Chapter 3: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/129862496
Here is the update. Hope you guys enjoy it.
Chapter 4: The expedition begins
There were many reasons for that. And they were all because of her savior, the prince of her dreams and nightmares; Ashok.
Ashok was leaving for Taxilla, a region that was taken over by a fierce band of rebels. They were so powerful right now that the Samrat has to send his Sena to deal with them. Not only that but one of his sons has to lead them. Akramak's untimely death played a role in that development.
Despite what Ahankara said to Ashok last night, she was anxious beyond comprehension. Trouble always seems to shadow Ashok at every turn. And there was never a moment when Ashok's life was not at risk.
Ahankara remembered the first time she saw him. It was a foreshadowing of the events to come in her life. She would constantly be in danger and Ashok would be risking his life to save her's.
Ahankara still regretted behaving the way she did with Ashok initially. Yes, Sushim had egged her on but, she was foolish enough to let him.
Ahankara was spoiled. She craved attention. Her parents though they loved her had become busy with the affairs of the Kingdom. Though her Acharya and her cousin Agnishikha somewhat filled the void. And she was the princess of a beautiful kingdom. But the grandeur of Magadh and the warmth of the Mauryan family, or Samrat Bindusar to be specific, drew her towards them. And of course, the eldest son of the Mauryan house, the heir apparent was besotted with her. Throughout the stolen moments with with Sushim, she even had dreams of becoming the eventual Maharani of Magadh after she married the self proclaimed Yuvraj. All in all life was going very well for her.
It all changed when her father perpetrated his conspiracy. Ahankara's life had turned upside down. She had no one by her side. None. Not even her supposed love, Sushim.
That was the point when she had no one to turn to. And that was when Ashok extended his hand towards her.
Ever since she entered the Lakshagraha, her life was constantly in danger. If it were not for Ashok's heroics, she wouldn't be alive today. Ashok had crossed every limit for her. Even crossing swords with Sushim several times. Even crossing blades against his own father.
And through all that Ahankara had developed feelings for him. A boy whom everyone thought to be a mere commoner at the time. But Ahankara saw his talents. She saw how Ashok stood up against Sushim's arrogance and cruelty. She saw how Rajkumar Siyamak was attached to him. How fondly Samrat Bindusar showered his praises and graced his favors on the young man. How everyone was drawn to his good nature. The good nature that was guided by his pure heart. He was dressed as a commoner. But he carried himself with the grace and charisma of a Prince.
He was also very handsome. Ahankara noticed that even in those commoner garbs he didn't look like a commoner. And his eyes. Even when she hated him, those expressive eyes of his captivated her. And when she started falling for him, Ahankara felt like she could look into those eyes forever.
More importantly, Ashok's good nature had started to influence her. She started mingling with commoners. Menial tasks that she perceived to be beneath her in the past, seemed to reinvigorate her.
Her mother was disgusted when she noticed the change in her. Disgusted to the point where she was conspiring to kill Ashok. But like her father, she died at the hands of Samrat Bindusar.
Ahankara was saddened by the death of her parents, but she was disgusted by their actions and their greed. Greed for the throne of Magadh. Everyone seemed to be after it and conspiring for it. And the most recent conspiracy had claimed the life of Acharya Chanakya, an event that had sent Ashok and all of Magadh into inconsolable grief.
Ahankara owed a lot to Acharya Chanakya. He was responsible for shaping Ashok into the noble and responsible prince that he is today. His timely intervention saved Ashok's life. He played a decisive role in ensuring that she and her brother was freed from the clutches of the monstrous Sushim. If it weren't for Acharya Chanakya and Ashok she would be living a life that would have been worse than death itself. Her engagement with Sushim was yet another political ploy by her mother to secure her future.
Ahankara was disgusted with herself for being the daughter of such parents. The kind of people that cared about nothing but power.
"Rajkumari."
Someone called her. Ahankara turned to see it was a daasi.
"Acharya Radhagupt wants to meet with you."
