I changed, for good.

Pratima- Playing Chaya

Praneet looked apologetic. He should be. My granny was my life and I won't hear a word against her. I am who I am because she was with me.

"Pratima I didn't mean it in a demeaning way." Praneet tried to clarify.

I just agreed to his clarification. There was no point in disagreeing or dragging it further. Praneet was a good person and I knew he didn't disrespect anyone. He was just looking out for his sister, as a responsible brother.

Indians have grown up to believe that people who elope with their love were not good company. They have been tagged as rebels and shameless. What they don't understand is that they were just madly in love and people they called their 'own' their family just didn't understand them.

Praneet left for office after requesting me to stay in the room or at least not cross his grandfather's path. I didn't answer him because I was not making any false commitments. I had my plans.

As soon as Praneet was gone I stepped out of the room and requested the staff for a tour of the palace. He was one of the oldest staff here and Praneet trusted him.

The palace was a historical gem. Unlike other palaces, they had preserved it from the public eye and damage. It was indeed well kept. The exclusivity and magnificence of the royal heritage were well exhibited.

"Mr Kareem, does this palace have dungeons?" I questioned him.

"Yes, your highness. I am sure you do not wish to see, though. Kesari's are known for their hot blood and in olden times this trait was their pride. The punishment system of the kingdom was severe and it did not spare its own. Years before a queen did not have children for a year, the reason was the differences she had with her husband. They both were thrown in the dungeon until she was expecting." Mr Kareem's revelation was a hint enough.

He didn't know I was not destined to be here for long. I was not supposed to bear the heir of their kingdom.

The tour was very enriching and Mr Kareem showed me secret passages and hidden rooms of the palace which could be used in case of emergency.

It was almost seven when I came back to my room and dozed off. I ignored Chaya and Ragini's messages.

"Pratima, please get up, it's dinner time." Praneet touched my arm lightly but I got up with a jerk. I was in a dream. A terrible one. I looked at him and thanked God, Praneet was fine. I couldn't let anything happen to him. If he had chosen to protect me, I will be his secret shield. I wiped my tears and splashed water on my face.

To watch the one you love so distanced from you can be so painful. The silence in our room will be a permanent resident it seemed. Praneet looked unhappy, I was gloomy. He was the reason for this state of ours. All he had to do was just love me, was it so difficult?

If something happened to me tomorrow, will he shed tears or just be sad, like his grandmother explained. Several thoughts I saw in movies to make your partner realise he loves you were scheming in my mind but I rejected all because I didn't want to manipulate him. Let him be.

"Pratima, do you wish to join the office from tomorrow? You can join the finance department if you want. Even if it is for few days, you might learn something useful. That is, if you want to." Praneet offered something I always wished.

I didn't want any problem so I asked him, "Is that possible? Everyone thinks I am a literature graduate."

"I am the owner and I decide who does what. Don't worry no one will question you. Now, about the sleeping adjustment... how do you want this to happen?" Praneet and I were looking at the small bed.

"You have a problem with your untamed desires and I know how to defend myself from perverts." I lie down on one side and turned off the lights. I didn't want to pass such taunts but I just wanted him so badly to love me. This anger was just a way of expressing it to him.
Ughhh!

Praneet slept next to me and there was a good distance between us. Why was he such a gentleman? I kept tossing and turning to irritate him but he didn't react. I turned to face him and his face looked so tensed even in sleep. Probably he was tired of this drama too. Solution was right in front of him but he didn't want to use it. I slept looking at him and praying for his good.

The following day, I joined the finance department and Praneet told the head to treat me normally. That was my request, more like an instruction to him. I wanted to learn as much as possible.

Days passed and I quickly picked up work. I always knew I will have to find a good job for myself so that I can fulfil my desires and pamper granny the way she deserved. This was a great training session for me.

The accounts and tax schemes were complex for Praneet's company. Some of his products were under taxable goods, some were tax-free and some received a subsidy. It was so tough but an amazing learning experience. The finance head was impressed with my work and recognized my efforts.

"Sir, I can't believe Queen is not from a commerce background. Her concepts are crystal clear. Once explained, she does the work without any error. Also, I should let you know that it was her idea to apply our entity in the special economic zone. If approved, we can get several benefits and our plan to provide higher wages to the workers can be achieved. She is truly an asset to the company and your life, if I may add." The finance head appreciated me and I felt proud.

I could see Praneet smiling too, after days.
Our fallout had taken a toll on both of us.

"Congratulations. I hope something is making you happy?" Praneet's statement made me feel guilty.

I had been ignoring him all these days. We came to the office together, had all meals of the day together, slept together even though the pest control was over and either of us could use the spare room but we barely spoke.

It was after days I was observing him closely. He had not shaved. Such a typical 'Devdas' look.

"Pratima, can we like, go for dinner today? To...to celebrate your achievement?" Praneet proposed to me and I agreed instantly. It was long due.

We reached the palace around seven and Praneet told me, "Change into something simple and comfortable. I will take you to a mind-blowing place." I was tempted already.

I was scanning for a dress and even with an entire closet full of extraordinary dresses I cribbed 'I don't have anything to wear'. It was every girl's birthright, wasn't it?

"It's just dinner, not a date," Praneet commented and left taking his clothes with a smirk.

