The sky was dull, the sun was in its setting stages when Dhisana was walking in the garden, along side Bela. The princess's mind was troubled by what her husband had told her. She confided her misery to her handmaiden.
"Isn't it unfair of him ? I cried so much for him, yet he chooses his duty over me." Dhisana said, questioning whether she can be truly happy in a marriage where duty reigns supreme.
"Maybe. But, I wouldn't say he was wrong." Bela told truthfully.
"Why ?" Dhisana asked.
"I suggest you see it from the eyes of an Aryaa." Bela said.
"I don't understand." The Mleccha princess said with a frown, as both of them stopped in their track, underneath a tree.
"It's important to remember that being a prince his decisions are not always personal but rooted in his obligation to the kingdom." Bela said.
"But shouldn't love and commitment to each other be one's top priority ? He's a married man and he has duties towards me also." Dhisana said leaning behind the trunk of the tree.
"You talk about his duties towards you, but what about your duties towards him ?" Bela asked.
"You mean I am not a good wife ?" Dhisana asked raising a brow.
"No. What I mean is, that as a wife, it is your duty also to support him in the righteous cause." Bela said.
"How can choosing anyone or anything above one's wife be righteous ? If love is secondary, then is it even love ?" Dhisana asked, in genuine confusion.
"Well Aryaa, I am not an expert in Rajdharma, nor I claim to be one. But with my humble knowledge I know his choice is righteous. Someone with vast knowledge can tell you better." Bela said.
Dhisana fell silent, pondering over what her handmaiden said while leaning on the trunk of the tree. If their marriage is second to his responsibilities, how can it be fulfilling ? Even Bela is saying his choice is correct, then does that mean she is mistaken ? If so then why ?
Dhisana was in such a deep contemplation, that she didn't realise something slithering over her, until it was late.
"Aryaa !" Bela exclaimed in fright seeing a snake whose head was over Dhisana's shoulder, while the body still hung over a near branch.
Gazing at it from the corners of her eyes, a shiver ran down the Dhisana's spine, causing her heart to skip a beat. Fear swept over her ike a gust of wind, momentarily paralyzing her.
Its sinuous movements sent a rush of fear through her veins, as she realized the potential danger it represented. Dhisana shut her eyes close. Her heart pounded in her chest, fear pulsating with every beat.
Suddenly she got startled feeling a hand over her shoulder. Dhisana opened her eyes and saw Manvendra standing tall in front of her, his eyes fixed on her in an unwavering gaze.
From her peripheral vision, she saw the snake coiling itself over his arms. A silent gasp escaped her lips.
"Raudra-" "Hush." He shushed her before she could speak.
Dhisana worriedly looked at the snake, gazing at every moment of his as it slithered his way up to Manvendra's shoulder, and then to his neck.
Beholding that the lips of Dhisana parted slightly, seeing the snake around his neck. Although it stayed there for a moment, it was enough to show her the image of Shambhu, flickering in him. She gazed in his eyes, the eyes which looked extremely calm, the eyes that mirrored the depths of an endless ocean.
Instead of the snake, Dhisana's eyes were now stuck on Manvendra. She could see that he indeed possessed an air of enigma that could only be described as godlike. He was also the son of Manyu, the first among Rudras.
When the snake had reached the other hand of Manvendra, he gently raised it and got hold of a branch above. In a few moments the snake left his arm and completely coiled itself on the branch.
He then grabbed the upper arm of Dhisana, gently pulling her a few steps away from the tree.
"Are you hurt somewhere ?" Manvendra asked looking over at her shoulder and neck with concern.
"No." Dhisana said as she stared at him, wondering how destiny had played a hand in their union, intertwining their lives in a mysterious yet divine manner.
"Sure ?" He asked raising a brow.
"Yes. You saved me." She said, 'Just like before.' She thought.
"Don't cry. You are safe now." He said, Dhisana didn't realise tears escaped from her eyes until he mentioned and wiped them away.
"Are you still troubled by what I said ?" Manvendra asked.
At that Dhisana lowered her gaze, she didn't say a word but just nodded a yes.
"So, are you still angry ?" He asked.
"I'm not angry." Dhisana said looking at him, "I am upset and confused." She told.
"Everyone gets confused in the matter of Rajdharma. Trust me, I too was once. But I arranged something that will clear your confusion." Manvendra said.
"What ?" Dhisana asked.
"Come with me." He said holding her hand and taking her inside with him.
"Where ?" She asked.
"I have called upon some Nat Nati." He said.
"How will Nat Nati clear my confusion ?" Dhisana asked with a frown.
"Their performance will." Manvendra said.
"Well, what are they performing ?" She asked.
"Ram Katha." He said with a smile.
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A/N
No one can teach nuances of Rajdharma than Ramayan ✨✨
Correct guesses by keshavputrikeshavika and Tri-shakti ✨✨✨
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𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀
Fiction HistoriqueFirst among 11 Rudras is Manyu, the war god, wielder of thunder and Slayer of foes. He is the one who brings wealth and health. Through him Vidur and his wife Sulabha beget a son, named Manvendra, who was fierce, queller of foes, follower of Dharma...
