Chapter 31

Padma clutched her head as it throbbed even as the room swirled around her. She thought she would throw up. How could Shadow… Shiv… do that? She thought they shared something exceptional. She was in love with him… so much that she missed him every minute.

His words, his confidence, his protective streak, his touch… every aspect had left a deep mark on her soul. But was this a flowery mark or a gangrenating wound? Time will tell.

Aarti moved and gripped her hand.

“Padma, I know this is hard. I can see that you are in love with him… its so obvious. But stop pining for him, Padma. You have a lot of responsibility here. Wait lets watch the news…” Aarti switched on the TV in her room. Padma never watched TV, it never interested her except for the occasional news.

“The violence in Koini and its neighboring areas intensified as the demand for knowledge about the King got out of hand. The public wants to know what happened to their beloved King. There are rumors about him being murdered by the same elements who killed the beloved Queen and her bodyguard years ago in the ‘Shivgadh’ fort. The case remains unresolved to date….”

Padma gasped as the visuals of people pelting stones and torching vehicles played on the screen.

The anchor continued. “…there is also widespread discontent about the heir apparent. A faction of the public, including Maharashtra’s political bigwigs, are up in arms regarding Princess Padmavati ascending the throne, especially since she is unmarried. The other group supports the Princess irrespective of her marital status. It remains to be seen what the royal court decides since the throne can’t be vacant for long. The Princess was engaged to be married for a long time. Why did the marriage not materialise yet? Nonetheless, one can only wait and watch as the CRPF has been called to maintain law and order…”

Padma switched off the TV and sank back into the cushions against the headrest. She had let her guard down… just enjoyed a bit without a care in the world or the enforced etiquettes for a Princess. Shiv had her back. He had protected her from all harm and put his life on the line. He couldn’t be the bad guy, could he? Chauhan kaka spoke highly about his son… he was so proud of the young boy.

Her mother blindly trusted Chauhan kaka and performed his wife’s last rites, too, and that’s when when Padma first met Shiv. She couldn’t doubt her mother’s judgement, could she? Did her mother die because of trusting the wrong people?

Nothing made sense. Someone in her circle had tried to kill her at least thrice, and Shiv had stood in between her life and death.

“Padma, are you sure you didn’t tell that Shiv anything at all?” Aarti’s cautious tone brought her out of her thoughts.

Feeling the energy sap out of her body, Padma whispered, “Aarti, I have to sleep now. Please, can we do this another time?”

Aarti sighed and stood up.

“Fine, Padma. As you wish. I shall come tomorrow…alright? You should rest now.”

After Aarti left, Padma let her dams break and turned into her pillow as she let her emotions engulf her.

She didn’t know how long she had slept, but she had the same nightmare about her mother and woke up with a start.

Involuntarily she took her hand towards her neck to clutch the locket, but it wasn’t there. She recalled giving it to Shiv. She had given him everything… her trust, body, mind, and soul. Did he trample over all that and walk away? But why would he do that? Did he even love her? Or was she just a means to an end? Where he wanted to solve the murder case? Did her father know about Shiv?

There was a knock at her door, and Seema walked in with her dinner. She didn’t have an appetite, but she finished a few morcels on Seema’s insistence. She felt terrible for the young girl who had to face the attack because of her.

After Seema left, Padma laid back on her bed and stared at the broken door hinge that was once covering her balcony. It was the same one that Shiv had broken through to reach her when she had fallen almost dead. Of course, he had been injured but that didn’t deter him from saving her life.

Tears streamed down unhindered as she gripped her blanket, dragging it close to her chin. How she missed her mother… How she missed Shiv…

A couple of days passed in the depressive stupor and no matter how much Seema or Aarti tried they couldn’t get her to speak or eat well. Finally, two days after she was back, Keshav visited her late in the evening. He had gone on a trip regarding the revenue meet and was finally back. He looked tremendously fatigued.

“Padma, why are you doing this?” he asked in a resigned voice

“Keshav….” She said, sniffling back tears. “…Keshav… I don’t understand anything. Why did Shadow do it? Why did he hide things from me?”

“Padma, it was all for your safety. He spoke with me before he left after dropping you back at the palace. He is not the villain here, Padma. If you are alive today, its because of him and you know that, right?”

“I don’t understand anything anymore, Keshav. He is Chauhan Kaka’s son… did you know that?”

“Yes.. he had told me on the day he took you away from here. I also know his name is Shiv.”

“Why didn’t he feel the need to hide that fact from me? I adored Chauhan kaka…”

“Padma, things have to be revealed only when the time is right and then there are things too painful to reveal. So you should give him time, Padma.”

“Keshav, Shiv was privy to all that happened in my life but I don’t know anything about him. I didn’t even know baba was no more… while I enjoyed…”

Padma wiped the never-ending flow of tears. But, the guilt refused to go away.

“Padma, I know how devastated you are. But your safety is of paramount importance from now on. The ordinance will soon come into effect and you will be crowned Queen. You don’t have to be married anymore. Your baba has done the needful….”

“But Keshav I have no idea how to run my life, let alone a kingdom….”

“We are all there to support you, Padma, it’s a legacy you have to carry forward. There is an all-important meeting regarding your nomination, and the Royal court is fighting tooth and nail to retain your legacy for you. So please, Padma, get it together, alright?”

“What about the perps… Aai, baba, Chauhan kaka… all of them. They are after me too and Seema was also caught in the crossfire. How long will this continue, Keshav?”

Exasperation was setting in, and Padma’s head reeled.

“Padma, it will be over very soon. Shiv had got some important breakthroughs. Don’t worry…”

“That means… he wasn’t here for revenge?” Padma felt like a fool for asking the question.

“What do you think, Padma? The best revenge for him would be to let you die. So why would he take huge risks to save you? And now he is slogging it out with his team to end this all… Padma, don’t worry. Just trust Shiv, alright?”

Padma nodded as Keshav patted her head and left the room.

She felt stupid for even doubting Shiv, given all that had transpired between them. But why did Aarti say so? Why did she hate Shiv so much?

Padma remembered Shiv asking her only to trust Keshav and Seema. But why didn’t he mention Aarti? He knew Aarti was Padma’s closest friend. Aarti had always been her confidante and was worried about her.

Padma rubbed her temples. Her head throbbed. She wished Shiv would talk to her… at least once. She thought she deserved at least that much. But, she promised herself… she wouldn’t ask him anything he wouldn’t want to tell her.

Her eyes welled up again, and she turned to face her mother’s portrait away from the balcony.

As the tears escaped the confines of her eyelids, she wondered if she would ever see Shiv again.

She didn’t want to be the Queen. She knew nothing about the politics involved, and she didn’t want to be a puppet at the hands of the royal court. She had received the threat about her crown. So would it stop if she declared she didn’t want to be the Queen?

She was lost in thought, with sleep eluding her till late.

She heard a creaking sound. Initially, she dismissed it, thinking it was a fragment of her imagination, but it came again. She sat up scared, the darkness in her room receiving the only little light from the tiny electrical bulb above her mother’s portrait.

Heart pacing, she lay still, trying to hear the noise again, her eyes glued to the balcony. And then she saw…a silhouette of a man trying to enter.

She didn’t need any light to know who it was.

Throwing her covers, she rushed towards the balcony. Shiv barely landed inside when she leapt into his waiting arms.

“Princess…” he whispered, holding her tightly against him as if she would disappear if he loosened his hold.

She dug her head into his chest and sobbed, grabbing his jacket at his back where she had circled her hands.

“Princess… it’s OK, Princess… all is fine… don’t cry…”

“Shiv… oh God … I missed you. I don’t want anything else in this world…. Can you take me away from here, Shiv?” She spoke, earnestly looking into his eyes but not loosening her hold.

He kissed her forehead.

“I wouldn’t like anything better, Princess, than you in my life. I… I… I have a duty to finish. I have promised the King and also my father. So I will be gone for a while…” Padma began to protest, but he shook his head. “…listen to me, Princess, I have to complete what my father and the honorable Queen had started years ago. But before that, I had to give you something…”

He moved apart and he took out a chain, In the flicker of the lighting in the darkroom she saw it was her locket…

“Oh Shiv, this is…”

“… It’s your locket. I just repaired it, Princess. I know it’s important to you and thought you should have it. Here you go”

Unhooking the chain, he drove it around her neck and hooked it back. His touch on her neck brought back memories from the safe house, and she bit her lower lip hard to keep it from trembling and shut her eyelids. He had ruined her for anyone else.

She felt his warm, rough fingertips trying to pry away her lip.

“Don’t, Princess… don’t do it. I am not worth your tears….” Did she hear his voice crack?

She opened her eyes and let the tears flow. He palmed her face as he stared into her eyes, and she leaned into his touch. She knew at that moment, she wouldn’t be able to live without him… She never thought she would develop feelings for someone so much. But her heart was no longer under her control as it paced for him…

“Shiv…” she whispered.

She thought he was getting indecisive, but in the next moment, he slammed his mouth into hers. As they began to nip and such each other, she realized how much she missed him, wanted him… needed him. Their groans blended into each other even as he pulled her closer, grabbing her buttocks. Finally, she didn’t need any more push, and at his gentle nudge, she climbed on him, circling his torso with her legs, her hands around his neck as they didn’t bother to pause. She was giddy with pleasure and thought she would climax soon.

She felt him move, and the kiss ended as he dropped her on her bed. He pounced on her as she welcomed his taut body with her softness.

Within seconds her silky robe left her to gather on the floor while he stared at her balancing himself with his arms on either of his sides.

“You will be the death of me Princess…” he whispered and stared at her with an intensity she had never seen in him before.

She drove her hands over his bulged biceps and then cupped his cheeks… her favourite texture, his stubble, tempted her to the core. She held his neck and pulled him close, not wanting to be away even momentarily.

He kissed her face and nipped her neck, softly blowing warm air over where his teeth had just sunk in, igniting the beginnings of a climax in her belly. He moved lower and lower, kissing her body and leaving wet trails that felt cold in the gentle breeze blowing in through the open balcony. He further reached her sacred point, and she reflexly adducted her thighs, gasping.

He gently separated her thighs, kissed her inner thighs, and gave time to each side. He then blew over her entrance… Padma’s breath hitched as she felt wetness pooling at her apex… eyes shut, she grabbed the headrest above her arching her body like a stretching cat.

“Look at me… Princess…” Shiv’s breathy voice sent the waves cascading inside her body and she had already begun spasming.

She opened her eyes and saw him waiting at her entrance, looking at her. The flickering shadows on his face further aroused her. When had he discarded his clothes, she didn’t know; she was immersed in the throes of physical pleasure he had been inflicting on her.

Her eyes fell on his enormous manhood at full mast waiting to fill her and she licked her lips.

“Don’t…do… that…Princess…” he spoke in a hoarse voice and she was glad she did that to him.

“Shiv… don’t … delay anymore…” She pleaded, unsure of her voice.

He didn’t need any more permission and he plunged inside her softness, filling her to the brim. She arched high up the bed and landed back. He began to slide in and out of her wetness; she needed only a few seconds before she climbed up to the peak of passion and exploded, seeing stars in its wake.

Before she could scale down he intensified the pace and finally, she felt him erupt his warmth inside her womb before screaming her name and falling beside her. She had already consulted her doctor after arriving and she was in the clear. Though a bit disappointed, she was also relieved. She wasn’t in the right state of mind for any added responsibility.

Shiv gathered her satiated body in his arms and kissed her once again. They remained like that for a while, after which he got up and got dressed.

“Where… are you going, Shiv…?” She was alarmed.

“Princess…” He moved towards her and cupped her face as she sat on the bed, suddenly conscious of her nakedness. “…I have a job to complete, remember? Let me go, my dear… I …I… I have to go…” He looked away and rubbed his face.

What did he want to tell her? That he loved her?

“Did you see the …chip from the locket?” She asked.

“Yes Princess, but the information is highly classified and telling you would endanger you further and I won’t take that chance.” He spoke as a matter of fact.

She looked away annoyed.

“Princess, please listen to me carefully. Do not trust anyone but Keshav. I will be in touch with him…”

“…But…” She interrupted. What the hell was that?

“…Please, Princess, listen to me just this once. And trust me… this is the last part… You have been so strong all these years. Just a while more. I promise you.” He spoke gently, and she had to blink back tears as she nodded.

Before she knew he kissed her and left the room the way he arrived.

A sense of doom descended on Padma. She felt… as if it was the last time she would see him.

No… she shuddered. No…God…please, no… Keep him safe. She prayed.

©Priya Nayak-Gole

Chapter 30

Padma was panting as she struggled to breathe. The adrenaline from their escapade from the safe house came crashing down now that they were running in the wilderness, sticking to the canopy of shadows formed by the lush flora…

Shadow… Shiv, and how she loved the name. Right from his name, he complimented her every step of the way. He had been her support even before she had known him. He had been her saviour.

Even now, as he dragged her, looking ahead for dangers and clearing the path for her, he was the epitome of focus. She was very slow and lagged in pace, but not once did he complain.

They had run for a long time, and she had lost track of time. Her legs were numb, and she thought she would collapse at any moment. But she didn’t want to complain, knowing Shiv was thinking, planning and running for the two of them…

He suddenly came to a halt, and she realized they were in a little clearing. The place reeked of decaying foliage, but she was OK with anything with Shiv by her side.

Shiv cleared a little area and made her sit. He then offered her water and a granola bar that she wolfed instantly. He sat back on his haunches and lifted her foot. She gasped at the sudden surge of arousal at his touch. His calloused palms against her soft calf ignited the unsatiable longing…

To avoid making a fool of herself, she glances up towards the sky. The beautiful aquamarine spots peeking through the marquee of glittering trees and their offshoots. The gentle breeze that found its way through those gaps refreshed her filling her with hope. But she knew a lot of it was because of this man before her who was nursing a wound on her foot she didn’t even know existed.

He tied another handkerchief around her big toe. She was bleeding and she didn’t even know about it.

“Princess… it must have been so painful. Why didn’t you tell me to stop…”

“Shiv…” she loved the feel of his name on her lips. “…It’s just that I didn’t want us to stop… you are working overtime and facing dangers. So instead of fighting for me, I prefer you stay away from them…”

He stared at her, his expression somewhere in between anger and kindness. Finally, he stood up and held his hand ahead. She placed hers in his even as he pulled her up.

“It’s a short distance now, Princess… Maybe another half an hour. I think…” he looked around. “…We have left them far away to trace our scents!!”

