Avantika And Her Quest

The Plan

After a day of extreme helplessness, Arjun had given me some hope. He had said that he had an idea, but he wouldn't tell me just then. I was going crazy thinking of the possible idea he had in mind. After thinking until noon, I finally made up my mind to go and ask Arjun. I walked through the palace towards Arjun's chambers. I knocked on the door and a faintly smiling Arjun motioned for me to come in. I wondered what happened through the course of one night that he was so disturbed. Even during times of distress, he would find some positivity. Even the previous day, he was jesting with me, so what had happened to him overnight?

As it occurred to me every time I entered his room, I was struck by the simplicity of it. Even though we had been best friends for a long time, I could never get used to it. My room was filled with rich drapes and expensive carpets. It was filled with every luxury, my father could offer me, but his had the bare minimum needed for survival. He looked disturbed and anxious and his anxiety was contagious. I asked him, "why are you so disturbed? You were fine yesterday."

He said; "Avantika that was yesterday and this is today but I think I have the solution to our problem. It could be very dangerous." I beseeched him to continue with my eyes. He said "The idea is still in a developing stage. We would need a lot of materials and resources at our disposal. We would also need the General to agree to this. We could use the villagers and would need to ask my father for help." He started rambling while pacing his room.

Finally, when I couldn't understand any word that he said, I stood in his way and said, "calm down. Now tell me what the idea is about. I am clueless."

He took a deep breath, "Okay. First, I want you to know that there are rumors that you died in the ambush. We need to use that in our favor." I looked at him with interest because if left up to me, I would have declared that I was alive and would have tried to cause an uprising among my people. I certainly couldn't rule myself due to my gender, but I could use Uncle Suryakant or one of the ministers to play a puppet emperor. A rebellion would overthrow the king of Chetiya without suspicion and stop self-righteous kings from resisting my rule. These kings accept the scripture's teachings without actually understanding them and could pose problems, if I ruled. Arjun then said, "We could have Suryakant declare that the entire royal family died in the attack. The villagers could then spread around these rumors." I interrupted Arjun, "What exactly would we achieve by declaring that I am dead?"

He replied, "I am getting to that. I think that we should disguise ourselves and infiltrate the palace." He took a pause to let the news sink in and see my response. I let the idea enter my brain, I thought of the difficulties we would have to face to execute such a plan. I thought of the repercussions on getting caught. I thought of the cowardice, this plan would reflect on my part. I also thought of the merit the idea carried, and knowing Arjun, I knew that he would plan everything meticulously to the last detail. I also knew, though, that Arjun would insist on coming to the palace with me; I did not want is to put his life in danger to take back my kingdom. It was my fault that we could not save the kingdom. It was my fault that we were not prepared well and I would correct it. As I looked at Arjun I saw that he had a worried expression.

He said; "Avantika I know this plan is dangerous but I promise if we plan carefully, we could be successful." I said; "I am not worried about the danger, but wouldn't it be cowardly of us to infiltrate the palace and kill the king when he is unaware? Dharma dictates that we should never attack those without weapons. My father would always tell me,where there is righteousness, there is victory. Even if we kill the king, I would still not feel victorious."

Arjun's face took an angry look: "I was never planning to assassinate the king of Chetiya. And how could you worry about dharma when those cowards killed your parents in cold blood? Do you even know what happened to your mother? "

I looked at him as my fury rose with his. "I don't want to be reminded of the manner in which they were killed Arjun. It is imprinted in my brain, and I will never forget it. My father taught me well, however, and he made sure that I respected the laws and followed my dharma. He always followed his dharma, and I am not sorry to follow in his footsteps." I said this and walked out of his room. I went back to the garden and sat down under a tree. Arjun followed me and sat down next to me.

"All I am saying is that we should stay in the palace like undercover spies for a few days and learn whatever is possible about them. Even though they are powerful, not many people know about this kingdom very well. The king is a mysterious man and only trades with a few kingdoms. We can find some weakness and try to exploit it. It will give you a chance to know how your subjects are and help you cause a rebellion. I know Avantika nothing seems right at the moment, but I promise we will work through this together."

My look softened, and I said, "Arjun, that is what I am scared of. I have lost enough loved ones to last a lifetime. I couldn't lose you or Uncle Suryakant, too." Arjun started smiling at this, and then I scowled at him. "Do you find my worries funny?"

Arjun sincerely shook his head. One of his rare genuine smiles took over his face as he said, "I was smiling at the fact that you were worried for me." I looked at him in surprise.

"Of course I am worried for you, you fool. You are my best friend. "

Arjun smiled and said, "Well Avantika, this fool promises you that he will not end up dead or with his handsome head on a pike." I laughed at his silliness, and he joined me, too. It was a genuine laugh, one that melted away all my worries. I might just have started to understand why all those princesses lost sleep when he laughed like that.