Yielding to the children's simple wishes; the ecstatic Shera allows them to tug her through the calming sights and smells of - the wet mud at the small water well, stacked bundles of firewood, a semi constructed chalet and the main hut where the next meal was being prepared. On being eventually led to a charming open area at the back, crudely levelled with softer ground; the girl views the humble testimonies of the children's modest pastimes scattered all over their play retreat. Shaken by the riotous young ones, competing in avid cacophony to highlight their favourite toys; the whelmed Shera is randomly introduced to a rickety mold ridden trunk, blunted wooden weapons, three worn-out rag dolls and a two large rocks that assumed the roles of seats or thrones, depending on the nature of the game. As the prime visitor is forcefully seated on one smooth rock, the girl endeavours to denote her attention to as many divergent conversations and activities possible, in attempt not to thwart anyone's enthusiasm. All through her enjoyable frantic efforts to heed the chatter stemming from every direction; Shera regularly uncovers the presence of the children from her tribe in the faces of the angelic orphans, encircling her.
Through the physical disruption; the slow emergence of a faint cry from the horde, carries the blissful girl's attention to shortly discover a youngster slumped on the ground. Gently moving the avid young ones around her; Shera picks the child, who seemed evidently disturbed at having been forcefully shoved away from the action and places him on her lap in order to pacify him. Quickly realizing that the only solution to keep the noisy clamour composed would be to indulge everyone in an activity of common interest; Shera claps her palms in order to try and garner attention from the partially obliging audience, requesting them to take a seat.
No sooner than some of the young ones comply with her wishes; the skilful prankster arches over to pick up a few rounded pebbles from the ground and swiftly proceeds to display riveting tricks and stunts with astonishing dexterity. Amazed by the novel show unravelling in front; the wide-eyed children scamper to sink into any available spaces that would enable them an unobstructed view of the sport, thus causing a steady spontaneous hush to overtake the uproar in the crowd. While the expectably enthralled simple young minds desperately try to decipher the craft behind the deceptive feats; the most spellbound participant remains the unwitting lively girl herself, thoroughly immersed in her act of entertaining the innocent spectators.
Unbeknown to the occupied throng; Veer observes their pursuit from a distance, appraising and silently wondering how enraptured the entertained team were by their organizer "Every instance that I meet her...she seems like a different person all together... as though there is always something more than meets the eye... probably that is why I prefer to stay away from her...why I choose not to trust her... but...then... there is something about this...."
Instantly aware of the person who could be behind the competing rocks; the entertained girl scrutinizes her thwarted targets and then looks down, chuckling to herself. Succeeding a brief stint of awestruck silence owing to the seemingly splendorous unforeseen feat; the children rapidly turn around, to realize that the victor was their exalted prince indeed. As the mob swiftly shift their loyalties by bursting forth into revelry at the fact that their instructor had finally been conquered by the prince, Shera eventually lets go of the boy beside her and swings around, to come to face with her competitor.
Waiting for the prince to finish offering lofty bows to his young admirers; the girl flashes the proud royal an indifferent smile, quietly revealing her hidden justifications for her defeat "I was only keeping the children occupied Rajkumar...I know you are aware that this was a relatively easy target..." unmindful of the gathering's support for Veer; the genial girl grins and indicates with her eyes towards more remote branches and difficult targets, signifying a call for a fresh match "Want to enter an actual contest, oh Rajkumar?"
Thoroughly apprehending that she was provoking him for a battle to prove the true command of her skills over his; the perceptive prince adapts Shera's shrewd stance and conveys his silent refusal of the offer, with a graceful negative nod "You were entertaining the children... I was only a humble observer...I participated in the challenge and beat your mark...that's all..."
Marginally surprised by the unusually reticent attitude of the otherwise daring prince; the witty girl continues their noiseless parley, by knitting her eyebrows to question him "Not taking up the challenge? Why Rajkumar...is it the fear of losing to my expertise..."
Signalling to the sudden spurt in the numbers of his admirers; the wise Veer shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, to denote his speechless reply "Well let me just say that I am well aware of all your tactics now...so I shall stay smart and not lose face in front of the newfound adorers I just gained..."
