The courtesan's son

"Are you new?"

Rohan stopped to look at the young man about his age who was staring defiantly at him. Rich clothes, why was he roaming the streets of Agharek instead of sticking to his palace?

"I moved back here a few days ago," he answered wary.

"Where did you live?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes."

Of course, the rebellious nomad tribes weren't really welcome at the former capital of Akkora anymore. "I lived in Akulina for ten years," he said, averting his eyes and wishing the questions would stop.

"I've been there once." The hostility dropped from the other's voice. "Nice place."

"I think Agharek is better. I was born here."

"So was I." The other smiled and offered his hand. "My name is Nihar."

"Rohan." He clasped that hand, a little puzzled at the friendship offer from a total stranger.

"So, where do you live now?" Nihar asked.

"Madam Jaya's."

"A brothel?"

"My mother couldn't afford anything better and I don't have a real job yet."

"Careful Madam Jaya doesn't put you on sale," Nihar grinned. "There's plenty of perverts in this town and you're quite good looking!"

"Is this the reason why you stopped me?" Rohan asked with a frown.

Nihar laughed. "Gods, no! I like women. And I don't like having a rival on my territory."

"So where is your territory, my lord, so I can stay away from it?"

"The whole town is my territory, Rohan. I'm the son of Lord Ruchir and he obeys only Mohan of Akkora! But worry not, I don't think you're a rival. That's why I had to check you out, though."

"And are you satisfied? I'm a courtesan's son, how could I compete with you?"

"You're very naive for a courtesan's son. I like you, Rohan. Welcome back to Agharek."

Rohan nodded a thank you, still puzzled by the encounter.

***

Rohan was practicing his instrument – he was supposed to go with one of the dancers to a palace that night – when he heard a voice calling him from the courtyard.

"Anybody home?"

It sounded like Nihar. Surprised, Rohan went to the window and looked down. It was indeed the young lord who waved with a bright smile.

"Hello! May I come up?"

"Uh... sure!" Rohan looked around the first floor room he shared with his mother. What a mess. No time to fix it anyway.

Nihar must have taken the stairs two by two, as he reached the room panting and grinning as if he had conquered the most unreachable maiden.

"To what do I owe this surprise visit?" Rohan asked, letting the rich visitor in.

"Sorry, I improvised."

Or maybe he didn't think he should announce his visit to a commoner.

Rohan shrugged. "Take a seat. If you can find a place."

"Don't worry, you haven't seen my room!" Nihar chuckled. "I allow servants in it only once a month and as soon as they're gone, I mess it up again. Keeps out my father, who hates me for it!"

Rohan smiled against his will. Maybe Nihar wasn't the usual young lord after all.

"Why did you come here?" he asked, curious and unable to guess what the visitor was up to.

"I was bored. Thought of you." Nihar slumped down on the carpet with a shrug. "Do you want to be my friend?" He was serious now.

Rohan stared at him, unsure of what to say and stunned by the suggestion. "What will your father say?" he asked at last.

"I don't care what he says," Nihar replied haughtily.

"So you're doing it to spite him?"

"I'm doing it because I feel like it. If you think it's easy being Lord Ruchir's son, you're sorely mistaken. I'm not one of those wealthy bastards who throw coins at you."

"I can see that," Rohan smiled. "I'm sorry, I'm not used to receiving friendship requests, from anyone. Neither nobles nor commoners like to deal with a courtesan's son."

"Most people are stupid and blind and full of shit," Nihar declared.

Rohan wondered if the swearing was for him or to be different from the other lords. Except he didn't swear at all and was always well-mannered.

"I'm sure you're better than many of them," Nihar continued, frowning.

Rohan was about to reply when he heard his mother calling him from downstairs. He apologized to his guest with a quick glance and went to the window again. "Yes, mother?"

"Come and give me a hand." She had gone to the market and had bought both clothes and food.

Rohan apologized again to his guest and rushed down the stairs to unburden his mother.

"Did you really need to buy all that stuff?" he complained entering their room with his arms full of bundles and parcels.

"Yes, honey, some for you, some for me," she said ruffling his short dark hair.

He snorted, putting down the purchases, and noticed Nihar was on his feet again.

"Greetings, my lady," the young noble said with a bow.

"Mother, this is Nihar, Lord Ruchir's son."

"Nice meeting you. Sorry for the mess but I haven't settled back in yet." She turned to her son. "Have you finished your practice, honey?"

"Yes, mother, do you want to try me?"

"You play for your mother's performances?" Nihar asked, admiringly.

"Or any of the other girls. It's only traditional dances and music," Rohan answered. "I'm going with Pooja at Lord Yasharan's tonight."

"Then I shall let you practice. I'll see you tomorrow. Good-bye, my lady."

"I'm not a lady," the courtesan smiled. "I'm not married, yet I have a son." She pulled Rohan close. "And I work here, or wherever they request me."

"You're my friend's mother, therefore I shall address you like a lady."

"Or you can call me Deepika. I was a lower class prostitute for the past ten years anyway."

Nihar smiled and bowed again, leaving.

"What a strange new friend you have, honey," she said staring at her son.

Rohan smiled. "Don't tell me! Do you think he's using me for something?"

"And what could he want from you that he doesn't already have?" She chuckled. "I'm glad we came back, Rohan. I have my friends again, you're making new ones... I won't miss Akulina. Will you?"

"No." They both sat on the carpet and his mother gave him the new clothes. "Are you trying to make me look like a prince? Nihar might withdraw his friendship if I become a rival!"

"You are a prince, honey," she said tenderly. "We shall have a new life. You will be protected by a nobleman and I will see old customers again... you'll see, you'll find the friend you have always been looking for."

"Maybe." He sighed. "Maybe Nihar won't last. Maybe his father will forbid him to see me, or maybe he'll find another game."

"Maybe I should have sent you to the House of Children, you'd have found friends there."

"Oh, no!" He hugged her. "I'm so happy to be with you! I was never ashamed of being your son. I love you, Mother."

"I love you too, Rohan..."

***

"I think your mother is a beautiful person," Nihar said as he sat with Rohan on the river shore, giving their backs to the busy town of Agharek.

"I know. Most people don't get it, though."

"Those people label a person with his or her profession. Don’t they label you as well, only because you’re her son?"

"Yes. You’re the first who went beyond that label."

"I pride myself on being an expert on Humans," Nihar grinned, then frowned again. "You know, you don't look like her, though."

"Maybe I look like my father," Rohan shrugged.

"Do you know who he is?"

"No."

"Sometimes I wish I didn't know my father," Nihar grumbled. "Anyway, I'm having an informal party tonight, will you come?"

"To Lord Ruchir's palace?" Rohan was puzzled.

"Yes, that’s where I live. My parents will be at Prince Mohan's banquet, so I’m free to invite whoever I want. Don't need to bring a working girl to entertain my friends, don’t worry. Or are you on duty somewhere?"

"No... no, I'm free tonight. I'll be happy to come."

Rohan was glad his mother had bought him new clothes now that he had been invited to a palace as a guest. Deepika helped him to wear his new tunic with colored sash and even put a brooch on his turban.

"You're gorgeous," she declared as he twirled around to allow her to check him.

"We'll see if Nihar starts hating me," he chuckled. "I better go, or I'll be late."

"Have fun." She hugged him. "Tomorrow we shall visit the temple to thank the Gods and pray for our new life."

He kissed her goodnight and went to his friend's palace. He had never seen such a luxurious place. He had forgotten Agharek had been a capital for over two centuries. Now that the Kingdom of Akkora was split among the tribes, most of which were nomads, there weren't many real palaces left even in the few southern towns.

Rohan thought Lord Ruchir must be a prince who still owned a town palace. The guests were all young, as they were Nihar's guests, and included many elite and quite a few commoners.

"Do you want to see my room?" Nihar grabbed Rohan's arm with a mischievous smile. "My guests know how to enjoy themselves even without me. Come."

Rohan followed him up a marble staircase and through a stately corridor to a room that was bigger that the brothel's main room, but was more disorderly than his humble abode: clothes were everywhere along with scrolls and parchments. The bed was unmade and on the lone table there were remnants of food from either snacks or meals.

"I can't believe it!" Rohan laughed aloud.

"I told you, I'm messier than you and your mother together," Nihar replied beaming with pride. "That's why I love your place. This house is so pompous that I despise it."

"I think it's beautiful."

"Because you haven't lived here for eighteen years. By the way, how old are you?"

"Seventeen."

"I'd have said sixteen, so I was close. I tried to run away once, but my father brought me back. I'm stuck in this gilded cage!"

"Where did you go?"

"I hid in the slums for a few days."

"Your parents must have been worried."

"Yeah, that I sully the family name! You know, Rohan, not everyone has the wonderful relationship you have with your mother. We wealthy youngsters often have problems, especially with our fathers. But let's go back downstairs, it's time to dance!"

Going back to the great hall they found most of the guests were gone. Lord Ruchir and Lady Nira had come back earlier than expected and were throwing out everybody they didn't know personally.

