Two weeks passed away in a jiffy and Aditya and his father were the happiest. Aditya's coronation as the king of Krishnapura was a grand success. Kings and their families were invited from every state possible, including the King of Vidhyanagara and his family. Aditya had told Maheshwar about the tale between the two kingdoms and how a mistake and a misunderstanding between Kings turned into rivalry. He wanted to make peace with every other kingdom during his reign and ensure less wars and embrace prosperity. Maheshwar commended his thoughts and wished him luck while he silently hoped for this to be true.
Aditya was given a long ritualistic bath where water from the holy river Ganga was used to bathe him. Mustard oil warmed with a bit of coconut oil was rubbed and massaged onto his skin. Freshly grounded Sandalwood paste was smeared onto his skin to soothe his nerves and add a natural touch of fragrance to his body. Maheshwar was standing in a corner as he couldn't escape Aditya's demand. Aditya wanted Maheshwar to bless him, by smearing the oil and the sandalwood paste on his skin, indicating the brotherhood they shared and to strengthen their relationship. Maheshwar politely denied him saying that he couldn't do that to him and it would be against his morals to touch a man. And how could he? Maheshwar's cheeks flushed as he observed Aditya seated at the center, clad only in a dhoti drawn above his knees. His powerful physique commanded attention â from his thick, muscular calves rippling with strength, to his naked torso adorned with proud scars, and his arms stretched forward, fists clenched. As he tilted his head back, revealing a chiseled neck, broad shoulders framed the scene, completing the picture of raw masculinity before him. Even though Meenakshi controlled herself from giving away her feeling, she couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to be wrapped in his embrace, to be caged in his sturdy arms and breathe his masculine scent, to place her head on his chest and listen to his rhythmic heartbeat, to find his long calloused fingers gripping her waist, and to be able to get a taste of those kissable lips. Her not so decent thoughts were broken by Aditya laughing with his head thrown back as his uncles and cousins teased him. Before she could embarrass herself further, she quickly slipped away from there without anyone's attention and came back to her chambers. Quickly changing into something more grander and traditional, Meenakshi quickly fetched for the gift he had planned on giving Aditya.
She had gotten a specially crafted sword for him, knowing how much he loved swords and daggers. The sword was made of a finer and a lighter material called 'steel', that was a mixture of iron and coal and was casted together to form a much lighter and durable material. The hilt of the sword was encrusted with a red ruby while his name was engraved in an elegant Sanskrit handwriting. The sheath of the sword was made of fine gold that not just shined due to the reflection, but also had fine inscriptions of the 'Mrityunjaya' mantra. She faintly caressed the sword with her hand before she heard loud knocks at her door. Quickly placing her gift on the table and adjusting herself, she opened the doors to reveal a panting Aditya. Her eyes caught her by surprise before she composed herself.
"Aditya. What are you doing here?" Maheshwar asked, looking at the entrance to see if anyone else was also there.
"You suddenly disappeared. I was worried if all those rituals overwhelmed you. I am so sorry, I didn't even consider your feelings on all of this. I did not mean to force you to do anything, I justâ"
"I was getting your gift ready." Maheshwar cut him off. He couldn't physically comfort him, but his words helped. Aditya stopped his rambling and looked at him in surprise. "I wanted to see if the gift I got for you is even intact or not. And I also wanted to get ready so that I could help you with something you wanted." Maheshwar added, worried if his lie didn't work out.
Aditya nodded and his expression turned into a cheeky smile. "Can I see my gift?" He asked, like a kid who had been bought gifts by his favorite person. Maheshwar chuckled at his eagerness and moved aside to let him in.
"Aren't you getting late?" Maheshwar asked, worried if anyone would suddenly barge in here and demand his presence.
"No. I have some more time before the sun enters the third prahar and I shall be ready by then. What did you get for me?" He asked, looking around the room.
Maheshwar walked to the table and picked up the sword and turned towards Aditya and placed it in his extended palm. He was skeptical about his reaction, but nonetheless went ahead and acted as if he was calm. Aditya's eyes were glued to the sword in his hand as he ran his fingers over the inscriptions on the sheath. He then held the hilt and saw his name engraved on the metal. His eyes met Maheshwar's before they quickly went back to the sword. Aditya pulled the sword out and his eyes glinted as he took in the long sharp object. Quickly putting the sword and the sheath on the bed, Aditya took two striding steps towards Maheshwar. Before he could react, Maheshwar was taken into a bone crushing hug by Aditya. Maheshwar stumbled at the intensity but quickly gathered himself and hugged Aditya back, patting him on his shoulder.
"Thank you. Thank you so much." Aditya whispered, his voice muffled in the crook of Maheshwar's neck. Maheshwar tried his best not to clench his thighs at the intensity of Aditya's voice that stirred something foreign in him. As Aditya pulled away, his eyes were slightly glossy and he looked at the sword. "I can never repay you with anything. For your time, for your presence, for your attention. I am grateful to you." Aditya whispered, flooded with emotions. Maheshwar just chuckled at his antics before Aditya left to get ready for his coronation.
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