Chapter 88

Guess who's here!

Its ME!!!! No, wait, I am not here to stay. Still in the break. But had to peep in for the grand occasion.

What occasion you ask? Well, the date……25^th March 2013.

One year. *revered silence* One year of writing this FF for all those who love to read on ArShi…….Can you believe it? We have come a long way, indeed, but the story is still not half-way through. There is much more to come! I still remember asking Aura if I should start writing an FF, just one. No OS. No SS. Just one single FF of Aquiline. To immortalize IPKKND. To perfect IPKKND. To show the world how magical IPKKND really is. And most importantly, this story was my way to thank the Forum for making me part of their little IPK-fanatic world. I still remember posting a timid Prologue and nervously sitting back to wait for someone to notice. I didn't want anyone to give me words or tell me how great my Prologue was. I only needed someone to notice my story. See that it existed. The genre was different from all the other FFs and I was not known in the Forum either. So I was not too sure if I would get noticed but I was willing. I vowed to myself that even if I get only four or five readers, I would do the tale and make it a legend. The first response I got was from Sia. And that response of hers powered up my vow!

And from then on I wrote, I soared, I loved and I narrated……….My visits to the Lady in the Dark Hood increased and I began fearing her less and looking forward to the time with her. I would eagerly grasp every word she read to me, etching the tale into my memory so that as soon as I left her dark abode, I cold rush to the Inn where my dear readers and Comrades were waiting earnestly to hear the next chapter from me. And it cannot be denied, it is these dear READERS of mine who have made my story reach its greatest heights, to become what is was worth to be, to make its magic felt for real!! So thank you my dears……

Every reader of mine. EVERY reader of mine. Is Special and dear to me. I am not biased. I may converse more openly with those who are open with me. I may be extra warm to those who are extra warm with me at the Cottage. But to everyone, I am the Storyteller Aquiline. To everyone, I am Lin, your friend.

I am still the FF writer with the MOST number of chapters (156 is not a tiny number, is it?) and with the LEAST number of readers (and I am proud of that fact because I can embrace you all easily in one big hug!!)

Like Leena said in her last comment here, every reader of this tale has become more like a family. Like her, when I see one of my readers or Comrades in other posts, whether as a comment or as a like, I feel my heart swell with pride and a sense of belongingness and my mind smiles at the screen saying, "That is an Arhasian there…..someone who is dear to me!" There are some here who gave me their FIRST posts on the Forum for this FF, breaking their "silent membership" by commenting on my FF first. There are some who make it a ritual to give this FF their 700^th, 800^th and 1000^th posts…….I have no words to thank you by for these little gestures of yours mean a lot to me and my tale. A lot.

I'd told it in the Cottage many times and even before I parted that I will try to come on this most special date. It's a struggle to do this, highly risky. I'm breaking a lot of "house rules" by sneaking into Arhasia right now to see you all.

And I must tell you, how OVERWHLEMED with emotions I was on reading all your previous comments. Every single comment and even the song dedicated to me!! Aura had mailed me your comments and each comment, small and big, warmed up my heart and made me feel happy and lively everyday! Thank you, my dear Comrades and readers, for loving me so much…..…and for loving my tale which is very precious to me as it is to you all.

And now, since I did make it to the Inn, we need to party and we also need a chapter to make the celebration complete………...the next chapter lined up for the narration is here.

The reason why I try not to give long chapters is because of this: When giving long chapters most of you may tend to not notice the most significant details in the chapter. So I ask you to read the following chapter slowly, relishing each moment of the day described, so that you will really feel into the narration and not miss out on anything…….

Wishing you all Happy Arhasian Anniversary, let's get to the chapter…….

Chapter One Hundred Fifty Six: The Engyesis of Payal and Lord Akash

"It looked so wonderful when we saw it first, but now that I wear it, I don't think it looks good anymore," said Payal as she stood looking down to where her younger sister was crouched, patting the hem of Payal's new gown, "Kushi, I don't think he will like this gown."

"Nonsense, Jiji!" Kushi stood up and brushed her sister's sleeves, "You look heavenly in this gown and even Babuji said my choice was perfect."

Payal was still not certain and she frowned at the mirror, while Kushi pressed the tiny flowers into Payal's hairbun.

