PART 11:
"When you will be not near to me, I will sooth my heart seeing this anklet... Will not you, Chhaya?
"I will never go far from you Satyajeet!
The piece of the cheap silver anklet in her hand suddenly seemed heavier. Suppressing the flow of tears inside, Chhaya sighed deeply. The tears imprisoned in her heart came out as the vapour of sigh. No... a Kshatriya Princess cannot shed tears for such a silly reason!
But how will Chhaya console her heart? Did she ever see herself in the place of a princess? Weren't those blurred memories of childhood had become an old forgotten dream to her till the day Chandra, her lost brother came back to her life? She was a princess once upon a time, but she was forced to forget that identity to save her life, she had to adopt the life of a common poor girl... and when she was used to that life, when she had already forgotten those memories like a good old dream, her lost family, her lost brother came back again in her life giving her back everything she was born with... and taken away what her poor life had given her... the old blurred memories came back to her leaving the new dreams far behind... Today those dreams are so far that she is unable to touch them...
Again a sigh, then Chhaya put the anklet back to the chest... He had gifted this pair of anklets; though he was a gold-jewellery designer, he could not afford a pair of gold-anklets for his beloved. Such a mad guy was he! He only gifted her one of the anklets and kept another one with him... "When you will be come to my house as my bride, I will give this back...
Chhaya knew that she is never going to get that anklet in this life; she knew that no matter what she is today, a Kshatriya Princess cannot marry a simple poor gold designer. Her aunt, her caregiver mother had warned her countless times when she suspected this affair. But Chhaya did not care, she kept on moving on, she kept on loving him, she kept on weaving new dreams... she was really eager to forget her shady past once by taking shelter inside the arms of the poor gold-designer Satyajeet...
But the storm came and changed everything. Chhaya clearly remembers how much desperate Satyajeet was when Chhaya had been called to Magadh from by the royal family when Nand was reigning. He did not know anything about Chhaya's true identity, but still he feared... he wanted to run away with her right at that night. He was almost ready to set out for a new journey of life.
But Chhaya denied. As her past had stood in front of her; and she had no strength to ignore that call of destiny. She was sure that if she tries maybe she can get a trace of her lost mother in the palace of Magadh, or maybe she can avenge the injustice to her and her family. How could she oversee that possibility for the dreams of her new and happy life? So she left him, she came to Magadh and her life changed. She could feel how justice is going to prevail over the shadow of omen and evil, how the great arrangement of destroying the cruel Nand has been started by a great human Acharya Chanakya, how the lord of justice is going to come as a ray of hope in the life of Magadh... Her destiny met her with the great Acharya Chanakya, and she started helping them from behind like a hundred of Magadh-dwellers... Little she knew that time, that the lord of Justice, the ray of hope, for whom whole Magadh is looking for, is none other than her lost brother Chandragupta!
And their dream came true, Chandra became the king... Chhaya got back what she had, she got back what she was... But her Satyajeet was lost... forever...
"I miss you a lot Satyajeet! I miss you a lot! But what I could do? Our paths were different Satyajeet, our destiny were different... Tears rolled down through her cheeks. "Sorry Satyajeet; that I never told you who I am... I show you those impossible dreams and I fled from your life this way without notifying you... If only I could tell you once...
She is very happy, isn't she? Perhaps she would never remind those happiest moments of her poor life in this beautifully perfect life of her; but his one glance has changed all the calculations! Yes he was there... She has seen him in the crowd of people the day they had visited the temple! Why is he here? What he is doing in Magadh? Has he come to see her for once? How poor Chhaya must has been, that she is even unable to gaze at him for a long time; forget to touch him or to cry out falling on his chest. Everything that she lost in the cruel game of destiny, her status, her respect, has been back to her... still why the load seems too heavy to bear today?
"Rajmata Moora is coming, Rajkumari! One of the maid came and told her. Chhaya rubbed her eyes and arranged her dresses. She tried her best to look normal. Moora entered and sat beside her.
"Chhaya...
"Yes, Maa!
Moora did not tell anything, but cupped her face most lovingly to kiss on her forehead. Then she hugged her with gentle care. Perhaps she tries to quench the thirst of her incomplete motherhood with these touches... Chhaya was silent, as she was cherishing the warmth of the motherhood that was reflecting from the touch of her mother...
