Page 21 of Trapped By the Maharaja
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A week later, Ram saw her again. The match had ended only minutes ago. He stood with his teammates near the edge of the cricket ground. Laughter and congratulations rang out around him, since his team had won the match.
As always, a cluster of girls hovered nearby, tossing hair, flashing smiles, eager for attention. One of them, Keya, pressed closer, her manicured hand resting possessively on Ram’s bicep.
“So, Ram,” she purred, her glossy nails brushing against his sleeve, “where are you taking us to celebrate the win? We should go to the Devara palace.”
Ram didn’t bother to answer and ignored Keya’s pointed hints. But as always, Keya continued to talk.
Suddenly, his heart jerked and began to race.
At a distance, a petite figure was crossing the ground with steady steps, her long, thick braid swaying against her back. Even before she drew close enough for him to see her face, he knew who it was.
It was the girl.
The one who had burst into his Jeep two days ago, blood streaking her white dress, and commanded him to drive to the hospital. The one whose large, expressive eyes had stayed in his mind ever since.
Now, she was walking toward him again. She looked different without blood on her clothes and hands. But her large, expressive eyes still carried the same fire.
Who’s that?” Keya asked, sounding half annoyed and half curious.
Ram didn’t reply. He stepped away from the group and went towards the girl.
Why is she here? And how did she find me?
For a moment, disappointment hit him. He thought she must have found out who he was and was now pursuing him like most girls did.
But when the girl reached him, she didn’t smile.
“How much do I owe you?” she asked, standing in front of him. Her voice was brisk, direct, and every bit as commanding as before.
He frowned. “What?” he asked, not understanding.
“I came to pay you,” she said, pulling out an envelope of crumpled notes and extending it towards him. “It’s for cleaning the bloodstains inside your jeep and to thank you for your help. It took me a few days to gather the money. If it isn’t enough, I can arrange for some more next month when I receive my monthly scholarship stipend.”
He was taken aback. He hadn’t expected her to give him money.
“How did you know I would be here?” he asked.
The girl blinked. “I saw your cricket kit inside your jeep and the university logo on it. I knew you must be a student here like me.”
“I see.” Ram’s mouth curved slowly, intrigued.
Ram didn’t take the envelope.
His mouth curved into a small smile. “If you really want to pay me back… buy me a coffee.”
Her eyes widened, startled, then narrowed almost immediately. “Coffee?” she repeated.
“Yes, coffee. It’s a beverage that can be had hot or cold.” His voice was calm, teasing.
She gave a short, disbelieving laugh. “I know what a coffee is. But I don’t want to have a coffee with you.”
“Why not?” He tilted his head, studying her. “Is it because I’m a stranger? We can fix that. What’s your name?”
She hesitated for a second. “Sanjana,” she said finally.
“Sanjana,” he repeated, liking her name. “I’m Ram.”
