Didn't Talk Enough

Veer and his group moved toward Ratanpur for around two hours. Now everyone knew about Veer's sadness and have felt the sincerity of his love. No one made any sound and quietly followed Veer. There was only the sound of the hoops of horses, whistling of air or the rustling of tree leaves.

Veer understood the consideration of his companions and felt gratified. They made a stop after leaving Ambikapur city for their dinner. The small village used as the stop by them was rarely visited by such a large group and villagers enthusiastically welcomed them. Veer played and encouraged the kids and also gifted them few things but others in the group were abnormally quiet.

In this night travel, the moon was shining above head in the starry sky, fireflies were also twinkling on the trees while passing through the forest road. So many beautiful sights were also ignored by the passing group as everyone has their mind clouded with different thoughts. They reached Ratanpur before sunrise and before entering city Veer halted his horse. Everyone stooped and looked at Veer who turned toward them.

While going back to Ratanpur, almost everyone is aware of his heartbreak and sadness and sympathizes with Veer. After reaching Ratanpur, Veer told them to give him some space and only Bhim Singh and few other bodyguards remain with him.

Bhim Singh pulled his horse toward Veer and said after beside him "Prince! shouldn't you go and pay your respect to His Majesty, You father? It's been almost two weeks since you have visited the court."

Veer turned his head and looked at the pleading face of Bhim Singh and murmured "There is nothing in following these traditions. What I need more now are peace and solace. Tell me, where would I get that." His voice turned hoarse in the last sentence and he looked in the direction of rising sun on the horizon trying to hide his teary eyes.

Bhim Singh is unable to say anything afterward. Veer turns his horse and gallops toward the Temple of Goddess Mahamaya. This temple is the place where he met her for the first time. He is feeling an urge to be in her company, breath in the same air and look at the scenery together. Bhim Singh and other three bodyguards followed him.

Sun has risen and the orange sunlight is entering the temple and making it feel like a divine place. Veer is standing in front of the statue of Goddess and was looking into its eyes. Those eyes of Goddess look like smiling and also filled with indifference. It gives a feeling like every devotee is same in front of Goddess. The environment of the temple is very peaceful. Very few people are here and they are also either meditating or doing their rituals.

He looked toward the Goddess and did not know what should he pray for. Can he ask her to bring his Priya back? This thing did not feel realistic. He felt uncertain about his beliefs and reverence toward God. Even silence of temple.

He remembers what Priya has said about God "God is what we want it to be. God is inside us and getting the blessing of God means we are blessing ourselves. Ultimately God is the creation of our own willpower and beliefs." They always had different views on this point but now he wants to tell her that he believes her. The statue in front of him seems incapable of fulfilling his wish. He felt helpless and his eyes got filled with tears.

Veer turned and started walking toward the backside of the temple. After a few minutes Veer was standing at the back side of the temple and in front of him was the start of the descent of the hill which goes slightly downward for about fifty meters and then there is an edge before slop becomes steep. This edge is the last approachable point on this side of the hill. Normally people don't come here because this point is on the back of the temple, looks secluded and the cliff is rocky and winds are strong here. This edge is where she was standing when Veer saw Priya for the first time.

Priya was wearing the white Saree and looking toward the ravine in front. Her hairs were tied in a bun and a flowers garland was tied to it and a part of it was hanging on her back. She has spread her hands like a bird spreading her wings and her Lapel was flying in the wind which gave her an otherworldly look. She looked like a white swan who is ready to fly toward the heavens. Her back was facing toward Veer and he felt like he has seen some divine being. That was the moment when he found himself drawn to her and he wanted to know who she was.

Her maid Meena was standing at a distance behind her and was pleading "Priya! Please come back. What will I do if some accident happened? Please don't scare me."

Priya turned and laughed and said, "What are you so scared of Meena?" She called her near her with the signal of her hand and said "Come and see how refreshing the air is here. It's more natural and divine here. Come fast." When Veer saw that innocent face and that attractive smile, he forgot himself for a moment.

Veer looked at the maid who was afraid and was pleading her misses to come back and found the scene very funny. He walked toward the girl. Veer was a peace-loving person who always remained in seclusion and devoted himself to literature and the study of spirituality. He really did not know how to interact and express his affection to a girl. He felt weird that he was going toward that girl but he found himself drawn toward her.