"You were crying, my dear? Moora uttered after a long time, in a wet voice...
"No Maa! Chhaya lied; as she did not want this moment to spend fast... she came more close to her mother. "But you are crying Maa, I can feel it... She wiped out her tears. "The days of tears are finished. We will not cry.
"Right Chhaya! Moora wiped out her tears. "You know my dear, today I don't know why, I am remembering your father so much...
Chhaya remained silent. In her memory she only has a silhouette of her father, and a lot of scattered memories of how she was loved by him. How she wished he could see him for once, she could get him back magically just hoe she got back her mother... but it is impossible...
"You know, your father wanted had so many dreams for you! Moora caressed her hairs. "He had dreamt to see you as the chief-queen of a great kingdom!
"I miss his Maa! Chhaya told in a low voice.
"Me too! Moora sighed. "But I am happy, that today I am able to fulfil his dream that he saw long back... Your brother is going to fulfil that dream...
"He is a genius Maa... He will make every dream true. Chhaya said in a wet voice.
"Dear... This dream is something different; the deepest dream of every parent's heart...
Chhaya felt something different in her mother's voice. "Do you want to say something to me, Maa?
"Yes Chhaya... Moora cupped her face and got silent for a while. "I have decided to see my daughter in the bridal attire very soon. She kissed her forehead. "Your father had this dream always... He always wanted to see you as the chief queen of the great kingdom of Vaishali. How much happy he would have been if he was here...
Chhaya was dumbstruck. It ought to happen... but so soon!
"Maa I...
Moora's face dropped for a while. "What happened dear, you're not happy?
"Maa... I don't think I am ready enough to marry right now.
"Every girl has to set off their future with her husband, dear... Moora urged in a convincing voice.
"Not so soon, Maa... not so soon! Chhaya sighed.
"It is already late dear. I was never able to do anything for my children! At least let me marry you off in my own hands! Moora said in an emotional voice.
"Maa... Chhaya did not complete her words and sighed deeply. She did not know what to say.
"You take your time dear, talk with the prince, get close to him. He is arriving Magadh in an invitation of your brother, after we meet and get used to with each other, I will talk about marriage... Ready your mind for marriage. Moora kissed her. "After that, my daughter will be on her bridal attire, she will become the empress of kingdom Vaishali... My golden girl will be the Rajendrani...
Chhaya tried to smile hiding her shy. Her mother's eyes are full of dreams... dreams to see her daughter as the chief-queen in a renowned clan, to see her as the Rajendrani... Will she ever be able to imagine her as the wife of a mere poor jewellery designer who hardly has his own house, and is too common to worth remembering ever!
No... What is the use of chasing an impossible dream?
Chhaya smiled pale. "As you wish, Maa!
...
Before entering into her room, Nandini approached to one of the guards. "Excuse me, can you call a maid named Nayna for me?
"Pardon, your highness, but I think she has gone to security panel for some enquiry. I will send her to you when she will return. The guard answered politely.
Nandini kept the books carefully on the table. She tried hard not to be nervous but failed. Why Nayanika is called for an enquiry? Is she being suspected!?
However, no use of scratching head for this from now, rather she preferred to think about present. She needed to arrange all the incidents in mind... First Chandra's calling her and his very friendly gestures, then how he called her suddenly in his bedroom and giving her the bunches of books... the glimpse of the documents on his desks, the confidential maps, everything must have some significance which will help her brother to get his aim... All she needs is to look into those minutely. And for that she has to win his confidence, she has to get access in his room...
Nandini's thoughts suddenly got diverted into some different direction. He does not look like a fool. If he had been a fool, then he could not survive the first attack of Nandini during their first night after marriage. Then how can he believe her so easily? Maybe he is testing her, and being so nice to her is only a part of that test... Nandini will not get into his trap, she will calculate each step carefully. He surely wants something from her. Otherwise despite being a prisoner she would not have got such a wonderful respect from the guards, she would not get the warm proposal of friendship from the king so easily. He is not so nice to her without any reason...
But despite all these thoughts, she cannot deny that Chandragupta Maurya is indeed a very nice personality. And that natural display of the glow of personality cannot be faked. Nandini sighed unknowingly. No matter how many times she tells her mind that what she is doing is her duty as a daughter, a deep string from inside the heart pinches her, dashes her in a great dilemma. She cannot forget the spontaneous chants of subjects on the name of Chandragupta, she cannot forget the words of hatred about her father, and she cannot deny the fact that with the end of Chandragupta, the smiles of the faces of those poor people will be converted into gloom and tears. And as a daughter of Magadh what is her duty?
