Twists Twirls Perils & Pearls

60. Day4,5: meeting the demon

"SWARNBHOOMI!  Our dear neighbours are the winners of this prestigious quiz. I couldn't be happier to give them the award, after all, we our children of the same mother. They are like my own.
I can see the potential leaders of tomorrow here, who will strengthen our country and make it stand out in the  field of information and technology.
I will keep it short, by congratulating all of you present here. I am honoured to be a part of this ceremony." Dushyant kept his speech short. A pair of intimidating eyes were continuously staring him. Making him nervous, conscious and somewhere scared. He felt he was being accused. As if, those eyes knew his truth, his deepest darkest secrets and they will burn him to ashes, right now.

"Nim! No! You cannot do that." Survang whispered in Swarnima's ears and she blinked her eyes.

The ceremony was over and everyone proceeded towards refreshments. Dushyant time and again kept glancing at Swarnima.
His legs automatically moved towards her direction.

"Hello, Miss." Dushyant forwarded his hand but Swarnima showed her hand which were full.
"Hello, Mr. Singh. Sorry, my hands are full." Swarnima kept her calm.

"Mr. Singh? I am sorry but I guess you didn't hear the introduction properly. I am DUSHYANT RAJVANSHI." Dushyant was trying hard to keep his calm.

"Oh! I thought only the ruling family could use 'RAJVANSHI' as their second name. 'Rajatbhoomi', last I checked was governed by Indian government. Do, you still get to keep that second name even if you don't rule? Have the rules changed?" Swarnima kept her voice calm and composed.

"Wow! I must say, I am impressed with your guts to say that Miss. The rulers whether ruling or not, decide what they can do and what they choose not to do. They are not only the rulers of their constituency but their will. We don't make the rules we are the Rule!" Dushyant had proud written all over his face.

"Well, in our state our rulers follow the rules laid by consensus of its people and them. So, I thought the same is followed by Rajatbhoomi." Swarnima replied to him with pride. The major reason for the rise in contentment index of Swarnbhoomi as against other states was the rules and regulations were made in everyone's common interest.

"Sorry, to burst your hope Miss. This is the last year Swarnbhoomi can run without a ruler. The throne is without its legitimate heir. Last I checked, the family of Queen's only son was burnt dead. Soon, your state will also be at the hands of mercy of the Indian Government." Dushyant taunted Swarnima in a similar tone but with a hint of anger.

"People of Swarnbhoomi are the Phoenix, sir. We rise from the ashes and strike back harder and louder. The heir is alive and ready to claim the throne." Abhedya came to the scene and answered Dushyant. His eyes were fierce like that of a lion.

"Oh! Is it? Well, nice to see the youth of the 'GOLD CITY' is so, protective and patriotic for their state. I hope 'MA Bhawani' keeps the heir safe and soon the heir claims the throne.'" Dushyant knew he was loosing the battle.

"Evamastu!" Survang and Swarnima said at the same time.

"All right. I shall leave now. It was my absolute pleasure to meet and converse with the enigmatic youth." Dushyant left gritting his teeth. But, his devil head had already planned his next step.

"Are you alright? Nim." Abhedya asked putting his palm on her cheek.

"Never better." Swarnima replied and gave him a thirty two teeth smile.