Bhanumati's Curse

18. That Wooden Box

As Bhanumati and Shekhu entered his room, the young prince immediately darted towards his pile of toys, his face lighting up with excitement. His room was filled with vibrant colors, cushions, and soft toys—everything a young royal would enjoy. Bhanumati couldn’t help but smile as she watched him dive headfirst into his world of make-believe.

Shekhu calling out from behind a large stuffed elephant
"Choti Maa, come play with me! Let’s build a fort!"

Bhanumati laughed softly, shaking her head but indulging his playful spirit.

Bhanumati said playfully
"A fort, you say? Very well, Shekhu. But you’ll need the help of your trusted queen."

With that, she rolled up her sleeves and joined him on the floor, gathering pillows, blankets, and anything else they could use to create their little fortress. Together, they built a sprawling structure in the middle of the room, Shekhu guiding her through the process as if he were the master architect.

Shekhu said with pride
"See, Choti Maa? This is where we’ll hide from the bad guys! No one can find us here."

She said while smiling
"Of course, we’re safe in this mighty fort. But who will protect the kingdom while we’re hiding here?"

Shekhu giggled, jumping onto the cushions inside the fort.

He said laughingly
"You, Choti Maa! You’re the strongest! You can protect everyone."

Bhanumati’s heart swelled at his innocent words, and for a moment, the weight of the palace politics and her own hidden feelings lifted. In this room, with Shekhu, everything was simple. It was a world of laughter, warmth, and trust.

As they played, Shekhu started rummaging through his toy chest, looking for more treasures to bring into their fort. Bhanumati leaned back on one of the cushions, watching him with amusement. That’s when she noticed something—an old wooden box, partially hidden under one of Shekhu’s small beds.

Curious, she stood up and walked over to it. The box seemed out of place among the toys. Its intricate carvings suggested it held something important, something valuable. She knelt down and carefully pulled the box out from under the bed.

She said thoughtfully
"What’s this, Shekhu? Have you been hiding treasures of your own?"

Shekhu looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. He scrambled over to her, peeking at the box in her hands.

He replied innocently
"Oh! That’s not mine, Choti Maa. I don’t know where it came from."

Bhanumati’s curiosity deepened. She carefully opened the box, revealing its contents. Inside was a small bundle of letters, tied together with a delicate golden thread, and an old locket. The letters appeared to be written in elegant, flowing script—likely from someone in the royal family.

She glanced at Shekhu, who was now sitting next to her, his little hands reaching for the locket.

Shekhu said being curious
"What’s that, Choti Maa?"

Bhanumati gently took the locket and opened it. Inside, she found a small portrait of a woman—likely Rajendra’s late wife, Shekhu’s mother. Her heart tightened at the sight, realizing that this box contained memories of Shekhu’s mother, carefully tucked away.

Bhanumati said softly
"This belonged to your mother, Shekhu. It’s very special."

Shekhu’s face grew serious as he looked at the portrait.

He said quietly
"I miss her, Choti Maa. But I’m glad you’re here with me now."

Bhanumati’s chest ached with a mix of emotions. She closed the locket and gently placed it back in the box, wrapping her arms around Shekhu.