Agneya - The Unknown King

Chapter 44 - Joy

Rashmi too smiled in joy and hugged her.  She mumbled a thank you to Agneya but asked worriedly, "She doesn't have powers.  Will she be able to cross through this door?".  He said, "Although she doesn't have powers, she can atleast travel once.  Frequent travels may not be good for her".

Then all three of them left through the door.

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Kalindi was present in the common hall of their chamber, looking after the arrangements for welcoming the King as well as soldiers.  Meanwhile, Agneya, Rashmi and Dakini entered the realm through the giant door in the study chamber.    As the door closed behind them, Dakini felt a little weakness and Rashmi held her to make her steady. 

Agneya looked around the study chamber of his father but found no one.  So he asked both the women to wait inside the study chamber itself and went out to check on the situation.  Kalindi heard the door of the study chamber opening behind her and became alert and quickly stood up and turned back to look at the intruder with her hand on the dagger. 

Kalindi became still at her place and her eyes couldn't believe the sight infront of her.  Agneya smiled at his mother and went towards her and touched her feet to get her blessings.  As he stood up, he asked, "How are you, Maa?".  Kalindi immediately hugged him, unable to form words and tears escaped her eyes due to the sudden unexpected happiness.  She looked at him from head to toe while caressing his cheeks and arms, to satisfy her heart that he is safe and is present infront of her.

Agneya wiped her tears and said, "I'm good Maa.  Don't worry".  She nodded at his words and he continued, "The study chamber is empty.  Where is Baba?  The court must have been dismissed by this time right?".  Kalindi nodded at him and pulled him to sit beside her on the couch and said, "Yes.  But the situation was different".  And she narrated the recent happenings of the war and that they have won.

Just as Kalindi had narrated him, they heard the drums and horn sounds indicating that Abhyuday and others have entered the Palace gates.  So Kalindi stood up immediately and then said, "You stay here Agni.  Because we have given a different reason for your departure.  If even the palace maids saw you then they will have many questions about how you returned.  Let's discuss with your father before letting the news out".

Saying so, she rushed to welcome her husband and son.  Kalindi took the aarti for Abhyuday and Arunaditya while Parth's wife did the same for him.  As the father son duo came to their chamber, Kalindi was smiling widely with a never-ending smile.  Abhyuday asked, "What is the reason behind your extra happiness?".   Arunaditya exclaimed, "Maa, you are smiling as if you got some long lost precious thing?". 

Abhi looked at her with a serious look and asked, "Did you see Agneya?".  Kalindi was surprised at his quick guess but nodded at him.  Kalindi called out Agneya, who came out of the study chamber.  He smiled on seeing his father and brother and immediately went to hug his father.  Abhi controlled his tears after embracing his son after so many months.  As they broke the hug, Agni told, "I have kept your promise Baba". 

Abhyuday nodded at his words with proud feeling and then Arunaditya wasted no time in hugging his brother tightly.  "Bhai, I have missed you so much.  Please don't ever leave me like this.  I cannot stay away from you".  Agni too returned the hug with same intensity and told him, "I'm happy and proud of the way you have took upon the responsibility of a Prince.  And you have won your very first war". 

Kalindi saw another person emerging out of the study chamber and turned towards the door, to find a girl standing there.  Although she was an unknown person, Kalindi could deduce that she is from a Royal family by the look of her attire and jewellery.  But then the way of wearing the saree was different and it was similar to the way, her biological mother had worn when she visited Rakshatra.