Chhotu FF: Love follows (Pg13) - Page 10

MahaRaja Jay had just arrived in the city with small number of trusted people. He wanted to avoid the entire hullabaloo that would have occurred if anybody came to know of his arrival. Too much of celebrity status was uncomfortable after all. He crossed streets to reach his palatial abode constructed during his great grandfather?s time. They belonged to an affluent family, royal blood ran in their bodies but they were never too rich or famous. It was during MahaRaja Jay?s reign that the family?s name reached great heights in the country and their names were started to be taken with lots of respect. The name of the family and that of the MahaRaja too used to shine like a diamond just the way MahaRaja Jay was associated with diamonds. He was the King of Diamonds.

MahaRaja Jay thanked his stars that the city was going gaga over something so that the least possibility of anyone finding out about his arrival was also vanished. But he was curious to know what the buzz in the city was. Reaching his place he freshened up first, the heat and dust countered during the journey did affect a bit his handsome face. After seeing that his men were all fresh too, he ordered to unpack the remaining of the home made food that they were carrying with them. Feeling satisfied with the tasty food, he decided to take some rest and ordered his men to do so too. Business from the next day! In the evening he called one of his men and asked him to go out and get the news about the buzz in the city.

The Princess looked as her father and the King Nishikant counted the number of applications. He was elated and was flashing his 32-teeth smile at every count. After he finished counting excitedly he said, ?Princess I guess we won?t need any more slots, tomorrow in the first slot only you will get your would be husband.? Princess sighed. Will her stars allow her to meet her dream man so soon?

Princess Bani was actually a Princess but everybody called her Queen of Hearts. She was well behaved, smart, innocent, well educated, multi talented and above all beautiful. She had the childish innocence and voice yet had the air of elegance and intelligence - a perfect woman for being a life partner. But she was choosy too. She might give respect to everyone but that never meant that she compromised with her wishes. Her wishes were so small and innocent that they never troubled anyone to fulfill. But when it came to marriage, it was not in any one?s hand to fulfill her wish of her kind of man because it was a matter of luck.

In her work, she waited for the man to come but till then he didn?t arrive. She was not eager to get married but dreaming of her Prince Charming wasn?t wrong! King Nishikant one day pleaded her to take part in a Swayamvar so that she could get the chance to meet many eligible men and might find one whom she would like to marry. Princess Bani didn?t want to be a part of all these things but after her father reasoned that it will at least satisfy him then she agreed.

As soon as the news of the Swayamvar spread like wild fire in the state and the neighbouring states, so many people started to pour in the palace to enquire about the probable date. Knowing that there was such a huge number of willing participants Raja Nishikant gave his 32-teeth smile and decided that the Swayamvar will be arranged in slots.

Jay lied down straight on his bed after he heard from the man he sent, that the city was going crazy about the first slot of the Swayamvar that was going to be held the next day. He wondered Queen of Hearts!! Must be too famous and admirable! Next day MahaRaja Jay went out to meet a famous trader in the southern part of the state and was out for most part of the day. He returned at the dead of night. But while his return he noticed that people were still outside their houses at that time. They looked distressed and unhappy. He slowly entered his abode and freshened up. His men were all awake waiting for him to return. After he came they arranged his dinner. Casually he asked whether they knew why the people of the locality were depressed.

The day was nothing less than a day of festival. Men, women and children across the city waited eagerly to know, whom the Queen of Hearts selected as her life partner. Eligible men who had registered themselves the previous day to attend and participate in the Swayamvar were taken inside the palace with great honour. They looked at each other and everyone thought that how the most eligible he was for the Queen of Hearts. With his 32-teeth smile Raja Nishikant joined the men and took his seat on the throne. He announced, ?Respected men I am quite delighted to see all of you here willing to be the life partner of my only daughter and Princess Bani. I expect that all of you have brought your CV, testimonials and self portraits. We will conduct interview and some physical tests to choose the best candidate. Wishing you All the Best let?s begin the Swayamvar.? The men looked at each other and smiled feeling happy of the announcement and also of their belief that they were going to win. Raja Nishikant blew air in the conch shell and marked the beginning of the occasion.

