Thud... thud...
“This is more nerve-racking than going to war,” the king muttered, glancing nervously at his brother.
“Hahaha… I know that feeling,” Mano chuckled.
“Don’t make fun of me… maybe this wasn’t a good idea,” Vikram said, already half-turning away.
“No, brother — for the kingdom,” Mano urged, trying his best to encourage him without bursting into laughter. “Come on. You can do this.”
Right now, the mighty King Vikram resembled a schoolboy trying to talk to his crush.
It was a bright morning filled with birdsong, the air fresh and calm — a perfect contrast to the two royal brothers hiding awkwardly behind a tree, plotting a mission.
As soon as they spotted Indra sitting in the garden, quietly reading, Mano had been nudging Vikram to approach her. But Vikram just couldn’t summon the courage.
“Well, look at her…” he whispered, frozen in place. “Sh-she’s so… busy reading… and… wonderful…”
Mano couldn’t help but smile. Seeing his strong, usually composed brother so lovestruck and flustered was a rare sight — and quite amusing.
“Come on, brother,” he grinned. “You are the king, remember?”
Vikram took a deep breath and finally began walking toward her. With each step, his heart thudded louder in his chest.
He couldn’t stop staring — her long, slender fingers delicately held the book, and when a lock of hair fell across her face, she gently brushed it aside. Then her eyes met his.
She turned her head slightly and smiled, her big brown eyes locking onto his. A jolt of electricity ran through him, and his cheeks flushed red.
Indra noticed and giggled softly.
Vikram panicked and quickly glanced back — only to see Mano still hiding behind the tree, watching him with wide eyes.
Mano gestured wildly, “Why are you looking at me?” and slapped his forehead. Then he waved urgently: Go!
My brother is hopeless, Mano thought, barely holding back a laugh.
Vikram straightened his shoulders and approached her, doing his best to act calm.
“Hi, Princess… um… did you have breakfast already?”
Even though it was a lame question, it had taken all his courage to say it.
Indra looked up at him, amused. She placed her hand gently on her crossed leg, her eyes twinkling.
“We ate together this morning, King Vikram,” she replied with a soft giggle. “Have you forgotten?”
Vikram’s face turned crimson. Embarrassed, he awkwardly pushed his hair back.
“O-oh… yeah… right… well then… good,” he mumbled, then awkwardly turned and began walking away.
Behind the tree, Mano’s jaw dropped open in disbelief.
He let out a deep sigh.
He has a long way to go… he thought, shaking his head.
......... 
A Year Ago
Indra and her friends had snuck out of the palace, disguising themselves as ordinary village girls to explore the outside world unnoticed.
“Princess Indra, look over there!!” one of her friends shouted.
“It’s a deer!” another cried out.
In an instant, chaos erupted as the group scattered in all directions, chasing after the animal with shrieks and laughter.
Indra ran, laughing along—until she stopped abruptly and looked around.
“Where am I…?” she murmured, realizing she was alone. Somehow, she had wandered away from the group.
As she took in her unfamiliar surroundings, something brushed past her hand. Startled, she turned around—only to stumble backward and fall to the ground.
“AAAAAHHHH!! A DEER!!! A HUGE ONE!!!” she screamed, panic overtaking her.
The large deer leaned closer, bringing its nose right up to her face. Terrified, Indra squeezed her eyes shut.
The deer began sniffing her, its breath tickling her skin. She giggled despite herself and cautiously opened one eye. The deer was staring at her, curious but calm.
Slowly, hesitantly, she reached out her hand. The deer didn’t move. Inch by inch, she extended her fingers—and to her surprise, the deer gently rested its head on her palm. Its soft fur sent a warm shiver through her.
“Wow…” she whispered, awestruck.
Then, as if drawn by some invisible pull, other animals began emerging from the trees, surrounding her. Rabbits, birds, even a fox. None of them seemed afraid.
“You guys are… strange,” she said, still amazed.
She stood up slowly and looked around. That’s when she noticed—something about this place was strange. Too calm. Too silent.