Ahankara was surprised. Radhagupt, the cerebral student of Acharya Chanakya, rarely spoke to her. Why would he want to meet her now?
Curiosity and questions simultaneously piqued Ahankara's mind.
"Send him in." Ahankara replied as she stood up. Does it have something to do with Ashok?
"Ekant." Ahankara said as Acharya Radhagupt donned in the white robes and a red shawl walked in. As the daasi left her room Ahankara felt nervousness creep in.
After they exchanged awkward greetings there was a moment of silence. Radhagupt cleared his throat.
"How are you feeling Rajkumari?" he said carefully, trying to make Ahankara comfortable.
"As good as I can be." Ahankara said with a strained smile. Ahankara noticed the sunken eyes of Radhagupt. Looks like he hasn't been sleeping either, and why would he? His guru had died just a week ago. He was going through the same thing as Ashok, probably worse. Acharya Chanakya was the closest thing to a father that Radhagupt had. That is what Ashok told her in their conversation last night.
"Rajkumari." Radhagupt started. "Do you keep in touch with your people from Ujjain? Do know what is going on there right now?"
The question caught Ahankara off guard. She did know bits and pieces of what was going on in her kingdom. With all that has happened over the past few months she didn't find much time to spare any thoughts for it. The last major event she heard regarding Ujjain was that Acharya Chanakya and Samrat Bindusar went to Ujjain and negotiated a peace treaty. A treaty that saw Senapati Rudra, Ahankara's Acharya appointed as regent until Ahankara's brother came of age.
"Not really." Ahankara replied. "Not since..." Her mother's death.
"I see." Radhagupt said thoughtfully. "I have sent a letter to Senapati Rudra."
Ahankara was taken aback. "Why?"
"Because I need his help," Radhagupt replied. "I need your help. Ashok needs your help."
Ahankara gasped. "Why? What is going on? Is Ashok in danger?"
"Not immediately. No." Radhagupt said quietly. "But he will be."
Ahankara felt a chill creep her spine. She knew Taxilla was dangerous. But she never imagined that it would be anything like her nightmares.
"Rajkumari." Radhagupt began. "Ashok needs your Sena for his Ahbyan in Taxilla."
Ahankara took a deep breath as she absorbed Radhagupt's words.
"Are you saying the Magadh sena are not strong enough to defeat Keechak?" Ahankara asked.
"The issue is more complicated than it looks Rajkumari." Radhagupt replied. "You know Rajkumar Sushim was Acharya Chanakya's original choice. Why is that?"
Ahankara sat down as thoughts swirled her mind. "To protect Ashok?" she asked tentatively.
"Yes." Radhagupt replied. "To protect Ashok. You have seen what has gone on the past month."
Ahankara cringed inwardly as Sushim's gloating face flashed in her mind.
"Ashok has not embraced his role as the Prince of Magadh as he should have." Radhagupt said. "And conversely, there are people who have not accepted Ashok as a Prince yet."
Ahankara thought for a bit. What was Acharya Radhagupt trying to say? That Ashok cannot control the Sena of Magadh?
"The Senapati that is going with Ashok right now," Radhagupt continued. "Is one such individual. He was handpicked by Amatya Khalnatak."
Ahankara felt her stomach churn. "B-but-"
"I know what you are thinking right now." Radhagupt continued. "Amatya Khalnatak is probably the most unlikely person right now who wants to see Ashok live, let alone succeed. However the dice has already been rolled."
Ahankara stood up. She tried to stop her hands from shaking. Is Ashok going to die? Was she once again going to stand by and do nothing?
"Rajkumari." Radhagupt continued. "Ashok is a charismatic youth. He can win over the soldiers eventually. But that is a gamble I am not willing to take."
Ahankara turned her back on Radhagupt. She bit her lip as she tried to stop her tears from flowing. Ahankara pull yourself together.
Radhagupt waited for the Rajkumari to speak. Radhagupt sighed. She is the best hope Ashok has right now. After what seemed like forever Ahankara spoke in a firm voice that surprised Radhagupt.
