The Royal Heirs

*Abhimanyu & Akshara*

Abhimanyu sat quietly in his study, absorbed in his work. Akshara entered the room, went straight to the bathroom, and when she returned, he was still there, sitting on the bed. She had intended to ask if he had packed, but something held her back. Instead, she lay down on the couch, her mind wandering until she dozed off.

Some time later, her eyes fluttered open. He was still awake.

"I was going to ask if you packed," she murmured.

His response was sharp, "None of your business."

"If you need help, I'm here. There's still time," she tried again.

"I've told you, stick to your own work," he replied coldly.

She opened her mouth to say more, but before she could, he moved swiftly, grabbing her arm and pulling her close.

"Don't speak. Don't interfere with my work," he ordered, his tone final.

With that, he turned and left the room. Akshara sat still, reflecting on the past year and a half. Abhimanyu's behavior had always been distant, and though she'd asked him about it before, the answers had never been kind. So, she stopped asking.

Feeling the weight of his words, she left the room, stepping onto the terrace, where the quiet of the night provided a brief respite from the tension.

*Abeer & Amisha*

Amisha entered her room, only to find Abeer looking at her with an unmistakable frown. As she headed for the bathroom, he stopped her.

"Is there something you need?" he asked, his voice tinged with irritation.

She turned, confused. "What do you mean?"

Abeer's eyes narrowed. "What do you want to prove by showing that mark? That you're helpless?"

She sighed. "It's nothing like that."

His tone grew colder. "It's always been like this. Remember, my life's sole purpose is to make yours a living hell."

Amisha's voice was barely a whisper, "I know."

"Good," he replied sharply. "Now, hide it properly."

"Mm," she murmured, the words stinging more than she let on.

Without another word, Abeer walked off into his study. Amisha, with a heavy heart, went to take her bath. But as she lay down to sleep afterward, restless thoughts flooded her mind, the weight of their conversation lingering in the quiet night.

*

Amisha walked onto the terrace, seeking some quiet. She sat in a corner, feeling restless, when suddenly, a figure appeared in front of her. Both women screamed in surprise, and after a tense pause, they recognized each other.

Amisha exhaled in relief. "You scared me!"

Akshara, equally startled, laughed nervously. "If I hadn't seen you in time, you were ready to break my head!"

"I thought you were a thief," Amisha admitted.

Akshara raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing out here at this hour?"

Amisha shrugged. "I could ask you the same."

"I just felt suffocated," Akshara confessed.

"I was restless too," Amisha replied.