A murmur of anticipation swept through the court as Abeera stepped forward. She was a vision of ethereal beauty, her European features inherited from her Yavani mother giving her an exotic allure that set her apart. Her skin was golden brown, her hair a cascade of copper brown, and her eyes a striking shade of blue.
Dressed in a flowing attire of rich emerald green, embroidered with gold, she moved with an elegance that captivated all who beheld her.
Abeera began with a graceful bow, acknowledging the Samraat and Samraagyi, before taking her place in the center of the hall.
" This Gul Bahar, is honoured to be able to present her little talent infront of the honoured ones present here. Please forgive me for my mistakes..." She said as she bowed towards everyone, her melodic voice ringing and her alluring movement making people's breath hitch.
Musicians positioned themselves around her, tuning their instruments to create a symphony that would accompany her performance.
The veena's soothing strings and the tabla's rhythmic beats set the stage for her dance.
As the music began, Abeera's movements flowed like water, each step and gesture imbued with emotion and precision. Her dance was truely a divine sight to behold.
She performed the glorious dance of Bharatanatyam, but with a touch of the fluidity that came from her unique heritage.
She told a story with every movement, her expressions conveying the depth of the narrative.
The court watched in rapt attention, mesmerized by the poetry in her dance.
The Samraat, Makardhwaj, watched with a composed yet appreciative expression, his eyes reflecting the grace and beauty of the performance. Beside him, Samraagyi Mrinalini's face softened into a smile, her favour towards Abeera evident.
The courtiers, too, were enchanted, their whispers of admiration a testament to her captivating presence.
But there was someone who couldn't wait to slash this beautiful figure down!
Kumud, sat amidst the courtiers, watching Abeera enchant everyone with a mixture of pure, uncontrollable rage and sheer bloodthirsty vengeance that seemed to consume her whole self.
Each and every move of hers was a reminder to her horrific past and the pain it had inflicted upon her. She wanted to end everything in this moment, but no! she would never! At least not before making The Gul Bahar and That Devendra suffer!
She took a deep breath in to steady herself and passed a look towards Atula.
Atula nodded, as a sign that the job was done.
Just before the performance, Atula had discreetly went inside the room where Abeera was getting ready and mixed into her drink the opium that she had brought.
Abeera had drunk that drink without any hesitation before arriving in the hall, and starting her oh so fabulous performance.
Murmurs of prises arose and even Ketki couldn't help but say, " This woman, though utterly a waste of air, is quite good in dancing and singing..... "
Kumud nodded in agreement, while her face remained stoic. The memories of the past were still raw, but she couldn't deny the talent and grace that Abeera possessed. Her mind, ever calculating, wondered about the amount of time it will take before this performance of Abeera's is converted into a one, which will be completely unforgettable by those present.
Vyom, observing from the opposite side, quietly took a sip of his drink, and noted the reactions of the court and the subtle interplay of emotions on everyone's faces.
YOU ARE READING
Lotus among the Roses
Historical Fiction'I cried that night.....so much that it numbed me to my core' Padmini sobbed hard. Her life came crashing down at her when she found that her husband had a mistress....... " Gulbahar" this name signified the woman he loves......just like her name wa...
