👑Sixteen~

Nestled in the Alsace region of France, Colmar was a postcard dream come to life. Hardik and Durdhara took in the charming half-timbered houses painted in pastel hues, their reflections bobbing lazily in the quiet canals. They have been to Marseille and the principality of Monaco before coming to this place as Durdhara wanted to check out the countryside too.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the little town, making it seem as if time had forgotten to move.

They rented a small boat, a wooden skiff that had seen better days but just added to the charm of their day. "This is it," Hardik said, a playful grin spreading across his face as he pushed off from the dock. Durdhara laughed, her dark hair bouncing in the gentle breeze. The soft sound of the oars dipping into the water accompanied their journey as they glided through the narrow channels, the tranquility of the countryside surrounding them.

"Look at that,"she pointed to a bridge adorned with vibrant flowers hanging from its arches. "It's like a scene from a fairy tale."

"Uh-oh,"he teased, "I can feel the Disney magic in the air."

"I'll make you dress up like Ursula from Little Mermaid,"she said with a frown and then showed him the pic of Ursula, making him frown harder.

"What nonsense! No way! I'll be Prince Charming from Snow White."

"Prince Charming is Cindrella's."

"Yah whatever,"he said making a face and she laughed and pecked on his lips.

They exchanged playful banter, their voices floating softly above the lapping water, creating memories as vivid as the colors around them.

After meandering through the idyllic waterways, they docked their boat and wandered through the medieval market square, where the scent of freshly baked bread and sweet pastries filled their senses. They stopped at a charming café, sharing a slice of tarte flambée and sipping on Alsatian wine, the flavors mingling as effortlessly as their laughter.

Later, they made their way to Rochefort, a quaint village nestled among rolling hills. Here, they had rented a secluded villa, its rustic charm accented by climbing vines and vibrant terracotta tiles. As they settled in, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of deep orange and soft purple.

They spent the afternoon, shopping souvenirs for the family, before grabbing a lunch and indulging in warm bath while the evening set in.

"Let's explore the vineyard," Hardik suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Their villa was surrounded by sprawling rows of grapevines, and the idea of wandering hand-in-hand under the moonlight felt irresistible.

As they strolled through the vineyard, the air was sweet with the scent of ripe grapes. The stars began to twinkle above them, illuminating their path as they ventured deeper into the rows. Heartbeats quickened with every shared glance and playful touch, a symphony of soft rustling leaves and distant night sounds enveloping them.

Finding a secluded spot behind the villa, hidden from the world, they sprawled on a blanket spread among the vines. The cool earth and gentle breeze set the stage as they looked into each other's eyes. In that moment, they were lost in their own universe, shedding the noise of daily life to embrace the rawness of their connection.

With the moon hanging overhead like a silver coin, they melted into each other with a fervor that spoke of long-forgotten promises and dreams yet to be manifested. The vineyard became their private sanctuary under the stars, a place where love thrived in every whisper and caress.

Time stood still as they made love among the grapevines; with each shared breath, the vineyard became alive with the essence of their passion. As they lay entwined, the world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their bodies and the soft rustle of leaves in a gentle night breeze.

"You know Dhara, I never knew I love stargazing so much,"he said while staring at the starlit sky above them, his hands holding her in firm embrace while she rested upon his chest, tracing imaginary lines upon it, staring at him.

"I too love gazing at my star."

Hardik chuckled and turned her down, coming above her, kissing her passionately.

"We are going to Montpellier tomorrow,"he murmured against her skin while kissing down her neck.

"Don't ask me to wear a bikini there."

"How do you know?"he asked looking up.

"You're my husband. I am getting to know you more and more with each passing day."

Durdhara chuckled as he frowned and then rested his cheek against hers, saying,"wear it under a jacket."

"Mad man,"she said, her laughter echoing through the vine.

He took out a box from the pocket of his Polo shirt which was kept aside and she asked,"now what's this?"

"Something which we call each other often,"came the reply before he made her wear a bracelet.

"Wow! Now this will be my signature bracelet,"she said and kissed him. "Thank you, love."

"Anything for you, Jaan."

They caressed each other, whispering sweet nothings of love, before falling asleep in each other's embrace, while cool breeze blew through the vineyard, making a stirring noise across the leaves.

Shubman was sitting and checking his gallery. He updated an old picture along with the current picture of his musical instruments, and uploaded it as his Insta story before his attendee arrived.

"Kunwarji! Koi aap se milney aayi hain."(Someone has come to meet you)

"Hum se? Kaun? Someone from my gurukul?"

"Yes! Chandrika Oswal ji."

Shubman narrowed his eyes and said,"bring her."

The man left and he murmured,"why did she come to the palace?"

Chandrika was escorted to him after sometime while he was checking his piano.

"Welcome again to our palace. What brings you here on this pleasant day?"he asked, without looking at her.

"Look Maan, let's come straight to the point. I know you might not believe me, but...I am not the one who spread the rumours about you. It was.."

"It was your Dad. I got to know. But he got to know it from you, didn't he?"

"I didn't mean to use it against you."

"But he did. You're his daughter, of course you'll be like him too. If not completely then a little bit at least. And you do consider me as your arch rival, don't you?"

"You too consider me as one. What's wrong if I do the same?"

