Ranjha

3.4 | Scores Settled

1800 AD
Surat, Palace Premises.

"With all due respect, I would prefer if you signed off your kingdom without much drama. We don't want to fight either.", General Vanraj said sitting back on the vintage sofa.
The King, now wearing an embroidered sherwani, the lines of age all over his face inhaled coldly.

Oh he knew the rules of the subsidiary alliance.
It was a subtle way of giving up your own independence.

"You are an Indian and still choose to side with the enemy.", the King said softly.
Vanraj drew in a deep breath.
"I am an appointed general of army for the East India Company. This is my job. Anyways, I have to feed a family, you see.", He said smoothly.

Anupamaa walked into the hall, barely breathing. Smitten by the man, who they normally call "traitor" here.
She took the tray with two tea cups of bon china and a kettle on the small table between the two men.

Vanraj looked at her, and paused.
The King started talking about how the East India Company was unfair but the general wasn't listening anymore. He stared at the kitchen girl, dazed.
Anupamaa poured the tea in a cup, a strand of her hair falling right before her face.
She took the cup and turned to hand it over to him.

He raised his hand to take it.
Their eyes met again.
And they locked.

Before either of them realised the cup toppled right on Vanraj's hand.
He immediately snapped out, hissing im pain.
"Oh-oh I am so sorry..", Anupamaa mumbled apologetically.
"Is this how we treat guests?! Go away!", The king snapped at her.

Anupamaa looked down, heartbroken and teary eyed.
And then she turned to leave.

"I would like an answer from you soon otherwise we have orders to attack.", Vanraj said, still in visible pain.
The king said nothing as Vanraj stood up and turned towards the kitchen.

He has taken a liking towards the kitchen girl. It's time we take advantage of the heart of a soldier.
The King thought as he watched him go.

Vanraj jogged into the kitchen to find the girl.
"Do you have ice?", He asked smoothly.
Anupamaa immediately turned, wiping her tears.
"Why are you crying?", He asked softly as she immediately jogged down to him.

"No.. I get a little emotional when someone scolds me..", She said softly taking his hand.
"The water is cold.. it will help.", She said immediately fetching water from the mud pot.

Vanraj took a step towards her.
"What is your name?", He asked.
Anupamaa looked up at him, taking his hand again in hers,
"Anu.. Anupamaa. I was sold to the palace by my parents against debt. I work here now as a slave...", She said softly.

His eyes, they were beautiful. A light brown shade, so expressive yet cryptic. She found it difficult to look away as she poured the cold water on his burn.

"A woman like you cannot be a slave.", Vanraj whispered.
T

he connection was instant, his hand was in pain but his heart paced looking at her eyes. The way her hair fell over her face. He had heard of love at first sight.
Like Heer Ranjha, Romeo Juliet.. Radha Krishna.

She felt like a similar connection.

Anupamaa tore her gaze off him, looking away, gulping nervously.
She was about to leave his hand when he held it tightly.
She looked at him, taken aback.