Discerning how the prince was not ready to forgo his undeserved praise; the amused girl giggles aloud for a short while and then flashes Veer a magnanimous smile with generous hidden hints of concealed superiority, intending to reflect her resilient attitude "Well as long as you acknowledge that the flawlessness in my aim precedes yours, I shall let you have your taste of victory this time Rajkumar Veer..."
An affable voice unexpectedly echoes from behind the pair; abruptly terminating the cunning muted dialogues that they were embroiled in, so far "What happened? These naughty little ones still keeping you both busy! Why don't you both come along..." as the young horde waste no time in rebelling at the premature suspension of their fascinating sport, the cordial Sakshi tries to reconcile with the dismayed children "Oh My! Please let the two of them spend some time with us too... all right I shall ask your bhaiyya to extend his permitted playtime for you this evening ... now go on..."
While the entertained pair of Veer and Shera watch the instantaneous disorderly dispersal of the jubilant crowd from their vicinity; Sakshi moves forward to gently tap her petite friend and conveys her message "Shera your jeejaji is here...you wanted to meet him, didn't you... Rajkumar Veer, ma is here too and very restless to meet you... shall we proceed, now that the games have come to an end?"
Listening to Sakshi's statements; the mischievous pair conclude the myriad of impish silent exchanges that they had had so far by trading subtly haughty grins, before hastily proceeding to accompany Sakshi walking towards the other end of the serene settings.
Skirting away from a train of frenzied young girls chasing each other; the ecstatic mother carefully balances two battered clay bowls housing berries and peanuts, as she ardently approaches the pleasantly surprising presence of her cherished visitor. Arriving at the scene; Pari briefly pauses to admire how her young son had disregarded his regal stature and thoroughly occupied himself in helping their family construct the new house that was being built for the young couple.
Briefly relishing the amiability of the scene where all her loved ones were involved together; Pari regresses from her musings to proceed towards Shera and Sakshi, who were skilfully fastening a bundle of straw into thatch. After exchanging a few morsels of snacks for heartfelt smiles with the enchanting girls; the mother walks up to the energetic prince, who was transporting bundles of thatches towards the modest structure.
Taming her sentiments; Pari addresses Veer formally, as she extends the delectables to him "Rajkumar Veer your presence here has provided us unequivocal pleasure... we are looking forward to your presence here again, in two day's time...both yours and Rajkumar Dharam's presence...to grace the wedding rituals...for all the..."
Affectionately listening to the enraptured mother's words; the absorbed royal abruptly recollects how he had forgotten to account for the personal circumstances that had developed recently, making his attendance of the couple's wedding unfeasible.
Immediately dropping off the heavy load at the incomplete courtyard with a muffled grunt; Veer sports an awkward frown on receiving a few peanuts from the joyous Pari and remorsefully interrupts her yearnings "Maaji...two days' time! Oh Lord! I missed mentioning this...I apologize...I...I mean' we might not be able to attend the marriage festivities ... actually, a favourable development occurred a fortnight ago... the princess of Niphaud is about to be promised to Dharam day after tomorrow...I don't know how appropriate it would seem for myself and Dharam to leave the guests behind...I don't see how it is possible for Rajkumari Siya to accompany us...hence; I am not sure if we might be able to forsake the guests during their short stay to arrive here..."
Marking the prince's reply; the pained Sakhi instantaneously surveys the dejection in her mother's eyes. Striving to disregard her own disappointment; the young lady ends the ungainly silence with a chirpy response "Oh Rajkumar Veer... yes yes... we learnt of it too...there have been ceremonies aplenty taking place in all temples in the capital to commemorate the occasion ... please do convey our wishes to the crown prince..."
Overwhelmed by the earnest pleas; the deeply moved Veer hurriedly munches the peanuts, in order to mutter a quick response with a modest smile "I shall definitely try to do so..."
Sensing her friend's bewilderment; Sakshi snaps out of her sisterly thoughts and tightens a binding knot around two bundles of hay, before commencing to explain with a proud smile "Shera...running an orphanage for Shramiks is illegal in Aryanagar...people like Rajkumar Agni would destroy such an institution in no time... why, even revolutionaries used to misuse this place... till of course Rajkumar Veer defeated most of them and drove the rest out of Aryanagar..."
