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Chapter 2

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

"I look at you and see the rest of my life in front of my eyes." — Unknown

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

The next morning, he decided he'd go out and explore. Lucky for him, this little visit to the holiest city in the world would not disappoint him.

Devavrata had never watched a Kingdom celebrate so happily before. Color flew in the air as women danced, men played music, and children laughed. Flower petals line the streets to the Royal Palace.

Just this morning, a son had been born to the King, to Kashya.

"Kaushik they've named him!" people tell one another. "Imagine just how intelligent our future King is destined to be!"

A smile grew on Devavrata's lips as he heard this. Is this how people reacted when he was born? The youngest son of Jhanvi and Shantanu, a boy whose name promised a man true to his word and vows.

"When will the King be presenting him?" asked an elderly man, gripping onto his cane.

"They said as soon as Maharani Madrika is well enough to stand up." the vendor by him replies, handing someone a banana.

He watched a palanquin be set down at the entrance to the stairs leading down to Ganga, soldiers escorting a young lady out of it. Immediately, people began gathering around, eager to get a look at just who this is.

"Is that Kumari Kaushalya?"

"Yes, yes, that is Rajkumari Kaushalya."

"Why is she here?"

"She is here to get her sister Suravi."

"Rajkumari Suravi is here?"

"Yes! She's been here all morning with her ladies, celebrating with us."

"Is that her?"

"Shush!"

Devavrata furrowed his eyebrows, his intense gaze shifting over to the ornately carved marble staircase. The bustling crowd below jostled and shuffled, obstructing his view. Amidst the commotion, the delicate chime of numerous anklets reverberated through the air, drawing the attention of everyone present. Determinedly, he maneuvered through the throng, ascending the steps until finally, his eyes fell upon a sight that left him breathless. There, standing before him was something truly exquisite and captivating—something undeniably beautiful.

As he gazed upon the scene before him, the first thing that seized his attention was the ethereal fluttering of a pallu of light blue pirouetting in the wind. He found himself spellbound by the mesmerizing vision of long, lustrous black locks swaying and rippling like the undulating waves of the ocean. As he continued to watch, her exquisite countenance gradually emerged, silhouetted against the backdrop of the boundless azure sky.

Her sun-kissed complexion exudes a soft, golden radiance in the gentle sunlight, casting a natural luminosity upon her features. Delicate gold jewelry adorned her slender neck, catching and reflecting the sunlight in a mesmerizing display. The tender caress of the wind brought forth a rosy hue to her cheeks, and her coral lips curved into a radiant, joyous smile, emanating pure happiness. With her head thrown back in unrestrained laughter, her infectious joy seemed to permeate the very air, uplifting the spirits of all who were fortunate enough to behold her.

He recognized that face, that countenance. That mischievous smile.

"Karnika. My name is Karnika." she had said before leaving.

"That is Kumari Suravi?" awed women whispered, their gaze following the beautiful princess.

"She is as radiant as the sun."

"The king should hide this one if he is sensible. You don't know the world, nowadays any man would abduct her because of her beauty." a man announces to everyone in the crowd.

Some nod in agreement, while others remain silent, watching as the royal sisters greet each other.

"Kaushalya?" Her voice resonated like a melodious symphony, enchanting and soothing, reminiscent of the gentle notes of a flute.

"Mata demands you come home right now," Kaushalya whispers harshly, cross with her older sister. "You know why..."

The older princess quickly replied with a "Yes," feeling cautious about the onlookers encircling them. She was determined to keep the royal family's internal disputes private and out of the public eye. With a forced grin, she turned to her ladies-in-waiting and announced, "I will see all of you tomorrow. It appears that my presence is needed by my mother."

"Yes, Kumari," they all nodded in unison, dispersing towards their awaiting carriages. As soon as they left, Suravi appeared eager to depart as well.

Kaushalya impatiently hissed, "Come on," as she swiftly entered the palanquin. Suravi glanced around apprehensively before stepping inside to join her.

...

Suravi felt the eyes of the crowd on her, something she wasn't quite used to recently. After the death of her brother, she remained within the confines of the palace for days on end, crying and mourning him. It wasn't until this morning that she felt ready to come outside, and she received the news of her nephew's birth. Her demeanor had shifted immediately. She felt joy today, unlike the empty happiness she had felt for weeks now.

