Will Of Infinity

Checkbox - Part 2

Agapura welcomed its champion with streets brimming in raucous cheer, flowers laden in balconies and sweets distributed from Paheri Nok's kitchens when they caught sight of the expected flying carrier come into view. The malaya vimana was designed with the hues and traits of the monal bird in mind, the shape of the pheasant leading its structure. It was built to withstand high altitude flying and could carry a crowd of fifty easily.

"Do you think Ma will spare me if I keep acting hurt?" Minar whispered to Mogh as they got out of the carrier, following their parents as the welcoming rituals were conducted.

"If she hasn't said anything yet, she's not going to say anything now," Mogh replied quietly, smiling at the minister who came to greet them.

Minar doubted that. That rule applied to Mogh, who was more adaptable to Ma's standards and regulations. With Minar, silence meant a painfully unavoidable conversation later and she would much rather feed the cows.

Tuhina didn't bring anything up for the major part of the day and Minar almost believed that Mogh had been right in his assessment when she got the call to gather at her mother's chambers after lunch. At least now I have energy to listen, she thought as she walked into the room while wishing she had managed to convince the cook to make some apple kheer too.

When she saw Mogh standing inside already, she paused before walking forward, her silk lavender skirt brushing the pale polished floor. She raised her brows questioningly but he simply nodded towards their mother, who was writing something on her desk, her back towards them. She stood up when Minar was mouthing her next question and the siblings faced Tuhina as she turned around, a neatly scrolled letter in her hand.

"I take it you're both rested after the long week?" she asked as she came down the two steps to face them, her kohl lined eyes looking both of them over once before she looked at Mogh, "Mogh, I'm glad we were able to clear your name at Odho before we left. I could expect an apology from Byumir if you insist."

"I'm fine, Rani-ma," he replied and Minar made a face, clearly disagreeing with his leniency. Tuhina caught the expression before she could get it under control and she smiled awkwardly.

"I'm fine too, Ma," she assured but her mother shot her a dry look before glancing at her arm.

"Of course, being a human shield is a part of the training course, isn't it?" she asked sarcastically and Minar bit back a wince as she resisted the urge to tug at her full-sleeves, "The physicians tell me that it won't scar if you follow their instructions well."

The unasked Will you was clear and Minar pursed her lips as she looked away, waiting for the conversation to take a new turn.

"Is it an important letter, Rani-ma?" Mogh distracted the attention and Minar looked up to see Tuhina nod as she looked at the emerald green scroll.

"It's a reply to the invite from your teachers at Varnisnuti," she informed, meeting their eyes, "Acharya Samvarka has asked you both to join them in the centennial celebration scheduled for two weeks from now. He wishes for you to come early to help them out in the preparation, if you can."

"We will," they both agreed and Minar felt the excitement build over the thought of going back to school. The gurukula at Varnisnuti was famed for its impartiality and disenchantment about being favoured by power, accepting students based on merit and willingness to learn. Mogh had graduated two years before her and Minar had made most of her friends there, gaining a reputation for being both stubborn and dedicated. Now two years since her own graduation, she missed the place and going back meant an opportunity to have fun with old friends again.

"I know," Tuhina expected the answer from them and handed over the scroll to Mogh, "I've sent word of our acceptance and this is a message of goodwill. You both will not be accompanied by helpers as is the rule of Acharya, so I hope you will take better care of yourselves."