Dharma Bindusara FF (Chap 3 page 5) - Page 4

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Chapter 3: The battle of dignity

Dharma softly held princess Yukti's hands and angled her little wrist to point the needle through the cloth, " now quickly roll your thread around the needle Princess". She does as instructed by Dharma. "Perfect Princess, now you know how to make cross stitches" Dharma said with a broad grin lightly pinching Yukti's cheeks

"Dharma didi, tomorrow is Princess Chitralekha's birthday and I will gift her a kerchief cross stitched with her name", chirped Princess Varna

"That is a brilliant idea Princess Varna. This way you put your newly learnt skills to test", said an impressed Dharma leaning down to pat her back.

"So, today we have learnt a new design of cross-stitch. How about we all gift Princess chitralekha a piece of our art tomorrow?" Dharma addressed the class.

"Yes , Yes" cheered the princess together.

"Alright, I will get a white angvastram and all the princess will make a design of their own in it and then we will present that to Princess Chitralekha tomorrow," said Dharma

Dharma's grandfather was the head priest at the royal court of Champanagar. Her parents passed away when she was very young. However, for over a year now, he is bedridden due to a prolong ailment. Considering their financial difficulties, the King appointed Dharma as an art and handicraft teacher to the kids of the royal family.

"Dharma I need your help immediately, Please come with me." Said Princess Chitralekha in a rush. She turned towards the group of little princess attending the class and continued "Princesses today's lesson is over. Can I please take your Dharma didi with me?" Saying that Chitralekha dragged Dharma along with her out of the room.

Dharma whispered to the girls before leaving" I will have the angvastram sent. Does everyone remember what we have decided?"

Little princesses affirmed by nodding their head.

"What is it that you need me so urgently Chitra?" asked Dharma.

Princess Chitralekha and Dharma are childhood friends. They are the best of friends despite the huge gap in their social status. Chitralekha is the daughter of the ruler of Champanagar but never lets the class difference affect their friendship.

"Father has organised a get together to celebrate my birthday tomorrow. Princes from all the neighbouring states are invited. Please help me select my outfit for tomorrow" Chitralekha said nervously.

"Ok, Now I got it. So the Princess wants to look pretty tomorrow. Is it for someone special?" Dharma asked mischievously locking Chitralekha into a tight hug from back.

"Nothing like that. Stop blabbering" Chitralekha unlocked herself from the hug bitting her lips.

"Well if you don't want to admit let me go and ask Maharaja if Prince Bhadraketu is invited or not?" teased Dharma in a threatening tone.

"Sshh Dharma speak softly, anyone can hear us" gasped Chitralekha covering Dharma's mouth and blushed a deep red.

"If I had known calling you to select a dress would be of so much of pain, I would have never called you" Chitralekha gave a look of disappointment.

"Ok then I am leaving" threatened Dharma pretentiously

"Where?" asked a worried Chitralekha blocking her way

"To advice Maharaj that no point of inviting prince from all state because the Princess is only waiting for her childhood friend Prince Bhadraketu because she is in love with him." laughed Dharma playfully and ran towards the corridor.

Chitralekha dashed after Dharma "stop, I shall never talk to you Dharma."

Dharma collided with what seemed to be a well build physique. Two strong arms came around her waist to support her from the fall by the collision.

"I,,,I am sorry Prince Kartikey" mumbled Dharma turning pale. "I,,I was just,,,, " she fumbled again.

"Are you alright Dharma? " asked a baffled Karthikey helping her back to her feet.

"Nothing Bhaiya Dharma and I were practising sprinting" Chritralekha covered up panting heavily

"Ok,,, What?" exclaimed Kartikey as the meaning dawned upon him

"Umm,,,,Nothing Bhaiya, Dharma lets go. We have a lot to do" Chitralekha excused and quickly escaped from the scene tagging Dharma along.

*-*-*-*-*-*

Dharma covered her face with the angvastram drawn till the edge of her chin making it hard for anyone to recognise her. She quietly slipped out of the main palace entrance while looking around for any watchful eyes, tiptoed past the guardrooms and servant quarters and reached the courtyard in the western wing of the palace premise breathing heavily. She turned around on being patted from behind and pulled back the angvastram to reveal her face.