"Hey, they're my guests!" Nihar protested.

"Shut up!" His father glared at him. "Where were you? And who's that boy?"

"My name is Rohan, my lord."

"Who? Get out of here, you rascal, I bet you came to steal!"

"What are you talking about, Father? Rohan is my best friend!"

"You know what I think of your friends, don't you?"

"Oh, shit!" Nihar looked really upset and his father furious.

"Nihar!" Lady Nira protested at the foul language.

"Everybody out!" Lord Ruchir ordered. "My apologies to my noble friends, but this was an unauthorized gathering. Nihar should have asked me before inviting you."

"Nihar." Rohan touched his friend's shoulder. "I'm leaving. Thanks for everything."

"I'm coming with you." Nihar ground his teeth with a scowl. "Let's go."

"Nihar!" Lord Ruchir called. "Nihar, get back here right now!"

Nihar rushed out of the palace, forcing Rohan to run after him. Nihar screamed in frustration under the stars and kicked a pebble out of his way.

"Calm down." Rohan grabbed his arm, forcing him to slow down. Nihar stopped only when his father's palace wasn't in sight anymore.

"I'm sorry!" He exploded again. "They always ruin everything! My friends will think that my parents..." Nihar hid his face in his hands, sobbing with frustrated humiliation.

Rohan hesitated, than put a hand on his shoulder. "It's all right." He tried to be soothing. "Nobody will think ill of you. We all know we are our parents' property, nobody will blame you."

"You don't know them," Nihar replied shaking his head and wiping away his tears. "The rich ones are the worst! Why do you think I can't find a real friend among them? They'll destroy me with words!"

"And do you care? They're not your friends, so why bother?"

Nihar sniffled and calmed down completely. "You're right, what do I care? Thank you, Rohan."

"No problem." Rohan patted his shoulder. "Go home now."

"No." Nihar averted his eyes. "I don't want to go back now. I think I'll sleep out. Won't be the first time, don't worry."

Rohan nodded but wasn't convinced Nihar could sleep in the open. The streets weren't safe at night. Thus, as Nihar walked with him to the brothel, he decided to do something about it. "Come in," he said opening the big wooden door. "You can share my bed tonight."

Nihar hesitated, then followed him to the room. It was earlier than expected and Deepika hadn't come back yet.

Rohan and Nihar lay side by side and switched off the oil lamp.

"You know, I think in spite of your conditions you're a thousand times happier than I," Nihar said in the quiet of the night. "You have a wonderful mother, a sort of job and you're free to be what you want. I, conversely... I'm always rebelling, or bored and do a lot of stupid things only to kill time. I can't talk to my parents, don't have real friends..."

"Me neither," Rohan said. "Nobody wants to be a friend with a courtesan's son."

"You're not ashamed of it."

"Why should I be ashamed? My mother is wonderful, you said so yourself. I don't care if she has a profession everybody despises, she loves me and cares for me and that's all I ask. Tomorrow we're going together to the temple, would you like to come with us?"

"Yes. Thank you, Rohan."

***

It was Nihar's birthday and this time the party was official – under the supervision of Lord Ruchir, of course. Except it was so crowded that Nihar's father hadn't managed to check each and every guest.

Again Rohan wore his best clothes, looking almost as good as any other guest – no, better, according to his mother and Nihar, who was very happy to see him.

"As you can see my parents invited only rich bastards this time," Nihar grumbled.

"How are you going to explain my presence?" Rohan asked, amused.

"You came from the north and are incognito." Nihar winked. "A young nobleman from Lakresha who cannot divulge his most famous name! Hey, maybe you're Prince Hemal's illegitimate son!"

"Yeah, right!" Rohan couldn't help but laugh. "Why not Prince Mohan's then?"

"Nah, he lives here, everybody would know. But Prince Hemal spent fifteen years away from Agharek, so who knows if he had children or not while he was out there?"

"I'm sorry, I can't fake  the Lakresha accent. The Akulina one comes much more natural to me."

"Then keep your mouth shut! Women love a silent beauty."

"Do they?"

"Watch me." Nihar put on a brooding face and looked around the room. Many girls noticed and giggled, and Rohan did his best not to burst out laughing.

Then he noticed a girl who wasn't impressed by Nihar's brood but seemed to be staring at him instead. And Rohan lost himself in those hazel eyes, forgetting his friend.

"Found someone interesting?" Nihar's voice brought him back to reality.

"Uh... no." He quickly averted his eyes, blushing.

"I can introduce you to anyone if you find a likeable face among those haughty youths," Nihar insisted.

"Some girls are very pretty," he said, embarrassed, not daring to look at her again.

"Well, which one would you like to meet? As a mysterious noble from Akulina?"

"No, nobody." Rohan dared to look again and his heart sank. "She already has company."

This time Nihar followed his gaze. "That's Bismillah, Lord Charan's daughter, and yes, I'm afraid she's betrothed to that bully Jaiden, Prince Mohan's son."

"My usual luck." Rohan sighed, unable to take his eyes off of the girl. Betrothed to the prince's son. Sigh.

"You have good tastes," Nihar grinned. "Come on, let's go dancing. It's allowed to dance with someone else's betrothed."

"Maybe later. I'm not ready to impersonate a nobleman yet."

"As you wish. Have fun!"

Rohan nodded and waited for Nihar to leave with some other friend. Then he went back to his contemplation, his heart beating faster and faster.

It's crazy, Rohan, you can't fall in love with her! You've lost already against Prince Mohan's son! She's a noble maiden and you...

He lowered his eyes. His princely clothes didn't make him a prince. Still, he felt he deserved her.

He looked up again and met her hazel stare. She wasn't smiling anymore and their eyes locked for what felt like a lifetime and a moment at the same time.

Then her betrothed caught her attention again and she turned to her friends. But she often looked back at him during the conversation, which left him breathlessly happy.

***

Nihar found Rohan in the garden just outside the great hall. "Rohan, are you all right?" he asked, worried.

"I'm in love, Nihar," was the dreamy reply. Rohan's face was in the shadows, so Nihar had to trust his ears.

"In love? With Bismillah? You don't even know her!"

"I feel it inside, Nihar." Rohan turned to look at him and light from the palace showed his face was as wistful as his voice. "I danced with her and we connected. We didn't say a word, but our eyes... our eyes locked and I could feel a bond with her. I had never felt anything like this before. Maybe you're right, I'm an idiot. But I'm a happy idiot."

"I never said you were an idiot, I only think it's too early to decide you're in love," Nihar grumbled.

"It's not too soon." Rohan sighed. "But it is absurd, because I will never have her."

"Right." Nihar pursed his lips, not sure what to say next. His friend had found love at first sight when he wasn't even sure love existed.

"I want to see her again," Rohan pleaded.

"Are you crazy? Jaiden will kill you if he finds out!"

"I need to talk to her. Don't worry, I'll be careful."

Nihar sighed, frustrated.

***

It's her! Rohan's heart missed a beat when he saw Bismillah with two friends strolling through the marketplace. Then he remembered his commoner's clothes compared to the silken saris and bejeweled arms of her beloved, and anguish replaced his sudden joy. His feet refused to move as he stared desperately at Bismillah who was chatting with her friends.

Then they stopped at a jeweler's and she moved on alone with a wave – walking towards him. He couldn't move, spellbound by the queen of his heart.

She raised her eyes and saw him. She stopped, surprised, and her smile froze. Rohan noticed every single movement and averted his eyes, feeling his heart breaking into very small pieces.

Next thing he knew she was standing in front of him and looked him in the eyes like she had done when they had danced at Nihar's birthday party.

"Hello," she said.

"Hello." His answer sounded so puzzled even to himself that it drew a smile on her face. She was being bold, addressing a commoner like that.

"I saw you at Nihar's birthday, right?" she said, undaunted.

"Uh, yes, we danced together once or twice," he answered, not sure she had noticed his different clothes. She was behaving as if she considered him a noble.

"Three times." She grinned. "I counted them."

"You did?" He couldn't believe his ears. Of course he had counted them too, three blissful dances with the most beautiful girl. Could it be he was right and there was really something between them?

"Yes." She blushed and lowered her eyes. "Are you looking for something specific?" she continued waving her hand towards the market around them as if nothing had been said.

"Yes... you," he admitted.

She giggled. "And were you really going to talk to me?" she asked with a mischievous smile.

"Uh... probably not," he said averting his eyes. "You're noble and I'm a commoner."

She seemed to notice his day-clothes at last. "Indeed," she said, and her smile didn't fade away. "But you're nice. Are you a friend of Nihar?"

"Yes. He's my only friend and I think I'm the only one he has as well."

"Why is that? He can be naughty when he wants to, but you don't look that bad."

"I'm a courtesan's son."

Silence. Her smile faded slightly, but she still looked dreamy while she stared at him. "It doesn't mean a damn thing," she said at last. "Would you walk me home?"

He gaped at her, incredulous. Had she just asked...? Did she really not care that...?

