Rivannah

Vikram and Abhimanyu

Riva nodded her head slowly, when in a sudden flash , her heart started pounding fervently at the implication of his words. Her ivory cheeks were drained of any colour , making her ghostly white and her fingers latched on her watch forcefully in her terror.

" Who are we ...meeting here?" She asked slowly, her voice weak and trembling.

" We are meeting a trustee of our college." Vikram explained , as he noticed her pale face , " This palace used to be the home of the Chauhan family. Although it's now been converted to a hotel , their private abode is off-limits.I've already sent a message, so Mr Abhimanyu Chauhan would be expecting us-"

" I don't f-feel so well," Riva choked, panic coursing through her veins, " Can I just s-stay here?"

" You can't stay in the car, Riva. It's too hot outside... maybe that's why you're getting dizzy." Vikram said concernedly.

He stopped the car at the entrance , strode out of the car leaving and tossed the keys to the valet.If Abhimanyu saw her with him, he will... Riva whimpered not having the courage to complete the statement. 

And if Vikram figured out her real identity ...

She clasped her hands tightly so they wouldn't tremble. The passenger door opened and Vikram helped her out. Riva leaned away from him and got to her unsteady feet.

Riva clutched her chest dramatically and whined , " Vikram , I feel woozy ...my head is spinning and...I feel like I'm going to puke! Can't we just go home?!"

Vikram's eyes widened and he shook his head, " I need to meet Abhimanyu today.Just stay in the lobby and rest while I finish the job quickly."

Some colour returned to Riva's beautiful face.If she insisted anymore, Vikram might suspect that she was trying to avoid Abhimanyu.

Cool air hit her face as they entered the majestic lobby. It was circular and Polish frescoes adorned the walls, the massive stone pillars engraved with gorgeous patterns. The entire place was lit up ethereally with the natural sunlight. She lurched on an ornate chair and held her head as if it ached.

Vikram felt guilty to have dragged her along the whole day for his own amusement. She was obviously unwell and her condition was worsening drastically. If he hadn't assured the Dean that he will personally invite Abhimanyu and the man had not been so difficult to get in touch, he wouldn't have unfeelingly asked her to stay put.

" I'll be back in a few, and we'll go home , OK?" He cajoled softly.

Riva smiled ironically, yearning to go home more than ever.

                                                                                                  *

Abhimanyu brushed the silky mane of his beloved horse Murti, a handsome Argentinian Criollo and his dependable companion through the years. The horse snorted and thrust his snout against its owner's palm.

Whenever Abhimanyu had some free time away from his many duties and responsibilities, he would take Murti for a trot and lovingly tend to him afterwards. It reminded him of simpler times, when he was only a young boy who had an undying passion for horses and polo.

" Your Majesty," Man Singh said , briskly , " Prince Vikram Ranawat of Prathampura has arrived."

Abhimanyu paused and replied thoughtfully, " Excellent. Escort him here."

Man Singh relayed the message to the servant, observing him doing the petty work deftly.He had no doubt that his lord was incomparably regnant amongst the Princes. Abhimanyu was only twenty-six this year and shouldered the immense burdens of business and clan without a complaint, fulfilling all his obligations consummately .