It stings to see your favourite people dismiss your existence by rejecting your unconditional love. When you love someone with all you have, you wish for the person to do the same. To cherish you with the same emotions your heart is giving out, but when the contrary happens only two scenarios would be possible. One, you whine and cry for their attention or you rebel against the world to seek that attention. Either way, you beg. You beg for a small ounce of their heart to fill in for your dying soul.

It took years for Riya to realise this. It cost her several sleepless nights as slept in a cold bed praying for her mother to switch on the bedroom lights and save her from the monsters underneath her bed, but only in the mornings would she realise that her mother had abandoned her. That she might never come to save Riya from her fears or pat her back to encourage her to overcome them.

Riya became a troublesome child to deal with. As she grew, troubles followed her footsteps like her shadow. She transferred almost four schools for her lack of discipline but in reality, she would damage the school property just in anticipation that her mother might show up. In sixth standard her social teacher reprimanded Riya about the homework she never bothered to do, her teacher made her kneel in front of the whole class as a punishment and in return, Riya ripped her book and threw the remains on her teachers face earning another transfer.

However, that was the last time she ever caused any trouble. Seeing her father hanging his head low and begging the principal to let her continue the school pained her tender heart. She was so busy trying to attract her mother's attention wishing that her mother might show up once, for the sake of the blood they share, either to punish her or to take Riya in her arms, that she forgot about her father.

But given the case that never happened. Riya didn't bother to even visit the school nor did the school seemed to be fond of a troublesome girl with terrible family issues.

When her mother left or rather dumped her she decided to never beg for anyone's presence in her life ever. To treat everyone like the silver ring around her finger: only required to enhance her beauty and nothing more. But look at her now, her dull eyes shining with delight and tears as she fell to the ground crying, the crashing relief and happiness were suddenly too much to handle.

Her heart almost gave out at the sweet ache when she peeked at her prince charming in between her cries. His dark brown orbs were filled with concern as he scooted down to her level placing his arms around her shoulder pulling her up, and his touch was enough to make her go crashing to him, hiding her wet face in the nook of his neck inhaling his fading smell like an animal.

His sweet scent of woods and earth still working like a drug to her addicted soul. Her hands remain circled his waist as she hears him speak for the first time, "What is wrong? Did you hurt yourself?"

Hearing his soothing rough voice Riya wanted to scream loudly and punch him senseless, he left her alone at this house to be a maid and now he has the audacity to even ask her what's wrong? Regardless of the flooding thoughts in her brain, her lips remain glued as she tried to calm herself in his warm embrace.

Her soft sobs echoed through the dense woods as she managed to squeak, "I-i lost my way."

A burst of Humble laughter erupted through his mouth and his chest vibrated against her body making her tighten her arms around his waist squeezing the life out of him, with a soft smile.

His laughter engraving serenity in her heart like the beautiful orange dawn of a day.

If only she were a witch, she would chain him to herself with no void even for the air, his earthly smell is just enough to survive for this life.

Raghuveer felt breathless with Riya pouncing on him, he expected anything but this, this sweet and wild proximity making his heart race. Her silent sobs on his right shoulder lead his hand to pat her back softly. This overwhelming embrace from her cannot just be the reason of losing her way, it almost seemed as if she, missed him and that thought reminded him the reason he pulled this risky stunt by leaving the palace and showing up here.

Seconds later, Raghuveer peeled himself away from her, stepping behind leaning against a tree and looked at anywhere but her.

Riya slowly wiped her cheeks with the edge of her half-saree and finally, a bright smile makes up to her face.

"How are you?" She asks, stepping a little closer towards him. His beautiful dark eyes looked worn out while his face lost weight. Palace definitely didn't do him any good, thought Riya as she placed her hand on his face caressing it with her fingers and a light tint of redness flashed over his cheeks at her caring smooth touch.

Raghuveer clears his throat before carefully dodging her hand while crossing his hands over his chest as thin lines of grim and sourness took over his face before speaks, "I was concerned about your stay at this house, but I must say by observing how you didn't bother to write back to Dhruvan you are enjoying your days."

The sudden anger and the difference in his tone caught her off guard. Riya was surprised to hear those words and especially that tone. Dhruvan wrote letters? But what surprised her more was, the angry aura radiating from him. She has never seen him this annoyed.

