Part 9
Seeing Kalpana sitting all along in her room Hema took her to the imperial garden to change her mood. While walking around the garden
Hema: His Majesty loves flower a lot. Every day he comes here and spends some time.
Kalpana noticed a gardener working in the garden. She also noticed that he had only one leg.
Kal: What are you planting?
Hearing Kalpana, the gardener looked up to see her.
Gardener: lily. His Majesty's favorite flower.
Kal: seems like you all are busy to make His Majesty happy.
Gardener: why not. We are still alive because of him.
After a little pause,
Gardener: I lost my leg that's why no one was ready to give me any job. To survive I had to steal money. I got caught while stealing money. After I came from the cell it was him who gave me job. Not only that, he was taking care of my family while I was away.
Kal: in return, what did you have to sacrifice?
He looked at her confused
Kal: I meant to say, your daughter, your sister or your wife
Gardener: Lady, you misunderstood him. He is not such a person.
Kalpana didn't like someone praise Raghav. On the other hand the gardener showed no interest to talk to Kalpana. As he made himself busy with work Kalpana left from there.
While going back to the outhouse passing the kitchen Kalpana heard a maid saying,
Maid 1: His Majesty is allergic to mint leaf? Don't you know that mint leaf is not allowed to bring here in the palace?
Maid 2: I am sorry. I am new here that's why I didn't know.
Maid 1: last time when he had it in his meal he got sick. He could not even come out from his room for four days. Go and through them immediately.
Maid 2: yes
Hearing them something came up into Kalpana's mind.
In the evening
Ragahv came to the outhouse to drink tea with Kalpana. Kalpana served him tea. After tasting tea
Rag: It doesn't taste the same as yesterday.
After thinking something he looked at Kalpana
Rag: you made it?
Kalpana didn't say anything.
Rag: Thank you. It was really good.
After a little pause
Rag: while coming here I saw the moon looking really good today. Can you accompany me to admire it?
Taking Kalpana along with him Raghav came to the garden.
Rag: this is one of my favorite places. After the whole tiring day when I come here I forget everything. And today is very special.
He looked at Kalpana who was looking at somewhere else.
Rag: because you are with me.
Then he looked at the sky.
The next day
Kalpana was about to go to the bathroom to take shower Hema stopped her saying,
Hema: His Majesty is sick. I am feeling so bad for him.
Without showing any interest Kalpana got into the bathroom.
20 minutes later when Kalpana came out of the bathroom she saw Hema sitting on the same place sad.
Kal: You don't have anything else to do?
Hema: I am very worried about his majesty. Imperial doctor said he had mint leaf last night. Since then he been suffering. His body cannot bear it.
She looked at Kalpana
Hema: don't you think you should go and see him?
Kal: no. he already has lot of people around.
Hema: but you are very special for him. If you go he will feel good.
Kal: I have something else to do. You don't worry. He will be fine in few days.
Hema: how can I not worry? After all he is his majesty.
Without caring her words Kalpana came out to walk. She was relieved as she didn't have to see Raghav's face for few days.
Two days later
This is how two days passed. Ragahv's illness didn't matter to Kalpana until the maid who brought the mint leaf in the palace was dragged into it. And as a punishment she will be sent to the cell soon.
"The maid is innocent, Kalpana whispered. Then she decided to talk to Ragahv personally.
In the evening
Hema: His Majesty is in imperial dispensary. No one is allowed to get into there and it is Master Sammy's strict order. After all it is kind of life threatening toward his majesty.
Hearing Hema Kalpana said in her mind, but it is really important to talk to him.
The next day morning
Kalpana went to the cell to meet the maid. Seeing her condition Kalpana understood she had been beaten brutally.
Maid: Because of me His Majesty is suffering. I am feeling very guilty for that. But believe me I had no intention to harm His Majesty.
Taking her hand in her Kalpana said, "I know. But you don't worry. I will talk to His Majesty.
Maid: why he will listen to you.