"What do you want me to do Acharya?"
Radhagupt hid his smile, "I need you to convince Senapti Rudra to join Ashok at Taxilla."
Ahankara turned towards Radhagupt wiping her eyes. "How will I do that?"
"I don't know if you know this." Radhagupt continued. "But you are the current Rani of Ujjain. All the soldiers there have sworn their oath of loyalty to you. They will do any bidding that you ask of them."
Ahankara was taken aback. She had succeeded her mother. And she didn't even know it.
"I have already sent a letter to Senapati Rudra stating you want to meet him." Radhagupt continued. "I should be getting a reply soon"
Ahankara didn't say anything. She just stared at Radhagupt.
"I am sorry Rajkumari." Radhagupt said apologetically. "I should have asked for your permission. But time is of the essence."
Ahankara couldn't believe it. Here was Ashok's Acharya, asking for her help. When barely a day ago she was the one that needed all the help she could possibly get.
"Rajkumari?" Radhagupt said concernedly. "I am sorry. I guess I should have-"
"I will do it." Ahankara said fiercely. "I will do everything I can to help Ashok."
Radhagupt smiled. "Good." He said with a nod. "I have asked Senapati Rudra to come to the enclave just outside Patliputra. We will meet him there."
"Can't we meet him here?" Ahankara asked curiously. "Shouldn't the Samrat know?"
"I want this to be between us Rajkumari." Radhagupt said with a frown. "The odds are stacked against Ashok as it is."
"Acharya, someone is coming." Radhagupt and Ahankara turned to see it was Ishwari.
Radhagupt turned to Ahankara. "Listen Rajkumari, Ishwari will escort you to the meeting place when it is time. Alright?"
Ahankara nodded.
"Good." Radhagupt said with a final nod and then swiftly left the room.
Ahankara sat down on her bed, re-tracing everything that has gone through the past few moments.
Ahankara thoughtfully looked out to the window. She suddenly remembered something Ashok said once,
"Samay ka bara hi vichatra lakhshan hai...parivartan."
Ahankara smiled as she looked into her palm. The three dotted scars barely visible in the rising sun.
Ahankara heard her brother crying for her. Looks like he is finally up.
She walked over the crib and took the little boy in her arms.
Ashok. It is finally my turn to do something for you.
In the main courtyard at the palace of Patliputra the Magadh Sena were on standby. Waiting for the arrival of their leader, Rajkumar Ashok.
Bindusar walked out of the Palace door clad in his magnificent robes as always with the royal entourage in tow. Rani Dharma was walking next to him, with Rajmata Helena, Rajkumar Siyamak, Maharani Charumitra, Rajkumar Sushim, Rani Subrasi and Rajkumar Drupad trailing them.
Amatya Khalnatak was waiting for them near the stone steps that lead to front court of the palace. His vulture like gaze scanning the surroundings. His eyes widened as Ashok walked in pulling Kulbhushan with him.
Not just his, but every eye turned towards the Rajkumar.
He was no longer in his commoner garbs. But instead he was wearing a majestic golden armor and bright red robes. The emblem of Magadh etched on the armor was shining gloriously. His hair was neatly tied back and a golden circlet was wrapped around his forehead, from which the sun rays glared brilliantly. Ashok placed Kulbhusan just ahead of his royal guard. He then turned and scaled the steps quickly, moving towards his family.
Bindusar's chest swelled with pride as he saw his son coming towards him. Ashok touched his feet and Bindusar pulled him into a hug.
"Now," Bindusar said jovially, "You look like a Prince."
Ashok grinned. "Of course Pitaji. I am your son after all."
Bindusar chuckled. "Never wear those rags again." He said in mock seriousness.
"Let's see."Ashok shrugged as he went towards his mother.
Dhrama's face wore an expression of pure elation. She wasn't as glamorously dressed as the other queens, but in simple clothes and minimal jewelry. To a casual observer she looked a bit plain. But to Ashok and Bindusar, Dharma was the most beautiful woman in world.