Beautifully dressed Princess Bani when entered the hall, all eyes were glued to her. So many hearts started to beat at a fast rate that the drums needn?t to be played. Men were staring at her wide-eyed. She took her seat beside her father and the King. One by one the candidates appeared in front of her in a separate room. They were all dressed for the occasion, not a single thread was out of place. They greeted the Princess with great respect and answered to her queries. Most of them were a suitable match for girls; Princess Bani would have herself suggested them to any girl but she wasn?t getting the feeling that the person was her dream man. She was getting scared of her own confused feelings of what kind of man actually she wanted, by the end of the Swayamvar. Men tried to flatter her with the success they achieved in battles, their vigour, their sufferings, their education, their interest in extra curricular activities, their hobbies, family background, the monetary value of their Kingdom and properties. Princess Bani wondered how these strong men will end up fighting with others in battlefield someday. Whatever it was but she was not convinced.

When the Swayamvar was over that is the last of the men returned to his seat, Raja Nishikant delightedly with his 32-teeth smile asked Bani whom did she liked. She shook her head negatively and went towards the hall. In the hall addressing all the participating men Princess Bani announced, ?Gentlemen it has been a pleasure to meet you all and know how brave and powerful you people are. I never expected to meet so many talented people on the same day. Thanks to all of you for participating but I am sorry to say that I couldn?t feel for any of you as my would be husband. I regret that I have disappointed you people. Please do remember that it has got nothing to do with any of your inefficiencies if any though I could hardly find them, it was my heart that didn?t agree. I am sorry once again. Thank you. Please have the lunch before leaving.?

The men very truly disappointed but the way the Princess said her speech melted their hearts and they couldn?t keep any hard feelings for her. As brothers they came, as brothers they went; where brother means ?in the same boat?. Raja Nishikant tried to convince Princess Bani to let him take some tests on fighting, presence of mind, etc. of the men but Princess Bani refused. For the rest of the day Raja Nishikant?s 32-teeth smile never appeared.

The whole city was saddened by the fact that Queen of Hearts didn?t get her life partner but many opined that it was better to select none than to select unwanted one. They all waited for the fortnight to pass after which the second slot of the Swayamvar was to be held.

MahaRaja Jay also found himself disappointed on seeing that a Princess as angelic as described by people didn?t get her dream man. Also the saddened face of the local people made him feel sad for sometime. MahaRaja Jay went out with his people to move around the city and meet traders for the rest of the week. He could sometimes hear of people discussing how men who wanted to participate in the next slot were going some rigorous training in different things to impress Princess Bani. He couldn?t help but smile then.

It was a weekly holiday in the city. Trade businesses were off on those days. MahaRaja Jay gave his men off too and set out on his horse alone to explore the landmarks of the city. He went past the monuments, the buildings, the gardens. MaKing his horse stand at some good place, MahaRaja Jay set on foot to see the beauty of a garden. He crossed many lanes decorated with flowers not grown in his state. He was observing the flowers very interestingly noting mentally which plant seeds to take with him when he returns to his state. He knew that when he would reveal his identity then the King can?t deny allowing him to take the seeds.

He heard laughter of women in a distance. Not caring for where the women were, he carried on his observation. He could feel the women coming in his direction. A sweet voice diverted his mind. He was now anxiously waiting for the women to arrive so that he could see them. From behind a tree, two women appeared. They looked as if they belonged to some royal family. One of them was quite old to be his mother and another one young and so seemingly delicate that he felt that she shouldn?t put her feet down on earth. Passing by the girl once turned to face the stranger and stared at him more than she thought she should. MahaRaja Jay also appreciated his staring at her. As the other woman nudged the young lady for some answer she spoke and the voice made MahaRaja Jay smile. He knew it at the first look that such a sweet voice can be of someone looKing as sweet as the young lady.

Within moments they were out of sight of each other due to the bushes and the trees. MahaRaja Jay had no interest left in the flowers. He headed back to his horse and found the women waiting for their carriage to come forward. WalKing towards the ladies he scanned his pocket and took out one sparkling piece of diamond. Holding out his hand towards the young lady he said, ?Your Highness I don?t know who you are, I am a stranger here but as you have noticed me admiring you, I will be highly obliged if you accept this present from me. As I have nothing more to compliment you enough, for the time being this one might work though it?s also insufficient.?