"Where were you? I was waiting for you for over an hour now" Prince Kartikey asked holding Dharma by her upper arms. She smiled back at him lovingly. His hands glided along the side of her body to rest on her hands. He squeezed it softly and pulled her in a tight hug. Dharma closed her eyes to feel the warmth and smiled blissfully returning the embrace.

"I am sorry Prince. Initially I was busy with Chitra to select her outfit for tomorrow. As I started from there, Maharani called me for an urgent talk. Thereafter I was held with your sister-in- law to do her hair. By the time, I finished all these, I realised I was already late and I came running," explained Dharma breaking the hug.

"Dharma we don't have to hide this any longer. I have decided to disclose about our relation to father." Karthikey cupped her face and looked confidently in her eyes. Never the less, he felt the sudden fear emerged in her eyes.

"Prince are you sure that Maharaj is going to accept out relation?" apprehension in her voice. She put his hands down and stepped back.

"Dharma, he cannot deny you. You have all the qualities to be an accomplished queen and my absolute better half. Just as a lady, you are the finest I have ever seen " professed Karthikey approaching her. He drew her closer and pushed a strand of hair away from her face and continued "and above all I love you. Isn't that a big enough reason in its own for him to accept you." He placed a soft peck on her forehead. Dharma blushed red with the sudden display of affection and shyly looked away from him. Kartikey tenderly lifted her face up to meet his eyes. "He has to give me a very strong reason if at all he rejects you, which I don't think is going to happen," his voice stronger this time. "You are beautiful, educated, and skilful in warfare. Your command over politics and literature is commendable and unlike any other Princess you are well versed with religious treaties being a Brahmin girl."

Dharma listened dumbfounded wondering is she really worthy of those precious words the prince used so easily in her appraisal. She has never felt so wanted and special. Ever since the prince confessed his love to her, she has always maintained a reserved distance everytime he tried getting too familiar. But she could feel that she is loosing herself to him. His caring nature, flattering behaviour and his desires to get her was irresistible. He has always overlooked her imperfections and appreciated her for her calibre. He could have easily chosen some princess. But he chose her, a simple Brahmin her. He loved her despite of her ordinary lineage. He loved her despite he being a prince and she a mere Brahmin servant to his family. He loved her unconditionally and this feeling is beyond all the boundaries of caste, lineage and class difference. Eventually she has reciprocated her love for him. If anyone in the world she would bend down to, it would be him, only him. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she looked up with a wan smile at the man who loves her more than himself feeling how lucky is she to have him by her side. She has only loved him ever since she realised the emotion of love and now imagining a life without him scares her to her spine.

Karthikey felt her unspoken words. He wiped her tears and looked deeply into her eyes ensuring her that he understands.

"But my instincts tell me it is not that easy. You are making me think of a life I would not dare to imagine in my wildest dream. How would your parents react? I am scared "Dharma stated anticipating the future.

" You don't have to be scared. We can make anything possible as long as we are together Dharma" assured Karthikey.

Dharma rested her head against his chest and he softly caressed her hair. She found peace here, only here.

*-*-*-*-*-*

"Happy Birthday Princess "greeted Elis embracing Chitralekha.

"Thank you for coming Elis "Chitra smiled joyously.

"You are looking very pretty princess and look at you hair. I like the way it is done" complimented Elis running her fingers through the neatly tied braids.

"My hair was done by my best friend and she even selected the dress" Chitralekha excited with the compliment.

"Well, then I must meet her. She has amazing styling skills." Elis demanded

"Sure thing"

Chitralekha's eyes wandered around which didn't go unnoticed by Elis

"Is the Princess waiting for someone," asked a curious Elis

"No, umm,,ummm,,I mean yes. Where are your brothers? Bhaiya has been eagerly waiting for them" Chitralekha struggling to hide her excitement.

"Prince Kartikeya met both of them at the entrance only, they must be here soon, and look here they come" Elis indicated towards the three approaching Princes

"Happy Birthday Princess " greeted Bindusara

"Thank you crown Prince for honouring us with your presence "Chitralekha folded her hands into a Namaste.

