Rakshash Aur Rajkumari (The Devil And The Princess)

34•द्वेषः

As Ambika strides through the untamed wilderness of a forest bordering the Durga mansion, her presence commands attention.

Her attire consists of a resplendent white and crimson saree adorned with intricate zardozi work, reminiscent of autumn leaves dancing in the wind. The cloth, delicately embellished with sequins and pearls, accentuates her slender frame, while the pallu drapes gracefully over her shoulder, trailing behind her like a flowing stream.

Ambika's kohled eyes, framed by lush lashes, scan the forest with an intensity that belies her serene demeanor. The tinkling of her anklets accompanies each step, blending harmoniously with the symphony of nature around her.

A delicate maang tikka adorns her forehead, glinting in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above. Her hair, styled in intricate waves, cascades down her back like a cascade of ebony silk, with Kaan sahara made out of crystals adding to her mystical aura.

As she moves with a purpose known only to her, Ambika exudes an otherworldly allure, akin to a goddess traversing her sacred domain. She is the epitome of beauty and strength, a vision of enchantment amidst the wilderness, rightfully earning her title as the princess of Durga Kul.

Her eyes shimmered with delight as she caught sight of the magnificent hibiscus tree, its branches adorned with rare purple and red hibiscus blossoms. This singular tree, the sole producer of such intricate flowers in the entire kingdom, thrived within the verdant embrace of the forest. It fell upon Ambika to occasionally venture into the woods for the delicate task of gathering these blooms. Most of the flowers she gathered would find their way to the feet of the idol of Goddess Durga, a reverent offering from the devoted princess. Yet, she reserved a few for herself, treasuring their beauty as a personal adornment.

With a serene smile, Ambika gracefully plucked the exquisite blooms, her slender form swaying gently with each movement. As she gathered the flowers onto her pallu, she glanced skyward and noted the sun's retreat behind gathering dark clouds.

"It will rain," she mused, hastening her task to avoid being caught in the forest downpour. With deft hands, she swiftly gathered the remaining flowers, her senses alert to the imminent change in weather.

As she cautiously picked the flowers a  sudden and thunderous "Neigh" Startled her, Ambika leaped in fright, her delicate frame trembling with apprehension. The precious flowers slipped from her grasp, cascading to the forest floor beneath her feet as she spun around to confront the unexpected sound.

Her heart raced with fear, her mind racing to comprehend the presence of a horse in the heart of the wilderness. Surely, it must be a wild and untamed creature to venture so deep into the forest.

As her gaze settled upon the source of the disturbance, Ambika's breath caught in awe. Before her stood a magnificent black stallion, its powerful presence commanding reverence. Yet, it was the figure who hovered over the majestic creature that truly captured her attention. A being of regal stature and undeniable allure, their presence seemed to resonate with an air of mystery and authority.

The imposing figure of Rudraksha loomed over the scene, his muscular frame casting a commanding presence. A few tendrils of his jet black hair cascaded onto his forehead, framing his piercing dark eyes that gleamed with an intensity akin to a hawk stalking its prey.

With each steady breath, his broad chest rose and fell, the rhythmic movement accentuating his towering stature. Perched atop the massive horse, his form eclipsed Ambika's, as he peered down at Ambika, her diminutive figure appearing small and vulnerable in comparison to his imposing presence.

Against the backdrop of brooding dark clouds and lush green trees, Rudraksha appeared even more intimidating, his silhouette etched with an aura of primal power. Ambika couldn't help but feel a shiver of apprehension course through her, awed by the sheer presence of his enigmatic figure amidst the untamed wilderness.