Twists Twirls Perils & Pearls

66. Bag of mixed emotions

"All day long I can hear
People talking out loud (ooh)
But when you hold me near (you hold me near)
You drown out the crowd (drown out the crowd)
Try as they may they can never define
What's being said between your heart and mine
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best (you say it best)
When you say nothing at all"

Dancing in the rain with her childhood sweetheart singing for her, Swarnima could not stop herself from singing along. The heavy downpour also could not stop their feet. Doing crazy steps, twirling, twisting and laughing all along. Swarnima's happiness knew no bounds. Not only her body but her heart, her soul and her entire existence was dancing to Abhedya's tunes.

Abhedya twirled Swarnima and pulled her with force. Her hands were on his chest and his hand was on her back. The game of eye lock resumed. The only sound was that of the raindrops hitting the floor. Involuntarily Abhedya's free hand trailed down Swarnima's forehead-eyes-cheeks-corner of lips-chin-neck- but before it could go any further Swarnima caught his hand and whispered, "stop!"
Abhedya felt as if he was asked to step out of a wondrous dream. Swarnima stepped back and said, "The rain is getting heavy... let's go inside."
Abhedya followed her like a lost puppy. He had no clue what just happened. They came inside and went to their rooms without exchanging any words.

A long relaxing shower was taken to soothe desires. Swarnima cried in the shower and rubbed her eyes furiously. She had several people to share her feelings with. But, could not.
Nandini, was like her mother, but how could she tell her that she was madly in love with her son.
Maan, was like her brother, but he already felt loaded with guilt because he could not ease the restrictions she was under. Telling him about her love-story would make him feel more helpless.
Arya was her buddy, but he was more close to Abhedya and she feared his big mouth.

So, the last resort, cry to yourself. Be your healer. She remembered what the Queen taught her.
She cried hard and confessed to herself aloud, "I LOVE YOU ABY!! I LOVE YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH! Just don't leave me."

It must have been an hour she was in the shower. She realised when she heard someone banging her room's door. She quickly stepped out of the shower and answered the door.

"Nim, are you okay? What took you so long? How long were you in the shower, you have any idea? Your eyes are swollen." Tara was worried.

"Tara, I am fine. But, I won't come out and have my dinner in the room. Umm... my hair is all wet and I can't tie them. You know the rule." Swarnima thanked the baseless rules for once.

"God! You and your rules. Trust me the day you claim the throne, just make a new rule, NO RULE!" Tara requested her and Swarnima just smiled. Swarnima knew the power didn't vest in her hands.

Tara broke the news to the gang and Swarnima could hear their objections, criticisms and curses to the rule-makers. Maan was silent. He was in the council as her representative but he could never get his sister the freedom she deserved and he felt extremely guilty about it.

Gene brought Swarnima's dinner into the room. She received a video call request from Arya and she received it. "Princess lets eat together." Arya placed his phone on a stand from where the whole gang was visible.
Swarnima was happy. They respected her rules at the same time found a loophole, so that their friend could also enjoy.
The fun at the dinner was not missed. Swarnima was quiet as usual? No! But unusually. The shine and spark she had, vanished. Her smile didn't reach her intriguingly beautiful eyes.