe I am the only one who is missing her so bad. Maybe she is not even thinking of me. I can't even go to her house to meet her. This might disturb her rest. But I want to see her smiling face once. I am even missing that v shaped frown of hers. But to see tears in those big dark brown eyes is enough torture for me. Now I won't do any such a thing that might hurt her. I will not let that happen.

So I decided to go for practicing. I informed maasa. I left the palace very early in the morning. And I stated to practice with my sword. I didn't know when the sweet light of dawn turned into glaring harsh rays of sun. Actually I didn't care.

When I changed my stance I turned around only to find Rudra behind me. She was here? No! she cant be here. She needs rest right? Wait wait... she is really here.. For how long she was here?
But all this thoughts lagged behind, and my face was bloomed in my smile in first place. I was beyond happy. I stood in front of her totally baffled. Thank god she is here. Wait, I cant be so selfish. I know I was missing her terribly but she should take proper rest. And definitely she shouldn't be here in this harsh sun. I wanted to shout out a loud and big thank you, that she has come to me.
But instead I asked, "you should be resting right now Rudra. Why are you here?"

As soon as words left my mouth I regretted them. What if she thinks that I am not happy seeing her here when in reality I am so damn happy that she is here with me? What if she gets sad and leaves me again?
"I am here because meeting my bestie is more important than taking rest. I was missing you Ranvijay."

And this made my heart swell with happiness. My Rudra missed me. And here I was thinking that, she might not have think of me even.
I clasped her hands and said, " sorry, I didn't mean to say this. Actually I was also missing you very much. And a big , huge thank you for coming over."
And she smiled and I forgot what I was going to say to her further. Truly her smile has a charm.

Waiting for a moment she asked,
"Are you done practicing Ranvijay? Aren't you tired? It been so long you have been out here no?"
"Ya.. I was about to come back." I tried to lie to her. I was going to stay here for whole day practicing whatever, to keep myself busy. So that I don't miss her too much.

Rudrayani, "Of course, like I will believe your lies. When you lie na Ranvijay, you look so stupid. " Scratching back of my head I smiled. Only Rudra can call me stupid and make me smile about it.

My horse, maximus; he neighed several times in a very gentle way. Maybe he felt presence of a new person... of course no one can go unnoticed of my Rudra's presence. Taking it as a sign I took Rudra's hand I brought her in front of maximus. Maximus is not yet fully grown but he is really very fast for his own good. I stood there watching Rudra and maximus. Maxi's ears stood erect in attention. Rudra stepped ahead and she raised her hand cautiously to touch him.

After what happened surprised me. Maxi is usually his arrogant self, not allowing anyone to touch him except for me. He takes a lot amount of pampering and so many days, to be familiar with anyone. And here with Rudra, Maxi, on his own forwarded himself into her hands. I think he also likes her.

Rudra definitely has something magical to win the hearts of the people I love. My thought was broken when Maxi sniffed Rudra's hair making her giggle.
" What is his name? He such a sweetheart!" Asked Rudra caressing maxi's head.
"Oh. Let me introduce you to my friend, he is maximus. I call him maxi."

I turned to look at her, she was busy adoring maxi. I further continued, "One year back, when I completed all the horse riding lessons, babasa brought me baby maximus as a foal. Practically we grew up together. "

Rudra was now intently watching me, as I was sharing my story. As I finish telling, I see Rudra turned her gaze to maximus and said, "hello maximus! I am Rudrayani. And You are such a beautiful boy. I am sure you will grow up to be strongest of all and the most handsome royal horse"

This made me laugh. She was talking to him as if he is going to understand her. But to my surprise, I heard maxi's happy neigh. He did understood her. He again took a step forward towards Rudra, and dropped his head on her shoulder. My jaw has dropped. Maximus has seriously loved my Rudra.

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Imagine the picture above as maximus.

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