“But… Shiv… where are we headed to?”

“We are going back to the Palace, Princess… you will be safe there….”

Her heart fell. That means he would leave soon. He must have sensed her change in mood.

“Princess…” he held her shoulders. “… you are a warrior too. Despite everything, you have held up so well. I have the clues and will work to end this once and for all. But I need you safe before that and the Palace is the best bet for now. So I have arranged security there…”

“…the safest place…” she interrupted him. “…is right next to you Shiv. I feel confident when you are around. But I understand… I may only be an obstacle.”

“No Princess… it isn’t like that. I won’t be able to take this battle to its logical end if you are in danger.”

“But Shiv, if something happens to you, I won’t be able to live. I can’t lose anyone anymore.” She wailed.

She felt his grip on her shoulder tighten as if he was indecisive.

They walked towards the Palace; she supported herself with his hand as he held her close. Would this be the last time he held her? She didn’t know but decided to make the best of the remaining moments with him. At the moment, she wasn’t a Princess. She was an ordinary woman in love with the enigma beside her. A girl could dream, after all.

She could finally see the topmost structure of the Palace at a distance, and mixed feelings engulfed her. She was glad to get back home in a familiar and predictable situation and, hopefully, see her baba… But on the other hand, she wondered if this was the last time she would see him.

“Princess… there is something I need your help with.”

“What is it, Shiv?”

“I need that… locket. I want to check it out. It may have something left behind by your mother.”

She saw that Shiv was hesitating and though it was otherwise difficult for her to part with the locket, she handed it over to him.

He twisted and turned it over till the tiny diamond stone in between pricked his thumb. He pressed it further, and to Padma’s surprise, the locket cracked open.

There was a chip in it, and Shiv carefully placed it in a box in his backpack. Then, turning towards Padma he said, “Princess, promise me you will stay put. It would help if you didn’t trust anyone except Keshav and Seema.”

Why was he doing this, Padma wondered, but she nodded.

They soon reached the road leading to the Palace, and she saw Shiv stiffen and go on instant guard. She had seen the other side of his personality and a softer and romantic one at that and hoped he would feel free to live his life away from the dangers he faced.

She was lost in her thoughts as the short distance was the longest in her heart. She was getting teary that she would not be seeing him anymore…Why would he stay back after he found the perps… if he did? He wouldn’t want to be saddled with her and her Royal baggage.

Suddenly a gust of wind blew, shaking her out of her reverie, and Shiv instantly moved to cover her. His gesture touched her. He was always there to protect her in every way. What would happen from now on?

She recovered soon enough as they continued to walk ahead, and it was then she saw torn banners and stone strewn on the roads.

“What is all this Shiv? And why is my baba’s picture on those banners?”

Though they were torn, she could make out her father’s pictures.

“Princess, let’s get inside the Palace first. You can’t be out like this…”

She stood rooted to the spot.

“Shiv… please stop this. Right at this instant. Stop hiding stuff from me, especially since it concerns me. Tell me about all this, and don’t feign ignorance because I know you are aware of it all.” She was trembling inside, but she had to hold on to the façade of being strong enough.

“Princess… please”

“No Shiv… I deserve to know. What is all this?”

“Fine… then listen…” Shiv began. He was visibly irritated as he continued. “…His Highness was found dead…”

The ground under her feet gave away and she swayed. Shiv caught her but she was numb. No… not her baba…

“Princess… please… stay strong, dear…” he spoke softly, but they only fueled her anger.

“Since… since when have you known this, Shiv?” She blinked back tears and questioned him.

Shiv rubbed his face and looked away. “Shiv… please tell me…” She sounded desperate.

“Princess… please…” he swayed his arms.

“ITS AN ORDER, SHADOW…” she screamed using all her energy and saw him look stunned at her outburst. But she was frustrated.

“Princess, it was… the day we left the palace…”

She fell behind and raised her hand when he came closer to support her.

“So… all this while you knew and yet you chose to hide such an important matter… I didn’t even get to see my father…” She sat on the road and held her head in her palms.

“Princess… I am sorry. But we have to reach the Palace soon. This place isn’t very safe given the unrest.”

“No place is safe anymore for me, Shiv. I am not going anywhere now till I find out what happened to my father and mother.” She declared, not knowing what took over her grieving mind.

“Princess…” Shiv came closer.

“Stop it Shadow… I will not allow you anymore to interfere in my life… I shall take it from here….” Padma was shattered as she uttered the words.

“Princess, I won’t leave till I finish this…”

“Shadow… I don’t permit this. You may leave…” Her chest constricted.

Shiv took out a tiny box from his pocket.

“I am sorry, Princess, it had to come to this, but I am authorized to protect you and do my duty already by someone higher than you.”

Padma frowned and looked on as he opened the box and produced a beautiful signet ring… oH GOD… it was the one missing from her father’s finger.

“How the hell do you have this Shadow?”  She was finding it difficult to breathe as anxiety got the better of her.

“The King himself gave it, and it’s proof that he wanted me to protect you. So, Princess, I won’t be leaving you alone by order.” Shiv spoke in a lethal neutral tone, and Padma felt the shivers run through her body.

She stood on wobbly legs, and Shiv texted something as he supported her to walk ahead. They soon reached the Palace’s outer gates, and Kesha was there to welcome her. The Royal ambulance van was ready, and she was frisked away into it. She heard Keshav call out to Shadow, but the IV inserted into her veins began its job faster, and she was plunged into darkness.

Padma woke up to the soft music playing in the background and instantly knew she was in her room in the Palace. She saw Seema rush towards her and text someone. Probably inform Keshav that she was awake.

Seema supported her to sit upright and helped her to sip water. Her body felt as if she had been run over by vehicles.

Keshav rushed inside her room.

“Padma… are you alright?”

Suddenly the moments before her walk to the Palace swarmed before her eyes.

“Keshav… did you know about… baba…?”

He silently nodded while Seema avoided eye contact. Padma’s eyes fell on the teasing bit of her bandage seen through a gap in the buttons of Seema’s shirt. The woman was still recovering.

“Padma… Babasaheb… left us all…” Keshav rubbed his eyes and Seema sniffed back tears.

Padma held her knees to her chest as her dams broke. She sobbed, held close by Seema and Keshav.

She had lost everything that mattered to her, including a chance at her first and only love. She was remorseful about having the time of her life in the wilderness, unaware of the fact that her father was no more…

Dusk was setting in, and Seema had helped her with her dinner.

“Seema, do you remember the face of the person who did that to you?”

Seema shook her head.

“No, Your Highness, I couldn’t see the person. He was covered entirely in black, including a black facemask. But the guy wasn’t very tall or hefty… in fact, he was a little taller than me and frail. But had tremendous strength….”

Just then Aarti barged into the room and Seema bowed to move aside. Aarti gave the young woman a scornful look as she exited the room.

“What is this Padma? I am away for a while and everything here is topsy-turvy…  So sorry to hear about Babasaheb… I couldn’t believe it…” She sat close to Padma and hugged her.

Padma was relieved to see her best friend.

“I missed you Aarti… so much.”

“Don’t worry Padma, I am here for you. I am not going anywhere.” Aarti assured her and continued, “…By the way, where is that hotshot, Bodyguard… Shadow or whatever his name is.”

“He left…” Padma whispered. She couldn’t tell Aarti how much she missed him every second of the time she was awake. She was angry too, but her love for him eclipsed everything else.

“He turned out to be such a coward…” Aarti looked at her for a few seconds. Then, “…wait… you are in love with him?”

Padma looked at Aarti suddenly. “What…? What are you talking about?”

“I can make out Padma…we are best friends, remember…?” Aarti took her hand in hers. “…But Padma he isn’t the right man for you. You know nothing about him.”

“Aarti cut it out… I will probably not see him anymore…” Every word further inundated her core, submerging her in the waves of grief.

“But Padma… did you give him anything?”

“What..?”

“I mean… I don’t trust the man one bit, and I hope you haven’t given him anything besides your heart…” Aarti griped her hand further.

Did Aarti know something she didn’t? Padma wondered.

“Aarti… please tell me… what do you know about all this? You were busy finding answers… weren’t you?”

Aarti looked away and then nodded.

“Yes, Padma, my college trip was just an excuse because I had to find some answers. That man Shadow… he bothered me a lot so I checked him out. It took a lot of internet surfing to connect the dots and I finally hit the jackpot… yesterday.”

“What is it? Who is Shadow?” Padma’s curiosity had touched the zenith, and she didn’t care to switch on the lights as darkness enveloped them, with the only luminance provided by the sole oil lamp placed before her mother’s photo.

The pale shadows danced softly, haunting her to the core as Aarti spoke.

“That man Shadow was here for his revenge…”

Heart pacing Padma tried to clutch the non-existing locket. “What revenge… Aarti?”

“Revenge for his father, Padma…”

“Who… is his father?” Padma could barely hear her voice as grief and anger clogged her throat. Even Aarti knew more than her.

“Padma, brace yourself dear…” Aarti closed the distance between them and gripped her hands yet again. “…That Shadow is Shiv… his real name…”

“…Real name is Shiv Ranjan…” Padma blurted.

“Padma, his real name is Shiv Ranjan Chauhan… does the surname ring a bell?”

Padma’s head began to reel… The house in the mountains, where Chauhan kaka visited, Shadow knew all about her and her mother… everything now made sense, including her father’s ring with Shadow…

“Aarti Shadow is…”

“…yes, you guessed it right, Padma. He is Chauhan kaka’s son. He is from the Army and has returned on sabbatical to exact revenge for his father…”

©Priya Nayak-Gole

Chapter 29

Shiv paced the narrow confines of the cabin acutely aware of the love of his life upstairs probably brooding and not sleeping. It was 4 AM, almost an hour since he had returned from the rendezvous with Maanav. His sharp eyes had seen the Shadow at the window move indicating Padma was not sleeping.

It also flattered him that she was waiting for him. Was it out of concern for him or fear of being left alone in the remote wilderness? He wasn’t sure. But from what he knew about Padma, it was the former. These feelings were very new to him… No one had been bothered about him before, not at this personal level.

Given the realization about his late mother, all he wanted was to be hugged by Padma, and remain engulfed in her caring warmth. The softness of her bosom as she cradled his head gave him a kind of bliss beyond physical gratification. Did he damage their relationship forever?

But he never stood a chance, did he? She was royalty and he was just… He couldn’t undo what transpired in the heat of the moment, but it clenched his heart to arrive at a decision. He wouldn’t get close to her. It would be easier to part that way; he would be able to survive the heartbreak…. Probably.

He still needed to get information out of her. The evidence was there somewhere, and he didn’t have a clue. Time was running out, and he barely had hours before marching gun-blazing to the fort. Without hard evidence, everything would be at stake.

He had to think hard.

Just then, he heard a crash outside. It probably was a weak tree that fell. But immediately on high alert, he swiped off the tiny lantern flame, plunging the house into complete darkness. Princess Padma’s safety was of utmost importance, and he rushed upstairs.

She had locked her door, as she had for the last couple of days.

“Princess…” He whispered as loudly as possible, trying to figure out any movement or noise outside. So far, so good. But his gut instinct said otherwise. Did he hear the crackling of leaves? He wasn’t sure. He wasn’t able to focus, given the situation at hand. He could have taken a dozen men down any other time, irrespective of their hideouts. But tonight, the Princess’s safety held predominance.

There was no sound. He knocked slightly louder.

“Princess… please open the door. I need to check if you are OK…”

No response. His adrenaline was pumping at a gigantic pace and all he could think about was her safety.

He couldn’t wait anymore. He used his uninjured shoulder to break open the door using all his might. In two hits the door separated from its hinges and hung precariously close to falling off. He rushed in but the Princess wasn’t in her bed. Then, before panic set in completely, he heard her. He didn’t care about being caught and using his pen torch, he pointed in the direction of the weak muffle.

Padma sat in the corner of the room with her knees bent and close to her body. He didn’t need more light to know she was scared to the core. Shutting down the light source, he rushed toward her. He had to calm her down before explaining the situation and he hoped he had the time.

He sat on his haunches in front of her and tried to hold her hand, but she pulled it away and began to hyperventilate.

“Princess… it’s me… don’t be scared. I am here for you. Nothing’s going to happen to you on my watch… I promised, remember?” He spoke softly, keeping his senses wide open to note any change in surroundings.

He felt her shudder and made his move to get closer to her. This time she didn’t resist as he pulled her closer to him. Instead, she readily went into his arms, and he hugged her tightly. He realized he needed the contact more than her. He was relieved that she still trusted him and vowed to get her to safety even if he had to risk his life. He rubbed her back till the shudder stopped. He knew they had to get out ASAP but this was important too.

“Sha…Shadow, I got that dream again… it was distorted again… I saw that man in the raincoat was running after me… I am so scared Shadow…” Her grip around his torso tightened as she spoke into his chest.

“Princess…” he whispered, drawing her away unwillingly but not leaving contact. “…we have to leave this place. I think it’s compromised. I am not sure, but I can’t take chances.”

She stiffened, and he cured himself.

“Shadow, how did anyone find out about this place?”

“Fails me Princess… but we have to leave. Are you ready?” He asked gently, holding her face in her palms. He felt her nod, her tears shining in the limited nocturnal luminance.

Dawn would soon break, and they would be sitting ducks. He had to escape with her before that. She moved back to her position and straightened herself dusting her clothes, and he was in awe of her poise despite their situation. Then, pushing his feelings aside, he got into combat mode.

Unknown to her, he had seen the trap door. It had to be there since his father had built it and his old man never left loose ends. The man always planned backups. Shiv picked up his backpack he had kept ready for contingencies like this one.

He held out his hand, and in the darkness, he saw he staring at the window clutching her locket. The piece of jewellery she never parted with shone in the break of dawn and was the only luminant piece in the room. Then, it hit him like a thunderbolt… the locket.

It had something to do with the evidence. Padma had mentioned the Queen gifting it to her on her sixteenth birthday… the day the woman met her maker. So the Princess kept it with her as a reminder of her mother.

Would she let him check it? Would she doubt his motives? He rubbed his face… now was not the time of the place to contemplate the matters of the heart.

He held out his hand before her and as she left her locket to place her hand in his, he saw the red dot… dancing on her face. And then a second one on her chest and third maneuvering its way on the wall towards him.

Oh Goodness… snipers… what the hell was that?