Kushi's gaze slid to the mirror as she put the flowers into her sister's hair and she sighed on seeing Payal fidgeting with her fingers.

"Jiji. Pray, will you calm down? You are not being wedded off today! It's just the engagement."

"I can't help it," said Payal, pressing her hands to her waist, and then they heard the sound of carriage wheels arriving along the path towards the cottage and Kushi exclaimed, "I think they're here!"

Payal groaned, her hand still on her waist, "I think I might get sick."

Kushi slapped Payal, playfully, on her shoulder and then smiled eagerly, "Turn around, Jiji!"

Payal turned around slowly, appearing exquisite in her golden gown lined with beads and her hair tied up in a bun with tiny white flowers in it.

Kushi clasped her hands as she gazed at her sister, "Such a beautiful creature! I most certainly must feel envious!"

"Don't be silly, Kushi," said Payal, and then she asked anxiously, "I do look fine, don't I?"

Kushi smiled, "You look so beautiful that I am considering making a proposition with Lord Akash to shove off so I can marry you myself!"

Blushing, Payal slapped on her sister's hand and Kushi laughed, pulling her sister into an embrace.

"Oh Kushi," sighed Payal near Kushi's ear, "I can't believe this is happening."

"It is happening, Jiji," assured Kushi, pressing her cheek to her sister's, "And it is beautiful."

"I am so happy that I can't feel anything," said Payal with a nervous giggle.

Kushi kissed her sister on her cheek, "I am so happy that I cannot contain myself either, Jiji."

Suddenly Payal gasped, her gaze falling on Kushi's neck, "Kushi! Your necklace!" Payal's fingers reached out and touched the golden heart-shaped pendant.

"Where did you find it?" Payal was overwhelmed, "Why didn't you tell me? I've been so immersed in my own little excitements that I didn't notice it! But Kushi, you cannot believe how much my heart is filled now on seeing it back on you." She pulled at her young sister's shoulder, "Tell me, where did you find it? Did you find it yourself or someone else find it for you?"

From the moment her excited sister's gaze had fallen on her necklace, Kushi's mind had been engulfed by memories, failing to pay attention to the questions asked.

But when Payal pulled at her shoulders, Kushi shut her eyes and forced her mind to free itself of the dark minutes of passion that had crossed her memory.

"Where did you find it, Kushi?" Payal repeated earnestly.

"It just…….…I came across it……"

"When?"

"On the ballnight," Kushi said vaguely, and then she smiled, "I feel a lot complete now, having it around my neck, Jiji."

"I know," smiled her sister, nodding, and then she hugged Kushi, "I still remember, Kushi……..the first few nights after Babuji had found you…….you would sleep in the nights clutching the necklace in your hand, as though you were afraid you would lose it."

Kushi's eyes filled, "Yes, Jiji, I remember. And then one night, as Amma was tucking us to bed, she noticed it and asked me if I would like her to help me put the necklace around my neck. She didn't even ask me whose necklace it was or why I always held onto it.………"

Payal caressed the back of her sister's head, "And I watched as you wordlessly let Amma take the necklace from your tiny hand, and then she put it on your neck."

Kushi sighed, "And from that night onwards, I never took the necklace off me, always fearful if it slipped or appeared broken."

She remembered the night in the Industry when she was changing into a warm dress. That was the first time it had slipped. She had almost died that night in the river if the General hadn't come to save her in time.

"But you did lose it at the Castle," said Payal, "Strange that you would lose it there of all the places."

Kushi nodded absentmindedly. Like a sign from the mother, that the Castle did not belong to her and she would lose what she valued if she stayed there……or was it the other way round? That she must lose herself in the Castle and not return home?

Kushi remained in his sister's embrace, reluctantly remembering again the warm fingers clasping the necklace around her neck and then running his fingers along its length……….

Just then their mother walked in, dressed in a fine gown and she announced that the groom's family had arrived.

And then, Garima stopped and stared at the scene before her. Tears filled her eyes as she walked towards her daughters.

She held out her arms and both of them rushed into her arms, "Oh my dears!" she whispered, as she kissed them each, "My beautiful children……and one is to be engaged now." She beamed at Payal proudly and kissed her on her forehead, "You know what you must do, Payalbitiya?"

