After a hearty lunch, Mihir found himself lost in thoughts, replaying the recent conversation with Ridham in his mind. Her piercing gaze had left him pondering the implications; if she deemed his reasons for lying unworthy, it could jeopardize his stay, and that was a predicament he'd rather avoid.
Later in the day, while Mihir was carrying out his chores, an unfortunate mishap occurred. He accidentally broke two chipped glass plates that belonged to Marith. His immediate dismissal seemed imminent as Marith's temper flared. However, Elisa intervened just in time, which spared Mihir from a more severe punishment. Nevertheless, he was left to reflect on his actions over an empty dinner plate and received a stern final warning.
As nightfall shrouded the terrace, obscuring the moon behind a thick veil of clouds, Mihir stirred from his restless sleep. He opened one eye to check on Omar, his roommate. Omar, known for his eccentric habit of reading novels upside down, had dozed off. His book precariously clung to his face, and the remnants of a cold left his nose running, leaving smudges of dirt on his lips.
Silently slipping out of the room, Mihir ventured to the balcony where Ridham awaited him. She was cloaked in a black robe cinched with a white sash, her gaze fixed upon the heavens. Mihir joined her, drawn to the same sight.
"The night sky is enchanting, isn't it?" she murmured, her eyes still trained on the hidden moon. Moonlight filtered through breaks in the clouds, and the serenade of night birds filled the air. A gentle breeze brushed against their skin, filling the moment with serenity.
Mihir nodded, his voice soft, "Absolutely." He couldn't help but be captivated not only by the night sky but also by the woman beside him. Ridham's beauty was spellbinding, and it left him in awe.
Ridham turned her gaze to Mihir, their eyes locking for a moment before she redirected her attention to the concealed moon. "So, Mihir, or should I say, Chandu, will you share the reason for your lie, or shall I—" she paused, letting the unspoken threat linger.
Mihir sighed, "I will tell you the truth, but I'm not quite sure where to begin." He scratched his head, a hint of innocence in his gesture.
Ridham prompted, "Start from the beginning."
Taking a deep breath, Mihir began to recount, "As you know, I am Mihir, the son of Dhruveen."
"Everyone is aware of that," she affirmed.
"That's where everything starts," he continued. "Throughout my life, I resided in the royal castle with the Immortal Fairies, believing that, after my father, I was the protector of Moonrun. But a few days ago, I encountered someone," he paused, the memories of that significant encounter flooding his thoughts. "From the moment I was born until that moment, I had dedicated my life, fought in countless battles, and stood up for the people. But in a single instant, she appeared before me, asking for my identity without even mentioning my father's name. It was as though my entire life was thrust before me in mere seconds," he concluded, a bittersweet smile gracing his lips.
Ridham offered her perspective, "Sometimes, it's not necessary for everyone to know who you are and what you do. It's more important for you to understand yourself. Perhaps the girl who revealed your identity had ulterior motives or meant something entirely different."
Mihir regarded her thoughtfully, attempting to absorb her words. "For now, I believe it's best for me to stay here. However, if you wish, I can reveal the truth."
"Then make sure not to break any more plates tomorrow, or else you may face my own form of punishment," Ridham warned playfully, a smile gracing her lips. She turned to leave but paused and asked, "By the way, did I ever tell you how I first came to know about you?"
Mihir shook his head, curious about her story.
"On the day Krurika attacked Moonrun, I was there for some work," Ridham explained. "I was at the castle, on the verge of being consumed by flames, when a boy saved me. That boy was you."
Mihir listened intently, drawn into her recollection.
"My friend later informed me that you were the great Mihir, the protector of Moonrun," she continued, nostalgia coloring her voice.
Mihir smiled at the memory, grateful for the chance to make a fresh start. "It's remarkable how a single act can alter the course of one's life."
Ridham made her way towards the staircase, but before descending, she added, "I've left some food for you. I wouldn't want our help to go hungry."
As she disappeared, Mihir remained on the terrace, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions and revelations. The night had been filled with surprises, forging an unexpected connection with Ridham. Her mysterious allure left him in a state of wonder as he contemplated the intricate tapestry of his new life.