Originally posted by: Avantika1115
CHAPTER 7
Nandini "Did you ever think the peace you would have enjoyed had you married Malayaketu instead of me? You were betrothed to him right... He could have worshiped you"
I find a slight hint of jealousy at this point in Chandra though it is not very pronounced.
He put words into her mouth,but instead of answers,He felt her angry sigh, blowing hot over his bare chest.He instinctively her tighter lest she pulled away from him. She did try once. But the comfort of his arms had become far too dearer to shove it away in anger. He relaxed as her weight came down in his shoulder.
"CHANDRA I didn't and I won't love Malay. I hate to think about him,He manipulated my father for getting my hand. Treacherous rogue... if i have I powers I shall have executed him. I beg of you Lord. Never ever insult and injure my self by bringing the name of the prince of Parvartak again."
He closed his eyes, touched her face. Chandra had taken the name of malay in jest never realizing it hurt her like nothing else. He felt for her face and eyes holding back the moisture and placed his fingers over them. He smiled as he knew what he could do to atone for her pain.Nandini gasped as she felt herself suddenly turned around and laid on her back. She relaxed smiling to forget everything else for remaining night.
Her reassurance that she does not care for Malay quietens it to some extent, but there is no knowing when jealousy is going to rear up its head again.
Nandhini woke up from sleep hearing chirping of birds. Sunlight from windows kissed her face as mildly as it could.Nandini opened her eyes and She looked for Chandra beside her in bed only to know that he left an hour before for his duties.She took her bath and went to her pooja chamber where she kept Lord Krishna's idol.Nandini closed her eyes and sang wholeheartedly.After long time she chose to sing loud. HER heart was rejoiced and atmosphere filled with serenity. Tranquillity was in her face though her body had still left with signs of intimacy she received from Chandra.It was indeed wonderful sensation to love and to be loved .
"KRISHNA, I dont know... I am happy today .You are very natkhat Kanha"she childishly chided Lord Krishna.Lord Krishna smiled at his devotee who was in seventh heaven. He knew her ,not only her but everything which in his creations. He is source and end of everything,nothing escapes his eyes.
"Shri Krishna Govinda hare Murare,Hey Natha Narayana Vasudev"
Prabho Murare.. Giridhara Gopala..."
She felt sublimed before her Aradhya Krishna. She did not know how long she was absorbed in Krishna.Devotion filled the room. She lit Lamps and Agarbhaties and the aroma was spreading in the room,filling it with ecstasy.She rang the bells with her hands. Offered Krishna makhan and ladoo.When she was done with her pooja,she was Called by a voice.
YEs it was Sujatha-Chanakya's Wife.
"Mitra,,you sang well today bhajan... Still you remember this Bhajan my Child".
Nandini with due respects with special care not to hurt her "Mata,I am not Mitra. My name is Nandini"
Sujatha came to reality,her eyes were filled with tears "Yes,You are not Mitra...But I don't know why I see Mitra in every action you do" Paused for few seconds
"Even Mitra used to Worship Lord krishna and used to sing same Bhajan,Do you sing this Bhajan daily Child"
"Yes I do Mata" Nandini replied.
"Chandra loves Mitra singing. Chandra always loved to see she sing Bhajan infornt of Krishna. Infact He was once Devoted To Krishna for sake of Mitra.His beliefs were shattered when Mitra collapsed in front of his own eyes.That to day before her wedding with Chandra.He owed to not to worship again.We wanted to see her in bridal attire,but she was dead before that.You know Putri, my Mitra is stubborn and will throw tantrums always with Chandra.They were just made for each other. Even Arya(Chanakya) cannot stand before her arguments. She will sing daily just to please us.
Mitra likes dress herself beautifully,She used to demand me Jasmine flowers and Glass bangles just like you are wearing. What to do time is powerful . I am happy that I see her in your form.May you give all to Chandra which my Mitra could not give. Don't leave him my Child.
Nandini saw Sujatha crying frantically "Mata... See with deep thought
"Mata,If calling me Mitra gives you comfort,you can call me so"Sujatha was joyous with Nandini's gesture.she just smiled as a token of appreciation."Child ,I am going to my room. See you later. Take care Child."They weaved goodbye. NANDINI could not believe her ears
"Chandra... I know the similarity between myself and Mitra makes you fall for me... I never knew that fate was so cruel to you... You have a very sad past.."
I loved this whole exchange between Sujatha and Nandini. It was very revealing in offering us an insight into the respective personas of Nandini and Mitra. So both of them are Krishna Bhakts and both of them loved adorning themselves with jasmine flowers and glass bangles. Sujatha is a very sweet lady and I am liking her very much here.
Nandini felt like seeing him .In fact she was very keen to go to him.She summoned a Dasi "Where is maharaj"
Dasi "maharaj is in arena and having sword practice with Rani Helena. Acharya Chanakya is also there"
"You may go" Nandini ordered
"Why he is practicing with Helena... May be she was helped him during war... I have to go and see what they are up to"
Nandini swiftly went to arena without wasting time.
The arena is an enclosed area, oval-shaped, designed to showcase skills of King and his counterparts It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators. The key feature of this arena is that the event space is the lowest point, allowing for maximum visibility and is designed to accommodate a large number of spectators.Today since its practice only its mostly unoccupied. Nandini entered the arena to be greeted by Chanakya.
"Rani Nandini... Its surprise... " Acharya Enquired .
"Acharya... Just like that I wanted to see maharaj doing sword practice Will you allow me " Nandini requested .
