THE ROYAL AFFAIR

ERIC

By the time Vikram had changed Shnaya was already asleep.

What was it with her ? He thought . She looked so angelic and innocent while sleeping but when awake she seemed to be surrounded by good looking and rich men .

He knew she was upset finding Maya in his arms but she should know by now that he was not interested in Maya . After all they had shared in Maldives She should trust him.

Tomorrow he would speak with her and clear the confusion . He was due to go to his Mumbai and Bangalore offices so this matter needed to be sorted out fast .

The next morning Shnaya got ready early as she was to meet Eric by 8 AM . The funny thing was that he still did not know her true identity . He still thought of her as an common girl who worked at the NGO .She liked it that way because then she didn't need any formalities . She knew that Eric was a nice person and would become her friend soon .

Though she didn't know much about his business but one thing was sure that he was very rich and he had a good heart . Moreover he was a simple and decent man who was quite friendly.

They just had half a day because he had to go catch a late evening flight back to the States .

Shnaya had expected to see all of the guests but it was Eric alone . Shnaya first took him to see a famous fortress . It belonged to the ancestors of Vikram . It was beautiful all made of red stone . It was a huge fortress and part of it had been converted to a museum which was managed by a trust run by the Maharani .

They saw the durbar , the horse stables , the ball room and finally the living quarters . The quarters were separate for the kings and queens the reason being that the king had many queens .

When Eric saw the quarters he asked Shnaya ,"Does Vikram have many wives as well

"No Eric he has only one wife but why did you ask ?"

"Actually he seems like that . He is very handsome and very rich . I understand he runs his own conglomerate of various businesses in addition to being prince of this kingdom . Also he was quite a cassanova a few years back . But then Maya is very beautiful so maybe he has found true happiness with her "

Shnaya was burning with jealousy . She wanted to correct Eric that Maya was not Vikram's wife but she just Kept quiet . Maybe Maya was better suited to Vikram . If an outsider could see this then maybe she was too blind to recognise this .

Suddenly her mood changed . She was subdued . Eric couldn't understand the reason for this . Shnaya seemed to-be upset for some reason and he didn't like it at all .

"Ok Shnaya it's getting late do please take me to the market so that I may buy gifts for my friends and family "

"Eric who all do you have in your family ?"

"Actually mom whom you have met , my dad and one younger sister . And no wife since I am not married yet "

"Oh . I hope you didn't feel intruded "

"No my dear not at all . Infact I am planning to get married soon and I wouldn't mind an Indian wife but she has to-be like you "

Shnaya blushed .

He spent some time buying gifts and souveniors for his friends ans some ethnic suits and bangles as well .

Now they decided to have lunch .This time Shnaya took him to a multicuisine restaurant where he could eat whatever he wanted .

To her surprise he ordered Indian food . During lunch he entertained her with anecdotes of his life . He was a live person and Shnaya genuinely liked him .

At the end of their lunch on the way back when they just reached the palace he gifted her a suit and a set of bangles .

"Eric I don't need any gift from you . I really enjoyed today and hope that I have made a friend for life "

"Shnaya this is just a token of appreciation from my side . Please don't refuse this .As for the friends part I know I have known you for just a day but I feel I have been searching for you for my entire life . Shnaya I am deeply attracted to you and would love to have you as my wife . I think I may have fallen in love with you and mind you this is my first proposal to any girl . I have had a few relationships but never have I proposed to anyone . But I am in no hurry , you take your time and decide . By this time my mom must also have talked to the Maharani about my proposal "

Shnaya paled on listening to this but she was not the only one who had heard the proposal . Vishal was at the gate ad well..

"Eric you must be mistaken . Shnaya is married . She is married to Vikram bhaiya . Did she tell you ?"

Now it was Erics turn to be embarrassed . He looked at Shnaya and left to meet his mom before she made a fool of herself but it turned out he was late .

His mom had already spoken with the Maharani who had taken it sportingly .

They left in an hour .Shnaya wanted to apologise for-the misunderstanding so she went to the guest wing .

Vikram had come home to see off the guests . Vishal cunningly took him to the guest wing because he had seen Shnaya going there . He knew she would be trying to apologise for the misunderstanding.

Shnaya found both Eric and his mother in the same room . .Eric didn't say anything just listened to her but his mother hugged her ,"Shnaya I like you so much that if you hadn't been married I would have gotten you to married today itself. Eric really liked you but Vikram is lucky to have you as his wife . Good luck to you dear "

She left the room and Shnaya was leaving to when Eric spoke up ,"Shnaya it was not entirely your fault. I should have asked you first if you were single. I should have realised that a girl as beautiful and innocent like you could never be single . You are a rare gem and I envy Vikram who has it in his life . But remember you will always have a special place in my heart. I hope you lead a very happy life with him but if in life you ever suffer or feel sad the doors of my house will always welcome you . I know you treat me as a friend but I will always love you and cherish the time we have spent together "

Shnaya felt so bad that she had tears in her eyes when she left the room.

Vishal on the other hand was successful in showing Vikram the entire scene so that Vikram's jealousy would further the wedge between him and Shnaya and weaken their marriage .