Virendra Is Impressed By Lavanya: Chapter 19

Reha_writes, I think you all know this author. By the way, I am just here to say that her book A PULL OF DESTINY is amazing💖

Please have a look at it if you are free.

"Virendra, the maids sent lunch to your room," Mahesh said, holding the plate which Lavanya gave to him.

"Keep it on the table," Virendra asserted while checking some official documents.

"The maids told to eat it while it's hot," Mahesh repeated while putting the food on the table.

"Mahesh, are you hungry?" Virendra asked before putting the documents on the table.

"Will you eat if I say yes?" Mahesh implored avoiding Virendra's question.

"Why don't you say that you are hungry?" Virendra laughed while washing hands with the water that the maids had brought.

"This food is made by your wife. So I am asking you to eat while it's hot." Mahesh mumbled in a low voice so that Virendra couldn't hear his words.

"What are you mumbling?" Virendra asked while wiping his hands dry.

"Nothing," Mahesh said casually. "Enjoy your lunch."

Virendra smiled while shaking his head. His eyes widened a bit when he saw the arrangement of the food. This... it's not done by our maids. Baby eggplant curry with coconut sesame rice and vegetable hotchpotch isn't done by our cook. Then did she... He shook his head briefly, trying to push his thoughts aside. Perhaps Karthik wanted to eat these.

He folded his hands and prayed to God for food before having his food. The moment he put the coconut chutney in his mouth, he stopped his movements for a moment while his eyes widened as if he had received a huge shock. Mahesh was observing each and every movement of Virendra.

"Virendra? What's wrong? Is the food not tasting good?" Mahesh asked when he saw his friend wasn't moving his mouth.

"Who cooked this?" Virendra asked at once.

"Our royal cook," Mahesh replied casually.

"No!" Virendra said restlessly. "This taste...who cooked this? Tell me the truth, Mahesh!"

"Royal cook, Virendra." Mahesh tried to sound confident as he could.

"Lies!" Virendra snarled. "Only Lavanya can cook like this! This coconut chutney...no one can prepare it as tasty as she does."

"So you already found out." Mahesh huffed before rolling his eyes while taking a bite on the eggplant.

"So Lavanya prepared this!?" Virendra asked as he couldn't believe his ears.

"Yes, my Prince," Mahesh replied sarcastically while looking at Virendra. "Your wife prepared this food for you with her own hands."

"Then why didn't she come to serve the food? Why did the maids come to serve the food?" Virendra inquired of his friend restlessly.

"Its actually Princess Lavanya came to give the food. The maid said that Prince Karthik wants to meet me but actually it was princess Lavanya who wanted to meet me. She handed me these two plates of food and asked me not to reveal that she cooked the food. So I remained silent." Mahesh explained.

"I have to talk to her." Virendra was about to get up hurriedly, Mahesh put his hand on Virendra's thigh, making it unable for him to get up.

"Where are you going!? Finish your food first." Mahesh withdrew his hand when he felt Virendra had calmed a bit. "Princess Lavanya will feel bad if she comes to know that you didn't have the food."

Virendra closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. "Mahesh, do you think she already forgave me?" He asked nervously.

"Did you apologize to her?" Mahesh avoided Virendra's question.

"Not yet," Virendra replied while putting the food in his mouth.

"Then don't even dream that she will forgive you." Mahesh huffed while continuing to have his food.

"Why?" Virendra arched brows while tasting the curry.

"Because she a strong warrior," Mahesh said in a convinced tone. "I have heard that she easily stopped Prince Karthik. It only shows that she isn't a normal warrior. And as far as I know, warriors aren't weak and on top of that, she is a woman. Women don't forgive unless they feel like forgiving the person."

"Mahesh, you don't know how shocked I was when I saw her using a sword as if it's a game for her," Virendra said while remembering how efficiently she moved her sword and stopped Karthik. "I never knew that she is an expert in using swords."

"It looks like your wife is going to give a lot of surprises in the future." Mahesh chuckled.

"Why do you think so?" Virendra said while putting his hand on his knees before sitting in a straight posture.

