Virendra Challenges Lavanya: Chapter 26

"Mahesh, these swords are light weighted and easy to use but the blades aren't sharp," Virendra uttered while examining the blade of the sword. His thick brows got knitted together while observing the sharpness of the blades of the new swords. "I want the blades of the swords should be as sharp as the blade of my sword." He slowly ran his index finger on the blade of the sword which he was holding. The rough epidermis of his finger grazed against the not so blunt blade of the sword. "See, it doesn't form any cut on my finger." He showed his index finger to Mahesh. "Only a few layers of dead skin got damaged. But I want the blade of the sword should be sharp enough to form deep cut once it touches the skin of the enemies."

"I understand, Virendra," Mahesh replied. "These swords were brought to the palace in the afternoon. I will talk to that swordsmith who made the swords as soon as possible."

"Just tell the swordsmith to sharpen the blades. He doesn't need to change the entire design of the sword." Virendra said while examining the weight and the design of the sword. "And yes, the swords are good. I want our special soldiers should practice using these new words. So send half of the swords to swordsmith first and then we can send the other half."

"As you wish." Mahesh nodded before covering the boxes which contained the swords.

"It's already late. I think we should return to our chambers." Virendra said while twisting the uttariya around his lower arm.

As Virendra and Mahesh were returning to their chambers, their eyes fell on the maids who were smiling while their faces were glowing with happiness. Virendra narrowed his eyes a bit, trying to figure out what was going on.

"The maids seem to be very happy today, aren't they?" Virendra asked while glancing at Mahesh.

"Mn." Mahesh nodded while looking at the maids who were laughing happily. "Wait here. I will ask what's going on."

Mahesh walked towards the maids who were putting the oil in the diyas (oil lamps). Seeing Mahesh, they bowed to him gently.

"Did something happen recently? Why you all look so happy?" Mahesh asked in a gentle voice.

"Brother Mahesh, today is the happiest day for all of us. The Queen punished Meenamma and our new princess and princess Saanvi selected a new member who took her place." A maid replied while giggling.

"We are really lucky that princess Lavanya is here, otherwise we should have been living an awful life." Another maid replied with a smile while gently pouring oil in the diyas.

"Did princess Lavanya help all of you to remove Meenamma from her position?" Mahesh inquired of the maids.

"Yes." The maids replied in unison.

"She confidently proved that Meenamma is cruel and suggested that we should live a better life." The maid smiled. "Then the Queen punished Meenamma and the princesses chose Kavita as our new head of the maids. Princess Lavanya is so good to us." She looked at the other maid who was standing there with a bowl of oil.

"Prince Virendra is really lucky to have her as his wife." Another maid chuckled while helping a maid to adjust the diyas.

"That's good news then." Mahesh smiled. "I am taking my leave then."

The maids bowed to Mahesh before he walked towards Prince Virendra. He looked at Mahesh with questioning eyes to which Mahesh smiled a bit.

"It looks like your wife again did something amazing." Mahesh chuckled while looking at the floor. "She got rid of the cruel Meenamma and chose another maid to take her position."

"What!?" Virendra's jaws slacked while a frown appeared on his forehead after listening to this new piece of information. "How did she do it? Isn't Meenamma selected by the Queen?"

"Virendra, do you think Lavanya is less intelligent than the Queen?" Mahesh glanced at Virendra with a proud look on his face. "She is the future Queen of Maheswari. She has her own ways to prove her words."

Virendra's lips curved upwards into a proud smile after listening to the praises about his wife. He looked down and let out a deep breath before looking at his friend. "It looks like I have underestimated her." A small chuckle escaped his lips. "Mahesh, I think you should return to your room. I am thinking of meeting Lavanya."

"As you wish, your highness." Mahesh chuckled while bowing because he knew that the prince never liked it when he bowed to him.

Feeling annoyed, Virendra's brows got knitted together forming a frown while he looked away. Mahesh laughed witnessing the prince's expressions and walked away without saying a single word. After Mahesh had left the place, Virendra shook his head. Mahesh really knows how to piss me off. He huffed before walking towards Lavanya's chamber.

Should I knock on the door? What if she is sleeping? It's already late. Should I just open the door and sneak inside secretly? Is it improper to enter a woman's room without knocking on the door? But...she is my wife after all.  Virendra's mind was clouded by thoughts as he stared at the metallic door. Shrugging all the thoughts, he gently pushed the metallic doors to avoid making loud noise and entered the room. His brows knitted together when he saw that the room was pitch dark and there was no diya in the room.

Does Lavanya like darkness? As far as I remember she never liked the darkness. Pressing his lips together tightly, he slowly walked out of the room and went to bring a fire-torch. Picking a fire torch from the corridor, he walked quickly towards Lavanya's room. Virendra's eyes widened in shock while his jaws slacked when he realized that neither Lavanya nor her maid was present in the room.

He immediately rushed to Mahesh's room. On the way, he checked the gardens as well, thinking that she, might be strolling there but he didn't find her there. Fortunately, Mahesh wasn't asleep. He was walking to and fro in his room. Seeing Virendra, Mahesh walked towards him.

