ENCHANTED- BY LOVE (completed)

16

*** Adinath ***

"What other choices does Pallavi make for you?" I asked Vaishu trying to remain as calm as possible.

Vaishu took a moment before replying. "Clothes....hairstyle.....jwellery..."

"So basically everything," I said annoyed.

Vaishu simply stared at me for a second. "Are you....angry?" she nervously asked.

"Well I just found out that my wife relies on a kid for all her decisions. So of course I am angry, Vaishu" I said frustrated.

Vaishu slowly took a step backward and I let my anger get the better of me.

"Stop running away from me at the slightest hint of discomfort," I said angrily grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer.

Vaishu immediately looked down, scared. I could sense her nervousness, the fidgeting of her fingers and the restlessness of her breath.

I immediately regretted my actions and gently loosenend my grip on her wrist. I slid my hand down, so that we are holding each other's hands instead of me grabbing her by the wrist.

That seems to have calmed her down and she slowly lifted her eyes to look at me.

"The last thing I want is for my anger to translate into your fear, Vaishu," I said calmly. "Find me when you gain enough courage to not look at the floor for help," I said and slowly tried to let go of her hand but she held on firmly, taking me by my surprise.

*** Sruthi ***

"General, I need to talk to you," I said barging into the general's chambers. He was in a meeting with some of the other higher officials and I could sense him getting visibly annoyed.

He excused himself, grabbed my hand and took me outside.

"Who the hell even let you in?" he whisper yelled.

"We do not have time for this, general," I said, "I think the queen might need your help."

"Why? What happened?" the general asked anxiously.

"The king has requested to be left alone with the queen and I heard him yell," I answered, "I am sure he meant no harm....I know he meant no harm....but....the queen is extremely sensitive and I think..."

The general immediately stormed towards the library before I could even finish my sentence. I hurriedly followed him.

*** Adinath ***

"I do not want to fear you," Vaishu said slowly speaking up. "With you around, my mind is finally learning to be at peace and I would not trade it for anything in the world."

I listened attentively.

"But then...." she hesitantly continued, "I have always suffered the consequences of people's anger. Hence, my default survival instinct is to either not make people angry or run away at the first sign of anger." 

"Adi....I know you are different," she added looking into my eyes, "I truly believe you are different, but my subconsious mind does not know that. It takes time to learn and it is unfair to expect change overnight."

I remained silent, thinking. She is right. It is unfair. Especially unfair after my aggressive behavior. 

"So, what do you want me to do?" I asked.

"About what?" Vaishu asked innocently.

"You said it takes time to learn. I understand that. So what can I do to make it faster, or at the very least not jeopardize your trust?" I asked.