Acceptance Is Treachery

Chapter 14

Ram rubbed his eyes lazily and squint his eyes towards the dim oil lamp. He swore it was dawn, but it was still very dark and cold. Next, he walked towards his large window which was covered with orange curtains.

Ram pulled the curtains to his right and noticed that his window was frosted. Using his palm he attempted to wipe the window panel, attempting to make the world behind the window panel visible to him.

Ram noticed palm trees swaying vigorously, accompanied by streaks of raindrops falling profusely on the window panel. The sky was dark grey as well.

Ram released his grip on the chrome orange curtain.

Then, he decided to bring his uttariya closer to the nape of his neck as the room felt indescribably cold.

Next, he proceeded to take a shower and commence his morning prayers.

Ram let the water run naturally on his toned back as he shut his eyes.

Nazia.

The only thought that seemed to reverberate in his mind with each passing second.

Ram felt guilty, for everything that happened thus far.

Despite feeling a million emotions at that time, Ram remembered the uttariya. The same uttariya he lost in Faizabad a year ago.

What was it doing in Nazia's possession?

"Brother! Hurry up! I need to bathe too!" Arnav's constant knocks on the door disturbed Ram's thoughts.

Ram shook his head, jolting back into reality. While he wiped the last droplets of water that trickled down his copper skin, Ram wore his signature attire and proceeded to exit the bathroom.

"Don't you know that nature calls in the morning?!" Arnav shrieked before running into the bathroom and slamming the door behind him.

Ram smiled before proceeding to the prayer corner.

Ram raised the veneration platter and prayed to Bhagwan Sri Krishna. Following which, he adorned his thirunaam. Ram proceeded to take a pinch of sindoor in the middle of his right palm and walked towards the resting chamber where Nazia was.

Ram carefully pushed the heavy door which squeaked along the wooden floor.

Ram tip-toed over to Nazia's side and he placed a small amount of sindoor on the centre of her forehead, in the shape of a bindi.

Nazia flinched at the sudden touch but she still continued sleeping. Ram then proceeded to leave her in her slumber. After all, he still was a King and had other duties to attend to.

Ram closed the door behind him and proceeded to walk down the corridor when he noticed Hadija running towards him.

"Sultan Azman, is coming for lunch. He wants to see his daughter." Hadija panted heavily.

Ram simply nodded.

Then, an image formed at the back of his mind.

The uttariya.

"Hadija, do you know about the uttariya that Nazia has?" Ram asked looking at Hadija.

Hadija nodded, keeping her gaze fixated on Ram's feet.

"Queen, found the uttariya when you and Queen Binita visited Faizabad." Hadija began.

Ram listened carefully and patiently.

"Queen loved you, the moment she saw you. She always talked about you. To her, you were the perfect man, King. However now, when she talks about you, I do not see the happiness and hope that once resided in her eyes. I only see hurt and pain." Hadija mumbled while she moved her toes in a circular motion.

Ram stood there in shock, not knowing what to say.

"Please do excuse me King, I need to prepare the dishes for lunch." Hadija squeaked before running off.

Ram saw Hadija's veil bouncing off into a far distance.

Nazia, truly did love him, something which he never thought of even once.

Ram was beginning to question this marriage of alliance.