His Favourite Maid

Entering the Palace

Yashodhara's hand, rough with age and toil, traced gentle circles on Nandini's head, her voice soft as a summer's sigh, "Take care of yourself, my child", she says.

"Ma, don't worry," Vidya, the elder sister, interjected with a reassuring smile. "I'll take care of Nandini. We'll be fine." She placed a comforting arm around Nandini, trying to lighten the mood despite the weight of the moment.

Yashodhara forced a smile, though her heart ached. "Stay together, and remember everything we've taught you. The palace can be a daunting place, but keep your spirits high and your wits about you."

Nandini nodded, clutching her mother's hand one last time. "We'll be fine Ma". 

A sharp voice cut through the tender exchange. A woman, in her 50s, her face etched with the lines of experience, stood tall, her voice carrying over the hushed whispers of the gathering crowd. "The new palace maids, form a line!" Her command was a stark contrast to the warmth that had preceded it.

Around forty girls, each with a mix of excitement and trepidation, stood with their parents or relatives, exchanging last words and tight hugs. The atmosphere was heavy with emotions—hope, fear, and the sorrow of separation.

Yashodhara's eyes filled with tears as she watched Nandini and Vidya join the line, their small figures dwarfed by the grandeur of the palace gates. "Be brave, my daughters," she whispered, though the words were meant more for herself than for them. She watched as the line of girls, including her beloved daughters, began to move towards the palace's back gate. 

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Nandini's eyes widened in awe as they entered the palace grounds. The grand architecture, with its intricate carvings and gleaming domes, took her breath away. "People actually live here," she thought, barely able to contain her amazement.

Yet, amidst her admiration, a pang of guilt and sorrow struck her heart. While the palace stood as a testament to opulence and wealth, she couldn't help but think of the people back in her village, where families struggled to afford even a single meal a day. "How can something be so beautiful, while so many suffer just a few miles away?" Nandini wondered, her heart heavy with the disparity she was witnessing.

The woman in her fifties, her voice a sharp contrast to the girls' hushed tones, interrupted their reverie. "Enough sightseeing!" Her stern words cut through the air like a whip. "You're not here for a pleasure trip. Tomorrow, your training begins. Let me be clear: none of you will serve the royals directly without rigorous training. Only the best will be chosen. The rest will be assigned to the kitchen, laundry, or cleaning duties."

A moment of stunned silence followed her announcement, broken only by the nervous shuffling of feet. "Do you understand?" she demanded, her voice rising in pitch. A chorus of "yes" rose from the girls, a blend of fear and determination.

The woman nodded, satisfied with their response. "Good. Remember, your performance during training will determine your position here. Show dedication, discipline, and respect for the rules. This palace is not just a place of luxury; it is a place of order."

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"Wow, Yuvraj (Crown Prince) , your archery skills keep getting better," Uday exclaimed, watching as Yuvraj Indrajit effortlessly hit the target's center. The admiration in his voice was genuine, reflecting the awe he felt for his friend's growing progress.

Indrajit smiled modestly, placing his bow down and walking over to meet Uday. "I'm still far from being a master, my friend," he replied, shaking his head slightly. "Commander Bhaskar is leagues ahead of me. I have so much to learn before I can reach his level."

Uday nodded, acknowledging the humility in Yuvraj's words. "True, but you've come a long way. With your dedication, it's only a matter of time before you surpass even the commander."

Yuvraj chuckled, appreciating the encouragement.

Curiosity piqued, Yuvraj then asked, "How was Takshashila?" .

"Takshashila was great," Uday replied, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "The scholars there were remarkable; the depth of knowledge that place holds is incredible. The city itself was so beautiful that I didn't want to leave."

Yuvraj Indrajit raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Was Takshashila beautiful, or was it a resident of Takshashila who is beautiful?" he quipped, nudging Uday playfully.

Uday chuckled, shaking his head. "It was the place, I swear! The architecture, the vibrant markets, the serene monasteries—everything felt alive and full of wisdom."

Indrajit leaned in, smirking. "Come on, Uday. You can tell me. Did you meet someone special?"

Uday laughed, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "Come on, Yuvraj, will you torture your friend who just returned from a three-month-long journey?"

Yuvraj chuckled, patting Uday on the shoulder. "Alright, alright, I'll let you rest. But don't think you're off the hook. Once you're settled, I want to hear every detail about Takshashila. Deal?"

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DAY 01 OF TRAINING 

Nandini's POV

Court Lady Malati Devi, a stern figure known for her unwavering discipline, was training us in the art of dishwashing. Though everyone knew how to wash dishes, the task here was unlike anything we had done at home. The palace dishes were enormous, each one a masterpiece of intricate designs, and they were cleaned using ashes from a specific tree, unlike what we commoners use. 

As we scrubbed and rinsed, the silence was suddenly shattered by a sharp BANG. The sound echoed through the chamber, drawing every eye to its source. The girl beside me stood frozen, her face pale with shock. At her feet lay the shattered remnants of a clay glass, a delicate piece now reduced to shards.

Without thinking, I moved swiftly. Before Court Lady Malati could turn her gaze towards the commotion, I gently nudged the girl aside, positioning myself in front of the broken pieces.