"What's wrong Virendra? Why do you look so worried?" Mahesh asked when he saw the frown on Virendra's glabella while beads of sweat were formed on his forehead.

"Lavanya isn't there in her room. She is missing." Virendra tried to sound calm but he sounded worried.

"What!?" Mahesh's jaws slacked while his lips parted in shock. "What are you saying? Did you ask Jyotimani about Lavanya's whereabouts?"

"She isn't there as well." Virendra breathed out while looking at Mahesh, waiting for a solution.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Mahesh looked at Virendra. "I think they are roaming around the palace or spending time in the garden."

"They aren't present in the garden," Virendra said. "I checked the garden."

Mahesh looked at Virendra. "I think we should check the chambers of maids. I think both of the ladies are present there."

Nodding his head in agreement, Virendra walked towards the chambers of maids along with Mahesh.

"I won't go in front of the maids' chambers," Virendra said in a cold voice while stopping his steps a little away from the maids' chambers.

Letting out a deep breath, Mahesh stared at Virendra with annoyance in his eyes before shaking his head. He won't ever change. "Wait here."

Mahesh walked towards the chambers and saw a few maids were gossiping at the entrance of the chambers. He walked to them.

"Sisters, are princess Lavanya and Jyotimani present here?" Mahesh asked softly.

"Greetings." The maids bowed to Mahesh. "Wait here. I will call her." Saying so the maids went inside.

On the other hand, because of the meeting after a long time, Kavita and Jyotimani were gossiping cheerfully without even keeping the track of time. Their sweet time was spoiled by the voice of a maid.

"Jyotimani, brother Mahesh came to see you." A maid informed and Jyotimani immediately stood up. Her fear came true as she was guessing that the prince would search for Lavanya for sure.

Gulping, she looked at Kavita before walking with the maids. "Let's go then."

As she came out of the chambers, she saw Mahesh and Virendra were talking to each other while their faces clearly showed how worried they were. A frown formed on Jyotimani's face when she tried to understand the reason for their worries. Her eyes widened when she suddenly realized that her fears came true. Gathering all her courage, she walked towards the royal men in slow steps.

"Greetings, your highness," Jyotimani said in a low voice while bowing to the prince.

Virendra immediately looked at her. Without wasting a single second, he asked in a deep and cold voice, "where is princess Lavanya?"

Jyotimani's fingers clenched into fists while she bit her inner cheeks hard to control her nervousness. She was already scared about facing that situation but Virendra's cold voice made her even more scared.

"I am asking something!" Virendra almost growled in a deadly cold voice, sending shivers down her spine. "Where is princess Lavanya?"

"Virendra!" Mahesh looked at his friend with disbelief in his eyes. "Be polite. You are scaring her." He glanced at Jyotimani before looking at the prince. "I will talk to her. Be patient." He turned towards the maid. "Jyotimani, where is princess Lavanya?" He asked in a soft and polite tone which was enough to vanish all her fears.

"S-She went t-to stroll in the g-gardens." Jyotimani shuttered while hanging her head low as she was afraid to meet Virendra's gaze.

"Then why didn't you accompany her?!" Virendra almost yelled.

"Virendra, I am talking to her!" Mahesh glared at his friend who looked away, trying to suppress his anger.

"I w-wanted to accompany h-her but s-she said she n-needs to spend some t-time alone and i-if I go with her t-then she will stop t-talking to me f-forever." Jyotimani gulped while trying to answer each and every question confidently.

"Such a stubborn girl!" Virendra scoffed. "She isn't there in the gardens. Where did she go at this hour?!" He looked at Mahesh while trying to control his anger.

"When did she go to the gardens?" Mahesh asked to Jyotimani.

"About 2 hours ago," Jyotimani replied in a shaky voice.

"What!? She is missing for 2 hours!" Virendra gasped.

"Calm down Virendra," Mahesh said worriedly as he could see how worried Virendra was. He looked at the maid. "Jyotimani, you can go inside."

Jyotimani nodded and bowed to both of the men before retiring to the chambers.

"Mahesh, search for her in the entire palace silently," Virendra ordered in an authoritative voice. "Don't disturb the sleep of the king, the queen, and my siblings."

"Yes." Mahesh nodded and quickly walked away as he had to notify the guards about Virendra's command.

Where are you Lavanya?! Virendra let out a deep breath while standing in the corridor. The moonlight fell on his face while the gentle breeze was touching his face as if it was trying to take away his worries. Cannot you just tell me before going anywhere?! He was immersed in his own thoughts when suddenly a shrill voice pulled him out of his daze.

"Brother!" Saanvi was running towards Virendra as if she was participating in some running competition.

"Saanvi!?" Virendra's brows got knitted together forming a furrow since he didn't expect to meet her sister at that hour. He walked towards her while the latter stopped running. "Why aren't you sleeping yet? It's already late."

"Brother, did you see brother Karthik?" Saanvi said while taking deep breaths.

"Isn't he sleeping in his room?" Virendra asked, avoiding Saanvi's question.