When Veer moved and crossed Meena going toward Priya, her eyes met with his and she looked confused about the intention of the stranger. Veer looked into her eyes and smiled and kept walking toward her. She became serious and asked "Sir! May I know who you are? There is not much space here on the edge. You should stop now."

Hearing her words, Veer stopped. He looked around like he was checking if really there was not much space and found that edge was not that narrow and it can easily accommodate around fifteen to twenty people. He laughed and said "Aren't you thinking too much? I also wish to experience the scenery and feel the wind. There is enough space for many people, why are you stopping me?"

Her eyes were observing Veer and she looked suspicious of his intentions. She looked toward Meena who was about twenty to thirty meters away and then at those two bodyguards who were with Veer and were standing farther. Veer looked at her and felt like he was being considered a bad person and he said "I'm not a bad person. Can you please stop looking at me like that?" His response startled her and she turned her face again toward what she was watching before. She ignored him.

Veer walked at stood at the edge. He felt good standing beside her. Next moment she moved toward another corner of the rocky edge and made a gap of almost ten meters between them.

Veer looked at her and said, "Do you think I have some ulterior motive?"

She turned toward him and said, "No, but a girl and a boy standing so close and alone does not feel appropriate." Veer felt helpless. he did not know how to start the conversation again.

Feeling helpless, he turned toward Bhim Singh who was standing at a distance. Veer mentioned him to come to him. When Bhim Singh came to him, Veer whispered something in his ears. Bhim Singh feeling amused walked to Meena and talked to her about something and she shook her head in disagreement.

Bhim Singh looked toward Veer and seeing his expression extended his hand and caught hers. Then he dragged her toward the Veer and Priya. Meena struggled and shouted, "Leave me, Leave me you pervert!!!"

Listening to her Veer laughed and Priya turned to see what happened. Her brows frowned and she felt angry and walked in front of Veer and asked seriously "What is the meaning of it?" Meanwhile, Bhim Singh and Meena were already there.

Veer felt amused seeing her angry expression. He felt like her anger was very cute. He also felt helpless because he did not know what else could he do.

He said apologetically "You said one girl and one boy alone was not good. Now they are also here. so I hope it's appropriate to talk now."

Meena looked angrier than Priya. Priya looked annoyed and Veer amused. Priya looked at his lips which were showing his smile and said "From your looks and these bodyguards it seems you are from a good family. Don't you feel shame forcing a girl to talk to you?"

Veer couldn't control his laugh and thought she was too adorable and said "Forcing a girl to talk? That does not feel like a very bad thing. If you don't talk, how would you understand others."

Meena could not control herself and her hand reached the dagger on her waist. She shouted, "If you don't leave now, I will use my saber." her eyes almost turned misty and her lips trembling. She seemed afraid and also not willing to back down.

Her expression made Veer and Bhim Singh turn serious. Bhim Sing felt like this is too much from their side, so he said to Veer "Crown prince! it looks like we were too extreme."

Veer looked at Bhim Singh and nodded that he understood. He then looked at Meena apologetically and said "I am more afraid of your tears than that dagger. I am sorry for your trouble."

Veer then looked at the face of Priya and felt regretful that he did not know how to talk to a girl and tell her that he likes her. He thought that his progress in literature was really good but now he did not know how to convey his thoughts. He smiled in self-mocking and shook his head and turned to Bhim Singh and said: "Let's go." and then started walking. Bhim Singh followed.

Meena murmured "Crown Prince!" She turned to Priya and said, "he is Crown Prince Veer." before Priya could respond she cried "Please stop."

Priya said annoyingly "What are you doing?"

Veer has already stopped and he saw the expression of Priya and found some shyness on her face. He felt happy and smiled and then asked: "What is it?"

Priya tried to stop Meena but Meena said hurridly "Are you crown prince Veer?"

Bhim Singh also felt annoyed of this interaction and said: "Now that you found out that he is crown prince Veer, So you think he is not annoying anymore and you wish to talk to him?"

Meena could not respond and looked to Priya. Priya looked at Meena helplessly and then said softly: "Now that I think it was crown prince Veer who apologized to us, I really feel gratified and feel bad about not responding to him properly before. We have heard about the talent of crown prince Veer and for missing a chance to converse is really regretful. I am sorry for my behavior."