"Let's go," Kaushalya urged, her voice tinged with urgency, as she gracefully stepped into the palanquin. "Mata will only get angrier the longer we take." Suravi let out a resigned sigh and followed suit, the weight of their mother's expectations heavy on her shoulders. As she settled down inside the luxurious palanquin, a sudden snap echoed through the air, followed by a chorus of ominous groans. To her dismay, it became apparent that one of the handles used to carry the palanquin had given way, threatening to disrupt their journey. Bracing herself for a jolt, she was surprised to feel nothing. With a sense of trepidation, she cautiously drew back the curtain of the palanquin, to behold a rather pleasant sight.

The broken handle dangled precariously, as a young man, his countenance emanating an aura of unyielding determination, effortlessly held up the palanquin with only his hands. Suravi strained to catch a glimpse of his face but found herself entranced by the sight of his lips pressed together in unwavering resolve, his dark hair falling across his eyes. A sudden gust of wind tousled his hair, revealing his intense gaze. In that fleeting moment, their eyes locked, and Suravi witnessed a remarkable shift in his expression, from resolute determination to a tranquil warmth that took her breath away. Before she could fully grasp the situation, he bestowed upon her a gentle smile, which she couldn't help but return, feeling an inexplicable pull toward this mysterious stranger.

That was until it hit her. She should've recognized that face. Mostly because she had seen it yesterday... but that's beside the point.

The guards are about to launch at him, only for Suravi to stop them.

"It's ok," she assures them, holding up a hand. "He's got this handled."

They back away immediately, surrounding the palanquin instead, ready to march back to the palace.

"What happened?" Kaushalya asks once Suravi is settled. Her sister remains silent, her palm cradling her chin. She was lost in thought... though, with a smile on her face.

....

The entire way back, Kaushalya stares at her sister.

It's so odd. She can be quiet, but this was a different type of quiet.

Lost in thought fits her description better in this case.

"What did you see Jiji?" Kaushalya asks curiously, clapping her hands to catch her sister's attention. "Jiji!"

"Nothing Kaushalya." she dismisses.

Kaushalya sighed and continued observing the look on Suravi's face.

Kaushalya couldn't ignore the sense that something was different about her sister. Yesterday, when Suravi returned from her evening stroll, she seemed visibly agitated. Then, there were clear signs that she had been awake all night. And now? Well, Kaushalya had to practically drag Suravi back home, and yet, in public, she was laughing and smiling as if nothing had happened. Was it just the birth of their nephew that brought joy to her? Or... had she found joy in something else?

The younger Rajkumari spent the rest of their way home wondering that, and her sister didn't reveal a single clue.

...

As Devavrata stood by, he observed the graceful princesses emerging from the palanquin. The younger princess, Rajkumari Kaushalya, led the way, seemingly disinterested in his presence, while Suravi followed closely behind.

However, to his surprise, Suravi paused beside him. With a thankful expression, she clasped her hands together and expressed her gratitude, "Thank you for escorting us back. I am truly grateful, though I don't know how to repay you."

In response, Devavrata humbly folded his hands and replied, "It was my duty to ensure your safety, especially after my behavior towards you yesterday."

Reassuringly, Suravi smiled and said, "Do not dwell on that, Gangaputra. I have already forgiven you for your previous actions. You need not worry."

Relieved, Devavrata returned her smile and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your forgiveness, Rajkumari."

With a melodious laugh, Suravi responded, "You're welcome. Hopefully, we will not have another unpleasant exchange like yesterday."

Intrigued by her use of the word "another," Devavrata tilted his head inquisitively and asked, "Do you anticipate us meeting again, Devi Karnika?"

The mention of her name (which was usually used affectionately) and "another" seemed to disconcert Suravi, as her cheeks flushed with realization. Without another word, she swiftly departed.

Devavrata chuckled softly, shaking his head. As he did so, he caught Suravi stealing a glance at him over her shoulder. She held his gaze for a minute, using her beautiful eyes to ease any lingering doubts he may have had about her dislike towards him.

As she turned away, he could feel a glimmer of hope take root in his heart. Maybe, just maybe, they will meet again.

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

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