5000 words â¨
Long chapter ahead, so technically it's 20 mins long - 5000 words? How much time does it take tho really for you all, as for me writing up I take 2-3 days.
Anyways Enjoy the Story
Vote & Comment as always ââââ
Follow remysolmoon
Happy reading ð
Forest of Kanakpura â¨
The sun hung high in the sky, casting bright, golden light over the dense forest. The leaves shimmered in the sunlight, creating a kaleidoscope of green hues, while the air was thick with the earthy scent of pine and fresh foliage. Birds chirped overhead, and the occasional rustle of small animals in the underbrush added to the symphony of life around them. But for Indu and Ivaan, the beauty of the day was lost in the turmoil of their emotions.
Ivaan's pace was relentless, his steps quick and firm as he navigated the uneven forest floor. His mind was a whirlwind of anger and frustration, each thought more heated than the last. *How could she be so careless?* The vivid sunlight that streamed through the branches above only seemed to heighten his irritation, illuminating the gravity of their situation. *We could have been killed by those wolves, and she still doesn't understand how serious this is.*
The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, yet between them, there was a heavy, suffocating silence. Indu's breath was ragged as she tried to keep up, the sunlight making the sweat on her brow glisten. The situation felt surreal, like a bad dream that she couldn't wake up from. "Ivaan, I'm sorry! Please, don't just walk away from me. I didn't mean to ignore you," she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion.
Ivaan abruptly stopped but didn't turn to face her. The birds' singing and the rustling leaves around them only seemed to mock the tension in the air. His voice, when he finally spoke, was cold, devoid of any warmth. "You don't listen, Indu. That's the problem. You're not taking this seriously, and it's going to get us killed. Maybe we're better off going our separate ways."
Indu felt a wave of panic wash over her. She had expected him to be angry, but not to suggest abandoning her. The bright day suddenly seemed too harsh, the sunlight too glaring, as if exposing all her faults. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought them back, refusing to let them fall. "I apologized! I know I was wrong, but why are you being so cruel? We're lost in the middle of a forest, and you want to leave me here alone?"
Ivaan finally turned to look at her, his eyes hard and unforgiving. The daylight illuminated every line of his stern expression, making his anger all the more palpable. " I'm Being cruel? Or is it because you're not listening, Indu. This isn't a game. This is life and death. You need to understand that," he said, his words cutting through her like a knife.
Indu's heart ached with a mixture of guilt and anger. She knew she had been reckless, but she couldn't understand why he was being so harsh. The sunlight that filtered through the trees made the shadows beneath them seem even darker, mirroring the conflict within her. "I know it's not a game, Ivaan! But you're acting like you're the only one who knows what to do. I'm scared too, but that doesn't mean I'm useless. I'm sorry for not listening to you earlier, but why did you save me if you were just going to push me away?"
For a moment, Ivaan's stern facade faltered, the sunlight catching in his eyes, revealing a flicker of something softer-regret, perhaps, or guilt. A breeze stirred the leaves overhead, sending dappled light dancing across the forest floor. "I saved you because I car--- I would have did the same for anyone in your place," he diverted, though his voice was still firm. "But that means nothing and I cant overlook the fact that you're putting us both in danger. Trust has to be earned, and right now, I'm not sure I can trust you."
Indu felt the tears she had been holding back finally stink again she way dealing with a lot at this moment, her frustration and fear overwhelming her. The sun was high above, but it offered no comfort, only a harsh clarity that made her feel exposed and vulnerable. "I'm trying to earn your trust, Ivaan! But I need you to trust me too. I'm not as weak as you think," she said, her voice breaking.
They stood there, the tension between them as palpable as the sunlight that filtered through the trees. Ivaan's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained unchanged. The day was bright and beautiful, but for them, it felt as if a storm was brewing. "Maybe we need some space," he said finally, his voice quiet. "Maybe it's better if we go our own ways."
Indu's heart sank at his words. The thought of being alone in this vast, sun-drenched forest filled her with dread. But she could see that arguing would only push him further away. "Fine," she said, her voice shaking. "But don't expect me to just sit here and wait for you to come back."
"I don't," Ivaan replied, turning away once more, his voice tinged with resignation. "Just stay safe, Princess Indu."
Indu watched him walk away, her heart breaking with each step he took. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows that seemed to reach out towards her, as if to pull her back from the brink of despair. "I will," she whispered to herself, the words barely audible over the rustling leaves. *But why does he have to be so harsh?* she wondered, feeling a deep sense of loss.
