"Angraj"

Karna turned around surprised at the voice he least expected to hear at the moment.

"What are you doing here?"

The last trace of night was waning rapidly as the bright red sun took it glorious place in the dawn sky.

"I came to greet you"

"That is not a good explanation" he replied leaving his horse inside the stable.

She bit her lip. She certainly couldn't tell him what hard time she must have given her maids instructing them to wake her up immediately on his arrival.

He now turned his full attention to her with her. Sleepy eyed and fully dressed, she looked so adorable. As much as he wanted to be disapproving he couldn't stop the smile from reaching his lips.

"You know Rajkumari Sonakshi I don't approve of you being out about like this at such odd hours."

For a split second he felt as though a strange sadness crossed her face.

"And I did not expect you to come back from Hastinapur so suddenly and that too on horseback. It is almost as if-"

She abruptly shut her mouth before articulating her thoughts.

"Almost as if?"

"Um... doesn't matter. How was your journey?"

"Smooth and hassle free."

"Should I arrange for your breakfast?"

"No not now... Sonakshi why are you acting like this?"

"Like what?"

"I mean two days back you were hell bent on killing me and today you are being so caring and nice."

She smiled shyly looking down as he watched her quizzically.

"Why shouldn't I Angraj Karna?"

'This should be hint enough' she thought.

"I don't know why you should" he replied awkwardly walking towards the palace "Besides you should also be heading back to your chambers. This place, after all, is new to you."

Sonakshi could do nothing but reluctantly follow him, mentally resolving to learn the routes and areas of the palace as fast as she could.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Rajkumari do you need anything else?" her head maid asked

"I am fine" she replied absent- mindedly.

"As you say"

"Wait. Tell me about your Angraj Karna"

"Oh about Maharaj... Well how do I start."

"Tell me about his likes and dislikes."

"He dislikes injustice and inequality and favours merit."

"And?"

"He is very systematic when it comes to the affairs of the kingdom...and oh so generous."

"And? You are telling me general things. The whole of Aryavart knows all that. Be more specific."

"Um..."

"Tell me about his daily habits."

At this the maid's eyes twinkled at her in understanding making her blush.

"Okay Rajkumari, let's begin..."