Spring arrived early this year but alas- the turbulent atmosphere of Indraprastha didn't seem keen on embracing it anytime soon just like Abhijishya. The past few days had been rather trying on her. She had her fingers in too many pots and she was left frazzled, scrambling to put things in order while slowly piecing together the entire picture of the incident.

The infirmary was a little better than coal and would be out of commission for unknown number of days. Numerous healers and workers were injured and those in charge of watching over the smooth sailing of the infirmary were still held in custody. There were three casualties in the fire- two of whom were elderly patients and another a healer. Ahim- the most probable main perpetrator was still on the run. The administration was in chaos over the scandal while trying their best to contain the news of the incident from reaching outside the borders which was an impossible task.

Only good things were - Rachit was in the clear and Parnika was out of danger. Parnika-shy, clever and so trusting and Abhijishya had failed her.

Desperate eyes trying to convey what her voice couldn't. Her brows scrunched in pain before the horror settled in. Parnika palmed her bandaged neck in confusion.

More noises. She clawed at her neck, her lips moving but no words came out. Parnika gasped and sobbed and twisted trying to force out any sound but all that came out was a wheeze.

"It's ok. Sleep," Abhijishya's eyes stung but she smiled reassuringly, strongly clutching Parnika's hands in hers lest she hurt herself more.

"It is going to be ok. You will be ok"

Teary eyes looked up at her, lips trembling but Parnika settled down again - still trusting, looking up with so much faith.

"It's ok," Abhijishya's throat burned from her lies. Parnika would never be able to speak again.

-turned into a fetching young man that you wouldn't believe your eyes. He will have mastered the sword in a couple more years and dare I say he can rival anyone in chariot racing," a high pitched laugh pierced her ears and once again Abhijishya became aware of her unsavoury company. "Not that I am bragging about my one and only son, Rajkumari but my Chitraksh is a gem."

Abhijishya smiled indulgently. Shailaja, the older woman before her was Royal Treasurer Chinmaya's wife and her gem Chitraksh was none other than the boy with whom Anveeksha had gotten into a fight as a child. These days Shailaja's hobby seemed to be boasting about her son and occassionally asked about Anvi. Abhijishya knew where this was going. It would be Shailaja's fault if she mistook Abhijishya's polite indulgence as consent for promising her daughter's hand to Chitraksh.

"As lovely as it is talking to you, I am afraid our conversation must come to an end. Maharaja would be arriving soon," Abhijishya said, the indulgent smile pasted across her lips.

"Oh yes yes! I should take my designated seat. It is just so rare to be graced by your delightful company, Rajkumari. You are always so busy," Shailaja huffed before standing up with the grace of a swan, discretely rearranging any crumpled out of order pleats of her indigo attire. With a bow, she left followed by her trusted handmaiden towards her seat.

The conches blew signifying Maharaj Yudhisthir's arrival. Abhijishya slumped her shoulders and closed her eyes briefly to give herself a moment of respite as the sound of conches grated her ears adding to her headache.

"Rajkumari," whispered Charu, urging her to stand along with everyone else present in the court. Abhijishya obliged immediately.

Yudhisthir took his place on the throne then gestured for everyone to be seated. Abhijishya retook her seat feeling anxious about the happenings. Today was supposed to be the hearing of Jatasya. She hadn't gotten a chance to meet him because protocol forbid any interaction with those in custody though she was sure she could have if only she got to have a proper conversation with the husband.

Abhijishya tuned out of the general ramblings of the minister briefing everyone on the recent happenings. She glanced below to the throne on which Nakul was seated. He appeared grim with each passing sentence occassionally looking at Sahadev. The twins seemed to be engaged in their own hidden conversation of silent discrete gestures. Nakul, having sensed her stare, looked up to meet her eyes but Abhijishya flickered her eyes away.

She knew if anyone was most overworked and busy it would be her husband since he was the one who looked over the domestic affairs - be it someone's cows being stolen (generally the cows wandered away because crimes are a rarity under Jyesth Yudhisthir's rule) or a flood leaving people homeless. Since his duties demanded much from him, Abhijishya offered her help in anything she could. That was how the central infirmary along with import and export of medicinal herbs, food, clothes and other articles had come under her care over the span of eleven years.

