Regal Tale of Ratnagiri

7. Madhura Murati Manohar Ati

2 days later

Place - Captain's camp

The atmosphere of the camp is not stable. Captain didn't talk with anyone for two days, neither came out from his tent. He isn't ready to accept that a foreigner merchant rushed into his camp and went away without giving scot. Even —

Shivam is feeling it unbearable. He was always against robbery but in this case he cannot tolerate his brother's molestation. Though he listened the incident from the gang members, Captain didn't speak a single word. His silence was making Shivam more anxious. He shouted on the gang members who were surrounded him.

"A foreigner merchant molested my brother and all of you kept watching! Two days passed, no one of you didn't bring any trace of him! Not even can say his identity, his name!! ---- Okay fine. I don't want your help. He's merchant right ? Then must be in market, I'll find him by myself! Give me the spears!"

Ruturaj was laying in his tent being inanimate. Shivam's determination made him come out and speak in weak voice — "Shiva, don't be silly. You never held weapon against human, and that merchant has modern guns. Don't mess with him"

After two long days finally he got his brother speaking, it caused a great relief for Shivam that he quickly held his brother in trusty embrace. "But believe me bhaiya, I won't let him go who made you frigid!"

"Give me sometime. I'll take my revenge by myself. Currently I need some space. Tum sab jao apne kaam me"

"Aap kahan jaa rahe ho bhaiya ?" — Shivam asked seeing his walking towards his horse. "I said need some space. Don't worry, see you soon"

When Ruturaj departed for safari Shivam also went for Trimbakeshwar temple. From last two days he didn't worshipped, today he felt the urge to visit there. The atmosphere is same like before, time of dusk, the west zone of the sky looks crimson, soon the special evening prayer will start at temple.

In this devotional ambience some melodious rhythm hit his ears; feeble and coming from far. With some unknown interest he started chasing the sound. It's coming from the old shade which is now almost covered by bushes. And the sound is made by anklets. Who is it ? Abhishek ?  He couldn't guess in half-darkness. After going closer he saw -----

Younger rajkumar!! Dancing 'Madhura Murati' back facing him. Who can say the boy is learning dance from just a week ? Or it's Abhi's potentiality of teachin ?

Whatever, his dance steps made Shivam spellbound until Rajkumar stopped knowing his presence there. With the sudden eye contact both of their hearts started beating fast that Shivam broke it immediately. He was about to go from there at that time Abhi's voice had beed heard;

"Har roz aakhiyan na churao Shivam bhaiya, he's worried without your darshan from last two days!"

Shivam turned around. Gesture of eyes he asked Abhi 'whose ?' Is there anyone except three of them ? Abhi said like informing to a children — "Am talking about our chhote Rajkumar ji! Or hai hi koun yahan ? I'm being unable to answer him from two days where you are. Now give him clarification are you OK or not and why you didn't come here from two days!"

Abhi's dramatic gesture went on the low-headed boy who was standing almost red knowing that Shivam saw his dull (according to him) performance till last. Here, Shivam couldn't understand why young rajkumar will be worried for him. No matter what, he has to answer now to the younger son of their Maharaja. He said humbly;

"I... I'm fine, Rajkumar. Aap chinta na karein..."

At a glance, restive sound of worthy anklets filled the air as the boy quickly ran outside leading his teacher burst out in laughter while Shivam kept looking at his way.

"Why he's worried about me Abhi ?"

"How do I know ? Raja maharajaon ka khayal hai... iykyk"

"Whatever, he is an amazing dancer!"

"Hello... Not better than me!" Abhishek pouted with fake jealousy, "see, his brother gave him such expensive anklets, yahan bhai ko ek hafta nhi hua dance sikhne ka. And here poor I am, famous for my Kathak, just having this cheap anklets!"

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I'm extremely sorry for short and boring chapter. From next, you'll get longer and interesting ones😊

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