He dragged her unsuspecting body towards the floor even as shots were fired. The bullets chipped the plaster coating on the wall surface. Padma probably didn’t realize the gravity of the situation till then. She tightened the grip on his hand, and he knew she would be horrified given the sudden turn of events.

He dragged her further downstairs even as the frenzy of bullets ripped apart the walls. They barely made it out of the room in time and he pulled her towards his room even as he spied the stray red dot following them close… very close.

He moved the frame propped up against the wall with the same color that camouflaged its presence and hoped that he wasn’t too late. His foresight had helped and the latch he had loosened earlier worked to his advantage. He pushed Padma inside as soon as he opened the door and shut it after him latching it from inside.

The shots ricocheted off the door and they could hear the boom in the hollow chamber. He hadn’t seen this part earlier and had no clue where the chamber led to. It was crude and lined by unplastered walls. Stones were protruding as he observed with the light from his pentorch.

He looked around and saw a huge boulder. Moving the Princess to the side. He pushed the boulder with all his might and saw the Princess do the same. He overcame emotions… getting back to the operative mode he kept pushing. Finally, the boulder moved towards the door. That would give them more time, he fathomed. Holding Padma’s hand, he ran the distance, not knowing where they were headed.

He halted a little when he felt Padma tire. Placing the pentorch on a nearby stone, he helped her sit on a jutting boulder and offered her some water from the bottle he had packed. He chuckled as she gulped it all in one go, with some of it spilling down her throat. She didn’t know what it did to him. He looked away and inhaled deeply. She was the death of him!

He felt her pull his hand and looked down.

“Sha… Shadow… you are bleeding. Oh God did the bullet hit you?” Padma had horror written all over her face.

He then realised his hand was bleeding. He shuffled through his backpack and found a cotton cloth. When he took it out, Padma snatched it from him and tied it around his wrist. He knew the bullet had just grazed him but was touched to see her put an act that she was strong. She looked up at him, emotions shining in her eyes.

“Princess…”

“…Shadow… why… why do you have to go to these lengths? You are no ordinary bodyguard…”

“And you are no ordinary woman, Princess. It’s a privilege to be at your service.” Shadow retorted.

The Princess began to sob and he pulled her close. It gave him a sense of reassurance that she was fine so far.

“It’s going to be OK, Princess….” He spoke softly.

Suddenly she moved away, still holding his hand. “Shadow, don’t ever let this happen.”

“What, Princess?”

“Even if I am annoyed, don’t… don’t keep away. It was hell not talking to you. I thought you were annoyed with my antics….”

“…No, Princess….” he tried to tell her.

“…Do you know how it was with you going off and me waiting… at times, I wondered if you would be back….”

“…I would never leave you, Princess….” He didn’t know why he even said that.

“…I thought… Shadow… I thought…” She looked into his eyes even as her tears refused to cease. “…I thought something had happened…to you… I can’t imagine…”

He could hold it no longer as he slammed his lips. They devoured each other as if there was no tomorrow as if the future lay bleak, and these were their last moments on the planet. They were inseparable as their bodies were joined, as they gripped each other tightly… It was as if either of them were worried that the other would disappear if the hold got loose.

Shiv could hear their rapid breathing and the suckling sounds amalgamated, and then there were moans… he didn’t know where they emerged. The sounds were enhanced in the close confines of the never-ending chamber. He feasted on her soft lips, and their tongues competed as they clashed to outdo each other.

Padma pulled away suddenly. “Shadow… “ She looked into his eyes, breathing heavily through her swollen lips. “…Please take me…right here… right now…” Her hands gripped his lapels as if it was her favorite thing to do.

“But Princess…” There was nothing he wanted more than to remain sheathed inside her soft wetness, but she was a Princess for crying aloud.

“…No Buts Shadow… this life is so uncertain and I do not want to miss out on the only good. I don’t know if I shall survive this though I trust you over everything. So for once Shadow… please let me feel I am alive…” She pleaded.

Their clothes lay strewn on the floor in the next couple of minutes. Shiv wanted to take it slow so as not to hurt her, but he didn’t know if he could control his pace any more than his racing heart. He couldn’t provide her with a soft backrest so he lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his torso. The rust shining in her gullible eyes did him in and he didn’t care about the rough wall digging into his upper back.

He stared into her eyes as he stormed inside her warmth and her tightness as she sheathed him made him lose control.

“I… won’t…. last…. long, Princess…” he whispered every stroke, and she gripped his mane. She bent and bit his ear, the soft tinge causing him to shatter.

She shuddered as she climaxed, and her walls milked him dry while he screamed her name…

They held each other close as they descended from the pinnacles of passion. He kissed her lightly all over her face, surprised at his tenderness. Since when had he become putty in her hands?

They dressed and began their sojourn. It was time Shiv decided… he had to tell her.

“It’s Shiv…” he spoke

“What?”

“My name… it’s Shiv Ranjan…” he didn’t know why he left out his surname, but he couldn’t get himself to reveal it.

She squeezed his hand and smiled, melting away all his woes that instant.

“Shiv…” She whispered and he stopped walking. “..Shiv, I… I love you.” She smiled, and right then, he knew it would be impossible to stay away from her.

©Priya Nayak-Gole

  Chapter 28

Shiv rubbed his face. Hands on his hips, he stood with his head lowered, trying Bullet’s number yet again. It had been two days since the Princess had dropped a bomb on him. She remembered that day in the mango grove when his mother had passed.

Though it made him happy, it also troubled him because even the thought of separating from the Princess was torturous.

Padma had stomped away after he had been silent and not answered her question. He knew she would be mad, and rightly so. He knew everything about her, but she was in the dark. He had only fed her tidbits of information.

And then… he couldn’t control his libido. Shiv placed the burner back in his jeans pocket and looked behind where a trail of wilderness spread its hues. Somewhere up, there was the house where Padma sat brooding. They hadn’t exchanged a word in the last couple of days. But fortunately, she was eating whatever he was providing her with. For that, he was grateful. Despite living a princess’s life with all the comforts in the world, she didn’t hesitate. He could never forgive himself if her health were to take a downward spiral.

He sighed… He knew what they shared was beyond physical gratification. He berated himself umpteen times… she was a virgin for crying out aloud. But he was experienced and now was sure she had ruined him for every other woman. For the first time, his heart was involved… the way she shattered in his arms was something he would take to his grave.

He couldn’t let this go on for long… it would be difficult to break away. He had lost his head when she had moved closer. If the tightness in his pants were any indication, he wasn’t still over her. He missed her. He missed being close to her, talking to her. Missed her infectious laughter. He had smiled for the first time in years when he was with her. He had forgotten protection… something he would never do. He had meant to discuss that with her but now wasn’t the time… he had to wait for her. But Padma did that to him, making him lose his equilibrium. He couldn’t afford that, especially when she was still in danger.

His phone buzzed with an incoming message.

‘meet me behind Koini post office…urgent’

Maanav was dependable. He had informed in yesterday’s update about finding some information. There was turmoil and rioting and people had taken to the streets demanding to see the King after the rumor of his demise had been floated.

Maanav and Shiv, in cahoots with Keshav, had decided to keep the news about the King’s death under wraps to avoid political unrest. But now that the rumors were out, there were demonstrations and gatherings with slogans and chanting, demanding to know about the King’s well-being. Last evening the police chowky was torched along with a couple of State Transport buses after evicting the passengers. There were no casualties, thankfully.

The Royal court was silent over the matter, and the locals demanded to see the Princess offering their support. However, if Padma had to assume the responsibilities, she would have to tie the knot as per the rules. Keshav and the other elders were contemplating solutions in closed-door meetings. They were all told the Princess was recuperating in her room and was not to be disturbed for another week. Keshav and Seema were handling the secrecy at that end.

So basically, he had a few more days, after which he would have to return to the palace.

Shiv met Maanav in the dark lane behind the Post office. Death silence prevailed in the area after two groups of people clashed about who would take over the throne versus abolishing Royalty altogether. Shiv saw torn cloth banners left behind by the protesters. He wondered if anyone participating in rioting even knew what they were doing.

His gut instinct told him they were instigated… but by whom? Majumdar? Would he take such a risk with upcoming State elections?

He heard the hoot from the lonely corner and knew Maanav had seen him despite his camouflage tactics. His friends could find him anyhow…

“What’s up, Bullet?” He spoke, standing in the corner turnaround, his eyes scanning the environment.

“New piece of news is going to upturn everything…”

“What’s that?”

“There is a piece of news about the Princess…”

That made his ears straighter, and Shadow walked further closer towards the turn where Maanav stood in hiding.

“What… about her?”

“I got to know from an old geezer out there who was fishing. He had known the King’s father’s driver. The old hound was probably in delirium given his age, and no one took notice of the ragged old man who loved to fish… But he spilt the news that the Queen couldn’t sire children. So Princess Padmavati being the biological child of the Royal couple seems questionable.”

“What?” Shiv felt the earth slip under his feet.

Suddenly everything made sense… Someone was out there to discredit the Princess, probably because she didn’t have Royal blood. But why kill her?

“I think Shadow, you have to tell her everything now…She doesn’t know about the King, does she?” Maanav asked

Shiv shook his head. “No, she doesn’t… She doesn’t even know I have an idea of where the crown may be…”

“So when do we raid the tunnel? Our guys are ready, and by the way, Razor is joining us too on this…”

“Razor is back…?” Shiv asked in surprise. His friend Avinash Razor Thakur was somewhere in the Himalayan foothills on a special mission for the Government. “…Mission accomplished…?”

“Razor has been dismissed from active service…” Maanav said softly.

“Is… is he hurt?” Shiv asked in concern for his close friend.

“No idea, Shadow. He seemed fine on the phone at least… but you know how it is in the projects… we cannot tell it all. We only struggle as the turmoils churn their way in our guts…”

“But I am glad he will be there. I can’t trust anyone apart from the three of you to have my back.” Shadow said. He knew what their lives as special operatives entailed. PTSD was cruel and played havoc with their lives. He had almost given up on everything, but the Princess had provided him with a new lease of life.

“So when do we make that hike?” Maanav brought him back to the present.

“When is the fort festival?” Shadow asked

“It’s in five days from now…”

“In that case, we have to make a move quickly…” Shiv mentally calculated. “…You know the way from inside the fort. I shall come from behind the falls where I found an entrance. I am sure it leads to the fort cellar. We will meet there tomorrow at 2 AM… I am positive the crown and other stolen artefacts would be found there…”

“…Roger that Shadow. I think Razor will be here by noon. I shall mobilise the boys. Let’s do this. But there is something else too.”

“What is it, Bullet?”

“Evidence… the Queen, had found out something sinister and she was meticulous with record keeping. We need to find that evidence, and we will have our perp on a platter.”

“Yes… I am aware of it. But so far I haven’t found it anywhere. I almost ransacked the late Queen’s chamber but nada… I have checked every nook and corner of the Princess’s room even torn the photo frames apart before joining them together. But found nothing. The walls are clean too… No hollows, no vaults. Where could the evidence be?”

“Shadow think harder. I am sure the location has something to do with the Princess. Try talking to her and see if she gives away anything. Because even if we find treasure out there or the crown, it will help the Princess ascend the throne, but some documents can question her credibility as an heir and evidence we need for convicting our perps.”

“I am on it, Bullet…” Shadow sighed again. Padma was giving him the silent treatment. He had to get into her good books yet again, get her to talk to him, and trust him again. He had to use gentle coaxing or a bit of force and though he hated himself for it, he knew just the way.

“Shadow there is…er… one other thing you need to know…” Maanav spoke, hesitating.

Shiv wondered why Maanav was discreet and shying away from talking to him. He could sense the guy’s mood when they met a while ago… something was amiss. However, Shiv knew it wasn’t the situation because they had been through worse as operatives.

“What is it, Maanav?” Shiv used the man’s given name, indicating he was dead serious.

“Its… it’s about your mother…”

Shiv’s heart stalled. What was Bullet talking about? For years his mother had been on the backburner. Now suddenly, hearing about her caused the memories to gush in. Her indifference towards him, her indiscretions with the other man, and finally the vision of her lifeless grotesque body hanging from the roof….

“What… what is it?”

“Shadow, the old man I told you about kept ranting about old days when he spoke about that beautiful woman on the hills who lived with her hardworking son and the absentee husband. I knew it was about you because the hill was haunted, and no one wanted to build homes there at the time. So… he mentioned … he was there that night when that tall man and another one who limped went up the hill in the dead of night. This man couldn’t sleep and was strolling out in the dark. But he always had poor eyesight and couldn’t make out anything beyond the silhouettes. They rushed out in some time, and the next day the woman was found dead….” Shiv began to palpitate as Maanav continued. “…Shadow, my gut tells me it was a homicide and not suicide… can you think about anything? Remember anything?”

Shiv shut his eyes even as the vision of his mother’s limp body swarmed in, messing with his head. And right then, it struck him… he had been so busy pushing the image back into his subconsciousness all these years that he didn’t realise the fact starting at him.

His mother hung a foot above the mud flooring of his house barely. The roof wasn’t too high but there was no stool or stone or brick on which she could stand… His mother was always well dressed and no matter what she wouldn’t have used the saree she was wearing to hang herself… it wasn’t a cotton saree either. His mother wore cotton sarees to bed… and finally, Shiv swore loudly, unconcerned about his surroundings and Maanav had to emerge out of his hiding to check him out.

“What the hell, buddy…do you want centre stage here?” Maanav looked around and patted Shiv on the back.

“I saw it that night…but it didn’t strike me to date…” Shiv muttered.

“What did you see? You were only fifteen buddy… what do you remember from then?”

“The anklet…” Shiv looked at Maanav. “…Bullet that anklet I told you about… the one I found in the fort tunnel…”

“Yes… you mentioned it belonged to your mother… but it was just one of the pair… wasn’t it?”

“Yes…” Shiv continued to stare at Maanav, feeling the unhindered wetness on his cheeks. “… I now recall seeing the other one… it was on her feet that night… just one foot… as she hung… and then…” he rubbed his face as further realization struck. Why didn’t it get to him all these years?

“…and what, Shadow?”

“…the remaining anklet… was gone… later… when they laid her on the hearse…”

©Priya Nayak-Gole

Chapter 27

Padma stirred, stretching her arms above her head and her back hit a hard wall of flesh…

Suddenly the antics from last night came flooding into her mind along with the bright rays of the morning sun playing a peek-a-boo with the canopy of the glorious flora around the house.

