Kama: Liberation(Vol-II)

Chapter 6. The Children

There is hope, always.

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The Senapati had thought everything would be fine after the war. Alas, bitter feelings resurfaced.

In the musty tent, Rudra tried to gently coax Radha to speak. What misfortune fell on the girl that she cut her beautiful hair? It used to resemble molten midnight, its mere touch a blessing of the night. But she wouldn't speak. Initially, she resisted being touched. Aryamna's head burst with piercing pain. He doubted the worst was done to her, when Raya assured him no man had touched them, although they suffered some whipping. Those were the wounds which Rudra now applied a paste over.

Aryamna caressed the girl. "Radha, won't you talk to me?" He brought out silver earrings for her. He had originally bought them from a local of Revat to gift to Ishvara, but he believed now it could be of better use. "See, you love to adorn and I bought these especially for you! Am I not the best uncle?"

Radha was a statue of stone. Even though tears glided down her eyes, she refused to acknowledge them. Aryamna wiped her face, but she heaved a sigh of discomfort.

"Are...are you upset that I didn't come to take you?" His nasal voice was laden with guilt. "I-I had to be in war. I am sorry–"

Radha shushed him. Aryamna grasped her little fingers. "I love you all. You are also my kids."

The divider of the tent rustled. Indumala came running in with a box of jewellery. It was her own, the one she was arranging just before. "Do you want some nice trinkets? I have nose pins too."

The tip of Indumala's nose was red. She fumbled with the jewels, placing a few in Radha's hand. The quiet mage flinched at the contact, shocking Indumala. The little goddess hadn't expected to be shoved away by her childhood friend. Was Radha angry on her? She had every right to be, and Indumala knew she would be able to win her back no matter what.

"The bad men are all dead," Indu whispered. "You need not be afraid."

Radha's mirthless laughter sent goosebumps down Indu's spine. She cast a pitiful glance at the bodyguard and then wobbled out of the tent. Aryamna ran after her and grabbed her by the hand. Radha laughed hysterically and yanked herself from his grip, fleeing for the darkness.

"Catch her!" Aryamna screamed. "She is going insane. She is going insane-"

"Aryamna, she needs time to come to reality," Rudra spoke. He had been observing everything in silence, choosing to give the mages a personal space. His hands were coated in crushed herbs which he put on the marks of lashes. "My guards will keep her in place. We need to keep her shut."

"You...you can't cage my friend." Tears spilled from Indu's warm doe eyes. She pulled at Rudra's coat. "Please, don't lock her," she begged. "She must have gone through something terrible."

"I-I wish I could kill that Hamal a million more times," Rudra grunted. Aryamna averted his gaze, having made a choice to not correct him. Rudra continued, "I won't hurt Radha. She is your friend and so is my family too. But we need to keep an eye on her, otherwise she may end up harming someone."

"She isn't stable." Aryamna sniffed back tears. "Rudra is right. We must appoint guards all around her. There, I see your men having caught her."