Veer understood. She thought he was leaving so she felt bad. A person of his status said sorry, it was an unfathomable thing for her. The best thing which made him happy was that she has heard about him before. And her voice was so sweet, so innocent. he could not stop looking into her eyes and felt shaken in the heart.

And she is saying sorry, this was a chance. He said "Now that our issue which has started due to my meddling is resolved, there is no need for me to leave. I should not act like a petty person full of pride and miss this beautiful morning scenery by leaving." He moved and reached his previous position and stood there.

The attitude of Meena was changed but Priya stood in her place struggling to find words. She said "You must think I was rude first but after knowing your identity I changed my attitude towards you. That was not the case. It was just that when you said sorry, I couldn't do nothing."

Meena has now adjusted her expression and was in a cheery mood due to some reason unknown to Veer and she blurted "Princess always admired the talent of Crown Prince Veer and why won't she wish to talk with prince Veer when there is a chance." and while showing her childish temper she said "And it was you and your bodyguard who acted like a pervert before. Who can blame us for misunderstanding?"

"Ha ha ha" Veer could not stop himself from laughing while listening to the non-stop scolding of Meena. Why won't he be happy? The target of scolding was actually Bhim Singh and not himself.

After Meena was done she looked at amused faces of everyone. Even Priya was smiling. She felt wronged and said reproachfully to Priya "I am fighting for you but even you are making fun of me. Now fend them for yourself. I am going now." And she walked away from the edge of the cliff and sat at a rock about 20-30 meters far from Priya.

Priya watched Meena helplessly and then looked at Veer and said "She has been my closest from the childhood and like my sister. Sorry, please don't mind her words."

Veer chuckled and said "That was very amusing. Why would I mind?" Then Veer looked at Bhim Singh who then moved and went away and stood where Meena was. Other two bodyguards were still at their place near the temple.

Veer and Priya stood at their place about two meters away from each other watching the green valley in front of them. Sometimes the sound of birds can be heard. Sometimes some birds can be seen floating in the air below them and it seemed like they were some celestial below on the world.

Veer sighed and said "It's so peaceful, the world in front of us. I wish to remain secluded in such place."

Priya heard Veer's sigh and turned her head to look at him and said "Crown Prince Veer has such a big responsibility, why would you say like this? Aren't you abandoning the well being of many people if you do that?"

Veer said showing a fake anger "I really don't like hearing from you calling me crown prince. Just call me Veer. How do you even know that I am crown prince Veer? Naive girls like you can easily be deceived by others."

Priya chuckled and said "I am also born and brought up in a palace and one thing I am good at is reading the eyes and facial expressions of people. I am not sure if you are a crown prince but I am sure that you do not have any ill will toward me." Meanwhile, Bhim Singh came forward and gave the royal emblem to Priya which has crown prince seal on it.

Veer looked at smiling Bhim Singh and said "Don't try to play a matchmaker here. Go on now and go a bit farther. I don't want you to eavesdropping." Although he felt happy and thanked Bhim Singh in his heart. Bhim Singh smiled and moved went back.

She looked at the emblem in her hand and smiled and said "I didn't judge wrongly. Not sure about future but for now this naive girl was not deceived."

Veer looked and was caught by her innocent smile for a moment. He said, "There won't be a chance of being deceived in future."

"What?" She didn't understand and asked.

Veer got caught and stuttered "I.. Just.. Just said it. Because if you did not get deceived today, it means you understand people and the chance of that is even lesser in future because you are getting more experience each day." In his mind, he said "Because after today I will try so that you don't let anyone get close to you other than me. I will be there to protect you."

Priya smiled and said "You are really good with words. You are really the famous scholar prince Veer whom I have heard about." Her expression was playful.

Veer felt good. She is talking now. His heart felt lighter. He really wanted to talk to her about all his feelings. He said "Haven't you heard from the people that the crown prince of Ratanpur is useless. he is always immersed in books and has no traits of a warrior." he sighed and said "A scholar is really not suited to be a king in these times. I also find no happiness in managing people and talking about politics or scheming against your enemies."

