LEGACY ||Indian Historical Fiction||

20||REFORMS

"Chavi will be performing within a month, there's no doubt about that." Hiranmayi spoke as she sat with Aloki, refining her vocals.

"Are you sure about the plot? Do you think she'll be able to portray the character?"

"Nala and Damayanti are particularly easy to portray. Anyway, she'll have Adarsh leading her."

"That's true. The date, Acharyaa? We'll have to book the Laasya Sabha well in advance. It's always booked by those aristocrats."

Hiranmayi glanced at Aloki, a thin smile adorning her scheming face, "Dashami (10th day) of the shuklapaksh (rising moon) next month."

Aloki penned it down and bowed to Hiranmayi having gone over all the details. She picked up her Tamburi and bowed again before turning to leave.

"Aloki," said Hiranmayi, "You will have a vocal solo alongside the dance performance in the Laasya Sabha. On the very same date."

"But Acharyaa, I'm under prepared. One month is barely any time to-"

"Then get practicing. No further questions." Hiranmayi stood up and left to her room as Aloki slapped her forehead. She scrambled immediately, having to sort her performance for her solo as well as the dancers.

•••

Chavi sat in the court among other ministers before the king entered the room. She glanced at all the other ministers who were dressed in fine silks and jewellery and at herself who was in her best normal clothes. She felt the disapproving gazes and low whispers directed at her lowly life. All the attention she recieved resulted in her picking at her nails, tearing off a painfully large peice of it. She shook her hand off and wrapped her palm around her finger, containing her pain.

Vaijayanti looked at her, giving her a subtle but a subdued nod, reassuring her that it would be fine. Chavi stopped and drew a stable breath before the bard announced that Maharaja Bhargavadeva was entering the room.

After all the greetings, the king shot a look at Vaijayanti sat in her box opposite to him.

"What did you call this session for, Maharani?" He asked, voice softened since the last attack.

"I want to change the economic policy of the kingdom." Vaijayanti spoke, not faltering at his gaze like she did.

"Change it to what exactly?" Bhargavadeva asked raising his brow.

"A full plan has been drawn out by the finance minister and Maya. A detailed report will be submitted to you, given that you give permission to execute this policy... immediately."

Bhargavadeva squirmed a little at the thought of Chavi being involved. It did make him uncomfortable but made him feel indebted to her for saving his life.

"Can you give me your word for its effectiveness, Maharani?" He asked.

"...Yes."

"Then it's approved." He nodded at the finance minister as well as Chavi who bowed deeply, "Anything else?"

Chavi stood up, "I do Maharaja...I, the alliance..." Chavi started stuttering not knowing Dakshini fluently. All the other times, Adarsh was there to help her if not translate what she was saying.

The ministers started clicking their tongues disapprovingly. Chavi looked around, flustered. She looked at the king who seemed to look at her. There was a bit of sympathy in his eyes.

"You can carry on in Vayavya, child. I understand it." Bhargavadeva spoke as the crowd erupted into gasps. Chavi nodded.

"I apologise, Maharaja, for the inconvenience." She bowed.