Bhism Sangini : Echoes of the Mahabharat

🍂🪞Healing Heartbeats🪞🍂

Shivangi's eyelids fluttered open, revealing a room eerily similar to her chambers in Hastinapur Palace. Grogginess clouded her mind. She struggled to sit up, but her weakened body betrayed her.

"Dushala? Arya?" she whispered hoarsely.

Dushala rushed to her side, concern etched on her face. "Shivangi, lie down. You're still recovering."

Arya's expression remained guarded. "You've been asleep for two days. We were worried."

Shivangi's thoughts swirled. Fragmented memories of Bhishma's gentle touch and the horse's steady pace lingered. Was it a dream?

"What...happened?" she stammered.

Arya's expression turned cautious. "You don't recall anything, do you?"

Shivangi shook her head, frustration creeping in. "No...only men trying to harm me, and someone saving me. His face...it's a blur."

Dushala opened her mouth, but Arya's subtle gesture silenced her.

"Relax, Shivangi," Arya instructed gently. "First, bathe and freshen up. Then, take your medicine with some food. We'll discuss everything later. Slowly, okay?"

Shivangi's gaze wandered as Dushala guided her to the ornate bathing chamber. The ancient-style tub, adorned with intricate carvings, beckoned. Fragrant sandalwood and rose petals filled the air. Dushala assisted Shivangi into the warm, scented water.

After her refreshing bath, Shivangi emerged, wrapped in a soft, embroidered robe. Arya awaited her with a warm smile, bearing a steaming bowl.

"I made your favorite khichdi, specially with extra spices," Arya said, eyes crinkling.

Shivangi's eyes sparkled. "Thanks, yaar. You always know how to make me smile."

Arya smiled warmly. "Come, let's eat."

Dushala nodded. "I'll attend to some tasks. I'll check on you later, Shivangi."

As Dushala exited, Arya offered Shivangi a spoonful of khichdi.

"Not here," Shivangi said, her voice weak. "Let's eat outside, under the sunrise."

Arya's smile broadened. "The garden, then?"

Shivangi nodded. Arya summoned a maid, instructing her to bring the food. He gently scooped Shivangi into his arms, cradling her like a bride. Her head nestled against his chest.

As he strolled through the palace gardens, sunlight danced across Shivangi's face. The sweet scent of blooming flowers enveloped them.

"Feel better?" Arya whispered.

Shivangi nodded, her eyes closing, trusting Arya's gentle grasp.

As they sat amidst the vibrant blooms, warm sunlight danced across Shivangi's face. Arya gently fed her khichdi, their eyes locking in tender connection.

Suddenly, Ashwa sneaked up, covering Shivangi's eyes with his hand. "Guess who?" he whispered.

Shivangi's lips curled. "Ashwa."

Arya smiled at their playful camaraderie.

Ashwa unveiled Shivangi's eyes, grinning. "How did you know?"

"Magic," Shivangi teased.

Ashwa unveiled Shivangi's eyes, his grin infectious. "How did you know it was me?"

Shivangi sparkled. "Magic, intuition, or your unmistakable charm?"

Ashwa chuckled. "You're a mystery, Shivangi."

Ashwa's curiosity shifted gears. "What's Arya feeding you? Looks divine."

Arya smiled warmly. "Khichdi, Shivangi's go-to comfort food when illness strikes."

Shivangi's eyes sparkled, validating Arya's claim.

As Ashwa joined them, the conversation shifted to pressing kingdom concerns. Shivangi's attention drifted.

Suddenly, determination ignited within her. "I want to learn self-defense!" she declared.

Ashwa's curiosity piqued. "Why suddenly?"

Shivangi's voice trembled. "Those men attacked me. I was helpless, couldn't defend myself. Thank God for that mysterious rescuer. I couldn't even thank him."

Arya nodded thoughtfully.

Ashwa asked, "Who'll teach you self-defense?"

Shivangi smiled confidently. "Arya will."

Arya recoiled. "No way! Once I tried teaching you math; you drove me crazy!"

Ashwa chuckled.

Shivangi's face scrunched adorably.

Arya firmly stated, "I'm not teaching you."

Ashwa intervened, smiling. "Don't worry, Shivangi. I'll teach you."

Shivangi's face lit up. "Thanks, Ashwa!"

Ashwa's gaze met Shivangi's. "Tomorrow, I must depart, but upon my return, self-defense lessons will commence."

Shivangi's smile waned. "So soon? Your absence will be deeply felt."

Arya nodded in agreement.

Ashwa's eyes crinkled. "Duty beckons, but my heart remains with you both. Your friendship is precious."

Shivangi's face lit up. "We'll count the days until your return, Ashwa."

After their conversation, Ashwa departed to attend to his royal duties, while Arya gently escorted Shivangi to the tranquil sanctuary of her chambers.

Shivangi's day unfolded languidly, confined within the serene walls of her chamber. Soft sunlight danced across her face as she lay rested, nursing her health with gentle sips of medicine. Hours ticked by, filled with the quiet comfort of solitude.

Thanks for reading this chapter! I know it was short, but I appreciate you sticking with me. Honestly, I wasn't feeling well due to personal issues, yet I wrote it for you. Your eagerness to read my story means everything. The next chapter will be longer, I promise! Thanks again for your encouragement, support and comments. Please vote and share your thoughts!