"No brother," Saanvi replied as if she was desperate. "Brother Karthik went to gardens to enjoy the light breeze. But when I went to join him, he was missing from there. I almost checked out the entire palace but he isn't here." She gulped hard, trying to get rid of the lump forming around her throat.

"Lavanya is also missing," Virendra muttered before looking at his sister. "At what time did Karthik went to the gardens?" He asked in a dead-serious tone.

"About 2 hours ago," Saanvi replied.

Strange! Lavanya went to the gardens around 2 hours ago and Karthik went there at the same time. After that, both of them are missing. Virendra closed his eyes for a moment while messaging his temples. Suddenly he opened his eyes as he realized something. This means both of them are together. He let out a deep sigh which indicated how annoyed he was and looked at his sister. "Go to your room, Saanvi. Your brother and sister-in-law are safe. Don't worry."

"Are you sure, brother?" Saanvi looked at her brother with uncertain eyes.

"Hm." Virendra nodded. "I am sure. Now go to sleep little princess." He smiled a little to assure that everything was alright.

"Good night, brother." Saanvi smiled.

Before Virendra could reply to her, Mahesh came running. "Virendra! We couldn't find her." He said while looking very worried.

"Saanvi, go to your room," Virendra said while his sister obeyed his words. After his sister went away, he turned towards Mahesh. "Stop searching for her. Both Karthik and Lavanya are missing from the palace."

"Huh?!" Mahesh's eyes widened in shock as he realized something. "Don't tell me that they are roaming somewhere together."

"That is what I wanted to say," Virendra replied with a sigh before looking away from his friend. He explained the entire incident to his friend while the latter's jaws slacked listening to the explanation.

"Virendra, let me tell you, your wife is really something." Mahesh chuckled as he saw his friend was messaging his temples.

"I know," Virendra replied tiredly. "Go to your room and take rest. I will wait for them."

"It's alright. I will accompany you." Mahesh crossing his arms across his chest while resting his body against the vertical support of the arch.

"Don't be stubborn now." Virendra looked at his friend coldly. "Go to your room. I will be okay."

"Don't miss me later." Mahesh chuckled as he left Virendra to retire to his room.

"No one is going to miss you," Virendra mumbled and looked at the starry sky. A heavy sigh escaped from his lips. Lavanya, please come back. Don't be so stubborn like you used to be.

Why aren't they coming back yet?! Virendra was walking to and fro in the corridor. His 'V' shaped knitted brows with a frown on his face and his hands which were clenched into fists clearly showed how much worried he was.

It had been more than four hours since Lavanya and Karthik left and there was no sign of them returning to the palace. Only the guards who were on duty could be seen walking around. Otherwise, not a single soul could be seen at such late hours at night.

Suddenly cheerful laughter echoed in the entire corridor which grabbed Virendra's attention.

"Karthik?!" Virendra's eyes narrowed a bit as he immediately followed the direction of the voice. Walking a few steps ahead, he saw the two persons for whom he was waiting endlessly.

Karthik was laughing while Lavanya was glaring at him, trying to stop him by signaling him with her hands. Virendra looked at them amusingly while the other two persons didn't even have an idea that they were being watched. A frown formed on his face when he saw Lavanya was wearing a simple saree without wearing any jewelry. Even her nosepin was absent while her hair was tied into a messy bun but Karthik was wearing his royal robes, making him look like a prince.

"What are you two doing here at this hour?!" Virendra's deep voice echoed in the entire corridor making the two persons flinch.

Lavanya looked at Virendra as if she had seen a ghost. Her eyeballs almost popped out of her sockets while her face became pale. She looked at her brother-in-law who seemed unprepared at that situation.

"I asked something! Where did you go without informing me?" Virendra almost roared like a hungry lion while glaring at his wife, leaving her perplexed.

"P-prince...i-its a-actually..." Lavanya stammered, unable to find correct words to explain while her uncertain eyes looked down.

"Sister-in-law, why don't you tell him the truth?" Karthik interrupted.

"Karthik!" Lavanya at once looked at the prince with disbelief in her eyes.

"Yes sister-in-law, let me speak," Karthik said in a determined voice.

"You promised me!" Lavanya's voice quivered as her biggest fears were about to come true.

"What are you hiding from me?" Virendra's said in a cold, stoic voice sending shivers down Lavanya's spine. "It has been more than four hours that both of you went out of the palace."

"P-prince i-its n-nothi..."

"Why are lying sister-in-law?!" Karthik interrupted her. "Brother, do you even know why sister-in-law left the palace at this hour? She is upset because of your behavior. You are not treating her well. So she went out alone to have some fresh air."

"Huh?!" Lavanya at once looked at Karthik with wide eyes while her jaws almost dropped to the ground as she wasn't expecting that explanation from her brother-in-law.

"Is it the truth, Lavanya?" Virendra glanced at his wife while a wave of guilt hit him hard.

When Lavanya was about to open her mouth, Karthik continued, " yes brother! She was roaming in the gardens alone looking so sad. When I asked her the reason, she didn't tell me. So I just guessed -"

"Karthik! What are you doing?!" Lavanya said while gritting her teeth while she looked at Karthik with 'please stop' facial expressions.