The past few days Abhijishya had either seen Nakul involved in heated discussions with other ministers and soldiers or found him sleeping in her bed. He always left before she woke up and she always seemed to arrive in her chamber to find him already asleep. Some part of her insisted he was avoiding her which only left her agitated heart aching as slowly embers of anger made home inside.

"Rajkumari," Charu nudged her shoulder. Abhijishya broke away from her thoughts to find a silent court. Maharaj Yudhisthir was looking expectantly in her direction.

Abhijishya swallowed dryly pushing down her emotions and stood up. "Maharaj asked for your insight on Ahim," Charu helpfully whispered.

"Ahim," Abhijishya cleared her throat making sure her voice did not shake. "Son of Shreeman Jatasya, has been sharing his father's duties for the past year. I was not specifically made aware of his presence and came to know about him a few days prior to the incident. He had been forging documents, making minute but enough changes that could qualify as a part of a long game."

"The majority of the records are lost in the fire so how can we begin to estimate the scale of the illegal transport of opium poppy amidst rare valuable medicinal herbs?" Chinmaya voiced, always ready to stick his foot out in every matter.

"The infirmary was just another center where exported herbs were loaded in carts given it's close proximation with the Storage and where imported medicines were put inside the Storage. So there are other records too apart from the ones in the infirmary. The salvageable records are being tallied with those we obtained from the check posts, Treasurer Chinamaya," Minister Atulya spoke up demurely. He was one of the more reserved and quiet members of the court. Despite his quiet nature, he was a close acquaintance of Nakul and very hardworking. Abhijishya knew him well compared to the others given their duties often required them to exchange information and tally records.

"The statement in itself that Ahim was only present here for a year but his forgery could easily be attributed to illegal dealings preceding the time of his arrival in the state qualifies to garner our attention, respected members of the court," Nakul stood up and addresed everyone. "It points out that Ahim cannot be the one at the helm of affairs. It raises the question against Shreeman Jatasya and whether he is at the head of everything."

"Shreeman Jatasya could be guilty but there are high chances the one who has been directing Ahim is not present in the kingdom itself," Bheem remarked. His words were light but their meaning grave. "And Ahim by now must have already slipped past to join his commander."

"The border patrol has been warned to be vigilant, Bhratashree. I don't think Ahim has left the kingdom," Sahadev shook his head thoughtfully.

"I beg your pardon, Rajkumar but I believe that it is more likely that Ahim was handling everything atleast in Indraprastha. Him being Shreeman Jatasya's son gave him access to older documents but the forged ones are only recent from the remains we have obtained. In my opinion, Shreeman Jatasya is an unfortunate father who has to answer for his son's crimes," Minister Atulya interjected. "It is improbable that the transport of opium, other medicinal herbs have been illegally going on for more than a year under our noses. If it were Shreeman Jatasya's plan all long then why wait for so many years? Isn't a decade excessive to implant a good impression of oneself?"

Abhijishya pursed her lips in thought. Atulya was not wrong. It was impossible that the illegal transport would slip past her, Nakul, Atulya, Bhrata Bheem and everyone else who reported to them yet something was not sitting right with her in this situation. And truly, having worked with Jatasya, Abhijishya was certain the man was innocent. One couldn't fake being a sincere and good person for over a decade now, could they?

"I concur with Minister Atulya, Maharaj but we cannot disqualify Shreeman Jatasya involvement," Nakul said, nodding in acknowledgement at Atulya. Abhijishya found herself unsure of his statement. Wasn't it too precarious to assume Shreeman Jatasya as the one responsible?

Yudhisthir seemed to be contemplating like her so nodded but didn't say anything. After sometime, he asked for Jatasya to be brought in.

Abhijishya's mind was however turning on the object being illegally transported. Opium poppy was declared illegal by Yudhisthir in the early years of Indraprastha upon her firm insistence aided by Maharaj Dhritarastra. Their proposal was not opposed by anyone in Hastinapur. They even received a formal letter from the Yuvraj Suyodhana praising their insight on an issue everyone seemed to be taking lightly so far. Needless to say, Bhrata Bheem had looked half pleased and half constipated at that ususal gesture. All these years, the tentative relations between the Panadavs and Kauravas had somewhat mellowed out. Abhijishya could dare say that the cousins were amiable with each other. Therefore, it being cultivated in Indraprastha or Kuru itself was out of question precisely because it was produced in mountainous areas. So, Indraprastha was likely a stop in the way towards the main market for opium. 