With her ambiguity and doubts on the discreet matter gradually clarified by Sakshi's statements; the degree of Shera's guilt begins to reach abysmal depths on realizing that the family had no illegal connections and only an innocent orphanage to hide. Coerced into weighing the virtue of her future victims against her shameful compulsions; the disturbed girl unintentionally halts her help to Sakshi, as she mentally reproaches herself "Jeejaji is doing so much for the betterment of such unfortunate children...Sakshi didi and Pari chachi trust me so much... Rajkumar Veer has promised to help my tribe... am I meant to let all of them down... no...no I cannot... but...but if Rajkumar Agni did come to know that I was siding all of them, he would kill the remaining twenty five members of my tribe in one instant... Lord! What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to deal with such a dilemma..."
Contemplating on the latest facts divulged to him; the prince hurls the final batch of load from his shoulders near the straw pile at the construction site and then proceeds to confess sheepishly "I never realized the extent that such issues in Aryanagar, affected the people ... we were taught the general rules of administration in the Gurukul...but these practical problems never seem to end..."
Respectfully interrupting Veer's admissions; the wise Dhruv counsels him on a sociable note "That is precisely what education is for Rajkumar Veer - to help span the knowledge gained'" he pauses "You say you studied administration...administration is nothing but welfare of one's subjects...aren't Shramiks also your subjects..."
Rendered temporarily speechless by Dhruv's boundless knowledge and experience; Veer quickly overcomes his strange sensation of culpability, in order to utter a feeble defence "Anyway, don't worry Dhruv ji... once Dharam becomes the king and gains power... the changes you want to see shall indeed become remarkably visible."
Discontinuing his taxing work; Dhruv nods his head to refute Veer's youthful and exceedingly optimistic outlook "Rajkumar Veer... all this can only be lessened by the rightful rule of a kind king, not solved... intolerance has been embed in the society for many years now..." he pauses to reveal with subtle authority "Do you know that we have a brilliant child called Gopi in our midst...a six year old who can recite verses from the Vedas...but he is a Shramik child... if this knowledge was made known in public; both, he and his tutor would be imprisoned...how any king would overcome such misgivings in a biased society is definitely worth a ponder..."
Exposed with every passing moment to the numerous aspects in the complicated affair of running a kingdom justly; the overwhelmed Veer begins to feel repelled by how dreadful the Shramik's destinies were. Feeling increasingly inspired by the unfolding revelations; his qualities of leadership, egalitarianism and magnanimity, slowly yet steadily kindle the young royal into pledging allegiance towards the betterment and welfare of the oppressed subjects "He is right...I never appreciated how many things could be done...and had to be done...to uplift everyone's dire conditions ...henceforth; my preferences would undoubtedly lie with striving to help all hapless residents in this kingdom... especially Shramiks, the most downtrodden of them all..."
Admiring the prince's sympathetic actions; Dhruv rubs his muddy palms with a stray cloth and courteously accepts the invaluable charity, repeating his desire once again "Rajkumar Veer...I hope you would understand...for now, please do not let anyone else know about anything that I have told you of, so far..."
Approaching the periphery of the large sweeping woodlands dotted around the border village of Sawai; the proximity of the clusters of shrubs and bulky barks begin to disperse, marginally permitting the early evening rays to seep through. Despite taking casual notice of the sun's vivid beams permeating the crevices in the branches; the silent pair remain primarily preoccupied with the freshly discovered facts, through their prolonged stroll. Uncovering newfound motivation and goal of working towards the welfare of his subjects; the prince dynamically strides on the rustling leaves, leading along his horse and its hefty burden of the young blacksmith's purchase from the scrap yard.
Unmindful of Veer's reserved self; the alluring girl daintily holds her veil over her partly shrouded face; reflecting on the moving words and sights she had just come across, a rare preference over her usual vivacious demeanour of studying her surroundings "People like Rajkumar Agni would destroy such an institution in no time... even revolutionaries used to misuse this place..."