Payal nodded.

Garima looked from her to Kushi, "Come with me, Kushi. You are the one who should bring it."

And leaving Payal in the room, Garima and Kushi left for the living room of the cottage.

Everyone was dressed exceptionally and Kushi was surprised to see that not only Lord Akash and his parents but even Nani and Lord Arnav had come for the engyesis.

The engyesis was the private betrothal where the pledge was to be made, a kind of pact between the groom and the father of the bride. The father of the bride, or more basically, the elder male member of the bride's family, was called the kyrios and until he allowed it, the bride could not be given away.

The groom and his family had come with many gifts which were to be given to the bride's mother, the generous action of which marked the commencement of the ceremony of the engyesis.

Lord Arnav stood apart, watching his brother and Master Gupta as the binding promise was made.

Lady Manorama looked remotely detached as she sat beside her husband who watched with a content smile on his face, the unfolding rituals of the engyesis.

Master Gupta and Lord Akash shook hands before commencing the recital of the customary phrases for the engyesis.

"I remain before you, seeking your will that I may have the hand of your beautiful daughter, Miss Payal Gupta," said Lord Akash, his hand in Master Gupta's hold.

Master Shashi Gupta smiled, "Lord Akash, I am willing to give you my daughter, that she may grant you children to mark your legacy, and I endow you the permission to ask my daughter her answer to your request."

Lord Akash nodded and he turned to his mother who held out to him a golden plate on which was a fresh red rose.

He took the plate and turned to look at Kushi, the sister of the bride. He handed it to her and she bowed and left for the room where Payal was.

All those in the living room waited in hushed silence.

Immediately, Kushi returned with the golden plate, devoid of the rose.

She stood before Lord Akash and handed him the empty plate, "She has accepted."

Lord Akash smiled and looked at Master Gupta, "May I proceed?"

"You may," said Master Gupta, "After you take your blessings from your parents."

Lord Akash turned to his parents who were standing behind him, and he bowed before them as they placed their hands on either of his shoulders and blessed him.

Then he straightened up and, led by Kushi, walked to the room where Payal sat.

As the sister of the bride, Kushi was supposed to be the witness to the completion of the engyesis and she stood within the room at a distance, watching as Lord Akash walked in, his admiring eyes taking in the ravishing beauty who sat beside the window in that room, bathed in the sunlight.

Her gold gown and the flowers in her hair made her look divine, and when she looked up at him, he knew his heart would burst with joy.

He walked to her and she remained sitting, a slight blush crossing her cheeks.

He genuflected before her, "Will you, Miss Payal Gupta, daughter of Master Shashi Gupta, make me the happiest man in the world by accepting this ring as my desire to make you my wife?"

He lifted the ring in his possession for her to see and, with her eyes on the ring, she held out her right hand.

He smiled and slipped the ring onto her beautiful ring finger.

He took her hand and kissed her finger where the ring was and then he looked at her, "Will you nourish me with your love all through my life?"

She took the golden tumbler that stood on the table beside her and held it before him, "As pure as this milk is my love, and as long as I live, I will love you with every fiber in me, and give you children as you desire."

Then she tilted the tumbler before his parted lips and helped him drink the rich white milk.

He closed his eyes as he tasted it, letting it wash down his throat, as though it was not milk he was drinking but her love for him.

Kushi smiled and walked into the living room to announce, "The engyesis is over. The bride has consented and the groom has engaged her to be his."

The ritual was over and everyone, except Mami, was pleased and some of them even heaved a sigh of relief for it is not very easy to keep reciting ritual phrases when one is always on the verging of making a possible mistake in the smooth recital.

Lord Akash led Payal into the living room, now that the ritual was successfully over, and Buaji and Garima served the family beverages and appetizers.

Kushi sat on the porch steps of the house, overlooking the backyard where Buaji's workplace was situated. She could hear the sounds of laughter and exchanges from within the house but she could not brave herself to go in there.

She had seen how happy her sister had looked when she had been with Lord Akash, completing the last stage of the engyesis.

But Kushi was gripped by a nameless pain on seeing that joy because she knew her sister was now too far away from her. It was not like she had not expected this because when a girl has to be wedded off, she needs to leave behind the family. But the sense that came over Kushi, of how closer this farewell appeared to be, was so heartbreaking, she could not feel quite as happy as she ought to be.