"The pleasure is all mine Princess and you are looking very pretty" Bindusara praised

"Heartiest thanks prince"

"Rightly said Bhai Bindusara " Bhadraketu's voice passionate

"You are looking very beautiful Princess Chitralekha and many many happy returns of the day" congratulated Bhadraketu.

"Thank you Prince Bhadraketu. I am glad you came". Chitralekha lost in his eyes

" Well, I would have missed so much if I hadn't." Bhadraketu said without blinking

"Bhaiya what do you think is making Chitra look so gorgeous tonight" Elis asked Bhadra

"The Princess is naturally pretty anyway but I think the embroidery in the angvastram is adding that extra to her beauty." Bhadra pointed towards the cloth.

"Bhaiya you are right. The embroidery is very unique. Isn't it Bhaiya Bindusar?" noticed Elis.

"This embroidery is made by our own little princesses in the palace as a gift to Chitra" said Karthikey

"My best friend teaches handicrafts to the kids in the palace. She is skilled in arts, sewing, knitting and handlooms. She is the one who dressed me up for tonight's event," answered an eager Chitralekha.

"She seems to be very talented Princess Chitralekha. With the embroidery she taught and your look, she has done a very good job. Champanagar and its people never fail to amaze me Prince Kartikey," commended Bindusara with a sense of admiration.

"Thank you Yuvraj"

"Bhaiya I would like to get one of these crafted for me as well, please" wished an overenthusiastic Elis.

"Definitely Princess. This embroidery would compliment your beauty. " accolade Karthikey and then turning towards his sister asked, "Chitra where is she?"

Chitra looked around for a while before she spotted Dharma looking after guests.

"Dharma". Chitra called and gestured her. "Please come here once. I have some special people waiting to meet you."

Bindusara squinted his eyes to have a better vision of the approaching figure. Soon the glee on his face was replaced by frown of displeasure as he recognised the person and images of their encounter snapped through his mind.

"Yuvraj she is Dharma "Karthikey introduced her to him

"Pranam Yuvraj," Dharma politely greeted. Her flawless jovial facade masked her innate annoyance on seeing him.

"Dharma, Yuvraj was impressed by your creation and wants you to make a similar angvastram for Princess Elis " said Karthikey proudly.

"As you say " Prince Dharma nodded obediently

No one noticed in between this celebration was the war between the two agitated souls ripping each other in their minds.

What does he think of himself? Impressed? My foot

I cannot tolerate this arrogant disobedient female any longer

Feel like throwing this angvastram on his face and telling I loath your appreciation

I wish I could rusticate her from my kingdom

*-*-*-*-*-*

"Please notify the princess that Dharma came", Dharma requested the guards

"Pranam Princess " Dharma bent down in respect

"Come in Dharma. Is the angvastram ready?" asked Elis

Dharma forwarded the neatly folded angvastram to her.

"Excellent " rejoiced Elis. She unfolded the cloth exuberantly and ran towards the mirror.

" What have you done Dharma?" shrieked Elis with upsetting eyes

Dharma dashed towards the mirror. She recoiled back in terror looking at the deep red stain destroying most of the embroidery.

"I am sorry Princess, but I don't have any clue how did this happen. I folded it and kept it safe. The kids might have spilled some drinks by mistake and are scared to talk to about it. I will do it again. Apologies Princess " Dharma pleaded.

"But I know how it happened " Bindusara stated with a tone of revulsion

Both the ladies turned to see Bindusara standing near the doorway flaring with rage.

He charged towards Dharma snatched the cloth from Elis and shoved it on Dharma's face.

" You purposely sabotaged this to prove your arrogance towards me. I know you enough" Bindusara shouted

Bindusara's violent reaction threw Dharma off balance. She clutched onto the cloth and said in a shaky voice before her courage deserted her " Blaming someone without knowing the whole truth is not justified Yuvraj"

His jaw clenched fighting with the waves of fury. "Instead of apologising for your misdeed, you are teaching me my duties?" outraged Bindusara stepped forward but was braced by Elis

"Get out,,,out I said before I forget you are a girl " he roared.

Dharma ran out of the room.

"Inform the Maharaja that I have requested for an assembly immediately" ordered Bindusara to the guards.