She waved her hand in front of his eyes. "Hello?"

"Uh, sure, let's go."

I'd follow you anywhere. Even to the underworld if you asked me to. He knew he was madly in love – and would never tell her.

The walk was quick and silent, as if they didn't really need words. She stopped in front of her father's palace door.

"Thank you." She bowed her head, breaking the silence again.

"No, thank you for asking me to walk you home," he said, not daring to touch her but wishing he could take her in his arms.

She smiled. "You know where I live now. Come and see me sometime."

He closed his eyes, blissfully happy. "Yes, my lady."

She giggled. "Bismillah. And you are?"

"Rohan." His heart was bursting with joy. The new life in his hometown suddenly looked shiningly good.

***

"Madam Jaya is starting to hate me," Nihar chuckled, slumping on the carpet and cushions of Rohan's room. "I come here not for her girls, but to talk to a young man! I'm sure she's wondering about my sexuality and considering selling you in her house!"

"I sure hope not!" Rohan was disgusted and worried. "I'm so lucky I'm a boy and don't have to follow in my mother's footsteps!"

"Since those men from the Queendom of Maadre reached the southern kingdoms, things are changing in our brothels as well," Nihar grinned. "It's not unusual finding men available anymore."

"Oh, Gods!" Rohan frowned with worry and Nihar chuckled.

"Don't worry about that. She asked about you."

"Who?" Somehow Rohan knew they weren't talking about Madam Jaya anymore.

"Bismillah. She told me you promised her something. What was it, Rohan?"

"Nothing." He shrugged. "It wasn't a promise. She asked me to go and see her."

"And why didn't you?"

"I believe I'm daydreaming too much already."

"I think she genuinely likes you. You should go, Rohan. I think you can win her."

"She's betrothed to Prince Mohan's son."

"So what? You're much better, both physically and mentally."

"You're teasing," Rohan grumbled, frowning.

"No I'm not. Hey brother, have you ever looked at yourself in a mirror? Why do you think Madam Jaya would consider selling you? Why do you think Bismillah danced with you and invited you to visit her?"

Deepika came in, interrupting Nihar's hot tirade. "Hello boys," she greeted.

Nihar barely looked at her, still too engrossed in his attempt to convince Rohan who had retreated in a corner to pout. "You know you're better than Jaiden, you're smarter and more talented!"

"Yes, but..." Rohan wasn't convinced.

"Listen to him, Deepika!" Nihar turned to her only because she had sat next to her son and had pulled him to her. "He thinks he's ugly! Girls turn around to look at him in the streets, and he thinks he can't compete against a spoiled rich boy!"

"He's right, Rohan, you're gorgeous," she told Rohan, staring fondly at him.

He pulled away from her, jarred. "Your opinion doesn't count, you're my mother. You've been telling me I'm gorgeous since I was born, even when I had no hair and no teeth."

"A newborn with teeth and long hair would be a monster, not you," she replied, amused. "Besides, you're my son, beauty is in our blood."

"Oh, Mother!" Rohan smiled against his will and hugged her.

Nihar smiled and averted his eyes from the happy duo. He envied their relationship. Then he noticed the sun was already going down and he'd be late for dinner.

He quickly said good-bye and rushed back home.

"Where have you been?" his father demanded.

"I was visiting a friend."

"And don't they eat in that house? Is this the time to show up?"

"Gods, Father, I'm not a child anymore! Leave me alone, will you?"

"You do what I tell you until I die! I own this palace and you, therefore you will abide by the rules!"

Nihar clenched his fists and ground his teeth to avoid an explosion that would only make things worse.

"Nihar, honey, where have you been?" His mother sounded exactly like his father. "You know we must go to Prince Mohan's tonight, I had asked you to come back early!"

"It's not that late and I'm not invited, why do you always complain?"

"Because you're an unworthy son!" His father yelled again.

"Damn it, Father..." The slap on his mouth blocked the explosion. Nihar closed his eyes, trying not to scream.

"We have spoiled you," his father said. "But you're our only surviving son and we love you."

"No you don't!" Nihar shouted as tears came to his eyes. "I'm just another possession to flaunt to your friends! I'm not a toy, nor an animal, I'm a human being!"

"Nihar, lower your voice!" His father's tone was threatening but there was no stopping him anymore.

"Why don't you die, both of you!" Nihar stormed out of the palace, ignoring his mother's call.

He wandered through the streets till dawn and stopped on the river's shore not far from Madam Jaya's. Everything was quiet in the first light of dawn.

Nihar felt like crying again, but gulped down his tears. He had no way out, not while his father lived. And he didn't hate him enough to want him dead.

"Nihar." A hand touched his shoulder and a whiff of perfume hit him. He had been barely aware of a palanquin depositing someone in front of Madam Jaya's and the courtesan had obviously not gone in.

Startled, he turned to look at the woman and recognized Deepika in her working clothes.

"What are you doing out here at this time of the night?" she asked. "And why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying!" He furiously wiped away the tears that had spilled out against his will.

"Did you want to talk to Rohan?" She smiled and he averted his eyes.

"I don't know. Maybe I only needed to be alone," he grumbled, staring at the dark river.

"I see, you fought with your parents again." Deepika sighed and sat more comfortably near him.

He stared at her, puzzled. How could she understand him better than his own parents? How could she be so beautiful and sweet and make his blood run wild not because she was a courtesan but Rohan's mother? How could he feel so smitten by an older woman?

"You've been out all night?" she asked, looking him in the eyes.

"Yes," he admitted looking away from her, his heart beating faster at her proximity. "My parents have discovered now, after nineteen years, that they spoiled me. And they want me to follow their rules and traditions and whatnot. But it's too late now, I don't belong to them anymore."

"And who do you belong to?" she asked with a smile.

"I don't know." He shrugged. "To myself, I guess. And to the people I love."

"Rohan?"

"Yes."

"Who else?"

"You. Yes, I belong to you, Deepika. Even if you don't want me, I belong to you because I want you." He took her hands in his, tried to meet her eyes again. But she had lowered them and her smile looked rueful.

"I'm a whore," she said.

"A courtesan. And the most wonderful woman in the world. I don't care what you do for a living, or what you've done in the past. You're sweet and awesome and that's all I know."

"You're crazy, Nihar, I could be your mother."

"But you're not."

"Everybody despises me."

"I don't. And I'm not a customer either."

"I know." She freed her hands and looked away with a sigh. "Don't ruin everything, Nihar. We have a great friendship."

"It's not friendship anymore, Deepika. Not for me, not after tonight. Maybe I was already in love, but I discovered it tonight and there's no going back."

She shook her head, gulping down her feelings.

"Look at me," he ordered gently.

She shook her head again. He touched her chin and gently forced her to look at him. "I love you," he whispered before kissing her.

He felt her surrender in his arms while his mouth tried to devour her. Breathless, he let her go only to hold her tight.

She curled up against him. "It's all wrong, you know?"

"Yes." He smiled, elated. "I don't care as long as you want me."

***

"So we want to be a couple," Nihar concluded. "But we won't, if you're against it."

"Why wait for my approval?" Rohan smiled. "It's you two who are in love."

"Yes, but you might not like it..."

"You said so yourself. My mother is wonderful. Her love for me won't diminish if you're in our lives. And you can make her very happy. Nobody ever really loved her. You might think you'll learn a lot from her, but she can learn as much from you. I think it will benefit both of you, if you truly love each other, and I think I know enough to say that you do. You will be the most beautiful couple in the world." Rohan closed his mouth. He looked quietly happy.

Nihar took a moment to recover from his surprise at his friend's words. "Thank you, Rohan. You're truly her son. You're as wonderful as she is."

"Come on!" Rohan snorted.

"Really. But tell me, now, how is it going with Bismillah?"

"We're friends. She tells me when she's free and I visit her."

"Is that all? Wake up, brother! Kiss her and see what happens!"

"Weren't you the one who warned me against Jaiden?" Rohan smiled. "Besides, I'm not in a hurry."

"Right. Neither are we."

"I could see that. It took you five days to tell me the news."

"We weren't confident enough, I guess."

"I think you knew exactly what you wanted."

"I did, but your mother didn't. Took me some cajoling before convincing her. Now I don't think you will have to struggle that much with Bismillah!"

"Oh, Nihar, give me a break!"

***

It was the first time they were out on their own. Rohan had no idea why Bismillah had accepted, but he felt very happy about their little stroll. His hand spontaneously grabbed hers and she didn't retrieve it.

"Bismillah, why did you accept to go out in public with someone like me?" he asked at last, tired of looking for an answer in his mind.

"Why, what's wrong with you?" she replied. "You don't have a tattoo on your face stating who you are, you know? How do people see you? A nice boy, not rich but well educated. And there are few of those left. And the girls? They think I'm lucky because you're so good-looking. Why do you bother about what they think anyway? You say you love your mother and don't care about what she does for a living, but you're ashamed of it."

"Maybe," he admitted. "Thing is, as soon as people discover who I am, they tear me to pieces. As if it were my fault or something."

