Fate bends us in the most unimaginable ways.

****

"Pretty girls like you need to have some attitude."

That was what the women of the palace advised Indumala.

"I don't think it will make things better." She smiled. "Your Rajan is known for his temper."

"Only girls have the right to throw tantrums way after childhood culminates. God has given us enough beauty to simmer and steam manly hearts until they give in to our bitterness, and thus accept our demands."

They dressed her up in a dhoti and a blouse. The Rajan had sent exclusive jewels for her to try on, but the women thought those were too tasteless and cheap for a future queen. "Demand better," they told Indu.

Poor girl had never seen so much luxury before. Perhaps these were costlier than her rare Brahmakamal perfume. How could these ladies say he wasn't pampering her? He was, and she didn't want to be rude.

"I am happy with what he has sent me." She ran her hands over the embroidery on her blouse. It was sewn in threads of gold, woven into gossamer silk and studded with scintillating emeralds. The deep plunging neckline beautified her little bosom. The pendant of a sunflower, in the colour of copper, matched with the butterfly pin on her hair bun. "See, how beautiful!"

"You truly get happy with so less. Senapati's befitting daughter."

When the embellishment was over, they escorted her to the garden, where the Rajan was waiting. Her heart did multiple vaults. The excited voices inside her head screeched. Then and now she was tempted to look at her reflection or ask the girls if she was presentable. After all, she had to look good if she was to sit beside the Rajan.

Such thoughts didn't come before. Love had its own cruel ways of making people self-conscious. There was a sweetness to the humility it gave, and the belief that one's lover, despite everything, excelled everyone else. Indumala's heart saw Rudra in the same way, although her mind was wise enough to be aware of the imperfections.

The sun bathed the garden in hues of bright yellow. It was a kind tone, not too scorching to the skin and neither dull. Jasmines whispered to the breeze, branches swaying to the chirpy tune. The golden flamboyance of marigolds contrasted the very harmonious lotus ponds, frogs jumping on the leafy pads and rippling waves creating soothing patterns.

In nature's lap, the Rajan had hosted a grand swing. He was dressed in earthly brown, and could a man ever carry such a boring shade so well? His fair complexion was like snow to the mud-coloured attire. Not a single gemstone boasted his richness. Today, he chose simplicity.

"Seems like you were too busy and forgot to wear your jewellery."

Rudra took Indumala's hand and guided her to the swing. "You are here to do that."

Indumala swore his words were sweeter than the melody of the songbirds. She blushed and averted her gaze. Among the guests were also her parents. She beamed upon seeing them, particularly liking how they had their hands joined. Mother Ishvara was leaning against her Baba.

Yes, her family was almost complete. One day, she would marry Rudra, and the four of them would live happily ever after.

Tears came to her eyes. Time slowed down, the noise of laughter fading in the background. She stared at Rudra, studying the depth of his ebony eyes and the happiness in them. She missed it. She had missed this feeling all her life. The familiarity of this moment transcended memories. She heaved a sigh.

Why did only nightmares come to greet her at night? Why not dreams?

"Let us see who gives the best gift to Indumala," Rudra declared.

One by one each minister came up with their wives and children, presenting Indumala with fine coats made out of animal fur and precious stones of exorbitant values. One even gave her a white mare, and another gifted a painting that took ten days to make.

Finally, it was time for Aryamna and Ishvara to give the gift. Indumala swung her legs and grinned. The first thing she did was to embrace them in a tight hug.

"You are a big girl," Ishvara said. "God bless you."

"Your Maa has got the best gift for you," Aryamna said.

From under her shawl, Ishvara produced a pair of earrings, shaped in the resemblance of tear drops. The pair shone like two little luminaries plucked from the galaxy. Indumala gaped in awe. "Where did you get this?"

"Your Maa had these. She wanted to give it to you. Said you will look gorgeous."

Caressing the earrings, Indumala was lost in a daydream. Her Maa was a princess and she ought to have such delicate pieces. Did she even deserve such a thing? She wasn't a princess, just a girl adopted by a generous man. Her Baba had taught her to lead a simple life.

"You are no less than a princess," Ishvara said. Swirling in her divine orbs was a motherly warmth. They glistened, watching Indumala with a foolish dread of loss. "Please wear them, someday."

"Ah, Maa!" Indumala pouted. "I will wear whatever you give me. And since this belongs to you, I am rightfully the next owner! All that is yours is mine."