He was angry with her seeing that he wouldn't even look in her eyes. Why would he be angry? She was the one dying to hear a word from him and struggling to pass days with heaps of rough work to do at hand.

"Are you angry with me?" Riya asked with uncertainty in a low voice and a low scoff left his lips leaving her confused.

"You cannot be angry with me, Raghu. You didn't even visit me after Jaidev has-" An overwhelming emotion took over her heart as she began to speak, as her wet eyes were trying to decode the invisible emotions hidden on his face but before she could continue Raghuveer picked up his words, finally looking at her.

"Is that the reason you never wrote to me?" His voice sounded dead as he asked, but his eyes held verses of accusation and betrayal setting her heart on fire with pain. "Even if I wanted to, I could never visit you and put your life in danger. But I could never understand why you wouldn't even meet Dhruvan-"

"Dhruvan? He never visited me-"

"He mentioned it in the letter which you probably did not read. He was worried about your stay so he would write letters to you every alternate day."

Riya wanted to scream that she never received any letters. That she missed them as much as they did, but for a weird reason her lips did not move. She couldn't get herself to open her lips and tell him that he was wrongly accusing her.

Slowly as time passed they stood still, with Riya staring at her feet unable to form words and Raghuveer wondering about this eerie silence from her. If she is the Riya he knows then she can even converse with an ant.

"Why are you silent?" Raghuveer stuttered at the end as he spoke, while his eyes fluttered unable to grasp her expression.

When she still didn't answer he ran a hand across his face in frustration as thoughts flashed through him. Maybe she was scared with losing her way back and he can be extremely scary when he is angry and he should be thankful enough to not see her run for the hills.

"Alright, follow me. I will show the way to the house and," Raghuveer hesitated as he completes the sentence trying his best to not sound desperate, "please, do reply for the letters. Dhruvan is worried sick."

Even he was worried about her, but few words better remain unsaid.

His words felt like a smack to her frozen brain bringing her senses back. He is leaving, again?

Immediately her hand flew to the sleeve of his kurta halting him in his place.

"We just met, and you already want to leave?"

"Wha-no, you seem to be a little shocked by losing your way so I thought showing the house will calm you down."

Riya never thought that a prince can be this dumb at interpreting feelings. She was worried about their separation but not that house. Raghuveer looked genuinely worried about her and she could see that in his eyes, however, she knows that he would never accept it.

Though she wanted to ask more questions regarding the letters, she did not. If Dhruvan and Raghuveer sent letters for her than there can be only one person who has the chance to stop them. Jaidev. But, she will deal with him later.

It seems as if the time to return with him is nowhere near, but the aspect that he risked enough to come and see her made her heart flutter in happiness. At this moment she wishes for him to speak, long enough to remember his voice for the sleepless nights she would be spending without him.

"I am fine Raghuveer. Let us talk as we walk." Suggested Riya stepping forward, and surprisingly Raghuveer hesitated before he moved.

A chilly wind passed by as they walked side by side, nights here are always cold and freezing, unlike the scorching days. Understanding that Raghuveer will never open his mouth unless she starts a conversation Riya finally managed to speak, "How is Sahasthra doing?"

"Just fine." Raghuveer heaved a large sigh as he spoke. He wanted to avoid this topic with Riya at any cost, but it seems like she had not forgotten her friend.

"But what's with your expression? If she is fine-"

"She is getting married-"

"Oh my god! Finally, did Dipankar propose to her?" Her eyes shone brightly, even in such darkness Raghuveer felt a weird pull to observe the exact colour of her brown eyes. To feel her soft skin and to keep hearing her voice.

But dread settled down in his heart knowing that this happy expression on her face will be gone soon knowing the details of the wedding.

"No. She will be the wife of our empire's senadhipathi." Raghuveer tried to convey her the sensitive information in the least alarming way. If Riya comes to knowledge with the perverted character of the Amry chief she might go running for her friend.

Riya halted at once, shocked to hear this. Sahasthra was getting married but not with Dipankar? How can this be possible? In those last few days Riya spent time with her, she had seen a strong will in her to gain her love but this is weird. Absurd to even say.

"Did Sahasthra willingly agree for this wedding?"

"Apparently, she did. The rituals for the wedding will commence around the second full moon of this season, which is quite close to today." Raghuveer heaved a large sigh as he speaks.