"Is that the reason why you throw who you are in everyone's face?" She frowned and her fingers stiffened in his hand.

"I'm trying to protect myself." He squeezed her fingers. "It happens way too often – so many timesI grew fond of someone who turned his or her back on me as soon as he or she learned the truth."

She thought about it and sighed. "I guess you're right. Your life must have been hard."

"When I was a child I cried a lot when my mother wasn't looking. Then she found out and we moved away from here. Not that it was much better in Akulina. I'm so glad we're back – I think I have found the right balance now."

"That's good. I'm very happy for you."

Silence fell again. He offered to buy her a snack or a drink, but she refused and they kept walking.

"Do you like Jaiden?" he asked after another silence.

She didn't hesitate. "No."

He was stunned for a moment. "Aren't you betrothed to him?"

"Yes. Family decisions. I didn't mind when they betrothed us, but now..." She shook her head. "He has become an arrogant young man, nobody likes him anymore. Except my father of course." She scoffed. "Lord Charan can't believe he'll have Jaiden as son-in-law. Maybe only because he's Prince Mohan's heir, who knows."

"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 with 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..."

"Wait, your son has a friend now?"

"Yes, Rohan, he lives somewhere by the river."

"Of course, at Madam Jaya's!" Lord Charan almost broke the cup as he slammed it down. "That's why they have so much in common those two little..."

He rose, furious, followed by a puzzled Lord Ruchir.

"Where are you going, darling?" Lady Ekla asked as he stormed by her and Lady Nira.

"To pick up that little shameless liar!"

Lord Ruchir led him to Nihar's room, still wondering what was actually going on. "Charan, you mean that Rohan..."

"Yes, he's a courtesan's son! He lives in a brothel!"

Lord Charan kicked open Nihar's door as Lord Ruchir's anger flared.

Nihar jumped to his feet, startled by the intrusion, and Bismillah rushed in from the bedroom – she hadn't been with him. Lord Ruchir stopped by the door to stare speechless at the two young liars while Lord Charan rushed on to the next room and came back dragging Rohan behind him.

"Nihar! How could you bring this son of a courtesan into our house?" Lord Ruchir demanded.

Before Nihar could reply, Lord Charan hit Rohan's face with his fist. The boy fell, his nose bleeding, but Lord Charan kept hitting him with hands and feet.

Nihar tried to stop him, but his father grabbed him and kept him still. Bismillah screamed, begging her father to stop as Rohan tried to protect himself from the furious beating. Lady Ekla and Lady Nira joined them and stared gaping at the scene.

"Enough!" Bismillah shouted, crying. "Enough, Father, leave him alone!"

Lord Charan stopped, panting, and Rohan curled up into a ball, moaning with pain.

"You better forget her," Lord Charan said, his voice strangled by hatred and fury. "I will never give her to you!"

He grabbed his sobbing daughter's wrist and stormed out of the room, followed by his wife.

Lord Ruchir let go of his son. "Take him home. And keep him out of this house from now on."

***

Nihar crouched by Rohan's side and touched him tentatively. "Rohan?"

His friend was bruised but hadn't lost consciousness. "I'll be all right.

"I'm sorry, Rohan."

"Not your fault. Not blaming you. Help me, please."

Nihar helped him to his feet. Reaching Madam Jaya's had never been so slow and painful, especially for Rohan.

"Rohan!" Deepika looked very upset when she saw her son all bloodied and with a broken nose.

"Let him lie down," Nihar said quickly, leading his limping friend to the bed. "I will call a doctor."

"No, I'll take care of him. What happened, Nihar?"

"Lord Charan found out about us. I thought he'd kill him." He forced down his tears as Deepika cleaned Rohan's wounds. "I'm sorry, I tried to help him, but my father..."

"Don't worry, I'll handle this." Deepika was quiet now, and Rohan closed his eyes under her gentle touch.

Nihar hid his face in his hands, ashamed. A sob shook his shoulders.

"Stop crying like a baby and give me a hand," Deepika chided.

Nihar sniffed then wiped away his tears and joined her at his friend's bedside.

***

Hello, beloved

I decided to write to you hoping you understand my handwriting. I am not completely fit yet. No broken bones, but... yes, your father hurt me, but it's nothing compared to the thought that I won't see you anymore. I know you're upset... but trust me, it's better this way, for both of us. Your father could end up hurting you and I could never accept that. I hope Nihar will be able to give you this letter. I'm suffering as much as you for the loss, but there's nothing we can do about it. You father is the all-powerful Lord Charan and we are nothing. I hope we'll be able to keep in touch in writing, although it would probably be better if we both forget... but I know it's impossible. I'd like to tell you many more things, but I'll end with only five words: I love you very much. Be happy without me. Rohan.

My dearest one

why are you wishing me to be happy without you? You're very cruel as you abandon me. Your letter was so beautiful... those last words ruined it all. Please at least keep writing to me and tell me those lovely things you told me in person, or I shall have no other option than to kill myself so I won't have to live with that cheating liar,  Jaiden. I keep thinking about you. I miss you. I hope you are healed and have no more traces of my father's beating. You know, he'll have to relent sooner or later, because I don't want to lose you. He's not talking to me at the moment, but eventually he'll relent. Help me hope, Rohan. Write to me again. Bismillah.

Hello beloved

I couldn't resist. I had sworn to disappear from your life, but as you can see, I failed. But at least you know why I'm so late in answering your letter. I really wanted to forget you. But your words made me hope that yes, one day your father will relent and I'll beat Jaiden to make him pay for whatever he did or will do to you. Don't smile, beloved, I'm serious. If he hurts you, let me know. I'll beat him anyway. I don't care about the consequences. Back to us, I'm afraid I'm not very good at writing down my feelings, but I'll try anyway. In my heart there's you and only you. You have wiped away my mother's face and led me to heaven. Don't worry, you might have taken my mother's place, but my heart is big enough for both of you. Besides she has Nihar and feels happier knowing I have you. And I do love you. You're always with me, not in the flesh, unfortunately, but in my heart, my thoughts, my dreams. No matter how hard I tried, I wasn't able to keep my promise to forget you and move on. I will never forget you. One night and a few blissful days were enough to carve you inside me. I cannot live without you. My body has recovered. But I sorely miss you. I love you. Rohan.

***

"Sometimes it's not easy to hand her the letter or get hers, as her father doesn't trust me, but I always manage somehow," Nihar said strolling with Rohan through the busy streets.

"Thank you, Nihar, I'm indebted to you."

"No way! I'm indebted to you because you let me meet Deepika and she's... well, you know how she is, being your mother and everything. So I'm the one thanking you."

"How about your father, does he suspect anything?" Rohan asked.

"Yes, nothing!" Nihar chuckled. "That's why I keep running away! What a scene that night..."

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what, brother? Lord Charan almost killed you and you feel sorry for me? I can handle my father!"

"Fine, enough thanking and apologizing, we're friends, all right?" Rohan smiled and shook his head.

"Fine, enough talking about haughty and violent lords. Gods, sometimes I think I should run away from Agharek and join a nomad tribe!"

"I don't think you'd enjoy living in a tent in the wasteland. And the desert is constantly expanding... you're a town boy, how would you survive out there?"

"True. True." Nihar nodded with a sigh.

Then Rohan stopped dead in his tracks, staring at something in front of them, both desperate and furious.

"What is it?" Nihar asked.

"Bismillah," was the flat reply. "With Jaiden."

"Hawk's eye, brother! Yes, that's them."

"Gods, I hate him so much." Rohan clenched his fists, staring at the wealthy young couple.

Bismillah was frowning as she tried to keep Jaiden's hands away from her body.

Keep your hands off of her! Rohan's anger built up way too quickly for a meek person like him. But watching his beloved struggling against unwanted attention made his blood boil.

"Let's go." Nihar tried to drag him away.

Rohan didn't budge. Then he marched on Jaiden, fists ready to hit.

"Rohan!" Nihar ran after him panicking. "Are you crazy? He'll kill you!"

"No, I'll kill him," he replied through clenched teeth. He attacked his rival so suddenly that Jaiden barely realized what was happening.

"Rohan!" Bismillah sounded both happy and scared, but he didn't turn to look at her, too busy pounding Jaiden's face and torso with both his fists.

Nihar looked around, worried, as Jaiden had many friends.

"Enough, Rohan, let's go!" He managed to grab Rohan and pull him away from Jaiden who collapsed with a moan.

Rohan calmed down and turned to look at Bismillah who was staring at him with wide eyes, her hands on her mouth.

She blinked and pulled down her hands. She was smiling. She rushed into his arms and he took her away, followed by Nihar who shook his head with a sigh.

***

"See you later, honey." Deepika kissed Rohan's cheek and left. He was trying to compose a song or a poem, but words didn't come easily as he tried to express himself. Maybe because he couldn't concentrate on the task at hand, as his mind kept wandering.

Rohan sighed. There was no way he'd finish that composition, not until Bismillah's smile filled his heart. Footsteps approached the room and he looked at the door closed by a curtain.