Ishvara chuckled. "Your Baba didn't indulge you, but me and the Rajan definitely will."

"You shouldn't talk about me like that, Ishvara."

"Be quiet," she hissed. "Your parenting style is different and mine is different. I believe that sometimes we should treat our children to splendid joys. I will buy my daughter all that she desires."

Aryamna shook his head, accepting his defeat.

Everyone conversed and congratulated the bodyguard, and then enjoyed the feast. When the sun went down, each guest took their leave. Only Indumala's parents stayed back. Together they went to Rudra's room.

Laying down a mattress in the balcony, the four sat facing the hearty breeze of the night. Ishvara inspected the room and whispered in Aryamna's ears, "He has decorated it in darker shades than before."

"You remember?"

"I think I remember glimpses of how it was earlier."

Rudra casually wrapped his big, burly arm around Indumala's shoulders. It attracted Aryamna's attention, and he frowned. "I am sitting here."

It made Rudra squint, and with reluctance he moved his hands away from Indumala.

"You are very mean." Ishvara smacked Aryamna's legs. "He just wrapped his arm around her. It's a nice gesture of affection. Why are you so–"

"Ishvara, this is not how he should behave in front of his beloved's parents." He shot Rudra a glare. "I expect better from him. He should formally ask permission to court our daughter and only then can he be this open."

"No wonder why no one married you all these years."

Indumala snorted. "Apologies."

"No! Don't be sorry." Ishvara raised her voice. "You have my permission. You can have him as your lover. It's a yes from me."

"I never said I am against them," Aryamna argued.

"Your actions say otherwise."

"Look, I just want him to follow rules. He should come and ask me, the father of the girl, if I allow this relationship. Because a man needs to have manners. You can't just have a girl like that, it takes efforts."

"Baba, he has put in a lot of efforts," Indu defended him.

"You talk about the rules, but did you yourself–" Ishvara clamped her lips. "I mean, the society is very free with lovers."

"But he is the Rajan. He needs to put up an example."

"You just think I am unworthy of her, don't you?" Rudra huffed. "I am a better person because of Indu. I will strive to match her virtues."

"Why are we bantering?" Indumala shrugged.

"Your Baba started it." Ishvara twisted her lips.

"Fine." Aryamna crossed his arms. "Rudra, ask for my permission."

He cleared his throat. "May I have the hand of your daughter, please?"

Aryamna feigned to think and scratched his chin.

"Please?"

The Senapati wheezed. "Alright. You can."

Ishvara clapped. "Done. Now let's talk about better things."

"How is the Senapati as a husband?" Rudra quirked a brow. "Does he keep my sister happy?"

"He tries."

Aryamna gasped. "What do you mean by 'he tries'? Am I not enough?"

Ishvara bit the insides of her cheeks and fanned herself. "Someone thinks themselves to be too much."

"Ishvara, you are unnecessarily picking up a fight with me. I cook, I clean, I give you gifts–"

"You don't speak like that. You will keep doing more unless I am pleased. I am a princess, remember that."

"Is this how married people quarrel? Sounds interesting." Indumala's eyes glinted with amusement. "You two are clearly contented with each other."

"Oh, so it means I will get a sister-in-law soon?"

"What?" Aryamna scrunched his nose. Indumala's mouth was full in an attempt to not laugh.

"You can bring a baby." Rudra leant in to hush in his ears. "You forgot the deal we had before your marriage, that you will make a baby if you love her."

Aryamna rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Indumala. Is. Here."

"Ishvara confessed to you, didn't she?"

"Yes. She is remembering the past slowly."

"Stop whispering like gossiping women and speak loudly. Me and Maa are feeling left out."

"So do you want siblings, Indu? Tell your Baba."

"Rudra, behave. I would love to have a brother or a sister, but don't embarrass my parents."

A booming, desperate knock put the conversation at a pause. Aryamna got up to see who was it. "Yes?"

The guard wiped his forehead. "Master Makba, that old mage from your guild, has come to meet you."

Aryamna was shocked. "Master Makba?"

He looked at his company. Indumala was as concerned as him. "Maybe he came to wish me," she said.

"I don't think so. Please bring him in."

Master Makba was brought inside the room. The first thing he did was to bow in front of the Rajan. Rudra was flustered– he had met this man long ago, and no way did he feel above this little dwarf. "Any way I can help you?"

