"You're cruel to your father."
"You don't know him."
"How come both you and Nihar hate your fathers? If I knew who mine is, I'd love him anyway."
"You probably miss a father because you never had one. And there are very good fathers around, it's mine who is too power thirsty."
"And what else?"
"He's very strict. He's out of town today, or I wouldn't have been able to come on this stroll. And he's like the people you've met so far, except he despises not only you, but whoever isn't at his level of wealth and nobility. He hates poor people and commoners in spite of having dozens of servants."
"What about you?"
"Me? I don't know. I don't care about your social status, as long as you're sweet and nice."
Rohan blushed. Nihar's voice in his head prodded him. He stopped to stare at her.
She stopped too and looked back.
He hesitated, then caressed her cheek. They got lost in each other's eyes again until their mouths met. The world around them disappeared as they prolonged their first kiss.
***
"I'm so happy for you!" Nihar hugged his friend, ignoring the passers-by who glared at his display of affection.
"I'm in heaven," Rohan replied, dreamy. "I'm a little scared for her, though. What will her father say? And Jaiden? She promised to tell them..."
"She's brave! And I know she'll do it and then you can live happily ever after! It might be hard at first, but I know you will make it!"
"Of course we will."
***
"What? You can't break the betrothal!" Jaiden looked ugly when he was angry and Bismillah pulled away from him, wondering how she could have accepted the betrothal in the first place.
"Yes I can," she said coldly. "I don't think this marriage would benefit me."
"And what will your father say, huh? And don't you care about my feelings?"
"You don't care about me, why should I care about you?" They were in a garden pavilion and the birds had gone silent as their voices rose in anger.
"I do care, darling! You're my betrothed!"
"Yeah, right. How come I always see you with other girls, then?"
"Darling, they're relatives – sisters, cousins – I show them the city as an act of hospitality..."
"And you kiss your sisters and cousins on their mouths?"
"No, I don't!"
"Yes you do! I've been told and then I saw you! Only my father would never believe you're a liar and a spoiled young man! All my friends laughed behind my back for a month before telling me you were cheating on me! So I'm breaking our betrothal on the grounds that you will never be a faithful husband and I will find myself a more decent man!"
He had been gaping at her, but he recovered quickly when she turned her back on him, ready to leave. He grabbed her arm and swirled her around, wearing a contrite mask on his face. "Oh, darling, forgive me, but you're so cold with me," he pleaded. "Try to understand me... I'm a man, I have some needs..." He pulled her closer. "I promise that after the wedding I will see nobody else but you." He pushed his face forward to kiss her, but she slapped him and freed herself from his embrace.
"Jaiden. It's. Over." She stormed out of the pavilion without turning back.
***
"Hello?" Bismillah shyly peeked inside the room Rohan shared with his mother. Madam Jaya hadn't been happy to see her and had grumpily pointed her to the first floor.
Deepika looked up from her writing and stared at her with open curiosity. "Come in, girl."
Bismillah stepped in but stopped by the door, unsure. "My lady, may I speak with Rohan?"
"He's out with his friend Nihar. What did you want from him?"
"Nothing urgent, my lady." Bismillah hung her head, disappointed. "I only needed to see him. Thank you and good-bye."
"Wait!" Deepika stopped her as she turned to leave and got to on her feet. "He should be back soon," she said walking towards the visitor with a bright smile. "Why don't you sit with me and wait for him?"
"Thank you, my lady." Bismillah followed the courtesan to the carpet and cushions, a little relieved. Maybe she hadn't come to the brothel in vain after all.
"Will you tell me your name or is it a secret?" Deepika asked, pouring tea for the guest.
Bismillah stopped staring at her hands to look at Rohan's beautiful mother. "Bismillah, my lady."
"The daughter of Lord Charan?"
"Yes."
"Then you're the lady, not me." The courtesan offered her the cup of tea and Bismillah took it, still a little uncomfortable with the meeting.
"Rohan told me about you," Deepika continued pouring herself some tea. "He shines when he says your name! He's deeply in love with you. But you? What do you feel for him?"