Lord Charan came in, followed by two men.

Rohan got up, gulping down his fear. "Hello and welcome," he said out of habit.

Lord Charan scoffed. "Son of a courtesan, but well educated," he teased.

"What do you want, my lord?"

"You beat Jaiden."

"You beat me, although I'm aware I'm not Prince Mohan's son. Anyway, the cause was the same – you didn't want me to touch your daughter and I didn't want him to touch her."

"Insolent boy." Lord Charan signaled his men, and they marched on Rohan, grabbing him by his arms and dragging him in front of their master.

"You stay away from Bismillah." Lord Charan's voice was filled with threat and barely-contained fury. "Jaiden can do what he wants with her because he's her betrothed. But you're nobody, courtesan's son, and I had told you to stay away from her, remember?"

"I can't help but love her, my lord."

Lord Charan hit his face then started beating him again. "You're not worthy to touch her foot! If you try to see her again, I'll kill you, understood?"

He pulled away and Rohan would have collapsed if the two men weren't still holding him.

Lord Charan turned his back on Rohan as he regained control of himself, while the boy wondered what he had done to be hated so much. Rohan respected his beloved's father, why did the lord keep hurting him?

Lord Charan turned to look at him again. "Did you understand, little bastard? Get out of Bismillah's life." Then he signaled his men to do the beating for him.

Rohan was unable to defend himself or protect his body against the two attackers. He was beyond physical pain, though, and almost didn't notice when they let him go and he collapsed to the ground.

Lord Charan's voice reached his hears, though. "If you don't obey, Rohan, you'll feel much worse than this."

Bismillah's father crouched next to him and grabbed his by his tunic. "Understood?"

"Yes," he whispered through broken lips.

***

"Rohan," Deepika called, smiling at the memory of Nihar's latest misdeed. Then she saw him slumped on the floor, still and bruised. She thought they had killed him and rushed to him.

"Rohan!" she called again, anxious this time. He was unconscious, but still breathing. His face was swelling again and his body had bruises. Another beating.

Deepika managed to put him to bed, frowning, then gently touched him to assert damage.

"My Rohan, what have they done to you?" she whispered, tears choking her. She caressed his hair, then decided to let him sleep and recover.

***

"Hello, Nihar," Bismillah greeted, serious.

"Hello," he answered. "I convinced your mother to allow me to take you out instead of Jaiden today. Let's hope your father doesn't find out."

"She won't tell him. Where are you taking me?"

"Madam Jaya's." Nihar averted his eyes and Bismillah gasped.

She followed him in silence, praying everything was fine with Rohan. She had to stop before entering the brothel, though. "Nihar, is he all right?"

Nihar avoided eye contact. "He's alive."

"What happened?"

"Another beating. We don't know who did it yet. Deepika found him unconscious and thought he was dead."

Bismillah gulped down her anxiety and nodded, following Nihar up the stairs. It could have been Jaiden's retaliation or her father again.

Then she was by Rohan's bed, shocked at the sight of his bruised face.

"Rohan," Nihar called gently, sitting on the bed.

Rohan turned his head and slowly opened his eyes. "Hello." Then he focused on Bismillah and repeated "hello" but with a tougher tone, as if he were trying to hide his pain or his feelings.

"How do you feel?" Nihar asked.

"Dead," Rohan answered, turning away his head.

"I'm sorry, brother, but you're still alive," Nihar smiled. "And I'd love to know who did this to you."

"The official version is I don't know them," Rohan said flatly.

"And the truth?" Nihar insisted.

Rohan glanced at Bismillah. "Her father and two of his men."

Bismillah closed her eyes and wished to die, or to feel his pain and die with him.

"Shit." Nihar whispered. "I really hoped it was Jaiden."

Rohan made a rueful smile and closed his eyes.

Nihar got up and signaled Bismillah to sit in his place. She obeyed, struggling against tears, and took Rohan's hand.

His eyelids fluttered open again. "You must forget me," he whispered. "They will never allow us to be happy."

"Don't say that," she replied. "We can do it!"

"No we can't. Your father will kill me if he finds out we met today. You must forget me."

She shook her head, tears running down her cheeks. "I will never forget you, Rohan."

"You must. I don't want him to hurt you as well. Don't let him hurt you."

"He is already hurting me by forbidding me to be with you!"

"What's good about me now?" He tried to smile. "Can't you see my face, my body? Do I look handsome?"

"Oh, shut up!" She smiled through her tears.

"Give me a kiss and then go," he said. "Get out of my life, you wealthy little wretch!"

Bismillah wiped away her tears with a chuckle. Then she gently kissed his swollen lips. She pulled away but he grabbed her to hold her tight with desperation only to push her away with determination, turning away his head.

"Leave now, please."

She obeyed without comment. She had seen the pain for the break-up in his unhappy eyes and she knew he still loved her. But it was all useless.

***

"Good morning." Lady Ekla sauntered in Rohan's bedroom looking dashingly elegant.

"Good morning," Rohan replied, sitting on the bed but not fit enough to get out of it. His bruises were almost gone and soon he'd go back to work, playing music for the courtesans' dance numbers.

"You seem to have recovered," she said sitting on the bed.

"Yes, my lady, I feel better."

"Good, good. Bismillah told me everything. She had an awful fight with her father, so he's sending me to pay your medical bill."

"My mother took care of me," he said proudly.

"She missed work for a few weeks, though, didn't she?"

"We don't need your money, my lady."

"My my, you're touchy! Anyway, I have another offer, but you must keep it between me and you. Do you still love Bismillah?"

"Yes." His answer was wary.

"And you want to see her again."

"Yes." He sounded more hopeful now.

"Come and see me when you feel better." Lady Ekla grinned. "I'll see what I can do." She rose. "My husband visits Prince Mohan every morning as he's part of his council," she added. "That's the best time."

She left satisfied by his surprised look.

***

The bruises were gone when Rohan paid a visit to Lady Ekla. He wore plain clothes and a secret hope she'd actually help him.

She let him in her apartment and pointed him to a divan, sitting right next to him. "You're a boy who honors his promises," she grinned.

"Yes, my lady," he said. "Will you really help me?"

"Of course! Here's the deal." She paused, settling on the divan. She was still beautiful and conscious of it.

"What's the deal?" he asked as she didn't seem to want to continue, too busy toying with her jewels. He was beginning to worry about that deal.

"I will let you see Bismillah," she said. "In secret, of course. But you must give me something in return."

"I don't have anything," he said, disappointed.

"Oh, yes, you have many things." Her hand fluttered on his shoulder and she leaned on him to whisper in his ear. "Youth, beauty..."

"You have them too, my lady," he said, stiffening. "Besides, how could I give you mine?"

She chuckled. "So sweet... come here." Her other hand turned his face towards her.

He saw lust in her eyes but couldn't believe what was happening. "My lady, I don't understand," he protested, pulling away from her, jarred.

"You're so naive," she purred, throwing away her veil to reveal her generous cleavage.

Rohan gulped down his desire. She caressed his chest, sliding her fingers under his tunic. He froze.

"You're young, handsome and strong," she whispered seductively. "Give me your body and you can see Bismillah again."

He sprang to his feet, shocked, and shook his head, unable to speak. Not this. No. Not his mother's profession.

"You don't like me?" She rose majestically, displaying her curves molded by the tight fitting dress. "Or are you afraid of women? Your mother taught you nothing?"

"My mother is a respectable woman," he managed to say.

She laughed aloud. "A respectable woman! She's a courtesan! She sells her body! Follow in her footsteps. I believe the price I'm offering is perfect for you."

"No." Rohan lowered his eyes. "I'd lose respect for myself."

"Do you want Bismillah or not?" She was losing her patience.

"No, Lady Ekla. Not under these conditions."

He turned his back on her and left, his throat closed by tears. He had really hoped he could find an ally. He had really hoped to find a way. But again everything had been in vain. Desperation filled him once more.

***

"What a whore!" Deepika was furious. Finding her son gloomier than ever, she had managed to extract from him what had happened at Lord Charan's palace under Nihar's amused eyes. "And she tells me I'm one, that bitch!"

"Calm down," Nihar smiled. "You won't change anything by insulting her except bringing back Rohan's smile."

"I'm going to talk to that so-called lady!" Deepika insisted. "Asking for my son's body! How dare she!"

"Enough, Mother." Rohan's tears had turned to laughter at his mother's first anger explosion.

"Oh, Rohan, she hurt you," she said, worried.

"No, Mother, she didn't really touch me. She tried to seduce me, but failed. Calm down, I'm fine. I was only a little sad..."

"A little, huh? You were crying like a fountain!"

"It's all gone, Mother."

"He's fine, don't you see?" Nihar added. "If you keep going, you'll make him cry again, from laughter."

"Am I so funny when I get angry?" she asked calming down. "Never mind, give me a hug, my baby boy."

She opened her arms and Rohan promptly hugged her, not bothering to remind her he wasn't a baby anymore. She squeezed him then let him go.

