Nandini, I am sorry, I really am. I know I have hurt you, and I don't know if I can ever gain your trust and respect ever again. I never intended to fight with them, but seeing you like this, I couldn't control my anger. I cannot let anything happen to you, even if that means killing a thousand men, and you being annoyed with me for that, Manik thought after Nandini said "As soon as this is over, you are dropping me home and disappearing from my life forever."
Just as Manik was about to say something to Nandini, the Tribal Lady came to the room and placed two cups made of leaves in front of them. She then poured some kind of porridge into the cups.
Tribal Lady: I didn't know whether you will be comfortable eating our kind of food, so I made some rice porridge. I hope you like it, Prince and Princess.
Manik: Thank you very much. We really appreciate it.
Nandini smiled, but she was still very angry with Manik for what he did. Manik and Nandini held the cup with both their hands and started drinking the porridge. It was the first meal that they were having since last evening, so both of them were very hungry. Manik gulped the contents of the cup within minutes. The Tribal Lady served him more realizing he was very hungry.
...
The tribal girl who noticed Manik in the Tribal Lord's house reached the other girls who were still discussing Manik's sculpted physique.
Tribal girl: Girls! That man, he is in our Lord's hut!
All the other girls screamed in joy and blushed. They ran towards the Tribal Lord's hut.
...
Nandini was watching Manik drink the porridge. He must have been so hungry, I doubt he would have ever been without a meal for this long, Nandini thought feeling bad for his condition even though she was angry with him.
On hearing some voices, Nandini turned to her right and noticed a girl peeping through the hut's entrance. Nandini looked at that girl with a puzzled expression, but that girl didn't pay any attention to Nandini. Nandini followed the girl's gaze to Manik and realized that she was ogling Manik. Thankfully he is eating. That girl, how dare she look at my Manik so lustfully! Nandini thought as she watched every move of the girl like a hawk eyeing its prey. Suddenly the girl disappeared and Nandini sighed in relief.
Tribal Lord: We have never met a Royal couple before. This is really an honour for us.
Manik and Nandini smiled at the Tribal Lord and Tribal Lady who were sitting in front of them.
Tribal Lady: So, for how long have you been married.
Manik: 2 days/ Nandini: 2 years.
Both Nandini and Manik looked at each other realizing that their 'lie' was falling apart. Within seconds they were lost in the world of each other's eyes. Everything else became immaterial, and noting else mattered when they looked at each other with such intense passion that could set the jungle on fire. Moments passed but time stood still for them.
Tribal Lady: Ahmm...
Reluctantly, Nandini blinked breaking their eye lock and looked at the Tribal Lady.
Nandini: Actually, we got married 2 days ago, but we got engaged 2 years ago.
She always amazes me! I never expected Nandini to lie, Manik thought to himself as he admired the confidence with which she upheld their status as husband and wife in front of the tribals.
Tribal Lady: Oh thats so nice. Only 2 days.
Nandini smiled at the lady, but her anger for Manik grew. She had never before lied in her life. For the first time, because of him, she was lying. She looked at Manik and through her eyes expressed her unhappiness about lying to the lady.
It has been 2 days, why are they behaving like they are an unmarried couple, the Tribal Lady thought noticing the distance between them and the angry glares Nandini was giving Manik.
Tribal Lady: Princess, feed the Prince some porridge. Its our tradition for married couples.
Manik was very happy with the idea and looked at Nandini expectantly. When she didn't do anything, he signalled with his eyes that the Tribal Lady was watching. When he still didn't receive a positive response, Manik inched closer to Nandini and whispered into her ears.
Manik: Feed me, otherwise they will find out that we are not married and kill us both.
Nandini: I would rather die in their hands than feed you.
Dejected, Manik moved back and continued to drink the porridge from his cup. Nandini heard someone giggle, and turned towards the entrance and saw another girl staring at Manik. The first girl also joined her and both of them were staring at Manik without even realizing that Nandini was sitting next to him. Nandini moved closer to Manik. Close enough that their arms were now touching. Manik closed his eyes, looked up and inhaled as soon as he felt her arm touch his. Everything about her enticed him, but this sudden proximity was a pleasant surprise for him.
Nandini looked again at the girls who were still not bothered that she was sitting so close to Manik. How shameless are these girls! I am sitting here, and they still look at him like that!
Nandini took the cup from which she drank her porridge and held it near Manik's mouth.
Nandini, what are you doing! One moment you are angry with me and now this! Not that I am complaining, I love everything about you from your anger to your care, Manik thought as inched closer to the cup. He placed his lips on the same spot where she had placed hers just moments ago and sipped the porridge. It tastes better from her cup, Manik thought looking at Nandini. He expected her react, but she didn't. Manik noticed that Nandini was looking in the direction of the entrance. He turned and noticed a few girls staring at them with bulging eyes. Oh, so thats why you are doing all this! Nandini is jealous, this is going to be fun!Manik thought.
...
Harshvardhan left Azianagar immediately, following the orders of King Vedant. He reached the Nagaram City border and instructed the Indian Empire Army that they were going to attack King Veeran immediately.
Rajendra who had followed Harshvardhan to Nagaram City learnt only now about the plan to attack without informing the other King.
Rajendra: How can we do this? Isn't it against our code?
Harshvarshan: No questions, Its our King's order. Do as I say now.
Rajendra: Ok Sir.
Harshvardhan: Men, get ready we are going to strike the Nagaram Palace in 2 hours.
Happy Holi to all those celebrating! ❤️💚💜💙💖