Rewriting the War (Duryodhan)

Chapter 9 - A Naga's Visit

"She just wanted to tell me personally about her decision to take me to the trip." I said even before he could open his mouth.

"I see." He cleared his throat. "Amara, I am sorry about yesterday; I shouldn't have slept..."

"It's fine. Both of us accidentally slept while talking. No need to apologise." I divulged as I recalled the prior night.

We had spent an awful lot just conversing about our childhood, and at one point, we must have dozed off without realising.

But hearing about his early days did give me a distinct perspective of Duryodhan as a child.  

Despite being the heir, he had witnessed the entire court impose their superstitious beliefs regarding his birth, keeping him at an arms length, going as far as to advise his father to do the same.

And worst of all, they hadn't thought much before snatching away his title to offer it to another boy, nearly the same age as he was, almost a stranger, who received adoration upon arrival.

His jealousy was validated and more so since it was a trait of a child, but it plummeted further downhill due to his uncle's

"Should I tell Dushala about the trip?" I asked, trying to change my sombre thoughts.

"No." He replied rather too quickly. "I will tell her." I beamed, but it subdued upon seeing Vidura march our way.

Duryodhan was clever enough to nod in respect and walk his way to Dushala's quarters, leaving me stranded with the nosey man.

"Just the person I wanted to see." There was surprising warmth in his eyes as he addressed me. I didn't open my mouth, waiting for him to continue.

"You stalled it for the greater good." I politely nodded at his observation.

"Who do you work for?" He started to poke his nose.

"I don't get your question?"

I know that he had a lot of spies, but that doesn't mean he had to ask blatantly obvious questions in broad daylight.

"Well, I will figure it out." He said finally, with a determined look in his dark face.

I nearly snorted when he left me alone. If his original plan was to figure it out himself, then why did he have to waste my time as well as his by pointlessly questioning.

Entering my new room, I hoped to catch some more sleep, but it dashed to the ground as soon as I saw a snake in my bed.

I edged towards the door, attempting to sneak out, but the snake entranced me by literally transforming into a human with scaly feet.

"Who are you?" For some reason, I had enough bravery in me to question a mythological being.

"A Naga. I suppose you know what that means." Arrogance oozed from it.

"Yes. Ancient semi-divine people who worship the snakes." I had researched enough on them. Fascinating creatures they were, especially for guarding the netherworlds.

"Yes, and you forget." The Naga tilted its head.

"Huh?"

"It's not ancient yet." It smiled sinisterly as if it knew everything about me.

"My bad." I eyed it with curiosity. "What's the purpose of your visit?"

"Good thing that you are direct." It edged closer.

"You are changing the fate."

"That was what I was told to do." I started defensively.

"Ofcourse ofcourse." It placidly said in agreement. "But there are certain things that you need to know."

"What is it?" Irritation seeped through  me.

"I think you know it quite well." It was toying with me, and I had to admit, it was working.

"Cannot say I have an idea of what you are saying." I commented honestly.

"It's your favourite quote back then, or should I say, here after." The creepy smirk was still on its pale face.

"If you want something," Naga began.

"You give something in return." I completed it, horrified.

"You have already begun messing with destiny." It paused, enjoying the misery in mine. "So, be prepared to lose."

"What am I going to lose?" I whispered, afraid to hear the answer.

"That I cannot reveal for now." It started to leave, abandoning me with swirling uneasiness.

"Wait." I called out in desperation before it could turn back to its snake form. "Am I going to lose my life?"

It's gaze softened a little at my question, and it shook its head sideways. No. And the answer comforted me a little.

"Please tell me your name?" I enquired at last, beginning to accept the turn of events.

"Takshaka, the King of the Nagas." It replied and jumped out the window, leaving me to collapse in fear of what awaited me in the future.

But at least I had my life with me and that was more than enough for now.