She stared at him, thoughtful. "You know, maybe you should have accepted after all. Imagine Lord Charan's face when he found out!"

"Yeah, and imagine the beating!" Rohan laughed. "He'd chase me to the northern kingdoms to kill me if he discovered I had his wife as well!"

Deepika smiled fondly at him. "Let's go for a walk, baby boys." She grabbed Rohan on one side, Nihar on the other, steering both towards the door.

"Thanks for the 'baby', Mom," Nihar teased.

***

Hello, beloved.

I decided to write to you to tell you I still love you and cannot forget you. I miss you a lot. Now more than ever I wish I could be with you. I'm scared, Rohan. I don't know what to do. I'm pregnant. I'm terrified at the thought of what my father will do when he finds out. I'll probably deliver before the wedding, but Jaiden won't be happy to learn I'm not a virgin anymore. At the moment you and I are the only ones in the know. But soon I won't be able to hide it anymore. What should I do? Help me, Rohan. Always yours. Bismillah.

I wish I could help you, beloved. But what can I do? Talking to your father would be useless. But if he says to repair the damage I must marry you, I'll do it immediately. Except I doubt he'd say that. He'll force you to an abortion, deleting from the world the last trace of our love. You might think I'm cruel. But I have no strength left to fight. I could take you away, but where? Your father would hunt us to the end of the world. I don't know what to do, Bismillah. I'm sorry. Rohan.

P.S. You know, I thought I had finally managed to forget you. But your short letter was enough to reopen the wound and tell me I haven't forgotten anything. That night with you is still alive inside me. I wish I could help you, but I don't know how. I can't imagine your father's reaction. I think we should see what he says before acting. But I also know his reaction will be violent, towards you, me or the child. And I'm scared of what will happen if we set him off. I don't want him to hurt you. I don't care if he kills me, but how can I be sure he won't hurt you? Maybe I have an idea. A suicidal idea, but it might save you and the baby. Tell him I raped you. He'll come against me, but will not blame you. I'll try to talk some sense into him, telling him that if he kills me you'll be a dishonored single mother. You'll see, we'll work it out. Love always. R.

Dear Rohan,

the first lines of what should have been a short note had disappointed me when I read the rest. You're crazy to ask me to tell my father those things. He'll kill you before you can say "Ah". You can't sacrifice your life like this, it's so useless.... Don't you want to meet this child? Don't you want him or her to know you and love you? Don't be a fool. We'll find another way. We still have a month, maybe two, to think about it. I love you too. Bismillah.

***

"Tell her to do it," Rohan said, determined, looking up from Bismillah's letter.

"You're crazy, she can't!" Nihar protested.

"It's my business," Rohan folded the letter, looking tired. "Tell her she must do it."

"Gods, there's no need to say you're the father! She can say she's been raped by Jaiden, at least you'll come out clean!"

"You know her father would never believe that."

"Why not?!"

"Don't dream, Nihar. We had enough of that already. When Lord Charan finds out his daughter is pregnant, he'll blame me, rape or not. If we pass it as rape, he'll come only after me and leave her alone."

"He'll kill you." Nihar shook his head, desperate.

"No, maybe he won't." Rohan sounded defeated. Maybe he was really sick of fighting.

***

When Rohan found Lord Charan in front of him he knew it was the time of the truth. He glanced at the nobleman's waist, but no weapons hung from his sash. Again it would be fists only if a punishment was due.

Rohan and Lord Charan stared at each other in the quiet of a sunny afternoon, when everyone was dozing off at Madam Jaya's.

"I exited your daughter's life." Rohan broke the silence. "What else do you want from me?"

"Bastard," Lord Charan hissed. "Don't pretend. Bismillah is pregnant."

"Do you have proof it's mine?"

"When I found out I forced her to tell me the truth. She confessed you raped her."

Rohan almost sighed with relief. She had done what he had asked her. "Are you here to kill me, Lord Charan? Don't you think about your fatherless grand-child?"

"That child will not be born," Lord Charan said through gritted teeth.

"It's too late for an abortion."

"So you knew, you bastard."

"Yes, Bismillah covered me with insults at her predicament."

"I wonder why she didn't do it as soon as she knew."

"She was scared."

"By what?"

"You, Lord Charan. What will you do now? Force me to marry her? Kill me? Would that really solve anything?"

"Maybe not, son of a bitch, but at least you'll pay! You had no right touching her!"

Rohan didn't reply. He felt strangely lucid. He was ready for his sacrifice.

"Won't you say anything in your defense, little bastard?" Lord Charan roared.

"I love her, Lord Charan," he replied quietly.

"Is this why you raped her?"

"She came to me and I made love to her." Rohan had enough of lies, aware of the fact that the furious man in front of him would never believe him anyway.

"Liar!" Lord Charan attacked him again. "Defend yourself, you son of a bitch!"

"No," Rohan answered, barely parrying the first blow. "If you must beat me to give vent to your anger, do it, but don't touch your daughter!"

His word must have gotten through when he was already down, panting.

Lord Charan pulled away, staring at him with a mix of horror and fear.

He smiled at him, in spite of the pain especially in his ribcage that made it hard to breathe.

He was about to say "Keep going, as long as you don't hurt her," when Lord Charan stormed away without a word. Rohan collapsed completely, praying it would soon be over.

***

"Tell me the truth, Bismillah." Lord Charan was  quiet and serious, and stared at his daughter as if he wanted to read her mind. "Who is the father of your child?"

"Rohan, Father," she said, lowering her eyes.

"Did he rape you?"

"No, I went to him willingly."

"Why did you tell me...."

"He told me to, Father. He wanted to protect me from your fury. Did you kill him?"

"No." He sighed. "No, he's not dead. You went to him..."

"Yes, Father."

"Without thinking about the pain you gave me?"

"I thought you'd understand. I love him and there's nothing I can do about it. I love him more than anyone else."

"Forget him." Lord Charan looked exhausted. He hung his head and left his daughter wondering.

***

"Where's the wretched owner of this stinking palace?" Deepika stormed inside Lord Charan's home avoiding servants and butlers trying to stop her. She found the family in an inner living room, and Lord Charan stared at her in wonder.

"Are you the damned wretched owner of this shitty palace?" Deepika put her fists on her hips, planting herself in front of him and glaring at him while the butler tried to drag her away.

"Leave her." Lord Charan waved his hand and the servants left with deep bows. "Let's hear what this woman wants." He didn't bother to lift his behind from his cushions, so Deepika towered over him.

"You want to know what I want? Listen, asshole, it's the third time you beat Rohan almost to death, enough is enough!"

"Oh, I see, you must be the mother of that..."

"Son of a bitch, yes sir. All right, his mother, and I mean me, is a courtesan, but his father is as wealthy as you are, Lord Charan!"

"Rohan told me he didn't know who his father was."

"He doesn't know because I never told him." She folded her arms in front of her chest, sarcastic. "I pretended I had forgotten."

"Deepika!" Bismillah's voice made her turn to look at the pale girl. She looked haunted as much as Rohan.

"Hello, darling." Deepika's voice was sweeter now. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. How is Rohan?"

"Rohan isn't fine at all." Anger filled Deepika's voice again as she glared at Lord Charan.

"Poor boy, what did you do to him, Charan?" Lady Ekla asked, sounding worried.

"Shut up, you slimy cow," Deepika snapped. "You try to seduce my son and you call me a whore!"

"Mother!"

"Ekla!"

Lady Ekla was struck dumb by the double stare of her daughter and her husband. Both looked outraged.

Deepika scoffed. "Yes sir. A mean blackmail. And you, my lord, weren't much nicer to my Rohan. You know what happened this time? Rohan is in bed all bruised and feverish and tells me 'Mother, tell Lord Charan to beat me again so he won't hurt Bismillah'! Which means he's ready to die, considering how you treat him!"

Lord Charan listened, speechless, too stunned to object.

"Enough, Deepika," Bismillah said, quietly sad. "Stop it, please."

"I'm sorry, honey." Deepika calmed down. "I just can't stand this wretched..."

"Enough, Deepika," Bismillah repeated before fainting.

Lady Ekla called the maids and they took away the unconscious girl. Deepika and Lord Charan remained alone.

He rose and became taller than her by a full head. "Rohan doesn't look like you," he said. "Please, sit with me."

She was about to attack again with words, but slumped on the cushions, pouting, instead.

He sat back next to her. "Why didn't Rohan's father marry you?"

"Rohan's father doesn't even know he exists." She snorted. "He was gone. I was sick of waiting for him."

"I'm sorry to hear this."

"Maybe I should have told Hemal. He was hurt and didn't really want me, but maybe I could have waited longer or asked Mohan or..."

Lord Charan narrowed his eyes. "Who is Hemal?"

"Rohan's father. I met him through Mohan."

"Prince Mohan and Prince Hemal?" he asked incredulous.

