Silence. Volumes were spoken in the next few minutes of silence. Vaidehi's heart screamed with hurt received from betrayal, Brahmadatta's demanded revenge and Agni's cried in silent agony. Tears appeared in Vaidehi's eyes. Agni stood before her sister, or step-sister. Would Vaidehi change after this revelation?
"Its time you are out of this place. Dirt is wiped away before it creates more of itself." Brahmadatta held Agni's hand and started dragging her toward the door.
Then, like a sword injures its deadliest enemy, Vaidehi's words followed Brahmadatta's, "Even a traitor is given a chance to defend himself. And she is not one. She must be given a chance to explain herself. That is how justice is ensured."
"Justice? What justice are you talking about Angika?" Brahmadatta said in a state of shock.
"In her veins flows the blood of king Dhadivahana, our father. And she is a part of this royal family." Vaidehi spoke with such resonance, it shocked Brahmadatta.
"She is the daughter of brothel owner!" Brahmadatta replied with disgust.
"The same brothel owner your father visited and fell in love with." Agni's words hit the other like a sharp dagger in heart. But while one composed herself to listen to the complete story, other decided to end this discussion here.
"My father did not..." Brahmadatta was stating when Agni freed herself from his hold and replied.
"Yes he did! The only reason he visited the brothel everyday was because he loved my mother. My mother, served only one man, Dhadivahana, sadly, he was the one who wrote a deadly end to her destiny. she was ostracized by other brothel owners because she refused to be with anyone else and we lived for years in hunger and she cried all night. She was refused by the civil society and the uncivil looked at her as an object. All because of your father."
"Women like you mother are born as objects."
"That is what kings like you think. The only reason my mother suffered was because she involved with one man. One man who became the ruler of her heart and owner of her affection. She never ever involved in any shady work. The only reason brothels function is because men like your father use women for fulfilling their horrific needs!"
Brahmadatta could not tolerate this insult thown at his father and his hand instantly rose up. But was stopped by Vaidehi. Who shook her head, her eyes fierce as Durga and her grip as strong as Kali.
"Truth cannot be stopped with force Brahmadatta. Our father..."
"Vaidehi, Our father was an honest man it was her mother who..."
"Don't. Never let your affection come in way of your judgement of right and wrong. A pearl is priceless because of its untouched purity. When the same pearl turns black due to impurities, its is regarded as a useless piece which has worth less than a stone. You know he was wrong!" Tears flowed down Vaidehi's eyes.
"He was a king!" Was Brahmadatta's reply.
"And that gives him the authority to play with three lives? Is he free to betray two women, one of which had to pay with her life!" Agni's voice raised to echo just like the thunder of the turbulent skies outside.
"Not one but two. Our mother killed herself when we were twelve." Vaidehi's voice lack composure.
"Mine killed herself when I was ten! And then he came. The king. Running to my house. To accept me. As his daughter. As the princess of Anga. He came at night. He was afraid of getting noticed during the day."
"He must have come because of the prophecy. The day Brahmadatta was named the crown-prince, a sage told father that his mistakes would destroy this kingdom. He would have come to redeem his mistakes."
"How easily men of great power forget that remorse only complicates. Redemption is a false illusion to satisfy the worried heart."
"Atleast he tried to correct his mistake! You just used this kingdom for your needs and tried suck all its wealth and power like a leech!" Brahmadatta spoke with absolute dislike.
Agni laughed. In her laugh, were the pains she had endured all these years. Ten years ago when she first entered the castle, Brahmadatta had tried to harm her. Attack her at night. He was not satisfied with his father's story of her being their long lost sister. That very night, he was sent to the gurushala, where he spent six years. When he came back, his composure hid the innermost desires of revenge. And when he came to know of the truth, it only gave him a stronger reason to dislike Agnijyotsna.
"Just like your mother, you blinded my father's sense of right and wrong. He sent his son away for his illegitimate daughter. He was afraid that the truth might leak in the kingdom and lead to a fierce revolt. So he tried his best. Conducted those fake ceremonies. And forgot his son. I lost my father's love to you and slowly you conquered Angika's senses too!" Brahmadatta, a warrior, was crying today. He was hurt. Memories of the past flooded his mind and tears just flowed away.
Silence again.
Vaidehi knew she could not stop Brahmadatta. Her love for Agnijyotsna increased when she knew that her sister had to endure hard days. Neither Agni nor her mother were responsible for their ill fate. Even Vaidehi's mother was guiltless. It was their father. A man who singlehandedly destoryed five lives, of his wife, of his lover, her child and that of his children.
Brahmadatta caught hold of Agni's arm again, and this time without any attention to Vaidehi's requests dragged her.
"No! Brahmadatta stop. She is our sister. She has lived with us for years. Don't!" Vaidehi, struggling to keep up pace with her brother, cried helplessly.
Finally, as he reached the entrance of the fortress he freed Agnijyotsna's hand and pushed her out of the doorpost. Agni lost her balance and fell on earth. She was hurt. But, like a tigeress, she rose up again. And in her eyes, was fire. Fire which could consume Brahmadatta's pride in seconds but she stopped. The next instant, she announced.
"You, weak king, blinded by power and wealth will pay for your deeds. I, Agnijyotsna, vow on the purity of my mother's heart that I shall be the reason of your destruction. First, you shall fall in my feet. Then, this great kingdom which you are proud of, shall be seized and finally, my revenge shall complete with your death. And only after my hands are red with your blood, shall I be freed from this filth you threw at me. Enjoy everyday you live Brahmadatta because now you will not be left with many. The destiny of this kingdom and that of your life, is now eclipsed and at the end of this eclipse, will arrive the light of happiness."
And then, without looking back she walk away. Leaving behind Brahmadatta, fuming with anger and Vaidehi whose heart was filled with countless fears of upcoming danger.
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