"Putra." Dhrama smiled as she touched Ashok's face. Ashok touched her feet and then hugged her. "This is the proudest moment of my life." Dharma said as her eyes met Ashok's. "You are taking over your father's duties of protecting Magadh."
Ashok returned her dazzling smile. "Everything I do, I do to make you proud Ma."
"It's not just about me anymore Putra." Dharma replied. "There are many people besides me who have pinned their hopes on you."
Ashok nodded.
"You have to ensure that the values of Acharya Chanakya live on through your actions." Dharma said looking into Ashok's eyes.
Ashok's mind traveled back to last night when he heard his mother read Acharya Chanakya's last letter to her. It was just as he expected. Acharya in his own words outlined the responsibilities he expected Dharma to fulfill. Sincerely asking her to do her duties as the wife of Bindusar, asking her to do her duties as the queen of Magadh, and asking her to embrace her role as the future Rajmata of Magadh.
Ashok hugged his mother once again. And then he proceeded to exchange pleasantries with the rest of his family.
His Bhrata Sushim and his stepmother Charumitra were barely hiding their rage and revulsion. He just smiled at them and then turned to the Rajmata. Rajmata Helena was wearing the expression of utter serenity which was unsettling. But Ashok continued smiling. I will figure you out someday.
He hugged Drupad and then proceeded to touch Subrasi's feet.
"Vijay Bhava." Subrasi said with a smile. "Take care of yourself."
"I will." Ashok said
with a nod.
"Bhrata." Drupad said, "Will you bring something from Taxilla for me?"
"Why not?" Ashok asked, "I will bring the finest things that Taxilla has to offer for you."
He caught Subrasi's eye as he ruffled Drupad's hair. Subrasi smiled.
Ashok then turned to Siyamak. There was a moment of awkward silence between them. Ashok had not spoken to Siyamak since his outburst at the sparring arena. Siyamak was avoiding his eyes. The anxiousness was suffocating.
"I know things are not as great between us as I would like them to be." Ashok said quietly. "I doubt they ever will be. But in case I don't return, please do forgive me, my brother. I was only doing my duty."
Siyamak looked up at him, his eyes barely hiding the tempest of emotions.
"Return safely." Siyamak said abruptly and ran off. Ashok followed Siyamak as he disappeared from the scene. Rajmata as expected was running after him.
Ashok saw Radhagupt brushing past the Rajmata. Radhagupt stole a glance at Rajmata before walking towards Ashok. Radhagupt handed Ashok a scroll before pointing him towards another direction.
Rajkumari Ahankara had arrived. Ashok felt the suffocating anxiety leaving him. Ashok walked towards her.
"Please be careful Ashok." Ahankara said concernedly, her eyes latching onto him. Out of the corner of his own eyes Ashok could see everyone was looking towards them.
"I will. I promise." Ashok replied. Ashok looked into Ahankara's eyes which were looking at him as if there was no tomorrow. The locks of her hair dancing in the breeze. He thought he had said goodbye to her last night. He was set to leave before dawn today. But fate and Acharya Radhagupt had other plans. With great effort Ashok pulled his gaze away from her and walked towards his father.
Bindusar was curiously looking towards his son. He never, for even a moment bought the lie that Ashok fed him in prison. And it irked him ceaselessly that his son would have to lie to the extent he did. Bindusar brushed away his thoughts. He needed to focus on the matter at hand.
He called the attendants as Ashok stood before him. The first attendant brought the sword of his father. Bindusar suppressed a shudder as he took his father's sword. Bindusar never felt worthy of wielding that sword. Despite what everyone would say to spare his feelings, he knew full well that his father, Chandragupt Maurya was a far greater Samrat than him. And the youth that stood before him was the one who deserved to wield that sword. Because this youth had the potential to surpass Chandragupt himself.
Bindusar smiled. He held the sword as Ashok knelt down on his knees and extended his hands.
"My son." Bindusar said, "You are the pride and glory of Magadh now." He carefully placed the sword into Ashok's hands. "Lead our Sena to victory."