Princess Bani was dumbstruck with the gesture of the man in front of her, who was self sufficient to impress a lady by his looks; he herself was lost for a few moments. She thought it to be impolite not to accept the present offered with such great behaviour. She looked at the diamond. It was hard not to squeal in excitement. Was it just a diamond? She, a patron of diamonds never saw such beautiful piece till date. She thanked the stranger shyly and got up on her carriage. The old lady accompanying her gave him a look of appreciation. As the carriage went away and away from him, MahaRaja Jay found himself unable to break the stare with the young lady.

He returned to his abode with his mind lost in the thoughts of the young lady. The next few days, MahaRaja Jay traveled throughout the state with his men for his trade. Since morning till evening, he used to meet and interact with various traders and jewelers. After work in the evening, they used to watch and learn about the different form of arts and forms of entertainment followed in the state. At night, in total solitude MahaRaja Jay often thought of the young lady. He had no intention to know who she was. He just wanted to meet her again, look into her eyes again, drown in the eyes that were excited and shone as brilliantly as the diamond. The diamond was not worth her, he thought. According to him she deserved the most beautiful diamond he had.

The next week MahaRaja Jay returned with his men to the city. Having done some successful dealings, acquiring some rare diamonds and getting prepared some exquisite diamond jewelry MahaRaja Jay decided to pay a visit to the temple. He saw a part of the temple occupied by many people. He worshipped to God and then turned to leave the temple looKing in the direction of the crowd once more. He suddenly caught a pair of eyes looKing at him. There she was, the beautiful young lady. He saw her leave the crowd and approach towards him. He looked at her disbelievingly. She offered him some sweet to which he looked with surprise. ?It?s God?s blessing? she said sweetly. He nodded his head and accepted the Prasad. She continued, ?That day I couldn?t Thank You enough for the diamond you presented me. I am really grateful to you for the present. I?ll be glad to invite you for a dinner with us.?

MahaRaja Jay gave a terrific smile and said, ?Dear lady if only you knew how grateful I am to you for being pleased with such a small present. Actually you deserved a better one. I bought from a trader something that suited you more than that piece of diamond.? He took out a diamond more elegant than the first one and held in front of Princess Bani. She was totally bowled as she saw his gesture after the heart melting smile he gave to her. He continued, ?But I am afraid to offend you as I am a trader and I need to be at different places in the coming weeks so I won?t be able to attend dinner with you. I know it?s disgraceful to turn down a request from someone as beautiful as you but I hope you understand enough to pardon me. Am I being pardoned for my offence?? Princess Bani?s heart sank seeing the man turning down her offer but as beautifully he asked for forgiveness that she had no way to protest. She held the diamond in her hand and said, ?Dear stranger I?ll accept this diamond when we will be able to dine together. That way you will remember me and my request.?

MahaRaja Jay smiled at her idea and nodded in obligation. Princess Bani gave back the diamond to him. She didn?t get the time to check the diamond but she didn?t care too then. Her main concern was the stranger in front of her. She asked, ?What is your name?? MahaRaja Jay gave a curt reply, ?Jay!? she wanted to talk more but someone called her. She bid MahaRaja Jay goodbye, reminded him of the invite and left the temple. MahaRaja Jay heard the priest saying, ?Princess Bani, hope your wishes are fulfilled soon.?

MahaRaja Jay rode back on his horse lost in a trance. So that was Princess Bani whom he admired so much? Not having any interest in the lunch he went to his room and lied down. He judged his action of refusing the invitation by her. He didn?t want his identity to be revealed, so he avoided any further exchanges with any royal family. He thanked his stars that he turned down the offer as later he realized that it was from the King?s family. But on the other hand, he was feeling bad to turn down the offer. He couldn?t get Princess Bani out of his mind. He fell asleep and dreamt how merrily she laughed and talked. He spent rest of the day alone in his room.