As the hushed duo emerge from the fringe of the lush expanse to face the dusty sparse streets of Sawai, Veer identifies that his span of silence with his co-traveller had lasted for a seemingly perpetual stretch of time.
Essaying to end the strangely formal ambience in between them; the prince begins making conversation with the luring Shera "Am I mistaken...or have I been fortunate enough to be spared...due to your unusual reticence today?"
Discerning his inquiry; the sensible girl is obliged to accept the fact that no further speculation on her plight would diminish her troubles. Forsaking her sombre temperament; Shera quickly resumes her refreshing self and chatter "Oh! I was just mulling Rajkumar...it was amusing to watch how all of them here regard yourself and your status with awe and fondness..." observing an immediate frolicsome reaction in the form of a proud shrug from the prince; the humoured Shera mentally admonishes Veer's belittlement of his fortune "Indeed lucky are those that possess the luxury to attract affection wherever they go..."
Unaware of the long stretch of time that she had been housed on a cosy scarlet velvet sheet countering the chilly marble floor, or of the strain it was causing her legs; the jubilant mother intermittently gapes at the numerous encircling golden trays. While the joyous Nivritti endeavours to organize the placement of gifts and presentations meant for various ranks of arriving visitors; enthusiastic female attendants flanked beside her in the imposing chamber, dutifully attend to all her gratifying wishes. In spite of the demanding nature of the plethora of arrangements in the past fortnight; Nivritti's fatigue fails to mar her radiance, portraying both, her innate beauty and her happiness owing to the impending festivities. As the beautiful evening views the brisk fluttering about of the sprightly regal group, everyone's exhilaration remains an obvious result of the proportions of the forthcoming gaiety, a phenomenon that the stark palace had been devoid of for a very long spell.
As the obliging attendant swiftly stands up and dashes to the other end of her chamber to carry out her bidding, the queen moves the priceless trinkets aside carefully and returns to her commitments with the remaining articles.
Thoroughly absorbed with the enjoyable fervent comments that her besetting maids were making about the new family; the queen takes a while to realize that a voice was calling out to her "Ranima...what... how did you get this?"
Looking up to uncover that her maid was holding the precious bamboo Krishna idol, presented to her by the desolate Pari at the temple festival; the affected mother instantly enjoins her inquisitive maid sternly "Dhanya...please keep it inside now... at once... carefully..." gradually pausing her instructions on appraising that her maids appeared baffled by her possessiveness of such an inexpensive image; Nivritti elaborates on a softer note "Well...it is a memento...it was presented to me by an unfortunate family...they worshipped the idol all these years in the memory of their deceased son...after Dharam and Veer returned from the Gurukul, the lady presented it to me informing me that it would bring good fortune to the royal family..."
Watching the development of unconvinced frowns on the distant face of her silent maid, through the light of the freshly lit lamps in the room; the puzzled Nivritti places the objects from her hand back onto the trays, to enquire "What happened Dhanya? What are you looking to convey?"
Giggling at the evasive frivolous undertone in his question; the sportive girl briefly peers along the deserted streets to lookout for the arrival of the evening tanga and then turns around, to return his mocks with a casual confession "I have not had the privilege of attending Gurukul...how would I know how to wield weapons Rajkumar..." instantly detecting a hint of haughtiness in Veer's majestic smile; the witty Shera yields to his superiority in lively manner, taking the prince by surprise "Yes, if situation demands; I can defend myself from an odd ruffian or two... but anything beyond; it would only be fair to realize that I would be forced to wait for some noble soul like yourself to aid me..." noticing the royal's sudden battle to disguise his obvious blush at the unexpected prankish praise, the triumphant petite continues on a milder note "You are very fond of your weapons and your skills at handling them... are you not, Rajkumar?"
Grinning at her mesmerizing profile; the amused Veer nods his head to accept the validity of her statements and then shortly swerves the subject to reveal a rare glimpse of concern towards her "Ananya...you had mentioned that you owed someone debts... is there not any way that I can help you about it?"
Genuinely touched by his kind effort; the dignified girl refuses his offer with a benign smile "No...thank you Rajkumar Veer... I should manage easily..." she continues friskily "And if I fall short of a few coins... I might pick an odd pocket or two..."
