Sheru was a simple man living in the outskirts of the city, selling flower baskets to the nobles who came to ride on boats. Being an orphan he was raised by his uncle and right after his death his aunt kicked him out of the house. He was a beautiful...
We boarded his luxurious boat and I was awed by the beauty of it. The canopy seating, the table filled with food that I've never seen before and also the maids standing in the corner. I've never seen a boat like this before. I looked at the man who brought me here from the corner of my eyes. He must really be from a very rich family because I'm very sure that even many nobles of the city wouldn't be able to spend a hefty amount on a boat like this. This looked less like a boat and more like a house.
He made me sit down next to him and I couldn't help but feel as if I was spoiling his seating with my dirty clothes. I shifted uncomfortably on his cushioned, bed like chair and he noticed it immediately.
" What's wrong? Should I change the chair, are you feeling uncomfortable? "
" No , I'm just scared that I will spoil your cushions. If you could see I'm a little late on doing my laundry ", I said in a sarcastic tone. Oh my Raa, Am I crazy? Why can't I control this stupid mouth? Why do I always have to let my mouth run free. What would he be thinking of me now?
Just then, He chuckled aloud and when our eyes met, he drew real close and pulled my legs onto the bed like chair and made me sit comfortably. He then shifted to the end of the seating and smiled at me.
" You are my guest and I consider it an honour of mine that you gave me a bit of your time".
" So why did you invite me to this exceptional mansion like boat of yours? Why did you feel like doing a bit of charity today ? ", I asked because no matter what I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that a rich guy like him would extend a helping hand towards a low born like me without any ulterior motives.
He smirked a little as he looked at me. " You are the first person that I've met on the streets who was having a never give up spirit.... Someone who is at the mercy of the world, but values themselves and their dignity above everything else.... I mean you were so offended that I thought you were a prostitute... You are a man with honour and I respect that".
He started eating some spiced grapes and offered the plate to me. I wanted to remove my shawl and eat as much as I can from this royal looking feast but for some reason, I just didn't feel like removing my shawl and revealing my face to the handsome stranger. So, I lifted the end of the shawl and put the juicy yet spicy grape into my mouth.
The moment the sweet and spicy taste engulfed my taste buds, I could help but moan out aloud. I stopped myself with a series of coughs and I was glad my face was covered because it was red with embarrassment. I mean come on!!! It was so humiliating.... I literally made eye contact with the stranger as I moaned and a cold breath blew through my insides when I saw that his face hardened as he maintained eye contact with me.
He soon looked away and gulped down a glass of wine, trying to settle his expression and when he turned towards me he was normal again. We spoke leisurely about the city, the weather and even the business market. After almost two hours of chatting around, our boat circled back to the deck. The night sky was studded with stars and the deck was unusually busy and lit with fire poles. Maybe it's his people.....Waiting for their master at the deck.
We exchanged pleasantries and was about to leave , each to our own path when I realised I didn't know the name of the gentleman who fed me a feast fitting a king, and entertained me with no malice in his intentions . There was a sudden fire like burning in my insides and I wanted to know his name badly.
I turned towards him and asked , " I've enjoyed your hospitality and kindness but I don't even know your name to pray to Raa for your safety and prosperity ....."
There was a moment of silence and I saw his friend, whose name I wasn't aware of, shake his head at this gentleman. He didn't even glance at him and bent a little and said ,
" My name is Ramses "
" RAMSES.... Holy Raa... You share the same name as the Emperor of this Kingdom ".
He chuckled while palming his shaved head.... " Apparently I do ".
" I'm not going to call you by the given name of our Majesty, so I'll call you..... Yes, I'll call you SESE , like a code name for your name... what do you think about it?" , I asked with my eyes shining with excitement with naming this handsome hunk of a man.
He looked at me with a softness, that wasn't visible before and smiled till his lips spread as wide as they could. His friend on the other hand looked offended. Why the hell would he care ?
" I would love that.....No one ever calls me by my name, no one.... and now you have given me a new name as well.... Sese, that's a nice name....,No one will ever call me that, just you....".
" Okay Sese....Just me ", I said beaming at his approval.
I waved a goodbye and walked away when he shouted at the top of his voice,
" You didn't tell me your name.... What's your name, little dove ?"
I blushed at the endearing comparison to a dove,
" I'm Sheru...."
He smiled and waved enthusiastically , like I was his friend. Then he signalled to his friend and murmured something as his eyes stayed fixed on me.
The softness in those eyes had turned to an emotion that I couldn't comprehend. Maybe it was the darkness or maybe it was the fire torches, but his face looked determined as he stared at me.
I turned and walked away, to find a decent place to sleep tonight, and a small voice in my head said,
" This is not your last meeting. You will meet Sese again.... The rich and handsome gentleman ".
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