CN SS: ~REVENGE~ part 11 updated at page 31 - Page 22

Originally posted by: jayaks02

Stuti Bache - Hope you do not mind me calling you that.

I simply loved your Nandini in first chapters - Even now I love her. My biggest grouse is that Serial N fell for C without any major reason /timespan/ happenings.

But I want yours to keep this transition very balanced and believable . which means even for Chandra, it should be like " My god . She is so devoted to her family type and feel jealous.

So I am okay with the slow transition but do not rush it up. I know you will not. 😆 You are a devil.

😉

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

anyone remembers me?

Originally posted by: diyak

You are asking this? 😲

I love your story and literally checks every day if you posted an update :)

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

😆 😳

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

PART 9:

"Maharaj is waiting for you over there, Maharani." The chief guard stated while pointing to the terrace attached to the grand room of His Majesty. You may go there; we will be waiting for you here.

"I will go alone? Have you forgotten that I am a prisoner?" Nandini could not help but to smile out of surprise.

"Yes Maharani..." There was no sign of smile in the face of the rigid woman. "I have been ordered for this. His Majesty does not want any third person when he will talk to his wife."

While walking towards the patio Nandini still was surprised. What is the reason of this sudden call that too without any guards and security? What is running in his mind?

This move by Chandra seemed to be haste , it will surely sow the seeds of suspicion on mind. He should have made it a slow process

@ black, I Liked this line , it gives the vibes of intimacy😳

"Good Morning Yours Majesty, I..." Nandini had to stop despite starting the very formal conversation in one breath... as she had seen a magnificent scene in front of her.

The first ray of the morning sun had just touched the walls and windows of the palace of Magadh. Like a priest puts a mark of victory on the forehead of the newly coroneted mighty warrior king, the sun has showered the blessing through its first ray on the newly founded kingdom of Magadh. The golden and orange hues like holy fire has swept over the open terrace, and the bright new sun of the new dawn was peeping up from the hazy mist of horizon, melting the darkness and spreading the aura of a new hope of tomorrow. Nandini gazed and gazed. Perhaps this is the first time in her life she has seen the divine beauty of a sunrise... She could not take back her eyes... she kept on gazing... There is a silhouette of a masculine profile over the patio, glowing like gorgeous melted gold in the shower of the holy sunrays... His back was revealed in front of Nandini's eyes. The very muscular and manly built, and the very fair complexion, worth of jealousy of the colour of the beautiful dawn itself, was shining brilliantly in this ocean of golden hue. His body is in the posture of Surya-Namaskar... with all the devotion of his heart he is offering his prayers to the deity of Sun... Nandini could not remove her eyes from the display of the amazing art of body... she could not keep her princely dignity by preventing herself from ogling the perfect moves of his whip-like figure, constant change of each and every posture in fraction of seconds and the elastic flexibility of controlling each and every part of the body according to own wish of mind. It was looking the son of sun is himself offering his devotion to the Sun of the dawn...

Nandini did not notice that the time was flowing, but meanwhile Chandra has got finished his Surya-Pranam. After offering the final prayer to the deity of Sun he looked back, and his eyes directly fell on Nandini. The reddish glow had fallen in her face like a spontaneous blush. She was looking different. And beautiful.

They both were attracted towards each other physically soon they will get emotionally too

"You..." Though Chandragupta was a bit embarrassed in front of her as he was bare-chested, he did not let that to reflect on his face. While wearing a courtesy smile he swiftly pulled his Uttariya from nearby stand and covered himself. Then picking up the silk towel he wiped out the sweat and came nearer. "I have told to inform you to meet me when you're ready, but I never thought you will be coming so early. It seems you are quite an early riser."

Nandini did not tell that she has awaked up in early morning for the first time and smiled in anticipation. "It seems His Majesty is a very early riser!" She told.

"Of course... A king is not allowed to sleep more than 4 hours." Chandra said while offering her the nearby seat at the terrace. With a little hesitation Nandini sat, and Chandra sat beside her. He was too idle to speak it seemed, as his eyes were relishing the sight of Sunrise. Nandini looked at his face. His bright face was glowing even more in the sparkle of the sunrise... Nandini gulped before she could speak.

