Warrior Princess; Her Quest to the throne

"Is it because you think she is unsuitable as the Queen or is it due to her association with me which is making you say and do this," he asked her softly.     

Mriga was suddenly tired of trying to explain herself to him and replied frostily, "It doesn't matter what the reason is. I have made up my mind to participate in the event and as per the rules, I am eligible to do so. That's it. Why are you trying to make it more complicated than that?"     

Yash didn't know how to express his mixed emotions at the moment. On one hand, he was feeling flattered that his girl was jealous of someone and was lashing out in this manner. But the other part was worried about her making the matters worse and he said so to her.     

"Uh, the thing is… actually a lot of people would be coming to watch the competition and err, maybe my mother would be there as well. I don't want your first impression on her to be…" he started uncomfortably.     

Mriga gave a short bark of laugh. He was still fretting over small things like impressions. It seemed that he hadn't figured out yet that they were way past that situation.     

"So, in your head, you are already sure that between her and me, she would be the winner. Correct?" she challenged, nonetheless.     

"No, I mean... I am not doubting your abilities at all. I know how good you are. But the level of the competition is way different from the ones you have participated in, till now. I don't want you to be disappointed or disheartened," he tried to explain.     

But Mriga was done listening to him.     

She looked at him coldly and said, "Yash, I think... no I know that we are currently on two different paths. Why don't we take a break from this association and think things through rather than drag it on, unnecessarily."     

His ears refused to believe what she was saying. How did things turn out this way in the span of twenty four hours?     

"Mriga, aren't you overreacting right now? I mean I have explained everything to you honestly but you are still choosing to misunderstand and doubt me. Why?" he asked in a hurt tone.     

She didn't know where did the strength come to her at that moment but she stared into his eyes unflinchingly and replied, "After a careful thought, I have come to the conclusion that we are not meant to be with each other. I am sorry but I don't want to continue with this relationship any further. I hope you will be considerate and end this amicably."     

With that she moved away and started climbing up.     

Yash swiftly reached her and grabbed her arm, "How can you say that? All this time… everything that we have shared… how can you let go of it so easily? I have been fretting for months about our future. How can you stand here so calmly and say these words to me? At the first hint of trouble, you are giving up. Do you even realise what you are saying right now?"     

Mriga raised her lashes and saw the emotions swirl in Yash's eyes. Her heart ached at the moment but she had realised last night that if she didn't walk away from this relation at this juncture, it would lead her to landing in similar situations again and again in the future. Had Yash been a different kind of person who was capable of stepping out of his mother's shadow and stand independently, she would have held onto him with all her might, future queen contender be damned.     

During the recent events, Yash's indecisiveness had exposed not only his deep attachment to his mother, but also the extent of her influence on him. She knew that he liked her and had feelings for her but she also believed that they may not be enough to sustain them in the future. In a detached manner, she had realised that it was better to accept a strong hit in one go rather than keep getting broken bit by bit.     

"Yash, seeing you right now... is too hard for me. I really can't do this anymore," she said quietly.     

He had raised his arms to take her in them but upon hearing these words, they were suspended midair. He slowly brought his hands back to his side and he took in her unyielding expression.     

"It seems like you have made up your mind. Sure, I won't pester you anymore or during the vacation. You want time off us, take that time. But that doesn't mean that I am giving up on us. I will wait till the day you come back to me yourself. Take care... I will miss you terribly," he couldn't resist and grazed his knuckles across her cold cheek.     

Mriga didn't stop him nor did she react to his touch. Lowering her head, she murmured, "Goodbye" and walked inside the dorm.     

Vandit and Ishani waited till Yash had left from there to come out of the trees' shadow near the hostel. They had gone for an early breakfast together because Ishani wanted to spend the rest of the day with Mriga. Upon their return, they had chanced upon the conversation between these two. Not wanting to intrude upon their privacy, they had stood away. In fact, Vandit had to restrain Ishani from storming out a couple of times in the middle when Yash was unwilling to let go of Mriga. He could feel the indignation and the anger radiating from every pore of her body.