"Abhi..." Maira said with a smile.
Abhijit, who had been eagerly waiting for Maira, got up from his seat and moved towards her.
"How are you Maira?" Abhijit asked with a gentle voice.
"I am good Abhi. But what are you doing here? How did you come?" Maira asked with curiosity.
Years ago, Maira used to hang around in the rose kingdom's forest fascinated by nature and wildlife. She then started learning the animal language. One day, Abhijith, who always seemed to be a lonely young boy wandering in the forest, observed Maria practicing the language. He was surprised by what he saw and continued to observe her everyday, with great interest. He used to sit on the branches of big trees and watch her. Hide behind the tree trunks and enjoy her trying to talk with cute little animals. He would panic sometimes when she went near any poisonous or dangerous creatures but to his surprise they never did any harm to her. He observed her taming those animals and making them fall asleep.
Days went by and when she got familiar with the language of animals, one of the animals told her about this person who has been watching her from days. Then only she realised and went towards him and questioned him about his identity. He panicked and left the place silently. But slowly he started talking with her and after a few days of constant nagging about getting into friends, Maira accepted him as a friend.
Abhijit was born out of wedlock in a doctor family. For this reason everyone insulted him and didn't let him play with them. Without knowing, he slowly became cold and distant to everyone. Observing this change in him, his mother panicked and taught him medicine to divert him. Soon she became successful in diverting his interest but the cold nature in him grew along. So gradually he lost interest in those people and went off to the forest for peace.
Like that one day he found the strange girl Maira and for the first time in his life he wanted to become friends with this girl. So he started following her and without knowing her identity he insisted her to become friends with him. When Maira accepted his request he was in cloud nine and thus their friendship started.
When days passed by, their bonding became stronger and they both didn't bother talking about their friendship with anyone. Abhijith used to go to the forest in search of some herbs his parents would need and Maira continued to learn languages in the forest. That way they got the chance to hang out and enjoy each other's company almost everyday.
Abhi only feared that, after knowing his identity, if she hates him or not like everybody did. He tried to say it many times but Maira didn't respond. She simply said that she became friends with him because of him but not because of his family background. From then he never cared to explain anything and he also didn't demand anything from Miara. They enjoyed their time happily.
But one day Taika noticed the strange behaviour in Maira and asked her about it. But Maira didn't answer anything. So Taika used his power and saw what she was doing outside. After knowing the reason he suggested Maira to bring him. Maira panicked in the beginning but Taika smiled assured her that she is not in trouble.
After some thinking she accepted and brought Abhi to Taika and he didn't ask him anything. He smiled at him and blessed him. And he also suggested that if he wants he can come and learn things along with Maira which surprised them both.
From that day they both started learning together under the care of Taika. As the days passed, Abhi came to know about many talents which are hidden in him. He became an expert in sword fighting, horse riding, medicine and different other things. But he was not able to learn animal language which Maira tried teaching him many times.
And one of the special things he has is that he can perform magic with a skill nearly equal to Taika which surprised himself and the others.
That way all those years passed like hours and they grew up. One day Maira and Abhi sat under the tree while Maira practiced the language and Abhi just stared at her.
"Maira.. Why are you living here?" Abhi asked subconsciously.
"What??" Maira asked.
"Umm.. Nothing Maira, it's just a slip of tongue" Abhi averted his eyes from Maira.
"Do you want to know about me?" Maira asked calmly.
Abhi hesitated and nodded.
Maira smiled and said, "I am here because my life is in danger. There is a threat for me from a king".
"What??? Who is he? What is the threat?" Abhi asked anxiously.
Maira sighed and looked at Abhi directly in his eyes and said "Abhijit.. I trust you but if my identity is leaked to anyone from you.. Take my word, you won't live on this earth the next minute" she said coldly.
Abhi shivered from her tone and he just stared at her with determination and said "Maira.. I, Abhijit will never speak a thing about you until my last breath. I am making this oath on my life"
Maira noticed the sincerity in his eyes and told him the truth about what happened to her parents.
After listening to everything, he folded his fists tightly and his eyes turned red with anger.
Abhi looked at Maira and noticed tears in her eyes and that made him feel like something was stabbing his heart continuously. He wanted to do something to make her happy and he didn't want to see the pain in her eyes.
He gave his shoulder to her to cry on which maira gladly accepted and for the first time, she cried for her parents and sister. From then their trust in each other increased.
For her he joined the rose kingdom army and managed to get a position in the court to know the activities happening in the court to help maira in any possible way.
Present
"WelI.. I came by horse and to inform you something important", Abhi said calmly.
"I know that you came by horse but when did you start your journey here? It will take at least 2 weeks if you travel without breaks", Maira said trying to figure out how he is so relaxed and calm. He doesn't look even a bit tired.
"Well.. I travelled by horse until I left the rose kingdom but after that.. I'm sure you know" Abhi said with a wink.
"You.. Don't.. Don't tell me you again used magic??" Maira asked with wide eyes.
Abhi just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
Maira helplessly shakes her head in disbelief.
"Abhi.. you know using magic is dangerous. What if someone had noticed you?" Maira started worrying.
"Woah... Stop it worrywart. I am fine.. and the important thing here is not my magic but you!" Abhi said seriously.
"What?? What happened Abhi??" Maira asked.
"He knows about You both..," Abhi said, pressing his lips in a tight line.
"WHAT??" Maira's eyes widened.