Dvesas
Almost Anyways

"Stop" said Jhanvi asked Siddarth to stop the pace of his horse.

They both got off the horse. Jhanvi lets Siddarth lead the horse while she walks by Siddarth's side.

"This is a desert that borders the kingdoms of Madhyaprasta, Suballa, and Indrajaya" said Jhanvi proudly while showing the expanse of desert sand in front of him.

Siddarth was amazed to see the desert. One of the best deserts according to him. The field was stretched wide and the grass whose color was beginning to brown. Siddarth did not find the typical desert type of thorny plant. This place is flanked by two large hills. As far as the eye can see there are traces of travelers and traders who passed by in that place.

"Is this Madhyaprasta's secret?" ask Siddarth.

"We don't take advantage of small traders. Only my merchants have to pay taxes" Jhanvi said.

"Isn't that a stupid rule?" Siddarth tries to lure Jhanvi.

"For a rich man like you may look foolish, but for a poor man this is a boon. We memorized the rich merchants who passed this path. They must show their merchandise. There is nothing they can hide" Jhanvi said confidently. 

The inhabitants of Madhyaprasta were always rewarded by King Aryan if they reported crimes with solid evidence. All forms of crime cannot be tolerated in Madhyaprasta.

"What happens if this line is closed?" siddarth asked while observing the desert.

"Your life is the stakes. Don't think this place is under your control. This place is ours" Jhanvi looked at Siddarth who was busy observing the region.

"Make sure the next king is not a timid man who just sits on his throne" whispered Siddarth.

Jhanvi's face changed. 

"Hey, I'm not a stupid woman who chooses men. The man I am with must be a man of dashing, responsible, defender of the truth, and humble no matter what he looks like" 

"All the criteria you mentioned are only in fairy tales. We live in the real world, the strong are at the top of the food chain" Siddarth said.

"There are no rules to being strong. The ones at the top could be men, women, young people, parents no matter their background as long as they try nothing is impossible" Jhanvi said.

"Think based on reality. Efforts without influence and power were futile" Siddarth succeeded in silencing Jhanvi.

"You're a sensitive guy who sucks. Why would I work with someone like you? I think I'm crazy!" jhanvi.

Jhanvi sped up her way ignoring the annoying smiling Siddarth. He did not want to see Siddarth's smiling face satisfied after playing with him.

In a hurry, Jhanvi stomped on the tip of her clothes which almost covered the back of her legs. Jhanvi lost her balance and shrewd.

"bugh" Jhanvi closed her eyes as she fell into a hard object.

A little while later Jhanvi realized something. Wasn't he in a sandy area, it should be…

Jhanvi raised her head. Siddarth was looking at him.

"aaaa" Jhanvi yelled again as she saw herself falling right on Siddarth's chest.

Siddarth pulled Jhanvi's hand and smothered her mouth.

"Down your voice" whispered Siddarth.

Currently Jhanvi's position is above Siddarth's body. They're facing each other. Jhanvi looked at Siddarth's face up close. He admitted the man before him was handsome.

Siddarth pushed Jhanvi away. Jhanvi immediately regained her senses and shook off her clothes that were hit by sand.

"Are you okay?" ask Jhanvi.

"Your body is as light as cotton, I can even carry it to the temple of Mahadewa Astapura" 

Jhanvi imagines herself in the arms of Siddarth who carries her through the thousands of steps of the Mahadeva temple.

Siddarth waved his palm at Jhanvi's face. Jhanvi's eyes did not blink.

"Jhanvi" call Siddarth.

Siddarth's voice sounded very beautiful to Jhanvi.

"Hey" Siddarth touched Jhanvi's arm.

"Yes" said Jhanvi.

"I am handsome. Get used to my charms while we work together" sneered Siddarth who was immediately greeted by Jhanvi's fist.

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