"Sister-in-law, let me continue." Karthik looked at Lavanya with an assuring look while the latter just looked away.

God! What is he going to say now!? Please don't sprout any nonsense, Karthik. Lavanya internally sighed while cursing herself for not being attentive while escaping from the palace.

"Lavanya, why didn't you tell me about this?" Virendra asked in a low voice full of remorse.

"How can she herself say that to you brother? I just took her to have a walk around the city so that she could feel better." Karthik replied in such a confident tone that no one could guess that he was making up a story.

"Sorry for the interruption but I am feeling tired and I need rest. Excuse me, please, and good night." Completing her words as quickly as possible, Lavanya almost ran out of the place, trying to avoid any further questions from Virendra.

Before Virendra could stop her, she disappeared from there. Feeling his own guilt eating his away, he looked at his brother. "Do you think that I am really a bad husband for her?" He asked.

"A-ahhaa brother..." Karthik laughed awkwardly as he was not ready for any of Virendra's questions. His main aim was to make Lavanya escape from Virendra's questions which he succeed but he didn't expect that he himself would land in trouble. What should I do now?! I don't even know if they are really having problems in their relationship or not and came up with this story. But what should I reply now? God! Why did I come up with such a story?!

"Karthik?" Virendra said in a gentle voice when he saw his brother was in deep thoughts.

"Brother, I think we should talk about it tomorrow. I am feeling so sleepy. Good night brother." Karthik quickly finished his words and walked out of there, leaving an utterly confused Virendra.

Am I really treating her badly? I think this time I went too far and didn't apologize to her. Why are things getting difficult for me? Virendra heaved a heavy sigh and walked towards his chambers.

Lavanya entered her room as quickly as she could and closed the doors. Leaning against the closed doors, she was breathing heavily while trying to stabilize herself. When her breathing became normal, she walked towards her couch and sat on it.

These brothers are really unpredictable. The prince almost made my heart drop by his confrontation while the younger almost made me stop breathing by his honest confession! She sighed and stood up to drink some water which was kept on the adjacent table. It looks like Jyoti is having fun with her friend. She smiled while removing that hairpin which was holding all her hairs together. Her long black hair was even darker than midnight fell freely below her waist.

A big yawn escaped from her lips when she was lazily running her long slender fingers through her slightly wavy hair. Feeling it impossible to keep her eyes open, she retired to her bed without tying her hair and closed her eyes. Soon the sleep conquered her and her drifted into dreamland.

Lavanya stirred in her sleep when bright shafts of sunlight fell on her closed eyes. Putting her hand on her eyes to block the bright light, she turned to the side so that she could continue her sweet sleep. But her sweet wish of sleeping more was ruined when a known voice called her.

"Your highness, the sun has already risen. You have to wake up now. The first prahar has already started." A gentle female voice spoke, making Lavanya open her eyes lazily.

Lavanya opened her eyes to find her maid smiling at her. "Good morning, Jyoti." She smiled as she slowly got down from the bed. "It looks like I have slept very much today." She smiled as she washed her face with the water kept in a big bowl on the table.

"Sister, when did you return yesterday?" Jyotimani asked, handing Lavanya a cloth to wipe her face.

"Almost after four hours," Lavanya replied while tying her hair into a bun.

"D-did the prince said something to you?" Jyotimani asked in a low voice, feeling nervous.

"He didn't say anything." Lavanya turned towards the maid. "But his brother messed up everything."

"Ah?" Jyotimani looked at Lavanya with a confused face. "Are you talking about prince Karthik?"

"Yes." Lavanya nodded and narrated the entire incident while Jyotimani busted into laughter listening to Karthik's intelligence. "Don't laugh, Jyoti!" Lavanya huffed while looking away.

"I am sorry." Jyotimani pressed her lips together, trying to control her urge to burst into laughter again. "But sister, he protected you from getting caught."

"I know." Lavanya let out a deep breath. "Prepare a bath for me. I need to fresh up."

"It's already prepared, your highness." Jyotimani bowed to Lavanya.

"Mn." Lavanya nodded and walked away from her room to fresh up.

"Sister, are you going to talk to prince Karthik about what happened yesterday?" Jyotimani asked while drying Lavanya's long, thick, black hair using an ash pot. The warm grey smoke was twirling from the ash pot, touching the princess's hair, drying it.

"I think I will let go of him this time." Lavanya chuckled as a flash of events that happened the previous day appeared in her mind. The way Karthik confidently made up a story and his brother believe it as if it was the truth formed a smile on her face. She took a small box that was kept in the table and opened it to take out a pair of golden anklets. "Jyoti, these are for you." She took the anklets in her hand and extended her arm towards Jyotimani.

"For me?!" Jyotimani's eyes widened as she stopped doing her work.

"Yes, my dear sister." Lavanya smiled as she put those anklets in Jyotimani's hand. "These are for you." She took the ash pot from the maid's hand and put it on the table. "My hair is almost dry. I will tie it loosely."