"Didn't she already surprise you with her swordsmanship and devotion?" Mahesh wiggled his brows while drinking water. "Who knows how many more hidden talents she has."

"I think I really need to talk to her." Virendra asserted.

"Why? To ask about her talents?" Mahesh wanted to know. "If yes, then please remove your idea of talking to her. Because a woman doesn't tell her secrets unless she trusts the person."

"Doesn't she trust me?" Virendra asked while taking the last bit of the curry.

"Virendra! Tell me something. Does your mind only work sharply on the battlefields?!" Mahesh looked at Virendra with dismay on his face.

"Why are you talking like that?" Virendra arched his brow as he felt proud for using his brain sharply in battlefields.

"Because you really don't understand the normal feelings which a normal human can feel!!!" Mahesh scoffed. He sighed, trying to calm himself. "Virendra, listen to me. Did you ever talk softly with her?"

"No."

"Did you apologize to her?"

"No."

"Did you spend time with her?"

"No."

"Then why on the earth will she trust you, the mighty prince Virendra?!" Mahesh almost yelled as he was running out of patience while Virendra almost flinched at Mahesh's voice.  Mahesh realized it and looked away, tried to stay as calm as he could. "Virendra, as far as I know about princess Lavanya, she isn't a normal woman."

"I know Mahesh," Virendra nodded his head, feeling disappointed at himself. "She has the spirit of an undefeatable warrior. She is confident about her each and every move. I wonder when and from where she had learned such good sword skills."

"Perhaps you are forgetting that Princess Lavanya is the daughter of Siravuri Bhargav, the general of the army of Maheswari and the King's best friend," Mahesh replied calmly. "The general himself is as powerful as the King and possesses all the qualities that a king should have. Then why do you think that he won't teach his daughter about war skills?"

"How do you realize so much about girls?" Virendra huffed while putting the last bit of food into his mouth.

"As a said before, I use my heart instead of my brain when it comes to relationships." Mahesh proudly said.

"I wish I could be as thoughtful as you." Virendra shook his head in dismay while washing his hands in a bowl of water which the maid had brought. "Can you give me advice about this thing called love?"

"Ha!?" Mahesh at once gazed at Virendra while his eyeballs threatened to pop out of his sockets and jaws almost dropped to the ground. "So our mighty God of War, Prince Virendra is asking for love advice from this mere friend!!? How impressive!" He said dramatically with tons of expressions on his face.

"Are you done with your words?" Virendra said expressionlessly while wiping his hands dry.

"Yes, your highness." Mahesh chuckled while washing his hands.

"Now tell me what should I do?" Virendra intertwined his fingers together while he moved his body a little forward, trying to pay utmost attention to his friend's words.

"So, what do you want? Do you want to make her fall for you?" Mahesh asked with excitement in his eyes.

"No," Virendra replied in a stern voice. "I want to befriend with her."

"Ahhh..." Mahesh nodded while putting his fingers on his chin as if he was thinking something really important. "Prince, how about making her your adoptive sister? I think it will be a better option." He suggested in a serious way as if he was proposing a new war strategy to Virendra.

"Are you serious!?" Virendra looked at Mahesh with a confused face.

"I think I should ask you the same." Mahesh scoffed. "Which husband on the earth wants his wife just to be a friend, not even best friend!?"

"Then tell me what should I do, Mahesh," Virendra said in a desperate tone. "You already know that I know nothing about love. That's why I am asking for advice from you."

"It looks like you are really a novice in the field of love." Mahesh nodded realizing that he had to give a lot of effort to make Virendra understand what love was. "Talk to her, Virendra. Tell her how you felt about today's lunch. And make sure to apologize to her."

"Are you sure that she will forgive me if I talk to her?" Virendra asked with hope in his eyes. "Will she talk to me again as she used to do before?"

"Virendra, are you really that desperate to talk to her?" Mahesh said in a teasing voice while he wiggled his brows playfully, giving him a real tease look.