Next day early morning MahaRaja Jay set out towards the jungle side to find a tribe there who dealt with diamonds. He needed serious diversion to keep himself away from the thoughts of the Princess and to follow his duty. At night when he returned, he found his men talKing about the second slot of Swayamvar of Princess Bani. His heart ached thinKing that she had chosen a man for her. He listened to the talk casually at sight but attentively with his heart and mind. His face broke into an unstoppable smile as he heard that the second slot even went without any positive results. He decided to make a move to his room to enjoy the happiness when it caught his ears that the rumour was that Princess Bani didn?t want a man with moustache.

Returning to his room, the first thing that MahaRaja Jay did was to check whether there were any traces of moustache on his face. Glad by the fact that he didn?t have any he went to sleep. But he couldn?t sleep. He heard that after a fortnight the third slot of Swayamvar will be held. He was now eager to win the heart of the lady by that time. With a determination he went to sleep.

During the second slot of the Swayamvar, Raja Nishikant with renewed spirits and 32-teeth smile organized the event. He insisted Princess Bani that he would accompany her during the interview sessions. New faces appeared in the hall. Somewhere Princess Bani wanted the face of the trader (may be!) Jay to appear in the crowd. The face didn?t leave her thoughts since the day she met her, precisely since a week. His attractive voice, his persona and the gleam in his eyes all were very different from the other men she had met till date. She found herself at a loss of words describing his features and what she liked about him. Whichever word she used, it seemed to her insufficient, inappropriate just the way he said that the diamond was not enough for her. She sometimes played with the diamond he gifted her, in her hand and thought how courteous he was, so respecting, so brilliant, so attractive and above all with so much of sincerity.

The procedure of checKing a participant?s credibility and caliber was same as last time. Princess Bani again found herself dissatisfied and confused about what kind of man she wanted. But the confusion was a little less this time as some of the features that she wanted she knew then, but unknowingly they were the same thing that she actually saw in the trader Jay. Seeing Princess Bani not being able to make a decision, Raja Nishikant requested for some tests to be arranged and followed. Most of the men fought valiantly with the best wrestlers in the Kingdom, proved their knowledge in music and other arts. Raja Nishikant every time gave a victorious 32-teeth smile to Princess Bani but she disapproved. The last deserving participant was when not approved, Raja Nishikant fumed. He argued that what was wrong with that man! Princess Bani getting no way to make her father understand blurted out that the man had moustache and that tradition ran in his family from ages so she won?t ask him to break the tradition and she didn?t want a man with moustache. Again giving a apology speech Princess Bani went back, leaving the men disheartened yet thriving to win the lady?s heart.

MahaRaja Jay woke up the next morning wondering why he wanted to win Princess Bani?s heart. Was it because it was a challenge? Was it because the marriage would bring great prospect to his trade or was it because he was besotted by her and wished whole heartedly to be a part of her life? Yes the last reason seemed to be the best. He recalled her face one more time and knew that she was his destiny come what may.

The next two days he spent in knowing the daily schedule of the Princess. He needed a place where he could meet her. Fortunately on the fourth day it happened to be the same garden where they met for the first time. MahaRaja Jay was persuading the in-charge of the garden to give him some seeds of rare flowering plants. He knew that the in-charge will refuse but that didn?t matter to him because his main aim to catch Princess Bani?s attention. As expected hearing some noise, Princess Bani moved in that direction to see what was happening. Seeing Jay after five days excited her. Listening to what was going on; she requested the in-charge to give him some of the seeds. As the in-charge handed over the seeds to MahaRaja Jay, he bowed in front of Princess Bani and said, ?That?s so kind of you dear young lady. I would like to offer you something as token of obligation.? He took out a necklace made of diamonds and held in front of her. Princess Bani gasped on seeing the jewelry; never being a Princess she possessed such beautiful piece of ornament.

LooKing away from the jewelry her eyes caught Jay staring at her. She tried to read what was in his eyes. But instead of being able to read what was in his eyes, she found herself drowning in them. ChecKing herself after some time, avoiding his gaze she said, ?I think you forgot the promise you made to me.? MahaRaja Jay tilted his head and softly said, ?I can?t afford to offend My Lady again and again. I didn?t break the promise. If you remember wasn?t the promise made for that particular diamond? Does that stop me presenting you with more diamonds?? Impressed by his wit and charm Princess Bani felt the need to play with words some more.

