Hi thanks for such good responses... I am truly overwhelmed...

“What’s the problem to have a look at the photo? I am not telling you to jump to the aisle right now itself!” a lady whined. She was resting her back on an armchair; her fingers were impatiently fidgeting the edge of her shawl. Grace and Radiance were evident in her actions; her expressions showed that she was terribly upset from the young man who was standing facing his back towards her. He was busy in searching a book from one of the numerous book filled with bookshelves present there.

"You know my answer mom! A NO means a simple NO!" - The young man didn’t bother to turn even for once. The lady shrugged and gave up.

Manjari Harshvardhan Birla, the royal empress of the Udaipur, one of the most ancient estates of Rajasthan just couldn't win from her son. Monarchy was no more prevalent in the country, but still royalty was something that this family had maintained for years. The entire Udaipur and Bikaner still loved to refer them with their royal designations. And the entire country, or rather the entire world knew them as the family of the two most successful businessmen in the world. One was her husband, Harshvardhan Birla, the designated king of this estate and the owner of the largest Iron merchandise chain in India and the third largest in the world.

And the second one was the young man standing right there in front of her, her only son Abhimanyu Harshvardhan Birla, who had just joined the family business four years back but his achievements reached soaring heights and the result was that their company was on the verge of winning the world's largest Iron merchandise manufacturing unit title. No wonder, he was right now a usual face on the cover of various magazines, one of the strongest contenders of the famous 'Eligible Bachelor' tag. And that was the thing Manjari was worried of the most.

She knew that this tag will bring thousands of sharks who are ready to pounce on her beloved son for his wealth and status. And being a mother it was her duty to save him and guide him through the right path and she yet again was doing a vain try like the other days. But Abhimanyu being Abhimanyu was as usual zero interested in marriage stuffs. Her eyes fell on one of the magazines kept on the rack; as usual it had the cover pic of two of the most important person of her life, father-son duo. She smiled and looked back at Abhimanyu who was still busy in his work... She decided to make the atmosphere a bit light, because she knew her son was a bit pissed off by her...

"Well Abhimanyu, Tell me at least this one thing! You will marry a girl only right? Don’t tell me you are interested in boys..." - she stopped hearing soft giggles from him as he nodded her head in an impossible no and climbed down the ladder and turned around with a soft lovely smile playing on his lips.

"Mom!! You are impossible!" - He giggled and went to her and sat on the floor reading the book as Manjari began massaging his forehead to release his work stress. This was their usual habit and Abhimanyu didn't miss this anytime when he was at home.

Abhimanyu (looking into the book) - I wonder mom; don't you get tired shuffling through the pictures of dozens of those “all beauty no brains princesses” you want me to hook up with! (He chuckled)

Manjari (complaining) - I only choose the best for my son, bas he doesn't seem to see... since you are a Prince…of course I will search a Princess for you naa…

Abhimanyu - Princesses! Oh please mom! These so called princesses of yours just boast about their identities that they have inherited from their ancestors! For heaven’s sake Mom, Royalty is the part of our identity. It is not our sole reason of existence! And yaa mom the best, the girls who only know to discuss the different shades of their nail enamels and the designer bags they carry, sorry to say Mom they are anything but the best! (He sighed)

Manjari (irritated) –Well you only tell me what sort of a girl you will like…

Abhimanyu thought something and smirked...

"Well Mom, the girl who can read this entire library of our palace in two days! Well do you have any such Princess in your list haa..?" - He laughed naughtily as Manjari slapped him lightly on his back...

"You only know how to joke…Huhhh I dint know who will handle this impossible guy!" - She whined but later joined her son's laughter. She could only now pray to the Divine Lord to send an angel to his son's life who could love him the way he was... She knew her son had a heart of gold and he deserved nothing but the best!

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[A week later] [Delhi, India]

Abhimanyu had reached Delhi yesterday night with his entire team. The 25th Annual Conference of The Steel Association of India was to be held in three days here. And he was one of the pioneer delegates invited especially to attend and give his outlook towards the present state of the export strategies.