"I-Its not like that." Virendra shook his head. "She is m-my wife after all. If we don't talk to each other, t-then my mother will suspect us." He stammered while speaking.

"A-ahh... How thoughtful!" Mahesh nodded his head as if he understood something really important. "Yes, your highness, you are really awesome." He pressed his lips together, trying hard not to burst into laughter.

"Well, I think I should talk to her now." Virendra stood up from his place while fixing the full sleeves of his royal tunic before taking the uttariya.

"Best of luck, Virendra." Mahesh chuckled as he too stood up.

Virendra nodded while twisting the free end of uttariya to his right arm and the other end was hanging freely from his left shoulder. Virendra looked at Mahesh once before walking out of the room.

As Virendra entered Lavanya's room, he saw Jyotimani was sitting alone on the stool while stitching something. She was so immersed in stitching that she didn't notice the presence of the prince. Walking a few steps towards Jyotimani, Virendra cleared his throat, gaining attention from her.

"P-prince!" Jyotimani immediately put the cloth aside and bowed before the prince. "I-I am s-so sorry. I-I didn't see y-you."

"It's okay," Virendra said in a stoic voice. "Where is Lavanya?"

"She is in prince Karthik's room along with princess Saanvi," Jyotimani informed.

"Mn." Virendra nodded before storming off the room.

So they all together had lunch and they even didn't feel it's important to inform me! Virendra huffed as a number of thoughts were clouding his mind. Whatever! I should first meet Lavanya.

He shook his head as he increased his pace.

"Karthik, why are you alone here?" Virendra asked in turmoil when he saw Karthik was lying on the bed while his eyes were glued to the ceiling.

"Brother." Karthik immediately sat up with a jerk.

"You don't need to get up." Virendra smiled as he walked towards his brother. "Where is your sister-in-law?"

"B-brother, its...actually she went t-to find S-Saanvi." Karthik stammered as he feared to reveal Akshara's presence in the palace.

"Why are you stammering?" Virendra narrowed his eyes as he already sensed something was fishy. "Why are you hiding?"

"N-nothing brother." Karthik tried to sound casual but he again stammered, making Virendra confirm that his brother was lying.

"Karthik...what are you hiding?" Virendra said in an extreme grim voice, making Karthik gulp in fear.

"B-Brother, promise me that you won't be mad or say anything to sister-in-law." Karthik looked at his brother with fear in his eyes.

"Lavanya!? What did she do?" Virendra's brows got knitted together forming a frown. "Alright, I won't be mad. Now tell me what happened."

"Akshara came to our palace," Karthik said and glanced at Virendra, trying to figure out if his brother was getting furious.

"What? Akshara came? Why wasn't I informed about her arrival?" Virendra looked at Karthik sharply as he felt hurt for not informing him.

"She came in disguise as a maid," Karthik replied in a different voice, trying to show that he was out of options.

"Why did she come in disguise?" Virendra asked confusingly. "She is Lavanya's sister after all. She can come and go whenever she wants."

"Akshara and Saanvi said the same," Karthik mumbled in a pessimistic voice. "But sister-in-law said that Akshara cannot come here whenever she wants because sister-in-law is married now. So they became angry and went away."

"Why Lavanya forbade her?" Virendra assessed worriedly. "She is her sister and a sister surely wants to meet her older sister."

"I know brother," Karthik said with a pout on his face. "She said that after marriage a woman has to take a lot of responsibilities." He let out a deep breath and looked at his brother. "Brother, aren't you in good terms with sister-in-law? I mean, is there any problem between you two? Is she happy to beside you forever?"

"I did a great mistake Karthik." Virendra let out a sigh while his facial expressions turned into a sad one. "I don't know if she is happy with this marriage."

"Then why don't you ask her?" Karthik gazed at his brother.

"I will, Karthik." Virendra looked at Karthik and smiled a bit. "Take a rest. I will go and find her."

"Mn." Karthik smiled brightly.

Virendra smiled back before walking out of the room.