She sank to the forest floor, her emotions swirling like the leaves around her. The forest, so vibrant and full of life in the daylight, now felt hostile and unwelcoming. "He's just as cold as everyone says," she muttered to herself, wiping away her tears alone finally letting her emotions catch up to her. "But I can't rely on him anymore. I have to find my own way out."I don't care anymore. What if I hadn't found him? I would have to find my own way out. It's better to keep moving than sitting here. Don't you agree?" Indu asked the bunny baby tucked inside her dupatta, their tiny nose twitching as if in agreement.
Determined, Indu stood up, brushing the dirt from her clothes. The sunlight was bright, but it did little to ease her fear. The distant sound of a stream reached her ears-a small, hopeful sign in the vast wilderness. *If I can find the stream, maybe it will lead me to safety,* she thought, squaring her shoulders and taking a step forward also thirsty from not having a drop off water since yesterday.
As Ivaan walked deeper into the forest, his anger began to fade, replaced by a heavy guilt that gnawed at him. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long shadows that seemed to follow him, reminding him of the harsh words he had spoken. *Maybe I was too hard on her,* he thought, slowing his pace. *She's scared, and I didn't help by being so cold. But she has to learn how serious this is.*
As they moved further apart, both were consumed by their own thoughts and regrets. The forest, bathed in sunlight, seemed almost too bright, too glaring in its beauty, as if mocking their inner turmoil.
Indu trudged wearily through the harsh sunlit forest, her steps heavy and slow. She had been walking alone for what felt like an eternity, guided only by the distant sound of a water stream. Finally, she reached the stream and celebrated joyously, quietly beaming still tired.
"We made it, little one!" she exclaimed, holding the bunny close. "Look at this beautiful stream. Isn't it wonderful?"
The bunny twitched its nose, and Indu laughed. "Yes, I know you're thirsty too. Let's drink some water."
She drank the cool, refreshing water, but the path down had been tricky, with dense tree roots making every step a challenge. Carefully, she made her way to the water, and cleaned herself.
Suddenly, she heard the rustling of leaves. A flashback of wolves attacking her surged through her mind, making her heart race. She quickly picked up her baby bunny and gripped her pocket fishtailed knife tightly, ready to defend herself. As she turned and slashed, her hand was caught mid-air. It was Ivaan.
Indu cursed at him, "Why are you here? Weren't you going to leave me? My heart just leaped out of my chest. To hell with you, why are you here?"
Ivaan's gently rubbed on the wrist he had held trying to calm her down his eyes sparkled with a playful glint as he held her hand firmly" Hey Calm down it's just me, I wasn't trying to startle you........... hah! looks like you don't want me here. Want me to go?" he asked, his tone light and teasing, though his presence was steady and reassuring.
Indu sighed, exasperated. "Don't be so dramatic. I didn't say you could leave just yet. I've been too polite with you. I'm a princess, and I order you not to leave me alone."
Ivaan smirked, clearly amused by her boldness. He was washing his face but stopped midway, turning to face her. "Are you forgetting I'm a prince too? Are you really trying to order me around?"
Indu stuttered, feeling at a loss. She didn't want him to leave now that he was here. "Okay, fine. But if you are the prince, then act like one. You can't just abandon a lady in the forest. Moreover, aren't you the one who declared to marr-" She stopped midway, realizing what she was about to say.
Ivaan's smirk widened, his demeanor effortlessly confident. "Declared to what, Princess? Are you asking me to follow my princely duty or the duty of your future husband?"
Indu's face flushed with embarrassment. "What are you talking about? I'm leaving you for real now," she said, turning quickly to escape. But as she stepped on a root, it broke, he leg falling into the hollow piece and her leg got stuck between the root branches.
Ivaan's playful demeanor shifted to concern as he rushed to her side. "Indu, are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry. He gently tried pulling her leg up trying to free her leg, his touch careful and tender but it was stuck he watched as she so much as so didn't even sigh was she so assured he was going to get her out of this . "You know, you really shouldn't run away from your prince," he teased, his smile warm and reassuring.
Indu couldn't help scold him despite her flustered state. "Just help me up, you idio- I mean my knight in shining Armor," she muttered sarcastically , even though she was feeling a mix of relief and warmth at his presence. "Hmm would you look at that, you still don't know how to ask for help, for someone who falls in so much trouble I suggest you learn that skill." With that he started moving up reaching for her.