"I believe in healthy competition, Chandrika. I am not someone who backstabs people. I play fair and I know how to appreciate the talents of others, even of my rivals. You and your family needs to learn these things it seems."

"Maan, I came here to sort out matters and you're taking it to the next level?"

Shubman turned towards her, asking,"so you have come here to apologise on behalf of your father? Does he know?"

Chandrika nodded a no and he chuckled in amazement.

"Really?"

"You really think he would let me come if he knew?"

"Of course not, though. But why did you feel like coming to apologise? You haven't done anything wrong. Then?"

"My Dad did. And your performance wasn't up to the your standard because of it. The judges applauded but you weren't happy about it. I know I too have tried to sabotage your performance before, but staying in the gurukul, I have learnt to respect the talent of others too. Also, since you're helping me with the classical training, it's my duty to..."

"You have a good sense of duty, it seems,"Shubman said, crossing his arms and leaning back against the piano.

"You're a prince right? You didn't even ask me to sit,"she said with a frown.

Shubman chuckled. "Have a seat. I don't know where. There's only instruments around."

"Why's there only one chair in this room?"

"Because nobody else comes here. It's my music room. I do my riwaz out here, mainly sitting on that Egyptian carpet out there, and since I am the only person coming to this room, only one chair is enough. More can be brought in anytime. I'll get someone fetch one for you, wait."

"No need! I am fine with standing,"Chandrika said while looking around the room, at the various instruments.

"You know how to play all these instruments?"she asked in awe.

"Yep! All of them. Guitar, Sitar, Taanpura, Piano, Violin, Drum, Tabla, anything."

"What about flute?"

Shubman stood up and went to a cabinet and opened it, revealing his collection of flutes.

"Wowwwww!"

"Some belong to Daajiraj. He too loved music."

"I see! Oh! By the way, am I apologised?"

"You are. Your father, not."

"Whatever!"she said and picked up a flute. "Play it. Can you?"

He took it from her hand. "You don't have a habit of saying please. Isn't it?"

"Please, Master Raja Maan Singh, will you play this flute?"

Shubman chuckled again and sat on his chair, and started playing a soft melodious tune.

[Play the Shri Krishna BGM from Karthikeya(Kaal Bhairava) mentioned in the videobox as the background tune here]

Chandrika stared at him as he played on, closing his eyes and tuning his soul with music, as he always does. She admires him, the calmness on his face, his handsome features highlighted through the sunrays coming in through the designed glass windows.

She sat on the floor itself, staring at him, resting her chin on her hand, while Rishabh peeped into the room, hearing the tune.

He smiled mischievously and thought,"I guess the rivalry won't be long-lasting enough now."

Suddenly a tiffin container was shoved in front of his eyes, and he turned to his side to find Devangini holding it.

"Koftey! Now don't steal my tiffin again."

He chuckled and took it from her hand. "I can't give assurance."

She rolled her eyes and started walking ahead and he followed up as usual.

"Who has made this by the way?"

"Me! Maa isn't home."

"Oh God! That means there's poison in this."

"I wish I had put some. Shit!"

Rishabh laughed and remembered that Meghatri had invited him to her place, asking him to visit her once.

"Ah...Mittirani, will you go with me somewhere?"

"What?"she asked turning back. "No way! You'll throw me down a hill and clap."

Rishabh laughed and leaned against the railings. "Great idea! But humara mood nahi hain aisa karne ka. Anyways, I want to establish a friendly relationship between you and Megha. So, I'll be taking you to her place, with me."

"I don't think she'll like that."

"Arey, I'll manage. Don't worry."

"Why can't you go alone."

He cleared his throat and said,"don't tell her...she's clingy...since childhood. I feel awkward."

Devangini stared at him, thinking,"he's so innocent."

"Kya huya Mittirani? Chalogi? I won't prank you. Really."

"Fine! I will. But if she throws me out of her house then..."

"Nobody will be able to do that till I am present around,"Rishabh said and she went quiet. "I won't let anyone insult you like that. Promise,"he added and walked away saying,"because you brought food for me. Hihi!"

Devangini chuckled and said,"cute." She then hit her head and said,"are you mad? He's an idiot."

"How was it?"Shubman asked Chandrika.

"You really are superior,"she said.

"Haan? Do you accept defeat then?"

"Not in this life,"she said and stood up. "I'll learn and be worthy enough to challenge you."

Shubman laughed and nodded his head while standing up. "Moon! Your talent lies in Western Music. Don't lose that charm."

"But how do you manage to rock both? I too want to do that."

"Don't push yourself to do something which others are doing. Many can't perform on stage the way you do. Audience love you, Moon. Your vibes matches with them. That's the most important thing for a singer or a musician. And about me? I can do both because I am classically trained. Anyone who's trained in classical music properly, can do that. You'll learn it too."

"Hope to learn it soon. Abb main chalti hoon."

"Nobody leaves our palace without having anything, Moon. Have lunch please."

"No need to do formalities, Maan. I have to go for a work. If you really want to treat me with a lunch then perhaps you can take me out for the purpose someday."

"Are you asking me out on a date indirectly, Miss?"he asked as soon as she turned to leave.

"Shut up!"she said in reply and walked away, leaving him laughing to himself.

************************************Here goes the update. India won the Champions Trophy, hence a special early update. Enjoy, dear readers. Keep Reading and Keep Vommenting Guys.😘❤️