Ashok took the sword and brushed his lips on the blade. He put the sword in the specially made sheath and stood up.
"I will not let you down father." Ashok said confidently.
The second attendant handed Bindusar a large gold coin which had a lion brilliantly emblazoned on it, the symbol of the Mauryan dynasty.
"I heard that Keechak has introduced his own coinage." Bindusar said holding the coin before Ashok's eyes. "Once you take control of Taxilla, you will re-introduce our coinage. Coinage is one of the biggest symbols of authority Putra. Our symbol being in the coins indicates that any trade that takes place, it is in our name. And the trade takes place in accordance to the values that were formed by my father, Samrat Chandragupt and Acharya Chanakya."
Ashok nodded as Dharma looked on the exchange between father and son affectionately.
"And know this Putra, this coin will enable you to draw support from other fort and provincial leaders. Possession of this coin grants you authority. Use it well."
Ashok took the coin and stared at it.
"I will restore the Mauryan authority in Taxilla father." Ashok said determinedly. "I will rid the region of injustice." He carefully placed the coin in his pouch. He then knelt down and touched Bindusar's feet.
"Vijay Bhava." Bindusar said proudly. Ashok stood up. With one last nod towards his father, the rest of his family and Ahankara, he descended down the steps and mounted Kulbhushan. Dharma locked her hands around Bindusar's arm. Both of them beaming at one another.
"Alright men." Ashok shouted taking the reins of Kulbhushan. "Forward!"
Khalnatak looked on as Ashok led the Sena through the gates of the palace. He was feeling outraged. Rajkumar Ashok had ignored him completely.
Calm down Khalnatak. Calm down. No need to lose your cool over such trivial matters.
Bindusar and Dharma were oblivious to the antics of the Amatya. Both of them blissfully gazed on as their son marched with the grand army of Magadh.
Radhagupt was looking towards Khalnatak with a bemused smile. His gaze then shifted towards the members of the royal family that wore expressions similar to the Amatya's. Radhagupt smirked.
Jitna bhi yojna banani hai, banalo, jitna bhi sharyantra rachani hai rachalo. Saare ke saare befaal hoyenge. I, Radhagupt, shishya of Acharya Chanakya will see to that.
Leave your thoughts below.
Originally posted by: rosecutieAwesome writeup babur.👍🏼loved ur strong characterization of Acharya Radhagupt and convo betw ahankara and him.hope we get to view it in the show too.
Originally posted by: mistofshadowsBabur...
You are the best.
This update was my life saviour after yesterday's stupid episode. Honestly The Plotting Prince is a real dunce in this show. He seriously gets himself captured 🤢
When I was watching MP, any such situation like that Ashok encountered would have fueled Pratap to a rage that would have ended with his victory and death of the perpetrators.
Uff, anyway back to your update, I love the part where Bindusar tells Ashok mock seriously not to wear his commoner clothing anymore. Let me tell you something here, I have this tiny little obsession of always bringing Ashok's clothing into light and addressing them as rags🤪
I even made Nicator call him The Rag King 😆
And finally Ahankara does something useful rather than sitting and contributing to the rising water level. Ujjain's army was notable in those days, but Babur wasn't Ujjain suffering from some unrest too that Ashok had to go and solve? If Ujjain's army remains here what happened to that rebellion? Will you bring that after the Taxhilla case and con tinue your fic please...
Siamak, the little glances you give into his character that leaves us bemused. I love it.
Khallatak...after what he did, after Ashok's reactions, he still expects Ashok to even acknowledge him????? That man has an ego the size of an ocean seriously. Thank God Ashok gave up on Samudri Marg!
I just realised something. No Samudri Marg means no Karuvaki right? I mean during the journey at least.
Since this is your story will Devi or Asandhamitra make any entry?
Bindusar and the Sword...that little paragraph was my favourite. I am currently focusing on that relationship only. Loved that.
Long comment...sorry about that. Couldn't stop typing once I began. Thanks for the chapter btw.
- Niki
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