The Obsession

chapter 36

At night Maanvika sat engrossed in her book, oblivious to the commotion outside her chamber. The guards announced" the arrival of the king" and the maids knelt, bowing in unison. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Maanvika's gaze flickered momentarily to Ranvijay, then back to her book. He stood beside her, but she didn't spare a glance, as if his presence was unwelcome. Ranvijay sees her figure of reading he leaned in close to her, his voice near in her ear, "If you want to learn how I know you..."

Maanvika's focus shifted to his words, her grip on the book tightening"i need to know,i need to remember who am i? Where did i come from? And how does he fit in my past?" Maanvika thought. Ranvijay continued, "Shouldn't you be good to me...at this time?" Maanvika's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. She looked up at him slightly, and Ranvijay sensed her interest.

He commanded the maids "everyone leave"and they departed, saying, "Yes, Your Majesty." Ranvijay stood tall, watching Maanvika, who returned to her book, ignoring him. He snatched the book away, throwing it aside. Maanvika's eyes widened, and she stood, rolling her eyes.

Ranvijay grabbed her, pulling her into an embrace. "What are you doing?" Maanvika asked in low voice, trying to wriggle free. Instead, he lifted her into his arms with motion her arm went to his shoulder to hold a grip, holding her in a bridal style. He walked to the bed, where he laid her down hovering side slightly on her,with hand placed under her head. Maanvika gazed up at him nervously.

"Didn't you jump into my embrace in the carriage...that night in the forest?" Ranvijay asked, his eyes sparkling with hint of smile. Maanvika's thoughts flashed back to that day how he tell her his name and she said, gazing down, "I should have known that Mr. Ranvijay is a liar."

Ranvijay smiled, his face inches from hers. "I've never let anyone put their hands on me,to touch me, hug me...that person who let you hug him that day was indeed Prince Ranvijay, not the king." Maanvika looked up, her eyes searching his.

Ranvijay leaned in closer, his lips almost touching hers she hesitate. He stopped, his hand still under her head, and said, "In order to show you my affection, I might need a little more time." Maanvika looked puzzled, he continues "Tell me what else do you wish to do?"

Ranvijay's gaze never left hers. "You'll have my company."he said with smile crossed his eyes.Maanvika slide out of his embrace, sitting on bed taking a deep breath. Ranvijay sit too ,Maanvika sit not facing him"She don't talk to me,why she can't appreciate that i m so good to her" he thought with disappointment.He stood approaching the door.

Maanvika's voice came, "I want to..ask do you know three boys? Boys i grew up with,in vivid dreams i see them,and do you know a woman, around my age?someone i might have known?." Ranvijay stopped and turned back. He looked at her with a mix of emotions on his face, his voice tinged with sadness.

"You're willing to talk to me...because of this?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.

Maanvika turned her gaze away, feeling helpless. "Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Otherwise, I wouldn't want to hear your voice, I don't even want to see your face. But I'm stuck here, and you're the king of the palace. What can I do?"

Ranvijay's face fell, his expression cold and saddened. "Throughout all the states, I think only you dare to talk to me like this," he said, his voice laced with a hint of dominance.

Maanvika looked up at him, her eyes assertive and tone low. "Ranvijay, don't hold yourself aloof from all the people.Who I know, everyone fears you, all of them. Be a good human being first, before aspiring to be a god."

Ranvijay's expression darkened, his anger rising. "Does that include your brother and the Chancellor as well?" he asked, his voice sharp.

Maanvika's gaze dropped, her eyes downcast"The only thing he hold against me he used to scare me" she thought rolling her eyes. Ranvijay turned and went out, leaving her sitting on bed alone. "Have a good rest," he said, his voice soft yet distant.