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***
Gangaputra looked at the Solitary ruby of Shikha's anklet with amusement.

He was excited like a teenager, like he knew about the secret and couldn't wait to disclose it.

Shikha is such a mischievous brat. She couldn't have come inside his room from the inside of the palace. It's impossible. His security cannot be breached by any outsider. Only the insiders know about the whole palace. She must have come from the balcony climbing up from the ground.

She has dared to come inside his bedchamber. If it's been done by someone else or this feat has been happened a week before, he would had gone angry as an inferno. But today, he was grinning like an idiot. What had happened to him???

Shikha is really a force like his mother Satyavati said. She is brave but defiant and does always what she want. For no reasons. He has started to understand her so well.

But why would she comes to his room in the middle of the night?! Because she is so stubborn that she doesn't care anything. She's like air which flows fluently and couldn't be stopped by anyone. She is an unstoppable force.

Gangaputra muttered to himself that he needs to make some strategy to tease Shikha; he is not going to reveal it right now when he sees her, but he will tell her by the end of the day that he knew that the little kitten has ventured into the lion's den and that her mischief have been caught. It's going to be too much fun really.

Relax, Gangaputra, Relax. Otherwise you will make a complete idiot of yourself. You are behaving like a 14 year old green boy who was doing shenanigans for first time.

He tried to control his bubbling up laughter.

Gangaputra- Seriously Bheeshma. Behave, you are Pitamah. Not some teenager. Even Arjun is better than you.

Gosh! I'm sounding just like Shikha. What has she done to me, amused Gangaputra. She is so contagious.

Has she come to spell some mantra on him, so that he would go and behave like crazy. Yes! That's why she must have come.
He chuckled on his idiotic logic. He should leave now as he has so many works to do. Chiding himself, he left his bedchamber with that loony grin on his face intact.
***

Shikha was fast asleep as she has been not able to sleep late last night. When she came out from Gangaputra's room and went to her own bed, she realised that she loves Gangaputra. She has from the first sight, but it grew eventually, spinning each and every emotion to one another.

But now atleast she didn't have any doubts that she loves him. She was so stubborn to accept it but she couldn't fight against love.

She can spell the L-word now. It feels like the Brahmastra have been shooted on her and there was no saving.

Correction, the cupid's arrow it was.

She was arguing with herself that today by the end of the day, she is going to confess what's in her heart. It's so much onerous (burdensome) to hide it her heart now. She has started to know him so well that this time he's not going to break her heart. She has seen it in his pure and honest eyes.

Thoughts of Gangaputra were not letting her sleep and her eyelids are drooping in sleep.

Now please let me sleep, muttered Shikha to herself and went to deep slumber.

Shikha also dreamt of him. A very warm and vivid dream of him holding her in his arms and sharing bed with her.
***

Gangaputra started checking on today's preparation.

Today is the Sangeet ceremony. And at the late evening the ceremony will held. He looked and give all the instructions for the presentation of of the performances and it's upto the kids, whoever wants to perform can be the part of it apart from the presentation of skilled dancers and entertainers. Art should be kept at highest level above creed and status and it should be open to all.

Gangaputra hasn't seen Shikha since dawn. She must be still asleep, he thought. My Poor baby.

After being awoke for all the night, she may be sleeping like Kumbhkaran, thought Gangaputra with a chuckle. It's fine, she should take her rest.

His mood was jubilant today, and everyone he met on his way, he spoke vibrantly.
***

Shikha woke up, stretched her arms and took a deep yawn. Gosh! She has slept for ages, she thought. And she felt like hungover.

After taking a long, hot bath, she got readied.

When she was going through the hall, she saw Gangaputra. God! She felt shy just looking at him remembering her last night mischief and her dream. How would she will face him.

When Gangaputra glanced at her, he was filled with an uncontrolled mirth because he knew her secret.

Excitement was bubbling inside him but he schooled himself down and approached her with a smile. And spoke exuberantly and teasingly.

Gangaputra- Good morning, Princess Shikha. You look so refreshing today. What a lovely day it is, don't you think??? Never mind ... It's the most cheerful day I have ever seen. Did you sleep well??? Oh yes, ofcourse, you slept well, I can see. How fool of me to ask such silly question. By the way, I had such a nice and peaceful sleep last night. And I feel so energetic today.

He chuckled. And babbled in monologue. He was not letting her speak at all.