Is Lavanya really unhappy with this marriage? I thought she is fine and that's why she agreed. If she didn't want to get married to me, then why did she say yes? Virendra was walking with a deep frown on his face while his hands were held at his back. His gaze was fixed on the garden walkway. Did she agree to this marriage under the pressure of any person? I too disagreed at first but...I wasn't totally against this marriage. It's not that I hate her.

"Saanvi, Akshara!"

As Virendra was deeply immersed in his thoughts, a familiar sharp voice disturbed him. He immediately lifted his head and his eyes swiftly moved to detect the source of the voice.

"Lavanya?" Virendra uttered when he saw his wife walking quickly towards a shaded seat in the garden. His eyes followed Lavanya only to find Saanvi and Akshara were sitting beside each other with a gloomy face. Hearing Lavanya's voice, Saanvi and Akshara looked at her. He saw Lavanya sat between the two girls and smiled sweetly. Virendra moved closer and hid behinds tree so that he could clearly see Lavanya and hear her words.

"Why did you two run away?" Lavanya said while taking deep breaths, trying to normalize herself. She looked at Saanvi and Akshara who were sitting on either side.

"Its...we don't agree with your words." Saanvi pouted before looking away.

"Okay okay." Lavanya chuckled. "Forget about what I said, okay? Now tell me, both of you, Akshara came to meet me because she missed me, right?" She paused and looked at the girls and both of them nodded. "So, she is here now with me. Then who will take care of my father then?" She looked at Akshara with questioning eyes.

"But...he can take care of himself," Akshara replied in a low voice.

"Did you already cook for him?" Lavanya asked in a polite manner to which her sister shook her head. "See, then how will he have dinner? He already returns home late."

"A-ahh...I really forgot about it." Akshara scratched her head while looking at her sister with guilt in her eyes.

"This is why I asked you not to come to me whenever you want." Lavanya playfully said while internally feeling relieved for convincing Akshara. She knew that Akshara was as stubborn as she was. Once she had decided to do anything, no one could change her mind.

"Sister-in-law, you said after marriage a girl has to take care of a lot of things. They have huge responsibilities." Saanvi said while looking at her sister-in-law with big doe eyes.

"You are still thinking about that?" Lavanya laughed. "Don't tell me you are planning to run away from your responsibilities."

"Sister-in-law..." Saanvi whined as she looked away from Lavanya, making Akshara chuckle as well.

"Alright." Lavanya stopped laughing but there was a smile on her face. "Every person has some responsibilities in his or her life. No matter what, you cannot run away from them. For example, look at your father. He is the king and he has to take care of his subjects. Not only that, but he also has to protect them from various enemies as well as he has to take care of his family too. Those are his responsibilities and he is performing them well."

"I am not talking about it." Saanvi groaned. "I have heard that after marriage a girl has to take care of her new home and family. She has to work all day and night and please her husband. She even has to sacrifice her wishes for her husband."

"What!? Is that true, sister?" Akshara looked at her sister at once. "Is prince Virendra making you work for him as a slave and asked you to abandon your interests and wishes?"

"Who told you this!?" Lavanya's eyes widened after hearing Saanvi's and Akshara's words before she burst into laughter. "Oh my God! I really want to meet the person who gave you such wrong information to you." She laughed heartily while tears formed at the corner of her eyes. "This is why you are not willing to marry that prince."

"I had a maid and she got married. She told me all these things." Saanvi replied while a wave of sadness washed her face.

"Did she tell you those things before her marriage after her marriage?" Lavanya asked while her facial expressions turned into serious ones.

"Before marriage," Saanvi replied.

"Don't listen to her words then," Lavanya said in a strict tone. "Before marriage, the mothers tell their daughters like this. But it's not true." She looked at both the girls. "If a husband loves his wife, then no matter what, he will protect her from all the problems and will look after her as his queen. When he looks after her as his queen, then how will he bear to see his wife suffering? So don't worry, prince Harshik won't let you do those things. He already loves you so much. I am sure he will look after you as his queen."

"Are you sure about this?" Akshara and Saanvi asked in unison.

