Agneya - The Unknown King

Chapter 19 - Annual Meet-2

Tears of frustration came from her eyes and she went away from the fair.  Following her Dakshesh too went away.  Rashmi gave the packed nose ring to Dakini and went on to check other shops while Agneya kept following her without letting others know.

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Rashmi along with Dakini, was tasting some delicacies in various different shops and enjoyed a lot.  Many a times she sneakily looked at Agni, to check whether he is still nearby or not.  He didn't solely stare at her so as to not make it obvious to all but still noticed her every movement and expressions.  Suddenly his eyes caught a shop which was selling glass bangles in different colours. 

Seeing Rashmi immersed in eating, he went towards that shop.  His posture and dress along with Ornaments were enough to let the people know that he is from Royal family although they may not know who he actually is.  Seeing him coming to his shop, the shopkeeper welcomed him heartily and asked for his choice of colour.

Agni thought for a moment and said, "Show me some blue colour bangles".  The shopkeeper immediately came up with a set of bangles which were ranging from small to bigger sizes.  Agni chose a variety of different sizes of bangles which he thought would fit and paid the price.  Looking at the Shop reminded him of Rakshatra.  Every year, during the temple festival, a fair would be organized.  As the Royal family of Rakshatra, they always visited the fair.

And Everytime, his Father would buy his mother Red colour bangles as he failed to get that on their first year of Fair, due to some security issues.  Even though Agni missed many such fairs during his Gurukul Education, he knew how much his parents loved eachother.  Agni thought, "Hope you both are doing well Baba and Maa.  And please don't forget me".  Suddenly he was overwhelmed by emotions and got tears in his eyes.  But soon, the shopkeeper handed over the packed bangles, which brought him out of his thoughts and he controlled his emotions like he never had any tears in his eyes.

Rashmi, after finishing her food, looked around but couldn't find him.  Dakini asked, "What happened Rajkumari?".  Rashmi replied, "Nothing".  But still she kept looking around and finally found him getting packed  bangles from a bangle shop.  As he started to move towards her direction, Dakshesh came out of nowhere and said, "I was searching for you and finally got you.  Come let's go fast .  Otherwise we might miss the performance". 

Agneya frowned at him and looked at Rashmi once, before saying, "Why so early? We decided to go after dinner right?".  Dakshesh replied, "Yes but now I don't have any interest in looking at these shops alone.  So why not uplift the mood by watching some refreshing performances?.  And during dinner, they might make you sit for a long time, till late night.  So it's better now".

Agneya sighed and slapped himself in his mind for accepting to this visit, out of guilt for misjudging the courtesans.  Now he doesn't have anyone else to blame.  Moreover Dakshesh's behaviour towards Rashmi, is making it more difficult for Agni to behave normally with him.   Both of them left from there, while Rashmi watched him and slowly she too followed his direction.  Dakini was confused why her Rajkumari was walking so fast suddenly and quickly followed her along with the things they have bought. 

Finally Rashmi's step halted when she saw that he had entered the tent of courtesans.  Dakini was breathing heavily and thanked God for the halt but it was short-lived as Rashmi took a U-turn and started going back.  The return was not so fast and Dakini was saved from fainting.

On the other hand, Agneya entered the arena where the performance was set to start and took a seat on the couch.  The seats were organised in a circular manner while the courtesans will perform on the stage set in the middle.  Dakshesh too sat beside him and ordered for the servants to bring their special drinks.  Agni also took a drink and realised that it can make a person inebriated.  So he didn't consume it further.