The Dark Of The Light ||| (ON HOLD)

Royal wedding.

"It is never going to be like before," Aswathi said sadly. She and Aashika had accompanied Chitralekha to the riverbank, where she regularly met her lover, in secret.

"I miss them," Aashika lamented, she picked up a pebble from the bank and threw on the rippling river, "ever since the Ogaan departed, the last of the life has disappeared."

"Where do you think they will be," Aswathi asked, "some island on the Giga Ocean?"

"Last I heard they had left the Storm Island."

"I miss Saujanya and Damayanthi too." Aswathi said quietly. Aashika stiffened.

"Do you really think uncle Bhaswath would have done something like that?" Aswathi asked.

Aashika looked at the trees behind them, where Chitralekha and the novice castle guard were kissing away without a worry of the world.

"You know, the Emperor would never sentence, that too his own brother in law without properly investigating."

"I saw Damayanthi at the Premiere, she seemed like she wanted to speak, but then ignored me and left."

Premieres were institutions were the children were enrolled to gather knowledge. They were taught sword fighting, cleaning, pottery, archery, along with commerce, science and administration till they were fifteen. Thereafter they specialized in the stream they wanted to and joined the class of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas or Sudras.

"So have you surely don't want to become a researcher?" Aashika decided to change the topic.

"Naayyy," Aswathi shook her head, "swords give me more charge, than cells and tissues. I will someday join the Royal army." She said with pride.
They were nearly fourteen and were supposed to sit for the examination of class in a year. Chitralekha who was twenty one, had successfully completed her course as a Vaishya and now designed jewelleries.

"Come on girls," Chitralekha walked up to them, blushing profusely, "time to go home." Her suitor waved at her before galloping away on his horse.

"Why are you so red,?" Ashwathi had never seen her sister so flushed just because she had been eating that man's lips.

"Dushmant just asked my hand for marriage." She gushed. "He will be seeking father's permission and blessing tonight." She clapped like a teenager.

The girl's rolled their eyes and walked to their horse.

**************************
"But Manyata how can we have a wedding in Vayuvijay's absence." Saudamini argued.

"Vayu has himself instructed us to carry on with the wedding without any further delay." Manyata waved the scroll she had received from her husband at Saudamini. "Trust me Saudamini he will be the most displeased of he knows that his niece's wedding was delayed because of his absence."

"But..."

"No more buts dear daughter," Shakuntala interrupted her, "the almighty knows, this castle can do with some merriment and celebrations."

"Father," Saudamini turned to Dharmeshnath "what about Jaya." She spoke nervously "Shouldn't we ask her to join."

"I will speak to her." Manyata promised her.

**********************
"My blessings are always with my nieces and nephew," Jaya told the Empress curtly.

"Donot punish Saudamini for Vayuvijay's deeds." Manyata beseeched "the children miss each other Jaya," she extended her hand to touch Jaya's as they sat in Jaya's welcoming hall. Jaya quickly removed her hand. Manyata dejectedly withdrew her hand.