“Who made you cry? Who dared to do this? Tell me their name, and I’ll make sure they’re punished. Brother, why aren’t you saying anything? Please talk to me.” Dhara’s tears began to flow as she spoke. Prince Abhay, feeling embarrassed and not wanting anyone to see this vulnerable side of him, couldn’t bear to see his sister cry. He pulled her into a tight hug, patting her shoulders in an attempt to soothe her.
In a low voice, he asked, “Why are you crying?”
“Because… because you are crying,” Dhara replied, her voice trembling.
A small smile, almost a laugh, escaped from Prince Abhay. “Silly girl, if someone cries in front of you, you should comfort them, not start crying yourself.”
“But you stopped crying and started laughing because I was crying. Why, Brother?” Dhara asked with her big, doe eyes.
“Because you looked funny,” Prince Abhay said, trying his best to hold in his laugh.
“You, how dare you! I am the most beautiful girl in the world. I can never look ugly!” she frowned.
“Yes, yes, you are the most beautiful girl in the world, but you look quite ugly when you cry. So, if you don’t want to look ugly, don’t cry, okay?” He pinched Dhara’s red nose playfully.
“Really? If that’s the case, I won’t ever cry in front of anyone. But now tell me, why were you crying?” Dhara asked, brushing his hand away.
“Oh, me? I was crying because I have to leave the palace and travel to a distant land. I don’t know when I’ll be able to return, and I don’t want to leave this place, our mother, our father, and most importantly, you. I don’t have a choice; I have to go. Can I ask you for a favor, Dhara?”
“What is it, brother?”
“When I’m not here, take care of mother and father. Be a good girl and never stop sword fighting. I want you to be able to beat me when we meet again. I don’t know if I’ll be able to come back this time or not. So, will you do this favor for me? Please.” He forced a smile, trying to mask his sadness.
“Okay, but you need to promise me that you’ll come back as soon as possible. I will wait for you. And one more thing—you're only allowed to cry in front of me because I don’t want others to see you looking as ugly as you do right now. Otherwise, I won’t be able to get a beautiful sister-in-law,” Dhara said with a chuckle.
“You little brat, you’re so young, yet you’re talking about these things. Just wait until I take you to mother,” Prince Abhay said, smiling.
Dhara started running, followed by Prince Abhay. They laughed and jumped around, momentarily forgetting the worries of the world. Dhara was the only one who could make both her father and brother forget their troubles and be happy. They didn’t know if they would be able to meet again, but in that moment, they were simply enjoying each other’s company.
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Cursed by Destiny
FantasyWhat if Kaal, the cold and distant son of Bholanath and Mata Parvati, was destined for something far greater than simply fulfilling his duties? At the age of 22, burdened by the weight of his responsibilities, Kaal lived a life devoid of warmth and...