"Yes, I am." Lavanya relied confidently on on. "For example, look at Queen Gayatri Devi. She is also a woman and she also left her home after marriage to stay with the King. She is now a good mother, a good wife, and a good Queen as well. She bravely took all the responsibilities and took care of them. She raised you and your brothers flawlessly that they are now spreading the glory of Maheswari.   Now tell me, doesn't your father love your mother? Does she work as a slave for your father?" She asked Saanvi while Akshara stared at Saanvi, waiting for an answer.

"He loves her very much." Saanvi smiled upon remising her happy moments with her family, especially with her parents.

"See." Lavanya smiled. "What your maid said isn't completely true. You shouldn't believe anyone before finding out the truth." She turned towards Akshara and continued. "It's not that the women are sacrificing themselves by living in their new homes with their husband. In fact, they lead a happy and beautiful life."

"I was so scared after listening to her." Saanvi pouted. "So I kept saying no to the marriage proposal."

"Now I think I have cleared both of your doubts, hm?" Lavanya glanced at Akshara and Saanvi to which both of them nodded. "Now tell me, was I wrong?"

"I am sorry, sister-in-law. I shouldn't have left brother Karthik's room like that." Saanvi looked at Lavanya with guilty eyes. "I am sorry for getting angry at you."

"I am sorry too, sister," Akshara uttered. "I thought you are pushing me away and the prince is making you do so. So I got angry at you and the prince."

"No no." Lavanya chuckled. "Prince Virendra isn't involved in this. Don't worry. And why will I abandon my little sister?" She pinched Akshara's cheek, making her groan.

"Why are you so good, sister-in-law?" Saanvi gazed at Lavanya with eyes full of affection.

"Look at you two." Lavanya chuckled. "I am 20 years old while both of you are 18. But it looks like I am a mother and I am lecturing two big kids here."

Saanvi and Akshara chuckled and both of them hugged Lavanya tightly. "You are the best." They said in unison as they released the hug.

"Sister-in-law, is everything alright between you and brother?" Saanvi asked as she gawked intently at Lavanya while the latter's smile disappeared and was replaced by a serious face.

"Why are you suddenly asking me this?" Lavanya looked away from Saanvi.

"Because it has been almost 5 days since you two got married but I haven't even seen you two talking together even a single day," Saanvi said.

"Its because she wasn't willing to marry the prince," Akshara said in a complaining tone. "Respecting the king's decision and father's wish, she agreed to marry him."

"Akshara! Stop spilling the secrets!" Lavanya glared at Akshara, making her stop talking.

"Ah!? Is that true, sister-in-law?" Saanvi gazed at Lavanya, seeking an answer from her.

"It's..."

"It's true Saanvi," Akshara said cutting Lavanya's words. "Let me tell you a secret. Come closer." She said moving her finger, signaling Saanvi to come closer while the latter moved her body forward so that she could hear Akshara. "My sister calls prince Virendra a spoiled prince." She chuckled.

"What!? Spoiled prince?" Saanvi said loudly before bursting into laughter.

"Akshara!!!! I said stop spilling secrets!" Lavanya almost yelled, feeling embarrassed while Akshara and Saanvi burst into laughter.

"She didn't say wrong." Saanvi tried to speak while laughing hard. "My father really spoiled brother Virendra." She put emphasis on the word really.

"You two! Stop laughing! Nothing is funny here." Lavanya's cheeks turned pink due to embarrassment while she was trying to stop them.

On the other hand, Virendra was listening to their whole conversation. A faint smile appeared on his lips, watching both Akshara and Saanvi laugh heartily while Lavanya was struggling to stop them from laughing.

It looks like Mahesh is quite correct. How many more surprises will she give to me? She surprised me with her beauty on the wedding day, then her politeness, then her devotion towards gods, then her care towards the subjects, she showed that she is a perfect warrior, she even showed that she is good in cooking as well, and now she is showing her motherly side. How many more surprises are waiting for me, Lavanya? Virendra smiled while glimpsing at Lavanya with appreciation in his eyes. But something didn't change through these years...she still gives me various names. And now she is calling me a spoiled prince! Only she has the guts to call the crowned prince like that. Really, she is a wildcat.

