Defeat the Fate

The Beginning

SPLASH!

Another rock was thrown into the river. One... two... dozen other rocks follows. Just like the other day, all those thrown rocks didn't seem to calm his anger down.

'I am the son' said Aswatama quietly while throwing another rock.

Disappointed. Devastated. All those feeling were not leaving for days already. In the end, he will never be the strongest. He will never be good enough. He is the son who will never be worthy. He will never be the pride of his father.

Gandewa. A family treasure. The only legacy that he hopes will be given to him. It's a powerful weapon for an archer. And his father gave it to Arjuna. Arjuna who always been the best student, the most skilled archer, the most handsome, and definitely far above his level of worth.

As he slumped down, he feels all his confidence crumbled, just like the rock in his hand. He is ashamed of himself. Staring to the river, he took some shaky deep breath.

'Umm.... Excuse me? Sorry to disturb you, but can you help us?' a voice surprised him. As he looked up, he saw an angel, most beautiful creature he ever seen, smiling down to him.

'Ah, yeah, sure. W-what's up?' stuttered, he was standing up shakily. And that's when he sees that the girl wasn't alone.

'I am Ekalaya, and this is my wife Anggraeni. We are looking for Teacher Durna. Is there ay chance you know how we can meet him?' the man said calmly while hugging her loosely.

Awed, Aswatama agreed to lead them to his father chamber. His father, Durna, is a famous teacher in the area. Even all Pandawa and Kurawa, the most powerful families, went to his father to learn all the combat and war technique. It's usual that a lot of people for various areas want to learn from his father.

Along their short journey, he picked up some things about the couple. He finds out that they are the ruler of Paranggelung, small village of archer. He finds out Ekalaya wants to broaden his knowledge of archery. He also finds out that both of them are really comfortable to talk to. And after all those depressing days, he finally smiles again that afternoon.

In such a short time, he realized that he likes the way Anggraeni smile. The way Anggraeni move her hand excitedly while talks. Even the way Anggraeni looks to his husband fondly.

He is whipped. And not complaining.

---

As he opened the door of his father chamber, he saw his father eyes lit up, 'My son, what makes you come here? I thought you are still angry?'

'Father, this is Ekalaya and Anggraeni from Paranggelung. They wished to see you' Aswatama ignored his father question, and turn to Ekalaya, let him speak for himself.

As Ekalaya talked to his father about his intention, Aswatama couldn't hold himself to not look at Anggraeni. Smiling, he wonders how come there is such a charming girl like her. He didn't realize how much time passed while he looking to Anggraeni. Not until he heard his father called him.

'Aswatama? Son? You're listening?'

'Huh? Uh, yeah. I do apologized father. Can you repeat it?'

'Son, please show Ekalaya and Anggraeni their room for staying this week. I need at least a week to think about this. You know the rules right?'

Aswatama just nod. Of course he knows all those complex rules to be the student of his father. It's also includes holding a big meeting of all this father disciples. But if its means he can meet this couple for longer time, he won't mind then.

He once again leads the couple, this time to their room. Both Ekalaya and Anggraeni were being really nice to him. It's really refreshing after all the belittlement he got after his father chose to give Gandewa to Arjuna. Deep down, he hope his father can make Ekalaya his disciples, just so he can meet the longer.

(To be continued..)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

a/n:

This is my first try to write (well... rewrite) a story. Please put your critique and suggestion anywhere needed. Every input and encouragement will be fully appreciated. Thank you so much for reading ^^