Sifar ... A Journey to Nothingness

Story 4 - Inaayat

Mahishmati Palace

He could hear the leaves shashaying around as he alighted from his horse, Adhira, who now pawed the ground. They had just returned from a royal expedition from the Matsya Rajya, after meeting the King and his Council of Ministers there. The journey had been hot and exhausting and both horse and Master now craved for the cool silkiness of the night, and rest.

The meeting with the King's Generals had been fruitful, though time consuming. Striking up an alliance with any Kingdom took efforts, bravery and lots of mutual initiatives and beliefs. It was never easy, and Amarendra Bahubali knew it so well. Trust between Kingdoms were always a sore issue and it took time and efforts from both sides to reach an equilibrium.

This was his second visit to the Matsya Rajya, which was situated far ahead of Mahishmati, near the Sea. One of the Ministers had taken him for a visit to the sea, and Amarendra had been enthralled as he marvelled and wondered at Nature's creation, as he stood there on the seashore, the surf from the sea nudging his feet every now and then.

He knew at that very instant that he had to bring Devsena with him, during his next visit. She would love the vast expanse of the sea, as much as she loved the Northern Mountains guarding Kunthala.

He had travelled alone this time; Katappa Mama had been busy with dealers from foreign lands, bearing swords and other weaponries. Bhallaladeva, the King of Mahishmati was busy with the King of an allied Kingdom from down south, and he had ordered Baahu to visit Matsya Rajya instead. Rajmata Sivagami Devi had also acquiesced.

A strong Kingdom should have strong allies and an intelligent and effective army - that's what Mahishmati believed and professed. This alliance would stop the plunderers/ looters coming in from the sea, and then travelling up the course of the rivers. Both Kingdoms would gain immensely from this alliance - Mahishmati in terms of a strong and faithful ally by the sea, and the Matsya Rajya in terms of getting protection from internal attacks. Both Kingdoms were renowned for their brave and skilful warriors and astounding spy networks; the land in between would be guarded by soldiers from both.

It was pleasant outside as Amarendra patted his horse and spoke words of appreciation and love. He was bone tired now, all sweaty and exhausted. As the stable hand led Adhira away, Amarendra looked up to that part of the Palace where he knew his wife would be waiting for him.

He smiled as he quickened pace. It was midnight, his reporting to the King would have to wait for time being.

...

Inside the Chamber

The gentle breeze ruffled her hair as she stood on the balcony, peering up at the night sky. She sighed as she spied the half moon and millions of stars strewn up, like unruly pieces of broken diamond.

The Gods seems to be rolling the dice and upping their stakes ... she smiled impishly at the thought.

In her thought of thoughts, Devsena's sixth sense missed the moment when her husband stepped inside their chamber. This had never happened earlier. but then today was different - it was special; it was just not any other day for them.

They were now married for a year and despite everything, their love for each other had flourished. And now they were being doubly blessed.

Devsena jumped out of her skin as she felt a pair of arms go around her; she then relaxed on realising that her husband was back.

"Amara" she wrinkled her nose. "You smell of sweat ... and dust"

The arms tightened as she chuckled

"...But all in a good way"

"I couldn't stay away from you any more. These three days were such a torture" his voice was deep with emotions, as he kissed her ear.