.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

"When we met, there was a pull. Like two magnets unsure of the way we wanted to feel. You told me that night you were afraid of fireworks but loved colors in the sky. And all week I've been wondering if I could be a color you'd want to know." — Courtney Peppernell, Mending the Mind

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

～*～♡～*～♥～*～♡～*～♥～*～♡～*～♥～*～♡～*～

Approximately a year after Madrika's arrival in their household, Suravi sensed a significant shift in the atmosphere of her home. It was as if a kinder version of Sumitra had returned, although none of the Kashi siblings believed it was possible for their haughty older sister to reduce her arrogance. Kaushalya started to spend more time with the new Yuvrani, leaving Suravi to her own devices. In the absence of her younger sister, Suravi became engrossed in reading, clothing, jewelry, and, surprisingly, discussions with her parents. A new gap had formed between the King and his heir. They did not spend much time together, except in court, and even then, they were unable to communicate effectively.

Kaushal became ill again, leaving him bedridden, and Rani Kritika extremely anxious. Smita found herself assisting her co-wife in caring for the youngest Royal sibling. Until he eventually passed on. With nothing else to do or another way to cope with such a loss, walks on the beach with both of her parents made Suravi feel grounded in the world, which was beginning to reveal small cracks.

Karthav appreciated the distraction, as it was evident that weeks of stress were taking a toll on his mental health. The headstrong king could lead his kingdom, but all was not well. Chandana grew increasingly concerned, accompanying him wherever possible. This often resulted in them forgetting certain tasks, and evening walks were definitely among them.

Today was yet another day, and Suravi quickly learned that both of her parents were running late for their regular walk. Something was amiss, though. The sun seemed to be a little too bright, the Ganges River was running a bit too fast, the air was a bit too still, and her insides felt too out of order. The birds sang, as usual, their beautiful voices echoing everywhere. The soothing surroundings lulled her into something of a trance, and her eyes were lost in the natural state of the riverbank. Hence, when an animal approached her, it took a moment for her to realize that something was wrong.

A buck, with a handsome coat of fur, stood before her, staring, unsure whether he should approach the human or not. Deciding on the former, he nudged her arm and then used his snout to direct her towards the direction he wanted to.

Suravi observed the deer grew rather agitated, upon noticing that she wasn't doing as he asked. So, without warning, it sprints off, prompting his help to do the same.

With an urgency in her step, Suravi chased after the buck as it darted through the woods. The sight of a distressed animal seeking human assistance was a rare one indeed. Weaving in and out of the maze of trees and bushes, the chase led them to a small stream that was surrounded by willow trees. As Suravi surveyed the branches of the trees, she noticed that the breeze had picked up considerably.

As she prepared to assist the doe, the shawl draped over her shoulders slipped off unnoticed. Unmindful of the warning signs of an imminent downpour, the young princess was focused solely on the distressed doe. The cries of the two newly born fawns near her hooves were barely audible. It was evident that the buck was desperately seeking help for the doe, who was struggling to give birth to her last fawn. Her exhaustion was palpable, and it was clear that she was nearing collapse.

Taking a deep breath, Suravi instructed the buck to remain calm while she set about her mission to help the poor doe.

...

Before him sat a magnificent creature, with a coat that glimmered in the sunlight. However, the deer's behavior was concerning, as it displayed signs of agitation. It squealed in distress while jumping frantically, with its eyes erratic and wide. The situation calls for decisive action to prevent the possibility of the deer causing harm to the locals or other creatures. It seems that ending the deer's life is the most viable option to ensure its peaceful resting and the safety of others.

The son of Ganga, with a calm demeanor, pulls the string on his bow and releases the arrow with precision. The arrow glides gracefully through the air, ready to pierce into the deer. But, to his surprise, a hand reaches out to catch it, halting the arrow's trajectory.