"I have heard from people and have also heard the discussion of ministers in Ambikapur and of course they say Ratanpur will not grow in your leadership. But it does not mean it won't be well managed and stable. Warriors are good at fighting and winning, scholars are good at administration and training" Priya said seriously.

Veer looked at the serious look on her face and said smiling "You are also good with words. But I am not talking about being a good king but about doing what makes us happy." He felt that conversation is drifting away from the main topic all the time.

Priya felt curious and it was visible in her next question "So you do what makes him happy, right?"

Veer noted that she has not said him crown prince after he said not to. And also she has started talking formally. Veer looked at her and smiled, then he said "Yes. I try."

"So what do you want to do today. You just said that the scenery in front is too good." Priya said smiling.

Veer looked at her. She was looking at him and the moment their eyes met, she found hard to remove her eyes. Veer smiled and felt encouraged and said "Who knows what will happen tomorrow? So, I wish to tell you that the moment I saw you I knew I was in love. This is the first time I have felt like this but I'm sure I have not misjudged my feelings." Finally, he said it but he did not hear any response from her for a few moments.

He looked at her surprised face and felt apologetic and said guiltily "You must think I'm using my status of the crown prince to intimidate you but you don't have to be forced. If you wish to say No, just don't say anything. Even no answer is better than a negative one."

Priya was surprised by his direct confession and it was visible on her face. She looked into his sincere eyes and fell silent. She looked toward the valley and kept silent for a long time. Veer felt anxious. He said that no answer is also good but he wished she will say something. No answer is a torture.

He looked at her. She was still looking ahead. The wind was blowing her hairs and it made her look purer and more beautiful. More beautiful she looked, more anxious he felt in the heart. He felt anxious that the next moment she will ask to leave. If that happened, he was ready to call himself a fool for the rest of the life. Now he felt that always speaking his mind might not be a good thing. For the first time, he thought some things do not follow the teachings of the book.

Priya turned her head toward Meena and Bhim Singh and found them looking toward them. But from their expression, it was sure that they did not hear what they were talking. She looked at Veer and seeing his expectant expression, she smiled and said: "Can we change the topic?"

After that, there was an awkward silence between them. Two people standing at the edge of the cliff on a big rock, looking ahead on the natural beauty.

Veer was feeling happy and relaxed that she did not leave. After a few minutes, he asked "You are a princess, how come you are standing here without any bodyguards? Aren't you afraid some accident might happen?"

Priya smiled. She was still looking ahead but Veer could see her mouths curling and redness on her cheeks facing Veer. He felt good. She said "I came from Ambikapur. My mother is the fifth consort. And you know, no one cares for the daughter who is not born from the queen." Her eyes turned misty and voice cracked.

Veer felt bad for asking such type of question. But he also felt happy that she shared her feelings with him. He said, "Who cares as long as those who you love, love you back the same."

She smiled and looked at Veer and said: "If you will try to marry a girl like me, your parents and even ministers will start criticizing you. It will really be difficult for you to keep your position of crown prince. A marriage which does not increase influence will not be supported by anyone."

Veer looked into her eyes. His happiness was visible in his eyes. He was sure that she did not say yes because she was afraid of the obstacles they will face. She does not know his resolve, that is why she was fearful.

He smiled and said "Are you afraid? What are you afraid of are all nothing. The thing you should be afraid of is me changing my heart. But, you should know crown princedom is something I don't care about. If you will cause me the loss of crown princedom, I will love you more."

She looked at him and said in a serious tone "I asked to change the topic but you have returned there again. Your personality is very odd. Who would want a person who has no ambition?"

Veer smiled and said "Who said I don't have ambitions? It's just that my ambitions are different. I want to pursue a different path, I wish to be happiest. I wish to know everything. Tell me, what do you want the most? Is it not the happiness? Will I be less happy if I'm not a crown prince?"

She was silent for a while and then sighed and said "Yes, I also wish to be happy. Being a crown prince really cannot give assurance of happiness." Her eyes turned misty and she has a smile on her face and looked into his eyes and asked: "Can you make me happy? It does not matter what happens but as long as you love me the most I will be happiest."

