Acceptance Is Treachery

Chapter 27

"Shahbanu, why aren't you getting ready for the upcoming war?" Hadija asked as she dragged Nazia's assortment of swords across the cold wooden floor.

Nazia, who seemed preoccupied, jolted back to reality as she heard the singular syllable word- 'war'. Hastily, the maiden got up, her eyes were coloured in a dark crimson colour.

Red streaks created a strong contrast to the white sclera in her tired eyes. The usual happiness and youthful joy had disappeared the moment she lost both her husband and her father.

Now, when one were to make eye-contact with the Princess of Faizabad, one could almost see that they held sorrow, grief and a tinge of fury, anger. At certain angles, Nazia's eyes mimicked flames.

Immense, strong flames.

Whenever Nazia, was around Ram her eyes were stunning. Beautiful hazelnut coloured eyes that glittered in the natural lighting. Nazia always looked like an invaluable painting. A work of art that was made of molten gold.

However, now she looked like a really old painting that was invaluable no doubt. A painting that one looked after really poorly. Torn, tattered, yellowed and covered with mould. A work of art that still could captivate many.

"I'm not fighting remember? Only when I'm required to, then, I will pick up my sword. Till, then I will never pick my sword up." Nazia sniffed while she glanced at her diamond wedding ring that still shone as brightly as ever.

That's when it hit Nazia, like a tidal pool at full force.

On this day six years ago, she surrendered her heart to the man of her dreams.

Today, that man had failed to return her heart back to her. Nazia is still walking around without emotions nor feelings.

"Queen?" Hadija asked as she placed a hand on Nazia.

"Today is our 6th wedding anniversary. He has only been with me for half the duration of our married life." Nazia, forced a smile as she placed her index finger over the blinding diamond, which now to her seemed like any ordinary dull stone.

Nazia, remembered vividly how six years ago, both of them were equally reluctant to get wed. After they had completed their vows circulating the holy fire, the two of them felt empty. Extremely empty.

Three years later, they started to accept and love each other.

Three years after that, they were empty once again. Now without each other.

Metaphorically and physically.

"Queen, you should get dressed as you should look your best. I'm pretty sure King Ram would want you to look your best. Especially on this day." Hadija smiled while she passed a dark green and gold gagra choli to Nazia.

Hadija exited the room and closed the door behind her.

Nazia looked at the gagra choli that was placed in front of her, she ran her fingers over the detailing, three times. It reminded her of her wedding saree.

After she had worn her green and gold saree, Nazia sat on her bed whilst holding a bulky mirror in her hands.

In the mirror, she saw her tired face that was stripped of happiness, joy, ecstasy. The dark circles around her big, dull eyes complemented each other perfectly.

One thing stood out—her mangalsutra.

That lifeless, yet beautiful necklace that was filled with alternate black diamonds and gold beads.

Each black bead symbolised the downs of a married life, while the gold beads symbolised happiness and prosperity, to Nazia.

Nazia shook her head slightly in disapproval, before she shifted her eyes from her mangalsutra to her eyes. There, she saw a face, a person behind her.

Ram. Ram was behind her.

He was wearing his signature gold uttariya and gold jewellery. His thirunaam was perfectly drawn. Atop his head, sat the crown of Uttarakhand.

Nazia was in immense joy and happiness, she turned around rapidly wanting to give her husband a hug.

Alas, he was not there.

Nazia, looked at the mirror and he was there, seated behind her. A huge smile was plastered on his face.

"Happy wedding anniversary, my wife. I'll love you forever and always." Ram cooed in Nazia's ear, before he kissed her forehead softly.

Nazia shut her eyes and smiled back.

"I will always love you forever and always." Nazia smiled back. A gust of wind hit Nazia.

Opening her eyes once again, she noticed that Ram had disappeared once again.

"I love you." Nazia whispered to herself before she called for Hadija to enter.

Hadija, began to adorn Nazia with gold necklaces and emerald bangles in silence.

Their silence was torn apart by a knock on the door.

A knock that startled the both of them.

There, at the door stood the King of Uttarakhand in all his glory.

"Greetings sister-in-law."