The Naive Princess

Chapter 5

 Raksha

 ''Is this Bhai's house.''  I couldn't contain my excitement as my eyes landed on the approaching mansion, no castle would be correct . The Majestic building stood tall in the middle of lush green lands. The walls that hid the palace had elongated pines in line with them . I couldn't help but admire the place as we drove in along the huge drive way.

''No , this is mine. Yours will be ready by evening, till then enjoy my hospitality your highness. '' My face fell, ''But I don't want to be here''

''Its just the matter of few hours Raksha. I am not going to bite you.'' He said without giving me a glance.

''You are doing this intentionally right. The more we spend time The more are the chances of me falling for you . Am I right.'' I confronted him. A small scoff escaped his lips and he replied me in a cool voice

''No, the motive is to make my heart realise that you don't worth my attention. The more you stay around me , the more you will spit the venom and the more I will be convinced that you don't deserve me.'' I was on flames now, if given a chance I want to punch that handsome face of his.

We were welcomed by a butler into a huge hall with mighty ceiling. I hate to accept but I was impressed, he is a Prince and he is living his life royally miles away from his territory.

''Adi'' a small excited squeal made our heads turn as Adi squatted down to collect the little bundle in his arms. The girl must 3 or 4, she wrapped her chubby arms around his neck, awarding sloppy kisses on his cheek. I couldn't help but smile as I watched him talking to her in animated voice and the little girl went complaining about her mother.

''Don't fall for those crocodile tears Adi.'' Came a smooth confident voice. A female in mid or late twenties walked to Adi with a biggest grin on her face. He enveloped her in an arm hug and I felt a sudden twitch inside my chest. Right now the trio looked like a perfect family. The woman turned her eyes to me, she greeted me with a handshake introducing herself formally, ''Welcome your Highness, I am Anjali. Adi's manager PA and friend. Please, make yourself comfortable'' I smiled and requested her to leave the endearments aside. For now, I just wanted to be a normal girl. Anjali led me through the enormous stairs. As I walked past Adi, I could hear Anika throwing queries about me. She looked miffed with my presence.

A gasp escape my mouth when as I stepped into the assigned room. It was huge, with windows on two sides and a majestic balcony on one. The draperies around the windows and bed were of fine satin in soft colours. I smiled, just the way I like. Adi never forgets to make me feel special.

I won't deny that I miss his friend ship. Being elder to me he was a big help when my brothers would mock my silly curiosity. I have grown up hearing one line every day, ''How can you be so naïve Raksha.'' But Adi was different, he would say'' its okay to be naïve, its better than being cunning you know.'' And I would smile. Huffing I threw my back on the extra fluffy bed. The soft smell of fabric relaxed my muscles. Sometimes I feel like a spoilt Princess. Rolling over on to my back I kept staring above at the rich way the draperies were arranged. It reminded me of my suite back home. It is the most beautiful one. Granny got it done when I demanded a suite instead of a room. I was 12 then and my grandmother gifted me with the most beautiful and vibrant suite of the Palace. Closing my eyes I recalled her wrinkled face. Now, when I think I was the one she loved the most. When bhai and Veer had to under go strict training all I got was her love. Only I could mess with her room, her work and escape with a cuddle. Rest even feared stepping into her suite. I realised I am going to miss her a lot. May be those words were true all the way, 'You fight most with the one you love the most.'