She blushed and smiled, pulling up the blanket that had slipped below her chest. It was modesty personified as she dug her face into his arm that had served as her pillow. She had the best sleep in years, and she was like a purring kitten waiting to be stroked and petted.

She felt a warm, calloused palm spreading against her belly and a fresh wave of arousal made its way up her body. She shivered and moved her lower back.

“Continue to do that Princess, and you will have to skip breakfast…” He muttered into her ear, his warm breath brushing away her curls covering her lobe, and that shiver passed through her body yet again. Her apex throbbed as she felt wetness pooling in, and she arched her back further, feeling his harness prod her lower back. Her brazenness stunned her. She was a virgin till last night, and today she had turned into someone she didn’t know, that too in the heart of wilderness with a man who was a stranger yet someone her soul knew only too well.

His hand crawled its way from her stomach to her wet apex, and as he slipped in a stiff finger into the secret crevice, she yelped and further arched her back, closing her eyes shut. His hand below her head snaked around, covering her and grabbed her aching bosom. His finger below created havoc with her insides, his other hand kneaded her and pinched her aroused nipple.

She didn’t last, and before she knew it, she screamed her orgasm and crashed back into his waiting torso. He barely wasted any time as he licked her lobe, preparing her for another round of earth-shattering climax. He spread her legs, and his thick ready manhood made its smooth way to where it belonged.

Her insides throbbed as she engulfed his full length, and he began his rocking movements, his hand gripping her hips and the other hand playing nestled between her breasts, holding her close. She shattered within the initial few strokes, and he followed her soon, her walls closing around his length once again.

“Padmaaaaa…..” He harshly growled into her ear and her insides quivered yet again even after she had her release.

They lay glued to each other, her back to his chest, and she would have loved to lay like that for eternity but nature called.

He helped her get up and as she relieved herself, he began to heat water for her on the makeshift stove. She didn’t know from where it had emerged but was glad for the person’s foresight, whoever it was.

She needed that hot water to clean up though she wanted his marks to be etched on her body forever as it did on her soul.

She walked with a wide-based gait given the slight pain in her apex, not that she would have refused another round. Especially when she walked into the kitchen and saw Shadow prepare bread toast for her, wearing only… goddamn it, a narrow bath towel. It did everything to send her imagination into a frenzy and she licked her lips. Right then, Shadow turned around and smiled as if he had caught her in the act. She blushed and sat on the chair he had placed near the lone table as he placed a couple of paper plates on it.

“Sorry Princess, but I can’t offer the royal cutlery…” Shadow looked away.

She stood up and walked towards him. Holding his hand in hers, she said, “Hey Shadow, I am glad I am in this situation in a way… because I am with you. I wouldn’t have had this any other way… So relax, OK?”

“But Princess…”

“…Padma…” She interrupted him. “…call me Padma, Shadow. I like the sound of my name when you say it.”

“I can’t Princess…” He held her shoulders, burning her skin with his warmth through her sundress. “…I am your bodyguard, and despite my feelings for you, I must perform my duty. Your life is at stake, and I can’t let anything happen to you.”

Padma’s nodded as her eyes filled.

“I know I am being repetitive here… but Shadow, when do you think this will be over?”

“Soon Princess… very soon. I had set the ball rolling already when I had gone to get the groceries. Bullet has mobilized a team and I am coordinating with him. We are trying to locate the crown and, most importantly Princess…” He pushed that unruly lock away from her face. “…I have to find the evidence that the Queen had left behind…”

Padma straightened. Guilt ate her insides. How could she forget what had happened to her mother and Chauhan kaka? How could she be so selfish in catering to her own needs and forget why she was away from the palace?

Bile rose in her food pipe as nausea clouded her ability to think. She felt dizzy and would have collapsed if Shadow wouldn’t have held her. He lifted her and carried her upstairs into his room. He lay her on the bed they had passionately shared sometime back.

He wiped her face with a wet cloth and got her a glass of water.

“Princess…” Shadow spoke with concern filled in his voice. “…I am sorry… I didn’t mean to upset you…I…”

She gripped his hand. “Shadow… don’t… apologize. I don’t regret being with you… But I was selfish…” She couldn’t control the tears flowing as the dam burst.

He lay next to her and gathered her in his arms. She nestled her head in the crook of his neck as if it was customized for her and wept. He rubbed her back even as she held his back, pushing herself into him… Somehow his touch, his warmth and his voice soothed her and she felt better.

After a few minutes, she asked him. “Shadow… what evidence are you talking about?”

Shadow sighed.

“Princess, your mother, had unearthed a sinister plot about possible women and child trafficking… she probably was killed because of that…”

A shudder ran through her as she remembered the gruesome night.

“Shadow I don’t remember the details of that night… but you were there. You saved me… dropped me back to the Palace on that bench… Did you see the killer?”

“Unfortunately, Princess, I was at the wrong angle and couldn’t… But you are in danger because the perp thinks you saw him.”

Padma was shivering, and she felt him cover them with the blanket yet again, his body warmth gradually seeping into her fully clothed body.

“Don’t worry Princess, I shall not let anything happen to you…” he hugged her tightly and Padma drifted off to sleep.

She woke a little later to light pecks on her forehead and was deluged by his vanilla-sprinkled warmth. She didn’t know how he had the fragrance on him given that they had been away for a while now. Did he carry the spray with him?

“Princess, let’s have something and go for a stroll. The climate is beautiful after the downpour,” Shadow purred into her ear, and despite everything, she realised she wouldn’t want to trade the moment for anything else in the world.

She nodded, and Shadow kissed her forehead and reluctantly walked out of the room. Padma stretched lazily and smiled to herself. She touched her belly where Shadow had placed his palm moments earlier. When did she have her last contraceptive pill? She had been recommended one in her last check-up to streamline her monthly cycles that were creating havoc with unbearable pain. But she didn’t remember when she had the last pill. Was it on the day she was poisoned? But even before that, she had been irregular… When was her last cycle?

She was blank but was surprised that she wasn’t scared about the outcome of what had transpired between Shadow and her. She learnt she would be thrilled to be with a child… Shadow’s child. At the same time though, her heart fell thinking about what Shadow felt. Was he just duty-bound and overcome with passion given their situations? No… he wasn’t a shallow person.

She sighed. She would cross the bridge when she came to it. Then, with a jolt, she realised she no longer cared about the Royal etiquettes.

After a light breakfast of bread and butter, she walked alongside Shadow towards the waterfalls, where she was greeted by the misty breeze humming and trying to compete with the gigantic roar. She had always loved the waterfall roar. At times in extreme solitude of the night, she thought she could hear it at her Palace window as well.

“Princess, do you want to go right there?” Shadow asked pointing towards an extended rock that looked like a vast portion of a cave and was surrounded by the fall.

“Won’t it be risky… I mean, if I slip…”

“Trust me, Princess… you will have the time of your life. I promise…” Shadow convinced her.

He took her along the mushy pathway made through the decaying foliage that grew under the tall trees as they walked parallelly along the mighty water body pooled below the falls. After a while, they reached a rocky hillock and Shadow pulled her through a narrow path carved between the rock and she suddenly found herself on the rock she had just seen moments ago.

As if reading her thoughts, Shadow said. “Princess, the path we came back gets filled with water after Sunset and the water recedes and disappears at Sunrise. It’s an amazing phenomenon, right?”

Padma only nodded… How did he know the region better than her? She hadn’t even heard of this phenomenon and she was the crowned Princess for crying out loud. But she knew there would be no point in asking Shadow. His lips were sealed.

Shadow tugged at her hand, bringing her out of her reverie. She took off her shoes which were already soiled from her tryst earlier night, and walked barefoot on the cold rock. Surprisingly the rock surrounded by the gush of the falls was damp but not slippery. She was amazed at nature’s wonder.

“Princess, why don’t you enjoy this view for a while? I want to look around a bit.” Shadow told her as he left her hand.

Padma nodded, spellbound by the beauty of the acqua beauty around her to bother about where Shadow went. She sat for a while lost in thought.

What was in store for her? She was the crowned Princess, madly in love with a commoner she knew nothing about. Not even his name. For the first time in her life, she had followed her heart without permission from her brain. For once she lived like a woman without the royal burden where she was expected to behave in a particular manner.

She hugged herself. Most of all, she had committed blasphemy… Not only had she slept with a man without the matrimonial bondage but also enjoyed it and was probably carrying his child. She had left caution to the wind.

Padma gripped the locket yet again even as the divine watery visuals blurred further with her unshed tears.

“Aai…” She remembered her mother. “…would you have approved of what I did? Do you like Shadow? You often spoke about soulmates being a rarity…”

She remembered many evenings whenever she spent time with her mother, she saw the Queen stare into oblivion with a wishful look.

“Padma, bala (child)…” Her Aai would say. “…Fortunate are those who get to live with their soulmates. Unconditional love is a bond that cannot be broken irrespective of the caste, creed, family background, socioeconomic status etc…It’s a unique kind of compatibility…”

“Aai, were you not happy with baba?” Padma spoke to herself. Except for rare photo ops, the King and Queen never displayed close physical contact, now that Padma remembered. Was their relationship a ruse?

“Was there someone else, aai…?” Padma was shocked to even think of something so absurd. “…Aai… I think Shadow is the one for me… I don’t know if we can be together or if baba will ever allow it… but bless me aai… I need you all the more now. I miss you.” Padma whispered and clutched at the locket with a vigour that indented into her palm.

Suddenly she felt Shadow’s presence, and before she knew he came behind her and hugged her to him.

“Hush… Princess, don’t cry. I promise you this will be over soon…”  Shadow assured her.

She turned into his arms. She had to speak loudly to hear herself above the waterfall gush.

“Shadow… how much do you know about my mother?”

“A little, Princess.” He looked away.

“In that case…” She moved away from the solace of his arms. It was time to get things out of the horse’s mouth. “…Why did she visit you when your mother died all those years ago…?”

Shadow’s shocked face proved her point. All she knew so far was just the tip of the iceberg.

©Priya Nayak-Gole

Chapter 26

Padma shivered as the heavy draft of wind hit her through the open window in her room upstairs. She had been glued to the window sill from the time she had latched the front door and rushed upstairs, watching Shadow go away and finally disappear into the trees.

She didn’t know the time, and lad lost track of it ever since she had the ‘accident’. Her heart fluttered as she thought of Shadow rushing to save her. If not for his gusto, she would have met her maker that night. And here he was yet again, protecting her by taking her away.

Though she didn’t like the circumstances nor the fact that he kept stuff from her, she didn’t mind. She hated to be cooped up in the palace like a caged bird. She didn’t like belonging to the royal family, just like her mother. She felt suffocated especially post her engagement…

Padma smiled as she saw a couple of chirping birds squabbling over a piece of eatable. She missed her outlet in the woods behind the palace. The wall was tightly sealed these days. Her father must have found out. She missed being with nature. It gave her solitude.. Nature taught her patience and calmed her restlessness. Nature was home…

The still fighting birds also reminded her of how she would fight with Aarti and Keshav while growing up. Once in a while, Seema would join them, but she was a silent spectator. Padma wasn’t surprised Keshav was attracted to the composed girl who was matured beyond her age. She was happy for her best friend. Keshav deserved all the happiness in the world at least a partner who loved him back.

She wondered where Aarti was these days. Aarti always shared stuff with her, and she missed their camaraderie ever since Aarti was busy with her studies. But Padma was glad Aarti found her calling in biotechnology and studied in one of the good universities. She hoped Aarti too, would find her soulmate someday.

But had she found hers? She was sure she had. Padma felt the familiar flutter in her heart when she thought of Shadow. She only yearned to be closer to him, and this was ever since he had saved her in the nightclub on her eighteenth birthday.

She always felt his presence around her even when he wasn’t physically present. Like she felt the breeze touching her face was his caress as he consoled her, she just felt right being with him. As if the jigsaw puzzle of her life fit itself perfectly.

That was why she missed him even here in the woods when he wasn’t present. Her soul didn’t realize the separation was temporary.

Padma felt wetness on her cheeks as it felt chilled and realized she was crying… She wasn’t very emotional, but Shadow made her feel the roller coaster of emotions. Shadow knew about Keshav and Seema, it appeared. It meant he also knew about her sham of an engagement… Did he also know she was single? Did he realize she loved him for years?

Padma hugged herself. She was hungry and reached for the chocolate bars he had left for her. She had never lazed around in her life before, without a care in the world and though she was all alone in the wilderness, she loved it. She only wished Shadow was with her, enjoying the scenic beauty of nature, the vivid picturesque greenery with hues of psychedelic flora. And all the visuals superimposed by the gigantic roar of the falls. She wished there were no villains out there waiting to stake a claim on her life.

Padma shook her head and lay on the bed. Soon she fell asleep.

Chauhan kaka tied up and lying on the floor and he seemed… brutally injured and… dead. She could feel the wetness dripping on her, probably from the heavy downpour somewhere around her. Thunder and lightening played hide and seek, and in the flashes of the intense light, she saw the idol of Devi maa, the brilliant eyes of the Goddess watching in rage. The temple bells rang heavily as they moved in the strong winds, the loud sounds immersing in the cacophony of nature’s fury lashed outside… Padma stood glued to the floor and remained a mute spectator. The silhouette of a heavy man moved and struck someone else… she always had pixelled visuals but today, everything seemed clearer. But whom did the man hit, and why did her heart break into a million pieces…?

There was a scream, and Padma sat up on her bed, panting. Despite the chill, she was sweating profusely, and a strange fear gnawed on her. Why did she see kaka in the dream? Was it because she was near the falls, and it reminded her of him? Was it all from some memory? She knew she had blacked out on her sixteenth birthday night. After that, she didn’t remember anything, but that was the day Chauhan kaka and her mother were killed. She only had some broken images so far every time she had a nightmare, but today it was vivid… So who was the other person killed… It seemed like a woman. Was it… her mother?

Was she a witness to her mother’s murder?

Padma lay back on the mattress and curled up into a fetal position as tears flew unhindered as she sobbed into oblivion. How could she forget her mother’s last moments if she was present in the fort?

In all these years, she suddenly realized she had only missed her mother, but today was the first time she wondered how much her mother and Chauhan kaka must have suffered before their gruesome end. She hadn’t been shown the bodies… just informed about the deaths.

Padma wailed, her cries shielded by the roar of the falls and the heavy rain that had just begun. A loud flash of lightning struck, followed by the thunderclaps and Padma shivered. The subconscious memories from that fateful night in the fort sprang up, engulfing her in pain. She clutched at her locket and cried her heart out.