"-has been nothing but dedicated. However, as his son is still on the run, his return to duties would be a matter of discussion on  a later date. Meanwhile, he and his wife would be provided with accommodations as it was previously."

Abhijishya blinked. Jatasya was bowing before Yudhisthir. He looked tired and more haggard as he was probably speaking words of gratitude. When did he arrive in the court?

Charu heard her thought which she must have spoken out loud. She whispered, "Rajkumari, you are more tired than you would admit." Abhijishya rolled her eyes and raised her eyebrow. Charu understand her query and answered, "Shreeman Jatasya has been tentatively cleared of all accusations based on the good will he has garnered all through these years. He will no longer be held in prison but be under watch in the guest chamber of the palace itself along with his wife until Ahim is brought in."

Abhijishya sagged in her seat, rubbing her temple internally scolding herself for her lack of attention. She was really tired.

"The reconstruction of the infirmary must take precedence," Yudhisthir announced. There was an undeniable solemnity in his serene eyes which was reflected by all present members of the court. "It is an important task that is time sensitive as well as requires cautiousness owing to the recent happenings. I would like Rajkumari Abhijishya to take on this duty as she is most experienced in handling the matters of infirmary."

Abhijishya stood up, breath caught in her chest. She knew this was a huge gesture of trust and faith from Jyesth. She was about to express her gratitude but unexpectedly Ratnagir spoke up.

"Forgive me, Maharaj but it is unwise to involve Rajkumari," Advisor Ratnagir stated though quite hesitant in his remark. He glanced at the other ministers for backing his statement.

"Is this lack of confidence in Rajkumari's competence harboured by anyone else?" Yudhisthir asked evenly, not showing any displeasure at being opposed.

Minister Atulya stood next and bowed. "Rajkumari Abhijishya is meticulous in her every duty, Maharaj. However, the circumstances which came to unfold under her supervision indicates that we are all against an opponent that is aware of her method of working and knows the gaps in her system. So it would be for the best if someone else would preside for the reconstruction."

The silence was palpable. Everyone present knew despite the quaint remarks of Atulya that he was actually saying Abhijishya's method of supervision was flawed at best and negligent at worst. In that moment, Abhijishya felt shame burn her cheeks red as her eyes remained lowered. She was afraid to see any disappointment on Yudhisthir's face directed towards her.

"Does anyone else share the same opinion?" Yudhisthir asked, his voice loud in the silent court.

It was Nakul who spoke up. "Minister Atulya's words have merit, Maharaj."

Four words held more weight than anything else in the world. Or so it seemed to Abhijishya.

Maharaj Yudhisthir perhaps believed the same as her. Amidst whispers of the court, he said, "This concludes the proceedings of the day then if there is no more urgent matters to be discussed?" He looked towards Advisor Ratnagir who nodded his affirmation. Then he continued, "Keeping your opinions in mind, I hereby place the duty of supervising over thr reconstruction of the infirmary on Advisor Ratnagir who will be aided by Rajkumar Nakul. Court dismissed."

Yudhisthir got up from his throne and descended down. Everyone else stood up as well. People were leaving their seats slowly. Some went to converse with each other while others left to attend their duties.

Abhijishya remained seated on the seat for once unable to bring forth the energy to stand up and leave. She looked down below at Nakul who was speaking to Sahadev, Atulya and Ratnagir.

"Rajkumari..." Charu sounded concerned, her fingers curling over Abhijishya's right shoulder. Once again, Abhijishya ducked her head feeling the brand of shame colour her neck. It was her fault, wasn't it? If she had been more vigilent, if she had visited the infirmary more frequent, if she-

"Rajkumari, let us go," Charu nudged her. Abhijishya stood up this time, curled her lips in an amiable smile as she felt eyes of many ladies who were watching the court proceedings on her. She walked away gracefully- shame curling around her neck, self blame choking her throat, heart rapidly sinking, her tongue bitter with betrayal- completely unaffected as if nothing were wrong in the world.

A.N. - I updated after ages 🙃. Well to put it breifly, I have been a mess. Nothing concerning... just had a hard time coming up with words and writing them down.

Let me know what do you think of this chapter.

I'll try to update soon.

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Until the next time,

Byeee ;")