Shikha was astounded. Firstly, she looked like she hasn't slept for ages, not refreshing; secondly Gangaputra was chuckling and babbling like Arjun, how strange. And lastly he was teasing her. Shikha rubbed her forehead in confusion and also because her head was aching due to her last night shenanigan.

Gangaputra saw her and felt like laughing. My poor, poor baby. She had had a headache. He withdrew a concoction, just as the same, like Shikha had given to him on the day of Tilak ceremony, when he didn't sleep well at that night. The poisonous red wine coloured headache brew.

Gangaputra- Do you have a headache???

Shikha spoke at last, finally.

Shikha- A little bit. How did you know???

Gangaputra- I'm the Mahamahim. I know everything sweetheart.

Gangaputra was talking about the secret.

He gave her the concoction and ordered softly.

Gangaputra- Drink every drop of it. Now I have to go as I've to see after many arrangements. Good day, your highness.

He teased.

Gangaputra tucked a flick of Shikha's hair behind her ear. He held her baby soft cheek in one hand and after giving a light pat on her cheek, walked out from there saying,

Gangaputra- You look beautiful today by the way. I hope you had a great day ahead.

Gangaputra meant what he said but he was teasing her on her wakening all night.

Shikha was standing there profoundly confused and shocked. What just happened right now. What has happened to Gangaputra, she thought. She looked like she hasn't slept for ages and not beautiful.

She touched her cheek where he held her. How she loves when he said her sweetheart. Is he really Gangaputra or someone else?!

Shikha shook her head to shook off her dazed and stunned expressions. He is getting intriguing day-by-day. And mischievous too.

She looked and drank that awful concoction but felt good now.
She muttered to herself.

Shikha- I'm getting crazy. It was my dream or something or Gangaputra just made fun with me?!

Gangaputra was standing there hiding in the turning point of the corridor and viewed Shikha with amusement. He finally laughed when he was out of the earshot distance. He really felt like a teenager. And thought with a chuckle.

Shikha shocks and Gangaputra rocks!

This is the beginning sweetheart. You have teased me a lot and now the tables are turned. Be ready! Gangaputra Bheeshma is back in action.
***

Two other people saw this from the distant. Panchali who was in the upper balcony and Karna who was going towards the other room. Both of them thinking in their own way.

Karna understood Pitamah's feeling for Shikha jiji. A man can only act that silly with a girl whom he wants to tease and to whom he has feelings, strong feelings. Pitamah was so besotted by Princess Shikha that he couldn't hide the excitement in his eyes. Pitamah loves her. That was for sure. There is no turning back.

Everything is going in right direction, Karna thought with a smile.

Panchali on the other side made a devious yet funny plan.

She couldn't believe that her jiji was standing there open-mouthed and was bested by Pitamah.

I should also tease and make a prank on Shikha jiji a little bit, Panchali planned with a chuckle. Shikha jiji deserves to be teased as she hasn't shared her yesterday outing details to her.

And what's up with Pitamah?! He seemed to be an altogether different man yet cute jijashree, bemused Panchali. Shikha jiji and Pitamah are behaving like an old married couple. Finally.
Panchali wished that soon they will confess their feelings. But they need to be pushed.

Idea! She thought.
***

Shikha felt refreshed after her encounter with Gangaputra. She was walking when she saw two random princesses Ira and Isha talking in a nostalgic tone.

Ira- You know Isha, he has bought it for me... Only me ... And those jalebis are the best.

Isha asked teasingly.

Isha- but who are you talking about???

Ira- Gangaputra Bheeshma.

Both of them chuckled. Shikha got utmostly jealous as she felt possesive towards him and she would not let anyone speak of him in casual manner. She was grinding her teeth on their impetuousness of calling Gangaputra by his name.

She walked to them and said hotly but made her voice dripping with honey.

Shikha- Mahamahim Gangaputra Bheeshma, dears. He's not your schoolmate that you call him by his name.

Ira- But jiji... He so lovingly bought gift for us... And particularly for me.

Isha- and me also.

Ira- and if he ever decided to break his vow, I will marry him anytime

Isha- me too.

How dare these two silly girls can say that. Shikha was so furious at them, she cannot explain. He's mine. And I won't let anyone speak of him like that.
She felt like growling to them... Held them by their hair and throw out of the window. This is pure anger. She felt like she'll kill them on the spot.

But then, she saw the two girls subtlety winking at each other. And saw the tilt of their lips. Oh! So they are doing mischief with her.