"Yes." She scoffed. "Prince Mohan loved Madam Jaya's before killing his father for Hemal's sake. So you see, Rohan's father is as wealthy as you even if he has no real royal blood in his veins. But Akkora is not a kingdom anymore and Mohan shared with him his father's inheritance. Rohan is better than Jaiden and Bismillah loves him. Don't you think you could allow them to marry and live happily ever after?"

"I will tell you something." Lord Charan smiled. "After all that happened, after this proof of love, I'd give Bismillah even to Rohan the courtesan's son. But I think it's time he meets his father, don't you think? After eighteen years it's his right. Hemal is a widower and has no male heirs."

"Maybe you're right." Deepika relaxed. "But I want you to give Rohan the good news."

Lord Charan sighed but nodded. He went with her to Madam Jaya's, up the stairs and into the bedroom where Rohan lay.

The powerful lord sat on the bed and stared thoughtfully at the sleeping boy, observed by Deepika.

Lord Charan took Rohan's hand and the boy slowly opened his eyes. Maybe he wasn't sleeping after all.

Rohan blinked. "Hello." He sounded weak and surprised, but not scared.

"I didn't come to finish you off," Lord Charan said, squeezing his fingers. "How are you?"

"I'm fine."

"Not really. I'll send my personal physician to help you recover. You need to be fit to marry Bismillah before the scandal breaks out."

Rohan's eyes widened. "You mean... you will let us be together?"

Lord Charan smiled. "Yes. And I apologize for the way I treated you. You're a good boy and have a wonderful mother."

Rohan glanced at Deepika and tried to smile too. "So you noticed, huh?"

"You should have seen her." Lord Charan chuckled. "She stormed in my house like a demon..."

Rohan grinned. "Mother is always funny when she gets angry." Again he looked at her with such fondness she felt her heart melt. "I have no idea how she taught me discipline."

"As soon as you feel better, come and visit Bismillah," Lord Charan said. "She's waiting for you."

"Enough talking, Charan, let him rest." Deepika decided the lord's time was over. Lord Charan obeyed meekly as if he were feeling guilty for what he had done.

At the brothel's door he turned to look her in the eyes. "Go to Hemal. You must talk to him. Rohan needs a father."

"He'll have you, if he marries Bismillah," she shrugged.

"Yes, but... I'm sure he's longing to meet his real father. Or are you afraid to confront your lover?"

"Listen, Lord Charan..."

He laughed and left, waving his hand.

"I'm not afraid of anyone!" she shouted after him.

***

"My lord, a woman requests to speak with you."

"Did she mention her name?"

"Deepika."

Hemal looked up from the manuscript he was reading and stared at the servant. "Let her in."

The servant bowed and soon Deepika was in the small cabinet. She hadn't changed much in almost twenty years and Hemal wondered why he still remembered her so well. After all they hadn't spent much time together and he was badly hurt at the time.

"Hello, Hemal." She looked wary and he signaled her to sit on the divan.

"You haven't changed, Deepika," he said.

"You look almost the same too." She looked embarrassed.

He smiled ruefully. "I have changed, Deepika. Too many women, too much alcohol, my wife's suicide..."

She was puzzled. "Suicide?"

"Yes, I cheated on her and she couldn't give me a male heir. And you know what's the worst part? When she died I realized I loved her and hurt her like Kunal had hurt Mitali. I had become worse than my parent's murderer. Anyway, why are you here?"

"I came back from Akulina almost a year ago. Charan suggested I come to you."

Hemal smiled. "It's good to see you. So many years... how many?"

"Nineteen."

"You have an excellent memory. Although I must admit that my mind was quite blurred at the time."

"Do you remember having sex with me after King Kunal's death?"

"Yes... Yes. You opened a lid, and a nasty man came out. You were the first woman, of many, but still the first. Maybe that's why I still remember your face in spite of everything."

She smiled. "I was in love with you."

"My heart was dead at the time." He sighed. "And remained so for a long time. I lost count of the years gone by."

"I can't. I have Rohan's age to remind me every day."

"Who's Rohan?" He stared at her, puzzled.

"My son, Hemal. Your son."

He gaped at her. A son? From the woman who had given him sex? And love he wasn't able to accept? "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.

"What for?" She sounded rueful. "You were badly damaged. You wanted love, not sex. I was a courtesan. And then you left. I was sick of waiting for your return."

"So you moved to Akulina? And how did you bring him up?"

"You met me as a courtesan. But when I left Madam Jaya's, I became a street whore. Still, Rohan is my only child, the child of my love."

Silence. Hemal and Deepika stared at each other as if they wanted to hear thoughts or communicate memories and feelings through their minds.

Then he smiled, rose and pulled her up too. He embraced her and saw her blush like a maiden.

"I am so grateful you came to me, Deepika," he whispered. "If it's not too late, I'd love to love you now."

"It's not too late." Her voice was shaky.

He smiled again and kissed her.

***

Rohan was healed. He had visited Bismillah and was getting ready for their wedding. Still the adventure had left him more taciturn, even if he was still sweet and nice to everybody.

Bismillah had changed too now that she was pregnant. She was quieter and more affectionate. Both had forgotten what had been done to them and had locked themselves in a sort of loving limbo, in spite of living under different roofs.

Lord Charan could feel Bismillah's mind was far away. And Deepika hardly recognized Rohan in the quiet, silent young man he had become. Hence she hesitated to speak with him about his father. Until Hemal and Charan urged her to talk to Rohan, thus in a sunny morning, as she strolled with her son, she decided it was the right time.

"I need to tell you something, Rohan."

"I know, you've been trying for two weeks."

"It's just that... you look so far away! You changed, Rohan."

"It's called growing up, Mother," he shrugged. "Anyway I've been wondering for two weeks about the important announcement you have."

"It's hard enough already, Rohan, don't treat me like a child," she chided. "It's something I should have told you years ago when you asked me who your father is."

He didn't comment.

They sat on a bench in the public park and he waited, looking straight ahead. Deepika was a little upset by his lack of reaction.

"You have always known who my father is." Rohan broke the silence but didn't turn his head to look at her. "Maybe it's Lord Charan."

"No, I'd have told you if you had fallen in love with your half-sister. No, it's not Lord Charan. It's Prince Hemal."

Rohan scoffed. "So Nihar's joke wasn't too far-fetched, after all," he whispered.

"What?"

"He wanted to introduce me as Prince Hemal's secret son."

"Oh."

This time he turned to look at her. "Have you met him?"

"Yes. I still love him, never stopped loving him. And he's a widower now. He finally wants me, so we shall marry soon."

Rohan averted his eyes with a scoff. "Poor Nihar. When are you going to talk to him?"

"In due time. Rohan, I will get married finally after nineteen years, I will have a husband and a palace, and you'll have a father..."

"I will lose them immediately as I'm getting married too. I don't need to meet him now. He didn't care for eighteen years, why should I care now?"

"Rohan! He didn't even know you existed!"

He glanced at her, wounded. "Thank you, Mother."

Deepika fell silent. She wasn't expecting this... coldness on his part. What was wrong with Rohan? The physical bruises might be gone, but what about his feelings?

She hugged him gulping down her tears. "Rohan, please..."

He freed himself from her arms and stared at her like a stranger. "I'm eighteen, Mother. It's right we each go our own way. I'm not a child anymore, remember? I'm about to create my own family. You'd lose me anyway."

"At least don't refuse to meet your father," she pleaded.

He averted his eyes with a sigh. "I don't see why, but if it makes you happy..."

***

"Hello, Nihar, hello, Rohan." Hemal greeted the two young men who were sitting on the river's edge, watching barges go by. Both answered, one smiling, the other serious. "I would like to invite Rohan for lunch."

"What do you want from Rohan?" Nihar demanded, straightening his back to protect his friend.

"You know who I am, but he doesn't, I guess. Rohan, I'm Prince Hemal, will you have lunch with me?"

Nihar noticed his friend's sudden frown. "What's going on? And how did you know this was Rohan?"

"They say you two are always together." Hemal grinned. "Rohan, your mother won't have anything ready for you, why don't you come over and let Nihar go home?"

"I don't want to go home," Nihar grumbled. But Rohan hung his head and got up on his feet.

Nihar followed his friend with his eyes, wondering what was going on.

***

"You hate me?" Hemal asked at the end of a silent meal during which Rohan had given monosyllabic answers and avoided his eyes as much as he could.

"No," Rohan answered. "I don't care. You've been a man with no face and no name for way too long. A ghost that maybe I had imagined differently. I don't know. And I don't have much to tell you."

"Don't you want to get to know me?" Hemal felt relieved the boy had started to speak. Rohan didn't sound hostile, but not curious either. "It's not too late, you know? You are the same age I was when I discovered who my real father was. Except he had already died, and I was never able to actually talk to him. And the man who had given me his name disowned me on my eighteenth birthday."

Rohan looked at him with mild curiosity. "You're not Prince Mohan's brother?"

Hemal chuckled. "No. We consider each other blood brothers, but he's the only rightful heir of the last king of Akkora. Except he shares everything with me because he grew up thinking I was the legitimate heir. And I'm giving my daughter Laxmi to his son Jaiden now that Bismillah is going to marry you. It's not incest, as we have no real blood ties."