Right now, he was sitting in the commissioner’s (CP) office. His father had ordered to tighten securities more around him much to his dismay. As a result an irritated him was sitting here having a talk with the CP.

"But Sir, I don't see any reason for an additional Officer, I already have an expert security unit who are there to protect me in case I am unable to protect myself!" - Abhimanyu's frustrated voice rang.

"I understand that but I am afraid that its Mr.Birla strict orders, we can’t deny, I have orders from higher authorities too..." - he was interrupted by a knock.

“Come In" - he looked up. "Oh, so here comes our One Man Army!” - His bright voice made Abhimanyu turn around and he was beyond shock. His mouth opened wide as he blinked trying to register what he actually saw.

His heart fluttered....

"Well I would prefer One Woman Army Sir! Jai Hind!" - A firm yet soft voice came from the owner as she saluted firmly and gave a glance to Abhimanyu.

"Jai Hind Officer!" - CP returned the salute and looked back at Abhimanyu.

CP - So Mr.Birla, meet Officer Akshara Goenka. Our bravest and the most talented member and your special security force officer for the next 7 days until you stay here for the conference.

Abhimanyu was still looking at the petite 5 feet 4 inches frame clad in crisp IPS uniform, her hair was tied in a strong tight bun and she had an expressionless face. One thing that he didn't fail to notice was her large hazel doe eyes that did not show any expressions. She gave a small nod acknowledging Abhimanyu and looked back at CP. Abhimanyu gave a low laugh making both the officers frown...

"Well sir, I think you are highly mistaken... Don't keep any misconception that Akshara can’t protect you because she is a girl or any other thoughts as such... Mind it, we are sending our best of the bests with you!" - CP said taunting a bit at his small laugh.

Abhimanyu was at loss of words for a second and looked at Akshara who was smirking now.

"Okk Officer, Hope you make us proud... You are assigned on duty from right now! You will be there with him at every public appearance he makes now! You know very well what to do... All the best officer... And Mr.Birla I hope you have a nice and safe stay." - The CP smiled at both of them...

Abhimanyu was shooting daggers at her as he stomped angrily out of the office, she seemed nonchalant.

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[Birla Villa, Delhi]

"Listen Officer, I am not the hang interested in your so called security stuffs. Look at them, they are my security team..." - Abhimanyu referred to Akshara who was looking blankly at the group of Black Cat team standing in a row throwing judgmental glances at her. Both were sitting in the plush drawing room of the exquisite villa that the Birla's owned in this city.

Abhimanyu (proudly) - Each one of them are trained in all possible form of Martial arts and are avid shooters and have been selected after a series of tests and interviews, what do you think, a fragile soft girl like you can actually serve better than them... God knows Dad what has happened to my dad? Why is he so crazy about my security... arrgh!

Akshara arched her eyebrow and got up... She cleared her throat and looked straight into his eyes. "Well Mr.Birla, first of all I am least interested in your description of the qualities your men have, get one thing straight, I am in service of Nation, and protecting you is a part of my job so I am and will do this until you I am signed off from my duty! So I don't care whether you like it or not but I have to stay here, because your life is in danger as per information given to me... So don't try to create ruckus as I am not budging off!" - Her confident firm voice rang in the large drawing area as she picked up her bag and decided to proceed...

Abhimanyu was awestruck; this was the second time in one day that he was at loss of words all because of this new nuisance in his life...

"By the way do you or any of your men (she pointed at the men) care to tell me where I should keep my luggage, because I don't have the whole day as I will be leaving with you for the inauguration ceremony!" - Akshara added with attitude...

"Hunn, What... I mean you, what did you say?" - Abhimanyu was caught off-guard. His eyes were studying her each expressions of attitude so intently, her large eyes so deep yet so focused, her rosy lips moving in such a perfect sync that words seemed to effortlessly slip from them, the small hair lock falling on her little forehead disturbing her continuously making her irked more, he forgot to hear anything!

"Oh my my, she is something..." - he muttered under breath.

