Kalighat.
Over the course of many days, Mithun and Manan kill hundreds of demons. Manan treats the villagers who were attacked and hurt by those demons.
Manan : The situation looks better than before.
Kalighat's Chief : I cannot thank Chief Aatreya less than this. You have helped us greatly. Thank you Prince Mithun and Prince Manan.
Mithun : I am wondering, why have their attacks increased this much? What do they want?
Kalighat's Chief : They want our land. Long ago those demons used to rule and live in Kalighat. But, your great grandfather defeated them and took this land for the subjects of Mitramani Kingdom.
Manan : Let me correct you, Chief. Our great grandfather did not take this land. It was a mutual agreement between the demon king and him. They agreed to leave this land and accepted Mount Kabu as their new home.
Kalighat's Chief : Isn't it the same thing? They had to leave this land. And now, they are trying to get it back.
Manan : How are they the same things?
Mithun : Chief, if you think so, then, can you explain their attacks on Pirpan?
Kalighat's Chief : Well, uh..
"Chief, Princes, protect us. They will burn us alive. Protect us." the villagers screamed.
Those demons has attacked again. Taller than fifteen feet, long and messily braided hair, spiky long nails and red eyes. There are at least fifteen or sixteen of them. They are throwing fire from their mouths with a sharp sound of 'Shaaa!'. Villagers rush towards the Princes to escape from their fire. Mithun takes a deep breath and lifts his divine bow. He starts shooting fire arrows at the demons fiercely. His divine bow can channel any element he wants. His arrows shower on the demons like fire balls. He takes out his arrows, three at a time, with four fingers holding the arrows in between the fingers, grips and pulls the bow string hard. He shoots the arrows in sky. The arrows multiply many times in numbers and comes down with fire burring on their tips to hit those demons. Mithun kills them mercilessly by burning them alive as if he is venting his anger out on them. Manan had never seen him fight like this.
"Hail Prince Mithun" "Hail Prince Mithun" the villagers shouts.
Mithun lowers his divine bow. Manan approaches him.
Manan : Brother, why are you fighting like this nowadays? Is something bothering you?
He doesn't respond.
Manan : What has happened?
Mithun : Let's not waste our time talking. Focus on clearing this area from those stupid creatures.
•••••
Many demons were hunted down by them in the past few days. It looks like the village's peace is restored. There are no demon attacks anymore. Looking that everything is right and peaceful now, Manan decides to go back. Kalighat's Chief and the villagers thank them many times for their help.
The Princes are standing on a cliff side from where the village is clearly visible.
Manan : Ah! Finally, let's go back home. We have rested here for many days, away from home, away from wife.
Mithun goes at peek of the cliff and sits down, smiling sadly. Down the cliff a serene river is flowing in its full might. He hangs his legs down, looking down at the waves hitting the rocky cliff.
Mithun : You go. I will come back after sometime.
Manan : What? Why?
He answers his questions while looking down the cliff.
Mithun : Last time I left this village, they attacked it again in merely two days. They may be hiding somewhere in that forest. They can attack when we leave.
Manan : But, we already checked there.
Mithun : I checked that last time too. I will stay here for some more days.
Manan : Then, I shall stay here too.
Mithun : There is no need for that. You have already treated the wounded. I will take care of the rest. I don't want to go back. I can't see her loving my brothers while she keeps avoiding me. I will start to hate them.
Manan : No, I should also stay...
Mithun : NO. Go home. Aanan is handling the matters alone there. You know how slacking he is.
Manan contemplates a little. It's actually true. Aanan is quite slacking when it comes to working hard and that too in the fields.
Manan : You are right. I will do so then.
Manan sets for his journey back home. He bids farewell to Mithun.
•••••
Naimisharan
Three weeks have passed since the Chief and the Princes left the village. Aanan is handling the village affairs with the help of the Ministers. Dhani has also started to take interest in the village matters and started to guide the villagers to work proficiently. Her knowledge of medicine and herbs has allowed her to help the villagers in there daily lives.
She is sitting in the front courtyard of her house with a few female villagers. A pregnant woman is sitting at the centre. Dhani is guiding them on how they can take care for themselves and their baby during the pregnancy. She tells them about some herbs that can be consumed during pregnancy to ease the process of delivery. A maid comes to her and informs her that Prince Manan has returned. She is overjoyed to hear that and looks towards the gate. Manan looks at her. He gets off the horse. The villagers look at them gleefully. They bow down to her and take their leave. Dhani comes running and hugs Manan tightly in front of everyone. Surprised, Manan hugs her back. Everyone watch her with wide grins. After some blissful moments in Manan's arms, the sound of wide chuckles enters into her ears. She pulls her arms back while looking in his eyes. Her eyes are sparkling with happiness that he has returned.
Manan : I missed you too.
They both chuckle.
Manan : I am a little dirty from the journey. I will freshen up and come to your room.
She nods.
•••••
Manan comes to Dhani's room. Dhani kept the door open for him. They look into each other's eyes and Manan embraces her in his arms.
They share a hug.
Dhani : Husband, come sit here.
He sits besides her, puts his arms around her waist and nuzzle her on the ears.
Manan : I missed you so much. (kisses her on the cheeks) How did you do? Did Aanan trouble you?
Dhani : Umm, he said that he sleeps gently. But, you know, he sleeps at one side of the bed and wakes up at the other side. Haha. I could not sleep properly because of his continuous movements. That's the only trouble he gave me.
Manan : Haha. Really? I didn't know that. ....Then, will you... let me... sleep with you...tonight? I won't disturb your sleep.
She looks at him. His face is flustered. Though he is trying to control his blush, his red cheeks are standing out on his hard expression.
Dhani : Ok..ay.
He passes a shy smile to her.
Dhani : Why didn't Mithun return with you?
Manan : He had to stay and watch the situation there. He will come back in a few days. Do you miss him?
Dhani : I..I do.
Manan : I feel it. He will be back soon. So, don't worry.
They sit with each other in their arms and talk for some time about the past days they were apart from each other.
•••••
(Part removed. Republished as - A Tale of Naimisharan.)
•••••

YOU ARE READING
Blessed With Five Husbands
FantasyDhani prayed to the Lord for twelve years to get a husband. The Lord granted her wish. But instead of one she got five. Aatreya, Bali, Mithun, Manan and Aanan are the five brothers, who are her destined husbands, who will shower her with love. She...