The Strange Street to the Wrinkled Memories

Forever Shakti

The sun woke the village early but then it was content to find its place behind the clouds that formed happy tales at the sky, but it did send it's few bright rays to the land as it brought the arched rainbow visible in vision. The birds took the flight spreading messages of the celebration of Natya Rajya to the village side whereas the insects, squirrels and animals enjoyed the new era.

The royal mother Gyanavi, royal sister Pournami, Eashan, Jeeta, commander Adi Reshamaya, Jyothi Rithala, villagers, maidens, and everyone were engaged in arranging the festivities while Shravanya was waiting for her parents. Shravan was being dressed up by Eashan for the function, by the time he was all set, the queen came in and sat beside him as Eashan left.
"Tell me, where have you been all these years? What have you done?"
A familiar sound came on, "He was here infront of you for most of the times." The queen turned behind to see the princess, she then stared at Shravan until Shravanya cleared, "He was the scholar."
The queen stood up, "Shravan? Scholar?"
Adwait did have a long story to say, "I will speed up into a brief story of mine. At the age of six, when I walked into the midst of the people, that very man who announced my name while I returned was the one who found me in Medusa street. He offered me his house at the end of the forbidden Medusa street and promised not to fail me until I get back as promised. He used to bring all necessary stuffs for me and kept at the door step. He was my guardian. I used to stay in that house and get news from that uncle of the happenings. That man was an old teacher and he used to train and educate me. One fine day, I met the siblings, Eashan and Jeeta. They lost their parents while migrating to a village and I found them in the forest near my house which leads the shortcut path to the palace. I trained them, they became my right and left. They stayed with me and through the uncle and the scholar Adwait, I appointment one in the palace of Ahaan Mitrapura and another in Natya Rajya but we usually hanged out on nights. I researched, learnt, wrote, read books and helped others but using the identity as a scholar. Scholar Adwait who always hid him in the cloak, hat and a mask either handkerchief hiding my face. Then I met Shravanya..." He went on with her story till leading her to here. Suddenly the dong was hit, marking the arrival of the royals of Ahaan Mitrapura.

Everyone lined up at the palace entrance to welcome them. Nevertheless, king Viraj Ratan Natya Rajya Ahaan Mitrapuran, queen Vamika Viraj Ratan Natya Rajya Ahaan Mitrapuran and the chief Itish Jagrav Ahaan Mitrapuran alongwith commander Jaivant Ispit Ahaan Mitrapuran were welcomed joyfully. The filmy emotions of reunion dramatically took place in reality. All ended up crying, hugging, thanking and forgiving each other.

All the villagers of Natya Rajya and Ahaan Mitrapura assembled at the open royal ground. The guards shielded the area and maidens and workers were at service. The commanders, chief, Eashan and Jeeta stood below the podium. Royal mother Gyanavi, royal sister, Jyothi Rithala and made prince stood at the stairs to the throne. The king Viraj, queen Vamika and royal queen Vridhi along with Shravan and Shravanya was at the main floor where the throne rested at a height from the ground.

The queen announced, "I hereby announce that Yadhu, our prince would be given a province to rule on with his princess, Jyothi Rithala." Mad prince stood stunned, he fell onto the royal queen's feet and sobbed for his greed. He was forgiven by the big heart as she declared his wedding to be fixed with Jyothi Rithala. The man among the villagers called out, "We have no more 'mad prince' from now."
Everyone cheered as Yadhu hugged his mother.