"I love him too, my lady, because he's sweet, handsome and everything. He's so different from anyone I've met so far..."
Deepika sighed. "Sometimes I wonder if it would have been better for him to grow up in the House of Children. I tried to give him a new life in Akulina but it was actually worse than here, so we came back. And it seems this time I did the right thing." She smiled before sipping her tea.
"You have loved him very much, my lady, and made a wonderful man of him," Bismillah said, forgetting her tea.
"I'm not a lady, Bismillah, call me Deepika like everyone else. I already have a son who makes me feel old by calling me Mother." Deepika shivered and Bismillah giggled. "Sometimes I think he's older than me!"
"It's true that he's very mature," Bismillah admitted. That was one of the reasons why she loved him so much.
"He'll die for you." Deepika smiled. "You won't find a more faithful lover in the world."
Hopefully a husband. Bismillah sipped her tea, glancing at Rohan's mother and wondering about her future.
They were about to have a second cup of tea when male voices came up from the stairs and soon Nihar and Rohan walked into the room, laughing at some private joke.
Deepika got up to welcome them both with a hug and Bismillah stood up, anxious again. What would Rohan think of her unannounced visit?
The he saw her and his face brightened. He opened his arms and she threw herself at him. It felt good to be held against him.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"I talked to Jaiden. I needed to see you." She looked at his face, and he smiled and quickly kissed her.
"You're crazy, Lady Bismillah," he whispered holding her tight.
"Yes, about you." She grinned.
"I'll walk you home." He pulled back. "Bye, Mother. See you later, Nihar."
He put one arm around her shoulder and led her out of the brothel.
"You were brave to come here on your own," he said as they strolled in the street.
"Why, it's a female brothel and I'm a woman. Although I think Madam Jaya was considering charging me for letting me speak to you."
She smiled at him and he chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, Gods! You and Nihar will push me into my mother's profession!"
"Certainly not! I want an exclusive! And I don't think Nihar wants you... in a certain way. Actually he looks like he's your mother's devoted lover."
"Yes, but we're not telling Madam Jaya or she might start to charge him for his visits! So officially he's my friend only. But theirs is a love story as beautiful as ours."
"I'm happy to hear this. Your mother is still young, I'm sure she's the perfect match for Nihar."
***
"I don't understand why you broke the betrothal with Jaiden," Lord Charan said. He was still handsome in spite of the first wrinkles and looked as serious and formal as ever as he sat on a divan with his beloved wife, staring at his beloved daughter.
"He cheated on me before the wedding," Bismillah answered. "He's haughty and rough. I don't want to see him ever again."
"If you say so." Lord Charan smiled with indulgence. "Tell me, dear daughter, have you fallen in love with someone else?"
"As you're asking, I feel I should be honest w
ith you." She slid down from her couch to crouch at his feet. "Yes, I fell in love," she admitted, beaming.
"Fine." Her father chuckled, caressing her head like when she was a child. "And who is he?"
"He's the sweetest boy of the town, Father. He's well educated, kind and he loves me very much. And I love him. He's also handsome and... he respects me and would never cheat on me. He makes me feel happy with his simple presence."
Her father smiled at her dreamy sigh.
"This boy sounds like a wonder," he said. "May I know his name?"
Bismillah was expecting that question, but not after being able to ramble about her love. She cleared her throat as her smile vanished.
"Rohan, Father. You don't know him."
"Let's hope you'll introduce him to us soon, then." Lord Charan patted her again before turning to his wife. "What do you think, dear?"
***
"Seems like he has taken it well," Bismillah said when Rohan visited her almost in secret, as nothing had been made official yet. "But I have no idea what will happen when you actually meet him. And he wants to meet you, Rohan."
"Fine, I'll buy new clothes with Nihar and come officially to meet your parents," he said.
"No need to buy new ones, the outfit you had at Nihar's party was perfect."
"That formal?"
"My father is a very formal man."
"Formal clothes it shall be, then." He kissed her. "When am I supposed to show up?"