Bursting out into a short spell of chuckles at her mischievous reply; Veer slowly notices that the smiling petite was now staring at the stark ground below her, simultaneously etching insignificant patterns with her toes through the dust. Gradually coming to realize that the attractive blacksmith's gleeful exaggerated tales could be an attempt to conceal the actuality of her possible sadder existence; the smile wears off from the prince's face.
Abandoning her petty pursuit of imprinting designs; Shera visually darts around the stop and the bleak roads for any sign of her evening conveyance, before vibrantly turning back to investigate the cause for the lengthy silence from the prince.
Astonished to note that the stunning royal was unreservedly looking into her consuming eyes; the speechless girl apprehends that the prince had actually been studying her actions so long, probably in the search for few honest answers to her mysterious being. Submitting to the strange moment; the hushed petite quietly observes the drawing nature of his glares, till a distant clamour in the street abruptly make the pair fathom that they were gazing at each other, for a few moments longer than warranted.
Courteously rushing to aid the prince in unloading her hefty freight; Shera agrees perkily "Yes... memorable indeed... the children...the sights at the orphanage ..." pausing to gauge the restless expressions on the face of the prince, who was hauling the weight; she tries to transform the awkwardness between them into playful exchanges "Why Rajkumar, am I mistaken... was there any other cherished instant...anything else in particular, about today... that you were referring to?"
With the prime matter that unsettled him the most having been stirred; Veer becomes instantly annoyed by Shera's mischievous hints that pointed to his rare unguarded moments with her. His vanity shaken; the prince fails to see reason in the jest and reverts to his otherwise resolute self, retorting harshly "What? W...what... no... no I meant the children at the orphanage... what else do you think, I could be referring to..." still aggravated at having permitted her an opportunity to bait him; the now discomforted Veer scorns the girl's proximity during her sincere efforts to help him with the load and chides her unsympathetically "Leave the sack alone... you are delaying me...I can do it myself and proceed on my way..."
Yielding to both his status and irate demeanour; the patient Shera shortly takes a few obedient steps back, to watch the sturdy royal deftly tow the sack to the station. Surprised by the varied range of conflicting attitudes displayed by the prince; the petite begins to deliberate to herself "Short tempered...sometimes overtly prideful ...but...it doesn't imply that he does not possess humility..." she pauses "Well, in spite of having access to such luxuries and opulence, he always like to keep himself busy with assisting the common man..." halting her thoughts to notice the apparently enlarging tanga nearing her; the girl snaps out of her muse and giggles at the queer direction that her debate appeared to be taking.
Pallor having intensively conquered the glow in her visage; the distressed Nivritti struggles to rationalize the gush of afflicting notions, swinging back and forth in her mind "What is she saying? She might be wrong...no this cannot be true... were that family mistaken or did they deliberately lie to me...is their son still alive...if so, then why did she hand over the idol to me?"
Striving to restrain her trembling fingers, in a meek bid to avoid her petrified state being exposed to her curious maids; the concerned mother tries to dispute the contradictory fears emerging in her mind, cursing the volatile fate of her son's future with her "Lord! Why can I not have a normal life with my son like every other mother? But... but... but... I could also be over-reacting...there could be no connection at all...can there...but, were they not the same family that selflessly nursed Veer for three days when he was injured during the riots...and...and...wasn't that lady, Pari staring dotingly at Veer during the temple festival ...Oh! Lord...could my panic be justified..."
Nervously facing a myriad of vague horrifying recollections that confounded the queen even more; Nivritti battles to swallow her tears, when she fails to recover from the agonizing reality that she could lose her son permanently one day "Every time I think Veer's past has indeed been buried, something crops up to bring harrowing reminders of it back to me..."
Having noticed her agitated persona; the troubled attendants attempt to enquire of her wellbeing, thus compelling the lone parent to slowly compose herself by taking a significant determined vow in the process "No... I have to soothe my racing fears...I cannot afford for others to unveil anything about all this...I shall meet the family after the ceremonies...I have to find out for myself...if all this is just a coincidence... or if they have been dishonest about the reason, for having handed the idol to me..."
