It was midnight. As the crown prince of Panchaal, I had many more scrolls to read and solve problems of the citizens. I was so engrossed in work that I failed to notice a tiny figure leaning on to my door frame. A pair of soft and cold hands wrapped around my torso and hummed "Uncle!" I was shocked at the sudden arrival of my lovely niece.
"Pragati dear! It's midnight. Didn't you sleep yet? "- I questioned her picking her up in my arms.
"I am not sleepy. "- she replied . Irritation visible on her face.
" I thought Suthanu slept with you. "- I said as I knew she was afraid of being alone in the dark since the news of the wretched Dyut Sabha reached to her ears.
" Yes, she slept with me. I was also sleeping...but suddenly I got a nightmare about the Dyut sabha."
When she completed,she wrapped her arms around my neck and hid her face in the crook of my shoulder. She silently sobbed. Pragati rarely cries until something serious happens. I caressed her hair not sure of what to do. She never shared her pain with anyone.
Once when I asked her about sharing her pain, she replied , " I can share happiness not grief or pain. It has to be experienced. And didn't you teach us that experience is the best teacher. "
I was truly speechless after listening to her. She is truly a Krishnapriya. She had mastered the art of wordplay.
My thoughts were put on a pause by a shake. I looked to see Pragati her eyes tearful yet lined with worry.
"Uncle, are you fine? You seemed to be lost somewhere. "- she asked.
I chuckled and replied -" How can I be lost in other thoughts when the eminent princess of Indraprastha is in my arms? "
Smiling to my joke, she wiped her tears. Relief took over me.
"Come let's go and sleep. It's already late. " - I said moving towards the bed. I blew off the nearby clay lamps ,making her comfortable beside me and pecked her forehead.
She hugged me adjusting her tiny petite near my huge well-built one.
Gently, the goddess of sleep took both of us in her arms.
.....End of chapter 2.....
YOU ARE READING
THE UNSPOKEN STORY
Historical FictionOne who is the daughter of the great Arjuna ........... One who is deprived of love........ One who suffered everything but kept mum ............. One was as fierce as fire yet calm as water........... One whose beauty was unparalleled...