She didn't want her sister to go. She didn't want her sister to move away. She wanted her sister to stay with her, laughing, teasing, taunting and scolding her like how she used to always. She missed those days and she knew she would miss her sister more when the marriage finally took place.

Kushi sighed, I am so happy for you, Jiji, but it aches to know I must give you away and we can never be the way we once were. We can never laugh and sing, play and run about like how we used to…….

She stood up, brushing the dust off her gown from sitting on the steps, and was about to go inside when she heard the sound of someone approaching the backyard.

She paused wonderingly and soon, from the side of the house, Lord Manohar and Lord Arnav emerged into the backyard as though on a causal exploration of the cottage. They noticed her standing near the back door.

She smiled at Lord Manohar, "My lord, you should be within the house celebrating the occasion of your son's betrothal."

"I have been celebrating in my heart the day I realized he had fallen for a worthy girl like her," said Lord Manohar with a smile, and then he glanced around the backyard, "So this is your aunt's place…….where she does her swordsmithing?"

"Yes, my lord," she said, "would you like to see how a sword is made?"

Lord Manohar was surprised and Lord Arnav's eyebrows too shot up.

"You know how to make swords, Kushibitya?" Lord Manohar asked.

Kushi nodded eagerly, as she walked to the smithing area, picked up the work apron and put in on, "I could show you how one is done."

And in the next long minutes, she showed them how a metal was heated and banged up with a hammer until the steel was shaped to its requirement and then she showed how the hilt was put on, and both men were impressed.

"This is fine, indeed," said Lord Manohar, holding the prepared sword in his hand.

"Careful, my lord!" warned Kushi, "The steel is still hot. Hold the sword by the hilt alone."

At that moment, from within the house, Lord Akash called out for his father and Lord Manohar handed the sword safely back to Kushi, thanking her for the demonstration, and left to attend to his son's call.

Kushi, nervously aware of the unmoved presence of her supposed enemy, proceeded towards the basket where her aunt kept her swords and dropped the sword into it.

She removed her apron and dropped it into the basket and had walked barely five steps toward the backdoor of the house when she heard the sound of a sword being drawn from the basket.

She stopped and looked over her shoulder, watching him inspect the sword she had made.

"It is not strong enough." His blunt observation irritated her.

"I made it hastily," she said, "A good sword takes up a lot of time. This was merely made for a quick demonstration."

"But it's a sword wasted," he said, holding it by its hilt, "What good is this sword?"

Kushi turned and walked up to him.

She picked up the apron and draped it on the warm steel and holding the sword by the cloth, yanked the sword from his hand and walked to the stone table, "It's only the hilt that is not firm. A little work on it, and the sword should be fit to be carried into any battle front."

Amused by her spirit, Lord Arnav leaned his hip against the stone table and watched as she hammered and fidgeted with the hilt, trying to tighten its grip on the sword. It was an uncomfortable process for her owing to the proximity with which he stood beside her.

A few minutes later, she held out the sword to him, a proud light in her eyes, "Tell me how it is now, lordy."

His quick hand slid the sword from her hold and he held it to her throat threateningly, "What did you call me?"

His eyes were cold but there was a mischievous shine in them and Kushi didn't know how to answer him, "Lord Arnav?"

"That was not it," he lowered the steel closer to her neck and she closed her eyes, "It was closer to it, sire."

"I want to hear the exact word," he said in a low voice, his face nearing hers.

Kushi looked away. "I will tell you if you move the sword away and your face too, sire," she said, trying to inch away from the sword.

He smirked but made no move to remove the sword from where it hovered near her pale neck.

"On the contrary," he began naughtily, "I think I will change my terms. I am not in earnest to hear what you addressed me but I will move the sword away from you if you will do what I dared you to do last day."

"What dare?" she stared at him blankly and then the memory of the confrontation in the Library came upon her and she blushed, "No! That I cannot!"

She looked around uneasily because the backyard was open and anyone could be seeing this rare tussle.

"Sire, if you will be kinder," she said, looking at the sword without moving her head and then at him, "Please take the sword away before someone chances upon us."