"If His Majesty allows me may I ask that what was the reason for that I have been called?" She asked in a composed and mild tone.

"Yes, of course." Chandra smiled before looking at her. There was an unknown urge in his eyes, and he can hardly be considered as an enemy. Nandini got thrilled without any reason; she forcefully looked down to avoid the eye-contact, perhaps to emphasize the fact in her mind that he is an enemy. Chandra observed her for a moment, then he spoke in a lighter tone. "I have heard how did you protest when one of my soldiers were torturing a street-boy. I am very moved by this gesture of you. Thank you..."

"You should not be thankful to me, Maharaj. What I did was completely spontaneous, and it was my duty." Nandini told. Suddenly a sting of doubt had stuck in her already confused mind... It can't be the reason of calling her private.

As u said nandhini is not an easy cookie, I am very glad abt this

"I know you consider this as your duty, and this thought is very much appreciable. You acted just like a queen should do." Chandra smiled. There was a strange softness in his eyes.

"Thank you Your Majesty. I am glad to know that you considered me as an able queen of this kingdom!" Nandini uttered still trying to fathom the real intension behind this much softness.

"Yes, but my opinions have no value, until and unless the subjects consider you as an able queen for them." Chandra's glare was deep. Nandini stuck once again. The display of hatred by the subjects in the function of charity was floating in front of her eyes, was paining her again.

"I am aware of the incident which took place in the temple." Chandra shook head sadly. "It was indeed unfortunate and sad. A king or queen can hold the power of authority one and only when their subjects allow them to do so. If the subjects of Magadh do not accept you as their queen then it is obviously not a good sign..."

Nandini did not tell anything. After watching her for a while, Chandra again spoke out, and this time his calm voice had a slight touch of heated excitement. "But what I feel the subjects are very much wrong here. Maybe this is a natural reaction, and we cannot blame them for being true to their heart, but still... it is wrong. It is not right to put the burden of sin of father on the shoulder of his innocent daughter of course. Maybe I could have handled the situation better if I were there. Though, the problem here is deep-rooted... it's not easy to get the respect from the bunch of raged mass..."

He kept on but Nandini was silent. She knows everything, but why Chandra is so concerned about her position in the heart of the subjects?

"I was thinking about a solution and hence called you." Chandra kept on talking. "I want that my subjects will give you the respect which you are supposed to deserve as a queen. According to the general norms of any kingdom, every queen of any queen should be equally loved and respected by the subjects, and if by any chance the subjects are against the queen it tells upon the reputation of the king himself. Hence I will love to give you ample opportunities to prove your capabilities as a queen, after what I can guarantee you, that while performing your duty as the queen of this land, you will get your deserving respect of a queen of Maharaj Chandragupta Maurya from the subjects."

Nandini looked at the eyes of Chandragupta. Yes, the truth is that! Nandini can only regain the respect worth of a royal lady when is the wife of Chandragupta, else she is not worth of it in this kingdom! There is no place of respect for Nandputri in the kingdom of Chandragupta Maurya.

The whole part was superb and very practical. Friendly conversation indeed but he still shows her, her place , at least according to her he is.

"What do you expect me to do, Maharaj!" Nandini asked.

"To do something that would compel the subjects to forget that you are Nand's daughter." Chandra's voice only reflected what Nandini was thinking in her mind. There was a slight smirk in his face. As if he was again mocking her existence of being the daughter of Mahapadmanand. Nandini felt the load inside her heart... She is being told to deny her root, her identity, her father for sake of own reputation. But when did Nandini learn to think about herself only forgetting her father, mother, brothers and her own family? A hard sting of bitterness clenched her heart now. The earlier mesmerisation for Chandra that had covered her eyes was slowly getting hazy in the shadow of that bitterness. With that, another cloud of thought was slowly overpowering her mind... what is his intension actually...

This is really a bad thing to do. when u want make someone your friend u just can't ask her to break her relationship with her loved ones in an instant

Though Nandini did not react, rather she wore a courtesy smile instantly. "I am honoured that you are so concerned about my status, Maharaj. But was it the only reason for what you called me here, that too in private?"