She felt a bit restless now. The experiences of the last days were biting her. Her father and her brothers were really so reckless inhuman rulers that even after their demise the dwellers of Magadh spilts on them? How can be it possible? How can she believe that her affectionate fathers and brothers are so bad? She cannot? But all the subjects cannot lie at the same time!
"I have to know everything! I have to know... Nandini murmured. But to whom will she go? Mother? No, she might not know everything in details... Then maybe... maybe...
Dhan Bhaiya!
Nandini made up her mind. Before finishing Chandragupta, she will talk with her brother about all these, and will try to change the situation if by any chance there was a dark past in Magadh. She will obviously carry out her duties as the daughter of Magadh. But she will take the revenge of her father's death first. She cannot spare her father's murderer only because the people of Magadh love him more than her father! She cannot be that great...
"Your Highness! Nandini turned back hearing the voice. To very much of her peace, Nayanika was standing behind her. Her face says itself that there is nothing to worry.
"Come in please... Nandini ordered loudly. "Will you mind to comb my hair?
Nayanika took her position swiftly. While gazing at the movement of her hands, Nandini whispered... "Was everything alright?
"Yes, Princess! Nayanika started combing. "It was only a routine enquiry.
"Well... Nandini sighed a great relief. "And I also have something to tell you...
"Please proceed Your Highness... Nayanika told in low voice.
"I cannot be his prisoner anymore Nayna, I have to be his wife now. I have to be his queen! Nandini said in a little excited voice. Nayanika popped her eyes in sudden shock, Nandini pointed to the mirror. The curious glares of the guards were visible from the reflection.
"Oh... E...everything will be alright, your highness... Nayanika stammered to make up the situation. Then she came closer to her ears while taking the hairpins from the dressing-table. "I suppose you have got a hole from which you can penetrate into His Majesty's personal life?
"I will do my best Nayna... Nandini said casually in normal voice, then suddenly moderated her voice. "And before I signal you, you will not do anything.
Nayanika stared at her, unable to understand how much she was instructed to take her orders seriously.
"Chandragupta is a tough cookie, and he must have his aces to play. I doubt if your enquiry was just a routine enquiry... Nandini murmured. "We have to be very careful...
Nayanika smiled a bit. She does not know how much big plan is made behind her. She thinks herself as the queen of chess, but actually she is nothing but a mere pawn... Nayanika pitied her, but could not tell her anything as she was not ordered to do that.
"Well Princess, I will talk to Prince Dhananand and convey him your message. Then I will do what he says. Hence she pushed the ball on Dhananand's court.
Nandini sat quiet. The hair was ready, and Nayanika was about to leave. Nandini suddenly pulled her closer. Nayanika was surprised, as she was not used to with the authority in the eyes of a girl of merely 16-17 years. "You will not do anything that will put me and my family in trouble, understood? Nandini hissed...
"I will do whatever I will be ordered by my Prince, Rajkumari! Nayanika stated in a cool voice.
"Then do me a favour... Nandini hissed again. "I want to meet my Dhan Bhaiya as soon as possible.
...
Helena was in her room, sitting on her couch, thinking about something very very deeply. She had got the news just before some time, that Chandragupta Maurya has given Nandini the access in his own bedroom. And it was not a simple news for her.
"Is he silly? Or he acts to be! Helena shook her head desperately. "Or is he smitten by that witch! The same way Malayketu was...
Helena clenched her fist. Chandragupta is not a mouse like Malayketu. How can she forget! She did the first mistake by loving Malayketu; and she cannot repeat that mistake again by comparing Chandra with Malay. Chandragupta is something else, and she had not mistaken by choosing him... but then what is this case with Nandini?
"Helena?
Helena turned at the door with a shock. He was standing outside... "May I come in?
"Yeah... sure... Helena swiftly arranged herself. "I wonder how come I did not notice the announcement.
"Because no announcement was made. Chandra laughed. "You know what, sometimes I find it totally irritating when someone starts shouting in an amplifier that when I am entering in my bed or when I am going to talk to my wife...
"Really? Helena laughed too. "But that's not a good sign. You are a king. You should be conscious about your status!