"Are you done with your laughing?" Lavanya looked at Akshara and Saanvi with so done face while they tried hard to stop laughing.

"Y-yes." Akshara and Saanvi said in unison as they almost stopped laughing.

"Akshara, you came here disguised as a maid but now you are roaming freely as if everyone knows about your arrival," Lavanya said in a complaining manner. "Cover you face will pallu and accompany your princess Saanvi. And you, Saanvi..." She turned her head towards Saanvi. "Go to your room. Check if your brother is alright or not."

"Spoiled prince...I mean brother Virendra?" Saanvi said teasingly.

"Prince Karthik!" Lavanya glared at Saanvi while the latter looked away from her.

"Saanvi, don't tease her anymore. Let's go now. Otherwise, she may even use her sword against her." Akshara chuckled while holding Saanvi's hand.

"Akshara, you-"

"Bye, sister." Akshara quickly covered her face with her pallu before running away from her along with Saanvi.

As they ran out of her sight, Lavanya sat on the seat and closed her eyes for a moment. These kids are really something. She smiled as she opened her eyes. Suddenly her stomach growled, signaling her that she didn't have her lunch. It looks like the sun will set after a few hours. I didn't have lunch. She sighed while resting her cheeks on her palms. I will have my dinner. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down.

On the other hand, Virendra thought of joining Lavanya so that could have a talk with her. He was about to take a step forward, he saw the King was walking towards Lavanya.

"Why does everyone have to come to talk to her now!?" Virendra scoffed as he again hid behind the tree.

"Lavanya?" The King said gently, making Lavanya open her eyes immediately.

"Your Majesty!" Lavanya immediately stood up and bowed to the King.

"Have a seat." The King said politely as he sat on another seat.

"What brings you here, your majesty? You could have just informed me, I would come to talk to you." Lavanya asserted with a gentle smile on her face.

"It's okay, Lavanya." The king smiled. "Well, I think from tomorrow, you should join the court."

"Huh?" Lavanya's jaws slacked listening to the King's words.

"Why are you so shocked?" The king smiled at Lavanya's reaction. "You are Virendra's wife now. Virendra, Karthik, Saanvi attend the court. I think you too should join from tomorrow."

"But father-in-law..."

"No more buts, Lavanya. We will meet again in the royal court tomorrow." The King said in a gentle yet authoritative voice. "I have to take care of something."

"Yes, your majesty." Lavanya stood up and bowed while the King nodded before leaving the place.

"A new responsibly again." Lavanya shook her head and walked towards her room.

So Lavanya will attend the court tomorrow. Woah! Then it means...I can again have a chance to witness her another form. Virendra smiled as he saw Lavanya walking away from there.

"Admiring her?" A manly voice spoke, making Virendra flinch and he turned around. His eyes bulged out as he recognized that person.

"F-father." Virendra bowed to his father, showing respect.

"You didn't answer my question." The King smiled while putting his hands behind his back.

"A-ah...its nothing father," Virendra said casually. "I was just strolling around and saw you talking with her. So I stopped here."

"Oh! So you were strolling behind a tree?" The King played along as he noticed Virendra glimpsing at Lavanya. Virendra looked away as he realized that he was caught red-handed. "Virendra, you don't need to feel shy." The King chuckled. "She is your wife. You can talk to her whenever you want. But the way you are staring at her, it seems like you want to talk to her but cannot get a chance, isn't it?"

"You already noticed!?" Virendra's eyes bulged out.

"Yes." The King replied proudly. "Nothing can hide from my sight. Virendra, I know you didn't agree with this marriage, but you need to understand that Lavanya is the most suitable bride for you. I have heard that she defeated Karthik. Do you think it's easy for an ordinary warrior to defeat your brother?"

"I understand father," Virendra said in a low voice. "But...Lavanya didn't have her consent in this marriage. She married me to fulfill yours and her father's wish."

