Chapter 146: Elephant Ride
Rewari Kingdom, Khera Village, 15th March 1557
After leaving the soap manufacturing process in the hands of the sarpanch and her daughter, Aditya hurried back to the kingdom’s palace.
As he made his way through the corridors, his heart beat faster. He sighed hard, never imagining he’d be nervous again about entering his own royal chamber.
Upon reaching his assigned office, his heart skipped a beat at the sight of Meenakshi, who was still waiting for his arrival. She greeted him with a smile and respect, "Greetings, Prince. I thought you wouldn’t come for some personal reasons."
But her eyes betrayed her demeanor. There was a pain of betrayal in Meenakshi’s eye that Aditya understood all too well.
He felt a complicated mix of emotions. Her vibe felt like a betrayal which was akin to a wife waiting before dinner; or a girlfriend waiting at movie hall; or a date waiting at the table, only to be disappointed. That pain was evident in Meenakshi’s eyes.
This made no sense. Aditya knew the stakes were different here. She was a princess, and he was supposed to accompany her on official tours. He had the privilege of personal liberty, but he failed to understand why it was giving him this expectant, betrayed feeling vibe.
There was silence in the air as they communicated with their eyes without a word. Meenakshi tried hard to control her emotions, but her eyes and silence revealed she wanted at least some explanation.
At that moment, Aditya decided to listen to his heart. He couldn’t get down on one knee and hold her hand, so his brain selected the second best route as he apologized with a slight bow, "Apologies, Princess. I got delayed."
Meenakshi giggled, and her dampened eyes lit up. She blushed, "What are you doing, Prince? It’s alright." She couldn’t look at him, but then his next words halted her gaze as she turned back to be certain.
Aditya continued his apology with a sincere namaste, "I mean it, Princess. Your time matters to me, so here lies my apology." Internally he screamed what nonsense he speaking but continued his demeanour.
Meenakshi replied with a soft smile, "It’s alright, since you’re saying it like this." Internally, She was delighted by his words.