“Wait… don’t tell me this is that forest… the magical one Mama and Papa warned me never to enter…” Her face paled. “If they find out… I’m so dead…”
She began walking quickly, trying to find a way out—but no matter which path she took, she ended up back in the same spot.
“I’m deadddd... I can’t get out... WH—ARRGGHHH!!!”
She tripped, twisting her foot as she fell to the ground.
Pain shot through her leg, and when she tried to stand, she couldn’t. Tears welled up in her eyes, partly from pain, partly from fear.
Minutes passed. Then, from a distance, she saw a shadow approaching from between the trees. Her breath caught.
A human?
Relief flooded her—until doubt crept in. Wait… what if it’s one of those wild forest people Mama mentioned?
The figure came closer and knelt beside her.
“What happened here? My apologies—please, allow me to examine your foot, miss,” the man said gently.
He began inspecting her injury, carefully turning her leg. Just then, she noticed another figure approaching from behind him.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, and… stunning.
As the first man continued checking her knee, she stared at the second man, almost in a daze. But suddenly—
“OWW!” she yelped in pain.
“Ah, sorry!” the first man winced. “Seems like you’ve twisted your knee. I’m Sane — a healer and traveler. And this is—” he pointed to the man behind him.
“I’m his helper, Vikram,” came the deep, calm voice.
Indra's attention shifted completely. His tone was quiet but respectful. He helped her move to a large rock, every gesture gentle and careful.
She couldn’t take her eyes off him.
This guy really is a helper? she wondered. He looks more like a warrior… such broad shoulders…
Her cheeks turned red. It was the first time she had ever admired a man.
He was now gathering fruits, and she watched him with curiosity. He kept his gaze low, rarely making eye contact.
That’s interesting, she thought.
As he approached, he held out a mango toward her—but the rest slipped from his arms and tumbled to the ground. He panicked, trying to catch them.
Indra giggled, and just then, their eyes met. For a moment, time paused.
What a funny guy… she thought with a smile.
......... 
Later, she did get a huge scolding from her parents when they found out she’d entered the forbidden forest. But luckily, she escaped punishment because of her injury and was put on bed rest for a month.
As the days passed, that strange, magical memory began to feel like a dream. A fleeting, surreal moment from another life.
A whole year went by. Her memory of that encounter had begun to fade, and she convinced herself she would never see that man again.
But then Mano arrived…
And just like that, she saw him again.
......... 
“Ahhh…” the King sighed heavily. 
“Why is it so hard to talk to her?” he muttered to himself as he wandered down the palace corridor, lost in thought.
Just then, the distant rhythm of drums caught his attention. Intrigued, he followed the sound, his footsteps quiet as he traced the melody through the halls. It led him to a room with a half-open window. Curious, he peeked inside.
What he saw took his breath away.
Indra stood at the center of the room, dressed in a unique saree with a pant-style bottom that allowed her graceful movement. Her eyes were covered with a soft cloth, and in each hand she held a long shawl. Surrounding her were large traditional drums, arranged in a wide circle.
As she moved, the ends of her shawls flicked and struck the drums in rhythm, creating a mesmerizing melody. Her dance was both powerful and elegant — each movement precise, every beat intentional. That she performed all of it blindfolded only deepened the King’s awe.
What kind of art is this…? he thought. To master something so complex, and without sight… incredible.
He leaned in slightly, trying to get a better view. Just then, one of the shawls snapped toward him like a whip, wrapping tightly around his arm and pulling him into view.
“Who’s there?” Indra called out, pausing her movement. She pulled the blindfold aside and saw the King entangled in her shawl.
A slow smile spread across her face as she walked toward him, eyes scanning him from foot to head.
“Well, well… an uninvited guest,” she teased, her voice playful.
The King blushed, caught off guard by her direct gaze and bold charm.
With a soft chuckle, she loosened the shawl and stepped back. At the doorway, she turned once more, giving him a mischievous glance over her shoulder, her fox-like eyes gleaming.
Then she smiled.
The King stood frozen, his heart still racing.
“She’s amazing,” he whispered to himself, like a starstruck admirer caught in a moment he never wanted to end.