Teardrops on Roses

CHAPTER 11

"Come anytime you need anything" Sahdev's voice called after her, his eyes trailing her long hair falling in waves down her back.

Standing on the threshold of the neat and sophisticated lab of the youngest Pandav, Monami's lips curled up at his sweet, generous offer. She could sense genuine, unadulterated kindness in his words.

"Sure Rajkumar" she answered turning around her head slowly, "I would certainly not hesitate before handing over the next batch of laundry to be done when my arms need rest."

Monami's giggles felt like a melody that sprung like delightful lotuses from muddy waters to Sahadev's ears. His years of brahmacharya at Guru Drona's ashram had ended not even a week back and a woman's carefree, unadulterated presence so close to him was thrilling and refreshing.

His gaze lingered on her while her laughter now subsided back to an enchanting smile. In that moment, the steady, gentle waves of unexplainable familiarity that had been building within him since he first laid his eyes on her, pulsate to an overwhelming level; a strange feeling of being connected that seemed to defy all the boundaries of his scholarly knowledge he had accumulated over the years.

"Rajkumar, what's wrong?" Monami's voice now bearing some degree of caution broke his silent musings. She bit her cheek, wondering if his sudden silence was an indication of his indignation at her words. She had talked more freely to him than anyone in a long while not knowing when and how her guard fell.

"Nothing wrong Monami, nothing at all. I was a bit lost in my thoughts" Sahadev answered quickly, his cheeks beginning to tint mildly on their own, "Laundry huh? I will think of something for it"

"Don't tell me you plan on joining me at the river" she teased back, relieved to have not struck a nerve, stepping back into the lab.

"Oh no why should I" Sahdev too laughed now.

"Nayantara will chew off my head now if I---"

Monami, still caught in the playful banter, was about to complete her sentence when the lab door, already ajar, shifted slightly.

The subtle movement caught their attention as Karna appeared in the doorway, his gaze piercing through the opening. His expression however faltered from being one of purpose to surprise and confusion as his eyes rested on Monami first and then flitted to Sahdev. He cleared his throat

"Rajkumar Sahdev you are being called to the dining hall along with with the other princes" Karna declared, breaking the sudden awkward silence.

Monami watched him in silence, surprise evident in her eyes too. She hadn't expected to see him again like this and his transformation was not helping either. Dressed in finest silks and some stunning pieces of gold jewels perfectly encapsulating masculine resplendence, he was making it hard, almost impossible for Monami to remove her eyes from him.

"Angraj" Sahdev said in an even tone, the subtle iciness in his voice not hard to miss, "Thank you for informing me. I will be joining soon."

Monami waa certain Karna had felt her scrutinizing gaze on him for he turned to her at that moment causing an unasked for rendezvous of their eyes. She flushed, wondering what would be the most appropriate thing to say but Karna's gaze still resting on her morphed into one of disdain and pity.

"So what are lying about here?" he asked, while his lips tugged up at the edges as if silently mocking and accusing her.

Now Monami's eyes narrowed, she hated to be disrespected for no reason. She had opened her mouth to protest and give him a fitting response.

However although her mouth remained agape, she failed to articulate a single word for Sahdev had quickly crossed the distance between them and was now standing on or two step ahead of her.

"Angraj Karna is there anything else?" Sahdev enquired, extending an arm towards the door handle and thus effectively creating a line between the radiant suta warrior and the petite servant girl with her alluring smile.

Monami blinked a couple of times, as she stood behind Sahdev's muscular hand which now rested firmly on the door knob. He drummed his fingers on it giving himself the air of a busy man who cannot afford further delay.

The tension between the two men was palpable, brewing an unspoken standoff in the air amidst the medley of scents of arcane botanicals, rare herbs and alchemical elixirs of the scientific space.

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Hey guys

Wishing you all a belated happy new year🎊🎊🎊🎊

Back after a long time with an update, hope you all like it.

I also started a new book, you can check it out on my profile. It would be great to know what you all think☺️☺️