Shikha held the ear of both girls and twisted.

Isha and Ira- Ouch, jiji. Don't!

Shikha- So really you two are going to get married to Gangaputra Bheeshma??? No?!

And she twisted it more.

Isha and Ira- Sorry jiji... We were just joking.

Shikha- That I already know. What I need to know is why???

Isha and Ira- Jiji, it's Panchali's idea.

Suddenly Panchali's gasp and chuckle came behind the pillar where she was hiding and seeing it.

Panchali- Traitors... Couldn't you have kept your mouth close for a moment more.

Panchali!!! Shikha admonishes Panchali on her mischievousness.

Shikha- Panchali ... You are gone!!!

She headed towards her when Panchali started to run away from her.

Panchali- Yes jiji... I'm going and you can't catch me.

Both sisters chase and catch game started. They both encircled a table while Shikha was trying to catch Panchali, but Panchali was fast.

Shikha- you mischievous brat... Why would you do that???

Panchali said in an extra mischievous tone.

Panchali- Jiji... You were gone for a whole day with Pitamah and you didn't give me any details. Not fair.

Shikha huffed.

Shikha- But that doesn't mean you would tell anyone about it... You told those two brats about us.

Panchali rolled her eyes.

Panchali- The whole palace know about it... Love is in the air. Only you two lovebirds are playing the blind game of not acknowledging it. Come on jiji... Grow up.

Shikha cheeks pinkened. She tried to get hold of Panchali but Panchali run on the corridor, laughingly.

Panchali- Catch me jiji if you can...

Shikha- Stop this instance, Panchali. If I get a hold on you, I'm going to beat you.

Panchali laughed on her mock-threat.

Panchali- You are getting slower jiji... Thinking about jijashree.

She winked at her jiji. Shikha's eyes widened.

Shikha- Panchali!!!

Panchali- You two guys are so slow jiji... Where have you relationship gone into???

Shikha- I'm not going to tell you anything if you behave like this, Panchali. Stop right now.

Panchali laughed but didn't stop.

Panchali- No way. Atleast tell me something jiji... A little bit.

Shikha- Nope.

Panchali- okay... Just one question.

They are making the conversation while running and circling.

Shikha- what???

Panchali- what is he to you???

Shikha- You already know it.

Panchali- bad jiji. That was so diplomatic. Okay let me rephrase, what are you to him???

Panchali saw at the corner of her eyes that Pitamah was coming. What a luck to push these two kids, that is her jiji and Pitamah towards each other.

Panchali- I'll ask Pitamah myself.

She ran towards Pitamah.

Panchali- Pitamah! Pitamah!

Shikha spoke in an angry tone.

Shikha- Panchali... I'm warning you... If I'll get you... I will definitely cut all your hair this time.

Panchali speeds towards Pitamah and hides behind him. Laughing.

Panchali- Save me Pitamah. Please.

Pitamah saw Shikha running towards him too. He was stuck in the same situation he has been a few days ago. But the difference is he could calm Shikha now with ease.

Shikha stopped abruptly in front of Gangaputra.

Shikha- Gangaputra, you stay out of this. This brat is going out of hand day by day.

Gangaputra took hold of her arms very lightly  when she was about to caught Panchali. He said with a chuckle

Gangaputra- Easy... easy... Calm down.

And She did. Just like that.

Shikha's face have turned pink and the cute little annoying look she gives him makes his heart flutter with warmth. Didn't she know that when she gives him annoying looks, she is actually pouting at him which makes her look like a little kid.

Shikha twisted to hold Panchali, but like before,  they were playing tug of war with Pitamah in between.

This time he won't let the matter go without knowing the truth. He was curious about why this two sisters always play catch and chase. Not that it was bad, just the opposite. It was super cute to see these grown up behaving like kids. Amusedly, he asked.

Gangaputra- Again this time... What's this all about???

Panchali chuckled.

Panchali- Pitamah, I have to tell you something.

Shikha- Panchali!!! Shut your mouth.

Gangaputra put his palm on Shikha's mouth and said in a teasing tone.

Gangaputra- Ssshh. One by one, your highness. How would I know why you two little kids are always quarrelling with each other.

Shikha mumbled on his palm.

Shikha- www nnn qqqq..

Gangaputra laughed and put off his palm for a moment.

Shikha- we are not quarrelling.

Gangaputra- Good.

He put back his palm again on her soft mouth. Shikha gave him a deadly glare but inside she was jumping. He behaves with her like he is familiar with her for ages.

