NOTE: The story is a slow burn romance, having action, gore, violence, blood, and mature content. I am reminding you to read with caution, if you are not positive about the above, then do not read. Children under the age of 14 are advised not to read and mature content under the age of 16, rest are welcome.
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Saundarya's POV,
The palace became smaller, and further smaller as we moved away from it, until it disappeared altogether into the horizon. I felt hope and slight happiness within me, knowing that I am going back to where I belong. But it shattered me to leave behind vast memories in the short spanned life we humans spent. My memories were not very happy in Venkatesh Garh, taking into account the lonely nights and the boredom eating me away. But I had a good mother in law who kept me entertained and his family was also supportive.
I even saw the two bundles of Joy before leaving my temporary stay. I kept sitting in the palki, covered with purdah, making the inside stuffy, making my legs go numb . I wanted to walk outside but it was his command to 'remain together'. We had entered the forest, and the outers were prone to dacoit attacks.
I didn't know when I fell asleep, taking into consideration the sleepless night I spent, back in the Kamal Bhavan. It was when someone called me out did I get out of the palki only to fall down on my knees as my legs had gone to sleep. Pins and needles spread through my leg and I looked to my front.
He stood there, unfeeling and rigid.His pistachio coloured pupils gazing at my form. Sharp pain shot through my knees making me wince. Tears formed in my eyes not because of the pain but because of his cold , stone-like behaviour. He was deliberately keeping his distance from me, his face distorted with a feeling of pain and care. I had understood one thing, he could be as warm as a fireplace if he wanted to and as cold as the chilly waters flowing down from the Gangotri if he wanted to. That's when he said,
"Help the princess up.."
The maids had not noticed me fall down, as they rushed at the command. I was made to sit on a rock as they rubbed my soles to make the feeling run away. Getting back my plethora of strength , I asked, whispering,
"Where is Kunwarsa?"
They pointed towards a shadowed area, surrounded by trees as the harsh sound of water hitting stones could be heard. The chirping of grasshoppers and other insects were adding up to the eerie atmosphere.I walked towards him, my anklets being foreign to the surrounding sounds.His hand behind his back and the other clutching the sword, he stood there. I noticed him deep in thought, his thumb rubbing against his pointer. Wind blowing softly against his face. His brows furrowed as he looked down the deep gorge. I walked nearer, standing beside him. He was gazing at the peak of the Venkatesh Garh palace, visible, the blue flag flying majestically. Only the tip was visible, the rest well hidden with the overgrown trees, vines, creepers and climbers. The river Krsnavena was visible, flowing its young blood, ferociously through the gorge.
[Note: The river here existed in ancient India and flowed through present day Karnataka where according to the imaginary map VenkateshGarh is present,now it has disappeared...]
"Why are you here, stay with the ladies.."
"What are you gazing at?"
"Someone I hate...Living in that palace over there.."
He said, not even turning to me while speaking. I instinctively asked,
"Are you ignoring me?"
"Ha ha ..Why would I...neither me nor my reaction is significant to you..why would you care if I ignore you or if I want to keep you at a distance..."
YOU ARE READING
Saundarya ~ The Epitome Of Sacrifice
Historical FictionThe great war in between the two of the greatest kingdoms occurred. The Cholas and the Rajputs. She was the captive and he was the captivator. She was the princess who was committed to someone else, tied by the strong thread of marriage. She was che...
