I stretched my hands and a yawn erupted from my mouth, I rubbed my tired face, placing my ink pen on the side, It has been 3 years since I left India and I rarely missed that place.

London is majestic and magnificent, the perfect place for me, Being a 20 year old gave me a lot of responsibilities and within 2 months I am a barrister and I couldn't wait for that dream to come true!

But there wasn't a day that I didn't miss her, strangely she made her place in my heart, creeping into its deepest roots, Again a smile crept into my lips as I remembered, As I didn't know her address, I couldn't send her any letters. The chair screeched as I got up, I heard footsteps approaching me, I looked up and saw a brunette smiling at me, his hands crossed across his chest.

''Edward! What brings you here my dear friend! What do I owe this visit'' I said getting up, wrapping my arms around his shoulders.

''Well is there any specific time to see my best friend! I missed you mate!'' he laughed livelily, I joined him, it has been months since I saw him, he had been away with his family and he was the closest person I have been since day 1 in London.

''Still, dreaming about your girl hmm Anirudh? I can see that in those hazel eyes'' he teased patting my shoulders harshly. I shook my head chuckled, He was right, she never left my mind for a single second.

''Well did you get the invitation for the annual ball? A lot of governors will arrive showing their pomp that day, be ready with your best suit mate!'' he said handing me an invitation that had my name inscribed in golden letters.

I squinted my eyes and took it and opened it, it was taking place in 2 days and I was nervous already, I was never interested in balls. Nevertheless, I had to attend this ball as this was important for my graduation. I pursed my lips and patted his shoulders.

I walked towards my dorm, Opening the wardrobe, I raked my fingers through my infinite amount of clothes. It was tough to choose a perfect one for the ball, My eyes caught a new piece of English dress suit. I smiled softly taking it off the hook, I gazed at it for a long time before deciding to go with this. 

***

''Let's go! We will be late for the party, we wouldn't want to miss the ball'' Edward said adjusting his tie, I nodded grabbing the brush, and combed my hair backward, after spraying some spritz on my body I was ready to go, I couldn't believe I was going to this ball.

The soft music entered my ears as elegant couples swayed on the dance floor, It was so beautiful to watch them dance. My best friend Meredith accompanied to the dance floor, her blonde hair had tendrils falling on her face, she was a beautiful girl with blue eyes.

''Ah you look good Indian Lad!'' she teased as she swirled with me, she never had any romantic feelings for me, she was interested in Edward, I can't even imagine the idea of my best friends in love. No Pun Intended.

''Thank you British Lady'' I laughed as I twirled her, as the music wafted into the air. I couldn't believe that these girls has to wear such tight corsets, I wonder how they can breathe in these? We were so comfortable in these suits. Meredith smiled and softly pecked my lips in a friendly way.

As the partners changed a girl in a mask started dancing with me, Her face, it seemed familiar for me, I frowned as she placed her hand on my shoulders and danced, I had to know who she was because my senses was irking me.

I twirled and slowly took her away from the ballroom into the open balcony, away from the swarm of Britishers. So I can see who she really is.

A smirk touched the lady's face, she had an Indian complexion and I knew who it was at one, she removed the mask and I saw the girl I once thought I loved. Soudamini.

''Mini? What are you doing here in England?'' I asked obviously taken aback her presence here. 

''Anirudh, Did you not miss me? Because I did'' she said running her fingers down my chest, I flinched at her touch, she was trying to be a tease and failing. I grabbed her wrist and yanked her backward, making her back paste onto my back. I could feel her breath increasing, but I wasn't bothered.

''You are not supposed to be here, Go back home if you have come here for me'' I warned, breathing on her neck. She let out a shaky breath as she closed her eyes.

''Anirudh whe-'' I heard Meredith but she stopped when she saw me, A smirk touched my best friend's face as she looked at me suspiciously at my position.

I was quick to push Mini away from me, Mini stumbled on her gown and tripped, but I grabbed her wrist in the nick of time, she fell on my chest with a thump.

''Ah, I hope I am not disturbing anything..'' Mer chuckled walking away.

''No No! Please stay, Soudamini is my childhood friend, she came to visit right mini?'' I glared at her, Mini laughed dramatically and waved her hands.

''Yeah and also my father had some work to do here so yeah, I came to see my Fiance'' she smiled placing her hand on my shoulders. I was now utterly confused since when is she my Fiance? Not that I don't remember!

''Ah since when did you have a finance mate!'' I heard Edward coming from behind, his hands in his pockets, his eyes shimmered as his eyes met Meredith's, I could see the blush creep onto her cheeks as she looked down as Edward placed his hands on her shoulders.

''Edward come with me!'' I seethed grabbing his hands pulling him with, A visibly confused followed me, tripping on the carpet a bit.

''She is the woman I have been talking about! Mini!'' I whispered pulling his ears close to his mouth. His eyes widened as he looked at me.

''What? That woman is so gorgeous! How can you say that!'' he cussed his face forming a furious expression.

''Don't fall for her looks, she is a vixen! You don't know! She just needs my money!'' I boomed making him flinch.

''Ah and that in your pants too!'' he said pointing at my pants, I frowned and looked down and then realization dawned on me and I smacked his arms harshly.

''Shut up! Or maybe that too, but look! Do you understand?'' I groaned making Edward laugh mockingly.

''I will seduce her, don't worry man!'' he teased patting my shoulders. 

''No, You can't, I remember my father talking about my marriage with her, but I never knew it would be so soon, I can't Edward, I want to marry the girl I love and not her!'' I said, confidence in my eyes.

''What about the girl whose picture you have in your wallet?'' Edward pointing at my pockets, I smiled and took out my wallet and opened it to reveal a beautiful girl. The girl who ran into my dreams and knocked into my heart every time.

''What's her name? You never told me her name!'' he said grabbing my wallet, But I hit his hands away.

''Bondita, That's her name'' I whispered trailing my fingers over her picture.

***

2 weeks later

"No way! I can't marry her uncle'' I protested as I banged the table with rage, Gritting my teeth.

''But you love her don't you Anirudh?'' her father accused, crossing his legs over his left one.

''I don't, Not anymore, I would not marry someone without my wish, Am so sorry sir'' I said my jaw clenching ''I have to get my barrister degree, excuse me''

Mini eyes widened as I got up away. I grabbed my suit and threw it over my shoulders and walked away. I had a long journey ahead, I can't wait to go back and see her again, It been years. And I am going back to the land I made my first cry, The land I once cherished, The land which holds the girl I love, With new fire in my heart and a new purpose, and the purpose is.. Freedom and Independence.

***

Hey Lovely People!

Hope you loved this chapter!

Sorry for being late and for writing a small chapter!

I love you guys! Don't let go so fast! Thank you for 3K reads already!

Love,

Me!

NOTE - Do check out my best friend's new Anidita book! Am sure you will love that and give her love like her other books!

_The_Mikaelsons_ new book names The Warrior Queen featuring Anirudh and Bondita!