Chandra laughed. His white teeth shone in the reddish beam. "You're having doubt on my intension, Nand-Putri?"

"Of-course not, My Lord." Nandini told instantly. "You are the king, and I am your mere house-arrested prisoner. There is no scope to even imagine that you will have some hidden intension behind any of your action. You have that capacity to order me and I am bound to obey you. But I am surprised, Your Majesty, that you have remembered me for only this reason which entirely revolves around me. Am I worthy of that much attention?"

Chandra stared at Nandini's eye for a while. Then his smile broadened. Instead of answering her he picked an entirely different topic. "You are a sensible woman Nandkumari. I think by this time you have got the idea that how much nasty ruler your father was. I am sure you have got an experience that how much hatred and curse your father has gathered in his name, so that even his daughter is not spared from the fire of their rage. You're the only one left who has the strength to repent your nasty father's deed. You have to do it!" He paused for a moment. "I don't know if I would have told you all these ever... but after witnessing that you have a heart, and you have an honest feelings of responsibility for weaker, I somehow got to believe that you are not like your father. You are different, and you are good. And perhaps you are sensible enough to understand what I am telling. You will sure adopt in your new life."

Nandini did not tell anything; basically she was unable to do so. The sting of doubt was still pinching in her mind- why is Chandragupta telling all these suddenly?

"Let me tell you something Nandputri!" Chandra's tone was sharp as a whip. "If I have done some good works in my whole life, I consider killing your father was the top-most of all of them. I understand your pain... However he might be, he was your father, you are obviously expected to love him and to shed tear for him. But your love and tears do not reduce the burden of his sins, neither he becomes eligible for forgiveness. The truth is always bitter, and you have to except it that your father Nand has no place in my kingdom. My subjects will never tolerate his slightest shadow even in his daughter. So, if you want to be their queen, you have to deny the existence of your father forever..."

He is really bad at making friends indeed , how can he say that he was glad of killing her father that to, to her, this is height of foolishness, his acharya would have acted better

Nandini's eyes flamed once before being extinguished. How coolly Chandragupta told all these to her! She looked at his deep eyes for once. No, she could not find the man who had been mesmerized her just a moment back... rather she could clearly witness the slaughter of her father in front of her. Yes, that day also his eyes were cold, chilling and vicious. Without shaking the hands for a moment he called the flood of blood, he had killed everyone... everyone... How cruel one man can be! Nandini had never ever seen such a calm and cruel human! And today, in this beautiful morning, this man is stating so calmly that killing her father was one of his best works. And he expects her to come under his control completely, to deny her root, to deny her relations of blood just to become the queen of Chandragupta Maurya? What does he think of himself? How can he think that Nandini will be eager to settle her own life with the support of the name of her father's slaughter?

How strange the mind of a human is! With this thought only, all the hesitation, all the confusion in Nandini's heart diluted. The question which was storming inside her heart lost somewhere in the flow of stubborn emotions...Just before some moments the picture of enemy Chandra was faded in her heart, but along with this, that faded image of her father's murderer glowed with double intensity. This Chandragupta Maurya is the killer of her father! And no great quality of Chandra is going to hide this ever! Their enmity has been imprinted in blood, and no matter how much greater human Chandragupta Maurya is, he will always be the Pitrihanta of Nandini. And according to the Khsatriya norms, it is the duty of a child to avenge the death of father... And Nandini will do this... She will do her best!

Hence she gave in the force of the pull of her own blood and relation after this hard tag-of-war, and curtained her eyes with the hazy spectacles of love. This way the plight between conscience and heart ended, heart won after wounding itself severely, and conscience slowly sat at the side, hiding its smile...

Though, Nandini did not react. She have learnt these days that one should never open her heart out in front of the enemy as they can use that as their weapon. She just passed an affirmative courtesy smile. Chandra reciprocated smiling. He looked at the East sky. The Sun has risen higher in the sky by now.

The real war starts Now they are going to play with the emotions of each other without realising that they were playing with themselves

"If you have no problem, I would like you to accompany me to my room." Chandra proposed suddenly. "I have something for you..." He paused to answer the silent question in Nandini's eyes... "...regarding books." He completed. "Will you come with me, please?"

