Facets of a coin

Tears

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Parth's POV
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Acclimatization to the city life is an uphill task. Yet, I find solace in my armory. The last one month, I have managed to set up a new armory for Indraprastha.

The previous one was managed by Bhratha Bheem and was too disorganized for my liking. The javelins were quite few and the swords felt heavier. It took a lot of persuasion from my end to extend the space for more weapons. I stood along with my brother Yuddishthir who was also inspecting the weapons along with me.

As we walked along the rows that held the metal objects on heavy iron surfaces, he questioned "Anuj! How are you planning to manage the rust?". A smile ebbed on my face when I replied "Jyesth! I have recruited a young set of warriors. They are named "VajrShreni" and are responsible for maintaining these two rows. I am sure they will use these weapons daily. So there is no point of rust".

My elder brother walked silently to the next row and I followed looking at faint creases on his forehead. I couldn't stop myself from questioning "Is something bothering you Jyesth?" He was walking mindlessly and replied "The accounts do not seem to be tallying Anuj! I am not sure when the queen would return. Do you have any idea?".

His question was only met with silence for I did not have an answer. Was I ashamed of not knowing about my wife's wearabouts or was I simply ignorant out of anger? It seemed like he sensed my tension and simply placed an arm on my shoulder. He gently said "Never let your egos burn the bridge between you. I understand that time has created distance but the least you could do is walk towards each other instead of burning it to ashes and staying separated forever".

I looked into his eyes which showed a hint of vulnerability on hisotherwise composed face. He hesitantly spoke "She needs you and the four of us need her". I wanted to protest on that statement. Does he think I can survive without her? Don't I need her?

Somehow I kept quiet and the rest of discussion was about weapons and their adjustment in the room. Prativindhya arrived towards us and decided to keep my company till I reached the Mayapuri's inner chambers while his father chose to move towards inspecting the horses.

The boy is extremely composed like his father. Soon as we entered the living area we were joined by Shruthkarma and Shruthsena as well. Shruthkarma's face had a vibrant glow. All the boys seemed to be extremely happy. I questioned them "Why are you boys all happy and giggling today?"

To which Shruthkatma replied "Kakashree! Pitashree told us that Maatashree will be arriving today and she will be staying with both of us from tommorow". I then registered the fact that today is our last day together and she had to shift with Nakul from tommorow. The boys ran away as Nakul called them for snacks. He seemed cheerful and delighted.

I walked to my chamber to look at a sleeping Subhadra. I decided to use this time to speak to my little peanut. Her overgrown belly shows that my peanut is not making it any easy for her. I placed a hand on her belly and said " Hey! Peanut! Maybe I should start calling you a pumpkin now! Please come soon. Nobody really understands your Babasa (dad)! I wish you were here! I know you have the capability to bring your badi maa home and convince her to stay with me".

Subhadra shifted and I decided not to disturb her. I cannot burden her by my rants. She is practically an innocent child bearing another child. I then decided to pack all of Prisha's belongings and send them to Nakul's chamber. I could have summoned any servant but I wanted to do it myself.

At last I greedily kept her ornate hair clip with myself. It had her scent and I wanted to keep something that belonged to her physically with me.
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Evening
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The dew drops on the grass touched my feet soothing them as the twilight shone on shivering leaves for the breeze danced magnificently. The shivering leaves reminded me of Prisha's trembling lips as my breath fanned her face.

The horses of a chariot neighed demanding my attention. I looked around to find my Prisha gracefully stepping down the chariot as the sun set behind her. I was static looking at her eyes that were focused on me. Was it anger that subdued the affection I have for her? I walked away despite wanting to go towards her.
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A while later
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I sat by the window against a lamp, penning down anything that came into my mind unbothered about the grammar and punctuation to calm my racing heart. My pen wrote

Vyakultha ka kaaran aap kahiye
(Tell me the reason for your chaotic mind)
Shanti ka kaaran hum bolenge
(I will give you a reason to calm it)
Aapke naino mein prashn hain
(There are questions in your eyes)
Ye hum awashya samjhtein hain
(I do sense them)
Prantu apke Shandon ke saahare
Hum unhe sunne ki iccha rakthe hain
(But I would like to hear them in your words)

Vyaakul aap hain kyunki anek sandeh hain
(Your heart is chaotic because there are too many doubts)
Shaanth hum hain kyunki humari spashthta aapko priy hogi
(My heart is calm, for my clarity will soothe you)
Vyakul hum hain kyunki aap humare nikat nahin hain
(My heart is chaotic for you aren't close to me in terms of proximity)
Shant aap hain kyunki apne apna kartavya nibhaya
(Your heart is calm for you have fulfilled your duty)

Kiska kartvya kiske prati hain
Yadi iss vishay pe charcha hui
Toh hum dono ko Pata hain ki
Hum dono hi parajit honge
(Let's not debate as to whose duty towards which person is a priority as we both shall loose the battle)

Main aapko inn sab mein nahin uljhaunga
(I shall not entangle you in these issues)
Na aapse puchnga koi prashn
(I shall never question you)
Na jataunga apna adhikaar
(I will never claim my rights)
Kyunki iss pinjre mein
Main chahta hoon keval aapki swatantrata
(Because I want to bestow you a little freedom in this cage)

Chalo jetein samay ko apne prem se.
(Let us win the war against time with our love)

I felt a drop of tear on the parchment paper and turned back to look the most beautiful eyes above me. She stood right behind and read my words. I gently placed her palm on my lips. I would never give it to her but I am glad that she read it.

She coyly came forward seating herself on my lap and placing her ear on my heart. Her smooth voice said "Paarth! I don't want to win on anything. I don't want to defeat time. I know it is our greatest enemy. Now that I felt your love! Nothing else matters. I will live this life without any complaints".

She looked up and placed her lips on mine. Truly the time stilled. Nothing else matters now. She coyly looked down taking my large palm and placed it on her stomach.

She looked into my eyes smiling and my heart filled with unknown joy. I took her into my embrace as there couldn't be a better end to the last day of our year together. We both finally shed tears of joy for our little star who is yet to arrive.

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A/N:

I know I haven't updated this story for the longest time. I hope I could make up for it in this chapter.

Also, I am a South Indian. So do let me know how you felt reading my first Hindi poem.

This is the end of this three shots OS.

I hope you all liked it.

I might update further if I get any promts but with a different timeline.

Do share your thoughts about how do you like our Dhananjaya's POV.

Isn't he beyond perfect?? 🥰🥰🥰🙈

Love
❤