Princess Fighter: Search for the Throne

XXXIII

Peering down in concentration, Abhirath and Mriga found a narrow staircase leading down. They quickly descended and reached the large hall. The place is well lit.

Mriga turned her gaze upwards in confusion. Why doesn't the light shine on the dark area above?

It took me a second to figure out the same reason.

A small arch has been constructed just before entering the hall in such a way that it blocks the view into the room if one is standing on the runway and stairs directly above it.

"Done it cleverly!" he thought, impressed immeasurably even though his mind was muddled about other things.

But he did not get another chance to explore the place because Vaidya and Abhirath had already entered one of the rooms.

He rushed after them and almost slipped.

So much blood! He jerks. When the old man described Shaurya's condition, he made it sound like it was no big deal. But Mriga stood in astonishment as she looked at the bloodshed on the floor.

Oh my... Shauryas! The pale-looking Shaurya lay on his stomach on the rough bed. An incision had been made at the base of his neck and there was a thick, green-colored aching paste on it.

Mriga wanted to rush to her side and feel her breath to convince herself that she was breathing. But he controlled his impulse and waited for instructions.

"Well, you take the cloth from the closet there. Wet it and use it as a towel to wipe the blood and dirt from Shaurya's body. You, little girl - take the mop from the kitchen and clean the floor. Then disinfection it. Make sure the patient and his room are completely sterile otherwise he may have an infection in this state. Now I'll tell Saraswati. Until then, make sure you don't leave him alone. Do you two understand? " the old man stared intently at them.

Nodding his head, Abhirath assured him that they would take care of the situation. As the old man left the room, Abhirath went to Mriga and patted her on the back. He could see her overwhelmed expression and just wanted her to concentrate on the task for now.

With his cue, he released a breath that he did not even know that he had been holding, until now. Closing his eyes for a while, he wanted himself to be focused and strong.

Although the room had a metallic smell, he was determined not to let it get in his way. He didn't dare to see Shaurya anymore because he just didn't want to see him like this.

He walked out of the room quickly and went looking for the kitchen and supplies. Within minutes, both are ready to begin their assigned tasks. Abhirath hesitated before grabbing Shaurya's clothes.

Even though he was injured, he was still an HEI! How could he take off his robe in front of Mriga??

He turned his gaze to the girl who started diligently cleaning the room from the furthest end. His brows furrowed in concentration and the view remained focused on the floor.

Sighing, Abhirath went looking for a bed sheet to cover Shaurya's body. In that situation, there was no other choice.

They worked in total silence for the next twenty minutes, both of them immersed in their respective minds. By the time Mriga returned after cleaning his hands, Abhirath managed to get Shaurya to wear a new suit.

Looking at his exhausted face, he said softly, "Why don't you rest for a while? I'll go and see if there's anything to eat or drink in this place. We need to keep our energy."

Mriga wanted to tell him that even the thought of food made him nauseous at this time, but he did not say anything and nodded his head.

In staying alone in the room, her feet run towards the bed where Shaurya is lying, though her mind screams not to go there.

He stopped by his bed and bowed. As if the body had formed its free will against his mind, his fingers found their way to his forehead. It burns.

Somehow, it made him feel very relieved. He remembered how cold he was when he first dragged him into the building.

He looked at her face. During their last meeting, he had never seen her from this close distance. 'He is so handsome!' What's wrong with her?

A second ago, he could not bear to see her because it was so painful for him to see her get hurt and now he glanced at her. Does his brain not work?

Ashamed of strange thoughts, especially under such circumstances, he dodged and got up.

"A. water," his hoarse voice made him turn around quickly.

His head turned towards her after hearing her voice. He ran to the other side of the bed where glasses and potting soil were kept. Pouring water into it, he came over and sat down beside her. His eyes are still closed.

"Shaurya, I give you water. I'll help you wake up. Tell me if it hurts," she said gently to him before wrapping her hand around his shoulder.

He blindly looked for a glass and drank the first few sips thirstily.

"Slowly, there is a wound on your neck" he whispered in his ear.

He was not sure if he heard it or not, but he stopped drinking and lay down on his arm, limp.

