𝐀𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚 : 𝐸𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠

~🥀 Rift of the Royals 🥀~

💗

The royal family court of Patliputr was a majestic room adorned with intricate carvings and golden chandeliers that reflected the royal grandeur of the Yadhuvanshi lineage. At the farthest end of the hall sat Anubhav Singh Yadhuvanshi, the reigning Rana Sa, on an imposing gilded throne. His presence was authoritative and commanding, his dark eyes sharp and unreadable.

Directly opposite him, on a slightly less elevated seat, sat Maharaj Surya Yadhuvanshi, his father, the former king. While his demeanor exuded regal poise, the subtle tension in his gaze as it rested on his son was unmistakable. The atmosphere was heavy, every occupant aware of the strained relationship between the two.

The family was seated according to their status. To the right of Maharaj was Satya Yadhuvanshi, Anubhav’s uncle, his calm and composed demeanor acting as a steadying presence in the room. To Surya's left sat Rajmata Vaibhavi Yadhuvanshi, her elegant frame upright as she studied her family with discerning eyes. Maya and other female members of the family occupied their respective places along the sides, their faces curious but subdued.

As silence stretched, Rajmata Vaibhavi broke it with her soft yet firm tone.
“Rana Sa,” she began, her voice resonating through the room, “Rajdhani mein achanak curfew lagane ka faisla kyun liya gaya? Hamare logon mein chinta ka mahol hai.”

The room turned its attention to Anubhav, whose expression remained impassive. After a moment’s pause, he responded, his voice calm but unyielding.
“Rajmata Sa, yeh faisla rajdhani ki suraksha ke liye zaroori tha. Hamne jo kiya, woh hamare logon ke hit mein tha.”

Before Vaibhavi could press further, Surya leaned forward slightly, his tone measured but pointed.
“Rana Sa, yeh zaroori tha, ya yeh sirf ek bahana tha kisi aur wajah ko chhupane ke liye? Ham yeh samajhna chahte hain ki aapne bina is sabha ko avagat karaye aise kadam kyun uthaye.”

Anubhav’s jaw tightened at the underlying challenge in his father’s words. For a moment, he held Surya’s gaze, the air between them crackling with unresolved tension.
“Suraksha ke mudde par charcha ki zarurat nahi thi, Maharaj,” Anubhav replied, his voice calm but with a cutting edge. “Aapne apne samay mein faisle liye, ab ham apne samay mein le rahe hain.”

Surya’s lips pressed into a thin line, his knuckles tightening on the armrests of his seat.
“Rana Sa,” he said, his voice dropping a notch but carrying a steely undertone, “Rajdhani ke faisle, chaahe jitne bhi avashyak ho, hum sabhi ke samarthan se liye jaane chahiye. Yeh ghar ki baat hai, aur yahan har faisla ekta ke saath hona chahiye.”

Anubhav leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. His next words were deliberate and firm.
“Hamare faisle ekta ya samarthan ki zarurat nahi rakhte, Maharaj. Yeh rajdhani ke logon ke suraksha aur unka bhavishya surakshit karne ke liye hain. Aur yeh faisla sirf hamara adhikaar hai.”

The room fell into an uneasy silence as the subtle confrontation between father and son played out. Satya cleared his throat, attempting to diffuse the tension.
“Ham yeh samajhte hain, Rana Sa, lekin agar aage aise faisle liye jaane ho, toh chhoti si salah lene mein koi burai nahi hogi. Ekta ka sandesh zaroori hai.”

Anubhav’s gaze flicked to his uncle for a brief moment before returning to his father. His tone softened slightly but remained firm.
“Humein aapki baat ka sammaan hai, Chacha Sa. Lekin yeh faisla avashyak tha, aur is par koi aapatti nahi honi chahiye.”

Maya, seated gracefully among the family, carefully observed the unfolding exchange. Her sharp mind dissected every word, every pause, seeking cracks in Anubhav's calm facade. Feigning concern, she cleared her throat delicately, her tone soft but edged with curiosity.

“Rana Sa,” she began, tilting her head slightly, “suraksha toh avashyak hai, parantu yeh faisla itne achanak aur gupt tareeke se kyun liya gaya? Kya yeh maana jaye ki kuch aisa hua hai jo humein nahi bataya gaya?”