Parivara: Story of a Family

8 : The Gift

After lunch, Payal changed into her green riding clothes and went down to the front entrance and was helped up onto her horse. She was settling into the saddle when Abhay rode up beside her, on his own horse.

"Is his majesty following me?" Payal teased, smirking at him from the corner of her mouth.

Abhay chuckled and said, "How would her majesty like me to answer?" They both grinned widely, his jest making her blush a little. "I had heard you were going to the market. I have some taxes and businesses to deal with there in relation to trade with my own province, and was going to visit later this week. But since you're going, I thought I'd join you."

"I'm glad," Payal replied, giving him one last knowing look before whipping her reins to get her horse moving. The entourage made its way out of the grand entrance of the palace and onto a long, winding road. After a short time, the road became wider and finally opened up to the bazaar (marketplace) of the province.

"Are you looking for anything in particular?" Abhay asked her. The common folk bowed low as the entourage passed, staring with open mouths and wide eyes at their princess and the unknown king she was with.

"No, I like to come into the town sometimes and visit different shops. Meet the people and such. I think it's important they know their rulers are actual people and not just signatures on the proclamations they hear every once in a while." Payal explained, flipping her hair in the hot sun but smiling brightly and nodding at the people. Abhay watched as she did so, looking so naturally placed in her element. Yes, she really did interest him so.

"I'll go about my business and you can do your mingling. Would you like to meet back here in about two hours?" Abhay was talking about the center of the bazaar where a large fountain presided. Payal nodded and Abhay gave her one last smile before riding away.

***

"Thank you, Princess. You're very kind, Princess." The vendor told her, bowing his head repeatedly. Payal smiled and was helped back onto horseback. She noted the time and told her entourage to lead the way back to the fountain to meet Abhay, turning back to give one last farewell to the kindly vendor. She had purchased fruits from him, at a price much more generous than he'd asked for, as she always did when she visited town. She felt it was the least she could do. See? She thought. I do have a heart.

Payal reached the fountain, and hopped off of her horse slowly. She circled the fountain, eyeing its beauty. Vendors circling the fountain called out to her and other shoppers, advertising their products. One such vendor was a jeweler. She approached his tent and browsed the tables of golden bracelets, anklets, necklaces and more. Her eyes caught on simple, golden earrings. They were small but their simplicity attracted her. Payal was unlike her sisters, especially in style. Both Divya and Aditi loved intricate clothing with many details and heavy with jewels. Payal, on the other hand, liked things plain, believing her beauty was enough to shine over some jewels.

"Payal," Abhay said her name as a way of letting her know he'd arrived. His eyes followed hers to see the earrings she was looking at. He smirked before turning to the vendor and saying, "Please pack these earrings for me."

"Abhay?" Payal asked as the vendor obeyed, taking payment from one of Abhay's soldiers but handing the packed earrings to Abhay.

"Here, a gift." Abhay told her, indicating for her to take the box.

"You shouldn't have," Payal replied, not taking the box. "I have enough earrings."

"But none from me," Abhay raised his eyebrows.

"Is it important that I should have earrings from you?" Payal raised her own eyebrows. Abhay smirked again and leaned in a little closer. Just a little, not noticeable to the naked eye, but Payal definitely felt the difference.

"I want you to wear these earrings every time I see you," Abhay whispered to her, unwrapping them and holding them out to her. "It would bring me great pleasure."

Payal reached out and gently took the earrings from his hand, but said, "Why should I have to please you? Don't you have a wife for that?"

As Payal took the earrings, Abhay twisted his hand around to grab hers. He began to lead her into an alleyway, raising his arm to let the guards know not to follow. Payal could feel her heart begin to race, but she kept her face calm as Abhay pushed her up against a wall in the alley, pressing himself against her. They stood chest to chest, Abhay with his hands on either side of her, their faces inches apart. They breathed heavily, Payal watching as Abhay's eyes roamed her face, focusing on her lips.

He reached a thumb up and used it to trace her lips slowly, his finger leaving sparks where it touched her. He stared at her lips a moment more before sighing and looking up into her eyes, his own irises stern.

"Don't mention my wife again," he told her gruffly. "When I'm with you, I only want to think of you. Just as I only want to see you wearing these earrings and not others. Understood?"

Payal breathed deeply and thought she couldn't move, but she managed a small nod. Abhay nodded in return, and then led her back out into the market courtyard. They both climbed up onto their own horses and began the journey back to the palace.

She had started out scared, her body shaking and shivering with fright. But now her body shivered for other reasons. Payal could still feel his body against hers, his tracing of her lips. She wondered if she could ever stop feeling it, and she hoped not.