She asked, ?Can you tell me what you do exactly because the diamonds you possess, even our collection doesn?t have?? Folding his arms MahaRaja Jay said, ?What if I say I am a King?? Princess Bani laughed and said, ?There is no doubt that you have features like being a King but then if you would have been really a King then why would you not dress like one?? MahaRaja Jay didn?t listen to what she was saying. Her infectious laughter was driving him crazy. Conscious of his admirable stare Princess Bani diverted the topic saying, ?So when should I expect you to fulfill your promise and give me that diamond?? MahaRaja Jay dreamily said, ?Soon. Pretty soon.?

WalKing though the lanes Princess Bani enquired, ?Hey do you know now who I am?? LooKing at her angelic face MahaRaja Jay said, ?Yes. You are more than an angel and nothing less than a Princess.? She blushed. Hadn?t she ever been complimented like this? May be she was, but the way he put it was different, unique and special. LooKing at her blushed face he wondered Indeed a Queen of Hearts. With heavy heart they bid each other goodbye.

Two days later, Princess Bani saw Jay attending the music class she attended. He was there as a listener. During and after every song she sung, she looked for the expression of satisfaction on Jay?s face. She was delighted to see him so engrossed in her songs. After the classes, she asked the carriage to wait for some time. She waited for Jay to come and give his remarks. He approached her and handed a beautiful diamond pendant to her and said, ?It?s not as beautiful as your song.? She happily smiled but refused to take any more presents. On that situation MahaRaja Jay kept it in his pocket and said, ?It belongs to you now, I am just keeping it safe.? Oh how much she loved when he did such romantic talks.

Again two days later they met at a flower shop. The first question that Princess Bani raised to hide her excitement on seeing Jay there was, ?Are you following me?? MahaRaja Jay shook his head and lovingly said, ?No Princess, I am following my heart.? Her cheeks turned pink and her lips curved into a shy smile. MahaRaja Jay took out a pair of diamond earrings and held it in front of her. ?For you?, he said. Princess Bani looked at him accusingly as if saying No more gifts! Remember?. He smiled sheepishly and said, ?Yes I know but couldn?t help it seeing how coloured your cheeks have become, I wondered that these tiny pieces will be blessed on reflecting that glow in your face.? Princess Bani didn?t know where to look. The most dangerous thing was to look at him, but she helplessly did that only! They both stared at each other for few beautiful moments.

Their so called coincidental meetings went on for the next few days with MahaRaja Jay purposefully keeping a two day gap between their meetings. One of the reasons was to do his business in the free days and another reason was to appear not so impatient to meet her. Princess Bani eagerly waited for those two days to get over so that the third day she could meet him. She smiled at her own; she used to remain lost in his thoughts. Somewhere she found a sense of completion in her wishes although she didn?t realize.

It was their sixth meeting after the second slot of Swayamvar and the last one before the third slot which was to be held the next day. MahaRaja Jay had a plan in mind. As they walked through the gardens and shared their views on a particular class of music, he paused. Princess Bani looked at him when he asked, ?Can we meet tomorrow?? She laughingly asked, ?Why what about your business for which you make me wait for our next meeting for two days?? MahaRaja Jay raised his eyebrow and mischievously asked, ?So you can?t wait to meet me? Is it so?? Princess Bani felt shy but then regained her confidence and will power. She seriously asked, ?What are you upto Jay?? He shook his head and slowly said, ?We will meet tomorrow.?

After Princess Bani returned to her palace, she saw her father impatiently waiting for her. She enquired what the reason of his impatience was. He nearly jumped in excitement showing his 32-teeth smile and exclaimed, ?Can you believe my dear, tomorrow for your third slot of Swayamvar even King of Diamonds has registered his name. My goodness I didn?t know he was here, in my state, my Kingdom!? She didn?t care about what made him father so happy, she was worried?.she had forgotten that the next day her Swayamvar was arranged for the third time. She couldn?t sleep that night. She was feeling terrible for possibly not meeting Jay the next day. Then she thought How come he changed his routine suddenly? Is he also participating? Her heartbeat went faster. She had no way to know whether he registered or not because her father kept the details confidential. She argued with herself Is that why he was meeting me for the past few days so that he had a big edge on all the other participants? She felt angry thinKing that but even felt miserable thinKing of getting married with anyone at the moment?.somewhere she was learning the features o her dream man. She fumed realizing that Jay dominated those features. She concluded that he had influenced her beyond limits but she won?t be partial. She waited to face the day with confidence.