Kal: because I am the witness. I saw you taking those away.
The maid felt relief.
In the evening
Hema: His Majesty released the maid.
Kalpana looked at her confused.
Hema: He is fine now. He went back to his bed chamber.
"Thanks God, he let her go, Kalpana whispered.
Two days later
A guard came and informed Kalpana, "Madam, his majesty seeks your presence. He would like to drink tea with you.
The Guard took Kalpana to the terrace where Ragahv was waiting for her. While Kalpana was pouring tea into a mug, Ragahv asked, "How were you doing in these days? Kalpana didn't answer. Handing over the mug she said, "Tea. I made it.
Rag: Thank you
He took one sip.
Kal: it was me who put mint leaf into your tea.
Rag: I already knew it. When I was drinking the tea I felt something wrong.
Kal: that's why you let the maid go right?
Rag: how could I punish her for someone else's deed?
Kal: don't you want to punish me?
Rag: law is equal for everyone. I already thought something for you.
Then he took another sip.
Kal: why are you drinking my hand made tea? Aren't you afraid that I could kill you?
Taking a deep breath Ragahv said, "If you kill me don't regret. Kalpana looked at him confused.
After a little pause
Rag: this life is very short. Just live your life. I know killing someone is not your cup of tea. I just wanted to say don't regret and live your life.
Kal: Am I really living my life?
Ragahv looked at Kalpana's sad face.
After having tea both Ragahv and Kalpana went to their rooms to take rest.
The next day morning
When Kalpana woke up she found herself laying in the carriage. "How did I end up here? she mumbled to herself confused. As she moved the curtain her eyes fell on Ragahv who was sitting beside the person who was riding the horse.
Rag: you woke up?
Kal: where are we going?
Rag: we are going to a different city.
Kal: how did I end up here? So far I know I was sleeping in my room.
Rag: Sleeping pill helped me.
It means he took Hema's help, Kalpana said in her mind.
In the afternoon they reached the place.
Rag: you must be hungry. Come let's eat something.
Seeing Ragahv going to eat street food Kalpana was confused. "Is he really going to eat street food? Kalpana mumbled to herself. While eating Ragahv said, "eat fast. We need to see the city.
While walking Ragahv kept on holding her hand and it was not unnoticed by Kalpana.
Kal: can you leave my hand?
Rag: how can I leave your hand? You may get lost
Kal: I am not a kid
Then she released her hand from his. Ragahv noticed her mood still off.
Rag: Aren't you liking the city?
Kalpana didn't say anything
Rag: I thought you must be bored staying there in the palace that's why I brought you here.
All of a sudden a 12 years boy who was working in a restaurant came out and through dirty water toward Kalpana by mistake. She looked at the boy who was looking at her.
Boy: I am sorry. I didn't notice you
Kal: its ok.
Then she looked down to her dirty wet clothe.
Rag: you need a new cloth
Kal: its ok. I am fine with it
Rag: we are not going back to the palace so soon
Kal: what?
Rag: hm. We are staying here for few days. So you need new cloth
Though she was annoyed but she had no other options.
Ragahv took Kalpana to a nearest clothing store. He chose a beautiful dress for her and told Kalpana to wear it. When Kalpana went to change her cloth Ragahv picked few more for her with the help of a store girl. After paying the bill Ragahv was waiting for Kalpana at the counter. Few minutes later seeing Kalpana coming toward them the girl said, "Your wife is coming, hearing her "Wife, Ragahv whispered.
As Ragahv turned back his eyes fell on Kalpana. Kalpana was looking beautiful and he could not move his eyes off.
Girl: your wife is looking really beautiful
Ragahv smiled and replied softly, "Hm.
Ragahv was very happy. This was the first time Kalpana accepted something from him. Remembering the store girl addressing Kalpana his wife, Ragahv was smiling. Kalpana noticed it.
Kal: why are you smiling?
Rag: nothing.