Standing up from her seat, she walked towards the table where she kept all her necessary items. Taking a comb from the table, she combed to sleek back all the hair at the front. Gathering up the front hair, she pinned up the sleeked back hair in the center at the back of her head. Putting a few flowers on the back of her head where she pinned up her hair, she completed her hairstyle.

"I am going to have a look around the palace, Jyoti. Get ready quickly and join me." Lavanya smiled and put on a simple necklace around her neck. Wearing a simple mang tika and a few gold bangles in her hands, she completed her look. "I am leaving." She glanced at her maid before walking out of the room.

It was a pleasant morning. The sun was neither showing too much of its prominence nor it completely hid behind the white, patchy clouds. The gentle golden rays of the sun were touching the palace grounds, making it look like a heavenly abode.

Lavanya was walking in her usual pace through the corridor of the first floor of the magnificent palace when her eyes suddenly fell on the soldiers who were getting trained under the leadership of Mahesh. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she saw how disciplined the soldiers of Maheswari were. As she was observing the movements of the soldiers, a known voice spoke, commanding the soldiers to change their positions.

"Karthik", Lavanya narrowed her eyes, watching how strict Karthik and Mahesh were while giving training.

She immediately decided to meet the trainers. Walking downstairs, she reached the palace grounds where the soldiers were getting trained. Mahesh and Karthik were so immersed in training that they didn't notice the arrival of the lady.

"The sword should raise up a bit to keep the balance," Lavanya uttered in an authoritative voice when she saw the sword of a soldier wasn't in the correct position, as she walked confidently towards the trainers.

"Greetings your highness." All the soldiers bowed to the princess while the latter nodded her head gently, accepting their greetings.

"Good morning, sister-in-law." Karthik smiled and bowed to her gently, showing respect.

"Good morning." Lavanya smiled and looked at both the trainers.

"Good morning, princess." Mahesh smiled. "What brought her highness here at such an early morning?"

"I was just walking around and saw that the soldiers are getting trained by strong trainers. So I just came to have a look." Lavanya replied. Her eyes fell on a big box that contained some new swords. Walking towards the box, she took out a sword. "Are these the latest swords?" She asked as she was examining the sharp blade of the sword.

"Yes," Mahesh replied. "These were brought yesterday."

"But brother Mahesh..." Lavanya put the blade horizontally at the level of her eyes. "The blade isn't sharp enough to wound the enemy with a single blow." She averted her gaze from the blade of the sword to Mahesh. "The weight of the sword, as well as the design of the sword, is no doubt good but the blade should be sharper to kill the enemy with a single blow."

These are the almost the same words that Virendra said yesterday. Mahesh's lips curved upwards forming a smile as he remembered Virendra's words. No doubt the King chose the best bride for Virendra.

"Brother Mahesh, what are you thinking so deeply?" Karthik called out when he saw Mahesh was spacing out.

"Maybe he is thinking about someone. Isn't it brother Mahesh?" Lavanya wiggled her brows.

"I was just thinking about yesterday's incident." Mahesh chuckled as he nodded his head. "Your husband almost said the same words when he examined the swords. I am just thinking that both of your minds work alike even though you two aren't talking too much." He walked towards Lavanya and made a thoughtful facial expression. "What will happen if you two get together and be on good terms?" He glanced at the princess.

"Brother Mahesh..." Lavanya scoffed as she looked away while both the men laughed.

"By the way, Lavanya, I thought about having a friendly fight with you," Mahesh uttered while walking towards the box full of swords. "Karthik told me that you have extraordinary fighting skills." He said and took a sword from the box.

"Why does everyone in this palace wants to have a fight with me?" Lavanya asserted, being amused at Mahesh's words. "Do I look like an enemy?" She titled her head while eyes black orbs glanced at Karthik and Mahesh.

"Its because I really want to see how our once cute, little, innocent girl Lavanya turned herself into an extraordinary warrior who even defeated our powerful prince Karthik and won the Queen's heart," Mahesh replied in a dramatic tone while walking in circles as he was getting ready for the friendly fight.

"Ah...poor me." Lavanya let out a fake sigh while moving her hand which held the sword so that she could get familiar with it. "It looks like I learned swordsmanship only to prove that I am a warrior." She glanced at Mahesh while walking in circles.

Karthik stood at the side while he signaled the soldiers to give space so that Mahesh and Lavanya could have a friendly fight. It was Lavanya who made the first attack. Soon the friendly fight started and all the soldiers keenly watched the fight of two great warriors. Both the warriors efficiently stopped each other blows while counterattacking. The fight went well for sometime when Karthik abruptly realized that neither Lavanya nor Mahesh was using their entire strength. He crossed his arms across his chest, watching the play in front of him.

"Your highness, please don't consider me as an easy opponent," Mahesh replied with a confident smile on his face while stopping Lavanya's strong blow.

"I don't underestimate my opponents." Lavanya's lips curved into a smile as she took her sword back so that she could attack again.