The city was again going crazy for the third time. Men from distant places came to participate. Everyone was clean shaven and without any moustache. The silly excuse of Princess Bani to his father last time, made so many men lose their moustaches just in order to win her heart. Princess Bani arrived in the hall and scanned the faces. No, Jay was nowhere. On one hand she was happy but on the other hand she was disappointed. She didn?t care to the discussion going on in all corners of the hall. Addressing and welcoming every participant with his 32-teeth smile, Raja Nishikant took interest in the discussion going on. Among all the clean shaven men stood apart a man with tall and muscular built but with thick moustache and beard. The King was shocked seeing his dare and waited to interview him when his turn came.

Serially when the bearded man?s number came, he entered the room where the Princess and the King were waiting. He greeted them respectfully and as curtly as possible and handed his CV to them. Princess Bani anxiously asked, ?Have we met before?? while the King scanned the man?s CV and his eyes shone and his face broke into a 32-teeth smile. The man replied, ?Yes we have!? Princess Bani?s eyes sparkled listening to the familiar voice. She mumbled, ?Jay!? Raja Nishikant in the meantime was visibly excited. He said, ?Oh dear King of Diamonds! I am highly honoured with your arrival in my state. I apologise for not giving you a worthy reception and royal treatment. If only I knew you were here!? his voice trailed into sadness. At first looKing at Princess Bani and then at the King he smilingly said, ?I did it purposefully your honour. Sometimes we need to do such things for trade but I must compliment you for having such a beautiful state. The people and the environment all are very pleasant.? Raja Nishikant nodded his head and gave his 32-teeth smile.

Princess Bani said in a hurt yet composed tone, ?Can you please take off that moustache and beard?? Raja Nishikant was dumbstruck at such a request. Before he protested, he saw the King of Diamonds taKing off his moustache and beard?.they were false. A handsome face appeared in front of them. Raja Nishikant was more than happy. What troubled Princess Bani was the calm and composed look of Jay, err?King of Diamonds MahaRaja Jay despite his exposure. She requested her father, ?Father, can I talk with him alone?? Raja Nishikant nodded and left. While leaving he glanced at the self portrait of the King of Diamonds and flashed a 32-teeth smile with appreciation.

In a no-nonsense tone, Princess Bani asked formal questions as she used to do with other participants. MahaRaja Jay noticed her cold behaviour but didn?t change the flow of the interview. He went along with what she asked about his achievements, his hobbies, etc. She listened to them and was annoyed at his responses. Once she asked abruptly, ?Have you ever played with anyone?s emotions?? He could sense where it was all heading. Confidently he said, ?No.? She said coldly, ?You may go now! No more questions.? ?What about my chances?? he asked nonchalantly. Angrily she replied, ?I have found better men.?

?May be. But for you no one can be better than me!?

?That?s your over confidence.?

?It?s my belief.?

?And what made you believe that??

?The way I know you, no one knows. The way I bring you happiness, no one can. The way you look at me, you can?t look in that way at others.?

?You had an undue advantage of spending time with me so your reasons stand invalid. If I spend time with some other person then he/she can know me well. You brought diamonds not happiness. Indirectly you wanted to buy my heart. And the way I look at you now, really I can?t look at any person with so much of hatred.?

?I don?t think I tried to manipulate your thoughts and make it favourable for me. Whatever I did, I followed my heart hence I followed your way. If someone can fight valiantly, shows much intelligence or is too handsome, that can?t be a parameter to choose a partner. It has to be a person whom your heart wants to be with and if I am not wrong you wanted to meet me today near the fountains rather than being a part of this Swayamvar!?

?But you can see I am here.?

?I haven?t finished yet My Lady. I know I have tried to make you happy with what I had, but not because I wanted to marry the Princess but because I wanted to make that Lady whom I saw in the garden for the first time and who captivated my eyes and thoughts for the rest of my living moments happy. You being the Princess just made me a little manipulative in my actions because I knew of this Swayamvar thing! I am ashamed of what I did but did I have any choice? It was you My Lady dearest Bani not the Princess, who drove me crazy. And talKing about your hatred, I can see now the love underneath. Accept it Dear Lady, just accept it. And if possible look into your heart; doesn?t it feel the same thing for me that I feel for you??

