The Eyes You Saw - Chapter 39 and 40 on Page 90 - Page 51

Author's Note : Hello Readers, I am re-writing this story in Wattpad. The Book has won "The Preserving of History Awards 2018" under the category "True Love".

If you know anyone who has an account in Wattpad, please ask them to go through the book "The Eyes that met Yours..." .

Chapter 17

Nandini knocked on Chanakya's chamber door. He had sent message for her. May I enter, Acharya? She asked politely. He turned with his stick and gestured politely with a smile. She entered the chamber and touched his feet with respect. Chanakya was taken aback for a moment. He was a man with a straight face, with no expressions. Its always difficult to study him. Having taught many young students over the years, he was good at camouflaging expressions to avoid his students from doing mind-reading. But Nandini's touch on his feet gave him goosebumps.

Sukhi Raho... He blessed her. You know who I am? - he asked, gesturing her to sit. He put a little pressure on his stick and sat on the chair opposite to her.

Yes, Acharya. You're everything to King Chandragupta Maurya.

You mean, I control him?

Not at all, Acharya. It's a blessing to obey elders and serve them. What I meant was that you're everything to Chandra as a person and as a King. You are like his father, guru and guide... and now Magadh's Prime Minister and guide also.

We haven't had an opportunity to meet till date. So I would like to talk and know a few things about you... Chanakya spoke authoritatively with a plain face.

That would be my good fortune, Acharya.

I met your Acharyas and asked them for a feedback about you... he studied her expressions. Her face was crystal clear.

She bowed with respect and said "please do let me know if I have erred or disappointed them in any way. Allow me an opportunity to correct my mistakes, Acharya.

I have heard that you talk very sweetly. I understand now that you are a sweet talker.

"Forgive me, Acharya. I haven't had the opportunity of meeting and conversing with many people in my life. So, I apologise if I have upset you in any manner. Please teach me the correct manner of speech and I promise to practice the same henceforth". She folded her palms and spoke .

Acharya smiled. No wonder Chandra likes you very much. Is this how you impressed him?

I ... I don't know how much you know about us, Acharya. But I guess Chandra is not the kind who will be impressed by just any woman. She spoke looking at the floor, but a smile played on her lips, thinking of the past.

You were to marry Prince Malayketu of Gandhar. How do you feel changing your stance at the warfield ?

Relieved. Chandra saved me. Iam alive and breathing today because of him.

You mean, you didn't like marrying Prince Malayketu? You do know he is a royal by birth, just like you. How do you feel marrying a common blood like Chandra in his place?

I believe any person who stands for his People and protect them has the right to become a King. Having lived a Princess life and as a civilian, I know that blue blood alone does not define a person's character. I had a civilian friend from the jungle, who was destined to become a King. A learned scholar like you had taken him under his wing a long time ago. So I don't believe royal birth begets royalty and civil birth begets slavery.

She spoke with her eyes mostly fixed on the floor with respect, time and again looking at him for some kind of an acknowledgement and then lowering them back to the floor. Acharya's expression was as usual flat, unreadable and his voice as usual unpredictably calm but authoritative.

Suffice to say that you did not like Prince Malayketu?

By all means, Acharya.

What do you think about Chandragupta Maurya?

A People's King. In the last two years, I have heard nothing but blessings and prayers from People for him. And today, while distributing the gold, I had the opportunity to even witness it. She smiled again, thinking of the afternoon spent with him.

I meant, as a husband.

I belong to him.

We didn't purchase you as a slave, Princess. We agreed for a war compensation. You will be duly declared as his Queen. So, tell me, how do you feel about him as your husband?

Allow me to rephrase my words and express my point clearly, Acharya. My heart belongs to him. Therefore, I belong to him.

Does he belong to you?

A king is first and foremost responsible for his People. He belongs to the People, Acharya. He is public's property. Hence, I cannot own him.

But he says his heart belongs to you?

Iam blessed to hear that, Acharya. She smiled.

That would mean that you are his weakness. A king cannot afford to have weakness that too, of a woman.

Nobody can understand that better than me, Acharya. I have seen how my Father and my brothers treated the women in this very Palace. There was a moment of pain in her eyes. She cleared her throat and said "Sorry, I digressed from the topic, Acharya. Chandra used to say that I am both his strength and his weakness. I would ensure that the weighing scale tilts more towards his Strength part".

Chanakya got up from his seat smiling. Nandini also got up. He shifted his stick to his left hand, kept his right hand on her head and blessed her.

I was just testing you. Chandra is like my son. I wanted to assure my old heart that you accepted Chandra wholeheartedly and not out of pressure to get your father released. Iam sure you will make a great Queen, Nandini.

Nandini folded her hands and took his blessings. Acharya? Do I have the permission to ask you something?

Yes?

Every mother desires her son to bring her the best daughter she deserves. Every mother wants a woman who will take of her son just like her, in her absence. I... I haven't seen Rajamata yet. I am her son's arch rival's daughter... She wasn't there when the Peace Treaty was agreed at the war zone. I dont know how she feels about this. Will she agree to make me as her daughter-in-law?

Chanakya laughed. Yes. I understand your predicament. Don't worry, Rajamata will treat you like her own daughter. But let me give you a brief. You are not just her son's arch enemy's daughter. Your family has been the sole reason for everything that went wrong with Chandra's family.

He looked at her troubled face and spoke to her tenderly. There are many things about Chandra and his family, that you don't know about. You've already been through a lot lately. So I wouldn't burden you with those information now. I will tell you all in good time. In the meantime, just ensure that you keep Chandra happy. That poor boy hasn't felt happiness in a long long time. Ensure that you keep this family intact.

Yes, Acharya. I will be a good wife to Chandra and a loyal member to the family. I promise you that I would not become the reason for Chandra's downfall or his empire.

Trust him. Chandra's words might sometimes sound bitter and straightforward like mine. But he means well. Whatever he does will be for your good.

Yes Acharya, I learnt my lesson the hard way. I trust him now.

Remember, you are his heart. Don't let it break.

I will keep your words in mind and live by it, Acharya.

I heard that you were suffering from fever yesterday. How are you feeling today? Do you want me to send a Vaidji?

Nandini remembered her Vaidji the previous day and blushed. No Acharya. I am fine now. The fever has come down now. I was treated well by my Vaidji yesterday.

Chanakya chuckled. Ofcourse, he knew who the Vaidji was. But she doesn't know that he knows.

Now, off you go. Its getting late. I don't want my son's favourite queen looking dull on her wedding day.

Good night, Acharya.

She touched his feet again, took his blessings and left.

Acharya calmed his nerves as he saw her go. She looks just like her mother...

Moora pushed the curtains and came out from the attached room, as Nandini left. My heart is at peace now, Acharya. Its the same girl. I recognise her voice and her eyes. She will keep my Chandra very happy. She smiled.

He walked to the balcony silently and looked at the stars alignment. He took out a natal chart from his bag, compared it with Chandra's natal chart and did some calculations.

Chanakya looked up at the sky and prayed in silence for a minute. One day... just one more day. Magadh, Chandra and I will get what we have been waiting for...