Veer looked into her misty eyes and struggled if he should extend his hands to wipe the tears but could not make himself to do it. He did not want any more awkwardness. She smiled and blinked her eyes to stop tears from flowing and looked ahead. She sat down, her knees bent and her chin resting on them. She hugged her legs and sat like that. Veer looked at her and felt like she was a small girl bullied by restrictions, rivalries, and politics. He felt like he could do anything for her. His heart softened and seeing her destitute look, he felt a stifling in his own heart.

He also sat down and said "I will do anything to make you happy. This is the temple territory and goddess is the witness. I promise you that I will love only you and put your happiness above everything."

She turned her head and looked into his eyes for a few moments and then she smiled. The look of forlorn vanished and her smile felt more genuine. Veer felt like he started making her happy. She said "God is what we want it to be. God is inside us and getting the blessing of God means we are blessing ourselves. Ultimately God is the creation of our own willpower and beliefs. What about the goddess being a witness, as long as you promise me, I will believe it."

Veer didn't wait for even a moment and said: "I promise."

"You did not even think before saying that" She laughed and said.

Veer said "I did not wish to miss the chance. I also wanted to show you my resolve. I don't need to think about anything when it comes to you." He looked at her with expectations in his eyes. She looked at him and smiled and said "I won't say anything in answer. You have to prove yourself."

Veer felt helpless and it was visible on his face. It was like being seen through and also not able to know about the next person. He said "How could I prove? I don't want to fight any love rivals. I also don't wish to compete with others in any way."

"Why would I wish for you to compete with others? I just want you to show me how much you love me? It's not like I am waiting for someone who would love me more. I want to tell you my answer when I am feeling happy and in love. Won't it be better?" She smiled and then turned toward Meena and then further and her expression changed. She frowned and said, "Looks like I have to go."

Veer looked where she was looking and saw one girl who was the same age as Priya coming toward them being followed by two maids and two bodyguards. She saw Veer looking at her and she smiled. She mentioned her maids and bodyguards to stop. She walked toward Veer and Priya but when she reached Bhim Singh, he stopped her.

That girl called "Priya! Sister, Mother is calling us. We have to go now."

Veer frowned looking at that girl and asked Priya in low voice "Who is she? He expressions and care for you, everything looks pretentious."

Priya smiled helplessly and said "She is Shri Devi. My sister and daughter of the queen." From her word and expression, Veer understood something and then asked: "Will you go now?"

She felt sad and looked at him and said: "There is no other way."

Veer asked, "How would I prove you?"

She looked at his anxious face and smiled and said "That is easy. Think of me. Try to make an opportunity to meet again. I will also do the same." She stood up and looked into his eyes and did not know what to say.

She turned and walked slowly toward her sister. Just in few steps, she heard Veer say "Priya! Please believe in my promise."

Her eyes turned misty and she turned to look at Veer who was standing at the same place and looking at her anxiously. Seeing his anxious expression she smiled and said, "Veer! I believe in everything you have said."

He stood in the same place. She followed her sister with Meena and left. Before she went around the temple and vanished from his sight, she turned and looked and found him looking and she smiled. That was a smile of assurance. He also smiled. He remembered that she has said she will believe in everything he has said. He has made a resolve that he will love her the most.

When Veer came out of his daydreams, he found that unknowingly he has walked and reached the place where they have met and talked with each other. He cried silently and said in the hoarse voice "I really love you the most. I will always love you the most." and sat on the rock on his knees with a thump.

He still remembers every word of there conversation. He remembers her frowns, her smiles, her tears and the look of sadness on her face. He remembers that first sight which made him fall in love. He looks around and finds that there are many things they did not talk about that day.

He whispers "This valley in front is so green. The sound of the wind here is so enchanting. The sky is so boundless. You looked so beautiful among all these. Priya! I feel bad about not talking about all this that day. There was so much to talk about and I did not find that."

"Priya! Come and talk to me. I really love you so much." He shouted toward the valley in front. He didn't care if anyone heard.

He remembered what she has said in the last letter "There is so much to say but no way to tell them all. Don't feel sad My dearest, rest of the things I will tell you in your dreams."

Veer sobbed "Priya! You have to come in my dreams every day. I will always wait to meet you. I have so much to talk to you. We have not talked about so many things."

He decided to live off the days waiting for the night every day.