Akshara was fed up. She decided to ask the house help and followed him... Abhimanyu was still standing. "Impossible!" - She hissed looking back at him who still did not get over the trance...

[Two days later]

It had been two days since Akshara was with Abhimanyu like his shadow.

Abhimanyu was pissed off by her actions, but she seemed nonchalant. Be it business meeting, home, any party, car and even in gym. He even tried to get rid of her by making a thousand of lame excuses, but nothing worked. He tried to find any inefficiency in her duty so that he could complain and get rid of her but of no use.

But there’s a saying “Where there is a will there is a way!”...

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Abhimanyu's eyes fell on the wall clock as his lips rolled into a small smirk. It was exactly 7:03PM. Akshara was still nowhere to be seen, he had to reach a business dinner by 8 and Akshara had to report here at sharp 7:00. But now being 7:03 Abhimanyu had a childish winning smirk on his face. He heard footsteps and looked at Akshara who was approaching from her room and the devilish smirk just increased.

Abhimanyu (eyeing Akshara) - David! What's the time now???

David, his security chief just glanced at his watch. "Its 7:03 PM Sir!" - he replied!

Abhimanyu (a bit louder) - 7:03 PM! Ahaan! Someone is exactly 3 minutes late today...

Akshara who had by now reached them was a bit taken aback. "Sorry Mr.Birla, Woh... That..." - she signed towards her room but Abhimanyu shoved her off.

"Tch!Tch the great Akshara Goenka and excuses! Pity!!!" - Abhimanyu teased in a funny tone. Akshara arched her eyebrows and looked at him sarcastically.

Abhimanyu (proudly) - See all my men are so punctual, No one is even a second late... Everyone fears the Abhimanyu Birla! Who? (He raised his eyebrows looking at Akshara and pointed at his chest) The Abhimanyu Birla!!!!

"Sir, I am so so sorry!!! I was in a phone call... Really!" - Roger's voice came as he ran into the hall. Roger was third-in-chief of the security unit of Birla's.

All heads turned towards him as he came and stood in his position. Abhimanyu was totally embarrassed. He shot death glares who gulped in fear as other bodyguards were equally giving him you-are-gone looks. He turned at Akshara who was trying hard to hide her chuckle.

Abhimanyu (sharply) - What?? What are you laughing at?

Akshara hid her laugh and nodded in an immediate no! "Let’s leave then..." - Abhimanyu was highly pissed off at the dangerous wrong timing of Roger and was still shooting daggers at him. Just then a laugh rang through the hall of Birla Villa. Abhimanyu was stunned suddenly. His eyes fell on Akshara who was laughing seeing the way Abhimanyu was glaring at Roger. She just couldn't hide her laugh into mild chuckles anymore.

Abhimanyu didn't know what to say. His feet froze as her soft laugh rang through his ear which was nothing less than a melody to him. He was looking amazed and looking at her with his eyes widened, he never knew behind these rough and tough exterior, there was such a beautiful young maiden whose beauty was just enhanced by her laugh. Unknowingly a large smile found its way through his lips as he was dazed by her.

Akshara looked at Roger once and her laughs increased, Roger was looking sharply at her but to his surprise all others were now laughing softly at first, later joined Akshara who was now laughing full-heartedly. She looked at Abhimanyu still laughing and was amazed to see him smile.

Her breath hitched a bit seeing the most charming man whom she had ever seen in her life, smiling at her. Their eyes were finally meeting each other in a special way, this had not happened in the past three days and Akshara was unsure why suddenly his gaze was giving her sensations that she never felt in her life. She immediately looked down, it was really strange.

Her eyes fell on the clock, it was already 7:10. She cleared her throat. "We should proceed Mr.Birla!" - Her voice changed as she gestured Abhimanyu towards the door. Abhimanyu nodded still looking at her as he approached out followed by her who was now looking anywhere but him.

Something had happened.... A magic maybe!

[Night 12:30PM][Akshara's Room]

"No! Mom how many times I have told you I am here for work!!! No means no... It’s my duty and you know I don't mess with my work..." - Akshara passed fingers through her hair frustrated... She was damn angry on her mother who was yet again playing her own recorder of marriage and she was at present least interested about it. Her mom said something and her expressions changed. Little tears pricked at the corner of her eyes as she quickly wiped it.

