Lotus among the Roses

Harrowing Past

 A day had passed since her last meeting with Dhananjay. While the sun set behind the horizon, Rasika was not surprised when another request came for her presence, though this time it was under the pretense of delivering the newly embroidered linens to Dhananjaya's chambers. With a curt nod, she obliged to the orders.

Just as she was about to go, she stopped as she stopped that servant to say, " I am really for the inconvenience caused but can you please ask Lady Sujata to grace with her presence in the chambers as well. Her guidance would make this task a lot easier." This was Rasika's talent. Her respectful and flattering words made everyone believe her upright character. She attacked their subconscious mind, so much that if something ever went wrong, she would be protected even if it meant going against a loved one.

The servant quickly acknowledged her request and ran away to inform Devi Sujata.

Rasika let out a shallow smile as she walked through the manor with her head held high, the bundle of fabrics tucked under her arm as she navigated the winding halls. The sun had long since set, and the manor was quiet, save for the occasional guard passing by.

As Rasika approached Dhananjaya's quarters, she noticed that the door was slightly ajar. The faint sound of music and laughter, mingled with drunken murmurs, drifted out. She knocked gently, waiting for the call to enter. When none came, she pushed the door open, stepping inside to find Dhananjaya sprawled in a chair, a half-empty goblet of wine on the table beside him. Infront of him was a scantily clad woman, with amorous eyes singing to him.

His eyes lit up when he saw Rasika enter. "Ah..... You are here... Rasika," he greeted with a lazy smile, his words slurred. "What a sight for my sore eyes you are......" Rasika offered a polite bow. While, the singing lady hurriedly scurried away from there.

"I've brought the newly designed linens, my lord, as requested." She said with a smile.

Dhananjaya waved his hand dismissively. "Forget the linens. Come, sit with me...." He patted the chair beside him, his eyes gleaming with drunken intent. Rasika hesitated for only a moment before stepping closer, her movements calculated. "Is there something troubling you, my lord?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing. "You seem... distracted."

He chuckled, taking another sip of his wine. "Distracted? Perhaps..... Or maybe it's the absence of company....." He reached for her hand, but Rasika deftly pulled it away, keeping her expression demure. "How could it be? There are a lot of people besides you...... Is it because Devi Sujata had been incessantly busy the past few days, my lord?" Rasika asked, changing the subject with ease. "You've seemed distant from her lately....." Her worried expression on point.

Dhananjaya's smile faltered, and he let out a bitter laugh. "Sujata? She's nothing but a puppet for this family, always bowing to my mother's whims. She's too afraid to think for herself."

Rasika's eyes flickered with interest. "And what about her family, my lord? I heard that Devi Sujata's family hold a great deal of power." Her worshipping expression incited disgust in Dhananjay. He took another long sip of wine before answering.

"Power, yes....... so much power, but what of that power can't be utilized? Huh! Who is she pretending for? And that sister of hers..... Quite ..... delicate" He said while licking his lips lasciviously. " It's just that her she thinks of herself to be someone from swargalok.... even though she can't even be compared to a rakshasi.... Hahahaha...." Rasika's heart skipped a beat as she asked, "What do you mean?"

Dhananjaya leaned closer, his breath reeking of alcohol. " Daughters of a traitor......." he whispered. "The one that sold secrets to our enemies, plotted behind the emperor's back. But no one talks about it..... Not openly at least......" Rasika's mind raced as she absorbed the information, but she kept her act up. With a scared look, she started, "That's... a dangerous accusation, my lord. Lady Sujata.... She is very good, she can't be a traitor's daughter..... no...."Dhananjaya shrugged, his smile turning dark. "Dangerous, yes. But true."