Burn Like Ashes

Chapter: 48 (Part-2)

Divya Desai Pov,

It's been almost three days since Aayansh and I got married again. We've been spending more time together, mostly within the villa, but I'm finding myself growing quite attached to Italy.

This place has the power to make you fall in love with it within a week, and it certainly worked its charm on me.

There isn't a single spot in the villa where we haven't indulged in our little games-from the kitchen counter to the living room sofa, to the swimming pool, and of course, our bedroom.

If someone had told me months ago that I could be this happy and would marry the King of my own hometown, I would have laughed in their face and dismissed the idea entirely.

But look at me now.

I'm sitting in our room while Aayansh has gone to take a shower. I'm already ready and fresh, but he's taking longer than usual to get dressed today. My thoughts are interrupted when his phone beeps; I frown and pick it up from the bedside table.

His phone was flooded with thousands of email notifications that he hadn't checked. I shook my head and was about to switch it off when something caught my eye.

Notes-I shouldn't.

Just once.

My mind and heart began to battle, but I decided to ignore them both and trust my own instincts instead.

I opened his notes and, in unison with my curiosity, sat upon the bed. Naught seemed special save one file marked for me, and another-dedicated to football.

My eyes narrowed as I delved into the football file.A smile didst spread upon my lips, yet as swiftly as it came, it did vanish when I began to read.

The 20th of January, 2016-on this day, I was bid to tend to that which I despised most: the monarchy. Yet, football was my dream, the ball my first love. Must I truly forsake it? But I wish not to. O, that someone wouldst halt them! They slay me; they slay the little Aayansh and bury his dreams six feet deep. I long to cry out, to declare my love for it, and pursue it as my calling. I wish not to be a king, for I am yet but young.

I was about to read further, but the sound of the bathroom door knob turning reached my ears. Hastily, I put his phone aside, wiping away the tears that had just fallen.

Aayansh entered the room, and as our eyes met, he smiled and took long strides toward me. I closed my eyes, trying to absorb all that I had just uncovered.

In but a moment, he stood before me. Without a second thought, I embraced his torso, and he chuckled, "What troubles thee?" he asked. I shook my head and replied, "Know this, Aayansh: thou art the best in all things. A noble king, a devoted husband, a dutiful son, a loyal brother-and one day, a splendid father."

I once heard that a bit of reassurance can brighten anyone's day. For him, I would do anything to make him feel special. He gently caressed the top of my head, and I smiled as an idea popped into my mind.

"Aayansh, your phone's been beeping all morning. You should check it," I said, breaking the hug. He nodded and replied, "I will, once we're back."

I shook my head, standing up again. "No, check it right now," I insisted. He looked at me, puzzled, but then nodded and picked up his phone.

I stepped out of the room and entered the living room. At this hour, every staff member leaves according to Aayansh's orders.

Excitedly, I sat on the couch and dialed his number. He answered within two rings and coldly asked, "What is it?" I smiled and replied,