Shadow and Light

61

Author

Families gather together for two major events of ones' life.

Marriage and funeral.

It was supposed to be marriage for him. Something he had wished for so long with the woman he loves. But if you got everything that you wanted, would life really be it, would it really be 'life'.

His ashes were gathered by his brother, concealed in a golden pot. Tied with a red thread by his sister.
And the right for it to remain with Alaaya.

They all travelled back to their capital. Where the joy was eradicated from the soul once the people of the kingdom got to know about the prince's death.
Many flowers were gathered by children, women, and mothers and placed near the entrance of the royal palace.

The grief was a wild fire, it consumed everything that it touched.
Nobody mentioned that the war was over, that they had won it. That the Vardhana empire continues to prosper.

Everyone hurdled together on the streets to see the procession. Multiple guards walked in respect, some on foot, many on their horses, all with their swords raised. It was a goodbye, a ceremonial one at that.

Some cried, some pretended to not cry. The kids were sent to their homes as this was not something they could handle. 'Ram Ram Satya' echoed in the street.

It was a homage to late prince. One that left with a history, one that made everyone smile around them, one who visited elder people's homes just to talk to them, feed them, entertain them.

He was the reason the curriculum of the gurukuls were made more practical rather than theoretical. He had a vision, one that helped his kingdom, his people. And now he was gone.

But he will be remembered.

The ashes were dispersed in the holy river. With the whole capital as its audience.

That was it, Adwith was gone.

***

The knock brought her back to the present.

The queen was visiting her assistant, her friend.

"Alaaya" she said softly, only to find a glassy eyed woman sitting on the floor, clutching her lover's letter to her heart.

Ada sat beside her, putting Alaaya's head on her shoulder.

"I am sorry" she said, her tears didn't dare to fall, she couldn't cry when she was here to comfort somebody else.

"Why?" the woman muttered, "I couldn't protect him" Ada choked on her words, she still couldn't stop blaming herself for what had happened.

"It's not your fault" Alaaya whispered, "I had...promised you" Ada said, looking up at the ceiling, willing her tears to go back inside.

"You had promised to keep him safe. You didn't promise to stop his actions. He died because he took his decision your highness. Not because you couldn't save him" Alaaya said, looking up at her queen.

"You know..." Ada said, feeling the pang of guilt all over again. Alaaya nodded in answer.

"He died because of me" Ada said, looking away.

"He took his decision himself Ada. We cannot blame him, neither can we blame you. He died a warrior's death." Alaaya smiled.

Ada hugged her. She knew Alaaya, she knew her better than Alaaya thought she did. Ada knew she was hurting, more than she thought she was.

After a few seconds Ada could feel her shoulder getting warm from the tears. Her tears.

"Read it" Ada said, "Read his letter Alaaya"