Sun was slowly rising from horizon and birds chirped happily welcoming a new day. Sitting near the window Damini was viewing the magic of nature which could bring smile on any face failed to do so with her. Sleep was far away for her spending the whole night gazing at stars and silence. Lots of memories and past words reminded her becoming true.
Damini returned to her room-chamber taking a peaceful bath after a tiring day preparing to depart for governing Maaytha as she was back to Prathaangarh for holiday. As usual from two years she leaves at night without letting her parents know to avoid sentiments from her mother because she had seen herself pushing away her duty for her mother's word.
She came out in long kurta and loose pant her wet hair into a bun and hurriedly hid her packed bag into a chest to avoid being caught and sat down. Devika, her friend from childhood also her maiden who was cleaning her room humming a tune went near her opened her hairs to dry and removed her anklets put them in a box having simple jewelry which Damini forgot to take off before having bath. Putting the box in her bag she moved to Damini who was lying on the edge of bed facing the ceiling and her hairs flowing down to dry her hair. Devika collected her black hairs combing it with her fingers.
"Devika, why do you do these things. I can manage myself." Damini said tossing back to sit dressing her hair
"I am just helping you Damini. " Devika replied casually lighting the lamps on lampstand
"Help! looking at the way you help anyone will think that I am making you serve me." Damini said and tilted her head as if denoting her words
"So what?" Devika shrugged and walked to other side of room.
" Devika, you are my friend. Not a servant or maid. And it's not your fault. Let me inform to Rani Saheb about what a friend you are. Always trying to serve me, sticking with me like a lizard." Damini told and frowned at end looking at her friend who is always by her side also her additional partner in crime. Rani Saheb took care of her being orphan. Devika was like a true friend who will take blame on ber for Damini's atrocities and then get a seperate scold for covering her. She was like her shadow who will constantly follow her everywhere but not to Maaytha by orders of the Queen. She was used to her complaint of being her personal maid which was not find for Damini.
"Damini, You said I am your friend, right? Then how am I a servant? All maids are not servants, they are helpers to help you with your work. I help you. And comes the point of serving, who doesn't serve other? Maids and helpers serve officials like you, you serve Raja Saheb and kingdom and Raja Saheb serves for his subjects. One serves for other in respect and welfare not by force. There is a difference between servant and slave. And that difference depends on one's thinking." Sighing Devika sat down near her and explained calmly her belief. Damini shook her head in disappointment tying her hair into braided bun.
Sensing heavy footsteps with clattering of coins in every step she called out before the person could get in.
"What are you doing in a woman's room at this time of night? Nirvaan" she told without looking at him and walked on. Nirvaan stood near the door and replied giving a heavy sigh.
"Khud ke Paer par kulhadi maarne aaya hu.
I came here to be busted by my own action." He joked which was the fact with serious expression to which Damini gave him a fake confused look. Taking out his pouch of coins from waistband he threw at her and she caught it. He had this habit of giving away some money for good. He knew she would recklessly go empty handed.
YOU ARE READING
Damini -The Unknown Princess
Historical Fiction"Why always in a hurry, you girl? Huh? You can't escape from me. From the second you lost." His grip on her arm tightened making her wince arching her back. His dangerously husky voice sent shivers down to her spine still maintaining her anger on hi...
