PART 1
It's raining, hard, cold and fast: as if someone has split open a cloud letting it pour endlessly. The sun set was so long ago and the night seems endless. Inside the secluded mansion the hustle and bustle of the city seems distant, if not non-existent. I should be sleeping, or at least partying with my friends but I can't seem to bring myself to do so, something about this night is making me restless. Or maybe it's because of her -that crazy, entertaining and yet utterly innocent girl- no, not just a girl anymore, but a Rajkumari .
Lying down on the bed, I recall our meetings- the beach, the nightclub and every other encounter since then; the banter back and forth, and I wince a little at her obvious distain for me. I know I tend to be obnoxious, but I don't want her to think I enjoy her misery- because I don't. She's had it rough the last few days: but she'll be fine- royal not only by blood, but by persona, she has will, charisma and character. I'm surprised she's still here. Sure she's turned the palace into a circus, but Manyata never ceases to amaze me.
Her smile is delightful; it hasn't been spoiled by plots, schemes, agenda's and ulterior motives like Jai and myself. She's so full of life, simplicity and passion. I don't know why I keep coming around her, I know she does not want to be my friend, and she won't be swayed so easily. Yet, I can't seem to help myself. She was the one person I once knew better than myself, and now I know neither too well.
This is the same girl I brought chocolates for as a kid every time I visited, the only person I would shed tears for if she was pain. I can still remember the hurt, confusion and fear when it dawned on me that Manyata was missing. Asking Komal Aunty endless questions as to where she was:
"Why won't she come and play Auntyji?" "Is she mad about the hurt I gave her still? I'm sorry! I didn't want to hurt Manyata!" "Auntyji! Why are you crying is Manyata ok? Where is my Manyata!?"
I had almost forgotten that instance in my life where I felt such a paramount level of grief, but could not understand why. Confusion, anger, surprise, and to a certain degree, guilt all rolled up together because of her loss. She was the only person that made me feel so much at once- and I had stopped feeling so much since her loss, and now that she's back I can't understand what I'm feeling.
The rain suddenly starts pouring more vigorously, causing me to remember another night like this: that night was 16 years ago, when I tried to find Manyata. At that moment I had not been looking for a Princesses, or my Betrothed. I had just wanted to find my best friend.
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Please do give constructive feedback!
-Reeha
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