*wrong move*

I picked a white off-shoulder gown and dressed to kill. I let my hair loose today. I could bet the entire Mussoorie would have hooted and whistled if I stepped out of my home like that. But all I cared was for the reaction of that one boy for whom I took all efforts.

When I opened the door of the dressing room Praneet was munching cookies in a pyjama and t-shirt? What was wrong with him? He could at least wear jeans.

He looked at me and the whistles or admiration I expected turned into a laughter riot. He was laughing hysterically.

I should be angry, furious but all I could see was his happy self. My heart was elated with joy to just see him laughing so beautifully.

"This is your definition of simple?" He questioned me between his laughter.

"I am playing a Prince's wife, in case you forgot," I replied confidently but wiping his smile in the process.

"Let's go." He took my hand and guided me.

Amidst all the issues between us, one thing that did not change was us holding hands. He never left and I never objected. It was the bare minimum yet maximum satisfying effort from us.

We were standing near a small cliff and an alloy wheel open jeep was waiting for us. We sat in it and it drove us up on the hill and stopped near a beautifully lit wooden hut. A table for two was decorated with streamers. So cute.

It was windy and my sexy gown played enemy. I understood why Praneet suggested me wearing something easy. I managed somehow because I had an ego to protect.

The driver left us and we were alone on the small hill, my husband owned.
Can this be more dreamy?
Yes.
With Praneet taking charge of the barbeque looking so fucking hot, skewing the chicken and mushroom in the skewers.

"Need help?" I offered out of courtesy.

"If you can put this in the skewers, I will quickly grill them. I am sure you are famished as well." Praneet assigned me a task I had never done.

But just putting the marinated food in the skewer should be simple. With a lot of precision and concentration, I put one mushroom without breaking then onion and then capsicum.

"Pratima, hurry up." Praneet prompted me and I dropped the skewer down. "What the..."

I was looking at the brilliantly assembled skewer on the floor. "It was my first attempt and I did it perfectly. Perfection takes time." I scolded Praneet for hurrying up but he just grinned.

He made me sit and remarked, "I am sorry for asking you to work, my Queen. Just sit and enjoy the view of your sexy husband working, for you."

I was feeling hot with Praneet's words. I had goosebumps not because of the cool breeze but because of my "sexy husband's" words. Probably he also forgot we were just playing our parts in a play.

After a few minutes a plate just like 'master chef' was kept before me and I ate it from my eyes. He sat next to me and passed me a fork. I took a bite and it tasted 'wow'.

"You can easily compete with my mother in cooking. This is by far the best I have had." I appreciated him honestly and offered him a bite to eat.

"I am not boasting but I have won the inter-college championship in cooking." Praneet disclosed and I realised I didn't know much about him.

"I am sure. Tell me about yourself. I am sorry I never asked or made efforts either." I asked him and Praneet smiled.

"Well, is it okay to discuss your flirty secrets with your wife?" He teased and I replied, "It's a must. You must outdo yourself with your wife."

We laughed and Praneet told me all about his school and college life. It was so fascinating to hear. The divide between our societies was huge. He studied in the best school and college in London. He was a topper in his class and worked hard even after knowing he will inherit a fortune.

Finally, a filmy moment every girl dreamt about happened in my life too. He wrapped me in his jacket since it was getting cold.
Can you fall in love with the same person again? Coz my feelings were hitting hard.

I could see he was rubbing his palms. So, heroes felt cold too. What do we do now? I didn't have a jacket so I took out my left arm and offered him to fit himself in the little space. I didn't know if it was a good or bad idea but the proximity was heating the moment and I felt an urgent need to kiss him.
What will he think?
What will happen next?
Is it appropriate?

I was still analysing when Praneet's warm lips touched my cheek. I immediately looked at him and BAM!
It happened.

Our lips touched but no one moved. He didn't move his lips like last time. It was like our lips were stuck with glue and restricted any movements. This was frustrating.

I turned my head in total embarrassment and anger against the boy who was a moron. A girl, looking so stunning was ready to kiss him and waited for him to initiate but he just sat still.

Was he adamant in keeping his word of separation or was I not up to his standard? I knew my theory was not correct but don't blame me? I just got tricked with a fake kiss.

"I think we should leave," I suggested. As much as I was enjoying the brightly lit city view I knew it was best to return.

"Pratima, I am sorry but I am trying hard to fight this attraction. You have no idea how gorgeous you look. Every day when you dress in a simple shirt and pant, I swear I have to fight this need to hug the life out of you. This white gown makes you look like an angel. When you smile, I feel joy. When you come close to me, I feel lucky. I am sorry I couldn't resist your cute red cheeks. The aftermath was accidental, I swear. Don't misunderstand me, please. I can't stand you being angry." Praneet's dialogue was a re-telecast and I was bored now.

"Pervert Prince Praneet, I named you correct at the start, didn't I?" I walked to the jeep and took the passenger seat because I wasn't sure of my driving skills. Praneet turned the ignition on and we drove down the hill.

Changing my wasted attempts of a sexy dress to a nightdress, I slept hugging a pillow.

______________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Readers
The story moves in fast forward from here and approaching its end. When will Praneet realise his true feelings? Is attraction, actually the only feeling he has?

Find out!

Hotel inauguration coming next.

Stay hooked!
Lots of love.