***
"Be nice," Deepika said, worried, adjusting Rohan's tunic and sash that didn't need to be adjusted.
"Don't worry, Deepika, he'll do great," Nihar said from his spot by the wall. He looked very amused by Deepika's fussing around her son.
"Really?" She insisted, staring at Rohan.
"Yes, Mother," he smiled. "I'll be all right, don't worry. I must go now, or I'll be late."
He quickly hugged her, then left for Lord Charan's palace, which was on the main square in front of the royal palace.
Bismillah welcomed him with her bright smile and guided him to the private living room where her parents were waiting.
Bismillah's mother, Lady Ekla, was impressed by his good manners and Lord Charan didn't look hostile – yet. Rohan sat with them, near Bismillah but without touching her, and in front of her parents who nodded their approval.
"I'm honored to meet you, Lord Charan. Bismillah told me a lot about you."
"Really? What did she say about her boring old father?"
"You're not old, my lord. Bismillah told me only good things about you. She loves you both, I don't know how I managed to conquer her heart."
"Well, you certainly know how to sweet-talk." Lord Charan smiled. "Who is your father, Rohan?"
"I never met my father, my lord," Rohan answered, cautious. He could feel Bismillah stiffening by his side. He could tell innocent lies about his hosts to gain their trust, but he wouldn't pretend to be what he was not. Nihar had suggested the story of bastard-son-of-Prince-Hemal, but Lord Charan had more access to the royal palace than any of them, what if he asked the prince himself and discovered the lie?
"How come?" Lord Charan looked mildly surprised.
"My mother never married."
"Oh!" Lady Ekla looked shocked.
Lord Charan raised his eyebrows and sighed. "Single mothers are unusual, but not unheard of in this new kingdom. I assume you know your father's name, though?"
"No, my lord. My mother says she doesn't remember."
Lord Charan sighed again. "How old are you?"
"Almost eighteen."
"And you're serious about marrying my daughter?"
"Very serious. But I need to find a steady job and a house for us to live in and it might take me a year or two."
"You're a wise boy. You still live with your mother, huh? Where?"
Rohan froze. He had been ready for everything, but wasn't expecting such thorough questions on the first meeting. He should have known, though, Lord Charan wanted the best for his daughter.
"It doesn't matter, Father," Bismillah chimed in. "We will not live with her."
"True." Lord Charan nodded and changed the topic, but Rohan felt he had lost the lord's trust.
***
"You knew it!" Lord Charan was furious. "You knew he was the son of a courtesan!"
"Yes!" Bismillah shouted as tears filled her eyes. "But I love him, Father, I don't care who his mother is!"
"I will not give you to the son of a courtesan! Never, Bismillah, you hear me?"
"Why?"
"Because you're my daughter! He's way below you! You shall not see him ever again, do you hear me? Forget him!"
Bismillah burst into tears and ran to hide in her bedroom. She threw herself on the bed, sobbing and calling Rohan – to no avail. It was over. Her father would never allow her to see him again.
Slowly she calmed down. She wiped away her tears, remembering his smile, his caresses, his kisses, his quiet behavior and low voice. She closed her eyes and saw herself in his arms, cuddled, loved and protected. An illusion to mend her broken heart.
Her betrothal was valid again and Jaiden seemed to have learned his lesson. He was assiduous in his visits and didn't leave her much free time. She wasn't even able to quickly meet Rohan to tell him what happened, but she guessed Nihar had told him, as Lord Charan and Lord Ruchir were close friends.
Life was empty without Rohan. Then she met him in the market place and his smile was water to her parched throat. The market was crowded and Jaiden was talking to a merchant, so she managed to whisper, "I'll come to you tonight" before her betrothed grabbed her arm and dragged her away.
***
Deepika was at some palace performing her duty and Madam Jaya fast asleep when Bismillah managed to squeeze into the brothel and reach Rohan's room. He was awake and welcomed her in his arms.
"Oh, Rohan! Sorry I'm so late..."
"I couldn't sleep anyway. Weren't you scared to come on your own at night?"