Nandini stared at his face for a moment, perhaps to fathom the real intension behind this sudden enthusiastic friendly proposal. She remembered the words of Chandra that he told her in the first night of marriage. He himself had told that her life has value for him, as only he needs her for some unknown reason. It was so obvious that he will try to use her by some mean...So has the process started? Otherwise why would he call her so early alone, would show his concern, and after that would have given this proposal? But what is the actual reason? Nandini could see the edges of the threads, but were unable to touch and join them together...

But still, she has to try to know what he wants actually. For that she has to win his belief. Only in this path she would be able to get the revenge of a daughter from him!

"I would love to, Your Majesty!" Nandini nodded, displaying a happy smile on her lips.

...

Nayanika turned back once before putting on the veil over her face properly and slowly kept the mop at the corner of the wall. She has heard a lot about the very tight spy system of Acharya Chanakya; she knows even a fly cannot hide its day to day actions from the eyes of those very efficient spies. All, irrespective of age, gender and status, are being scrutinized 24 hours under the scanner of the system. And a minor fault from her side will be deadly... not only for her, but for the princess, the royal family and the crown-prince himself. So she has been very careful each and every moment. She has observed these days, that right in this early morning, when the members of the palace are still in bed, the guards usually become casual, and so is the entire system. The morning lethargy takes over the whole palace, and very naturally the spies are not exception in this process. So she has chosen this time. There is still a mop in her hand, and she is acting like a floor-washer very realistically, there is no scope of suspecting her in this case. But the actual moment of examination is this... to open the door of the secret passage without getting seen by anyone.

While acting to clean the spider-nets from the corners she very swiftly pressed a particular point on the wall with a good effort. The lock of the hidden door opened, and Nayanika jumped inside in a blink of eye. The door became closed again.

There was inky darkness inside the passage with number of garlands of spider-web welcoming her. Nayanika started using the mop as a stick and kept on moving forward with suppressed tension inside. Where the hell is that man!

In another moment she could see a very dim light coming from other side.

"Pranaam Nayanika!" Sometime later the source of the light was in front of her. A well-built, handsome young man was standing in front. "I am Bhadrashal. Samant Bhadrashal. Senapati of Kumar Dhananand."

"Pranaam Samantraaj." Nayanika smiled in anticipation. "I hope everything was alright."

"Everything was just alright a moment ago, but suddenly everything has become heavenly." The young warrior passed a naughty smile. "Today I know why it is said that seeing Nayanika once in front of eyes is as priceless as spending an evening in the court of lord Indra along with the beautiful Apsharas of the heaven. I should thank my stars that I got the assignment in the palace of Pataliputra... One sight of you is enough to spend the whole life dreaming about you..."

Even in this crucial moment Nayanika could not help but to smirk naughtily. In the good times of Magadh she has heard more than enough time that Samant Bhadrashal tried to approach her by many means. Very naturally his wish was never granted, as Nayanika had been accessible only to Nand-Putras... Today is obviously Bhadrashal's dreams-come-true moment.

"I hope my men are working efficiently, and there will be no problem due to them!" She asked.

"They are just as perfect as a spy in enemy-land should be. Everything is going all perfect as part of plan, my dear Nayanike!" Bhadrashal tried to be a bit intimate with her. "I must say you're a gem of women... The way you arranged everything was..."

"I would prefer you to call me as Devi Nayanika, Samantraaj." Nayanika ignored his buttery words completely. "And it will be better if we start talking about next plan. We are in enemy-zone, and we have no time to waste."

"Alright!" Bhadrashal's smile glowed in the dim light while his eyes sparkled. "All is set. It's high time you come into action and end the story of Chandragupta Maurya."

"I am still confused how to end his story. The security system is too strict here! There is risk in every step!" Nayanika stated helplessly. "I think you don't know... the women of Nand-family has been imprisoned, and Princess Nandini is house-arrested, there are guards around her every time spying on her each and every action! One mistake may tell upon their life, which is not desirable! So, I think by now Kumar should forget the thought of killing Chandragupta and try to strengthen his force."