A young woman emerges from the shadows, landing on her knees before the deer. She petted the creature's head tenderly, whispering to it, soothing its tense soul. The buck lowered its head into her lap and collapsed onto the ground. Her face, previously hidden by her wavy black locks, was revealed, displaying an expression that spoke volumes of her anger and frustration towards the man.

"The poor deer had just found his mate in distress and freaked out. Don't you think it was pondering whether asking me to help was a bad idea or not? Did you even consider the reasons that may drive an animal to act like this? Seriously, what were you thinking?" she scolded him.

The man stubbornly argues, "I'm sorry that it wasn't the first thing that came into my mind... because that buck looked just about ready to drive his antlers through a person. Oh, and I just happened to think it would be better that no one gets hurt because it's obvious he's scared."

The young woman's expression softened slightly as she explained, "I understand your concern, but you didn't consider the possibility that the deer's behavior was driven by a genuine need to protect his loved one. Just as you would do anything to protect your wife, the deer was doing the same for his partner."

"I wouldn't know that Devi."

Taking a deep breath, she looked up to meet his gaze, "Alright then, sir. I'm afraid we don't have to discuss anything else."

The man tried to redeem himself, "Is the other deer alright? Can I help with anything?"

Her smile grew, "Well, sir, there is one thing you can do."

...
The Kashikumari looked at the sleeping deer, snuggled up against her three newborn fawns between a shielding pile of rocks. Her shawl could make them even more warm on this breezy spring day.

"That is my shawl," Suravi says, pointing at the cloth caught on a branch. "It's woolen and after the day this poor doe has had, a bit of warmth would be appreciated. And considering they fawns are newly born..."

She is surprised when the young man she had encountered mere moments ago agrees, grabs onto the tree and reaches for the shawl. Suravi watched on with an amused smile as he carefully attempted to get it off the sharp twig, unsuccessfully she might add.

"Why is this so hard?" he mutters to himself, reaching out a bit more.

Though she tries to prevent it, a giggle escapes her mouth. Rather peeved by it, he shoots her a look of dislike. This time she chuckles louder.

"Ok, do you want me to get this off or not?" He questions, ready to quit and rid himself of her aggravating personality.

Suravi quickly shakes her head. "No, please go on sir!"

He shakes his head irritably, finally getting it off. With that, he sighs, happy that he is successful.
"Thanks-" she begins cheerfully placing the finely knitted shawl on top of the deer. "Forgive me, but I don't think I caught your name yet."

"I am Devavrata." he replies.

"Just Devavrata?"

"You can always call me Gangaputra. Or as you said earlier, good sir."

"Ok, sir... thank you for your help!" Suravi finishes, content with his answer. Just as she turned around to leave, it hit her like a rock from outer space. "Wait, Gangaputra?"

"Yes." Devavrata nods, slightly confused at her questioning voice.

"Like... the son of Ganga. Who married Maharaj Shantanu of the Kuru Vansh?" the young princess inquires, looking at the man who just helped her.

He stands tall, with brown, shoulder-length hair. Not to mention he is practically built like a mountain. With a pretty face like his, and the fact he wields a weapon, Suravi is quick to conclude his Kshatriya origins.

"Yes, that is what I have been told, Devi." he nods, confirming her suspicions. "And what about you? I doubt many parents would allow their marriageable daughter to wander unchaperoned."

Oh drat. Her parents... they will probably freak out if they can't find her at her normal spot.

"I'm afraid I must go, Kumar." she blurts, trying to remember the way out of here.

"I'm afraid you are avoiding your duty of answering my question, Devi." Devavrata crosses his arms.

Groaning, finally a bit frustrated by him, she responds. "Karnika. My name is Karnika. Now, I really must take your leave."

"Go ahead. I'm not saying anything," he tells her, throwing up his hands.

Suravi glared daggers at him, ready to land a punch on his beautiful face.

Sumitra wouldn't have done it. She realizes, releasing her fist.

"Good day." he waves sarcastically, watching her storm back out from where she came from.

Once out of sight, he involuntarily smiles, the image of her frustrated face appearing in his mind.

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.