APRICITY

13.Call of duty

Bhrata Anirudh and Vajra returned to Dwarka a week ago. Perhaps, Vajra must not delay to attend Gurukul for the very first time.

Pitamahi Subhadra had a had time to consol the weeping Aarush. The latter was immensely depressed to bear the separation from Vajra. The two reminded me of the bittersweet bond between Suthanu and Pragati Bua.

In regards of Pragati Bua, I had no clue whether to express or suppress my emotions. Aarush was barely four, two years hence, when she had left him with us. We were intimated that Prince Rudraksh of Asmaka had renounced his royalty and had passed the authority to his younger brother. Not to be amazed by the fact that Pragati Bua too followed him. They were probably residing in the Kampilya Van of Panchal.

It was heartwrenching for Aarush but a deeper philosophy grounded me. I had and always will be a sheltering brother for him, still somethings can never be compensated.

"Pardon Rajkumar", the Sevika curtsied "Samrat has summoned you." My thread of thoughts were broken as I gestured in assertion.

She bowed and left my chamber. Oh! The Call of Duty was enticing as I knew what the reason could be.

"Jyeshth Pitamah" I bowed in reverence, "Command me."

"Jyeshth" Pitamah Sahadev's face flashed in concern, "Our grandchildren too grew up."

"Nevertheless, I can't prohibit a Prince from his duties, can I?" Jyeshth Pitamah uttered in an obvious tone.

This was how I ascertained my place in the expedition outside the capitals. I had always dreamt of being a part of a preparatory discussion.

The map of Bharatvarsh lay proudly in front. The Holy Ganga traced in between as the principal artery running through the heart of the nation.

Pitamah Sahadev finalized the troops and the other necessities. After a word or two, all the soldiers and their cheifs cheered in unison,"Agreed Rajkumar".

Suvarma, too joined us, much to my surprise. The cheesy demon did not even feel it necessary to tell me that he had defeated the Invincible battalion chiefs in a mace feat. Inspite of this, my heart swelled in pride when the soldiers narrated his bravery.

The discussion ended as the soldiers marched passed the chamber.

I smacked his head as a result of which, Suvarma creased his brows, "oye!!" he warned.

"When did you grow a new head beside this one? You didn't even tell your best friend about such a humungous victory." I looked away, crossing arms against my chest.

He smiled weirdly, "Umm..I am a humble warrior, you see. I don't boast about myself." He voiced in the most flattering way.

I poked my tongue at him passing out a hearty laughter.

We were to start by the day after the next full moon. The chariots were drawn out. Charioteers examined them as they delved in to look for any possible repairs.

On the contrary, I could sense Aarush's sulking mood. My dear young cub would be left alone.

"I will come back soon. Don't make such nasty faces." I ruffled his soft hairs with affection.

"Pari, don't forget those scrolls, you remember!" Mata reminded me for the umpteenth time.

"Okay!!" I hugged her tight from behind. She giggled, "you will never change".

"I won't."

"As if we will ever let this happen!" Jyeshth Pitamahi pulled my cheeks in response.

"Ouch! It hurts." I groaned.

"Really! That hurts, Bhrata?" Aarush squinted his eyes.

"Want to feel it, if that hurts or not?" I pinched his cheeks.

"Leave my cherry." Jyeshth Pitamahi smacked my arms.

Soon, thr brightest day came forth and my heart thumped aloud. Finally, we are off to Kamboja.

"I can't believe!" I squeezed Suvarma's palm. "We will bring those helpless children from the moneylenders."

"We are close to your promise, Pari." He chided.

We took the best blessings from the elders as they showered us with "Vijayi Bhava!" chants.

I turned back as the picturesque family of mine eventually faded in view. The palace grew smaller and smaller with each mile.

The sun kept playing peek-a-boo with the colossal pillars and columns of the Palace of Hastinapur.

Adieu, my heavenly abode.