*-*-*-*-*-*

Dharma lazily entered her room. Nandini was concerned to see the otherwise bubbly Dharma avoiding eye contact. On asking for dinner Dharma answered that she is not hungry.

"What happened Dharma, you are scaring me? " asked a worried Nandini.

"Maa I lost the job at the palace" Dharma burst out in tears.

"What?,,,how?" Nandini asked in disbelief.

"Because someone with power over his head decided that his ego is more precious than our livelihood" said Dharma sharply.

She narrated the whole story to her mother.

"But Dharma did you plea for forgiveness?" Nandini's heart sank thinking of the upcoming ordeal.

"Why would I apologise when I was accused wrongly? " shouted Dharma

"Dharma, please calm down, we have to find a way out or else,,, " Nandini tried to pacify Dharma.

"I have served the royal family selflessly following the footsteps of grandpa. But today at the hearing I..." Dharma found it difficult to complete the statement. Her voice choked to suppress the intense pain growing inside. "I was blamed for ignorant and unprofessional service against the Yuvraj. He criticised my integrity towards the royal family and condemned my entry to the palace." Her face contorted reflecting the humility she felt. She shut her eyes to release the pooled tears, hoping the terrible moment would pass. Regaining a control over herself, she continued, "I have always executed my job as a teacher diligently. I never had any complaints so far and even Maharaj would attest of my sincerity. And what I get in return is a false allegation stating I am careless and display irresponsible attitude?" Dharma wiped her tears and moved towards the window. "Maa today Maharaj and Prince Karthikey tried to defend me, but in vain. He is Yuvraj Bindusara, the powerful future king of a powerful kingdom. Champanagar cannot afford to loose its political ally " Dharma stated with firmness looking at the palace.

She turned around to see her mother seated on the bed. Lines of worry appeared on her face. She realised she is the sole earner in the family. She shouldn't have told all these to all. She already has so much to worry about. Dharma hugged Nandini sideways and comforted her "Maa don't worry, your daughter is very talented. I will soon find something, very soon." Dharma wore a confident smile and went out. "Where are you going at this hour of the night? It is very late," asked a flummoxed Nandini.

"I will be back soon Maa."

*-*-*-*-*-*

Dharma was in much need of this open air. Dharma strolled along the lonely path around the lake. She needed this time to herself. She wanted to cry out loud for so much insult she had to bear today. She wished Prince Karthikey were here. She would have rested on his chest and shared her pain. He has fought a lot on her behalf at the court today. She cannot complaint on him. Images of the courtroom zapped through her mind. She shut her eyes and kicked a pebble to release her frustration.

"It is not safe here at this hour " came a voice from behind.

Bindusara could not get a good sleep. After the hearing at the courtroom, he became very restless. Elis and Bhadraketu asked him if something is bothering him, but both of them don't expect any answer from him. He has been convincing himself that whatever he did with that stupid girl was justified and fair. He came out of the palace to have some fresh air and refused any security with him. He heard some voice and caught a sight of a group of guys trying to tease a woman. As he walked closer, he realised it was more than just taunting, two guys held her against the tree and the other two were passing sleazy comments while taking turns to take sips from a jug. She tried hard to free herself from the clutch, but groaned in more pain as the guy twisted her hand at the back. Bindusara could not held back his patience, he charged towards him in full force. He leapt high to strike a hard blow on the guy's shoulder and freed the woman from his grasp. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the second guy approaching raising up a log to hit her. Just in time, he pulled her into his arms to let the guy crash into the tree.

He glanced down at the petite figure in his arms but the darkness clouded his vision. She was holding onto his arms to balance her feet. Soon, the flickering light of the mashaal (lamp) enlightened the faces and her face turned fiery with the realisation and she flared back "Yuvraj?" The familiar voice dawned upon him and before he could say anything, he turned around at the call of "watch out" and was joined by another pair of arms to block the blow of the sword. Together they knocked down the attacker. Three more were still encircling them.

"Dharma, what are you doing here this late? Trying to teach these goons ways of life as you always do?" Bindusara snapped out at Dharma.

"What do you mean? Do I look to have invited the trouble purposely?" she fumed backed.