Mahesh was about to attack Lavanya when the sound of anklets other than Lavanya's reached his ears. His eyes traveled to the source of the sound. No sooner had he recognized the person who was wearing the pair anklets than he froze. He couldn't take his eyes off her as if she cast some spell on him. He was so mesmerized by her beauty that he forgot that he was having a fight with Lavanya. A smirk formed on Lavanya's face when she recognized the source of sound even without looking at the woman as her back was facing that woman. Taking the opportunity of Mahesh's situation, Lavanya used her sword and made Mahesh unarmed.

"I won." Lavanya looked at him with a triumphant smile while the sharp tip of the sword rested less than an inch away from the other warrior's neck.

"I accept my defeat." Mahesh lowered his head as he couldn't deny his fault that he suddenly lost his concentration because of that woman.

"You all are dismissed," Karthik ordered the soldiers, and the next moment, all the soldiers left the area.

"So, what made you suddenly lose your focus, brother Mahesh?" Lavanya asked as if it was the hardest question even existed. Putting her hand under her chin, she looked at the older.

"I think someone cast spell on him." Karthik chuckled as he glanced at the woman who was standing behind Lavanya with her head hung low.

"Karthik, don't accuse Jyoti like that." Lavanya clicked her tongue and shook her head before turning towards her maid because of whom Mahesh lost to Lavanya. "My Jyoti is the most innocent girl on the earth, isn't it Jyoti?" She glanced at Jyotimani who looked unprepared for the situation. "So brother Mahesh, is my Jyoti looking so beautiful that you couldn't take your eyes off her?" She asked as she mischievously looked at Mahesh.

"Huh?!" Mahesh's eyes widened at such a sudden question. "W-well...why are you a-asking such a question?!" He stammered while looking away from Lavanya.

"Really?" Karthik walked towards Mahesh with a teasing look on his face. "Then did my eyes see wrong? I saw as soon as she came here, you stopped using the sword and stared at her as if she is yours."

"W-what nonsense are you spouting?!" Mahesh almost yelled as he couldn't take the teasing anymore. His ears almost turned red while he was feeling that his ears were becoming warm.

"Brother, today Jyoti is looking different from other days because I asked her to wear the saree and the jewelry which I selected for her," Lavanya replied proudly. "It looks like my choice isn't that bad. Right, Jyoti?"

"Y-your choice is a-always the best." Jyotimani stammered while a pink shade appeared on her pale cheeks after listening to Karthik's words, especially at his last words.

"So you guys need to explain!" Lavanya crossed her arms across her chest and glanced at Mahesh before looking at Jyotimani.

"Explain what?" Mahesh at once looked at Lavanya.

"Explain what's going on between you two and from when it started?" Karthik replied as he stood beside his sister-in-law.

"Nothing is going on." Mahesh quickly denied the accusations.

"Ah! I see." Lavanya nodded her head as if she has understood everything. "If really nothing is going then, then how come you stopped fighting with me when she came here. Why is she blushing after listening to our words? Most importantly, why both of you are stammering when we are asking questions?" Lavanya wiggled her brows, demanding answers from the older.

Before Mahesh could say anything, Karthik and Lavanya burst out into laughter, witnessing how unprepared Mahesh and Jyotimani were.

"Brother Mahesh, j-just look at your face!" Karthik laughed while struggling to speak. "I have never seen you this unprepared before."

"Oh, God! Brother Mahesh..." Lavanya clutched her stomach while trying to stop laughing. "I am sure even prince Virendra hasn't seen you in this state ever in his life."

"What I haven't seen in my life?" A deep male voice spoke and everyone present there looked at the direction.

Prince Virendra was coming downstairs towards the palace ground. His straight, long hair was hanging little below the shoulders while he was wearing a green dhoti and a green kurta covered his body. A single gold chain was hanging around his neck and a pair of golden earrings completed his look.

Seeing Virendra, Lavanya's face turned into a grimaced one. She turned towards Mahesh and Karthik, "I am taking my leave." She smiled and turned towards Jyotimani, signaling her to follow her before walking away.

"Why did she suddenly leave?" Virendra asked when he reached his friend.

"Because his highness has arrived," Mahesh replied before putting his sword in the box.

"Brother Mahesh, why did suddenly sister-in-law leave?" Karthik asked innocently as he stood beside his brother.

"Ask your brother what he said to your dear sister-in-law on their first night," Mahesh replied without looking at the brothers.

"Did he say something too romantic?" Karthik asked while staring at Mahesh who was closing the box containing the swords.

"How are you expecting something romantic from God of War?" Mahesh asked while looking at the brother with a so done face. "He told Lavanya not to talk to him and not to go near to him. Then how did you think that a woman with a strong sense of self-respect will easily forgive this lose-tempered man?"

"That was too harsh, brother." Karthik glanced at his brother. "You should make it up to her."

"But I don't know how to do that," Virendra said in a low voice.

"Why don't you spend some romantic time with her at night in our palace gardens?" Mahesh suggested. "Women generally like romantic men."

"I don't think sister-in-law is a normal woman to like what normal women like," Karthik said in a serious tone. "Why don't you approach her like a friend that you used to be in our childhood? As far as I remember both of you used to fight like sworn enemies and at the end of the day you guys used to patch up as nothing happened."