He glanced at Panchali.

Pitamah- Okay, brat... You have two seconds to tell your piece. Say.

Panchali chuckled. And started babbling and repeating.

Panchali- This is not fair Pitamah. How would I tell everything in two seconds. I have so much to tell... From the beginning till the end and you have only given me two seconds. Two seconds. I can't believe it. I thought you would take my side because I'm your friend like you have said me one day, but this is biased. You are taking jiji's side. Not fair.

Gangaputra laughed. It's a miracle that he is laughing often these days. In his loving tone of Pitamah, he said to Panchali.

Pitamah- Your one and half second is over, brat.

Shikha smiled beneath his palm. Really. He is on her side. Panchali will babble and Gangaputra won't let her speak.

Gangaputra felt her smiling too.

Panchali said pouting.

Panchali- Okay... I'm talking to myself for a moment and it shouldn't count as my half second covered.

She started talking to herself. Shikha dramatically looked up at heaven.

Panchali- I saw that jiji. You didn't tell me anything and now you are being sided by Pitamah. I see it all. You didn't even tell me about your outing and now you are cheating.

Pitamah- Hmmm.. Panchali. Behave. She is your elder sister. You should give her your respect.

Awww.... he's so sweet.
Shikha chuckled and wiggled her brows at Panchali.

Panchali made a mock puffy angry face and crossed her arms. She is doing all this to make this guys get closer and they have ganged up against her and now Shikha jiji is taunting her.
Well, they are team now. And inseparable. Good.

Pitamah- Okay, tell.

Panchali said childishly.

Panchali- I'm not telling anything to anyone. And furthermore, you called me brat.

Pitamah- God! I cannot win with you Panchal princesses. Okay, I'm  sorry, my child. Now tell me. And please don't repeat what you have talked to yourself. My head started spinning with your confusing talks.

Panchali and Shikha both smiled.
Trust Pitamah to compliment and apologize and scold in the same statement.

Panchali- Alright. If you insist.

Pitamah- I insist.

Shikha saw his inner child coming out when he's with them. So at ease. Without his armor of Mahamahim.

Panchali- Moments ago you defended Shikha jiji. If anyone asks you, what is she to you, what would be your answer???

Gangaputra- what?!

Gangaputra was spell-bounded. He looked at one sister then another. Both are born crazy. And brats and hellions.

But he questioned himself the same. What is Shikha to him??? His heart gave the answer before he could give. Shikha is my guest, my competitor, my adversary, my friend, my confidante, my reason for smile, my moonlight, my sunshine, my mate. Mine. She is mine.

His heart yelled at him. And He felt stunned.

What!!!

Realization splashed on his face like cold water.

Focus, Gangaputra Bheeshma. He mentally muttered to himself. He knew what he wants to know. But he is not going to tell right now. He wanted more answers.

Panchali asked again.

Gangaputra thought for a moment. Shikha have ventured into his bedchamber like a stealthy playful kitten. He didn't even know when she came and went out.

And now is time to Revenge. Yeah! He wanted to tease her. Deliberately, he said.

Gangaputra- Shikha is my... My...

Both Shikha and Panchali looked expectantly at him. He was bemused by seeing their faces. Infact, Shikha have been so sweet towards him, he wants to see her angry, pouty face. When her whole concern was focused only on him. Oh, he is enjoying himself immensely. These two kids are so silly. And he felt mischievous today.

He will answer her mischievousness with his mischievousness.

Gangaputra- Shikha is my friend. We are Just friends. Any more questions???

Panchali- Nope.

And she left immediately when called by Arjun and also giving her jiji a look saying, "Your boyfriend is a dumb idiot".

Shikha also thought the same.
She was standing there open-mouthed. Just friends. How dare he???

Here she has been fighting with everyone over him and he is just an idiot with big head with no brain.

We have been fighting with each other and then dating each other for so many days and now he said we are Just friends. Like how many friends he had, whom he told about his personal life and feelings. And how many friends he had, with whom he spent a whole day showing a village fair. 

She is never going to talk to him.

Gangaputra saw her tomato red face and felt like laughing. She looks so adorable when angry. The arrow have struck the mark. She will first have to confess to him that what she was doing in his bedchamber at the middle of night and he will later on confess what she is actually to him.

Fair enough.

And he will make up for making her angry too. So cute, he thought again looking at her.
♥️♥️♥️