The Broken Prince

Chapter 8 - Not a Battle, But a Duet

Urmila was standing in front of the dressing table, staring at Lakshman's reflection on the mirror. He was sitting on the bed, silent and lost.

Urmila was surprised by his behaviour. The one who dared to be romantic in a chariot, the one who don't have patience in anything in his life, was sitting there, immersed in his own thoughts.

"Lakshman... I hope you are alright..." Said Urmila with a clear yet uncertainty filled voice.

"No need of wearing those heavy ornaments and dhuppatta Mila... Ayodhya has a little hot climate compared to Mithila..." replied Lakshman.

Urmila glared him with widened eyes... She never expected this. Usually people advice married women to wear them in any circumstances.

"But... According to our rituals..."

"I don't care them... I want you to be comfortable, that's it!" murmured Lakshman in a sudden fury.

Urmila shook her head in disbelief and smiled. She removed all the ornaments other than 'mangalyasuthra'. Then walked towards the bed and sat near to him.

"You are very stubborn Laksh... And sometimes feel like a..."

"Rebel...Isn't it..." Lakshman cut her sentence with a naughty grin.

"I was actually trying my best to avoid that word...But, you know what will suit for your self" Said Urmila in a teasing tone and both of them shared a joyful laugh.

"I know my self completely... And I want to make you know me, just like that..." Said Lakshman with a mysterious smirk and extended his hands to catch her.

But Urmila ran towards the balcony and giggled while Lakshman followed her with a cute pouted face.

"Wait a little more my Prince... Don't you know, patience is very important in our life..." 

"Oh... Mila...I already have to hear this advise at least ten times daily... From pitha, from Kausalya ma, from Ram bhaiya, Bharath bhaiya... and sometimes even from Shatrughan also...So please, not from you too..." Cried Lakshman while Urmila could not control her laughter. 

"You may listen to their advise, But I am sure that you never try to work it out..."

"Mila... What do you mean?"

"You won't change... Stubborn prince..." Urmila was an expert in teasing and making people angry... And here her prey was Lakshman, who's second nature is anger...

Lakshman glared Urmila with half opened mouth. He knew that he was very famous for his rage and sudden reaction... So usually people prefer to avoid such situations... But she was enjoying it like a hobby.

"I think we should drop the topic..." continued Lakshman hoping that he could escape from her teasing. " Ayodhya is more comforting than Mithila in the case of weather, isn't it... I was a little afraid because I usually got fever in cold."

"Aww... Don't blame the weather Lakshman... Hot headed people don't like cold climates... That is the reason..." 

Lakshman took a deep breath to control him self.

"My dear wife... This is our first night so it will be better if you are ready to be a little romantic..."

Urmila wiped her imaginary tears. "I wish if I could be... But now I am in a fully teasing mood... So you are helpless..."

"Drama queen..." Whispered Lakshman and picked her up. 

"What are you doing Laksh... are you mad!"

"Ya... A bit..." said Lakshman and made her lay on his arms.

Urmila's cheeks became red coloured. She waited for the magic of his eyes. But Lakshman gently made her sit on the chair and sat on the opposite one.

"Mila... I think we should have a talk."

Urmila didn't utter a word. She placed her hand on his and gave him an understanding look and comforting nod.

Lakshman smiled back.

"First I have to thank you Mila..."

"Well... But for what?"

"For accepting me... Understanding me...and soothing my wounded soul..."

Urmila was still unaware about his past. But she sensed his mood changing. So she decided to skip that topic. 

Urmila pointed towards the swords arranged at the corner of the room. "You have a great collection of swords !"

"Sure... swords are my favorite weapon. " Lakshman started to describe her about all of them and their special uses. Urmila smiled at his behaviour, he was tough, complicated and a bit confusing...But at the same time he was lovable, adorable and innocent...

"I can understand your passion... But I never expected swords in our room... at least not today..." 

"Because I know my wife is a warrior also... So I expect a combat today it self..." Replied Lakshman in a serious tone while Urmila glared him with shock filled eyes. 

Lakshman chuckled on her reaction. "It is my habit to keep weapons in the room, we usually do the same in Gurukul. And the maids were afraid to touch them, that is why they remain there still." He winked his eyes. "So next time be more careful before teasing me Mila... I am a pranking champion "

Urmila turned her head and said in fake anger "I am a warrior my husband...And I am ready for a battle if you want"

Lakshman walked towards Urmila and unpinned her long curly hair.

"Not a battle...but a duet..."

Urmila glanced at her handsome husband. The intensity of his eyes are back now... Lakshman slowly touched her red lips with his fingers. Urmila embraced him tightly.

"I think you are not hesitated to feel the fire now..." Whispered Lakshman.

Urmila smiled. This is the moment... This is the moment to feel him and be his, only his...

"I am in love with the fire, My Laksh... I am in love with you..."