Mysteriously yours

Lady Maithili

Maithili's pov

Next morning

"Mr. Rathore! Please wait!"

"Good morning lady Maithili!"

"Good Morning, Mr. Rathore!"

"How can I help you?" He sounded distant with his words unlike our before encounters.

"I just wanted to ask you why did you ask me to back down?!"

"Oh...it doesn't matter, lady Maithili. As you have already made up your mind."

"I—i— as soon as I took a step forward my heel twisted and before I could fall he held me by my waist. His strong arms wrapped around me as he pulled me up —I held my breath and gazed into his deep brown eyes.

"T-thank you." I whispered.

He took a sharp breath as he closed his eyes for a sec before he released his grip from my waist.

"No problem. Now if you'll excuse me!" He left immediately.

Raghav's pov

"Damn it!" I threw my jacket on the bed in frustration.

I hated every second of seeing her with him. Even though it's just an infatuation—it was killing me in way I couldn't explain.

Hell! I didn't know why I was feeling this way.

"Mr. Rathore?" A servant knocked on the door.

"Yes?!"

"His highness wants you to invite for tonight's ball."

"Okay. I'll be there!" I replied whilst I poured myself a glass of whiskey.

___

Soft music was playing in the background while all the guests mingled and chit chatted. These type of parties weren't my thing or should I say any type of party wasn't my thing.

I placed my hand in my pant's pocket coolly whilst I approached Mr. Rai, one of co-investors for our new upcoming project.

"Namaste Mr. Rai.." I smiled as I greeted him. He turned to my side with a big smile on his face. "How are you, young man?!" He asked with great enthusiasm.

"I am fine...thank you for asking."

"So...I heard that you have back down from investing in the next year's project?"

"Ummm...yes." I reluctantly answered.

"Why? If you don't mind me asking?"

"Not at all...it just lacks potential." I replied ,honestly.

"Or because it's leaded by Crown Prince Aahil?" Ms Desai interjected.

"In that case, Ms. Desai that would be very unprofessional of me if I did my business because to personal grudges—and not only it will cost me loosing my business but also it will tarnish my reputation as leading  businessman in this country!" I glanced at her and saw her smile disappearing.

"I-I didn't—

"—it's okay Ms Desai!...now if you'll excuse me!" I smiled and walked away from there to the garden area for some fresh air.

As I approached the benches I saw her sitting by the pond while throwing small pebbles in the pond.

"What are you doing here?" I cleared my throat.

She didn't replied but for a sec she looked up at me.

"Are you crying?!" I stepped toward her.

"N-no!" She denied looking at other side.

"Did anyone say something to you?" I stopped in my way.

"No." She stood up from the bench and started to walk away.

I sighed and grabbed her wrist pulled her closer to me.

"Speak up Princess..what's wrong?" Her beautiful eyes widened at my sudden instance.

Her tears fell from her eyes slowly sliding down her cheek. I gently wiped it with my thumb.

"Maithili...what happened?" I asked again.

"Do you think I am here because of money?!—or that I seduced Prince Aahil...or I am hungry for fame?" She replied while sobbing.

"Who told you these thing?!" I felt my anger risen.

"In the ball room —I heard many guest say these things about me...they think I am here just because of my looks...other potential brides comes from financially reputed family unlike—

"—Maithili! You can't let these things get you! You have made your decision. Don't over think it! People will say whatever they want to. It's up to us how we hold and portray ourselves. I was 18 when I started my business and people said a lot of thinks that it wouldn't work as I was just a teenager who was trying to complete my education while I was pitching my business ideas to big companies until I chose do it by myself...but fast-forward 14 years later i am one of the leading businessmen of this country."

She slowly glanced at me capturing my gaze..I felt a sudden shiver in my body as I noticed her beautiful lips.

"So I should just ignore their words?" She asked naively.

"Absolutely."  I smiled reverting my gaze at her beautiful eyes.

"I should be get going then—Prince Aahil must be waiting.." she stepped away from me. "..and Mr. Rathore..thank you!" She stopped in her way before leaving.

"No problem."

After some time I went inside the ball room and saw her mingling with a few royal ladies. It made me relieved that she was okay.

"Mr. Rathore, where were you?"

"Princess Aria...how can I help you?"

"Excellent question!" She smirked. "The dance is starting please join me—

"I am sorry your highness but—

"No if and no but!" She spoke cutting off in mid.

Reluctantly I joined on the dance floor slowly the music played and everyone just synced together.

"Ragha—I mean Mr. Rathore...you know how to dance?!" Maithili seemed a little surprised as soon as we change our partners and ended up dancing together.

"Yes, why—I don't look like someone who knows how to dance?" I was bit offended by her question.

"Oh no no..it's just you seem so serious and stoic!"

"So serious people don't dance?"

"Nope! Not that I have seen!" I laughed a little at her response.

"You are seeing now, miss Maithili!"

"No—I am seeing a guy who is laughing and dancing!" Her words were so soft and kind that it made my heart warm.

"Are you nervous?" I asked.

"Yes..kinda..."

"Do you want to be chosen as his bride?" My words felt heavy.

She glanced at me studyingly and after short pause she replied "I—

"Lady Maithili...it's about time that we dance together?" Aahil interjected.

To be continued...