Akshara (in a hard voice) - Some things can never be past Mom! Please Mom I am busy right now... Talk to you later...

Tears were still persistent in her beautiful hazel eyes as she threw the phone on the bed and came out. It was already late. Abhimanyu had already slept and she was to have her dinner. Whole evening she was zealously doing her duty and as usual she missed her dinner. She approached the kitchen and switched on the lights. Next moment a scream was heard out!

"Liiizardddddd! Mommmmm save me!!!!"- Akshara shouted at the top of her voice terribly frightened looking at the creature on the floor who was looking at her as if smiling at her frightened face. She immediately turned around to run and no prizes for guessing, she bumped into his strong chest. She grabbed his arms tightly hiding her face in his chest refusing to look up.

"Please shoo it away!" - She pointed at the creature still not looking back. His palms gripped her arms as a reflex, Abhimanyu felt a jolt of terrible electric shock as her frame touched his, and he closed his eyes for a second and focused back.

His laugh made her look up at him slowly. "Mr.Birla!" - she gasped in surprise as he saw him holding the lizard swinging it up in the air in front of her eyes. She immediately stepped back frowning as her eyes fell on Roger who was also standing there laughing.

"So the great Akshara is afraid of lizards! See Roger I told you, girls no matter how much brave cannot stand lizards and cockroaches!" - Abhimanyu said amidst fits of laughter as he held his stomach.

Akshara didn't know what to say. She was already disturbed by her Mom's talks and now this. She suddenly felt a sense of disgust seeing this man who suddenly appeared so insensitive to her. After all, she was also a human, she also had pain, tears, sadness, hunger but this man seemed to be nonchalant. Neither once did he want to know why she was here, that she did not have a morsel of food after breakfast, that she was feeling dizzy due to a cold bath that so why she was late this evening all because of his safety, his protection. She felt a deep pain in her heart and at this moment, all she wanted was to cry badly. For a few moments, she wanted to forget her duty and wanted to be the soft hearted soul she was. And she did right that...

"That was not at all funny Mr.Birla!" - She just said blankly moved away shoving both the men as she still heard there laughter. She closed her eyes and opened wiping the tears, she saw David who had come out hearing the commotion, and she just went and slammed the door of her room behind her back.

Few moments later, the room echoed with soft sounds of weeping as she hid her face in the duvet.

Abhimanyu was standing in front of the mirror in his room. A deep sense of guilt was rushing through his nerves as his head hung in shame. He sensed the terrible mistake he had done today, his knuckles turned white as he fisted his palms tightly. No, these were not the values he was taught off and this was not the upbringing him. How could he be so insensitive that just because she was a girl, he didn't want her to be in charge of his security, just because she was a lady, he was refusing to succumb to the protection and was trying all means to tease her and humiliate her so that she backs off? Today, he had crossed all limits...

"Sir, sorry to say but what you did was terribly wrong... She was here to have her dinner after being hungry for the whole day! I know it’s wrong for me to say but you are being insensitive to her... I know it’s strange for you to feel protected by a girl, but sir girls are more stronger than the men, I think I don't need to explain you how, just have a look at your ,mother you will get your answers...

Akshara is just doing her duty and doing it most perfectly than I have ever seen... I am afraid sir you hurt her, she is a soft soul, people who try to be hard outside are the most sensitive, I don’t know whether she will stay here anymore!" - David's voice echoed in his voice that had shown him his mistake.

"No I won’t let her go, ever..." - Abhimanyu murmured.

Flashes of the past three days reflected in his eyes. She had been like his shadow, every moment, her eyes and ears were alert of any danger that could approach him, she even held the collar of a passer-by last morning thinking him to be a fishy intruder, that poor boy was drooling over his brand new Lamborghini, he chuckled softly thinking of her expressions and actions, her sincerity had impressed him continuously but he was adamant to accept it.