The Triumph of a Queen

Chapter 37

"Enough" 

Chandra and Banu looked at him with raised eyebrows..

"Seems like your friend is in hurry.." Chandra commented

"Yes, its getting late, we need to leave.." Duryodhan retorted 

Banu bid farewell to her friend after mumbling something to him secretly and him agreeing.

They were about to leave when Duryodhan suddenly stopped on his tracks, went to Chandra and took some vermillion from the box and applied it to Banu's hairline.

"It wasn't visible earlier.." and without waiting for a reply walked off.

"Do you know how hard it is to walk in this.. can't you just slow down..??" Banu yelled as she followed Duryodhan through the forest

"We will miss the cart.." he replied without looking back

That's when he saw a cart and immediately went to stop it..

"Can you please transport us to the village..??" he asked the man

"Us..?" he asked as he only saw Duryodhan

"Yes , me and my.." he stammered 

"Wife.." Banu filled it for him..

Soon they were sitting in the cart on their way to the village..

Duryodhan was talking with the cart rider who was on his way to the market and Banu was just observing the duty bound prince of Hastinapur.

Months ago, one fine morning , she was practising maze in the private training grounds of Dwaraka. A stupid prank by Udhava and Badhrae had resulted in Balarama making her learn the weapon. That day, Sree Balarama was away on some official work and she had to defeat Kritavarma in a contest scheduled for afternoon. It was part of a bet and she couldn't afford to lose as it'll not only be a disgrace to her but to all her female friends in Dwaraka.

She was practising alone and the muscle cramps were making it difficult. Unable to take it any longer, she sat down trying to relax but to no avail.

"You could have stayed in the same position for some more time with that heavy thing in your hand or why don't you try giving some more pressure to your poor leg.., it would have pained more and you could be happier.." an unfamiliar voice scolded.

'Is it Mata in some other form , anyway quite a handsome form to choose..' 

He continued his rant and Banu wasn't paying attention as she was busy examining his features..

Tall and dark with a well built body.. his heavy stubble and dark locks that fell on his shoulders, enhanced his features.

His predator kind of eyes had a powerful and dangerous vibe but she saw pure care and affection in them. His long and muscled arms and legs were well toned and befitting a warrior . The scars and marks it held, proved it more. Dressed in silk , he looked like a prince.. no .. a king..

"Is it paining here.." he asked as he kept her leg in his lap

'Banu.., you are gawking at a stranger while he is doing something with your leg.. girl, you are a princess for God's sake..' 

The man was looking at her for an answer and received a death glare.. which made him to realize what he is doing..

"Sorry.., I was just trying to help.." he immediately apologized

"Thank you for the kindness.." she replied sarcastically and tried to stand up only for another pang of pain to shoot up.

"Can I ?" he didn't want to anger her and she just forwarded her hand