She welcome King Viraj and Queen Vamika to address the villagers after Shravan and Shravanya had an interactive session with the villagers. The prayers were done as they were getting a new king. The royal queen informed, "As per the promise, I declare our prince Shravan Arjun Adwait Viratan Aahan Natya Mitrapura Rajyan is being crowned as the king of Ahaan Natya Mitrapura Rajya. The new beginning of a new home-dom; this kingdom's beginning is with our new king. Now we're in search of a queen."
Royal sister marked, "Many proposals have come from many other kingdom's and we have chosen the queen."
The queen simply replied, "Without prolonging, as guessed, our going to be queen, the princess Shravanya Arushi Viratan Aahan Natya Mitrapura Rajyan."
The villagers were extremely pleasured, they began applauding, blessing and cheering, "Forever Shakti!"
Shravanya suddenly looked stunned at Shravan. The royal mother came in between them, seeing their wide confusion, "Any objections?"
Shravanya and Shravan looked at the Gyanavi. "What's all this grandma?" asked Shravan and quick follow came up by Shravanya, "We haven't been even informed about this."
As the crowing of Yadhu and session with queen Vamika and king Viraj was ongoing, queen Vridhi slowly turned to them, "Why? Wouldn't you love to rule them being the one and only Shakti, forever Shakti?"
Shravanya blushed as the queen Vridhi announced, "Let's crown our new king and queen."
The thrones were sparkling gold. The newly hand sculpted precious gem covered crowns were brought in the golden plate. The royal together crowned the prince and the princess as people began the celebrations. "Cheers to new beginnings!"
The very man from the crowd boldly submitted, "New beginnings are only forever Shakti."
Then was brought in the sculpted rings only to engage the prince Yadhu and princess Jyothi Rithala and king Shravan and queen Shravanya.

Then was the royal lunch with all the villagers and then there was the festivities. Rides, markets, sweet shops, handicraft marts, flower carts, art workshops, dance programs, royal musicians' concert and more.

The day went throughout celebrating 'Forever Shakti.'

The sun bid off for the day only to allow entry of the moon. Yadhu, Jyothi Rithala and Pournami were leaving the palace to the village they were going to rule. They village very near to the royal palace, so they left after a dramatic scene in the royal carts to their palace. Royal mother, queen Vamika and Viraj were tired after the whole day, therefore they were relaxing at their chambers while queen Vridhi was just going to bed after having a small talk with her son. The commanders and chief along with guards and maidens were relaxing. Shravan was just checking on the royal matters in his chamber while Shravanya was at the balcony of her chamber, sightseeing the universe, the moon, stars, clouds and more objects.

Suddenly came in a voice, "And so my..."
Shravanya immediately turned to him, "Oh! Mister Prince."
Shravan walked into her balcony and marked, "So, is there anything left for you to know?"
Shravanya replied, "There's much more to know, but that I will understand being with you. Still! One more question, being the prince, why did you want to exchange the book with the duplicate one?"
Shravan took in a deep breath, "That... Actually."
"I know that too has a wicked story behind it, tell me."
"Do you want a made up one or the true one?"
"I prefer both, one after the other."
"Then let's begin with the artificial one, that duplicate book is the copy of the original one I did write. I kept the original book with me so it will stay secure and..."
"That's fine, enough! Reality?"
"Actually to protect the real book from invaders, I did take the book the day I stepped out of the palace. I usually replaced it before every full moon night with the help of the uncle, Eashan or during scholars meet. After that night, I used to take back the book. It used to be in my protection and this year, I got your help and you kept the real book and took the duplicate book that was kept in place."
"So now the book with you is a duplicate one?"
He nodded, "Hm yes!"
"You! Wicked scientist!"
They ended up in hug and then Shravanya leaned on to his shoulder as they both stood looking at the moon, together.

Shravanya asked, "Your developed time machine is with you, right? Wouldn't you take me for a journey?"
"Sure, do you want to go right now."
"No! I would prefer a fresh beginning. What about tomorrow?"
He smiled.
After a short break of their silence, she marked, "It wouldn't be unusual, I knew I would have to listen to my 'once upon a time' and the 'long long ago' and well did I know there would be no chances to hear about my past with conclusions of 'happily ever after' rather than 'to be continued' because my story isn't over yet, it is just the beginning. A new beginning as a queen, a new beginning as the villager of Ahaan Natya Mitrapura Rajya, a new beginning with this family and a new beginning after being yours; new beginning of forever Shakti."
Shravan held her in his arms and concluded, "That's what is called Strange Street to the Wrinkled Memories."
Shravanya asked, "Huh?"
He simply nodded.
She ended her happily ever after, "That's a fact! These streets I have taken with you were strange for me to my wrinkled memories." She nodded, " Infact, the Strange Street to the Wrinkled Memories."

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Surya_SK