The Ballad Of Nirvana

Chapter 36

*That is Jagad Tamas in the pic above. I know, I know y'all think Villains are not supposed to look hella handsome, but he is Agni's dad!*

Chapter 36

"So you're telling me that we just found your long lost sister in the middle of the forest and she could have killed me had it not been for you?" Chag contorted his face, narrowing, almost squinting his eyes just like the Princess. They sat beside each other by the fire while the rest slept soundly. Agni could not sleep, his hands shivered and his heart was racing ever since he found out who the lady was, but in all this, he couldn't understand why Anuthama hadn't informed him about his sister's arrival, or why Anuthama's brother and his sister were found in the forest.

He was sure that his sister had not escaped the prison by herself because, one, she was alive, and two she was still in one piece.

"Dude, this is literally the thirtieth time I am explaining what happened. I mean it is hard to believe but, it is not that hard to believe. For me, it is not that hard to believe" Agni said, chattily mumbling, more to himself than Chag.

"Do you even understand what you are saying? Did you smuggle alcohol from somewhere? Or are you just being you?" Chag raised a brow, Agni smiled and wrapped a hand around his shoulder.

"My dear childhood, friend! What I meant was that I brought my sister out of the damned prison." He smiled.

"Oh! Now I understand!" Chag exclaimed.

"What did you understand?" Agni himself was confused as to how to explain.

"That you have completely lost it, How did you bring her out of prison?" Chag smiled while Agni stopped.

"No, Chag, Remember Anuthama Nirjara?" Agni asked.

"Yeah, he was that creep who used to follow your sister around because he had a huge crush on her, right?" He asked.

"Right, he became my friend later on, after Bilvani left, we grew distant after school once he took up the lordship for Nirjara. We stayed in touch through letters mostly, not calls or texts or meetings but remained good pen pals. He took his father's place in the council of Bhadra. I requested him to bring my sister out the day she was caught, but that only happened one year after captivating her. More like tortured her for one year." His eyes glistened, now it was Chag's turn to put his hand around Agni's shoulder.

"Dude, I don't know what happened. It is beyond my comprehension but I am happy for you. After this is over, let me give you a nice treat. Okay?" Chag patted him on the back lightly.

"What for? For wooing my sister?" Agni asked gravely.

"What? I didn't woo your sister, my friend. I did not have to woo her at all, because I was in love with her, ever since we were kids." Chag explained in a genuine tone as he looked into the fire. Agni had noticed passion in his friend's eyes, passion for something other than books and knowledge. Passion and something gentle yet stirring, love.

He knew that there was more than just a spark between him and Manu but this was an enormous forest fire.

"Calm down, Chaitanya Vatsalya, I would not have objected, I still don't object. You are smart, efficient and patient enough to bear with her, so why not, most of all you are my friend. Mythri loves you too, so who am I going to object to your relationship, I don't have the right to." Agni smiled.

"What about you and my sister?" Chag asked gravely, Agni was taken aback for a second. He always thought that he was being discreet about his feelings for the Princess.

"What about us?" He asked, masking his.

"Do you really want me to buy that farce?" Chag asked, raising his brow and nudging him in the ribs.