Avantika And Her Quest

Epilogue

A year later.........

I still remember the day I woke up. Arjun was yelling at his staff. I had woken up and teased him about becoming a grouch like he claimed his father had been. He had whipped around immediately at my voice and a look of relief settled on his features. "You are okay, he is okay", was the first thing he said to me. If I hadn't already known, I would have been beyond confused at his words. I just shook my head and sat up. He had then proceeded to tell me how I had been asleep for two days and how Uncle Suryakant had woken up during that time. He told me that Urvashi had annoyed him too for my well-being. I asked him where they were.

He blushed a light pink and admitted that he had not allowed anyone to enter the room except the maid and the doctor. I had just shaken my head at him. Once I was deemed fit to be walking around by Arjun I had taken over my kingdom as its Governor. I had insisted on giving Urvashi the governorship of Chetiya, so she would stay and have a source of livelihood. But, Arjun had to explain it to me that Urvashi's non-royal status would prevent her from taking on a job like that. The people might make an exclusion for me as I had freed them from Sangharsh but they would not follow a dancer and it would only cause her more sadness. He suggested that I let her stay with me as my guest and my head of espionage. I couldn't disclose her position at court but she could help me with work there. I was hesitant to ask her as I thought that she might refuse but she agreed. I really looked up to her and she was like the elder sister I never had.

Uncle Suryakant still barks orders and is the advisory head general to the emperor of Magadha. He claimed that he was too old to be on the actual battlefield, so he would help with the strategy and planning. He said he was content, in teaching the young boys who came to the castle, how to fight. I am proud to say that some girls also come for training now. He claims it gives him an opportunity to do what he loves with consideration of his age and abilities. I can see that it makes him happy. He has always loved being in the company of children but would never show it as he had an image to keep up, always being formidable and threatening. He still doesn't know how to show it but the secret smile that comes on his face tells me all that I need to know.

Arjun acts really pompous, now that he has become the Emperor. But I know that he acts high and mighty only around me. I have seen him with the people. He is humble and the empire is prospering under his rule. The people love him and respect him. My people are just as happy. I was really sad for him when he was forced to take on such a huge responsibility at such a young age but his parents just claimed that they believed Arjun could handle the growing empire and left. It was just a cowardly excuse so that they couldn't be blamed for the war and would not have to take care of the reparations.

He still can't beat me at a swordfight and I guess that acts as a huge ego check for him. Every time he loses he claims that I cheated or that he was going easy on me. But, everyone can see that he gets distracted and leaves his guard open and I take advantage of that. I guess I can say I understand what happens to him as every time he is around I either feel flustered or feel like throttling him. Whenever Urvashi sees that she makes it a point to ask me when I am going to marry him. Hah! Funny as if I would ever do that.

As for me, I am happy to see the people around me happy and enjoy my responsibilities. My people are supportive and show incredible warmth towards me. I am in a good place right now and hope everything could be just as it is forever. But Arjun is right and trouble follows me but I know that is just another excuse for an adventure, and who knows maybe another one is waiting for me just around the corner.