Lord Arnav's eyebrow rose inquisitively, "Are you afraid of what people will think of us in this compelling state?"

She blushed, "No, I am afraid they might lose their respect for you."

"How concerned you are for me!" he said in mock appreciation.

She smiled, "You are to be my brother-in-law in a way, sire. Should I not begin to feel concerned at least now?"

A strange expression crossed his face for a fleeting second before it returned to his usual detachedness. But she had seen it pass: He had not realized it until she had said it that they would be brother and sister in law, by this union of their siblings. And with unknown delight, she had read in his quick expression that he didn't like it.

"How touching!" he said, moving the sword away and looking unamused, "You might make a fine sister-in-law, but one cannot be certain."

She stepped away and looked at him solicitously, "Why couldn't I be a fine sister-in-law? I am good at everything."

"Oh, you are," he nodded, dropping the sword into the basket, "Only you are too scared to make dares that only I can fulfill."

Kushi frowned, "If you are still talking about the deed you committed in your room, I am not going to let you flourish that with such coolness. It was wrong to have done it and you must admit it."

"Was it?" he asked, looking at her, "Are you telling me that you didn't like that it happened?"

Kushi was staggered, what was he asking? Was he even sanely thinking the question through before asking it to her?

"Tell me, Kushi," he walked towards her and she stepped away, warning, "Stay away."

But he kept coming towards her, "Tell me, Kushi, wasn't there a moment in that night that you didn't like?"

"Are you talking about the times I danced with you?" she asked, trying to divert the topic.

"You know very well I am not talking of that," he said, nearing her.

Her back pressed against the rim of the stone table and there was no more space for her to move expect by moving away to the side but before she could, he was before her, his hands pressing on the hard stone table, on either side of her.

He leaned towards her and she looked determinedly away from him.

"Tell me, Kushi, tell me you didn't enjoy it one bit."

"I didn't," she said, frowning at the ground.

"You didn't?" he prodded, leaning closer to her and she closed her eyes, as his deep voice questioned, "Then why did you moan?"

"What?" Kushi stared at him, feeling her cheeks heating, "What are you talking about?"

He tilted his head as he studied her expression and the deep blush on her cheeks, "You moaned that night in my room. And yet you admit you didn't like it."

"I moaned because it ached," she said, frowning at him, "Do you not remember the marks you gave me?"

She couldn't stop blushing because she was not finding it to her comfort the topic they were discussing. She would rather rewind the memory when she was alone than to discuss it with the man with whom she had had the memory.

Unable to look directly into his eyes and also in her dire necessity to entertain a distraction, she looked over his shoulder and noticed Ram busily gardening in Master Happy's courtyard.

His back was turned to them but she called out aloud, "RAM! Hey, RAM!"

The boy stopped working and looked around him. His searching eyes found hers and she waved wildly at him.

Lord Arnav moved away from her, annoyed, and frowned at the boy.

The boy saw Lord Arnav and looked away, afraid.

Kushi's hand froze in the air, halted in the warm wave she was directing towards Ram, and if she had not been in the right mind, she would have even glared at Lord Arnav for being the reason for the boy looking away.

Sniffing annoyingly, she stomped towards the fence and called out, "Hey, Ram! It's alright, they came here for the ceremony. Come on over!"

She had been speaking thus as Ram worked in the other garden, when, suddenly, the spade in his hand slipped from his dusty little fingers and fell to the ground, knocking heavily onto his feet, and the boy fell backwards in pain and began to cry soundlessly.

Gasping, Kushi was rushing out of the backyard, but all of a sudden she saw Lord Arnav jump over the fence and race towards the boy.

By the time she had reached Ram, Lord Arnav was already beside the boy, inspecting his feet.

"Is he alright? Is he hurt?" asked Kushi worriedly, sitting on the ground, with her legs folded under her and pulling Ram closer to her chest.

"Just a small bruise," said Lord Arnav, looking at the boy's face, "Does it hurt?"

Ram nodded shakily, silent tears running down his face.

Kushi took out a handkerchief from her gown's pocket, "Maybe we need to try and cool it a bit."

Before Kushi could decide what to do, Lord Arnav had yanked the handkerchief from her hand and dipped it in the pail of water near the fallen spade.