Her mother was murdered right before her eyes, and she didn’t remember it… guilt ate her insides. The perp hadn’t been found as yet. She could have told the police or informed her father if she remembered. Where was her father? Did he have any information related to the murders? Were the attacks on her life planned because she had witnessed it all?

Who was that man in the raincoat? She couldn’t see him clearly, but something about him was familiar. Padma grabbed her hair with her other hand and continued to cry… But, just like the downpour outside, her cries didn’t cease.

Did Shadow know all this? She remembered waking up twice on the same bench in the palace garden. She was sure Shadow had saved her in the club that night. Was he the one who had saved her that night of the murders? Which meant…. He had witnessed it all too…

Then why did he not tell her or tell the police? Why didn’t he tell the king?

She sat up startled by a blast of lightning that lit up the room for a brief moment and suddenly realised it was dark. How long had she slept? All that had transpired following her poisoning and the running away along with this hike had drained her out of her energy.

She had been comfortable enough to sleep through it all today and berated herself.

Where was Shadow? He was to be back after a few hours. But it was dark and pouring heavily. Was he alright?

Ignoring her pounding headache, she wiped her cheeks even as fresh tears took their place. She strutted towards the window sill. To her horror, she saw the pool of water gathered outside. The entire flowerbed was submerged, and due to cloudy night she couldn’t see anything except pitch darkness. The house was built on a stilt, so so far, she was safe. She mentally thanked the thoughtfulness of the person who had built it and also wondered how Shadow knew about this place. That man… would he ever tell her about himself or forever stay in the Shadows?

Despite everything she worried for him… he had gone a long way downhill. Was he alright? She could hear her heart racing as a strange kind of fear for Shadow’s safety churned its way up her throat.

She rushed downstairs and tumbled in the dark… but the shooting pain in her knee as it hit the floor didn’t deter her from finding the pen torch she knew she had seen on the table earlier in the day. She didn’t have an umbrella for protection from the rain. Yet she ran out. She had barely stepped out; she fell headlong into the water gathered. The cold blast hit her hard as the chilled water clung to her through her clothes. Padma gathered her wits and began to wade her way through the calf-deep waters.

Fortunately, the pen torch still worked and though the visibility wasn’t great, she felt better watching the thin, cracked stream of light that couldn’t go beyond the pool of water up to a couple of feet ahead.

She didn’t know how long she walked, but the water had crossed her hips, and suddenly the pen torch died. The pitch-black darkness caught her unawares, and she looked around to see the clutter of dark moving trees straight out of the ghost stories she had heard from the nannies in childhood, each making horrific patterns against the slightly less dark skies. There was no moon or the spread of stars, probably sheathed by the heavy hovering clouds.

She went blank for a moment before fear raged in and she realized she was lost. Was she going to her watery grave? She began to cry yet again… further aggravated when she thought if something untoward had happened to Shadow….

She felt something around her legs… was that a water snake? There could be anything in the wilderness. She screamed and flailed her limbs, splashing water as she began to run in circles. It went on for a while; she was tired and sapped off all energy.

She was about to faint and said a soft prayer when a pair of familiar strong hands held her. She didn’t have to open her eyes to know who it was. Not only was it a known touch but the vanilla essence which was synonymous with Shadow, instantly calmed her down.

She felt him lift her over his shoulders as he waded through the muddy waters and before she knew, they were back in the house. She had been out for so long but the distance covered was just 5 minutes away?

Shadow put her down in the drawing-room and since the power was out he lit the lantern even as she sat on the floor hugging her legs close to her body. Now that the adrenaline had subsided she began to feel the chills. In the soft glow of the lantern she saw Shadow running around placing some polythene bags in the makeshift pantry, and then he rushed upstairs to bring a towel. He sat on his hunches in front of her and held out the towel. She grabbed it and covered herself, but the shivering continued… more due to the emotional roller coasters than the actual cold.

A little later, dressed in a clean set of clothes, she sat on Shadow’s bed, sipping on hot chocolate milk Shadow had prepared. He was dressed in loose track pants and… goodness he was shirtless, and only a towel covered his broad shoulders. He sat crosslegs facing her, and in the lumination provided by the humble lantern, his rugged features were accentuated, and she wanted nothing more than to go into his arms.

“Why Princess…? Why did you go out there… it would have been dangerous.” Shadow spoke softly as he sipped his milk.

“I was… worried about you… took long…”

“I was caught in the rain so had to wait a bit, Princess. But what you did was reckless… what if…”

“…nothing happened, right?” She interrupted him abruptly and her tone must have stunned him for he looked up at her suddenly.

“Princess…” She could see him struggle to maintain his composure. “…I knew the landscape well and with the noise you were making I could hear you and reached you right in time. What if you had… fallen and lost consciousness in the water…? Where would I… I … searched?” He rubbed his face and she felt for him.

“I… I am sorry Shadow but I… remembered…. That night of the murders…. In the fort. You saved me then too, right?” she finished her cup and placed it down, the tremors in her limbs beginning to return with a vengeance and she hugged herself.

She could see he was shocked. He looked away and finished his drink. Taking both their cups he went downstairs and returned with a thick blanket.

“There was this one blanket in the pantry. Use it… you should feel better.” He said and covered her trembling body with it.

She held the edges close trying to drive away the chill…

“Shadow? It was you that night as well…” This time she didn’t ask.

He didn’t say a word but just sat next to her his hand spread on his folded knees and his head bent.

Frustration crept up her spine at his dearth of answers and secrecy.

“Shadow, stop hiding things from me now. I am at the vortex of all this. It all began because of me witnessing the murders… But I followed my mother from what I can remember. What were you doing there?”

NO answer.

Lightening struck yet again and this time it was the mother of thunders that roared so hard Padma felt the vibrations pass through her shivering body. She reflexly moved closer to Shadow trying to gain some of his warmth and… more.

“You could at least tell me your given name, Shadow…” She could barely hear herself and felt him stiffen.

She realised what she just did and prepared to move away when his hand covered her shoulder and pulled her closer to him. She placed her cheek against his hard chest and felt it cold. She moved back and took off the blanket.

“Here…” she held it out to him. “… Let’s both use it.” His gesture touched her. He always sacrificed for her.

Shadow hesitated for a moment but took the blanket, and as she got closer to him, he covered them both. She felt his hand on her arm as he rubbed it, his warmth seeping into her soul. But her heart and stomach did the somersaults. After moments of silence, she looked up at him raising her chin, and he looked down into her eyes. She further turned towards him and placed her palm on his bare chest just above the heart. She felt his heart beat wildly and heard him suck in a harsh breath despite the nature’s cacophony playing its tunes outside.

He bent down and kissed her. She opened up to him and tasted the chocolate lingering on his tongue as their mouths fused. She raised her hand and pulled him closer towards her, but there was no resistance as if they were waiting for each other…

His tongue plundered her soft mouth exploring every nook and corner, sucking her lower lips, gently nipping at it while his hand pulled her closer. Her t-shirt was no barrier, and she could feel the heat where his chest met hers, blanket long forgotten. They kept kissing and she found herself sprawled on the mattress on her back with Shadow over her supporting himself on his elbow. His hand moved down towards her chest, and as he touched her globe, she bucked up above the mattress and gasped.

He released her and moved away as he stared into her eyes. She kept panting as the waves of arousal flowed through her charged body. She wanted him with every pore of her body… she wanted Shadow.

She raised her hands and held his cheeks, the feel of his stubble now her favorite texture.

He covered her hand with his. “Princess… I won’t be able to control myself tonight… We should… stop here…”

“What if… I don’t want you… to control?” she spoke, shocked at her brazen self

“Princess…” he whispered.

“Life is short Shadow… and full of uncertainty….” She blinked back tears. “… I have been in love with you for a long time… I don’t know what the future holds but for now… Shadow, I want you… I need you… please…”

Before she could complete, he slammed against her mouth. This time he wasn’t soft and pliable but as if he was the voraciously hungry and the predator in him was unleashed. Again, he wildly suched at her lips and this time he was sprawled on her, his legs on either side while she hugged his bareback, pulling him even closer.

He moved apart to remove the cloth barriers separating them and covered her mouth yet again…

His hand moved between their bodies as he fondled her soft mounds and pinched her peaks. She sprang upwards against him as the flashbulbs flew behind her lids, mimicking the onslaught of lightning. She had never felt such fireworks before.

Shadow explored her body with his hands even as she shuddered and peaked twice before he moved towards her thighs and spread them.

He looked at her and in the fading glow of the lantern she saw an expression on his face she couldn’t fathom. Buts he knew he wanted her with an equal fervor.

“Princess… it may pain…” he spoke hesitantly.

She nodded and licked her swollen lips. Before she knew he plunged inside her secret cavern, stunning her to silence, and she gasped at the intrusion. She couldn’t see him well in the dark but realized he was massive and filled her to her core.

He got back to plundering her mouth as he slid in and out of her wetness and she circled his torso with her legs. the crescendo had just begun…

The notes moved upward, tune after tune in her fogged brain as he continued with his task, and finally, he hit a spot that sent her spiraling down the precipice.

He grunted and screamed her name for the first time and she felt something warm inside her body. Once again, she was raised up and thrown downhill as he collapsed next to her, pulling her close….

Shadow got a wet cloth and cleaned her as their breathing returned to normal. He helped her dress; given the physical and emotional turmoil for the day, she had no strength remaining. He joined her on the bed, taking her into his arms dragging the lone blanket over them, and before she knew sleep took over.

This time there were no nightmares.

©Priya Nayak-Gole

Chapter 25

Padma shut the book she was reading. She hadn’t read beyond the first line in the last half an hour. Where was Shadow?

He hadn’t left her side all these days. But that evening, she wasn’t very sleepy, just reacting to medicines, and had dozed off only to wake up in 15 min.

Her heart paced rapidly as if giving her a premonition of something amiss. She clutched at her locket.

“Oh, Aai… please help me… what is going on?” She prayed looking at her mother’s life-size portrait as if finding answers in them.

There was yet another attack on her and she should have been used to it by now, but the feel of one’s throat getting constricted to the extent that she couldn’t breathe… it was terrible. She tried calling Shadow but knew he was recovering as well. She had almost given up the hope of surviving when Shadow had barged in…literally.

He was her knight in shining armour in the true sense of the word. He had been gravely injured, but that didn’t deter him from going all the way to save her life. He had gone way beyond his capacity as a bodyguard. Did he have feelings for her? She wasn’t sure of anything anymore.

Shadow never spoke about himself, but she knew behind the eyes that attempted to smile at her was a dam containing his emotions. She wondered if his floodgates would ever open.

This was all getting too serious and beyond the realms of her comprehension. Earlier it was only her, but now Seema was hurt because of her. She couldn’t wait for Seema to start talking again. She would do everything in her capacity to punish the person responsible for all this… She had lost too much.

She faintly remembered being carried towards the infirmary. Before blackness engulfed her, she had heard Shadow scream hoarse… was he worried about her so much that the usually composed man went ballistic?

She was touched but only wished he would open up more or at least tell her he liked her, and she wasn’t a fool to hope in vain.

She had been only too happy to see him when she had regained consciousness. He had been holding her hand despite being in agony himself.

Besides her mother, no one had ever been there for her in this manner. To the world, she was a Princess with everything at her disposal, but she was lonely and only when Shadow had come into her life at regular intervals had she felt a sense of belonging.

She wished she could give up the Royal life. She wanted to live an ordinary life… would Shadow like her then?

She knew Shadow was hellbent on finding the perps but her feelings were paradoxical. On one end, she was glad he had taken things in his hands, but she knew he would disappear once all this was over, and the thought broke her heart.

She had already decided to make the best of his time with her.

Speaking of which, she looked at the wall clock yet again. It was almost 9 PM. Her dinner was due, and Shadow got it for her every day ever since she was attacked.

A commotion outside her room jarred her out of her thoughts and Padma was about to open the door to check when Shadow barged in. His clothes were dusty, and his friend, whom he addressed as ‘Bullet’ was there as well. Padma knew Bullet’s actual name was Maanav and hoped Shadow would tell her his given name someday.

Shadow looked at Bullet and some kind of communication passed between them, after which Bullet left.

Shadow walked in, shutting the door. He held her shoulders. Looking at his expressions, she knew something was amiss….

“Princess, we have to leave… immediately. I know I should have prepared you, and it’s all of a sudden but… the situation demands it… we have to rush now….”

“Shadow…” Padma blinked back tears. “…I will gladly follow you to the end of this world. I trust you. But the Royal court needs to be told… can you tell me what just happened out there? Why was Bullet there?”

“Princess, please… don’t ask me anything. I promise I shall tell you everything. I will take care of everything. But right now… we should leave. Just take a backpack with minimal clothes. No phone…” Shadow instructed her even as he walked towards the window and shut it.

Suddenly the room felt smaller, and Padma felt claustrophobic, given the series of events in the past few days. Finally, she slumped to the floor as if all energy had been snuffed out of her.

Shadow rushed to her and gathered her into his arms. She clung to his lapels as if her life depended on it. It did. Shadow rubbed her back as she began to calm down. Something about his touch was like a balm to her bruised soul.

He kissed her head, and she looked up into his eyes at that moment. The light source behind his head made a halo around his head, and at that moment, nothing else mattered.

Her hands moved to his rough stubbled cheeks, and she hesitated as she pulled him closer. She didn’t care anymore if he was covered in dust or whether he would push her away. But there was no resistance this time, and he closed the remaining distance as he kissed her.

It was just a peck, and he withdrew, looking at her. She couldn’t make out his expression because of the light’s positioning but knew what she wanted at that moment. She raised her chin, and he captured her lips.

Padma gripped his shoulders where her hands had found their way and pressed her chest to his muscled torso. The kiss was all-consuming. It was as if they both needed to vent.

As he devoured her lips, he pulled her closer, and she gasped, giving him the opening he needed. His tongue slid inside her warmth, and as it met hers, her breath stopped. Her fingers dug into his shoulder and circled his neck. She almost drowned in the moment of passion engulfed by his vanilla essence when a vibration jolted them apart. It was his burner.

Shadow rubbed his face as he cursed and checked his phone for the incoming message, his hold on her not loosening a bit. Then, placing the phone back in his jacket, he turned towards her.