Marking his actions; Shera charmingly refuses his support, in a selfless bid to prevent him further trouble "It's all right Rajkumar...I should be able to manage... you may proceed on your way..."
Placing the sack into the tanga single-handedly; the vigorous prince reproves Shera in a low tone "Stubborn..."
Recognizing the hush comment darted towards her; the alarmed girl turns around, only to descry the egoistic prince casually departing towards his steed.
Disapproving of his remark; Shera swings back to nimbly ascend the tanga, resorting to her only permitted retaliation of muttering inaudible justifications to herself "Stubborn? Rajkumar ...you should thank your stars that I am stubborn...if not, you would probably have never been spotted or rescued from that wet sidepath...on that damp cold night..."
Taken aback; Shera gradually accepts her pouch with gratitude, all the while striving to read the calculated expressions flashing through his auburn eyes, in order to perceive if the prince had been witness to her private moments of venting out frustrations. As the harness to the tanga is fastened, the shrewd girl still feels unable to dispel her ignorance on whether Veer had managed to construe the purport of her whispers and eventually chooses to remain silent on the issue. Returning the polite bows from the tanga passengers and its driver with a few formal nods; the stupefied Veer takes a few paces back to let the conveyance steer its course, away.
Having set out on the protracted journey from the lustrous Niphaudi streets even before the infantile sun had emerged; the scintillating procession maintain unbroken progress to ensure their arrival at the Aryanagar palace gates, in time for the auspicious moment. Alerted to the noise of celebratory fanfare at the very crack of dawn; masses of drowsy Aryanagar residents from all over the kingdom, rush outside their modest homes to observe the rare sequential marching of a less acquainted community in their streets. While most watch the procession in silent awe; excited children wave out to the cordial fringes of large military regiments guarding the glistening train of palace residents and the grand conveyances carrying the Niphaudi rulers. In between rows of sentinel safeguarding both the sovereigns and their hordes of priceless belongings; palace attendants systematically transport numerous trunks, bearing costly presents, religious paraphernalia and the ruling family's personal possessions. As the splendorous train pass and swerve through the amber streets of the capital, the Niphaudis survey and comment on the Aryanagar royals' affectionate exhibition of their enthusiasm for the festivities, by painstakingly decorating rows of streets with floral festoons.
Approaching the vicinity of the palace; the visiting procession march to an amplified welcome, comprising generous strewing of flowers, mellow fanfare and the fragrant showering of rosewater by methodically stationed Aryanagar residents. Striding in concert to the gladdening uproar of victorious hails to Maharaj Aryavardhan, Yuvraj Dharmavardhan and their soon to be royal kin from Niphaud; the guests reach the broad green lanes leading to the behemoth corrugated gates of the palace.
Having been informed of the progress of the Niphaudi entourage regularly during the propitious early morning; the diligent Aryanagar monarchs and their massive retinue complete their final examinations of their impeccable ceremonial hospitality arrangements. Made aware of the audible explosive sounds of bands and merrymaking advancing towards them; the dazzling Aryavardhan, Swathi and Nivritti, dressed in choicest of clothes and ornaments, cordially leave the interiors of their august palace. Encircled by breathtaking decorations and girdled by a vast flock of maids holding formally organized greeting trays; the restless monarchs wait at the topmost marble steps, joyously watching the official opening of the palace gates.
No sooner than the pomp and gaiety of the primary courtesies come to an end; the queens proceed to escort the paramount persona of the breathtaking princess emerging from her palanquin, shortly joined by her bevy of exuberant friends. Just as the nervous princess obeys her mother's instructions and offers the Aryanagar queens her humble respects by touching their feet, the delighted Swathi performs the indispensable customs to ward off any evil eye, from her spellbinding daughter.
Ensuing the lengthy tender procedures of welcome; the regal gathering of the queens, their attendants, friends and maids, finally enter the palace, with the guarded presence of the striking princess in their midst. Watching the colossal female retinue vanish into the majestic palace corridors; the elated kings gradually take their own course in a bid to join the magnificent Dharam and his handsome companions, patiently waiting in the receiving chamber of the palace.
Ciao😳
Kumkum Bhagya
Debate Mansion
317