"Nandini, YOu have more rights than me in Maharaj. YOu are his wife.. You are always welcome here. I am glad difference between you and maharaj is reducing considerably. Am I Right" Chankya threw a question to which Nandini just smiled .
"Sandrocotus... ha ha.. Take this from me " Helena swirled a sword aiming at Chandra.It was stopped by Chandra brilliantly by Chandra. "It is not easy Helena to defeat me..Now take this" replied Chandra and he swung his sword in air .Both of their swords collided with each other making a huge metallic sounds. "Not bad Chandra...You are true skilled Warrior"Saying Helena aimed at Chandra,but this time Chandra caught attention of Nandini who was sitting .So he missed to retaliate back Helena's move. Within no Time The sword landed in his left arm.
"Chandra.. Look out..." Nandini screamed as though she was hurt by the sword, ran towards all possible strength which she could muster and dashed unto him.Everyone present there did not understand what was happening there!Nandini upon reaching him and looked into the wound
" OH Ishwar.. Lots of blood.Helena he is your Husband.. Why cant you be careful.Why you do this "
Helena tried to reply but was shocked to see Nandini tore her phallu of her saree and tied it as Bandage in his wound.Helena did not react.
"Nandini, be calm. It is practice only,He has to withstand all this pain for fighting...Don't worry"Nandini did not accept. Chandra and Chanakya were shocked to see Nandini becoming hysterical.
Chanakya unknowingly "Mitra... Oh ,,, Sorry Rani Nandini.Maharaj is alright. He is used to it "
Nandini looked upon Chanakya " Rani, today I saw Mitra In you. The way you catered to Chandra's Wound ,OLd memories came as flashback in my mind".
Nandini felt embarassed "Helena I am sorry.. I did not mean... Sorry to disturb the practice.. I am these days having frequent mood swings. Kindly forgive me Rani... I overreacted today"
Seeing Nandini in tears "Nandini I understand... I am not angry with you... YOu are so delicate like flower...fragile as a glass.. Be strong lady. Dont feel sorry.
Looking at Chandra who did not say any word "Chandra.. I think we must stop practice now.. I will wait you in Political chamber . Pranam Acharya. I take your leave.
Helena acted Majestically like a queen. Chandra starred Nandini,He did not say a word.
"Acharya.. I take my leave. Will join you in political Chamber by noon past lunch".
He did not turn back to nandini. He treated as though she was invisible. Nandini could not understand.Nandini thought Chandra was angry on her.
"Acharaya.. Did I do any wrong. WHy Maharaj is angry ".
"Putri.. I know your maharaj more than his Mother. He is a warrior in battlefield no doubt , novice in case of emotions.He cannot forget my daughter. All these days he was quiet successful in that attempt,The day he saw you... He fell into wave of emotions. To keep his equilibrium he tried to avoid you in all possible ways,Atlast he fell into his own trap. just like one cannot live without thinking about the person he loves the most,he cannot hate you putri.. Whatever you do... Chanakya let some tears.
Chanakya was a great person made up of iron heart,still he loves his daughter . Whose loss is too much for him to bear.
"OK Nandini ... I am late" without looking at her face he wiped his tears and went to attend his duties as prime minister.
Nandini was left alone. She wanted to see Chandragupta. She left arena to see him.Reaching his chambers,she saw Chandra was standing in the balcony lost in deep thought. Nandini tip toed carefully,but Chandra recognized her sounds of anklets.
"What brings you here ,Nandini" Chandra enquired.
"I dont know.. Chandra... What draws me towards you..."Nandini felt helpless.
" Why .. why you are after me" Chandra in a high pitched tone.
"I am your wife" Nandini in a soft tone.
"Are you sure. about that... " Chandra raised his doubt
"We have nothing to stop us feeling for other" Nandini continued "I am always yours"
Words of Nandini made him feel better. He went near her and touched her face
" Now you have revealed yourself, what is the guarantee that you wont dessert me for your father"Answer me Nandini."I need answer from you for Godsake. Open your mouth."Chandra angrily Demanded.
"No one can come. If your question points to my Father... I dont know what to answer.."
"I want truth... " Chandra was assertive in his words.
"Chandra.. Whatever I say now,I dont know how you will take.. He is my father Chandra... How can I see him killed by my own Husband" pleaded Nandini.
Chandra in furious tone " He was your father...now you are my wife Damn it...how many times in a day you are saying this to me. Alright ..he is your father. Yes but as a husband.I can give you one promise that I will not kill him before your eyes. Lets see, How Padmanand escapes now."
Nandini in low soft voice"Thank you,Chandra for showing this much concern on me...I am leaving now"
Similarly, I was noticing the first signs of empathy in Nandini for Chandra. She is more hurt by his pain and loss than she would like to be at this point in time. This becomes more evident in the upcoming sword fight scene where Chandra gets hurt. She is very much conflicted between her father and husband. She cannot choose either of the two or forsake either.
"Wait .. I did not give permission to go..." Saying so he drew Nandini closer and pinned her against wall .He brought his face near hers and planted a deep passionate Kiss on her lips"Thank you .. For treating my wound... I really loved your concern for me..Sorry for shouting at you"
Nandini looked at his deep brown eyes "You are impossible Chandra...What you do when is a mystery"
Chandra smiled and say "They say that is my specialty...I am unpredictable...my dear Kharghosh".
"Ok Kharghosh,see you later... I am leaving now".Chandra told to Nandini about his duties.
Nandini smiled back confused about his mood.Both headed for their duties to be attended.
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Veer Hanuman
