THE ROYAL AFFAIR

VIKRAM'S PAST

Shnaya was stunned . She remained rooted to her spot for god knows how much time . The only reaction were her tears which had been flowing continuously ever since Vikram had left .

What had happened for Vikram to have taken such a drastic step? Was this going to be her life ? When everything had been right since the last three months then how could he ask for a divorce ? Was she merely a distraction and when he had had his fill of her she was being discarded or had it been some sort of revenge for her London stint ? Her mind was overflowing with thoughts and she couldn't think any more .

She finished her work at the NGO and left for the palace . She declined lunch and took rest for half an hour . Reluctantly she opened her suitcase to pack her stuff .

She couldn't live in this uncertainty anymore . She was not alone now . Her child needed a stable and secure environment and if it meant that she had to leave Vikram then she would do so .

First she decided to meet the Maharani and speak with her . She knew that Maharani was the most unbiased person and she was like a mother to Shnaya so she would give the best advice .

She went to the Maharani and poured her heart out to her .

After listening to Shnaya , Maharani asked her only one question," Shnaya do you love Vikram ?"

"Yes very much mom . Infact I can't imagine life without him but I can't live with his mistrust of me .

"Also mom I want to give you a good news but you must promise not to tell anyone not even Vikram "

"What is it Shnaya ? Are you unwell ?"

"No mom . Just the opposite . I am fine and healthy and am going to make you a grandmother ? " she smiled .

Maharani was very very happy ," Beta you have goven me the best news possible . How can you not tell Vikram ? He deserves to know it and I am sure he won't even think of a divorce after this ?"

"Mom I want him to love me , not accept me because I am pregnant . I won't tell him and you won't either . We were married because Vikram wanted to save both our families from getting humiliated. He was forced to marry me . Now I don't want to put him in a similar situation where he is again forced to accept me because of a child . No I won't have it " she shrugged.

Maharani knew it was time to tell Shnaya of Vikram's past . "Shnaya today I need to tell you something . Let me tell you something about Vikram , something only us family members know ."

"Yes mom " Shnaya listened . She was eager to know about Vikrams past since he had never said a word about his past ever .

"Do you know Vikram went to Boston for his college education ? There he met an Indian girl whom he fell head over heels in love with . He was so much in love that after studying for four years together he planned to marry her . He proposed to her and she accepted . He brought her back to Rajgarh to meet us all . She was very pretty . Yes she was attractive but not as beautiful as you . Vikram was very much in love we could see . Though I was not very sure of the girls love for him but for Vikram's sake we decided to accept her .

Infact we even met the girls parents who were good people , not very rich but belonging to upper middle class and traditional in their outlook .

The girl left for Boston after a week but Vikram was to stay for another ten days .

We didn't know that Vikram and the girl were staying together in Vikram's apartment.

Vikram decided to surprise her and left two days early . He was in the bathroom of his apartment when he heard her

Coming in the bedroom but before he could surprise her , he himself had the shock of his life .

She was with an America boy .They were practically draped over each other and kissing each other and literally naked .

Her American boyfriend Robert asked her what would happen if Vikram found out but she laughed it off ," Vikram is a fool . He is so madly in love with me that he can't even see the signs . Not once have I slept with him while I can't keep my hands to myself when I am with you .

I behave as a shy virgin with him and he thinks that I have true Indian values and so sex before marriage is taboo for me . He doesn't know that I have lost count of the number of boys I have slept with . "She again laughed cunningly .

"Then why are you marrying him ?"Robert asked her .

"Hey Robert are you insane ? Vikram is a prince and filthy rich . Why wouldn't I marry him ? I belong to a good family but my parents are not that rich . Marrying Vikram solves all my problems . Not only will my parents be happy that I have married an Indian boy who also is a prince but I get loads of money after I get married to him . You see Robert my parents are traditional at heart and they will never agree to my marrying an American boy like you so by marrying Vikram I make them happy . "

" But once you are married Vikram will never allow you to continue with me "he asked .

" Well darling I have everything planned out . If Vikram accepts then well and good . I believe he is too much in love with me to see through my indiscretions but even if he finds out and doesn't accept I can easily divorce him and get a share from his money . Half of his money will be more than enough to set us up for life " she laughed .

"Now forget everything and make love to me Robert . My body is aching for you darling "

"You know what you are insatiable. We just made love at night and you are ready again darling " Robert laughed with her .

Vikram had heard everything and he felt sick to his stomach .

He came out of the bathroom , pulled them apart and slapped both of them ."You bitch just get out and take your lover with you . I don't ever want to see your face again . "

He punched Robert on the face and He pulled her with her hand and threw her out in the near naked state . Then he threw her clothes out .

She cried and asked for forgiveness stating that she loved him and she had gone the wrong way but was ready to reform herself but Vikram had seen her true colours so she couldn't succeed."

Shnaya had tears in her eyes . Her heart hurt for Vikram.

"Mom How much he must have suffered ? She asked

"Beta this is not the end . When Vikram didn't accept her she turned vengeful . She blamed him for her infidelity saying that since Vikram was unable to satisfy her sexually she had to go to other boys . Indirectly she tried to convince everyone that Vikram was literally impotent .

Initially Vikram felt humiliated but then he decided to prove her wrong.

In order to prove her wrong in his last year he had many girlfriends and he had slept with many girls . He didn't trust anyone , nor did he allow anyone to get close to him .

Shnaya ,Vikram was a confirmed bachelor and I know for sure that even when he was betrothed to Maya he was never keen to marry . It was only an obligation because Rajgarh needed a heir from him . It was only when I saw you I was clear that you were totally not the type of girls he had dated in the past so he must have fallen for you . Suddenly he seemed happy and eager to get married and even though he had never told you I am sure beta he loves you ."

Shnaya took some time to take in all of this . She remained quiet but then after sometime she asked ," Mom do you think he loves me ?"

"I am sure beta " Maharani answered .

"I have decided what to do of our relationship . Now I know what I have to do " Shnaya left the room fully determined to follow her decision .