Beyond Destiny ~ A Saga Of Timeless Love

47 ~ Echoes Of Distress

"He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."

Ruhanika

The golden rays of the early morning sun filtered through the thick canopy of leaves, casting a warm, golden glow across the palace gardens. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers and dewy earth. Despite the serenity of the morning, the atmosphere buzzed with a quiet tension as people bustled about, preparing for our journey to the temple. The rhythmic clinking of metal, the soft murmur of instructions, and the occasional neighing of horses broke the silence of Magadh’s waking hours.

I stood by the palace gates, draped in a simple cotton saree, my jewels and silks set aside to blend in with commoners. Dev stood beside me, similarly dressed in a plain kurta and dhoti, his usual regal aura replaced by an unassuming demeanor. Even so, his commanding presence was impossible to disguise. A small contingent of soldiers, dressed in modest clothing, loitered discreetly nearby, ready to follow us from a distance.

The journey was supposed to be a sacred pilgrimage, a symbolic act of devotion. Yet, it had evolved into something more—a chance for us to escape the palace walls and visit the Kushan Empire. Dev had spoken of the trip with uncharacteristic excitement, mentioning that the empire awaited the arrival of its empress. His words had filled me with both pride and nervousness.

Rani Maa stood by the entrance, her hands clasped tightly, her face shadowed by concern. Her usual composure seemed shaken. As we approached to bid farewell, her worried eyes lingered on Dev, then shifted to me.

“Ensure your well-being,” she said, her voice soft but laced with an unease that was impossible to ignore.

“Why do you look so worried, Rani Maa?” Dev asked, his tone calm but curious as he studied her expression.

“I do not know, Pratap,” she replied, addressing him by his royal name. Her voice trembled as she added, “This journey does not feel right to me. I would have stopped you both if the temple priest had not said this pilgrimage was necessary and must be completed by tomorrow.”

Dev frowned slightly, stepping closer to her. “Rani Maa,” he said, his voice firm yet reassuring, “look at me. I swear to you, I will protect her with my life. The soldiers are following us, and they will keep watch. There is no need to worry.”

She sighed deeply, her hands trembling as she reached out to touch his face. “It is not you I doubt, Pratap. I know you will guard her with your life. It is just...an inexplicable dread in my heart that I cannot shake off. Please go, but return quickly.”

Her voice cracked as she finished, and she placed a tender kiss on his forehead. Dev nodded, his jaw tightening as he placed his hand over hers in a silent promise. She then turned to me, pulling me into a firm embrace. I felt the warmth of her love in the way her arms enveloped me, her soft lips pressing against my forehead in a motherly blessing.

“Be careful, my daughter,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. “Come back safely.”

I smiled at her, though my heart was heavy. A strange uneasiness lingered within me as well. I couldn’t quite explain it, but the way her eyes glistened with unshed tears made it harder for me to brush aside the foreboding feeling. I turned to see Nandita, Maya, and Janki Amma waiting to bid me farewell. Each hug and blessing they offered seemed to deepen the knot in my stomach.

My gaze wandered to Dev, who was speaking quietly with Arjun Bhaisa. The two men shared a bond forged through trust and mutual respect, yet their conversation carried a seriousness that only heightened my unease. As I stood there, the palace behind me seemed to take on an ethereal glow, its golden spires shimmering in the morning light. It felt as if the palace itself were bidding us goodbye.