Chapter 11

Few more months passed in Kalpi, moving on to my 17^th I covered myself with a blanket. Raghu had already fallen asleep. Closing my eyes I also tried to drift to deep sleep when a pair of cold hands held my waist. It had to be him. "Rey How?"

"Through door obviously"

"I mean why?"

He pinned hands to either side "As if you don't know." The smirk on his face gave clear view of his intensions. I was just scared of the fact that on the other couch my brother was sleeping and Reyaansh was there on my couch.

"Rey go else Raghu will wake." I just wished that he would follow my words but he was already on his work. My eyes were fixed on Raghu. "Kria, why are you looking that side I'm right here." I kept on speaking some nonsense.

"Shh one more word and I'll myself awake your brother. Close your eyes." My popped out. "Aye eyes band karo. Your eyeballs will fall the way you have opened them." He held my wrist and slid something into it. When I gave a look, it was a bangle. [Pic]

I touched it with my other hand then made a jingling sound from it with other bangles. He smiled at me and I pulled him in a hug. On the other couch Raghu got up from his sleep and Reyaansh hid in my blanket. "Kria, Why are making jingle sound from your bangle at this time? So jao."

He again fell back to his sleep I guess due to darkness in room he didn't notice Reyaansh. "My mum always said, never wish a girl without a gift especially when the girl is beautiful." He whispered near my ear.

I looked at him, "Happy Birthday Princess"

He remembered, I gently pressed my lips on his maybe it was a dream.

On the morning of my 17^th birthday, Raghu woke me up with a peck on my cheek. "Happy Birthday Sister" I bolted upright. "What's the matter? What?" Raghu laughed. "Nothing I'm just ishing you a happy birthday."

"Happy birthday to you too, my twin but what time is it?"

"Almost noon, you must have had too much wine last night. Now get yourself out of blanket we're going out." He went out. I took a bath and rushed into a heavy outfit (her look). Sweeping up my hair I noticed the bangle in my hand, it meant he was really here.

I moved down to hall, "Do you really think war will be over in six months?" Raghu asked. Mrityunjay was on a war with Adhvrushya. "I hope not. The longer he stays there, the better for everyone." Swayam said as he'll get more time free from the practices.

I'd expected it from one of my friend but it was Asva who carried the honeyed cakes and a letter. I glanced at Raghu, and he touched locket around his neck which Antra had gifted him yesterday.

"Happy birthday Kria and Raghu. There's a message for you from Mrityunjay." She set the cakes down and read out the scroll.

On this, the seventeenth year of their birth, I hope Shiva will wish them well. There is nothing nearly as momentous as the passing from childhood to adulthood, and it is an occasion that merits serious consideration. When I return be sure she has made herself ready.

"That's it? What about Raghu?" Asva's smile faltered. "I'm sure that will all come in time just wait for him to come." Raghu reached for my hand and we moved out to courtyard. "You know what Rey gifted me?" I moved my head in negation.

"This" a beautiful black horse it was a rare breed to be found in Kalpi. "That's really sweet of him."

"Hmm, there are very few people who receive a gift from Reyaansh." Varali said in arrogant voice but no one paid much attention to her words. "Didn't he gift you anything?" she said to make make me feel inferior. Rey looked at me.

I ran my hand through my hair that movement made jingle sound from the bangle he had gifted clashing with other bangles. "No, he didn't maybe he forget to get anything for me" He smiled.

Aside from the contents of Mrityunjay's letter, it was the wonderful day, the best birthday I could remember having. The sun had long since set, and the guards looked ready to collapse present on gates. Everyone left for their room.

Where are you going?' I asked Raghu. Antra'

"Come soon brother, I'll wait here." I watched as he disappeared into the corridor as it was all dark in the corridor then someone embraced me tightly. "Sorry.. I forgot to compliment you today. You look stunning."

I blushed, "Rey we are in corridor."

He crushed my lips between his before I could complete. I held his hair tight driving him rough to his actions. He bit my lower lip to I which I moaned placing kisses on my nape he again took my lips. Suddenly there was a sound of sandals slipping against marble.

I left his lips "Rey I heard something"

"It's nothing"

He again pulled me into a kiss. A scream as if someone was wounded tore the palace. We both moved to the staircase, slaves were shouting there. What's happening? I said, but neither would answer me. I followed my gaze down.

When I saw what had happened, my legs nearly gave way beneath me. "Raghu" I cried. Taani reached out to stop me, "Don't go there" she pleaded.

"Take her away from here." Asva shouted. Raghu had been wounded on chest with a sharp weapon and was lying on the floor. "Leave me alone" I shrieked at them wildly and shook Raghu's shoulders. Antra was crying hard.

Taani and Neha pulled me to my room. Raghu was carried to lower section of palace and was being treated there.