"Good idea." Mahesh nodded. "Talk to her like a friend. I am sure she will listen to you."

"I will try," Virendra said tiredly. "I think we should get ready for the court." He said and the three of them went to their respective chambers to get ready for the royal court.

"Your Majesty, I have been thinking about practicing my fighting skills here. It has been many days since I had used my sword perfectly." Lavanya said in a low voice while standing in front of the King. "Can I practice my skills in this palace?"

"Of course, daughter." King Surendra Dev smiled as he got up from the royal couch. "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

"I-I was a bit hesitating," Lavanya replied while smiling awkwardly.

"It's okay. It's your home as well. Then why are you hesitating to ask me?" The King walked towards Lavanya. "There is a huge practice room on the ground floor of the palace. You can practice your skills there. Since you don't want to catch any attention while practicing, I think that room will be the best for you."

"Thank you so much, Your Majesty!" Lavanya almost squealed with happiness. "I will start my practice as soon as possible. I am taking my leave then. Good night." She couldn't control her excitement. She was about to leave from there but the King's voice stopped her.

"Wait a minute, Lavanya." The King said in a gentle voice. "Start practicing from tomorrow. Its already towards the ending of Pradosha prahar ( the time between 6 PM to 9 PM). I think you should take rest now."

"Thank you for your advice, Your Majesty." Lavanya bowed to the King before walking out of the room.

No sooner had Lavanya left the room than a smile appeared on the King's face.

"Little girl! She doesn't know where she is going to practice her skills." He shook her head as he sat on the couch and took a document in his hands. "She will be practicing her skills in Virendra's special practicing room, the room where Virendra allows no one - not even his best friend or his brother." He chuckled at his thoughts. "Let's see how Virendra will react when he will see Lavanya practicing there."

As Lavanya came out of the King's chambers, Jyotimani excitedly asked her, "what did the King say?"

"He agreed!" Lavanya almost screamed. "He even told me to practice in a room so that no one can find me."

"That great, sister!" Jyotimani smiled seeing her princess smile so happily.

"Let's go to our chambers and sleep as soon as possible. Tomorrow I will go to practice early in the morning." Lavanya said while walking quickly towards her room.

"Sister, does early means Usha prahar (time between 3 AM to 6 AM)?" Jyotimani asked while keeping up her speed with her princess.

"Yes." Lavanya nodded. "I need to practice before everyone wakes up. I don't want to create any ruckus."

"As you wish, sister," Jyotimani said as she followed her.

Since they already finished their dinner, they retired to the bed as soon as they reached the princess's chamber so that the could get up early in the morning.

It was early morning. Even the sun didn't make it's the appearance in the sky. The sky looked dark while a chillness prevailed in the environment which clearly indicated that it was the beginning time of the Usha prahar and the rays of the sun wouldn't reach Maheswari any time soon.

"Jyoti, you can continue to sleep after I leave, alright?" Lavanya said while wearing her saree in the dhoti style so that the saree wouldn't cause hindrance while practicing.

"Yes, sister," Jyotimani said in a sleepy tone while trying hard to keep her eyes open.

Lavanya chuckled while watching Jyotimani who was struggling to open her eyes. She shook her head and tied her long hair into a tight bun and put a simple hairpin so that her hair wouldn't become loose. Putting a simple waistband around her waist, wearing a few gold bangles on her hands, and putting on a pair of simple earrings, she completed her look. She didn't need to put on her anklets, nosepin, and mangalsutra since she never took off those accessories.

"I am leaving," Lavanya said before flicking Jyotimani's forehead gently.

"Huh?" Jyotimani immediately opened her eyes widely when she felt a little pain on her forehead.

"I said I am leaving, Jyoti." Lavanya chuckled. "Close the door and go to sleep." She smiled as she walked out of the room.

As Lavanya entered the room, her eyes widened while her jaws slacked witnessing the arrangement of the practice room. Almost each and every piece of equipment was present there which was required to practice by well-trained warriors.

This room is so perfect! Lavanya smiled as she walked around the huge room. There was equipment required for archery, collection of various outstanding swords, tiger-clawed weapons, chakra blades, etc.

Taking a deep breath she walked towards a table which had only daggers on it. She lifted her head to find many targets around her. Some were kept at her level while some targets were hung high on the walls. Those targets were arranged in such a way that they were slightly moving sideways, forming a slight sound. She immediately realized that those targets weren't simple targets for archery but they for practicing throwing dagger. A smile formed on her face as she got all the equipment she needed while practicing.

Lavanya learned almost all types of skills except throwing dagger and practicing archery with her eyes tied. So she decided to practice throwing the daggers with her eyes closed. Taking a dagger from the table, she closed her eyes. She already memorized the location of the targets. So she tried to focus on the slight sound coming from the moving targets. She moved her head a little to the side so that her ears could perceive the sound better. Suddenly she threw the dagger in her hand. When she opened her eyes, a frown formed on her face as the dagger missed its target.

