The Lost Prince

24. Back Home

Karan rushed towards the horse and grabbed the leash.
The proud horse who hardly let anyone near him, apart from taking his care, stood obediently and let his master step down.

Samar tried his best to get hold of himself and step down the horse, but he clumsily dropped himself down while a panicked Karan managed to hold him just in time.
But Samar could not hold himself anymore and dropped to his knees with his head lowered and hidden behind his palms. His breathing was uneven and ragged.

"Sam? What happened?" Karan too, dropped to his knees and rubbed Samar's back lightly while trying to pull the latter's hands away from his face.

Karan wiped Samar's face with his palm and looked at Badal, who was standing there, not ready to leave them alone.
While the helpers came running with a bottle of cold water, Samar was still finding it difficult to get hold of his erratic heart. The moment Karan grabbed the bottle and tried to make Samar drink from it, Samar just snatched it away and poured the water over head.

Karan was shocked at the turn of events. It did not take him another moment to realize what must have conspired.

"Sam!" Karan snatched the bottle back and handed it back to the helper.

"Calm down! It's okay. Relax." He said again pulling Samar in a gentle hug.

Samar unknowingly leaned in and Karan could feel the wetness from his hair seep in his shirt.

Karan looked at the helper boy and gestured towards the horse, "take him to his stable and feed him."

The moment the boy tried to hold Badal's reigns, the horse squealed loudly. It was evident from its gesture that it was extremely angry and did not appreciate being taken away. Samar pulled back from Karan's embrace and looked at the horse. He clumsily stood up and was held by Karan to support him from losing balance. Samar gently patted and stroked the dark brown head of the animal.

"Go. I will see you tomorrow." It was a mere whisper, but the kiss on his forehead instantly calmed the animal.

Samar took a wobbly step back and Badal let the helper boy lead him to his stable.

"Let's go home, Sam. You need to rest. You are tired." Samar closed his eyes at his twins words. There was a feeling that the decision to return back would prove to be wrong.

Samar did not reply but quietly sat in the electric cart that took them to the mansion from the ranch.

Karan did not want any unwanted attention or chaos near Samar. He made sure to call Bhoora and asked him to keep the bay clear until they reached Samar's room.
That was not a task for Bhoora as Meera was resting in her room, while Radhika was busy catching up with the maids of the mansion and their mother was busy with offerings in the Pooja room. No one saw Samar and Karan enter in the the disheavled state.

Bhoora followed the twins to Samar's room and filled the tub with warm water, while Karan was relieved to see that his twin was in a lot better condition.

"Take a bath. You will feel better after a nap." Karan softly said and Samar looked up at him with guilt filled eyes.

"I am fine, Roon. I was just exhausted." He replied.

Karan offered a weak smile.
"I know, it was a long journey."

Samar looked around.
"This is not.. "

"The Tower is locked away. You don't have to stay there anymore."

Samar blinked at him. He could not find words to reply.
Karan ruffled his still damp hair.