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Once upon a time, in a land far far away there lived a fair maiden. People say that when she smiles sun shines brighter, when she talks you can hear wind chimes and that happiness and joy follows her footsteps. The talks of her beauty were all over the town but she is more known for the goodness of her heart. She was a gentle soul who cared for all the creatures men and animals alike. and so she was adored by all men, women, children, birds and animals. But as all good fairy tales have evil shadows in the maiden life, this one too had such evil souls. Her aunt. the wretch that she was, her only aim in life was to get her niece married off to a rich suiter and then live off her fortune. The commander of Kings army, blinded by power and wealth who only wanted to own the beautiful and free spirited maided despite being unworthy to even touch her shadow. Oblivious to these evil shadows in her life the maiden went on to spread joy and happiness around her as usual. And then came a day which changed her life forever.
It started as a mild rainy day. The maiden went to jungle to collect some wild flowers. On her way back she heard a voice as if someone is in pain. She followed that voice. Moving aside the branches that go in her way she was met by a sight that stopped her for a moment. A man was lying on the ground moaning in pain. He was dressed as a Knight would. His face was covered with a black scarf. The maiden could see that he was shot by an arrow. His horse was whining nuzzling the master. The maiden rushed towards him and held his head in her lap. His eyes were closed. She gently patted him and he opened his eyes. Those eyes. Those intense eyes which spoke volumes. She was lost in them. He winced in pain and then she got back to the reality.
"what happened?" she exclaimed.
"Hunting!Got lost! Bandits!" He winced in pain again. Despite the obvious pain in the voice, that voice was so deep and rich.
The maiden helped him get up and with great difficuly made him mount the horse and mounted after him. She guided the horse to her house. Her aunt was off to another town for work. She helped him dismount and took him inside her house.
She made him rest on the bed and said.
"I need to remove your clothes to check the wound.".
He smiled despite pain and removed the scarf covering his face.
"I trust you to keep my honour safe".
She would have smiled but was struck at the face of the man. It was a handsome face but that smile gave it a childlike innocence. With great difficulty she focussed on the job at hand. She was trained in medicine by her father. So she cleaned up his wound which was deep and then covered it with herbs.
All the while the man gritted in pain but did not show pain. She was amazed at that toughness.
It took 3 days and 3 nights for him to heal. And she was with him tending and caring. and He with her friendly and calm. They did not converse much but their silence spoke. The days went by. They never realized how close they were bonded till an annoncement was made that the prince is missing and kingdom is threatened by enemies. The man had to leave. And she was broken knowing that she could not stop him.
He left giving her that one last glance which promised that he will be back.
The battle was ferocious. But nothing compared to the misfortune that fell upon the poor maiden. Her aunt decided to get her married to the commander all the pleadings of the maiden to no avail.
It was a warm sunny day. The town was gathered in the garden of the commanders house. No one was happy. But the bride was composed. The ceremony started. All the while her eyes were looking at the entrace waiting and waiting.
And then He came.
Dressed in the same Knights battle gear black scarf covering his face. She would know him and those eyes anywhere. He charged in and dismounted.
"Who are you?" the commander thundered.
"The soul mate of the fair maiden" He looked at the maiden with all the love in the world.
The commander charged at him with his sword. The fight was one sided. The man emerged victorious. And then the wind blew off his scarf.
"Prince!" breathed the crowd and they kneeled one by one.
The maiden was confused.
He walked puposefully towards her and knelt in front of her bringing out a ring.
"Will you marry me!"
What else could she say..
"Yes"
He smiled and got up. Reverently he held her palm and slid his ring around her finger.
"Everyone calls me prince. But you my lady, can call me...
Mishal!!!"
and will you bestow me the honour of knowing your name"..
she smiled.
"Indu!!"
He held her palm up and interlinked his fingers around her. The sun threw his rays as blessings on them and the rock in her finger sparkled in rainbow colours. Colours which would be part of their lives forever.
As would be joy and laughter.
As would be love.
And so as all good fairy tales end..
They lived happily ever after...