Mriga put down her glass and lowered Shaurya's head gently, recalling the bloody wound on his neck. With a gentle grunt, Shaurya turned to the side, turning his back to Mriga. His regular breathing could be heard after a while in that quiet room.

"What's been going on?" Abhirath's silent words made Mriga aware.

He was standing there, staring at Shaurya's back, apparently.

"Uh, he wants water. Now he's back to sleep. I think he has a fever" he replied in a soft voice.

gesturing for her to wake up, Abhirath took her out of the room.

"I don't find much in the kitchen. But I managed to make sugar water. The proportions may not fit or taste right, but you've had enough dinner. So, just drink. Will help you get your energy back," he pushed the glass half-filled in front of him.

Mriga looked into her attentive eyes and found her warmth reaching her. Although her stomach protested at seeing the liquid, she tilted her head in gratitude and took the glass.

Grimacing as the overly sweet liquid hit his throat, he still finished it without any reaction from outside.

"Thank you!" he said with a smile.

Abhirath's eyes greedily absorbed his rays directed at him. Right now, it felt as if they were the only two people in the entire world.

"I.." he started.

"You mean he'll know who did it just by looking at it?" vaidya's voice reached them at that very instant, making them look towards the stairs.

Saraswati replied with her usual attitude, "Dad, why are you so curious about how the operational part of the organization works? Dad's just a doctor, you remember that, right? Always wanted to act as a spy."

"Huh! Just a doctor? Not only did I bring the giant man down all the steps myself, I even did the whole exercise to save him, alone. What is your ability other than just passing instructions from one to the other, spy my foot! How dare you look down on me when you yourself are no better than a secretary" his father said with a frown.

At that moment, Mriga and Abhirath appeared in their view and Saraswati stopped saying whatever scathing answer she had prepared for her.

The two students bowed to him, respectfully.

"Any change or change?" ask Saraswati's father to them.

"She got up and asked for water. But he's not coherent. Besides, his body was on fire," Mriga immediately spoke up.

"OKAY. You two did a good job. Now go back and rest. I'll tell you if you're needed again" Saraswati told them.

Without waiting for Abhirath's reaction, Mriga spoke, "I. uh, I want to stay and help, if that's okay. I just want to, umm.he's my mentor and I just…"

Mriga nodded in agreement and followed Abhirath out.

"Why don't you freshen up and meet me outside the dining room in half an hour for breakfast? A full stomach ensures better sleep" Abhirath told him outside the Admin building.

Mriga looked at the still dark and tutted sky.

"Isn't breakfast eaten after dawn? What you're talking about is more like a midnight party" he said with a tired smile.

"As long as there are good friends and good food, what's the difference between noon or dawn or dusk? In fact, this is a great time to go to the dining room. The chef will prepare breakfast and with some luck, we can get the best dish, freshly made," he persuaded her.

"Okay, okay. You don't have to sell it too hard. I'm almost always ready to eat! See you in a minute" Mriga said to him with a short laugh.

Since the lesson hours were over, the students were only asked to help tidy up Gurukul and prepare it for the next semester before they left for their respective homes. They are supposed to assist teachers and non-teacher staff in any task assigned to them.

Mriga returns from the dining room and writes a note to Ishani telling her that she is unwell and will be running away from duty this morning. He wants to return to the Admin building as soon as possible. He went and flopped on his bed, trying to sleep.

Even though he went to the dining room with full intention to enjoy a delicious meal, he could not eat more than a few mouthfuls. He had made an excuse for Abhirath that it was too early for him to eat but in his heart, there was a kind of inexplicable unease.

He did not know exactly what he was afraid of but he was restless. After a lot of back and forth, sleep still continues to avoid it.

"Argh.. I better get up and go see if I'm needed in the Admin building. There is no point in developing my neck by looking up at the ceiling, here," he murmured to himself and sat down.

Yash had received a message last night that Mriga was looking for him, so he got up early to meet her at the dorm before they left for their respective duties.

Fifteen minutes later, the Princess Outer Dormitory

"Uh hi, my name is Abhirath. I'm waiting for Mrignayani here. Can you ask him to come down?" he asked for a girl who was going up to the dormitory.