Princess Bani wanted to throw him out but couldn?t. She tried to hide her tears but couldn?t. She tried to deny the fact that indeed he was her dream man, but couldn?t. She tried to stop her feet but couldn?t. Soon they were in each other?s arms.

?I told you, we will meet today?, he whispered.

?You are too cunning!?

They both laughed.

Raja Nishikant?s happiness knew no bound when Princess Bani announced her decision. He wished he had 320 teeth. Rest of the men looked at MahaRaja Jay with little bit of envy but on knowing that he was the King of Diamonds, most of them felt themselves little in front of him. Every one went away after having a delicious dinner. Throughout the state it was announced that for the rest of the week celebrations will go on. Every citizen was invited to bless the couple and give their good wishes. MahaRaja Jay gave a beautiful sword made of diamond to Raja Nishikant. It was shining so much that Raja Nishikant?s 32-teeth smile wasn?t even visible.

During the marriage ceremony, MahaRaja Jay called his men to attend the ceremony. For the first time in so many days, he was dressed in his usual attire. MahaRaja Jay and Princess Bani complimented each other and everyone praised the couple. The smile on their faces didn?t leave for once.

After the marriage ceremony, Raja Nishikant asked them to have dinner with him. He got the best of the dishes prepared. After the dinner was over, MahaRaja Jay silently slipped a diamond in his queen?s hand. Startled she looked at it and then with surprise looked at him. He smilingly said, ?I kept my promise. I just realized last night that today I?ll be fulfilling my promise.? She held the diamond tightly in her palms and sweetly smiled. MahaRaja Jay remarked, ?Something that belongs to you is with me too!? He showed her the necklace. She placed her hand on his hand and said, ?Let it be with you, when I belong to you then whatever belongs to me belongs to you.?

*************************************

?Hence ends the tale with a tinge of modern touch!? Jay Walia sighed. His friend Aditya nodded with appreciation sitting on the opposite chair. They were sitting in the auditorium where they used to rehearse for their plays. There?s was a small group of people who mostly belonged to the field of business but had a passion in plays. On Sundays, national holidays, they used to meet and prepare their plays. They enjoyed this passion!

?Yaar in such a short time I could come up with this script only according to what storyline you gave!? stretching his hands Jay said.

?Jay I was wondering that if you people could act?I mean you both suit well to the characters!? Aditya suggested.

?No chance! Can?t get that much of time recently.?

?By the way I liked how you included Bani in the love story.?

?Yaar somewhere someday the bubble had to burst na! Miss innocent can?t see what I feel for her!?

They both sighed.

After an hour Bani came rushing to where Jay was taKing rest on his chair. She shouted showing the script, ?Jay if you like to be a King then fine but why did you use my name with yours??

Jay opened his eyes and staring at her dreamily he started singing:

Bakhuda tumhi ho

Har jagah tumhi ho

Haan main dekhoon jahaan jab

Us jagah tumhi ho

Ye jahaan tumhi ho

Wo jahaan tumhi ho

Is zameen se falak ke

Darmiyaan tumhi ho

Tum hi ho beshubaa

Tum hi ho

Tum hi ho mujhmein haan

Tum hi ho

He was on his knees holding her hands. Everybody around just froze on their spot and after he finished singing veryone started clapping and whistling!

As Bani stared at Jay he said, ?Isn?t it evident why I used your name with mine, My Queen of Heart??

A big round of applause could be heard.

A little later, with his arms around Bani?s shoulders Jay was walKing towards the exit when he turned and said, ?Hey Aditya, just add few more good scenes between me and My Queen of Heart, I was afraid to add them then!? he winked. Aditya intentionally replied with a raised voice, ?No probs buddy! Just take care of our diamond? he winked too. Bani blushed and seeing that Jay remarked, ?You need not worry about that. This King of Diamond will take good care of the Queen of his Heart!? More blush followed.

Enjoy!

ree