"And what do they have to say about that?" Rohan asked. "Or are two youngsters' opinions not worth listening to in certain circles?"

"Laxmi has had a crush on Jaiden since she was a child. But he was too busy bullying her to notice. Hopefully things will change now."

"So I have a half-sister."

"I am a widower. She's fifteen, and lost her mother too soon. That's why I'm happy to have Deepika in my life now. And I never had a son."

Rohan stared at him, serious.

Hemal couldn't sustain the boy's eyes and turned away his head with a sigh. This was going to be harder than he had expected.

Then a hand gently touched his arm and he met Rohan's serious gaze.

"Tell me your story," the boy said.

***

Jaiden accepted Laxmi instead of Bismillah and Rohan accepted Hemal as a father. Then Deepika had to talk to Nihar and break their relationship.

Nihar hadn't followed any of those stories, busy as he was with his own family. He wanted to run away but at the same time was terrified to lose his parents. And now they were fighting and wanting to split, and Nihar didn't know what to do. He wanted to keep his family united at least until he decided to get married – and he had discovered he loved his parents after all and didn't want to lose either of them.

Deepika had left Madam Jaya's with Rohan to move into Hemal's part of the royal palace before she paid a visit to Nihar. She arrived in the middle of a fight between spouses, interrupted only by her presence. The lady stormed out one way, the lord in the opposite direction, leaving Nihar upset with Deepika.

She noticed he looked unhappy and exhausted, but couldn't postpone her little speech. What if he looked for her at Madam Jaya's? Besides, her wedding was in four days and she didn't want him to discover it from a stranger.

Nihar looked at her and tried to smile. He went to hug her with passion and desperation. "Thank you for coming here, Deepika. I need you so much."

She stiffened in his arms. "I came to tell you that I'm getting married in four days."

He pulled away, stunned.

"I'm marrying Prince Hemal, Nihar," she continued averting her eyes. "He's Rohan's father."

"I understand." He lowered his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Nihar, things have gone so fast lately, I couldn't keep track of everything. Now that I've seen your parents, I feel I'm hurting you even more than expected, but..."

His tone was louder and sharper, his eyes still low. "I said I understand." He grabbed her shoulders. "They want to split," he whispered, upset. "I don't want them  to, I love them, I love you, I..." His own tears choked him and he hugged her again with desperation. "Please, stay with me."

"All right, Nihar, but this is our last time together."

"No, stay forever!"

"I can't, Nihar, I'm getting married."

"And you still love that man almost twenty years later?" he exploded, letting her go and backing away from her. "You love him after he abandoned you? And you marry him like this?" He snapped his fingers. "Do you know what people will say? Do you know what the nobles of this town will do to you?"

"Yes, Nihar, I'm aware of everything. The town hasn't forgotten that he doesn't actually have any royal blood either, so it seems fitting he marries a courtesan this time. At least he won't waste another noblewoman's life. Besides, he didn't even know Rohan existed until I told him."

Nihar panted. "Get out! Get out, I don't want to see you ever again!" he screamed.

Deepika stepped towards him, stretching her hand, but he backed away as if she were a snake.

"Out!" he yelled hysterically. "I hate you! I hate you all!" He hid his face in his hands, turning his back on her.

"Stop shouting, Nihar," came his father's voice.

"Nihar..." She managed to touch his shoulder, but he jerked her away and stormed out, sobbing.

***

"Hello." Rohan sat next to Nihar in the low tavern where the noble young man was drinking himself asleep. "It's time I take you home."

"I'm not done yet," Nihar replied somberly without looking at him.

"Yes you are." Rohan picked  up the half empty jug and brought it back to the counter.

"Hey!" Nihar got up and swayed. "Bring that back!"

Rohan paid for what Nihar had drank and went back to his friend. "I'm taking you home."

"Mind your own business, you son of a bitch!"

Rohan ignored the insult, knowing Nihar was out of his mind. He slipped one arm around Nihar's waist and led his unsteady friend towards the door.

"Your parents are worried," Rohan said as they stumbled in the street under the tavern's oil lamps. Night had fallen on Agharek and it was way past dinner time.

"Fuck you, Rohan, I'm not going back!" Nihar straightened himself and roughly pushed Rowan away.

"They love you, Nihar," Rohan insisted. "Your mother is crying and your father is trying to soothe her. They're not fighting anymore. They won't split. They love you too much. Let me take you home. The hangover won't last long."

"No!" Nihar swung his fist and hit Rohan's face.

Rohan heard a loud crack as his nose broke – again. Then Nihar collapsed, unconscious.

***

Nihar woke up in his own bed. He saw Rohan sitting by his side with a swollen nose. His head threatened to explode and his stomach was upside down, so he winced.

"Are you all right?" he asked staring at his friend's face.

"Yes, don't worry, you weren't the one who broke my nose first," Rohan smiled.

"Did I do it? Aw, my head... I'm sorry, I don't know what possessed me."

"Pain. Heartbreak. That's what possessed you. That's why you insulted me and hit me."

"Gods, what a bastard I've been. I'm sorry, brother."

"Don't worry, I'm fine. Will you see your parents now?"

"I'd rather see Deepika first. I want to apologize for hitting her son."

"There's no need for that, Nihar. She has forgiven you."

"Then tell her also I will not bother her anymore."

"Really?" Rohan smiled. "I didn't think you'd give up so quickly."

"I'm not giving up, I mean, I still love her, but I will stay out of her life."

"And mine?"

Nihar glared at him. "No, you're not going to get rid of me that easily. But I won't go to your mother's wedding, that's for sure."

Rohan chuckled. "You're excused..."

***

"Hello, Rohan."

Rohan stared in wonder at Nihar's bright smile. Deepika and Hemal had married in the privacy of a small temple and Lord Charan had decided to postpone Bismillah's wedding until after the delivery. It was the first time Nihar showed up unexpected at the royal palace, where Rohan now had a private room, one month after the split with Deepika.

"Welcome," Rohan said brightening. "Glad you visited at last. You're beaming... what's new?"

"I'm in heaven, Rohan!" Nihar slumped on the carpet next to his best friend, looking happily dreamy. "My parents are reconciled and at Jaiden and Laxmi's betrothal party I met a wonderful girl!"

"Really?" Rohan beamed. "Where is she from? Tell me!"

"She's from Lakresha." Nihar chuckled. "Laxmi's childhood friend. She was invited for the betrothal and will stay until the wedding. Her name is Deena, and it was love at first sight."

"For you or for both?"

"For both! There was a strange current between us... I seem to remember that's exactly how it happened between you and Bismillah."

Rohan laughed, patting Nihar's shoulder. "Well done, Nihar! Any rival to defeat?"

"No, she's not betrothed yet. So I asked my father to write to hers so we could set up the wedding."

"A wedding already? You just met her!" Rohan teased.

"I'm considering a triple ceremony," Nihar winked. "You and Bismillah, your half-sister and Jaiden and her best friend and me... what do you think?"

"Sounds great if our fathers all agree!"

"I'm sure they will."

"Then when do I get to meet your betrothed?"

"Soon. Real soon."

***

Rohan met Deena through Laxmi as she was a guest of his half-sister. Before Nihar could introduce them, Laxmi did, but then Jaiden showed up, and Rohan and Deena were left alone.

Before Rohan could mention his best friend, Deena spoke. "Aren't you Nihar's best friend?"

"Yes, I was about to ask you about him."

"Well, you should be the one telling me all his dirty secrets," she said with a mischievous smile.

He laughed out loud. "He doesn't have any! It's all out there in the open. He's a rebel, a bad boy, but he's loyal to his friends and loved ones, so love him or hate him, there's no middle way."

"I noticed all of that," she smiled. "He's very fond of you. As for hating him..." She sighed theatrically, shaking her head. "Is it true he broke your nose, though?" she asked, curious.

"Yes, well, he was drunk and out of his mind," he shrugged. "He had had a rough day. So you like him in spite of everything?"

"I think he's very sweet. And needs lots of love."

"Indeed. And are you willing to give it to him?"

She nodded slowly as her lips curved into another mischievous smile. "Yes, I will love him for the rest of my life."

***

Bismillah and Rohan's child was born nine months after their night together at Madam Jaya's. It was a girl, and they called her Deepika.

Then it was time for the triple ceremony wished for by Nihar. Bismillah and Rohan, Laxmi and Jaiden, Deena and Nihar climbed on wedding howdahs and reached Agharek's main temple on elephant back. The wedding banquet was held at the royal palace with open doors – anyone could participate and it spread out to the streets.

Madam Jaya sent her best dancers and entertainers for her "Little Rohan" and Deepika danced too while Rohan sang his latest composition. Then Nihar's in-laws went back to Lakresha and a new life began for everybody.

"Are you tired, beloved?" Rohan asked going to bed with his wife for the first time. "Can I make love to you?"

"Yes, Rohan," she answered again and forever.