Empire of Righteousness ( The Beginning)

Chapter 183 : Same Flame

"Let them in," Suthanu gives her permission.

Vajra is playing with Vrishaketu. Both ran off somewhere. Bhanu is with Prativindhya and others. The door opens. Devika, Uloppi, Karenumati enters.

"Pranipath," Suthanu greets them by joining her hands.

Three of them look at each other. Suthanu doesn't touch their feet.

"Where's Vajra?" Uloppi asks softly.

"He is playing," Suthanu answers.

Suthanu and Lakshmana are the only female of their bloodline. Lakshmana wasn't around that much but Suthanu was. Suthanu, as her father, is Ajatshatru. She is the only person her step mothers have no issue with.

"Please sit, Buashree," Suthanu says politely.

There's something off about her. Three of them can tell. Soulless smile might be the most ugly thing to witness. They sit down on the bed. Their heart conflicted why Suthanu doesn't address them as Mata anymore.She is the only daughter they have.

"How have you been doing, putri?" Devika asks.

"I am well," Suthanu answers curtly.

Three of them share an awkward stare. Suthanu wasn't like this before. She is different but they can't tell how.

"How's Bhanu treating you? Fortunately he didn't remarry..." Devika says softly.

"My husband treats me as a wife should be treated, Buashree. You don't have to worry," Suthanu cuts her out. 

Karenumati sighs touching Suthanu's face. Her beauty isn't like her mother. Her mother's beauty is burning and intense as fire where Suthanu is gentle as morning breeze. Suthanu stares at them with such unreadable expression that begins to make them feel scared of this little girl.

"Have you greeted my mother?" Suthanu asks.

"Of course, she is Samragni. There's no reason for us to not greet her," Karenumati says.

"Have Bhrata Niramitra came? Has he greeted Bhratas?"

"Of course, Putri. They are brothers," Karenumati says confused.

"And the reason you came here because?" Suthanu asks.

Three of them look at each other.

Uloppi says softly, "We came to see our only daughter..."

"Who?" Suthanu raises her eyebrows, "I am not your daughter."

Uloppi's lips part in confusion, "Putri, you are indeed Samrat Yudhisthira and Jiji Draupadi's daughter. But that doesn't lessen our rights on you. We are your family and elders. We love...."

"My family consists of my one mother Yagnaseni Draupadi, my father Samrat Yudhisthira and his brothers whom I regard as my father as well. My six brothers, their wives and their children. Which part do you play?"

"Suthanu," Karenumati's voice turns strict, "I am Yuvraj Nakula's wife. And I will not tolerate this disrespectful attitude..."

"I haven't asked you to speak,"

Suthanu's blunt and disrespectful way to address them catches them completely off guard.

"I am Suthanu not Yagnaseni Draupadi who has an ocean of compassion. I am not a Goddess to forgive you thinking it's childish mistakes. That's my mother. Don't confuse me with her," Suthanu stands up.

"All our relationships start with our mother. I address my father's brothers as a fatherly figure only because they are husbands of that reverend lady. What relationship do you have with my mother?"