"There is no need to show-off my status every second, Helena. I am here to serve my people, not to show off! Chandra smiled.
"Well... But you should maintain some traditional decorum too, isn't it?
"I don't care, those mechanical things are not going to make me a good king anyways. Chandra said. "Well, I am ready to abide by all the decorum as a king when I am the king, in the court, with the officials or with the people; but it is not necessary to shout in the ear all the time I enter in my private chamber or to meet my family. I mean, I should have a private life too!
"I see; you still have a long way to go! Helena smiled.
"Maybe... But formalities should end out of the private room only.
"Is this the reason you let Nandini to have an entry in your private chamber, that too without the guards? Helena uttered very carefully.
Chandra stopped smiling and stared at her face for a moment. She was gazing at his eyes straight with a taunting smile playing in the eyes. Then he spoke out, uttering each word correctly. "So you are spying on me?
"I am spying on Nandini. You tell me if I am against the law as a chief queen and manager of inner-quarter. Helena told in a smart voice.
"No when did I say so! Chandragupta smiled and waved the topic. "However, I have something more important to discuss...
"But I think I am yet to get my answer. Helena asked stubbornly.
"What do you want to hear? Chandra frowned. "If your spies are efficient enough they must have reported you that I only gifted her some books.
"Yes they have. But is the matter so easy? A house-arrested criminal who is proved as guilty in trying to kill the king, is getting access in the most important and protected place of the palace, the emperor's bedroom so easily! Is it so simple Sandracottus? How can you be so casual about a house-arrested criminal? Helena was firing one by one... "I seriously think you forget sometimes that you are not a mere young man anymore, you are the king and you should be cautious enough...
"Helena... Chandra raised his hand. "What do you think... that I am a big fool?
There was something in his voice that Helena was compelled to stop.
"Anyways, I am very happy to see you so concerned about my safety. Chandra smiled. "But I will advise you not to stress much about it. You better rejoice on a news that I am going to give you.
"News?
"Yes. Your father is arriving Magadh soon. The messenger had come today. He will be returning Macedonia, before that he wants to come and hand over all the responsibilities of the land of Takshashila to you... Chandra told. "I am sure you are very happy with this news?
"Oh is it? Helena smiled, though she did not look much happy and excited. Though she was a darling daughter of father once, due to many incidents of past there is a difference between them, which is yet to get removed. "I will be waiting for him. She answered courteously.
"Well he has time to come... And you must be knowing the king of Vaishali with his family is arriving Magadh tomorrow?
"Yes... Helena said. "And I have also heard that mother has decided to fix Chhaya's marriage with the prince of Vaishali?
"It seems your spies are very efficient. "Chandra laughed.
"Yes they are. But this news has not come to me via spies. Your mother herself told me. Helena told.
"Excellent Maa! Chandra sighed hopelessly in a funny manner. "Perhaps she does not know the skill of keeping things secret is essential for a politician!
"Politics is in its own place Chandra, and this is a family matter. Being your wife both me and your Durdhara has right to know about this, and that's what Maa did. Helena told with a slight frown. "After all everyone does not have the foul habit to hide each and everything from close ones.
Well I did not mean it, I was kidding. Actually I myself am confused about this marriage proposal and have not decided anything. I would tell everyone myself after fixing everything... however...Chandra smiled and got up. "I have to go in an important discussion with the army about the security of border. Will you please effort to accompany me?
Helena smiled sarcastically. "Here you do not need the skill of keeping matters secret?
"You are not only my partner, but also my military advisor Helena. I cannot take any serious decision on this without listening to all my advisors Chandra told.
"So you really believe that I am your partner?
"I have come by my own to call you for the discussion instead of sending you a message. Chandra frowned. "Is not this an enough proof how much you are important for me?
"Yes, of course... Helena smiled. "But perhaps you will never understand that today our relationship is not only restricted as the king and the military advisor; or war-partners... that I am your wife.
Chandra kept on staring at her with a little frown.
"As your wife cannot I expect that you will tell me the little secrets of yours, such as... Helena stopped to take breath then continued, "Why are you suddenly so much interested on Nandini?
