The Ultimate Victory

Chapter 12 - Choice

             In a fraction of a second, so many things happened and it was difficult for Madhavi to digest what she went through. She was drowned in deep thought. How would she face her parents? Would they ever recognize her or believe whatever she says? What would the people of Saurashtra think of her after knowing she was cursed for not feeding water to an elderly lady? Who would really believe she was innocent? Or was she? The princess started doubting herself for a moment. 

           After she regained her senses, the lady was gone. Princess Madhavi was taken aback. She could not find the old lady anywhere nearby. She went to the pond and looked at her reflection. She was shocked and couldn't believe herself. She was totally unrecognizable. "Where is the beautiful and fearless princess Madhavi and where is this helpless old ugly looking lady in torn clothes", she thought. She tried to calm down and thought to first talk to Ravikirana and see what his reaction would be. She came down slowly where she had left prince Ravikirana and her maids. She saw them sleeping. She went close to the prince and tried to wake him up. But there was no use. All of them were in deep sleep in such a way that they could not be woken up. Suddenly, it struck her that she should start thinking rationally rather than emotionally. It could also be a plot to cause trouble to her or her kingdom. She thought to get help from the security persons staying down the hill to shift prince Ravikirana and her maids to palace.

        Princess Madhavi, as thought came down the hill and approached the security people and narrated whatever happened. For her bad luck, they all chased her calling mad old lady claiming to be princess and laughed aloud. She understood that she has invited a very big trouble for herself and no body is going to believe her story. She started evaluating other options. Going to her parents was not an option because they might misinterpret her and think her of harming the princess for bad reasons and put her into jail. What about finding a guy to marry and get relieved of the curse forever? But who would marry an old lady? "I must at least try", she thought for herself and walked away from the hill.

         It had become late evening and started becoming dark. The security persons got worried and started trekking the hill in search of princess Madhavi and prince Ravikirana. After climbing about hundred steps, they saw the prince and the maids unconsciously lying down. "Where is the princess"? shouted the security chief and started searching nearby. They searched the entire hill range, but couldn't find the princess. They decided to inform the king immediately and carried the prince and maids to the palace in the chariot.

         Suruchi was just passing by Nalini's house and heard some voice coming from the house. "May be Nalini has returned", she said to herself and went near the main door. She was surprised that the door was open and she went inside. She saw some old lady laughing loudly and speaking to herself, "Glories to you. Congratulations on your accomplishment of first mission. No body can save Saurashtra". 

          Suruchi then interrupted the lady, "Who are you? This is my friend Nalini's house. And what was that about Saurashtra"?

          The lady turned towards Suruchi and said, "Oh Suruchi! My dearest friend! Poor you, couldn't recognize me? I shall give you another chance. Try recognizing me now"! The lady turned to her original form.

          "Nalini! Is it you"? asked Suruchi in shock.

        "Of course Suruchi! Who else could dare to enter my home? After a long time I'm feeling very happy. I finally see the fruit of my years of hard work now".

        "What are you talking about? Why did you disguise yourself as an old lady"?

        "Well, I've caused a lot of trouble to your fond emperor Dharmasena".

        "Oh god! What did you do"? asked Suruchi in a much worried voice.

        "I've cursed the princess of Saurashtra to become old. You know, you can't recognize her at all now", said Nalini in a proud voice.

         "What? Your hatred is for the king. Why are you punishing the poor girl? What else did you do? Suruchi posed a series of questions to Nalini.

         " You need not bother about the details dear. All you need to know is from now on, look forward for the downfall of Dharmasena and his Saurashtra", said Nalini with utmost hatred.

        "I completely understand how much the king's rejection has impacted your mind. But you also need to be aware that wishing or causing harm to others will ultimately ruin your own self. May be in the process, the king might get affected a little bit, but my dear friend, it is not the king's downfall that I'll see, it is actually yours", said Suruchi with disgust. 

        "Stop your nonsense Suruchi! You can keep these words of wisdom to teach your kid. Anyway what is the use of these words when they hardly create an impact? Look at me, how powerful I'm. I can change the state of the world within a blink of my eye".  

         "Of course you are powerful. But that's the pity. After spending fifteen years in penance, you should have been the most learned person on this earth. But unfortunately, your knowledge and power itself has become your most dreadful enemy. As your friend and well wisher, I definitely pray for your good", said Suruchi with tears in her eyes and left the house.

        "I know you Suruchi. You always think of my well being. But I too am handcuffed by my own ego. I just can't let go the insult I underwent that day. I have come too far now. So, no question of turning back", said Nalini to herself in a failed voice.