beyond the Dreams :the past is not what it seems

chapter 9 : discussion

As I sat in Mahira's living room, waiting for her to change, my eyes wandered around the space. The room was a reflection of her personality - warm, inviting, and full of life. The walls were painted a soft yellow, and the furniture was a mix of modern and traditional. I noticed a few framed photos on the shelf, showcasing her love for adventure and travel.

My gaze fell on a small, intricately carved wooden box on the coffee table. It was adorned with ancient symbols, similar to those found in the sacred texts of Brish Bhavati. I wondered if she knew the significance of those markings.

As I sat there, my mind kept drifting back to the moment she called me "Maharaja". The way she said it, with a hint of curiosity and respect, sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if she had uncovered a secret, a truth that few knew.

And now, here I was, sitting in Mahira's living room, feeling like I was on the cusp of something new, something that could change the course of my life forever.

I heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and I turned to see Mahira entering the room, looking radiant in a new outfit. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

As she sat down on the opposite couch, I couldn't help but notice the way the soft light in the room danced across her features, illuminating her sharp jawline and brightening her eyes. She placed two cups on the table, steaming hot, and I could smell the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air.

"Green tea " she said, her voice gentle. "I hope you like it."

I nodded, taking a cup from the table. Our fingers touched briefly, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body. I took a sip of the tea, feeling the warmth spread through my chest.

"Thank you, Mahira," I said, my voice low. "This is indeed a rare pleasure."

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm glad you're enjoying it, I have a feeling we have a lot to discuss."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what might that be, Mahira?"

She leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Let's just say, I have a few questions about your... Time ."

I chuckled, feeling a sense of excitement build in my chest. "Ah, Mahira. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into."

Veeranshu's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "How did you know about me, Mahira? How did you know I was the king from the old century?"

Mahira's smile vanished, her eyes sparkling with a hint of sadness. "If I tell you, you won't believe me. No one ever did."

Veeranshu's expression turned skeptical. "Try me, Mahira. I've heard my fair share of secrets and legends. I think I can handle it."

Mahira leaned back in her seat, her eyes never leaving his. "Very well, then , But don't say I didn't warn you."

She paused, taking a sip of her tea, her movements graceful and deliberate. "I've seen things . Things that most people can't even begin to imagine. And I've heard whispers, whispers of a king who ruled with wisdom and power, a king who was thought to be lost to the sands of time."

Veeranshu's grip on his cup tightened, his heart racing with anticipation. "What whispers, Mahira? What have you heard?"

Mahira's voice dropped to a whisper, her words barely audible. "I've heard that you're not just a king, Maharaja. I've heard that you're a guardian, a keeper of secrets and a wielder of power beyond the understanding of mortal men."

Veeranshu's eyes widened, his mind reeling with the implications. How did she know? How did she uncover the secrets that had been hidden for so long?

Mahira's eyes seemed to bore into his soul, as if she could see the very thoughts in his mind. "I've dreamt of everything, Maharaja. Your conversations with your soldiers, your people, your battles - every single one that you've won. Sometimes, I even know what you're thinking in your mind."

Veeranshu's jaw dropped, his mind reeling in shock. "How...how is this possible? You're the only one who knows about my existence from that time..."

"Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. And she sipped her tea again, her eyes never leaving his.

Veeranshu's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "How are you so calm about this, Mahira? Your dream is sitting in front of you, and yet you're sipping tea like it's just another ordinary day."

Mahira's expression turned introspective, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because, I've seen the rise and fall of empires, the birth and death of stars. Your presence in my life is just another wonder in a long list of wonders."

Veeranshu's brow furrowed, his eyes cast downward as he sank into deep thought. His mind raced with questions and doubts, his thoughts a jumbled mix of confusion and curiosity.

Mahira observed him quietly, her eyes never leaving his face. She sipped her tea slowly, her gaze piercing through the silence like a gentle breeze on a summer's day. Her expression was a mask of serenity, but her eyes betrayed a hint of fascination, as if she were unraveling the threads of a long-forgotten tapestry.

Veeranshu's voice was barely audible, his words escaping in a low, whispered tone. "Mahira... why was I removed from history? Was it because I came here... or because I died?"

Mahira's smile faltered, and she shook her head. "I don't know, either. I've been trying to uncover the truth for centuries, but it's shrouded in mystery. I only know that your presence here has set in motion a chain of events that will change the course of history forever."

Veeranshu's face fell, his expression a mix of disappointment and frustration. "So, you don't know why I was removed from history either?"

Mahira's eyes were apologetic. "I'm afraid not .

Mahira's eyes were apologetic. "I'm afraid not, Maharaja. To be honest, I always thought you were just a product of my subconscious imagination. A figment of my dreams. But the dreams were too real, too vivid. I tried to find you in history, but there was no trace of you or your kingdom. It was as if you never existed."

She paused, then asked, "Is there anything else you want me to ask, ? Anything else you wish to know?"

Mahira's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she leaned forward, her voice taking on a hint of excitement. "How did you come to this era, ? How did you become the Veeranshu Rajput, the king maker? You don't know anyone from my era, and yet... here you are."

Veeranshu's gaze faltered, his eyes clouding over in confusion. "I... I don't know, Mahira. I don't remember how I came here. My memories of my past are hazy, fragmented. I only know that I was a king, a warrior, and a leader. But how I arrived in this strange new world... I'm afraid that's a mystery, even to myself."

Mahira's expression turned thoughtful, her brow furrowed in concern . But tell me, how did you become the king maker? What drove you to help others build their empires?"

Veeranshu's face cleared, his eyes regaining their clarity. "Ah, that, Mahira, is a story I can tell. It's a tale of war, of loss, and of redemption. And perhaps, it's a story for another time."

As the conversation drew to a close, Veeranshu glanced at the clock on the wall, his expression turning apologetic. "I'm afraid I must take my leave, Mahira. It's getting late, and I have... matters to attend to."

Mahira's face fell, her eyes clouding over with disappointment, but she said nothing. Veeranshu turned to leave, his long strides carrying him quickly across the room.

Just as he reached the door, he turned back, his eyes locking onto Mahira's. "Tomorrow, Mahira. My office, sharp at 10. And I will answer your questions."

With that, he was gone, leaving Mahira to wonder what secrets he held, and what lay in store for her tomorrow.