Letting out a deep sigh, she again tried the same but this time she tried to keep her focus on the slight moving sound of the target. But this time she failed too. Without losing hope, she tried again. This time she was determined not to miss the target. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. She took the ready position and hold her dagger firmly. She was about to throw the dagger when the sound of heavy footsteps reached her ears. Her brows knitted together as she thought that she was just imagining things. Shaking her head, she was about to throw the dagger again but she felt that the sound of footsteps was getting louder and clearer. Shutting her eyes firmly, she tried to focus on the sound of the moving target.

Getting confused between the two sounds of the moving target and the footsteps, she threw the dagger randomly in the direction of footsteps. After throwing the dagger, she immediately opened her eyes only to find her husband was standing in front of her while holding the dagger which was about pierce the center of his forehead. Her eyes widened when she realized that she was about to commit a huge blunder.

"Prince!" She uttered worriedly while looking at him.

"Being so restless while practicing won't make you hit the target," Virendra said in his usual deep voice while walking past her. His black orbs quickly scrutinized the room and found some daggers randomly pierced on the wall. "It looks like you are really a novice at this." He glanced at her while his back was facing her.

"W-what are you doing here at this hour?" Lavanya asked ignoring Virendra's words.

"Hm?" The prince turned towards her while tilting his head in amusement. He kept the dagger on the table and looked at her. "I am the one who should ask you this question. What are you doing here at such an early morning in my private training room? No one is allowed to step in here except me." He walked towards her and stood right before her, keeping a few inches distance between them. "Then how come you entered here without my permission?" His voice turned cold which was enough to send shivers down a person's spine.

Lavanya felt a little scared by Virendra's stoic face and cold voice but she managed to keep her composure. "His Majesty allowed me to come here." She replied in a confident tone while looking straight into her eyes.

A chuckle escaped from his lips as he moved a few steps back. "Great! So the father gave you permission. It looks like I cannot disobey him." He looked at her sharply. "Even Mahesh and Karthik don't dare to step in here since this is my private training room."

"What do you want prince? Should I leave this room right now?" The princess asked while her voice didn't tremble a bit.

"Not so soon." Virendra's lips curved upwards forming a smile that clearly showed that he already had plans for his wife. "I challenge you to have a sword fight with me. If you win, then I will do whatever you say and if I win, then you have to do whatever I say." He explained. "And yes...I will be fighting with you with a blindfold on my eyes."

"That's not fair." Lavanya opposed.

"Princess Lavanya, I am sure even if I put on a blindfold, still I can win against you," Virendra said in a confident tone while taking a sword from the table.

This confidence in Virendra irked Lavanya. "Great then! I accept your challenge." She replied.

"Take a sword of your choice, princess," Virendra said as he took a piece of cloth from the cupboard and tied it around his eyes.

Lavanya took a sharp sword among all the swords and unsheathed it. "Are you ready, prince?" She asked as she stood in a ready position.

"Yes," Virendra replied as he too stood in his ready position. "Attack first." He commanded.

No sooner had Virendra completed his words than Lavanya attacked him. At first, he dodged the attack and took a ready position again. His ears worked actively as he was listening to each and every moment of Lavanya. The anklets and bangles of Lavanya made it easy for him to realize her moves. When Lavanya attacked, he again dodged her. He continued the same trick until he heard Lavanya's heavy breathing.

She is getting tired then. A faint smile appeared on his face as his plan was proceeding successfully.

This time, Virendra attacked Lavanya first. Though Lavanya stopped his blow, Virendra quickly revived his sword and again attacked her so that she couldn't have time to counter-attack him. Virendra increased the frequency of his attacks so that Lavanya could either dodge or just stop his blows. Meanwhile, Lavanya was stunned by Virendra's skills. She almost forgot to counter-attack him while admiring his skills and strategy.

How could he fight so well even while putting on that blindfold?! She thought while dodging Virendra's attack. He is so perfect. No wonder he is known as God of War.

She was so immersed in admiring Virendra that she didn't see Virendra's attack. Virendra used his final strategy and attacked Lavanya with a huge force. As a result, the sword fell from her hand and she stood unarmed while his sword rested against the epidermis of her neck.

"Accept your defeat, Princess Lavanya," Virendra said as his long fingers effortlessly removed his blindfold while Lavanya stood with a stupefied look on her face. He chuckled seeing his wife. "Why are standing like that?"

Virendra's words brought her out of her daze. She looked at her husband who had a triumphant smile on his face. "I accept my defeat," Lavanya replied while she lowered her head.

"I think now you have to do whatever I say since I won the challenge," Virendra said casually while sheathing his sword. "Are you ready to accept your punishment, princess?" He glanced at Lavanya with a smirk on his face.

"Yes, I am," Lavanya replied while trying to sound confident.

8112 words...

Sorry for making you wait for 1 month and 7 days. Now I am back again. So I will update again next week. I hope you all are doing well. Thank you for supporting me even during my break.

Btw, what do you think what will be Lavanya's punishment?

Finally, Lavanya has reached 40K reads!!!! Thank you so much *squeals*