Placing a calloused palm on her cheek and still holding her body closer, he whispered, his warm breath on her face making her toes curl.

“Princess… I want nothing more than to linger at this moment, but we have to go. Please Princess, I have to protect you, and that’s a priority…”

Padma nodded, wondering what she was thinking. She knew Shadow was right. He was doing his duty. Then what was that moment they just shared?

In the next ten minutes, Shadow put on his backpack and held Padma’s and walked down the stairs but instead of taking an exit, he held her hand and walked towards the other end of the Palace.

Padma didn’t question him. She had worn her oldest Salwaar Kameez on his instruction and grabbed a few of Aarti’s clothes which were a bit tight-fitting but looked way ordinary compared to her wardrobe.

They ran through some corridors she had never seen in her life before and Padma wondered how much she knew about the Palace she had grown up in.

They soon reached a dark tunnel-like structure and she was surprised to see an unkempt temple of Maa Bhavani in a dark corner. She clutched at her locket as she remembered her mother. Her mother would never have let the temple stay neglected in this manner. Did her mother build this place? All these years, after her mother passed she wondered if she even knew her parents.

Shadow dragged her across the place, and she watched wide-eyed as he did something to the tiger, which was the vaahan of Maa Bhavani. He dropped their bags and ran towards her taking off his jacket and covering them both as a loud rumble vibrated through the place. She hugged him, digging her head into his chest while he placed his face in her hair in the darkness.

A minute later, the rumble stopped, and he moved to reveal an opening beyond the dusty fog. He gave her a mask and, gathering both their bags, he held her hand, and they were into the tunnel. Once inside, he switched on his pen torch, and the entire area looked straight out of a horror movie. Shiv shut the door behind them, and the sound reverberated heavily in the musky environment of the tunnel.

The tunnel was giant and brick-layered. She stumbled over pebbles despite wearing running shoes as he had instructed. Shiv pulled her closer and before he hesitated further she wrapped her arm around his torso. He chuckled and held her close as he manoeuvred his way through the never-ending place. As they walked in, it was getting hotter but strangely, it wasn’t suffocating. Padma wondered from where the air circulated in there. There was some kind of a gushing sound too… was it the noise from the waterfall? Were they that close to the area? She was clueless. By road, a trip to the waterfall took almost 2 hours…

The waterfall noise overshadowed their laborious panting after about half an hour of moving through the tunnel. Shiv halted suddenly and shone his torch over the part of the wall where the noise was maximum. He touched it all over and located a point. He made her stand away along with their bags. Then, he began to hit and kick the wall part using his gloack, which she didn’t know he had. Soon it gave away, and there was a door beneath the plaster.

Padma was stunned to silence. Was this a part of her Palace? where she spent a lifetime and never knew this existed?

There was a latch unlike the other door she saw earlier, and Shiv used all his might to move the latch as she held the pen torch for him.

The door finally gave away after pushing for what appeared to be ages. The sudden rush of breeze and the noise of the roaring falls deafened her, but she was only too thrilled to get out of the claustrophobic tunnel despite stepping out into pitch darkness. Shadow shut the door back, and in the feeble torchlight, she saw a lot of foliage around it; probably that was why it took Shadow a lot of effort to push it open. Finally, he covered it back with the foliage and once again, grabbing her hand, made the climb up the hilly region parallel to the waterfalls…

The darkness compounded by the nocturnal creatures’ silly sounds and the falls’ roar, scared her. But she felt safe because Shadow was there with her.

Padma was thrown back to the few times she had visited the place in the daytime with her mother and her mother’s driver. She was very fond of Chauhan kaka… He had told her this place was a slice of heaven, and whenever she was here, she would be living a fairy tale.

Her last visit was a year before her mother, and Chauhan kaka passed. Kaka had been like a father figure to her. She clearly remembered his words that day as she sat next to him on a rock nearby, watching the enormous waterfall.

“Choti Rani Sahiba…” He addressed her lovingly. “…you aren’t weak. You are someone who will carve her path just like that waterfall. And do you know why that sound is so melodic?”

“Why Kaka?” Padma had innocently asked.

“That’s because of the multiple rocks impeding its journey and the time it takes to shape them for a smooth path ahead… without rocks the sounds wouldn’t calm you!”

Padma blinked back tears as she fondly remembered her mother and Kaka. The man had also died in the same location as her mother. He was a brave man and most trusted by her parents, especially her mother. She didn’t know much about kaka, except that he had been in the Palace from the time she had become aware of her surroundings.

He had once told her about his little family when she was very small. She had cried because her father had gone away for days together to another province and she missed him. Her mother had a few emergencies in the local hospital where she worked and had to stay back. Padma had refused to eat anything. Kaka had been summoned and he had taken her to the palace garden.

“Choti Rani Saheba… you shouldn’t cry over little things as these. You are made for a greater purpose. You will rule this place someday. My son is older to you and is all alone… he never cries. Do you know that?” Kaka had declared proudly.

“What is his name kaka?” Little Padma had asked innocently

After a couple of minutes, Kaka looked away into oblivion rubbed his face and said, “He is the embodiment of patience, sacrifice, and synonymous with the Lord of those hills there…” Kaka had pointed towards the hills lining the waterfall on the other side.

As Shadow and Padma climbed the hill further, she began to pant, falling short of breath. She was yet to regain her stamina after her attack and every step was becoming tedious and tough. It was well into the night, and she couldn’t even watch her step. If not for Shadow’s support, she would have tumbled down the hill.

After about an hour of emerging out of the tunnel, they reached a house in a thicket. There were tall bamboo shoots all over towering around the single-storied cozy cottage-like structure. It looked straight out of a horror movie in the enormous darkness. It was made of wood and if not for witnessing it herself, Padma would never have known such a structure existed even a few metres away, even in the daytime. Such was the camouflage.

Shadow opened the lock with a strange key he already had. Padma knew better than to ask him about all this. But, surprisingly there was a light bulb that flickered on when Shadow switched something. A beautiful living room was very simple by the palace standards but straight out of her dreams sparsely furnished with a few wooden chairs and a wooden table. There was a pantry attached to it with a common latrine. Shiv helped her to her room upstairs. His was right next to hers.

She glanced around the tiny room, lit by a humble lantern that Shadow just placed there. There was a rexin bed without a cloth mattress on the floor. The cottage wasn’t very clean but not very dirty either. Shadow gave her a chocolate bar that she gobbled not realizing she was starving. He had also carried a water bottle which they finished. Fortunately, it was very breezy and they didn’t need a fan, not that it existed anyway.

“Princess, please rest. I shall keep watch.” Shadow told her gently.

Padma looked around, and fear got the better of her.

“I… Please Shadow, can I stay with you… in your room? Just for tonight?”

“But Princess…”

“…Please Shadow… I am scared…and let’s take turns. Wake me up after a couple of hours, and then you can rest while I keep watch…”

Shadow smiled and made a place on the rexin bed in his room. She lay there, and as soon as her head hit the towel pillow Shadow had rolled for her, she was fast asleep…

She was woken by some noise and realised it was morning. Shadow’s jacket covered her. She pulled it closer, and despite it not being clean, she loved the vanilla essence…it did strange things to her heart.

She walked outside the room and went downstairs to see Shadow brooming and trying to clean the place. She picked up a cloth lying around and began to dust the window panes. Shadow rushed and caught her hand midway.

“Please, Princess, these hands aren’t meant to do…”

“…Stop it Shadow… I am not an invalid. This is the least I can do to help after all you have done for me… Let’s do this together, shall we?” She spoke and saw something shift in his eyes.

“Princess, will you be alright for a few hours alone here?”

What was he talking about? Alone? In the middle of nowhere?

“Sha… Shadow…I…”

“Don’t worry Princess, I have to collect the essentials from someplace. It can last us for some time”

Padma knew she wasn’t in a position to do another hike down the hill and up again. She would also slow him down. She nodded. He walked up to her and pushed a stray curl behind her ear.

“the waterfall is very closeby and there is a small tank built here. There was water in it, but I have added medicines just in case. You can drink it now… its safe. There are a couple of chocolate bars too. I shall be back by then. Just… don’t step outside… Ok, Princess?”

Padma nodded as he kissed her forehead, his eyes lingering on her lips longer than usual.

As she saw Shadow retreating back, she hoped she could keep up the façade of bravado until he was away…

©Priya Nayak-Gole

Chapter 24

Shiv walked with Keshav into the special chamber, which was high security and besides the King, only Keshav had access to the codes for the innermost chamber. The specially built section housed the most prized ornaments and artefacts passed down from generations in the Royal family. Some even dated beyond the time of Shivaji Maharaj.

The chamber was a dome-shaped Iron structure outlined by concrete, and the lone single heavy iron door opened only when the several lock combinations were correct. Keshav, too missed a couple of combinations but got it finally on the third try. They both heaved a sigh of relief as, beyond 3 attempts, the locks would realign themselves for the next 36 hours, and they couldn’t be opened no matter what.

Shiv was fascinated by the ancient system of protecting prized possessions. The place looked eerie with only lighted torches for light. They were electrical but gave a feel of actual fire being lit. Shiv was amazed to see the technological marvel. Once they were inside, Keshav shut the door and walked him through the chamber towards the locker where the crown lay.

Keshav unlocked the locker using his fingerprint and retinal ID, and the Crown shone brightly at them.

Keshav released his breath and smiled at Shiv.

“All this trouble for nothing. The Crown is safe…look” Keshav exclaimed, pointing towards the shining tiara.

Shiv stared at the bedazzle incarnate piece and suddenly looked at Keshav.

“This isn’t the Crown… it’s a fake…” Shiv declared, and Keshav suddenly went rigid.

“What the hell are you talking about Shadow?”

“The original Crown had five joints in the tiara and six indents. This has four and five respectively… look” Shiv showed Keshav what he mentioned.

Keshav fell back on his heels, and his shoulders slumped.

“Oh Goodness… how can that happen? Only the King had access, and he gave me the password just before he left. You know that life has been so hectic here… I didn’t even have the time to get in here… How come…?” Keshav blabbered.

“Relax, Keshav, I know it’s not you. The Crown was probably switched on the coronation day, given the commotion…”

“But do you know what is the implication then?” Keshav asked him wide-eyed.

“Yes… I have heard so. Keshav, can you set contact with the King? He must know what is going on…”

“No one knows his whereabouts. Babasaheb didn’t want anyone to find out what he was upto. This is a difficult time for the royal family… for the province too. If the news spreads about the danger to Padma, then… I have no idea how to handle the people’s ire.” Keshav rubbed his face yet again and Shiv felt for the man. The man’s beard had overgrown, and his face showed signs of terrible stress. Keshav was struggling too.

They locked the chamber and emerged out to the corridors and then to the palace grounds taking them to the infirmary.

“Keshav… what is this scene with Seema….” Shiv asked abruptly and held up his hand as Keshav began to speak. “…Before you lie, let me tell you I have watched you two. So just be honest.”

Keshav sighed.

“Seema is the daughter of the late Queen’s closest maid Shubhra tai. The lady passed away a couple of years ago, and since then, Seema has been taking care of Padma’s needs. She was a good student too and my… my best friend growing up. She is also pursuing her studies from distance learning. As you know, my engagement to Padma is only a sham… we don’t have romantic feelings for each other. But we are best friends and look out for each other….”

Keshav looked at the ICU as they approached it. “… When the King returns, I shall confess everything. I shall take the blame…” he looked back at Shiv. “…I was worried about Padma but now, I rest assured she is in the right hands…. Just… take care of her. She is a strong and kind woman but has a weak heart regarding certain emotions. Aaisaheb’s death hit her hard and she has never been the same. I think you know by now that she likes you… so don’t break her heart or you will have to answer me.” Keshav walked away as abruptly as he stopped speaking, leaving Shiv flummoxed.

Shiv was lost in thought when he suddenly saw Maanav walk up to him.

“There is something you should know, Shiv…” Maanav sounded pensive, and he used Shiv’s given name only when something was serious. “… my guy called. We found the driver, Harish…. His body, actually. From the decomposition, it was a day before the accident. It’s worse than it looks buddy…”

Shiv’s heartbeat paced, and he looked towards the ICU where his heart lay. Every time he shut his eyes his mind’s vision was filled with the picture of the Princess clutching at her locket, trying to reach her constricted throat, and he shuddered…

“She is fine now… don’t worry Shadow. But you have to up your ante.” Maanav advised him

“I have made my decision, Bullet….” Shiv said, determination surging through his body. “… I am taking her away. Away from this hellhole till we find the perps. This has been going on for too long and I don’t know how long her luck will hold up. But I am not taking any risk now…”

“Where will you take her? All those responsible will know every nook and corner of the province… Besides, she is royalty and will call for attention wherever you go…” Maanav argued.

“I shall take her to my house. The other one in the woods, left behind by my father. Its in a region not many are familiar with and the terrain is structured such that it will give me an advantage of watching who comes in.”

“Let me and a few guys accompany you…”

“…No… No Bullet. I need you here. You will be my eyes and ears here. There will be no signal up there. So I shall walk downhill to call you. I have the transmitter box and ammunition, So it should be all fine. Just help me stock up the place for the Princess.”

“Are you sure Shadow? You aren’t in the pink of health yourself…”

“I am fine Bullet… we shall wait till the doctor gives the Princess all clear. I shall then take her away.”

“What if the royal board doesn’t permit it? They are in charge here in the King’s absence. Keshav’s father can veto your decision…”

“I have what is needed… My old man made all the provisions.” Shiv sighed.

“What is it?” Maanav asked, amused.

“The ring… the Turkish make. I now know what my father meant and why he left it for me. The Queen must have given it to him….” Shive reminisced. “…that ring is like the King’s order. No one can defy it. “ Shiv spoke confidently.

Padma was brought out to the infirmary room once she was stable, and Shiv spent the next few hours glued to the chair next to her bed, waiting for her to wake up.

The same evening around dusk Padma opened her eyes and Shiv was on his feet instantly, his shoulder throb notwithstanding.

“Sha… Shadow… are you alright? Your… ha… hand…” She spoke full of concern and Shiv marveled at her composure.

“I am fine, Princess. Are you OK?”

Padma nodded and Shiv released the breath he was holding.

“Um… Shadow…I don’t know if… I dreamt but is Seema… OK?”

How on earth did she know? Shiv wondered.

“She is out of danger, Princess. Keshav is with her as we talk.”