Bindusara swiftly pushed her aside by her shoulder to block a knife thrown at her and blurted out "You don't have to invite trouble as you are one." With the knife bouncing off his armlet, he immediately drew his sword and stretched his other arm protectively to pull her behind him. She however sidestepped, reached out to the folds of her angvastram and deftly pulled her own knife. "If I am a trouble, it should not bother you Yuvraj " defended Dharma. Bindusara's eyebrows arched into surprise and flashed a frown challenging her.

"Is this how you thank people who comes over to help?" he huffed swinging the sword high and inflecting a deep wound into the attacker's shoulder.

"I did not ask you for help. I could have managed, in fact I was.." She flung the knife at the attacker coming from the left and made a quick manoeuvre to avoid a blow from the back and finished her statement boldly ",,going to bash these guys red and blue anyway." Bindusara brought his sword down smoothly and dig deep into the chest of the attacker charging from the side towards Dharma, his eyes still fixed on her "what did you just said about handling yourself?" Dharma read the smirk on his face and the mock in his tone. "I can perfectly take care of myself, unless someone,,. "She didn't get far into her sentence, because she was grabbed by her neck and dragged away. Bindusara parried the attack as he flung a knife, which precisely tinkled Dharma's earring and pierced into the eyes of the attacker. "Yes we can see your self defence strategy, " replied Bindusara coolly glancing at Dharma. She immediately stepped forward, plucked the knife from its target and brought it down to last attacker's chest and heatedly responded, "I don't need protection, Yuvraj." Her body surfaced the suppressed anger. All the attackers were grounded and badly injured.

"I knew you are irresponsible, but at least learn to acknowledge people who comes to your help," sighed Bindusara.

"Are you always this demeaning Yuvraj, or only to people whom you know you can dominate?" exclaimed Dharma. She put her knife back into its holder.

"I am not the one loitering around at night asking for troubles," answered Bindusara wiping the blood from his sword.

"Look I"

Cutting her off "Listen, I don't have time for all these. I need to get back to the palace. I have work in the morning. So do you. Would you... "claimed Bindusara in a patronising voice before remembering that he has snatched her job.

"I don't have a job anymore to report to in the morning. All thanks to you Yuvraj." sighed Dharma in a tired voice.

"You got what you deserve. My sisters wished for a simple embroidered angvastram. But you purposely destroyed it to put me down. You are disobedient and vengeful woman and I cannot tolerate such behaviour in my kingdom. I love my sister very much and can go any extent for her., " said Bindusara bluntly.

"This is not about how much you love your family Yuvraj. Even I love my family and I can go to any extent to help them. You could have carried out an investigation or at least urged to know the truth, rather than falsely accusing me of the blunder. I would have made the extra effort to find out how it happened, but your impulsive decision has taken away my only livelihood. Do you even have any idea how much would this affect my family Yuvraj? You have accused me of being careless and irresponsible. But would you be able to justify your actions as ethical and fair?" Enquired Dharma, her moist eyes swam across his face desperately for an answer.

Bindusara was starded to see the first signs of vulnerability in this woman. "May be you fail,,,." Words clogged in her throat. She bowed her head, an act that does not suit her proud bearing, to take a control over herself and continued, " May be you fail to understand other's emotion Yuvraj." He was taken aback by the hint of tears in her eyes.

"Your mother must be a very noble person Yuvraj, and would have taught the same morals that my mom taught me. But yet I understand, by taking advantage of the position you hold to destroy someone's life, must not be your mother's way. Right?" Dharma spoke her heart out.

This simple question tore apart his subconscious self and he did not dare to look back into her eyes.

Dharma collected herself and left. Bindusara gazed at her from back. What was in those last few words that dumb-folded him? Why he could not bear her damp eyes?

Jaise koi kinaara, Deta ho sahaara
Mujhe wo mila kisi mod par
Koi raat ka taara, Karta ho ujaala
Waise hi roshan kare woh shehar

Was it the impact of the suddenly arose guilt inside him or that first time ever in his life his valour faded in front of a woman other than his mother Helena.

Main parinda besabar. Tha uda jo darbadar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai. Jaise banjarey ko ghar

There was something about this girl that has sparked a realisation alien to him.

Naye mausam ki sehar. Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai. Jaise banjarey ko ghar

*The song her is taken from the movie Ek Villain

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