"Then what is that idiot prince doing? Looking after the arrangements?" Asked Riya, in a mocking tone as anger rose in her heart. How can Dipankar give up so easily? Sahasthra kept fighting for their love and given her unspeakable condition she did a lot more than try. She did everything in her might to express her feelings.

Raghuveer shook his head before placing his hands on her shoulders, facing her. "Dipankar is a pawn in the queen's game and he is too cowardly to go against her. All his men and servants are loyal to her and not him, it wouldn't be a wonder if he has never received this information about Sahastra's wedding."

Riya could not understand anymore, could it be possible that Dipankar never knew about this wedding?

"How can you let it go so easily, Raghu? You should go and tell him-"

"What do you expect from a man who never dares to express his feelings all these years? That he would miraculously muster up the courage for a marriage? That too making her his queen?" Asked Raghuveer turning furious. He couldn't help but get bitter thinking that Riya was upset because of Dipankar.

Riya's shoulders dropped in disappointment understanding his perspective. If Dipankar seriously loves Sahasthra he should be suffering from their separation like she.

"Forget it Riya." Saying he dropped his hands to his sides waking forward, "It is impossible, few people can never fight their fears. Even at the cost of their life."

Shortly after their heated conversation, they just walked enjoying the nights cool breeze. She has to do something, but considering her situation writing a letter is the only option she is left at hand. It was almost weird how a few wildflowers gave out a strong fragrance making her heart at ease, reminding her of Raghuveer's huge garden. Yet, at the same time, one glance at the prince her heart was back on flutters making her jump in happiness.

Riya slowly slipped her hand into his smiling making him freeze but shortly, coughing Raghuveer tightened their hold tangling their fingers, his face glowing with an invisible blush as they march forward under the sleek moonlight.

Like every beautiful thing come to an end so did their walk. The small yet huge house of Savithri could be seen in the distance as they stood by the backyard entrance to the house leaving Riya sad.

Raghuveer couldn't help but grimace, he wishes to spend a little more time with her but the darker the sky turns the deeper in trouble will she be. Preparing himself for the separation he gathered up his courage to ask her the question which has been eating up his brain for days now.

"Riya, I have to ask you something." He tried his best to keep the stiffness out of his voice but unfortunately, it came out serious.

Raghuveer gulped invisibly seeing her thoughtful expression but he did not dare to leave this place without knowing her heart.

It has been confusing ever since she was staying at this place. She wouldn't write back or at the least would never send a word about her safety with Jaidev. But when he heard some unbelievable utterance of her like towards Jaidev through a maid at the palace, he couldn't sleep or eat. At one point he almost felt betrayed that she had feelings for Jaidev but he would never commit the mistake of believing in rumours. If her sincere happiness lays with Jaidev he might give up on these indescribable emotions he feels for this woman.

But neither could he openly ask a girl about her feelings, he does not want her to feel violated or disrespected, however when Jaidev returned to the palace with no word from her, he couldn't keep calm and instead, he found himself wandering around this house to at least get a glimpse of this mysterious woman his heart has been secretly longing for.

"I acknowledge, that it is inappropriate of me to even ask this, that too at this hour but-" Raghuveer couldn't form words to get himself to ask her this.

What if she has developed feelings for Jaidev in this short span? Jaidev can be charming in his own way.

"But, do-"

This time before he could complete his sentence he felt a warm pair of lips on his left cheek, only when the low smooching sound reached his ears did he understand what happened. Slowly smiling against his cheek, Riya pulled away with red cheeks as she hurriedly pushed her wild hair locks behind her ear gradually making Raghuveer blush as he pulled his left ear in uncontrollable sweet embarrassment.

"We like each other, so this shouldn't be inappropriate, right?" Riya asked with a huge smile her cheeks and ears still pink and the faint light from the fire stick on the wall of the entrance only enhanced her beauty making his heart beat wild like a caged animal ready to jump at her feet.

"Right," His voice came out so low that he had to wonder if this was his voice.

"I have to go now," Riya said, peeping through the thin gap between the doors of the entrance preparing to run inside any second now.

With another hurried glance, Riya walked closer towards the door giving him one last look saying, "I will definitely write a letter so don't forget to ask Jaidev! Bye for now, Veeru."

"Ba-Wha, Alright." Raghuveer stuttered once again unable to grasp her last words.

Maybe he was too drunk with happiness to understand anything. He didn't get to ask her the question which has kept him every night awake with distress but now, even though he received his answer he might still not sleep, and this time from lovesickness.