Padma smiled. “So I had guessed right…. Keshav and Seema… liked each other… Good for them…” She looked away towards the window. After a moment, she again looked at Shadow. “…Shadow, what happened? I remember… drinking water when… I woke from a…. fitful sleep, and the next I knew… my throat… God Shadow… I thought I would die… then I saw you… I thought I was dreaming…” Tears gathered in her eyes and she looked so vulnerable it broke Shiv’s heart.

He held her hand. “Princess, I promised, didn’t I? Nothing will happen to you under my watch.”

They looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity, and if Shiv hadn’t looked away sooner, he would have ended up kissing her. He helped her wear the chain and her bracelet, she never let go of her body. Her mother’s memories. The doctors had taken them off during treatment. His fingers touched her neck, and he felt the electricity zip through his body.

He cleared his throat.

“Princess, they will be discharging you tomorrow. So you shall go back to your room tomorrow.”

Padma nodded and looked away, disappointment written all over her face.

Shiv met the Princess’s doctor along with Maanav.

“Here Mr. Shadow….” The doctor spoke. “…As Mr. Keshav has permitted, I am handing over the vial of the extracted water remains from her stomach. She was definitely poisoned, but I think it’s the type that disappears in a while. The Princess was lucky you got her out on time, and she hadn’t ingested much. Else it would have been fatal.”

Shiv shuddered at the thought as rage engulfed him thinking of the person who would want to harm the Princess.

Maanav left with the vial, and he would immediately dispatch it to the special unit headquarters, where their friends in forensics promised to help. Meanwhile, Shiv had to wait with Padma and inform her about his decision to take her away. He didn’t know if she would agree…

After 3-4 days, Padma’s colour returned and she was moving around in the palace wing.

Shiv was never away from her, and every morsel of food and every drop of water was tested before it was given to her. Shiv also did a recce of the palace with Keshav’s help to check for different exits. He didn’t want the world to know he was taking the Princess away. Only Keshav and the Royal court consisting of select members whom the King trusted, would know.

It was strange the poison had even entered the Palace premises given the stringent security checks. Only Aarti, Keshav and Seema were allowed near the Princess and her chamber. Speaking about whom, Aarti was strangely missing. Keshav had already texted her about what had happened. Padma, too, inquired about Aarti when Keshav came to check on her. Aarti’s father informed them she was away on a college trip and out of the coverage area. But something about the woman didn’t sit right with Shiv.

He never liked the woman and knew the feelings were mutual. Doubting everyone around him was ingrained into him by his training and partly due to his upbringing. And he doubted Aarti. He relied on his gut instinct, and that had always served him well. He needed that one bit of evidence against the woman, and he would have her by the neck. For now, he decided not to let her anywhere close to the Princess.

He had to wait for Seema to be able to talk to get her version of who attacked her. She was too weak, having lost a lot of blood and injured her diaphragm. Keshav had assured him he would talk to Seema. Keshav also had to hide his affair with Seema from others, especially his father. Shiv wished he could go all out to get the information and inch closer to finding the perps.

Shiv used the time when Padma slept, to scout the Queen’s old chamber. But both times, he found nothing indicating what the Queen was up to that resulted in her death and that of his father…

Most of all he loved the time he spent with Padma. He barely spoke, but Padma seemed to be in a chirpy mood. She wasn’t told about the gravity of Seema’s injuries. Instead, she spoke to him about her childhood with Keshav and Aarti, and how she missed going to school and then college. How she missed her mother… and her dream to start a residential school for girls. Shiv hoped her dreams could materialize but before that, she had to be safe.

That evening as Padma slept, he began his sojourn to find any other passage. This time he took an outer route and walked towards the far end of the palace, closest to the garden. It was where the King and Queen had their residence. The architecture was a bit strange. The earth near the palace edge was slightly raised and though covered richly by flower beds, it didn’t escape his keen eyes.

He walked inside the palace, and the security let him be as instructed by Keshav earlier. He kept walking deeper and deeper into the cul-de-sac corridors and soon took the stairs going below… underground.

The passages were dark and strangely unguarded. The mephitic odour showed neglect, yet he continued walking ahead. A small temple… having an idol of Maa Bhavani on her Vaahan but now wrapped with cobwebs, proudly presided over the cavern in the dark corner.

He reached the dead end. That couldn’t be… the King wouldn’t have gone to such ends just to have a dead end. No…

He touched the wall but found nothing unusual. But after thinking for a moment, he pushed the wall across different points and on hitting it, felt some parts hollow. So he took out his Glock hidden in his hip and hit the parts of the wall. To his surprise, that was just plaster and it gave away. It took great effort to get rid of most of the plaster but when he shone his pentorch, he was shocked to see… a tunnel door.

Even more shocking was it was identical to the one he had seen in the fort. He didn’t need to think anymore. He rushed to the tiny temple and performed the same maneuver as that in the fort and the door made a screeching sound before it moved, sending still dust flying all over him.

Covering his mouth, he moved closer to the opening and it didn’t come as a surprise there lay a tunnel very similar to the fort one. As he moved closer, he heard the gushing sound… he was now sure it was the waterfall. It was relatively closer to the palace than the fort so he could hear it clearly. He was now sure the tunnel was connected to the fort and probably with the area near the waterfall as well. He needed time to explore, but anything beyond this would call for attention.

Realizing he was late, he walked back to Padma’s room.

Maanav stood from his position outside Padma’s door, and his grim look scared Shiv.

“All suspicion was right. Your woman was poisoned… thallium sulfate…or rat poison… tiny traces found. Came in through water. Enough to kill her. Had you not reached on time…”

Shiv punched the wall nearby, the pain doing nothing to reduce the rage threatening to consume everything around him.

“Bullet, I want to know how that came into the palace specifically for the Princess…”

Just then, Maanav’s burner rang, and he answered it. His look became serious and Shiv’s heart fell. What more was in store? Maanav never let anything affect him. Then why was he upset suddenly?

Maanav ended the call and looked at Shiv with concern-filled eyes.

“I think you will have to prepone that trip, Shadow. Take her away sooner…like right now.”

“Why…? What’s up, Bullet?”

“My guy called… they found a body floating near the pool where the waterfall got shallow towards Koini. The body is bloated beyond recognition, but prima facie it looks like…”

“…Like whom…?” Shiv couldn’t wait anymore.

“…Like… brace yourself, Shadow. It’s the King…”

©Priya Nayak-Gole

Chapter 23

Shiv watched the retreating back of the Princess, and he released his breath. It had taken every ounce of his self-control to make her back off. Not only was she engaged to someone else, but she deserved someone a lot better than him.

He was in love with her, and with every moment spent with her as she took care of him these last few days, he was caught in the quicksand of emotions from where it was a point of no return.

No one had ever cared for him. Neither his parents, for whom he was an obligation, nor anyone else. Thanks to his father, he wasn’t in touch with his extended family, and no one even knew he existed.

His friends were there for him, but he always wanted someone to share his life with. He had first felt an iota of the feeling in that mango grove years ago when little Padma had unknowingly consoled him in her sheer innocence. He had almost given up on life itself that day, but she gave him the right impetus to live.

Whether coincidently or not he often encountered Padma and now was completely head over heels for her. He knew she was way beyond his league, given the vast difference in their social status. Not to mention the threat to her life. He wanted her to be safe; he would then go away for good with fond memories of their time together.

The thought killed him, but that would be for the best for Padma, who should have a bright future with Keshav. Speaking of which he remembered a couple of times, he had seen Keshav sneaking into the royal garden’s far end. The movement was so subtle in the dark that it would have missed anyone’s eye. But Shiv was trained to filter out the enemy from the earth’s darkest corners, and he rarely missed anything. After diligent pursuit last evening, he had seen Keshav emerge stealthily and was soon followed by Seema. He had been shocked to see them, but he also knew Keshav and Padma didn’t spend any time together.

He was concerned for Padma. She needed to marry Keshav to keep up her legacy, and though it sounded messed up to the core, he knew Padma would also want the result. So he had to have a word with Keshav and encourage Padma to get closer to her fiancé.

But before all that, he had to eliminate the threats, their very existence. Then, he would spend the rest of his life in peace… alone.

He blinked back tears, surprised that he even shed them. But that was the impact of his feelings for Padma. And he knew even before she confessed that she liked him. So he had to discourage her, and for that, he would go the extra mile… even hurt her in the process.

An incoming message from Maanav alerted him. Despite being on the bed for a couple of days and despite his shoulder being dislocated, and his hand in a sling, he was alert to any changes in their environment. So far, so good.

He knew Maanav would be trying everything to find out about the accident that he was sure wasn’t one. He was sure the brake line was cut. The police declared it an accident, mainly because they didn’t want the media to get a whiff of the situation given the upcoming assembly elections. The local politicians would have their hide if the region got negative publicity. For instance, the crowned Princess being attacked!

Shiv was sure the police wouldn’t bother with an investigation as it would call for attention, and the King not being around would be convenient.

He opened the message box

‘car tampered… driver still missing,’ Maanav had typed from his burner.

In the incident, Shiv had damaged his burner, and Maanav left another one with him in the hospital without anyone’s knowledge. It was ingrained into them that work came first, even before their lives, and they all took their work seriously.

Shiv had asked Keshav to look into the driver Harish the day after he regained consciousness. Harish had been thoroughly checked out, and Shiv wondered what had happened because the young man had to know about the tampering. He was in charge of the vehicle, and its upkeep and Shiv knew he was diligent. He couldn’t be such a wrong judge of people. He hoped Harish was safe.

That night he couldn’t sleep. He was off painkillers and his shoulder throbbed, but he was worried about Padma. Was she alright? Mentally?

It was around 2 AM and he was staring out of the window looking over the vast spread estate when he heard something. He was sure, it was from the adjacent room, the Princess’s room.

He walked out and saw the corridor around her chamber clear as he had requested. He moved slowly towards her door and knocked in his select pattern.

No answer.

He knocked again and heard the sounds but no answer yet again, he got anxious. The door was locked and it was no ordinary wooden door. He couldn’t break it open. He went back to his room and decided to use the other option he had ready just in case. But he hadn’t expected to be in a sling.

He took the sling off and took to the attached balcony railing. Though he had shut the balcony for the Princess’s access in her room, he had access for emergencies…like today.

He climbed into her balcony, which wasn’t difficult for him, but the next step involved moving the wooden frame he had wedged at the entrance to her room to block it tentatively. He could remove it easily in his typical physical status, but with only one fully functional shoulder and arm, it would be a Herculean task.

The sounds continued to come in, and he was getting angsty with every passing second. He held the part he had grooved into the frame only for him and with all his might, he lifted it. His injured shoulder screamed and was in danger of dislocating again. The hairline fracture and the wounds on his body screamed in agony.

Finally, he thought he would faint in pain when the frame moved. He squeezed himself into the gap created and entered the room. It was dimly lit but as his eyes adjusted to the sudden onslaught of light from the darkness outside, he saw the Princess lying on the floor. She was clutching her chest and neck. He saw beads of perspiration as she… gasped. Her jug of water lay strewn and the water had pooled around her hair, matting the curls to her forehead. Her wet silky nightgown stuck to her body as she lay grimacing, her body contouring as she struggled for breath.

“PRINCESS…” he yelled her name and rushed towards her, his discomfort all forgotten. Her eyes rolled up into their socket. He knew this was a classic case of poisoning. He picked up the intercom without wasting time, but it was dead…

Really?

He then took out his burner, thanking God that he had the good sense not to leave it behind in his room. He called the infirmary and sent an SOS text to Maanav. He had to think fast. Things were going out of hand.

He didn’t wait anymore and lifted the Princess in his carry, ignoring the throbbing of his wounds. He opened her door and rushed, screaming at the orderlies and the guards. A few of his men stationed nearby rushed to help him, but he would have none of it. He ran like a man possessed and met the medical staff midway. On the pavement, they lay the Princess on the stretcher and inserted an IV.

Her pulse had dropped to alarmingly low levels, and the medical staff tried to resuscitate her right there. Shiv thought his breath stopped as he watched the proceedings in horror. The Princess lay still like a log…lifeless.

Shiv fell on his knees even as his tears flew unhindered. His wounds had opened, his shoulder probably dislocated but nothing mattered any more than the almost lifeless body of his Princess.

Yes, she was his… he declared to himself. He couldn’t let her go… Never.

He stared blurringly as she was taken away into the ICU segment of the palace infirmary and he couldn’t move.

“Shadow…?” He heard Keshav call out and jerked back to consciousness.

“…uh…huh…?” he muttered incoherently.

“What happened?” Keshav looked alarmed. His dishevelled clothes looked hurriedly worn. Someone must have informed him. A couple of men he knew were the critical members of the Royal court, and other orderlies slowly arrived, and a little crowd began to form.

“Po… poisoned… She was poisoned… Keshav… its Seema… she got water… for the Princess…” Shiv blurted.

“What? Seema? No.. No, it isn’t possible. She would never do that Shadow…” Keshav looked around to see others didn’t hear their conversation.

“Princess didn’t have… dinner. Only water…” Shiv tried to explain.

Keshav stood to his full height and rubbed his fatigued face.

“In that case, Shadow, let’s go and check with her. Are you up to it?” Keshav put his hand forward.

Shiv clutched it and stood on wobbly legs and they began their walk towards the quarters where Seema lived.

Keshav, the Staff supervisor, and Shiv stood outside Seema’s room and knocked. But there was no response, and the room was locked.

The Staff supervisor used the master key and as they opened the door, they saw Seema lying in a pool of blood. She was stabbed in the abdomen and the knife lay nearby. As a frantic Keshav called the medics,  Shiv checked for a pulse. It was very weak and Shiv used her bedsheet to stop the blood flow.

As the medics came and took her away after the emergency first-aid, Keshav slumped to the floor crying like a baby.

Shiv touched his shoulder.

“I told you… it can’t be Seema… she loved Padma, loved me… she knew I loved her back. She… also knew we could probably never be together… but she was OK with it… She is an innocent and pure soul… She cant do something… like this…” Keshav wailed.

“In that case, Keshav, we need to figure out the culprit. This one is closer home…”

They walked back to the infirmary and Shiv popped in Painkillers. Maanav arrived and sat beside him outside the ICU where Padma was still being stabilized.

Maanav didn’t say a word, but Shiv knew the guy had his back.

“Don’t worry Shadow… she is tenacious… she will make it,” Maanav spoke after a while.