"I see!" Bhadrashal nodded thoughtfully. "So here is a bad news from you... there is no news of the imprisonment of the queens outside... Anyways, Kumar does not want to late in this mission by hook or crook. And also by the time I also have understood that there is no scope of getting back Magadh in fair war, the only option left is regicide, the secret murder of King Chandragupta... The kingdom will be upset after this, and in that chance we will attack and win."

"I don't think it will serve the purpose so easily. Rather under the supervision of Acharya Chanakya the army will become much conscious, and bloodthirsty if Chandragupta dies. You people will not get a least moment to waste after he falls. Attack should happen simultaneously. Are you people able to do that? Is the army ready for war?"

"I am not sure about frontal war, but if we attack from these secret passages Chandra's soldiers would not be able to beat us. Besides..." Bhadrashal smiled. "Let me give you a good news. We are not alone now. There is someone who is going to help us at every step..."

"Who is he?"

"I can't disclose." Bhadrashal shook his head. "However, I am sure you will find him fast... And after that you will not feel alone and helpless here. According to Kumar's instructions, the story of Chandragupta should be ended before day after tomorrow. Our co-operator will be right near you, and he will manage everything of this palace after the incident and will give us the signal. Meanwhile I will enter the palace with force via secret passages and cover the princess and the queens."

"It's easy to make a plan, but not so easy to execute." Nayanika told. "I still have no idea how I will kill Chandragupta. I have also to talk to princess about this..."

"Plan everything swiftly." Bhadrashal commented. "There is a preparation of some celebration in the kingdom. Maybe some auspicious guests are coming... There will be celebrations to welcome them, and that day you will get a golden chance of killing him. Before that I hope you will get to contact with our secret helping hand."

"Nice!" Nayanika smiled sarcastically. "But I need to discuss about Kumari Nandini too. After all I have been sent to help her in getting revenge."

"No need to indulge the young sentimental princess here." It was clear from Bhadrashal's tone that he has no expectation from the talents of a pampered princess. "Only do one thing, let her know that we are going to rescue her right at that day, so she should stay warned."

"All right." Nayanika nodded. "I am trying. I think we should go now, I will let you know what I thought about our next step."

"I am leaving Devi Nayanika..." Bhadrashal bid. "However, you must be understanding that we do not have much time in hand. We have to come in action right at the day after tomorrow..."

"I know Samantraaj. Tell Kumar that I will not disappoint him!" Nayanika told.

This ploy seems very interesting 👏 I am eagerly waiting forward for the continuation

Originally posted by: Shinning_Stuti

Actually I wanted to say that I am not able to update this story for at least one month, as I have exams very soon... I tried to give the last update before that but could not arrange time... Though I know it is a very irritating to have such a long gap in middle, but I am helpless! Please cooperate with me... I will update probably at the last week of June

PART 10:

"Come in, please...

Nandini entered. The room is not new to her. Once upon a time she has a boundless access in this grand chamber of the king. This room used to belong to her father. Nandini knows every details of each and every corner of this room. The memory of her father is spread in each and every particle of dust in this room.

No she was wrong. There is no sign of his father in this room now. All the happy, beautiful moments related to this room that has been imprinted in her heart, has been completely wiped out from this room. Very expected... The room does not belong to the late king Maharaja Mahapadmanand anymore. Chandragupta Maurya, the biggest enemy of her father, Chandragupta Maurya is the owner of this room now.

The bubble of emotion broke inside the throat only; Nandini did not let that vapour to come in her eyes...

"Please take your sit...

Nandini looked at Chandra. He was smiling very casually looking at her while offering her the seat. In this particular times Chandragupta looks like a very common man to Nandini- a common man without any majestic authority of a king, or the shrewd coldness of a warrior... but even in that commonness of Chandra there is an uncommon factor in his eyes, that cannot be fathomed, but pulls like a magnet. There is an uncanny enigma even in his very casual and innocent smile, just like his personality...

"You must be thinking that this room has changed a lot? Chandra asked with the same smile fixed at the corner of his lips.

