Lotus among the Roses

🗡 A traitor 🗡

"Kumud! "
" Didi! "
"Kumud! "
The voices of her parents and her little sister sounded, as they had come running in. Her mother immediately hugged her tight, while slowly whispering, " don't be afraid...... mother and father are here..."

Kumud burried her head In her mother's bosom, while more footsteps sounded.

Devi Sursa, Devendra's mother and Padmini's mother-in-law had come in hastily, with her daughter supporting her. Her middle aged frame stood steady, yet one could clearly see her agitation and worry for her daughter-in-law.
" ...... Mahadev! help my Padmini... " she clasped her hands as she prayed.

After a few moments, Devi Surasa noticed Kumud, who stood there, her head lowered.

With a sigh, she placed her hand on Kumud's head, she said, " Raise your head young one, you pushed her to save her... its not your fault dear... don't blame yourself..... My Padmini... she's very good... I know... my Mahadev will never let anything happen to her ..... "

And true to her words, nothing happened to Padmini then... But, this incident was the start of the entanglement that formed between Padmini and Kumud.

Present Time...

Kumud had stood in the courtyard when a knock interrupted her brooding thoughts. Kumud turned abruptly, still shaken by her memories, and composed herself. "Come in," she called.

Atula came in with a servant, dressed in the rich blue and gold livery of the royal palace who approached her cautiously.

Atula bowed first and then quickly came close to Padmini. " Master, Abeera and Devendra went out of the palace separately. Devi Sunita too was called back by her husband's family. "

Kumud nodded in understanding, and motioned for Atula to step back.

Just then, " Devi Kumud," the servant said, bowing slightly, her voice low but urgent. "The Emperor, requests your immediate presence in the sacred hall. There's an urgent meeting that requires your attention."

Kumud felt a flicker of surprise and her heart skipping a beat. Urgent?
What could possibly demand her presence now?

Glancing at the servant again, she noted the tension in her face.
Whatever this was, it wasn't trivial.
She shot a look towards Atula and without a word, she nodded, straightened her posture, and followed her swiftly down the palace corridors.

Her mind raced as she walked through the halls, an unexpected yet sinking feeling settling in.

What could this be about? Why now?

The palace celebration had been in full swing just hours ago. The laughter and music of merriment still echoed faintly from the grand halls. But the further they walked, the more the festive atmosphere felt distant, almost alien.

The tension in the air now felt thick, charged with something unseen.

The servant led her to the Emperor's private chambers, a room reserved for only the most critical discussions.

Kumud paused briefly at the entrance but swiftly gathered herself before stepping inside.

As she entered the chamber, the soft murmurs of conversation came to a halt.

The Emperor himself, regal and commanding in his presence, stood at the head of the room, his piercing eyes falling on her as she entered.

The air of authority and dignity that surrounded him was palpable, even though his demeanor was calm, almost fatherly. He was very different from the amiable elderly figure persona he had during the celebration.