Makba turned to his most favourite mage. "Aryamna, a few of your guild members have been kidnapped." He exhaled. "They are all Indumala's friends– Radha and Raya."

A shattering scream left the lungs of Indumala. "Radha? Raya? Where...where have they been taken?"

Makba introduced a letter. "I ask the Rajan to read it."

Rudra took it.

"Revered Makba

You are as eternal as me, or so I have heard. I do not believe in rumours, but I am inclined to trust your wisdom. I think you are farsighted, and know the consequences of messing with a man equal to god.

The daughters of your guild are in my hands. Although I can't give my unshaken word, I shall ensure no harm befalls on them as long as they are in my custody. I will free them on a condition– your shining star, Indumala, must participate in the war.

If I see her on the battlefield, I will release your mages. Unharmed.

The Living God
Hamal the Second."

Indumala fell to the floor and broke into a deluge of tears. Ishvara ran to her side, but no amount of comforting words could calm down the bodyguard. She quivered and clutched her hair. "It's because of me. I am to be blamed!"

"Indu, don't lose hope." Aryamna panted. He knew to what extent the Rajan of Revat could go. "I will do something." He clenched his fist. "Radha and Raya..."

"I have sent Raksa and a team of mages to rescue them. I do not trust that man. And I am not ready to risk one for another. My children are not to be played with."

"Master Makba, give me some time to think."

"No, Aryamna. It's settled." Rudra's red-rimmed eyes glowed with raw wrath. "I will send a pack of my wolves to Revat. They will beat Hamal's men and bring back Indu's friends. But no way am I bringing her to war."

Indumala rushed at Rudra and pushed him. "Are you mad?" she spat. "I will go to war. I know enough magic–"

"Magic is prohibited in war, Indu. And even if it wasn't, I wouldn't have allowed you there."

"Who are you to dictate me what I should do?"

"I am your Rajan, at least."

"I am your bodyguard and must accompany you everywhere. That's what the law says."

"Indu, let us sit down and discuss–"

"No!" Indumala threw whatever came to her hand– vases, caskets, chalices. She was wrecked, her innocent beauty maligned by the burning tears. "I know what happens to women in Revat. I can't sit in the palace while my friends suffer. Oh Kalika, why do you make the good go through such trials? Why should my friends be inflicted the pain of my wrongdoings?"

"You didn't sin, Indu." Rudra gently tapped her shoulder, but she yanked herself away. "Indu, please. I can't let you–"

"As much as you are scared of losing me, I am worried for my friends. They have been with me since infancy. We share memories, Rudra."

"We share memories too. Think of me, Indu. I know my time with you has been less, but my head hurts to think of you going to war."

"I love them as much as I love you," Indu said in a shaky voice.

Rudra held her shivering hands. "We will do something to save them."

"I don't trust Hamal," Makba repeated.

"I can't think of any way!" Aryamna banged his fist on the wall.

"Wait." Ishvara spoke up. "I-I have something to ask. Are charioteers required to take part in the war?"

"Not actively. They are skilled, although they don't engage in combat," Aryamna said. "Their duty is only to take their Master where he wishes to go. If the Master somehow dies, they will leave the field. Charioteers, by rule, are not seen as warrior opponents."

Having explained, Aryamna braced himself against a pillar. It clicked in his mind what Ishvara had wanted to convey. He hurried to her and hugged her. "Wonderful!"

"Wait, what makes you smile?" Rudra asked, bewildered.

"Charioteer. Indumala will be your charioteer."

"What?"

"Yes." Aryamna nodded. "We can train her for that. She is capable. This will mean that she is participating in the war, but also not be forced into violence."

"But Hamal might break the rules!"

"One can predict many things, Rudra, but we don't have everything in our hands. By being your charioteer, Indumala will always be by your side. You can protect her."

"That I can... I will." Rudra gulped. "I am anxious."

"Rudra, please." Indumala joined her hands. "I beg you. This is a matter of my friends' life and death. I can do this much for them. And you will always be close to me, so there's nothing for me to be afraid of."

Aryamna pressed Rudra's palms reassuringly. "I am her father, and I have faith in her. In you. All will be fine."

"So, the decision is made," Ishvara said. "Indumala will be the Rajan's charioteer."

Rudra wasn't convinced yet, but he knew there was no other choice. He was being selfish with his love, but wasn't that natural?

Indumala rested her head on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair and placed a kiss on her crown. "Promise me that you will be fine."

Indumala looked up at his eyes. "I promise."