"I am sorry Helena as I fear I am unable to fulfil your expectations. Chandra told in a cold voice. "I am lucky that you are my advisor and my war-partner, and I respect you as my wife too... But I think I know how much I should share and how much I should keep secret when it comes to a serious matter, and I will be not answerable to anyone about those actions of mine. I know you respect your king, so you have to trust on him and have to respect his decisions in this matter of Nandini. It is not something that you can expect me to gossip with my wife, so don't get upset thinking I am giving no importance to you as my wife regarding this matter... However, He was about to leave the room. "I will wait for you in the conference hall. Please make it fast.
He left the room bidding her formally. Helena kept on staring at his path with a slight frown in brows.
...
In the night, the allay of gold glows like the gate of heaven at the side lanes of the capital Pataliputra; even when the whole city goes to sleep, this particular place gets more lively and colourful... after all this is the royal brothel of Magadh...
In a certain hall of the place, the colour of the night was too much resplendent. There was a gathering of some rich men of the Pataliputra, and the renowned beautiful dancer was presenting her great skills in front of them. The fountain of wines was drizzling boundless cheer in the environment, the gorgeous celebration of this night in this particular place was so highly in contrast of the usual sight of the poor financially broken Magadh.
The man stood at one corner and watched the dance performance for some time, then unknowingly sighed a bit, perhaps thinking about that contrast only. The reigning of Nand has not only broken the financial backbone of the kingdom, but has also broken the strength of a human's moral character. The economic condition is easy to regain, but how to get back the morality and strength of soul of this large group of people?
He crossed the hall of the function and started walking straight to the apartments of the resplendently decorated royal brothel. He walked through the main gate and turned left. There is a stair to go up. He knows this place like the lines of his palm.
He walked to the 1st floor, and stood in front of a particular door. Then in a dignified manner he knocked exactly two times. "Who's there... A very beautiful melodious voice rang from inside.
"Open the door... The man answered in a grave voice.
A pause, then the door was opened. A strikingly beautiful young woman with strikingly gorgeous dresses and jewelleries was standing in front. She is evidently a higher ranked seductress, guessed from her selection of attire, but her eyes were full of kind of soft modesty and respect... "I am sorry to keep you waiting my Lord, I was in bath.
The man with beard and deep green robes did not tell anything, but entered inside. The room is grand, may be sponsored by some rich client of the woman. Keeping a casual eye on the rack of drinks, he slowly put his turban off aside. He also put off the golden ornaments, after a big sigh. He knows all this was a disguise, but still he cannot put on such rich royal attires for a moment. It seems like a heavy burden... Acharya Chanakya is not habituated with the load of gold, perhaps he will never be.
"Why you took the risk Acharya... I could have come to you. The lady sat near to his feet and touched his feet with her head.
"Do not bother about it Mrigashira. There was problem in your meeting with me outside the brothel. Acharya touched her head as a sign of blessings. "I don't have much time. Tell me what news you got.
"Yes Acharya... Mrigshira nodded. "Her name is Nayanika. Dhananand's personal mistress. The most gorgeous and accomplished Nagarbadhu of Pataliputra. The common citizens do not have permission to see her for once; she is only for the Nand Princes. Prince Dhananand had gifted her a special palace, a special team of maids and also a group of well-trained bodyguards. She does have many people in her hand. She is the most influential lady close to Prince Dhananand.
"I see... Chanakya frowned. "And according to you, she is disappeared now?
"Yes Acharya. From a quiet long time... The main gate of her palace is locked. Also I could not find any of her maids, they must be in undercover. None knows where is she; her news of disappearance has been hidden very properly.
"And the bodyguards? Chanakya uttered in his mind. "Are they the sources of Nand who are in this Pataliputra? Are they acting as the connecter between Nand and Nandputri?
"I have an interesting information, Acharya... Mrigashira said. "Before she disappeared, someone had come to her palace at the late of night, secretly... Now I suspect he could be Dhananand himself.
"I too think the same. However... Chanakya wore the turban. "I want the details of all the bodyguards who worked as bodyguard of Nayanika. Also, the names who was closed to Nayanika, and on whom she had influence.
"I am ready with all the details Acharya, give me five minutes. Mrigashira swiftly started listing the names.
Acharya smiled mildly. The dolls and the threads both are found. Only it is needed to tie the threads with the dolls to start the show of dancing dolls. And that task is the most crucial task. Once the tie-up is over, the dolls will dance as per their wishes...
Edited by Shinning_Stuti - 8 years ago
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
