The next morning, the boy slowly opened his eyes, groggily taking in his surroundings. His blurred vision revealed a figure sitting on his bed, and his heart skipped a beat as he rubbed his eyes to clear the haze.
But the image remained.
He rubbed his eyes again, wondering if he was still dreaming.
"Stop rubbing your eyes, you're hurting them," a soft, melodious voice cautioned.
The boy's hands dropped, and his gaze locked onto Indravati's gentle smile.
She sat beside him, her emerald eyes sparkling in the morning light.
"Princess...?" he stammered, still disbelieving.
Indravati's laughter filled the room, a sweet, musical sound.
"Yes, it's me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
The boy's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "What brings a princess to a humble stableman's bedroom at dawn?" He leaned back against the headboard, his gaze never leaving Indravati's flushed face.
Indravati's cheeks deepened in color. "I wanted to ensure our encounter last night remains a secret," she whispered, her voice proud yet barely audible.
The boy was in mood of having some with princess.
"Hmm? What encounter?" the boy teased, enjoying the princess's unease. He folded his arms, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Indravati's voice dropped to a whisper. "If Mala knew, it wouldn't end with just three hours of lessons. She'd make sure everyone in the palace knew." Her eyes darted around the room, as if fearing eavesdroppers.
The boy chuckled. "I'm not sure I can hide anything from Mala." He shrugged, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Indravati's expression turned stern. "Dare you breathe a word, and you'll face consequences. You'll be thrown out of this place, and your reputation will suffer." Her voice held a hint of warning.
The boy leaned in, his voice low and playful. "And what about your reputation, Princess? Sitting on a despicable man's bed?" He raised an eyebrow, his face inches from hers.
Indravati's face burned. "You!" She pressed her lips together, her eyes flashing.
"Does the princess want to keep secrets or hope for something else?" the boy whispered, his breath tickling her ear. His words hung in the air, charged with tension.
Indravati's eyes widened, her face aflame. "Shut up! Get away!" She pushed him back, her hands on his chest.
She stormed out of the room, leaving him breathless. "Don't think you can get away with this!" Her parting words echoed down the corridor.
The boy collapsed onto the bed, giggling. "Oh, yes, Princess, certainly." He grinned, knowing he'd gotten under her royal skin.
Raghu was on his way to the boy's bedroom, a basket of crisp apples in hand. Suddenly, Princess Indravati rushed around the corner, her elegant stride faltering. She collapsed onto Raghu, and the apples scattered across the floor.
"Maf kar huzoor (Apologies, Your Highness)," Raghu pleaded, fearful of severe punishment.
But to his surprise, Indravati began gathering the apples, her slender fingers brushing against the stone floor.
"Huzur, aap ye kya kar rahi hai? Ye aapka karya nahi hai (Princess, what are you doing? This is not your task)," Raghu protested, his voice laced with concern.
Indravati's gaze met Raghu's, her eyes sparkling with kindness. She placed a finger to her lips. "Shh, someone might hear."
Raghu's astonishment grew as the princess continued to help him collect the apples, her royal dignity unaffected by the humble task.
"Danyawad Huzur (Thank you, Huzur)," Raghu whispered, as they gathered the last apple.
Indravati smiled, her expression warm. "Hmm."
"Umm, ye seb tum akele khaoge?(Umm, are you planning to eat these apples alone?)" Princess Indravati asked, her voice tinged with amusement.
Raghu smiled. "Nahi, Rajkumari, ye to mere ek dost ke liye hai, wo abhi yaha naya hai (No Princess, these are for my friend, he is new here.)"
Indravati's gaze drifted, her thoughts barely audible. "Jarur wahi phirangi hoga...(It must be that foreigner...)"
Raghu cleared his throat, interrupting her reverie. "Umm... Hujur?(Umm.. YourHighness?)"
Indravati's focus returned. "Hmm, kuch nahi. Tum jaao (Hmm, nothingyou can leave)."
Raghu bowed. "Ji Huzur (Yes YourHighness)."
As Raghu departed for the boy's bedroom his perception of the princess shifted. He saw beyond her royal title, glimpsing a compassionate soul.
To be continued...