Destiny Reborn : Love Beyond Time

6. The Reality

The sun had set over the horizon, casting a crimson glow over the city of Hastinapur. The streets were bustling with people returning from their daily chores, eager to enjoy a warm meal and a restful night. Among them was Vidur, the chief of ministers and the wisest man in the kingdom. He had spent a long day at the court.

The rays of the setting sun had cast long shadows across the grand halls of Vidur's home in Hastinapur. The air was thick with the aroma of spiced curries and freshly baked bread.

Ragini blinked open her eyes, her vision adjusting to the dimly lit surroundings. For a split moment, she entertained the hope that everything that had transpired was merely a dream. However, her heart sank as reality settled in, and she realized she was still in the same room, in the same predicament as before.

She looked at the room, and saw that it was a simple and elegant space, with wooden furniture, clay pots, cotton curtains, and brass lamps. She remembered how she had lived in a modern and luxurious apartment, with metal appliances, plastic bottles, silk carpets, and electric lights. She realized that it was a room, the different and contrasting way of living and lifestyle.

As she attempted to sit up, Ragini's hands felt strangely numb, and a wave of exhaustion washed over her, leaving her feeling utterly drained. Every movement seemed to require an immense effort, and she struggled to muster the strength to even raise herself from the bed.

With a heavy sigh, she resigned herself to her current state, her mind racing with questions and fears about what lay ahead.

As the sound of footsteps drew near, Ragini's attention shifted towards the door. In the soft glow of the earthen lamps, she saw Sulabha approaching with a plate of food in her hands. Relief flooded through Ragini as Sulabha entered the room, a warm smile on her lips.

Sulabha set the plate of food down on the table beside the bed, the aroma of the freshly cooked meal wafting through the air. With gentle hands, she helped Ragini sit up, arranging pillows behind her for added comfort. Ragini managed a murmured 'thank you,' her voice barely above a whisper. It was a whisper of gratitude that seemed to echo the turmoil within her.

Sulabha offered a smile, one that carried the warmth of a thousand suns, and caressed Ragini's head with a mother's touch. It was a simple gesture, yet it held the power to ease the strangest of fears.

Sulabha let out a relieved sigh as she remarked to Ragini that she was glad to see her awake, admitting that she had been prepared to feed her while she slept once again. "I am glad to see you awake. I feared I might have to feed you in your sleep once more."

Ragini managed a weak smile at Sulabha's comment, grateful for her concern.

Ragini's eyes, still adjusting to the dim light, settled on the plate of food resting on the table beside her bed, her stomach churned uneasily. Despite its enticing aroma, the thought of consuming the bland mixture made her appetite wane further. Though it was a scent that spoke of home and hearth, a stark contrast to the sterile, packaged meals of her own time.

Sensing her hesitation, Sulabha spoke gently, assuring her that she need not force herself to eat the porridge.

"You don't have to eat this if you don't want to," Sulabha said, her tone soft and understanding. "You're welcome to join the others for dinner in the dining room if you feel up to it."

Ragini's gaze flickered between Sulabha and the door, uncertainty clouding her thoughts as she weighed her options.

Despite her initial hesitation and the comfort of staying within the confines of the room, Ragini found herself unable to refuse Sulabha's earnest request. The concern etched on Sulabha's face tugged at Ragini's heartstrings, compelling her to acquiesce to joining the others at the dining table. The thought of joining this family from another era at their dinner table was both daunting and strangely comforting.