Aditya waited until Meenakshi pulled away from the hug, he just didn't want to let go of her. Meenakshi wiped her face of the remaining tears and moved away from him only to be pulled into his hard chest. She looked up at him with questioning eyes and Aditya silently asked her to follow him. He held her hand and walked ahead and Meena silently followed behind. Aditya walked down the path they chased each other and he found his horse standing near the tree he tied him to. Walking up to his horse, Aditya petted him stroking his hair on his face. Badal let out a neigh of happiness as he saw his master and trotted ahead and nudged Meenakshi. Of course he knew the smell and presence of his favorite person but Aditya just felt happy seeing them bond, remaining oblivious. Meenakshi rubbed his neck as he nickered softly as Aditya mounted on Badal. Meenakshi looked at him and then at his extended palm. Placing her palm in his, she climbed the horse sitting in front of him with his front pressed to her back. Aditya took control over the reins, his fingers absent-mindedly brushing her waist, as he pulled the reins in directing the horse. Meenakshi closed her eyes feeling his fingers stir an emotion that seemed so familiar yet foreign to her. Aditya pulled Meenakshi by her waist closer to his chest and Meenakshi's breath hitched. She slowly leaned back onto his chest, her head resting in the crook of his neck and shoulder, from where her view of the world was perfect.
She could see the faint stubble on his cheeks, she could see that he had matured a lot in these three months as compared to the duration when they left after the loot issue and his coronation. She could see his efforts and his hard work, in making his kingdom prosper and flourish, after all he became quite popular in the folklore of the villages. "You are staring." Aditya whispered, making her jump slightly in her place, feeling his lips on her cheek. She shied away, turning her face to look at the other world in front of her. Aditya let out a long sigh before he spoke. "You don't tell me what the issue is, you are just worried, how can I help you love?" Aditya's voice was barely above a whisper, but his concern and frustration was evident. She sighed and continued to remain silent. Taking her silence to be the problem, Aditya continued. "My father will definitely accept you as the queen of the kingdom. He is very welcoming and warm hearted. If it makes you feel better, then I shall ask my best friend Maheshwar to meet you and talk to you. He lives in the same forests as you do. He lives with a sage, serving him in his ashram. Maybe talking to him will ease your mind and heart." Meenakshi froze at the mention of Maheshwar which didn't go unnoticed by Aditya. He decided to ask before things escalated badly. "Do you know him?" He asked her, slowing his horse near the other end of the river.
"Who?" She asked back.
"Maheshwar!" He spoke, feeling miserable seeing her silence.
"No Adi. I don't know him." She lied, the name she had given him went unnoticed by him.
"Then why did you react like that?"
"I don't want anyone else to get involved with us, especially a man. We are enough." She said, her tone sounding an ultimatum. She knew she had to end this and she would do it by hook or crook. "Can you give me your word?" She asked, turning around to face him. Aditya nodded with a small smile on his face. She extended her right palm and Aditya did not hesitate to place his palm in hers. "Marry another woman and never meet me again after today." She said, making Aditya pull their palms apart. But Meenakshi was relentless, she held his palm tightly, seeing him retrieve his hand back. "You gave me your word." She said, her eyes shining with tears.
Aditya vigorously shook his head as he saw her trying to get down the horse. He followed her and got down the horse and held her hand preventing her from walking away. She turned around seeing tears in her eyes made her heart clench in pain. "Why?" Aditya's voice shivered as he spoke. "Why are you doing this?" He asked.
"It's for the better Aditya." Aditya shook his head in a no, listening to her but Meenakshi was persistent. "No Aditya, we are not meant to be at all. As a King you must marry a suitable princess and make her your queen, I can never take her place. You must think and act like a King at all times. You can't let these things get in your way." Aditya denied every word of hers but Meenakshi kept her foot strong. She paused, taking in his form, his handsome face, his kind heart, his protective arms and his defeated stance. She couldn't see him this way, but this was for the best. "If I ever have another life, then I shall definitely want to be your love and be your wife in every true sense. I hope I can take away your pain and be the partner you deserve." Tears rolled down her eyes as she pulled her hand away from his. Aditya tightened his grip, not allowing her to move.
"If not you, then no one. I cannot imagine anyone else but you. Don't do this to me, to us." He pleaded, his voice quivering, his face wet with his tears. "Please." He begged, but nothing could deter her. She smiled in tears and pulled her hand away forcefully, making Aditya drop to his knees and cry miserably. Meenakshi tried to stop her own tears, as she ran away leaving him to his miseries behind.
That night the trees and the stars shed silent tears for the two souls who separated for a greater cause. Only fate knew if they would ever meet or be separated forever.
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I am crying as I write this chapter. Why them? ð