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

The Sin

Vayuvijay rode to the square with Veerbhadra, Laos and Shivashakti.

He wondered what was happening at Rajdhani. Here he was travelling across lands, leaving his wife alone to battle with the chaos that must be raging in Rajdhani. His mind was in turmoil yet he composed himself as he approached the square were thousands of Jhenzous had gathered.

"All hail the Emperor," they shouted. Vayuvijay waved as his horse halted at the clearing at the center of the square. The local guards and Royal army Kshatriyas acted as barrier to keep the people at bay.

"My fellow brothers and sisters of Jhenzou," The emperor called out "I am here to listen to your qualms." He said "Come forward and tell me, how can I serve you better."

The guards and army allowed one person at a time to approach the Emperor.

"Your majesty," one old man approached "it is my humble request that the panel of Vaishya examiners of Jhenzou be changed. Nepotism has blossomed amongst Vaishyas."

"I shall speak to the Chief and make the necessary changes." Vayuvijay assured him "Ethar shall not tolerate nepotism."

Another woman stepped ahead "My lord, transportation is limited in Jhenzou. We have to traverse long distance on foot, carrying our goods and crops," she said earnestly "if my lord would provide animals for transport."

"Of course I will," Vayuvijay replied. The woman  bowed out and another man took her place.

He continued his interactions till the morning rolled into noon and noon rolled into night, before finally retreating back to the castle.

******************************

"Are you sure about it?" Manyata enquired again

"Yes your majesty," Cabo replied, "The gold rings that were used to pay the boat owner indeed belonged to Lord Bhaswath". Cabo was now a Castle guard at eighteen.

"And Dushmant, you are sure that the hand maiden is missing too?"

"Quite sure your majesty." Dushmant replied.

"Keep looking," she urged them "I cannot completely rely on the commanders, they have grown sluggish now. That will be all." She said dismissing them from the ante chamber.

"Your majesty...." Dishman hesitated looking at Cabo. Taking cue Cabo bowed and walked out.

"Yes Dushmant?" Manyata frowned.

"I got to know from my sources," he hesitated "that Bhaswath had taken the hand maiden to one of the shady clinics to terminate her pregnancy."

"What?" Manyata was appalled.

"I spoke to the preserver at the clinic." Dushmant said looking at his feet, "he informed me that Bhaswath had made him terminate the hand maiden's pregnancy four times, before he went to the prison."

"Then the hand maiden is either dead or has eloped with him." She sighed. "Bring that preserver. Time to introduce him to Jaya."

**************************

Anakul sat at the garden, as he stared at Surya, Ajinkya, Adhata and Amala's three year old son Jenkin playing with Haron. He felt distant from them now. He felt lost even amongst so many people. The news of the demise of his uncle had given him some distractions from his thoughts, but soon he spiralled back to them.
As Amala cam and set on the stone bench next to him Anakul stiffened.

"I am not going to touch you don't worry." She teased him.

"I am sorry for that night." He blurted out.

"Its ok," she replied "that was not the first time a man," she chuckled "had left me incomplete."

"Umm, you....you....w-w-want t-t-to d-d-do it again." He stammered "I c-c-can c-c-compensate for that...day."

Amala started laughing.

"Your friend compensated for you," she glanced at Haron longingly.

Haron felt a jolt of jealousy. He wished.........he shook his head to expel the wish.

"You like.......him," Amala said with twinkling eyes.

Anakul blushed.

"I don't know what you are talking about." He rose up, "it was nice talking to you, but I have to go."

Amala held his hand and made him sit.

"Your secret is safe with me my lord." She said solemnly. All signs of teasing dissapeared from her face.

Anakul sat down, as pain shot across his face. "What is wrong with me," he said quietly, "why did I have to turn out to be the queer."

"Look at me," Amala held his chin and turned him to face her "nothing is wrong with you. You are as normal as Haron and me." She looked at Haron, who was ignorant of the pain his friend was experiencing.

"We have believed what has been taught to us." She told Anakul "someday people will recognize your choice, and for that you have to he proud of your sexuality, not ashamed." She said assertively, "you have not sinned, nor are you queer. Yes you are different than most, but you are not alone."

"Really?" Anakul said in a hopeful tone.

"Really," she said "from where I come from in Zaiden, there are many who like people of their own sex." She whispered.

"But, he is not like you," she smiled sadly as she motioned her head at Haron's direction.

"I know." Anakul replied, "He likes you though."

"I know," she sighed, "but his heart has been pledged to someone."

"Do you know who?" Anakul asked inquisitively. Amala shook her head.

"So, that night," the teasing was back in her voice "you thought about him when I got down there." She smiled wickedly.

And finally Anakul smiled as he nodded before they both started to laugh. Haron looked at the two.

"Aah don't fall in love with the wet nurse now brother" He muttered, "in law may be." He smiled to himself as he went back to playing with the children.

Anakul felt better. He was not a sinner, he thought. But not everyone will be as progressive as Amala. He thought of his mother and grandmother.

He had plenty of time before he met them. After speaking to Amala he couldn't wait to visit Zaiden.

"Unless you accept and be proud of your sexuality," Amala said "Don't expect the others to feel that way."