Kaal Chakra

8.अनुपन्यास:

अनुपन्यास: - Meaning uncertainty or doubt

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Dwarka

Amavasya, Phalguna Krishna Paksha, 5000 BCE

"Mata?" Lakshmi asked again in a gentle voice which brought both women out of their flashback.

"May you regain all that you have lost." Rohini said in a silent murmur, caressing her cheek tenderly.

Lakshmi could only observe them, for she didn't have a single clue about what was going on. Her eyes moved back and forth between Rohini and Devaki, trying to understand what had happened from their expressions.

Upon seeing the girl in front of them look so confused, Devaki let out a slightly wet chuckle and quickly swiped a finger under her left eye, wiping off the single tear that had formed.

Just then, the doors opened for the second time that morning and Avantika, Vaidyā Gargi's assistant, entered the chamber.

"Pranam, I have come to re-bandage her injuries." Avantika said, folding her hands together and bowing her head in respect.

"Yes, do come in, Avantika." Rohini said with a warm smile, her entire face relaxing at the sight of the young girl who was holding a circular tray made of bronze filled with cotton bandages, medicinal pastes, leaves and oils.

Avantika returned her smile and then quickly walked across the room towards Lakshmi, gently taking hold of her arm and guiding her to sit down on the bed.

"Should I try and make friends with her? She seems to be a pleasant girl and looks like she is the same age as me. It will be nice to have her as a companion." Lakshmi thought as the said girl deftly bandaged up her injured palms before looking up and catching her gazing at her.

Avantika gave her a broad smile and Lakshmi immediately looked sideways, embarrassed at being caught staring.

"Come on Lakshmi, atleast introduce yourself!" She mentally chided herself before clearing her throat to catch Avantika's attention.

"Lakshmi," She said pointing towards herself and Avantika chuckled.

"Avantika," She said, before joining her hands together in a namaskar in greeting.

"Pranam." Lakshmi returned her gesture by joining her hands as well.
They both smiled at each other and Avantika went back to wrapping the cotton bandages around her hand.

Little did they know that their simple greeting had become a spark that would soon turn into a bright flame of everlasting friendship.

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"Come putri, Pitashree and Arya are wanting to meet you." Devaki said as soon as she saw that Lakshmi was fully ready to meet her father, the king, and her husband. Upon hearing her words, her two eldest daughters-in-law, Revati and Rukmini, immediately helped Jambavati and Satyabhama to stand up.

The girl from the future looked at her, her dark eyes looking lost for a few moments before they cleared up with understanding. She smiled and kept a hand on Avantika's shoulder, squeezing it momentarily, before getting up from the mattress with a barely concealed wince and then walking up to them.

"Mata," Lakshmi said, gently lifting her arm up and gesturing them to go forward. But to her surprise, Rukmini took hold of her hand and pulled her towards them, closer to herself.

"There is no need to walk behind us, Lakshmi. We won't allow it." Vaidarbhi said in a firm voice, looking straight in her eyes and the two mothers nodded in approval. Before even allowing Lakshmi to think about what she said, they ushered her out of the chambers.