Mysteriously yours

Choice

Raghav's pov

"Prince Aahil?"she let go of my hand and walked to him.

"Thank god you are okay, Maithili!" He came and wrapped his arms around her. I shifted in my place and fisted my hand.

"But —what happened?!" She asked. Clearly startled by his action.

"There was a intruder inside the palace...because of the security breach."  He said.

"Is everyone okay?!" I asked concernedly.

"Yes..and we have dismissed the ball until further notice!" He said still holding her hand.

"What are you doing?" He asked when I untangled his hand from hers.

"I will drop you home, Maithili." I said.

"Mr. Rathore I really appreciate your kind gesture but she's my guest so she is—

"Let's go, Maithili." We left before he could even finish his sentence.

"Raghav! That was very rude of you! Don't forget he's a prince!" She said loosening my grip around her wrist.

"So what?" I asked.

"So what?" She raised her brow repeating my words.

Maithili's pov

"Do you like repeating my words?" He said.

"No...but why would you talk so rudely to him?!" Now I was kinda annoyed by him.

"Do you love him?" He asked with a calm look yet there was chaos in his eyes as he looked over me.

"No." I answered him immediately.

"Sit in the car." He opened the car door.

"Do you even know where my house is?"

"No.." he replied while steering the wheel.

I face palmed myself as I was now officially irritated.
He held my hand with his left while he steered the wheel with his right hand. I quizzically glanced at him whilst he peeked at me through his rear view mirror.

"So where do you live?"

"Just go straight and take the first right and then second left and on the 3rd street is my home."

"Okay...got it! He replied.

I tried to free my hand from his hold but it was hopeless at this moment.

"Tonight when I saw—I wanted to say something to you.."

"What?"

"Thank you, for helping me..." I immediately looked at him as I couldn't believe he would remember such a small thing about a complete stranger.

"Your welcome Mr. Rathore." I replied, sincerely.

He glanced for a brief moment and back to his driving. After 30 minutes we reached my house and when I was getting out of the car he opened the door for me.

"Thank you, Mr—

"Can you drop all the formalities?"

"But—
"No if and no but!" He interrupted .

"You should go inside..it's cold out here." He emphasized.

"Okay..bye"

"Bye." He said with no emotions whatsoever and left after I closed my main door behind me.

Next morning...

"Maithili beta! Get up! Prince Aahil has announced you as his potential bride..." As soon as I heard that I woke up from the deep slumber.

"No! That can't be true!"

"It is! He has sent a car for you—

"—you can't be serious!" I peaked through the window and saw a limo parked right in front of my house!

'Looks like I don't have a choice!'

Aahil's pov

"I am glad and honoured that you all accepted my royal invitation—and joined our family for this grand dinner." I smiled as I welcomed every potential bride.

"As you all are already aware of last night's incidents—the Raana family has decided that from now on we will be keeping all the events private... And i'll chose my bride...which will be announced in next 2 weeks instead of in 4 days..." I said.

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"Maithili! Please wait!"

"Prince Aahil!" She stopped in her way and greeted me with a smile.

"I am sorry!" Her beautiful eyes widened a little surprised at my sudden outburst.

"Prince—

"No Maithili! I should have asked your permission one more time beforehand about this arrangement."

"I don't know what to say Prince Aahil!" She looked anxiously at me. "But I do appreciate your apology...and whatever has happened..has already been done...there's nothing we can do now...everybody knows that I am one your potential bride...If I leave before the announcement...it will not look great for our families!" She replied sincerely. "Although I have a request for you.." she glanced at me softly.

"You don't have to request anything...just say the word and consider it done."

"That's very kind of you..Your highness, I want you to be non-partial when choosing your bride."

"As you wish!" I smiled.

Raghav's pov

"Maithili! Why are you here?!" I asked as I was confused why she was at royal guest only area as no commoners were allowed unless you are on a special invitation.

"Mr. Rathore...er..I— I — she stammered nervously or quizzically.

"Mr. Rathore...she's the potential bride!" Aria spoke from behind.

"Princesses Aria...what a surprise! I thought I would never see you at royal get together ever!" I smirked.

"Now now Mr. Rathore.. Never say never...besides I am a princess...and I am always invited." She played with her hair with seductive smile on her face.

"Princess Aria it was nice seeing you here but i and Miss Maithili would like to be excused." I said with a smile.

"Very well then...enjoy your evening!" She winked before she left.

"So..miss Maithili what's going on?!"

"Um what do you mean?!"

"Are you this naive and innocent or do pretend to be?!" I walked towards her.

"Mr. Rathore....I am sorry but I don't think I understand what you mean?!" She quivered a little.

"It's not late...back down from this proposal!" I held her gently by her shoulders. "Please!"
'I myself didn't know why I asked her that?!'

"No!"

"Maithili....it's not what it's looks like—

"I have promised Prince Aahil that I'll stay—Mr. Rathore I am not backing down..."

"I am sorry, miss Joshi...hope you have good evening!" I retreated.

To be continued...
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