Nandini smiled in anticipation while roaming her eyes around the room. The change is visible... not a small change, but it is a vast alteration. The priceless furniture of gold embellished with priceless gems have been converted into cheaper ones, the walls which used to reflect lights all the time didn't flashed in Nandini's eyes today, the pictures hanging in wall in golden frames have been replaced, the staffed head of the animals have been removed, the excessiveness of resplendence is completely missing. The wine-shelf of her father has been replaced with a study desk and rack of books. The grand window of east is open, and the fresh sunlight of morning is falling on the bed of the king. The whole room is radiating an aura of calmness and peace which Nandini never felt before. There is no trace of kingly arrogance and dominance reflecting in this room, the touch of a humble, grounded, organized and educated human is very much evident in each and every part of the room. Maybe Nandini should have been hurt to see how his father's room is completely renovated by this enemy king, but surprisingly she felt good in this soothing environment. The weight of gold cannot measure the weight of a true king... The room might have lost the old gorgeousness, but as if it has achieved the real status of being the room of a king... a blue-blood aristocratic king... an ideal room for an ideal king...

Though this is not a time of getting mesmerized seeing this room! Nandini pinched herself. It was not easy for her to get access in the bedroom of the king. But Chandra himself has given the chance and she should not waste it. It is necessary to have knowledge about the bedroom of the king... Nandini knows the locations of the secret doors and secret tunnels situated in this room, only she needs to know where Chandra sits and where Chandra sleeps... She started calculating in her mind. Okay, there is a secret tunnel right behind the bed of Chandragupta. The key of that is hidden in a pattern on the wall. Thing is the room has been renovated; whether Chandra has already discovered those secret tunnels or not...

"Have you read Astadheyi, Nandputri?

Nandini managed to organize herself very swiftly. She nodded.

"You're talented, I must say! In this age you have completed reading so many scholars' books! Chandra went towards his reading desk. "Well... Though I lent so many books from you, I don't know when I am going to complete them and return to you, He smiled. "Anyways, I think it should be a fair exchange, and so I have already ordered some books which you might like...

Nandini could not find what the reason of this extreme sweetness is. Chandra came to her with two bound texts in his hand. "I found you have interest on Yudhkala too. So may you do like these two. He smiled.

The books are on the warfare principles and tactics. Nandini did not get to read the rare copies of these books. They unknowingly made her elated. "Thank you very much Your Majesty! She smiled heartily.

"Yours most welcome. Chandra smiled back. "Now let me call someone to carry them to your room...

"You could have sent them to me as well... I mean why you... Nandini could not help.

Chandra's smile broadened. "That why I called you right in my bedroom to give you the books? You know dear lady I believe the exchange of books should be hand-to-hand. Else it loses its' eminence.

Nandini was amazed again. She was amazed seeing his views, his depth and the controlled majestic elegance of his character. She had to admit that he has something excellent in him that she has never witnessed in any of the man she came across in her whole life. Once this palace was full of manliness, but this type of decent, dignified and compact discussions were never being heard... Why she felt that this man can be a complete man, whose description she has read in the books, who is an utopic dream to her...

Nandini pinched herself. What the hell she is thinking? A girl in mission cannot let her mind to be distracted. No matter how excellent this man is, the truth is he is the enemy of the blood of Nands. And Nandini has to take her revenge. She has to pay her debt of blood!

Smiling, Nandini took away her eyes from him. She casually put her eyes on the study desk. The study desk is very neat and organized. But her eyes stuck on the open writing-pad and the scrolls kept near of that. There is an open box beside the heap of the scrolls too, looks like having confidential documents inside... Nandini grew her interest. She slowly moved towards the desk. Chandra had called a porter right then, he was busy instructing him. Nandini understood that he is extremely casual about her presence in the room. She slowly peeped into the desk, trying to fathom what he was writing on the pad. Seemed like a normal official letter. She could not understand the purpose of the letter by reading two lines, but she got an information clearly, that Chandragupta's official and confidential documents are being written right in his bedroom only! Maybe the new king has not got enough faithful and efficient personal steno or personal secretary to hand over these crucial responsibilities. He writes his letters or the rough of his strategies on his own. Also, Chandragupta is directly involved in every official work, and as a result the documents are locked in the chests of his bedroom itself, and if Nandini tries, she will have an easy access to them!