“I am scared, Bullet…” Shiv whispered as his voice cracked. “…For once in my life… I am scared… I can’t lose her…”

“You won’t Shadow… I know you won’t. Your love for her will get her out of the jaws of death… I know I sound cliched at the moment.” Maanav chuckled.

Shiv must have looked surprised as he glared at Maanav.

“What…?” Maanav asked smiling slyly. “…It’s written all over your face, buddy, and I have known you long enough to see you worry this much for some ‘project’. But, it’s fine, Shadow, I am happy for you.”

“This… isn’t right, Bullet… she deserves better and I can’t give her the life she deserves.” Shiv rubbed his face for the umpteenth time.

“Now listen carefully, buddy… I have some intel.” Maanav suddenly spoke seriously, and Shiv knew the guy meant business.

“what is it?”

Maanav looked around and cross-checked if they were the only two in the location he then bent ahead and spoke.

“Our MLA Majumdar wants to field his son next year for his seat in Koini. Our old man has his eyes set on Delhi. The party high command had demanded he show something dramatic here in this belt. So he wants to discredit royalty and get it scrapped totally. If it happens the entire province will be taken over by the government and will be included in Koini district. Do you know what that means Shadow?” Maanav asked.

“That means… Koini will not only become the largest region but also rich in vital minerals available and nurtured in this province. That also will mean the asshole politician can exploit the resources as he wants and become richer….”

“Absolutely…” Maanav agreed. “…the rumor is that he is still doing it as we talk, but there is no proof. Just like the disappearing women. We still haven’t understood how Majumdar got his dirty hands on the Royal Jewelry… like the anklet, he gave your mother.”

Shiv nodded.

“But… Bullet, one thing doesn’t make sense… Why kill the Princess?”

“Because like I said earlier, she has the evidence of Majumdar’s misdeeds that can put him behind bars and if made public, the people of Koini will slay him alive.

“She… the Princess doesn’t seem to know anything about the evidence… I even checked with the King indirectly and once when I could break into the jewellery chamber…. There was nothing. I even got into the Late Queen’s chamber twice, unnoticed. But there was nothing. No dairy, no jewellery, disks, nothing.”

“Have you checked the crown? The one she was to wear on her coronation day?” Maanav asked.

Shiv tried to remember the coronation day… in the commotion that followed; he was focused on taking the Princess to safety. He didn’t bother about the crown and hoped the King would have kept it away safely. It sure cost a fortune.

“I think his Highness, the King kept it carefully…”

“It’s not about the cost Shadow…” Maanav probably understood what Shiv thought. “… It’s also about its authenticity. The grapevine doing rounds is that the original crown is stolen and that would be one of the chief reasons to discredit royalty. It’s no ordinary crown…” Maanav stressed.

Shiv thought for a while.

A little later, they got the news that both Seema and the Princess were out of danger. Seema would take time to recover but Princess was showing a speedy recovery.

One of the medics also dressed Shiv’s wounds.

Shiv held Maanav’s shoulders. “Do me a favor, Bullet, stay here and hold the fort. I need to check something.”

“What is it now?”

“I have to check the crown placed in the special room. I have to talk to Keshav and get access to it….”

“Be careful, buddy, all this just got murkier…” Maanav warned as Shiv signed off.

©Priya Nayak-Gole

Chapter 22

Tampered?

Padma’s heart stilled… terrified was an understatement. To date, danger had been present but subtly come forward and Shadow had saved her twice…

But this was the icing on the cake. Not only her but Shadow was also in danger because of her. She knew Shadow could have quickly jumped out to save himself, but the fact that he still hung on, touched her to the core.

Shadow tugged her further, and she was almost sprawled on him. She placed her legs on either of his sides and held his shoulders.

“Princess…” he panted. “…Hold…. Me… tightly… I …shall…. Do……. The…. rest…”

She didn’t need to be told again. She snaked her arms around his neck and held him tightly, digging her face into the crook of his neck. Instantly the Vanilla whiff calmed her nerves, and she decided to think about them as a couple instead of what awaited them.

She felt his other hand hold her and the vibrations as the car sped uncontrolled, surged through her.

“NOW, PRINCESS…” Shadow screamed, and before she knew it, she found herself out in the air and landed with a thud rolling down what she thought was a hill slope. Shadow protected her by cushioning her fall, and he held her head in his palm.

As they stopped, she opened her lids and looked around to see their vehicle precariously swinging on the hill a little ahead. A gush of wind blew harshly, and to her horror, the car plunged into the ravine, breaking up into pieces on its descent. There was no explosion, but she shuddered at being in the ill-fated vehicle.

The throbbing in her shoulder jerked her to the present, and she looked behind her to see Shadow lying on the ground. He was bleeding profusely, and his hand was bent at an odd angle.

“OH MY GOD… Shadow? Shadow… you are hurt… Oh no…” Padma panicked when Shadow didn’t even stir.

She shook him a little, but he was still. Then, thinking of the untoward, she held her index finger beneath his nostrils. She sighed in relief as she felt his warm breath. But his bleeding was of concern. She barely had scratches because of him.

She raised his head and placed it on her lap. She checked his jeans pockets for a phone, but there was nothing. There wasn’t even a wallet… nothing revealing his identity. She then checked his jacket, but it was empty as well. So who the hell was he?

She tore her kurta and, rolling it into a small bundle, held it to his visible fresh wound. She didn’t know where else he was hurt and hoped and prayed that help would arrive.

Minutes passed, and every second was excruciatingly painful as she waited. Finally, after repeatedly using parts of her clothing, she contained the bleeding a bit, but the wounds could get infected. They were in some woods on the hill. Shadow had strategically jumped out of a moving vehicle to fall on this side otherwise, they would have followed the car to their deaths.

Even now, they weren’t out of danger.

Padma hadn’t seen anyone so selfless as Shadow. He had saved her life without caring about his own. She hoped she could do the same; if anything were to happen to him today, she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself.

It was getting hotter in the afternoon. Where were Shadow’s men? They would have to know something was wrong. She had heard Shadow speak with them.

Right then, she heard motor sounds and looked up. She realized she was crying when she had to wipe her tears to clear her vision. Then, she saw the two of his men and a few more rush down the hills with their walkie-talkies.

They reached Padma and Shadow, and one of them checked for Shadow’s pulse. He gestured something to another, and they gently lifted Shadow and began to take him away.

“Where… where are you taking him? Be care… careful…OK?” She spoke frantically.

She felt someone covering her with a blanket and overcome with emotions she suddenly felt her limbs go weak.

One of them carried her and all she wanted was to be next to Shadow. But when they reached the road, she saw an ambulance and a small crowd of onlookers.

She was rushed into a waiting vehicle while Shadow was probably in the ambulance.

“I… I want to go with Shadow… please…” She pleaded with the man who had brought her up the hill and now sat in the driver’s seat. The car windows were tinted and no one could know she was in there.

“I am sorry, Your Highness, but Shadow had instructed that your security is of utmost importance and that I have to get you safely to the palace.

Tears continued their sojourn as she realized Shadow had been making the quick-fix arrangements even when their car had spiralled out of control. Finally, exhaustion overcame her as the adrenaline left her, and she succumbed to darkness even as the vehicle cruised away from the slope.

Padma didn’t know how long she had slept, but she was in her bed in her room when she woke up, and there was an IV connected to her hand. She lifted her hands and saw they were bandaged at different locations. Then, touching her face, she felt a bandage on her forehead.

She heard some murmurs and looked around, the movement causing her to groan in pain. Keshav stood worried and in animated conversation with Aarti.

They saw her stir and rushed to her bed.

“Padma, are you OK?” Keshav asked, concern written all over his face.

“Gosh Padma you gave us all a scare… it’s a miracle you are alive…” Aarti spoke and right then Padma remembered everything that transpired very clearly.

“Sha… Shadow? How… is he?” She asked her voice horse and painfully dry.

“He is fine now Padma…” Keshav replied. “…He is admitted right here in the infirmary and is on the road to recovery. You did well to stop the bleeding. We are all proud of you Padma. Good presence of mind.”

Seema walked in with a tray of hot soup and Aarti helped Padma sit up. A strong wave of dizziness passed through her body and she had to shut her eyelids tightly to wait for the spell to pass.

She wasn’t hungry but was desperate to see Shadow at the earliest.

“Keshav, I… want to see Shadow… please take… me there…” She spoke with great effort.

“What nonsense, Padma…” Aarti blurted. “…you are not in a position to walk. You should focus on recovering.”

“Please… Aarti… Keshav… Please I have to…. See… he saved … me…” Padma pleaded.

“How can you say he saved you Padma…?” Aarti continued to spew anger. “…for all you know, this man was followed by his enemies and you became the default target…”

“no…no…” Padma protested.

“Think about this, Keshav…” Aarti directed her ire at Keshav. “…we don’t even know from where that man surfaced. Babasaheb must have got a reference from somewhere. But there was no background checks or anything. So how can we trust him? He barely started, and Padma has suffered two attacks already. She narrowly escaped…Till he came along, Padma was fine all these years.

Padma wanted to scream and tell the world Shadow had saved her in the past as well…but she remained silent. Despite everything Aarti said, and Padma saw Keshav ponder over Aarti’s words, Padma trusted Shadow wholeheartedly.

Aarti soon left in a huff, and Keshav waited with Seema. It was late in the night, and sleep was miles away. Keshav instructed Seema to retire for the night and Padma was grateful to her friend for spending time with her and worrying about her. All this despite acknowledging their relationship was a farce.

“Keshav…Please take me to him….” Padma made a last-ditch effort.

Keshav stared at her and smiled. “You like him, don’t you?”

She looked away and blushed.

“Padma, I have known you since childhood. You are transparent when it comes to emotions and can’t hide anything in your heart. But that’s the best part of who you are. Don’t worry… I will take you.”

He helped Padma get up, and she was already feeling more robust and better. The very idea of seeing Shadow acted like an elixir for her.

Keshav helped her walk along the pathway towards the palace infirmary and Padma breathed in the earthly petrichor that instantly calmed her soul. But more than anything, she looked forward to seeing Shadow.

But what Padma wasn’t prepared for was seeing Shadow covered in bandages. His hand was in a cast and a sling, and his head was completely bandaged. And the lone eye that wasn’t patched was swollen shut.

“OH… MY GOD… OH MY G..GOD…” Padma exclaimed, covering her mouth with her uninjured hand, and her legs gave away before Keshav held her.

“Relax Padma, he is fine… just resting. I have spoken to the doctor.” Keshav tried assuring her.

She hobbled her way towards the bed and sat on the chair next to it.

She held his hand closest to her that wasn’t in the sling. She looked at it and tears began their free run. His knuckles were chapped and bruised. One was swollen too. She couldn’t even imagine the pain he must have felt while trying to save her.

“Padma, he is fine. Let’s go now. It would be best if you rested too. He will be sleeping anyway…” Keshav reasoned.

Padma shook her head.

“No… I am not… going anywhere… Keshav… He is like this…. Because of… me. I have to see him… wake up… Please…. Let me stay…” She spoke her eyes not leaving Shadow’s face.

“Alright then, Padma. I shall take your leave. There are guards outside and a night nurse as well. The doctor is also available in case of an emergency. So use the intercom whenever needed and… try to rest as well.” Keshav patted her head and left the room.

Padma stayed up all night, her eyes glued to Shadow’s face. She often heard him groan and move in sleep, and he gripped her hand in his. She kissed his hand and spoke softly that all would be fine, and he went back to sleep.

She didn’t know when she dozed off. She woke up with a start when the hand on hers moved.

Shadow was awake and looking at her with his non-bandaged eye.

“Princess…” He whispered.

“Shadow… are you OK? Does it hurt?” Padma asked even as her eyes welled up.

“Fine… you OK?” Shadow asked her, and she nodded, grabbing his palm again.

“I am sorry… Shadow, you had to… go through this… because … of me…”

She felt his grip tighten on her palm.

“…Not…you… Go back to… room….” He strained to speak, and Padma felt as if she was slapped. But she persisted.

“I am not leaving… Sha… Shadow…”

He tried to release his hand from her grip. “Not…correct…Princess…” he sighed and looked away.

“Shadow… I am scared out of my wits and… I feel safe only around you… please don’t send me away… I… wont disturb you… Just let me… be here…” She pleaded.

He tried to rise up but struggled. She called for help and the ward boys came and helped him incline on the bed. She held his hand all through and based on his changing grip, she realised he was in intense agony.

The doctor checked on Shadow and gave him an all-clear but with strict instructions to rest.

Padma spent the next two days with Shadow in the infirmary room and cared for him though he wasn’t happy about it. Keshav checked on them and gave the specially arranged bodyguards instructions, while Aarti didn’t visit because of her ongoing exams. Padma skipped her classes too.

Finally, he was moved back to his room next to Padma’s on the third day. Padma helped him settle and was glad to see colour return to his rugged face. That evening as she peeled oranges for him, he held her hand.

“Stop this, Princess. I am alright. I thank you for everything but… you should now go back to your room. You should also resume your classes, and Maanav, who rescued you on the slope, will be your bodyguard tentatively.”

“I am not going anywhere and I don’t need another bodyguard. I shall wait till you are healed Shadow…” Padma spoke, blinking back tears.

“Then… please don’t visit me anymore, Princess…” he said softly but the words pierced her soul.

“Wh…why? Why do you say that?”

“Because Princess… its inappropriate. You are engaged to another man and I don’t want gossip to malign your name.”

“So what if I am engaged…?” Padma stood instantly. “…I don’t care about anything else…I…”

“…Princess, please… don’t make it more difficult…” he got off the bed and walked towards the window.

“…What is so difficult about it…? Shadow… do you have someone waiting for you…?”

“What?” he seemed startled.

“I mean… a girlfriend or… a fiancé or… wife…”

She waited with bated breath and he only chuckled shaking his head.

“What’s so funny Shadow?”

“Nothing Princess. You are so naïve but that’s endearing about you…” he shifted and stood slanted against the window sill and the evening rays built an aura around his head.

She couldn’t make out the look on his face as she couldn’t see him clearly against the twilight. She looked down at her clasped hands.

“I… I like you Shadow… a lot… for a long time now.” She said softly and turned around to leave the room.

“Princess…” he called out to her and she stopped in her tracks. “…Don’t like me Princess… you don’t know me at all…I am here to protect you, so let me do my job…”

She held up her hand her back still towards him.

“I didn’t ask you… to like me back…” Saying she stormed out of the room.

©Priya Nayak-Gole