(All the characters in this story are aged 18 or more)
PRESENT :
A telegram was waiting for him when he reached home. He was urgently called back to College as the College semi-annual test was starting next day.
He had no time to see Thakur Mangal Sinh, father of Fulava. He called in his buddy Chandrakant. After making him take the oath of secrecy he left a message for Fulava requesting her to be patient for few days. In the evening he took leave of his mother, touched her feet and drove to his one room abode in the College Hostels.
The test was rigorous and lasted for three days. On the fourth day he had to deal with that bitch of an instructor and had an hour of football practice. While climbing the stairs to the third floor of the Hostels he was looking forwards to going home next morning and seeing his Fulava.
Wearily he slumped on the unmade bed, loosened his pants and pulled out his limp cock. He once again recalled his encounter with Fulava and his cock started stiffening. To morrow, he told unto himself, to morrow I will go and see her father and may be then she would allow me to fuck her, may be. His lund was fully erect now and he was fast approaching the climax.
Then entered Kanaiyalal, the Karbhari, bearer of the bad news and he returned home to plunge into cauldron of hectic activities.
The Maharaja declared a ten days' period of statewide mourning. A long queue of dignitaries, both local and foreign was waiting to see Maharaja and offer condolences. Anu as prospective Crown Prince was obliged to attend them with a degree proportionate to their status and importance. It was Kanaiyalal who was handling this business but Anu had to remain by his side. Then there was arrival of the dead body, its public viewing, followed by cremation; this took a whole week. In the end started the preparations for his induction as Crown Prince. All these days he was under constant surveillance in the name of safety and could not move an inch without the knowledge of that hyena, Kanaiyalal.
It was fifteen days before he had a chance to talk to his mother. He told her about meeting a Rajput girl and their mutual promises of marriage. Queen Saroja Devi, his mother could easily read the writings on his bashful face. She rejoiced in her heart; at last her son was showing the signs of being a "man" thanks to one of those opportunistic hussies who readily spread their legs for a member of Royal family. With a smirk on her lips she asked, "Is she pregnant?"
Shocked by the abrupt question from his mother Anu after a moment of hesitation vehemently replied, "No, no, no Mataji. We have done nothing of the kind."
"If that is so what is the problem? Bapu, out there girls now will be practically throwing themselves at your feet. We have already received proposals from about eight royal families for your hand, You must consider all the factors. You are no longer a common man on the street. As a Crown Prince you will be restricted in so many ways; selection of partner and marriage is one of them. It comes to be your duty to give our public an acceptable person as a queen."
"But Mataji, I have promised her marriage."
"Promise? Wait for six months. I bet, she will marry some one else and forget you. She will not wait for you."
"I beg your pardon, Mataji, she loves me and would not ......."
"If she loves you why did she not allow you to go to the last stage? You wanted to ... to .....you know what? Did you not?"
"She wants to keep something for wedding night."
"Oh, She wants to give you her virginity as wedding gift?"
Anu was feeling shy and uncomfortable talking to his mother about sex. He did not answer
Mataji continued, "Look Bete, Wait till you are inducted as Crown Prince. All throughout my life I have prayed for you to succeed you father. Now that that chance is there would you break my lifelong aspiration just for a two bit opportunistic hussy?"
Anupam could not tolerate insults to Fulava. Red in face due to suppressed anger he could only speak, "I beg your pardon, Mataji. May I be excused?"
Saroja Devi said, "I am sorry if I have hurt your feelings but sometimes bitter medicine is the only remedy. Think about it. You may go now. Be happy, my child."
Next day Queen Saroja Devi received in her private quarters her dealer in precious stones. Nobody knew of him, not even Kanaiyalal. The guy was an unassuming common looking man from Ahmedabad working in Home Ministry of Central Government of India and acting as a mole for Saroja Devi. Officially he was spending vacation with his family in Ahmedabad. He brought bad news, the Home department was gearing up for annexation of states. The days of Bansban as a State were numbered.
But surely the rulers of these states will get something in return? Yes, the King will receive Annuity the amount of which to be decided by the Parliament. There would no longer be any King. Queen Saroja Devi was deeply perturbed.
How would this affect Anu? Saroja Devi thought. He will inherit the annuity if not the throne. Provided, of course, he agrees to leave that girl and accepts the position of Crown Prince. She would not give him a chance to say no. She would expedite and settle the issue before even Maharaja learnt of the annexation. Accordingly she rushed the matters and virtually dragged Anu to the Prince hood.
The occasion was celebrated without any restrain. There was religious ceremony in the morning lasting for three hours. This was followed by a short procession ending into extravagant feast in company of selected few. Fulava and Chandrakant were not included.
Afternoon was reserved for general public. Anybody could come and congratulate the new Crown Prince. Almost all the visitors came with some kind of offering. and waited patiently in a long queue for their turn.
At first he did not recognize her, she had changed so much. She had lost weight, her complexion had darkened. She was unkempt with uncombed hair flying in all directions. Big black circles surrounded her sad eyes red and puffy due to constant crying.. She was carrying something wrapped in dirty cloth which the guards presumed to be a gift but in fact was only a wad of rags.
The perpetual smile adorning the Prince's face vanished faster than a drop of water on red hot iron. She was staring at him with dry eyes; no tears were left to shed. Anu almost got up from his seat but restrained himself. She wordlessly put forth her hand as if begging. With an effort she croaked one word, "Fotu...(photograph)"
Sensing something unusual the guards descended upon her like hawks, caught her by arm and dragged her away. She continued mumbling "Fotu, mera fotu...(photograph, my photograph)"
Anu could not bear this. He immediately left the hall complaining of sudden headaches. He requested immediate audience with Maharaja and Queen Saroja Devi. He had to wait for an hour. He was granted five minutes.
Five minutes was too much time for him. When the door of the chamber closed he announced in firm voice, "Your Highness and Mataji, I respectfully request the permission to denounce my title of Crown Prince in favor of Prince Nirmal Sinh."
The King and the Queen were surprised but did not ask for explanations. Saroja Devi at that point realized that her son was really in love with that young girl. Her heart almost bursting with compassion she rushed to him and took him in embrace. Running her fingers through his hair she said with tears in her eyes, "Go my son, go and be happy."
Maharaja granted his wish. Anu touched their feet and rushed out like a bird freed from a cage.
A group of guards immediately surrounded him. He dismissed them with a curt, "I will call you when I need you."
He ran out of the palace and grabbed the horse of the nearest guard. Leaving the gawking guard he flew to the neighboring village. He found out Fulava's home and dismounted.
"Where is Fulava?" he asked the middle aged man who came forwards to receive him.
"Welcome, welcome Bapu Saheb. Oh oh, I am honored by your gracious visit to our poor home. Sevak Mangal Sinh is present at your service."
"So, you are Fulava's father? Where is she?"
"I beg your pardon, Saheb, she has gone to Bansban to greet you. Did she not see you there? Oh foolish girl, where in the name of God ....oh here she comes."
A small crowd of spectators had gathered in the courtyard of the house. It parted making way for Fulava. She appeared to be in a haze and was being led by two girls of her age.
" She was roaming the streets of Bansban," said one of them.
Walking on unsteady feet she barely made to the door steps and collapsed.
Anu was quick. He jumped and gathered her in his arms before she hit the ground. He landed jarringly on his side cushioning Fulava on his body. Mangal Sinh came up and lifted Fulava to the charpoy near by. Somebody brought in water to sprinkle on her face. Presently she opened her eyes.
Anu was hovering above her. She asked in a weak voice, "What happened? Where am I, Pyare?"