He soaked it in the cool water and then brought the cloth to the boy's feet.

He pressed it lightly to the boy's leg and the boy winced, leaning his tear-stained face against Kushi's bosom. She hugged him closer to her, and rocked him to and fro, signing the lullaby her mother had sung to her.

And for the next few minutes, with her gentle humming melodizing the air around them, they sat there, ministering to the little boy.

With his head against Kushi's chin and his face turned to Lord Anrav, Ram watched how the First Lord was constantly dipping the cloth into the water and then placing it on his feet and repeating the process over and over again. Kushi sang, rocking the boy in his arms, but her eyes were on the man who, she was beginning to believe, seemed to be a curious mystery.

He was so different from the one she was accustomed to. Being in a crouched posture, the mud was dirtying the knees of his rich pants but he was focused solely on the boy's feet.

One time, Lord Anrav looked up and caught her eye. She looked away and continued with her lullaby that had been going out of tune during her gaping of the mystery man.

After a few minutes, Lord Anrav announced that it would heal soon. He looked up and saw that the boy had fallen asleep, his head lolling against Kushi's caring chest.

He looked up at Kushi and she was smiling at the little boy, her fingers moving his hair away from his forehead as he slept. A warm feeling crossed within him as he watched Kushi caring for the boy.

From where he was crouching beside them, Lord Arnav moved closer to them, earning Kushi's attention.

She paused caressing the boy's hair and looked up at him.

He was so close to her face, their noses almost touching. A breeze blew over them and Kushi blinked when a strand of her hair blew over her face.

Lord Arnav was fascinated by the way it lay over her face close to her eyes, but he didn't like that it hindered her from opening those wonderful eyes.

He lifted his fingers and gently moved the strand of hair away, and she opened her eyes to see him gaze hungrily at her, his fingers tucking her hair behind her ear. A warm tingle ran along her ear where she felt his fingertips brush and her heart skipped a beat.

Kushi opened her mouth to ask him about the boy, in the intention to make him focus on something else other than her, when she saw his hungry gaze slide down to her parted lips. She closed them and blushed. He smirked and stood up. Then he leaned down and lifted the sleeping boy gently into his arms, her soft skin brushing against his hard arms as he lifted the boy from her hold.

Wordlessly, Kushi led him to Master Happy's house and on entering the living room, she watched as Lord Arnav lay the boy on the little bedding in the corner near the fireplace.

Then he moved away to stand beside Kushi at the door, the sunlight washing over them at the doorway.

"Master Happy left for the market in the morning and might not come until it's time for lunch," she said, trying to be more formal.

Lord Arnav only nodded and then he walked out into the garden and headed for her aunt's house where everyone from the Castle was preparing to leave.

Kushi leaned against the doorframe of Master Happy's cottage door, gazing at the man walking in the sunlight, his pants dusty at the knees and ankles but his shoulders broad and proud as he strode swiftly along the path, his manly hands coolly tucked in his pockets and his dark handsome hair glistening in the sun, some strands waving lightly in the breeze. She knew there was something wrong with her if she was studying him so closely, taking in every detail as though to etch them in her memory was a precious feat of her survival.

Suddenly, when he had reached the door of her aunt's home, he stopped and looked over his shoulder, his sharp eyes catching her absorbed gaze. Her heart flipped and she stepped back into the darkness of the house and stood there until he had disappeared into the house. She sighed and looked at the boy sleeping beside the fireplace.

"Oh Ram," she whispered wistfully, "I don't what is happening to me. Why do I let him make me feel this way?"

While Kushi contemplates over that thought, it's time for the Storyteller to bid you all farewell again. Quill your comments from your heart like you always do, long or short doesn't matter. Aura will be mailing me all your comments. Know that when I read each comment, I am loving and thanking each of you for your love and patience……….

*at the Inn door* So until we meet again, folks, Rabba Ve every God-given moment, keep that beautiful smile on your face and keep an eye on the "Cottage" and the "Inn". I am PROUD to have you all as my readers!!!

*slipping back to my TWO-MONTH break*

(P. S. To those visiting the Cottage, I will try to peep in later at night but can't promise. The Anniversary is Precious to me and I will try every trick I have to make it for the celebration at the Cottage).