Nandini looked at Chandra for a glimpse. He was still with the servant, dealing with the books. She concentrated on the desk again. Chandragupta is no doubt a good warrior, but he is nave and hence very casual regarding the privacy of a king it seems. He is not at all bothered about Nandini's presence in the room. Though Nandini got only some seconds, she copied the detail of the writing desk inside her memory- the writing pad, the important scrolls, the bound documents, everything... She could not see the location of the royal seal though, but inside the box on the desk some papers were peeping out. She carefully tried to see the content of one among them. She did not pick that up, instead she stood on her toes and bent on the desk to peep inside the open box. Map... they certainly look like some handmade map and...

"NANDPUTRI!

Nandini was so shocked that she was about to fall down. Chandragupta was staring at her with his usual cold glare. He did not shout, but the ruthless chill in his call and the sparkle of fire inside the cold eyes were worth-shivering. Nandini composed herself at once and acted innocent. "What Your Majesty? Have I done anything wrong by mistake?

Chandragupta seemed a little uneasy with her reaction. His glares softened. He came towards the desk and closed the box with a bang.

"I would like if you do not show your curiosity on my private things. Some royal things are not meant for all. He told somehow in a hard yet understanding voice.

"Extremely sorry Your Majesty, I was not stalking your private belongings, I was actually trying to see if you have any other books which I never read...Nandini did not stammer to lie this time.

"I do not have such a large stock like you... Chandra laughed out this time. "Anyway, if you are so interested, I would like to show you something. Wait.

He went to the book-shelf and pulled out some hand-written scrolls. "Have you ever gone through them? He smiled handing them to her.

Nandini read the first line of the first scroll. A sloka is written in a very beautiful handwriting... "Udyamenahi sidhhanti karyani na manorathoi... Na hi suptasya sinhasya praveshyanti mukhe mriga... She read twice, and thrice... A glowing smile reflected on her face automatically.

"Have you ever heard of them? Chandra asked somewhat proudly.

"I never read these... Nandini uttered with a gleam. "But all these quotes are so deep and so motivational... I... She did not complete and kept on reading.

"These slokas are from my Guru Acharya Chanakya... Chandra closed his eyes and uttered his guru's name with sheer respect. "Though, this is not a conventional compilation. These all are written by me only, I wrote some of what I heard from him and what I am being taught till date. So you may not read all of them. He smiled. "The books written by Acharya are very rare till now. Though, some of the Brahmin students of him are working on the compilation of his lessons. He has started working on Arthashastra now, and after his researches are over, I am sure his books will be a God to all the kings and politicians.

Nandini could not share her opinion, as she has never got a chance to have a glimpse of the scholar Chanakya through his works. His father always considered him as the greatest enemy, so even after knowing about his vast knowledge and researches she was compelled to consider him as her enemy. But these quotes that she got to read today was enough to give a sketch of the very witty and knowledgeable human being. All of those were simple, analogical and based on very practical facts, which inspires from heart. She has seen him from a distance, she has not got the chance or situation to meet and talk with such a great scholar. Today after reading some of his lines the knowledge-thirsty girl inside Nandini was dying to learn from him, she was again being distracted from the mission of revenge, unknowingly.

"All these are as important as my breath to me. Whenever I get tangled in any issue, and my Acharya is not near of me, I read them and my problem is automatically sorted out. Chandra smiled and touched the papers to take those back. Nandini's face was shadowed again. She was not willing to give those back so soon, she was yet to read all of them. Though she did not show anything on her face, Chandra understood that strangely. He smiled.

"If you want, you can have them. He told with the same smile. "Take these with you. Keep them carefully and read them.

Nandini was again surprised. "But these are your own...

"Nandputri... Chandra interrupted her. "I am giving them to you forever. I am sure you will get an aim of your life after reading them.

"But you... they are very close to your heart... Nandini gulped in confusion. Chandra laughed this time.

"All of his advices, his principles, his lectures, his lessons, his appreciations, his scolding everything are imprinted in my heart Nandputri... I do not need the help of these written copies to follow my guru's path ever. But these are needed to them who needs to find their path. Take them...