He didn't want Kalpana get angry. After walking few more minutes Ragahv noticed a crowded area ahead of them. "I am sure she will like it, Ragahv whispered. Holding her hand Ragahv took Kalpana there. Seeing different types of rides Kalpana recalled once she insisted Prem to bring her here. "Let's try all of them, hearing Ragahv Kalpana came to her sense.
Sitting beside Ragahv in the ride Kalpana thought, I never thought I will visit this place with someone else.
At night
Raghav arranged a house. It has only one bedroom with attached bathroom and a kitchen. After freshening up Ragahv came out of the bathroom. He saw Kalpana standing near the window. All of sudden he noticed something. Seeing him coming toward her, Kalpana came few steps back. Once her back hit the wall she asked, "Why are you coming toward me? without answering her he kept on walking. Once he came near her he raised his hand. Kalpana immediately shut her eyes.
Rag: a spider on your hair
Hearing him Kalpana got scared and hugged him.
Kal: please through it out
She was still with her eyes closed. Seeing her in this condition Ragahv smiled.
Kal: Pleazzz
Ragahv leaned down to her ear and whispered, "I did. Kalpana slowly opened her eyes. Noticing her into his arms she came few steps back.
KAl: I am sleepy. I am going to sleep.
Saying so Kalpana walked to the bed.
Rag: you sleep on the bed and let me sleep on the floor.
He put a blanket on the floor. Then he laid down on it. He noticed Kalpana still sitting on the bed.
Rag: what happened?
Kal: I cannot sleep with you in the same room
Rag: don't worry. I will not bite you
Facing his back Ragahv laid down again.
Kal: you thought I will escape from here. To watch me, you arranged one bed room house on purposely, right?
Ragahv didn't say anything
Kal: don't worry. I will not escape. My father is in your custody. How can I put his life...
Ragahv stopped her saying, "In the custody?
Kal: did you forget that my father is in your custody?
After thinking something he said, "Oh, yah. Then he smiled. Taking his belongings he came outside.
In the middle of the night Kalpana woke up. It was raining outside. Without caring Ragahv she covered her with a blanket and fell asleep.
The next morning
After freshening up when Kalpana came out she heard some noise coming out from the kitchen. She walked to the kitchen. It was Ragahv. Seeing Kalpana
Rag: would you like to have tea?
Kalpana could see he caught cold due to the weather last night
Kal: no, I am fine.
Saying so she came back to the room
Few minutes later Ragahv came out of the kitchen.
Rag: I need some groceries. Can you come with me?
Though she didnt want to go with him but she had no other options.
While going to the grocery store Kalpana said in her mind, is he really going to cook? She came to her sense hearing Ragahv, "Did you say anything?
Kal: no
On the way they noticed an old man having trouble to load fruits basket into a cart. Ragavh walked to the old man and said, "Let me help you.
Old man: thank you my child.
Then Ragahv helped the old man loading all the fruit baskets into the cart. Kalpana was watching standing little far from them. The old man thanked Ragahv again.
Rag: if you don't mind, could I have an apple for my wife?
Man: sure. I was about to offer you.
Then Ragahv picked an apple from the basket.
Man: take one more for you
Raghav smiled and said, "My wife and I will share one apple. The man laughed and said, "I understand.
The man: God bless you and God bless your wife.
While walking toward them Kalpana heard him.
Rag: thank you
Once the man left Ragahv offered Kalpana apple. She was very angry and Ragahv could guess it.
Rag: eat it. You won't get any restaurant around.
Though she was angry but at the same time she cannot stay with empty stomach. She took the apple. When she finished half of it Ragahv snatched the apple from her hand and started eating. Kalpana gave him an unbelievable look.
Rag: I am also hungry. I didn't eat anything since morning.
Standing at the door Kalpana was watching Ragahv cooking. Seeing him cooking she remembered once Prem burned his hand to make roti for her for the first time and she cried a lot holding his burned hand. "Outch, hearing Ragahv Kalpana came to her sense. She noticed Ragavh burned his hand. Without caring his pain she came back to the room.