"I know, son." The King said. "But you need to show her that she can trust you. You need to make her feel like she didn't regret her decision of marrying you." The King walked a few steps while Virendra joined him. "Your mother too didn't like me since the beginning. Our marriage was fixed by your grandparents. But see, your mother is happy now."

"Thank you for the advice father." Virendra smiled as he realized his father's hidden meaning.

"Mn." The King nodded and walked away from there.

"Akshara, it's already late evening, I think you should return to home now." Lavanya entered Saanvi's room where Akshara and Saanvi were gossiping with each other.

"Why so soon?" Saanvi whined.

"Sister, can I stay here tonight?" Akshara asked trying to sound as cute as possible.

"Akshara!!" Lavanya's eyes widened at her sister's words. "How will father know that you are here?"

"We will send a message to him," Saanvi suggested.

"Sister-in-law, the general is talking with the King. If you want, then you can inform him about Akshara's presence here." Karthik entered the room.

"Then please inform my father, prince." Akshara immediately got down from the bed and walked to the prince.

"Alright." Lavanya huffed. "I will inform father. You will sleep in my room."

"Sister-in-law, Akshara said that you know a lot of stories, can I sleep with you too?" Saanvi looked at Lavanya.

"How old are you, Saanvi?" Karthik chuckled. "You still want to listen to bedtime stories!?"

"What's wrong with that!?" Saanvi talked back.

"Alright alright." Lavanya laughed. "Both of you will sleep in my room. Happy?"

"Thank you." Saanvi and Akshara said in unison.

Lavanya and Karthik left the room while the girls continued their gossiping. Lavanya talked to her father and informed him about Akshara's deeds. She assumed that her father would rebuke her but surprisingly he laughed at her words. He assured her not to worry about him and left the palace.

On the other hand, whenever Virendra tried to talk to her, someone came to stop his way. When he went to talk to her, he saw that Lavanya was talking with her father. He returned to his room. Later he got busy while checking some official documents about security and soldiers. He was so immersed in his work that he didn't notice the time. It was Mahesh who called him for dinner.

"So you again didn't talk to her?" Mahesh said while the maid put the dinner on the table.

"I didn't get a chance, Mahesh," Virendra said feeling irritated. "Whenever I went to talk to her, she was busy with something."

"What will you do now?" Mahesh said as he took a seat on the couch.

"I will talk to her after dinner," Virendra said while having his food.

They ate in silence. After finishing his dinner, he went to meet Lavanya. As he reached her room, he decided to knock the door before entering. He was about to knock the door, it suddenly opened and Jyotimani flinched when she saw the prince.

"S-sorry your highness." Jyotimani bowed.

"Is Lavanya in her room?" Virendra asked in a serious tone.

"S-She is sleeping," Jyotimani informed.

"Why is she sleeping so soon?" Virendra narrowed his eyes, unable to believe her words.

"You can come inside." Jyoti bowed and moved aside, making space for the prince.

Virendra walked inside. A gentle smile formed on his face when he saw her sleeping with Akshara and Saanvi on both sides. It looked like an elder sister tucked two little kids to bed before she dozed off into deep sleep.

"Your highness, do y..."

"You don't need to wake her up," Virendra whispered so that his voice wouldn't disturb her sleep. He then silently left the room while Jyotimani closed the door and she adjusted herself on the couch.

~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~

"Did you talk to her?" Mahesh asked as Virendra entered his room.

"She is sleeping," Virendra said while taking off his uttariya.

"I knew it." Mahesh huffed. "It's already late. You sleep late, ut doesn't mean that she has to sleep late for you."

"I know," Virendra said. "You can return to your room. I will be going to bed soon."

"Good Night, Virendra." Mahesh nodded before leaving the room.

Virendra changed his clothes to simple dhoti and a uttariya before going to bed.

We will meet tomorrow at court Lavanya. I hope we can talk properly this time.

5456 words....

This entire update was supposed to be written in the last chapter. Gladly I divided it otherwise my condition would have become tough.

I will update it after a week (perhaps)

I have to update my other books since I have updated them and continued updating this book.