"A little. I was afraid of getting lost."
He smiled and pulled away from her to look her in the eyes. "Why did you come here?"
"To tell you I still love you."
"I know. And I still love you too. But your father..."
"Yes, he's stubborn. But I'm more stubborn than him. I don't want to live without you, I need to see you again."
"How, if Jaiden is always by your side?"
"I don't know. I'm scared, Rohan." She curled up against him.
"We'll find a way," he promised. "Nihar will help us. He'll have you invited more often at his palace and you'll find me there."
"Will he really do it?"
"Of course, we're friends."
"Right, sorry. Rohan, I wish..." She couldn't continue, embarrassed by her own wish.
"What?" he asked.
"I want to be yours," she whispered.
He stared at her and kissed her. "Do you really want it or is it a way to put a done deal in front of your father?"
"Could be a good idea." Her smile trembled with apprehension. "Yes, Rohan, I want to be yours tonight."
He nodded and picked her up, putting her on the bed. He embraced her with passion and she abandoned herself to their foolish love.
***
"Rohan!" Bismillah rushed into his welcoming arms ignoring Nihar's smile.
"Hey brother, she's really crazy for you!" Nihar carefully closed the door of his room so that his parents couldn't sneak up on the two lovers.
"No, I'm crazy for her," Rohan replied beaming.
Nihar chuckled and pointed at his bedroom, slumping on a divan in his ante-chamber. "Go ahead, have fun. I won't peek."
Rohan took Bismillah's hand and guided her to the next room. There was no wooden door between the two spaces, but they knew Nihar wasn't going to look – but he'd be a sentinel in case parents came in.
"This is the first meeting of many," Rohan said, sitting on Nihar's bed and caressing Bismillah's cheek.
"A secret
meeting." Her pout was endearing. "As if I were guilty of something."
"It's not my fault if your father is traditional and believes love shouldn't be part of marriage," he smiled.
"So I'm guilty of love?"
"Unless you've been faking it..."
"Hey!" She playfully slapped him. "I fell in love with a respectful young man, not a teasing scoundrel!"
"Forgive me, my lady, but even if I'm considered mature for my age, I'm still only eighteen."
"Eighteen? Since when?"
"Today." He straightened his back proudly. "Sorry you won't be able to attend, but my mother is cooking my favorite dishes tonight."
"Oh, Rohan, why didn't you tell me it's your birthday? I could have brought you a gift!"
"What? Why?" It was his turn to be puzzled.
"Don't you get gifts for your birthday?"
"Uh... no. Do you?"
She sighed. "I guess it's a tradition of the wealthy," she apologized.
"My mother isn't very traditional," he reminded her. "And I already have my gift. I'm here with you. That's all I want to celebrate this day."
"I think you deserve more than just sitting by my side," she declared putting her arms around his neck. "Come here, let me celebrate you."
"Thank you, my..." he managed to say before she closed his mouth with hers.
***
"I wonder what they're talking about," Lord Ruchir said nibbling at a cookie. "I didn't think your daughter liked my son, but suddenly she comes twice a week to visit him. He never mentioned getting along with her either."
"Bismillah had an unexpected tantrum a couple of weeks ago and wants to break her betrothal," Lord Charan replied. "She fell in love with a courtesan's son, can you believe it? Maybe she's reconsidering Nihar as an alternative to Jaiden."
"Is she still betrothed to him or not?"
"I say yes, she says no. Jaiden is a ladies man, so I don't blame her. And maybe your son is more like her beloved." Lord Charan scoffed, shaking his head.
"What do you mean?" Lord Ruchir protested.
Lord Charan sipped his tea before replying. "You must admit Nihar is a rebel and often looks more like a commoner than a noble young man."
Lord Ruchir nodded with a sigh. "That is true, my friend, but I've lost my grip on him. I can't force him to accept a betrothal, can't keep him in... He runs away one day out of two and spends the night out with his wicked friend Rohan..."
Tales of the Southern Kingdoms (One Volume Edition) Page 23