Though Nandini was not able to grasp him completely, she was thrilled to see the height of confidence and trust he has for his guru. Without seeing much or knowing much about them, she felt an awe on the pure relationship of guru-shishya. She smiled gently, her smile shone like gold. "Thank you so much, Your Majesty.

"Yours most welcome, lady. Chandra smiled.

"May I leave now your majesty?

"O certainly... Chandra told in hurry. But after the moment he called back.

"Nandputri, I had something else to ask you... He told a bit unmindfully.

"Yes, Majesty?

"Do you know prince Vajradev, the prince of Vaishali? He asked.

"Not really, I have heard his name. Maybe also have seen his glimpse once or twice in life in some conferences or celebrations taking place in Magadh. Nandini answered. "My brothers did not have intimacy with him, not Magadh was in a very loving relationship with Vaishali...

"I see! It was just a random question, since they will be coming to Magadh very soon. Chandra told.

Nandini could understand more than what he told, though. Maybe there is any political alliance to be made between both the kingdoms, so he is trying to understand them from every source. Since he is particularly interested on the prince, maybe he has been chosen as the groom of Chandra's unmarried sister? However, it should not be her concern.

"Now allow me Your Majesty, I think I should go now. Nandini bid good-bye heartily. "By this time all my bodyguards those you have provided me lovingly are getting mad in tension. She smiled.

"Good Bye Nandputri. Chandra smiled back. "Have a great day ahead.

"Same to you, Majesty... Nandini bowed with respect before coming out of the room. In entire process of going back to her own room from the king's restroom she was in a strange hangover. Chandra's room, his smiles, his books, the quotes of his guru he gifted her, his behaviour all was so nice... so strangely nice... How attractively nice...

And also she got some important information about the king's restroom, and also got a rough idea about the royal writing-pad, the confidential documents... and the handmade map inside the box, what was that for which Chandra was so violent suddenly. Must be very important map... Nandini has to get it. She has to know about everything of his writing-desk. She believes she will get something which will evidently help her brother to re-establish himself by dethroning Chandra. But how will she...

If he continues to be so nice to her, like how he gifted her books and those papers... maybe if the relationship moves forward it will be easier for her to... But how? She cannot go to him by her choice, and it will also look odd if she seeks her attention every now and then in his bedroom with an excuse of discussing about books!

Nandini suddenly smiled without reason. She has to admit, this man really has a very good taste of books... He is a truly educated person... And maybe how much ruthless he is as an enemy, he is very decent and nice as a friend...

And with this a sting of hesitation again hurt her. She was taking advantage of someone's niceness and this is not right. This is absolutely not right.

Chandra trotted towards his writing desk in a lazy pace after Nandini went off. He casually touched the writing pad and the scrolls kept beside. Then he opened the box, took the map in his hand, carefully going through that. A deep smirk reflected on his lips and vanished at once.

"You were not peeping here to see my collection of books only, Nandputri! He uttered in a very low tune then.

Then he kept the documents properly in their own place and sat in the desk to complete his unfinished works. The sun has risen higher, and the palace has become lively with the daylight. The grand clock rang, and Chandra got up from his desk. Time to get ready for the court...

While going out of the room, casually his eyes fell on the books which he took from Nandini. He smiled unmindfully as Nandini's enthusiastic smile after getting the new books and the slokas had flashed in front of his eyes.

However the girl is, she really is fond of knowledge and education. Her smile says that...and that pure innocent smile is a proof of how much life is there inside this girl. Poor her, such a source of life is imprisoned inside the loop of vengeance, and she is fastened in it! Poor girl...

Suddenly his smile broadened. Chandragupta Maurya is getting sentimental seeing the smile of a girl? Is not it funny? How can he forget those fiery eyes of a murderess who was desperate to kill him that night? The instance of an innocent smile cannot fade out the memory of her revengeful dangerous eyes which is witnessed by him only!

Chandragupta looked at the writing desk again and laughed. No, Nandputri Nandini is not that much poor... Thinking her helpless will be equal to underestimating her. And the first rule of war is, do not underestimate your enemy!