A Vampire in Love

Chapter 34: Submitted

“You did what?” Rai asked with an amused look on his face. Rai and Orya were sitting at the breakfast table with Adya. 

“For god's sake, I did not do anything” Adya shook her head. She had a “Are you for real?” expression. “ I just absentmindedly admired O. I forgot he could hear my thoughts.” She paused. “And even if I could remember that, it was not in my control. That man is good looking” She concluded in a matter-of-fact way.  

Orya pressed her lips tight to not burst out in laughter. She wanted to shove something in her mouth but she was too old for that. Rai on the other hand had a shocked expression. His eyes urgently roamed around the kitchen, as if he could see beyond the solid walls.

“Shhhh….are you trying to bring this castle down today?” Rai was clearly panicking. “Ajish does not take it as an innocent adoration. For him, O was a competition. I am amazed that the poor chap is still alive.”

“What? Am I not allowed to have a mind of my own now? Am I not free to admire something that is go—-” Adya was cut midway. Rai pressed his palm to her mouth to shut her up. 

“Adya you are going to be the reason for my death today,” Rai said while he took a quick peek around. He was quite jumpy. “If you don’t stop with how handsome O is, Ajish will soon be here doing something stupid” He sighed. “And being your guard I will have to intervene.”

“But why can't he trust me?”  Adya looked down at her untouched plate. 

“It is not about trust, Adya” Orya who was a mere spectator till now, spoke in a motherly tone. Her eyes had something Adya could not comprehend. Was it "concern"? Pity? She could not understand. 

“Exactly Adya. You have to understand he is not a human. We are not human. Humans are naturally bound to nature but crave freedom, but a vampire has all the freedom but we crave to be bound. This bond of yours with him is very special. He will not tolerate anything threatening the bond, even if it is a small innocent adoration." Rai explained.

"But I am a human…." Adya started with a frustrated tone but stopped immediately. Her eyes were on a figure that was leaning carelessly on the frame of the huge door. 

"Orya baby, I am heading to the Ministry. You will join me." Ajish said in a flat tone. He did not even acknowledge Adya's presence."Rai, get the convoy ready in an hour." He turned on his heels, followed by three more vampires. 

Adya was in shock. She was not used to Ajish’s indifference. She was rightfully the center of his universe, wasn't she? Then why can't he just apologize and move on?

Adya’s train of thoughts were broken by the sound of chair scraping on the floor. Orya walked slowly towards her and gave her a soft warm hug.

"Sometimes it is OK to apologize……for peace…" Orya winked at her. Rai engulfed her a bear hug. It lasted for a couple of moments. Adya sighed at the feeling of security. She felt protected. Both of them walked out of the kitchen. Adya was left behind. 

Adya poked her fork into a piece of potato off her plate. She has had enough. Yes she reacted, but even he had crossed his boundaries. With utter determination, she decided to not spend another sleepless night. She will settle this matter by hook or by crook. 

The evening breeze swayed the canopy of the tall trees. It looked like they were dancing to a heartfelt melody. Adya for the first time got out of the castle on her own. She was exploring the castle grounds. The gardens were divided into wings like she read in ancient romantic novels. The bushes were pruned to perfection. Although it was late autumn, still a few flowers were adoring the bushes. Adya's finger brushed the soft petals of the wild roses in adoration.