𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀

CHAPTER 54

It was early morning, the sun was shining brightly, the skies were rather clear after last night's rain, only a few clouds could be seen here and there.

Dhisana walked through the halls of Gajasaharya, making her way to her husband, she was carrying a sacramental plate in her hand from which she had just now offered prayers in the temple. Her wet hair was flowing freely down her hips, the glow of happiness was evident on her face. A sweet smile which adorned her lips was a testament to it.

As she neared the entrance of the training grounds, she could hear the thunder like twangs of the bow string and loud thuds of arrows hitting the target. She figured out that her husband would be there.

Entering the training arena, her eyes captured the sight of Manvendra effortlessly moving through the graceful dance of archery. His muscular frame was glistened with perspiration under the golden rays of sunlight that were cascading through the open canopy above.

The strength and precision with which he handled his bow left her breathless, as if she was witnessing a master craftsman at work. Dhisana leaned against the entrance, her hands delicately clutching her chest, feeling her heartbeat quicken.

She had only seen the Mleccha warriors doing archery from afar, it was first time she was seeing someone doing archery from such a close distance. She'd admit that his movements were way more graceful and precise than the warriors back home.

Her eyes traced every sinew of his toned arms, sculpted from tireless hours of dedication and practice. The way he held the bow, the way his fingers were meticulously positioned, it all displayed a profound connection between him and the bow, which seemed to be a tangible extension of his own self.

Her gaze followed each arrow as it sprang from the bowstring, soaring through the air with unwavering grace. The sound of arrows puncturing the targets resonated with a rhythmic melody, each strike echoing the resolute determination burning within him.

Her admiration for his skill, his unwavering focus, intensified with every shot. As he pulled another arrow from his quiver, his muscles rippled, and a concentrated furrow formed on his forehead. Dhisana could hardly contain her awe for he appeared like Pinaki himself.

She was suddenly brought out of her stance, when Manvendra turned around and looked at her. His piercing gaze met hers, and a warm smile spread across his face. Caught off guard by his attention, Dhisana felt her cheeks burning with shyness.

Unsure of how to respond, she found herself rooted to the spot. All she was able to do was lower her gaze while pressing her lips in a thin line.

Seeing her hesitation, Manvendra walked up to her, his bow still in his left hand. Dhisana didn't say a thing, she just put a tilak on his forehead and gave him the prasadam.

Her lowered gaze were fixed on the bow he was holding, this didn't go unnoticed by Manvendra. He could see how curiously she was looking at it.

"Would you like to show your archery skills ?" He asked.

Dhisana looked up at him for a moment before her face fell.

"I don't have any archery skills. Or warfare skills in that matter." She said in a timid voice.

"How come ? Every woman in Bharatvarsh knows the art of weaponry." Manvendra said, a little confused.

"My brother didn't want to waste his time teaching me." Dhisana said.

"What about your parents ?" Manvendra asked.

"My father was killed in battlefield. My mother couldn't bear this news, she too succumbed to death, shortly after. I was around three or four at that time." She said.

"Oh." Manvendra muttered as his expression softened in concern.

"But it was long ago, and I don't remember it, anyways." She said, "So to answer your question, no was there to teach me any weaponry skills. I only acquired culinary skills because most of the time I was in the company of the servants. But it seems I couldn't grasp that as well." She chuckled.

"Who said that ? You're cooking skills are unparalleled." Manvendra said.

"What ?" Dhisana frowned at that, she clearly remembered seeing him not enjoy the food she had made for him and the Ashwarohis.

"Yes. I really enjoyed your food." Manvendra told.

"Oh. Really ?" Dhisana asked, still unsure.

"I did say you made good food. Don't you remember ?" He asked.

"Well you did. But you didn't look like you enjoyed it." Dhisana said. She became confused, she had seen him eat the food she cooked with a stoic face, which didn't express any joy.

"Ah. That's because...." Manvendra stopped, thinking that she had just now shared vulnerable information, and if she comes to know the truth, it will hurt her more.

"Because of what ?" She asked.

"Perhaps I must've been tired." He said.

"Maybe." Dhisana said, still not convinced and he could see it.

"Anyway Dhisaney tell me, would you like to try archery ?" Manvendra asked.

Dhisana was surprised by his sudden suggestion. Archery was a skill she had only admired from a distance, hence she didn't want to waste this opportunity.

"Sure !" She said elated.

"Come now." Manvendra said.

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A/N

Satya Aaj bhi saamne na aya 🌝