Chronicles of Karma

31~Whispers of the Mountain

"Is it because I am a bastard that they treat me differently?

Or is it because of the action that caused me to be one?

I can't find a way out, nor do I know how

But I know that I won't be staying here for longer."

My eyes went over the letters that sparkled in the diary; with each page, it seemed like this was more of a trauma journal. I sighed as I closed it and set it inside the cabinet. I slowly walked in front of the mirror as I adjusted my hair and pallu; the jewels I adorned made me feel exhausted, especially the one adoring my neck, the gift from the queen. I felt suffocated, which is currently hurting my neck. I gritted my teeth as I tried to control my breathing and loosen up the chains, but it was not enough. Before I could snatch it out of the neck, Sathya's voice made me stop my action.

'Princess,' I gasped as my eyes looked at her figure. I tried to smile, but I knew mine didn't reach my eyes.

I gulped down my spit, 'Yes, Sathya,' as I walked back to my bed. She followed me. 'The crown Princess asked me to fetch you up.' Her words made me stop and look at her. Fetch me? For what?

'May I know what for?' I questioned her.

'It's regarding the Devi Pooja, my Princess, and as the Queen suggested, we have to be there to see the preparation and will be leaving at dawn tomorrow.' As Sathya finished, I nodded. Oh, yes, I forgot about that.

'Sure, let go,' I said, and we met SuryaTeja in her chamber. Just as we entered, we could find her in her study going through something, with letters scattered around her.

She lifted her head, smiled softly at us, and nodded for us to come in. She immediately stood up and settled on the sofa, and I sat opposite her. I looked at Satya, who was standing behind me.

'Please, Sathya, take the seat. You don't have to stand back,' I said, and Surya nodded. Sathya complied and sat next to us.

Surya leaned in and started, ' So I believe Satya told you why we are assembled here today.' I nodded and looked at Sathya.

'Good, so Devi Pooja is the festival that comes in the first Poornima of the month Aadi(Tamil month, normally from mid-July to August). This event starts a thousands of-year-old tradition that we carry on. All the women participate in this.' Her words made me smile. It looks like a fun festival.

'Had we participated in it before?' I asked, hoping to recall any memories if I went again this time.

'Actually, the festival happens once every five years. I believe you might, but unfortunately, not as a Princess. ' Her reply made me think about my past writings.

'So, how do we do it?' I asked, hoping to end the awkward silence. Sathy nodded as well.

'Well, on the auspicious Poornima day, all the kingdom's women would join together, offering prayers to our Maa Devi as she resides in the upper hills. We women sing and dance all night at the foot of the hill. Many recently engaged women would dance with their partners, and other men would also join' I felt good hearing it, and this is the first time I have heard a happy tone from this kingdom as it always felt uptight.

'So what do we royals have to do?' I asked again, causing Surya to smile.

'Well, the crown princess will light the first deepam, and we should do the first song and dance to welcome our Maa. We also have to make sure that no one returns empty-handed,' Surya concluded as she gave us the list of things we would be helping with.