3) Chapter

The night air was rich with the scent of incense and jasmine, and the buzz of devotees filled every corner of the temple grounds.

Through the throngs of people, two figures moved with purpose, a young man with a charming smile Vishnu , and his close friend Adithya.

They both were stepping with a hurry towards the Shiva temple.

"Hey you know, Vishnu, you are too much for a commner , you look exactly... like a prince in disguise. I think that plain robe of yours costs more than my entire outfit." Adithya start mumbling while looking at his friends attire.

"What can I do about that? blame it on my blood.. Oh I see someone is jealous now... ? Vishnu smirk at Adithya.

"Jealous...  No .. No people will look at you and think, '"There goes a commoner who shops in royal markets." Very  convincing. Remind me again why we're sneaking into Badami like a couple of runaway chickens?" Adithya said while rolling his eyes.

"For adventure, of course! beside its Mahashivaratri and my brother and uncle will be at the temple. Just two humble commners seeking the divine crown prince...!" Vishnu laughed.

"Ah, yes. Because everyone knows that crown prince  just love being approached by mysterious commoners on holy nights. What's your grand plan if we're caught, my lord.. " Adithya asked.

"let me think.. I would probably say we are wandering fortunetellers.I know commners love those things."Vishnu said.

"You? A Fortuneteller? The only prediction I've ever heard from you is how to survival while sneaking into the royal temple." Adithya said while trying  not to laught.

"The method is called charm.. my friend. Besides, no one's getting caught tonight. Trust me.." Vishu said whith a smile.

Then suddenly , they heard the clamor of soldiers moving and shouting throught the crowd.

"Hey chase that man"They yelled.

They were chasing spy who were darting throught the crowd at the speed of a arrow.

"Oh no, don't even think about it. Let's just blend in with the crowd. We're not here to rescue the day.." Adithya whispers urgently while grabbing Vishnus arm.

In the chaos, a flower girl who were in the middle on gurads way  was knocked aside, her basket of flowers scattered everywhere.

Everything was a mess. Many the gurads bend down towards ground and start helping her while few of them chase the spy.

Vishnu's eyes flash with concern as he steps forward instinctively, while Adithya groans.

"Hey you kind sir..  you all can continue to chase that spy i will help her." Vishnu spelled towards the gurads and they all start moving within a second.

"Are you all right girl..?" Vishnu asked gently at the flower girl.

She looked at him. Her pretty eyes were filled with disappointment. But unfortunetly Vishnu didnt seemed to notice that. His eyes were fully concentrated at her lovely face.

"Thank you, sir. I... didn't mean to trouble you." She said with a hurry and start collecting her flowers.

"Here let me help you with that .." Vishnu said gently while kneeling beside her.

" You're... very sweet to help me sir"she said in a low voice.

Vishnu stared at her face. She was pretty. For moment he lost his words.

Vishnu smiled at her. Then he picked up a lovely jasmine flower and hand it towards her. "You shouldn't have to pick these up alone. They deserve to be treated well, just like you."

Flower girl blushed sightly her voice was almost whisper. "You are so kind sir.. May lord shiva blessed you!

"You too. Dont let soldjers to ruin your evening .. Anyway may i know your name ?Vishnu asked with light smile.

At the sound of his question, her  eyes went wide , panic flickering across her face.

The kindness he showed her felt overwhelming, and her heart raced at the thought of revealing her true identity to this mysterious stranger.

"I—I can't tell you! I mean, it's just... A flower girl's name isn't important. I'm just Mekala you know, ..like the moon ... just Mekala."

Her breath quickens as she fidgets with the fallen flowers, desperately trying to maintain her composure.

"Mekala... that's a lovely name. You don't have to worry. I promise I won't tell anyone."Vishnu whispers noticing her distress.

"We're going to get caught, I just know it!" Adithya who was there watching whole the scene exclaimed.

"Hey Vishnu. Time to go before me been a part of this drama." Adithya gently pulled Vishnu aside.

"I am grateful for both of you sir.. Please, don't let me keep you any longer."Mekala said with a light smile while she regains her composure.

"There, see? She's perfectly fine. Let's go before the guards get any ideas about us."Adithya said pulling his friend.

Vishnu looked at his friend and turn back toward to face the flower girl.  "Are you sure you'll be- Hey where is she disappeared to...?"

"She went idiot... Unbelievable. Next time, let's leave the heroics to the soldiers."Adithya muttered while pulling Vishnu.

"You're just annoyed because I showed you up in front of a beautiful girl."Vishnu smirked.

Adithya rolled his eyes and opened his mouth for a reply but with in that second they all heard a fatal scream. The sound was filled with pain.

Everyone was silent. "What was that?!"Vishnu asked in alarmed voice.

"Someone has stabbed the spy!" Adithya said after a while and gulped.

" "W-we should do something.. dont we?"Vishnu asked.

"No Don't even think of it.. We had enough of troubles for today.. lets move Vishnu" Adithya pulled vishnu from the crowd towards the temple.

Hey readers,😊

Any gusses about the murderer? Drop your thought 🤔

Warmly

ChronicleKeeper😉