"What year is he? What floor?" the girl asked back.

"sorry. I don't know the floor but she does." she started apologizing.

"Second floor. First room on the right. Tell the maid on the floor and she will deliver her message," a voice came from behind.

The young girl looked from one man to another, in bewilderment before shrugging her shoulders and walking in.

Abhirath turned to look at Mriga's boyfriend, who was standing there pouting.

"Isn't it too early for any discussion, is it about quizzes or debates?" Yash said cynically.

Abhirath knew that he needed to come up with a legitimate reason, otherwise the person would have misunderstood Mriga and he would not have been able to defend himself due to the situation involving the Admin department.

"Actually, I'm here because Mrignayani came looking for me last night. Apparently, there's some trouble between Vandit and Ishani and he needs my help," she lied with a flat face.

Yash frowned at the man's explanation.

Sounds like Mriga's typical response to such a situation.

"I'll tell him you're looking for him. Tell me what time we can meet you to talk about this. Is 5pm right for you?" Yash asked haughtily.

Abhirath felt his eyebrows raise towards 'KAMI'. He shook his head and said,

"I'm busy during the day. I'd better finish the conversation here and now. Don'worry. It doesn't take long" he said neutrally.

He initially came to ask Mriga if he wanted to accompany her to the Admin department earlier than planned.

But now he was stuck because if he left without saying anything, he would wonder and come looking for him in the dormitory and he would have to wait back in uncertainty.

There is also the possibility that the boyfriend may not tell her about his visit together. All of this is not a big deal, but Abhirath just wants to spend the maximum time with Mriga before the holidays start. Because it's...

Yash scowled at the thick-skinned man. He was just not ready to receive the hint.

He decided to be confrontational at last by saying, "I hope you realize that Mriga is my girlfriend."

Abhirath smiled without excitement and replied, "I thought you didn't make any of us doubt about that."

"Well, then what you may not know is that I am aware of your long-held affection for her. So, you can understand why I don't like you hanging out with him" Yash said.

Abhirath took a moment to recover from his words. How does he know? Other than the Admin team boys, no one knew about it and he was very sure none of them would share it with anyone.

"My feelings are none of your business. Also, I'm not 'wandering' around him. He was my friend. Therefore, the day I decide to pursue it, you and everyone will find out. Until then, don't go with the misunderstanding that fills your head. I'm leaving now. Make sure to tell Mriga that I came looking for her," with that, she left.

Yash stood there angry at the man's words.

How dare he behave so high and mighty. Who does he think he is? Does this mean he plans to pursue Mriga, someday?

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I was doing something," said Mriga hurriedly, descending from the stairs.

He was carrying a heavy-looking cotton shoulder bag. Yash looked at his hurried expression and smiled. It felt like he hadn't seen her for days now.

"Will your ship sail somewhere soon? Why are you in such a hurry? I've waited quite a lot in the past right in this place patiently, haven't I? I think I enjoyed the anticipation of seeing you" he said with a smile.

Mriga's eyes were confused.

"Someone left me a message saying that two people were waiting for me. Therefore, I ran downstairs wondering what had happened," he said.

Yash's face turned sour at his words.

"So, you mean to say that you didn't come thinking that I was waiting for you here?" he reprimanded.

"I stood outside your dormitory for a very long time yesterday, but I didn't whine as soon as I saw you" he said in annoyance.

Yash's face was immediately colored.

"Yes, I received a message that you came looking for me, which is why I rushed here this morning. Actually, my mother was in town and a small party was held in her honor. So, I went to attend it. Actually, I originally wanted to ask you to come to the event but since it is an official meeting, I did not. But soon, I will arrange an informal interaction between the two most important women of my life," he promised with a charming smile.

Mriga was surprised to hear about her mother's presence in the city and then blushed to hear her last sentence.

"Oh! I didn't know that. Is she okay? Why did you come back so soon? Don't you want to spend more time with him? Did your father come to visit too?" he asked her.

This is what Yash likes about him – his warmth and concern for others. He told her that because he had come for an official trip, he couldn't stay any longer and his father preferred to stay away from politics and anything related to that and stay in South Zilla.