Beast and his Fair Maiden

The Great Escape......... that failed

Few hours before the wedding

Jwala, was sure, Agni had not fallen irrevocably, hopelessly in love with her, she was also sure he did not even like her, she was also sure that the driving force behind this marriage was loathing.

Jwala had always dreamt that when she married, she would love that person, and would be loved and adored in return.

She had wanted to escape this situation, she did not wanted to marry Agni Barhi, even if he was the most handsome man on earth.

She was under house arrest for the past two days, there were guards everywhere , no one was allowed to meet her or her mother, neither Sambit, nor Neela and not even Derya. What had she come to? she was even missing Derya?

There were preparations going on, her mother was waiting for her to come out of her room, in which she was getting ready for, for this sham of a marriage , her mother had tried to explain her, that marriage to Maharaj would not be bad, but she did not understand, it would be complete nightmare for Jwala

She was in her wedding finery, ready, but she could not convince herself to look in the mirror or to even walk out of her room, when she knew what was there waiting for her.

May be she should try escaping, all the guards must be busy for making preparations for the arrival of their Maharaj. The more she thought about it, the more the idea seemed brighter. She looked at herself, she was wearing a red traditional dress of Jwalana and was adorned with gold and rubies, she could exchange them for food and protection.

May be she could just push herself through the window, and be free from this suffocating feeling, the Maharaj would be angry no doubt, but she was sure Neela would jump on the chance to take her place.

She went near the window and opened it, she looked outside, just as she suspected, there was no one there, ofcourse their king was about to arrive they do not have the time to guard her and moreover who would want to not be queen of Agni Barhi , the king of Jwalana, well definitely not her.

she slowly turned herself and first put one foot on the ground, the wedding attire was not making it easier for her to climb down, then she put the second foot down.

As she was safely on the ground ,she closed her eyes and took a deep breadth, ahh! freedom!

"Where are you going my beautiful bride? "she heard a dreadful mocking tone from behind

She turned slowly, knowing very well what or rather who she will find there, but still hoping against all odds that she was wrong

But when was luck on Jwala's side... there he was Maharaj Agni Barhi, looking absolutely magnificent, he was dressed in traditional robes of the same red color as her saree, he was adorned with rubies and jewels and he was wearing his crown, the crown which she saw him wearing the first time, in their short, horrific acquaintance.While he was just leaning against the wall of her house, specially her room, giving every reason to believe he was in very pleasant mood. But Jwala was always the one to look for details.

"I asked, where are you going my bride!? " His eyes were buring gold as he looked at her, he was angry, it was clear from the way he clenched his fists, it made Jwala's attention go to the sword he was holding, the sheath of the sword had pattern of a dragon which was breathing fire, it was beautiful

"Look at me! when I talk to you! " He raised his voice

Jwala immediately snapped her eyes back to his face

"I.. I"

"It's time for our wedding my love" he came towards her and forcefully took her hand in his , and dragged her towards their backyard, where the ceremony was going to be held.