Queen of my heart (continued)

The combination

"So, what are you? What are you doing in the Warrior's chamber?" Amrish asked as if he didn't himself knew her.  As if he hadn't dreamt of her himself.

" I am Queen Devika's official personal maid." Surohi said shyly. Her cheeks turned red. She had imagined a thousand times what it would be like talking to him but no matter how many times she practiced it, she knew she would mess up in reality.

" A royal maid in the warrior's chamber! That's a great combination." he teased her knowing well that she was blushing. He was enjoying having so much effect on her.

He had had his share of women in the past but something about Surohi always charmed him. How she selflessly cared for the Queen... just like he cared for Ashwini. How she was so inclined to working hard and making everything perfect for the Queen. How she had a feminine aura that had a glint of childishness. That made a great combination!

"Apologies, my lord, since I had a lot of time in hand, I thought about exploring the palace." Surohi managed to say meekly.

"Well then, I'll supervise you while you explore. Who knows, maybe you could be a spy from an enemy kingdom and as the Army chief, I am very concerned about the security of the palace." Amrish spoke swiftly to not give out the hint that he was eager to 'supervise' her.

"You can believe me, my lord, I am nothing but a maid." She bowed before him. " I thank you for your offer and your time. But I must go now." With that she ran away with a promise to herself that she would think twice before passing this chamber.

-----------------------

 Few days later, Surohi accidently bumped into Amrish when the royal procession went for a hunt. 

Surohi tried her hardest to suppress her feelings for him. But when he jumped over to kill a wild boar. All hell broke loose. He looked fierce, violent and brave. Not to forget, handsome!

He was successful in boar hunting, but he got few wounds in the process, on his back and on his arms.

And this was the perfect moment to initiate a conversation with Surohi. He had demonstrated his valor, now he wanted to see what Surohi could offer.

While his fellow soldiers came up to bandage him, he shooed them away. He himself went to the group of maids and called for Surohi, " Official maid of the Queen! present yourself. You have been called."

Surohi moved passed the crowd of maid and bowed before him, "Sir, how can I help?"

"Come with me." Amrish said nervously. He knew if he wanted her, he had to initiate it. Surohi followed him silently but stopped when she found they were going away from the royal procession.

"Sir? What do you want? Why are we walking away?" Surohi questioned him. She doubted he had other intentions.

"Well, you do ruin our meetings all the time, don't you?" He pulled his shirt off his head. Surohi started backing off. " So, this why I have been called." she thought.

"No! don't back off, I am not going to touch you. Instead, I am asking you to bandage the wounds on my back while you tell me about your life." He said in one breath.

Surohi looked at him like he was the stupidest person she had ever seen.

"Don't give me that kind of look. What? Do you want to live like that forever? Just looking at me and never talking?" He folded his arms over his chest.

"So, the army chief is interested in a maid?" she deciphered quickly.

"My mother was a royal maid too. I made my place in the army with my hard work. And can't I be interested in you? " He spoke. Amrish had never thought they would be arguing at their first date itself. 

" It's not that, sir, it's just that I didn't expect you to have feelings for me and be so direct about it." Surohi said as a matter of fact.

"Remember this about me, I am always clear with my sword and my word."  Amrish was himself astonished at this dialogue. He didn't want to miss any chance of impressing her. He moved closer to her, taking one step at a time. He moved until he was just a breath away from her. He peered down into her eyes looking at his own reflection in the richness of dark brown. This was the lady, he wanted to consume but was restraining himself. This was the lady he was crushing over. 

"Now, will you bandage the wounds on my back?" he whispered to her lips.

She smiled and nodded.  She took out the ayurvedic paste, cotton and bandaging leaves from her bag, that she carried around when Devika was out with her.

"Please turn around." She said with authority in her voice. Her voice seemed to be of acceptance and happiness.

Amrish turned around and showed her his back.

" Now tell me about you." he said

----------------------