Storms of the heart

Where Serpent and Siren Cross Paths

In a long corridor well-lit by oil lamps and decorated with fresh flowers, a young man walked. He was majestic, his body adorned with gold and gemstone jewellery fit for a warrior. He wore a traditional silk dhothi. Beneath those ornaments, numerous scars from battles he had won were visible. His right hip held his best friend – his sword, gifted by his grandfather, Raja Veer Bhadran, at the age of nine. To honor his grandfather, he named his sword after him – Veer. The warrior prince entered an antechamber where his parents awaited him.

"Greetings, Father. Greetings, Mother," he said, bowing with his hands joined. Then he touched their feet.

"Long live, my son. May victory always be with you," his parents blessed him.

"Come, take a seat, Nala," his mother gently pulled him towards her.

"Have you had your breakfast?" His father signalled the maids to serve the food.

"Not yet, Father," Nala replied.

The family had their breakfast in silence, enjoying the sounds of water running through the stream behind the chamber, the chirping of birds, and the occasional breeze.

After breakfast, Nala noticed his mother signalling discreetly to his father, but he pretended not to notice. He always admired his parents' relationship – the way they seemed to know each other's thoughts and desires never ceased to amaze him. He hoped to have such a bond with his future wife.

"Nala, how is the army doing?" His father began a comfortable topic.

"It's doing great, Father. With the new policies, the men are very happy and more eager to be part of the nation's force," Nala replied, sipping his fruit juice.

"I heard you were adamant about implementing the new policy where the government takes care of the families of the martyrs. It was very thoughtful of you. You are very kind, son," his mother praised him with pride in her eyes.

"Thank you, dear mother," Nala said shyly, still not accustomed to praise.

"Son, you will be turning twenty soon. What are your future plans?" His father prodded him.

"Even though we are the largest kingdom for the past twenty years, we still face poverty, drought, and floods in the recently acquired kingdoms. I want to find a solution to connect or divert the rivers to solve the major problems our citizens face. Also, the education system in those kingdoms is poor and mostly unavailable to ordinary citizens. We need to solve this issue. Additionally, a group of bandits is attacking the village at the east end of our kingdom. I have sent a troop to address and report on the issues. In the north-east part of our kingdom—" he was cut off by his father.

"I asked about your future plans, not the kingdom's," his father smiled at his son's eagerness to work for the people.

"I... I... Father, I plan to head to the south east of our kingdom – Kadaram, which we recently acquired, to check if the acquisition is happening properly. I plan to stay there for a few months to connect with the people and hear their problems and solve them. I plan to depart next week with a troop of a thousand soldiers," Nala said cautiously.

His father laughed heartily, and his mother giggled. Nala was confused.

"Son, your father was asking about your future, specifically about when you are going to start your own family," his mother said, placing her hands on his knees and giving them a squeeze.

"My... my family?" Nala stuttered.

"Yes, your own family. When are you going to get married? When will we get grandchildren?" his father smiled.