While eating Kalpana glanced at his burned hand. She also noticed he could not even eat properly using that hand.
At night
In the middle of the night Kalpana woke up hearing a sound coming from outside. She walked to the door and opened it. She saw Ragahv surrounding by few goons covering their faces. Once his eyes fell on Kalpana, Ragahv shouted, "Kalpana go in and close the door. In the meantime one of the goons hurt Ragahv from his back with a sword. "Kalpana go in, Ragahv shouted again. Without wasting a second Kalpana closed the door. Leaning on the closed door she closed her eyes. Her knee was shaking. She was very scared. On the other hand one of the goons was injured by Ragahv. Snatching his sword from his hand Raghav started fighting with the other goons.
Ragahv almost killed everyone expect one person who threatened him putting sword toward Kalpana's neck.
Rag: let go of her. Whatever you want I can give you. Tell me what do you want?
Assassin: I want you dead your Majesty. If you don't die then she will die
Rag: the person you want to kill is me. I will use my life in exchange for hers.
Saying so Raghav started walking toward him.
Assassin: don't come any closer
Rag: you want to kill me but let see if you have that ability. Right now I want to switch places with her. Do you dare to do it?
Assasin: do you think I would believe your words.
Rag: you want to kill me but you don't have the ability. You can only take hostage of a girl, what kind of man are you? If you want to take my life do it yourself. But if anything happens to the girl you are holding, I swear, none of your family members will get to see another day.
Once Ragahv came closer the assassin released Kalpana and ran from there. Kalpana was breathing heavy. "Are you ok? " Ragavh asked softly.
Kal: I don't want to stay here for a moment. I want to go back to the palace
He touched her face softly and said, "I know you are scared. Don't be. I am with you.
Kal: I know as an emperor you may have so many enemies after you. But I don't want to put my life in a risk staying with you.
Rag: ok. We will leave.
Outhouse
Seeing Kalpana Hema said, "you came so early. His Majesty said this trip will be for at least one week.
Kal: next time if you get caught by doing something against me then I will fire you.
Hema: sorry madam. His Majesty wanted to take you out with this thought that you will be happy, so I helped him.
After thinking something she said, "Why? Didn't you enjoy the trip? No one was there to bother you. You and His Majesty all alone.
Kal: shut up
Saying so Kalpana went to the washroom.
"I think this time also nothing happened, Hema mumbled to herself and added, "Poor His Majesty. Then she took a deep breath.
At night
Kalpana was about to go to bed in the mean time she heard someone knocking on the door. Hema went to open the door. Once she opened the door, she saw a guard outside. Handing over a letter the guard said, "This is for Madam Kalpana from His Majesty. The he left from there.
Kal: Hema, who is there?
Hema: a guard. He came with a letter for you from His Majesty
Kal: why did he send me letter?
Then she read,
Hope you didn't forget about the punishment we were talking about before we left for the trip. The guy who is taking care of me is on a leave for few days. I want you to take his place and do your work sincerely. You will start your work from tomorrow. Once you entered into the palace a senior maid will explain you your tasks.
---His Majesty
"Again, I need to be with him for 24/7, Kalpana mumbled to herself and added, "It would be better if he would put me in the cell. After all, this is a punishment. What to do, Kalpana thought.
The next day morning
In the palace
The senior maid explained Kalpana her tasks toward His Majesty. The tasks are:
-before His Majesty goes to take shower Kalpana has to check if everything is in place
-she has to help him to get ready for the court
-she has to accompany him in lunch and dinner
-she has to go out along with him if needed
-she has to get to know his likings, disliking
-after the dinner she has to prepare his bed
-then she can go back to her place.
"Make sure these are the tasks you are doing for His Majesty, the senior maid said and added, "no mistake can be done or you will be punished by increasing your time.
She made him eat that mint leaf so that she didn't have to see his face for few days, Kalpana thought, now she has to stick with him for 24/7.
Next update on Wednesday
Edited by farhana04 - 6 years ago