Avantika And Her Quest

Royal Visits

The next few days passed in a frenzy. I was proclaimed dead and Arjun was declared the savior of Avanti. Uncle Suryakant took it upon himself to plan all the intricacies of the plan and the details that may have gone unnoticed. I hardly saw Arjun in all those days. I didn't notice it much, as I had much to occupy me like disguise trials, hiding from the general population for fear of being seen and worrying. My dad always used to tell me that I would get early wrinkles because of the amount of worrying I used to do. It was in moments like that when my grief became unbearable and I just wanted to escape from everything. I felt betrayed and hurt. I found it all extremely unfair that instead of playing in the gardens like I was supposed to I had to worry about saving my kingdom and making it out alive from my own castle because the Chetiya had taken it over.

I found myself missing the constant presence of Arjun. Somehow, with his carefree personality he usually fooled me into normalcy and even if it is only for a few moments, I found myself acting like the Avantika I was before the attack. The entire plan was finalized and all that remained was its execution. As I was sitting and pondering, the doorman announced that King Mahendra had arrived and was requesting an audience with me. For a few moments I was stunned, "Why would he want to speak to me?" But soon enough my years of training in hospitality kicked in. As soon as he entered I folded my hands in greeting. He wished me as well. As always King Mahendra jumped directly to the point.

"Avantika, I hope you are not expecting my help for nothing. Your father was a great ally for sure but I cannot let a girl do as she pleases with my resources at her disposal. I need some sort of payment that even if you fail or die, I can recover from any losses I may sustain from helping you," he nonchalantly tried to state.

His words weren't a great shock to me as he was renowned in all of Aryavarta for wanting more than he already had. "I know, Maharaj and I wasn't expecting any help for free but, as you can see my hands are tied. I don't really have anything that I could offer you," I pointed out.

"Oh, but there is princess. I want you to swear fealty to me. In the event of your death, I become the de facto ruler of Avanti but by any miracle if you survive, you still pay me tribute as your emperor while I let you rule Avanti as the governor," he slyly proclaimed.

His reply had my blood at boiling point. He told me that in exchange for his help I would have to become his vassal. I would not have my motherland be secondary to anyone. It was against the warrior in me to agree to something like that.

"I am sorry but I cannot agree to this. I cannot let my father's legacy be secondary to anyone,"I firmly stated.

"If you don't agree to my terms, your father's legacy may never survive. You know this is the only way out. Even if I helped you without expecting anything, your people and the other kings would never let you rule. I cared about Harsha, he was my brother but I cannot help you without any benefits. I hope you are aware that it wouldn't take more than an accident to spill that you are alive," he tried to state in a threatening manner.

I was seething by the time he finished, he threatened my safety as well as my chances to re-establish my kingdom. I knew that my only choice out of here was to use my wits, if I let my anger rule me I would never have my kingdom back and after all of Arjun's planning, I may be dead. But, I was also confused, the man had a desperate look contradicting his confidence about him as if everything he had was riding on my answer. Maybe, King Mahendra wasn't that bad. He had genuinely cared about my father. I knew that but I also knew the only reason he survived in the council of Kings of Aryavarta was because they feared him. Maybe if he helped me, they would think, he had gone soft and attack his kingdom. Maybe, he would allow me some freedom to work things around a bit, to change the deal a bit.

I carefully started, " I will swear allegiance, but not to you, to Arjun." He looked confused for a second but understood that it meant that he could in name be the lord of my lands but the actual power would still be held by me. My allegiance to Arjun would ensure that I was never forced to make difficult decisions and yet it would mean my subservience to his kingdom. This was one of those rare occasions when I thanked my boring tutors for their lessons. He was satisfied with my answer and left me alone. The doorman soon called to my attention that Arjun's mother was here. I was surprised. Queen Kunti never met any of the guests in the palace and usually was an extremely quiet lady. As she came in I saw that she walked in with the same grace that my mother had.

She had a sweet, melodic voice and gently spoke, "how are you Avantika. I know life has been tough for you but you have to fight. Your mother was a brave woman and so are you, my child. Believe in yourself."

I was touched, "I assure you, I am holding on," I politely said. She smiled gently at me and looked conflicted for a moment. I understood that she needed a little more prodding to tell me her thoughts.

I queried, "is there something particular you came to see me about, Maharani."

She looked so guilty that my heart ached for her, "beta I am worried about Arjun. I am scared that he is throwing away his crown and life for you. Don't misunderstand me, I feel bad for you, but if you care about Arjun you wouldn't take him with you,"she pleaded. I was angry and upset at her suggestion but I realised that it was the truth. Even though Arjun had assured me that he wanted to go with me, there were other people who needed him and in a few years would look to him for leadership and protection.

After my silence, she spoke again, "I wouldn't mind at all if you decided to stay in our palace. I will speak to Mahendra, and Arjun will protect you but you will have to give up your kingdom and any hopes of avenging your parents."

I shook my head sadly, " Maharani, even if you promised me all the jewels in the entire world I wouldn't give it up for my kingdom."

She smiled an ironic smile,"I knew that you would say something like this and it reminds me of your mother's will and your father's spirit. I also know that if you go, most likely Arjun would follow you. But I am a mother and I will worry. If you ever have children of your own you will understand."

I saw her sadness and tried to convince her, "Maharani, I will try my best to make him stay." It was her turn to shake her head, and she told me not to bother. She caressed my cheek and said' "I know you've been through many hardships but please try to bring back Arjun to me safely. I understand the perils you will face and it is not going to be easy, but please be safe and keep Arjun safe." She managed to say this before her voice broke. She walked out of my room.

Meanwhile, the doorman announced that Arjun was here. I smiled sadly to myself as he entered. It seemed to be the favorite time for the royal family to meet me. As he walked in, he smiled at me but the tiredness showed.

I greeted him by saying,"I want to go alone." I continued,"you shouldn't leave your kingdom open to attack, besides, I can take care of myself and you can help me from here." He looked surprised at my outburst but soon his eyes took on a steely glint as he asked me in a slow controlled voice which scared me out of my wits, "has my mother been here to see you?"

I could tolerate the yelling and mad Arjun but this one in front of me scared me. It was silent fury and I didn't know what to do and tried to evade the topic. His eyes never left mine and he repeated in a stone cold voice, "was my mother here?"

I knew it was pointless to lie to him and in a small voice admitted the truth. He shook his head and banged on the wall. "I told her not to bother you, but she still did it," he seethed.

"She is a mother, I understand and my mother would probably have done the same thing," I said in an attempt to placate him.

"You understand my mother's concern but not mine?" he bit out in anger.

When I refused to respond he walked up to me and asked me letting all of his worry and tenderness seep into his voice,"why must you be so stubborn? Why can't you trust me? I am coming out of this alive and so are you." And for a few golden moments, I let myself believe in what he said.

Glossary:

Maharani: Respectful term for a queen; literally: great queen