Dancing to Only Your Tune {Kanya of Kanyakubja}
For better disguise
Chirayu walked alongside Vatsala, carrying the bags of medicine she had just bought from him.
Vatsala
A man who lives in a brothel, plays the Veena to gather crowds, yet secretly sells healing medicine from the backdoor… What’s next? Please don’t surprise me with hidden swords.
Chirayu chuckled softly at her teasing.
Vatsala
So tell me, how do I subdue the scent of sandalwood that gives away my disguise?
Chirayu
Maybe try blending the sandalwood oil with vetiver or lemon, It could create a softer, more balanced scent.
He paused for a moment, then hesitantly reached into his pocket and pulled out an anklet.. a grand piece of gold adorned with nine precious gems, each catching the light in a different hue. It was unmistakably unique, the kind of craftsmanship only a renowned goldsmith could create. There was no doubt it belonged to someone of high standing.
Chirayu
And… maybe wearing simple anklet won’t betray who you really are.
Vatsala’s eyes widened.. she lifting the hem of her skirt just enough to reveal her bare right ankle.
She hadn’t even realized it had fallen.
Vatsala
I hadn’t even noticed it had fallen.
It turned out that anklet had done more than fall.. it had led Chirayu to her that night.
He had followed her through the streets, trying to return it, when she was cornered by those men.
That little anklet had saved her... and perhaps, brought her to a destined meeting.
Chirayu
By the style of the anklet, it is clear it isn't made just for adornment.
Vatsala had her skirts lifted just enough for Chirayu to kneel, her leg resting lightly on his lap as he prepared to fasten the anklet.
But when he asked about it, she hesitated. Her eyes flickered away, and in that pause, Chirayu sensed the weight of his question.
Chirayu
I was just rambling, It’s such a beautiful anklet, I couldn’t help bu--
Vatsala
It belonged to my mother.. she loved to dance. My father had it made for her.
Chirayu gently placed her leg back down, his hands unhurried and careful. He reached for the bags of medicine he’d set aside and, standing up, looked her in the eye.
Tapping the red ruby earring that glinted against his skin, he gave a small smile.
Chirayu
The man my mother loved gave her these before he left.. beautiful, aren’t they?
It was a clumsy attempt to shift the mood..but it worked. The heaviness in Vatsala’s eyes softened.
Her hand reached up, fingers brushing gently against his earlobe. The soft contact sent a shiver through him, but what truly unraveled him was the blooming smile on her lips as she said
The man, broad-shouldered and composed just moments ago, turned red all the way down his neck, the flush betraying the storm of feelings her smile had stirred.
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