..................
Kingdom of Rana â¨
The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the sprawling palace grounds as Advisor of Prince Ivaan , Varun handed over the kundali [Birth Chart] to Princess Katha. The air was rich with the scent of blooming flowers, the sound of birds chirping filling the garden with a lively symphony. Princess Katha, a vision of grace in her royal attire, accepted the birth chart with a serene smile, her expressive eyes conveying gratitude and warmth. Being mute, her communication was all in her gestures, each movement delicate and purposeful.
Veena, the royal maid, was quick to interpret the signs, her eyes sparkling as she turned to Varun. "Princess Katha invites you to join us for lunch," she said, her voice as warm as the afternoon sun. Princess Katha nodded encouragingly, her smile deepening.
Varun, though intrigued by the invitation, was even more curious about the one royal he had yet to meet. Ever since he reached the Palace He knew of Princess Indu had been out for collect the sacred water, while Princess Anya had been the subject of many whispered conversations, and his curiosity had only grown . As he walked beside Veena, he leaned in, lowering his voice slightly.
"Veena, where is Princess Anya? I haven't seen her around yet," Varun asked, trying to sound casual though his curiosity was evident.
Veena's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she glanced at the other maids who had gathered nearby. "Princess Anya won't be joining us for lunch today..." she began, her voice trailing off in a way that suggested there was more to the story and Varun was privy of this little fun story among them.
Varun raised an eyebrow, confused. "Why not? Where is she?"
But instead of answering, Veena just laughed-a light, melodic sound that soon had the other maids giggling as well. The sound of their laughter echoed through the marble corridors, filling the space with a playful energy that only added to Varun's curiosity.
Princess Katha, ever the picture of poise, smiled gently at Varun before signaling her departure. With a final nod, she left to oversee the lunch preparations, leaving Varun in the hands of Veena and the other maids.
"Come on," Veena said, still smiling, "it's better if we show you where Princess Anya is instead of trying to explain. Trust me, you're going to want to see this."
Intrigued, Varun followed Veena and the group of maids as they led him through the palace. The corridors they walked through were breathtakingly beautiful, with polished marble floors that gleamed under the sunlight streaming in through the tall, arched windows. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of royal history, their rich colors contrasting with the gold accents that trimmed the ceilings. Every corner of the palace seemed to speak of grandeur and tradition.
The group passed through the palace gardens, where the lush greenery and vibrant flowers created a serene atmosphere. The garden was an explosion of color, with roses, jasmine, and marigolds in full bloom, their scents mingling in the warm air. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient trees that dotted the landscape, adding a soft, natural melody to the peaceful surroundings.
But Veena didn't stop there. She led them further, through a pathway lined with blossoming trees, until they reached a stunning marble temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple was a masterpiece of architecture, its pristine white walls glowing under the midday sun. Delicate carvings of Krishna and Radha adorned the entrance, their love story etched into the marble with such skill that the figures seemed almost alive. The temple's domes were topped with golden spires that shimmered in the light, and the intricate latticework on the windows cast beautiful patterns of shadow and light on the ground.
Varun was momentarily mesmerized by the sight of the temple, its beauty leaving him in awe. But his attention was quickly diverted when he noticed a figure at the top of a ladder, precariously balanced as she tried to clean cobwebs from the temple's high ceilings.
It was a young woman, her long, dark hair pulled back in a simple braid that was now slightly disheveled from her efforts. Dust clung to her soft curls, and she blinked rapidly as bits of it fell into her eyes. She wore a simple white and gold saree, the kind worn by commoners, but despite the plainness of her attire, there was no mistaking It was Princess Anya.
Even in her humble clothes, Princess Anya was stunning. Her beauty was not diminished by the simplicity of her outfit; in the sunlight, and even with her sleeves rolled up and her hands busy with the task of cleaning, she looked every bit the princess she was.
"Why on earth...?" Varun began, his voice trailing off as he recognized the young woman.
"That," Veena said, grinning from ear to ear, "Our Princess Anya for you"
Varun's eyes widened in disbelief. This was Princess Anya? The same princess who was presiding over courtly matters or engaged in delicate diplomacy, last time he met was wobbling on a ladder, battling cobwebs with a determined frown on her face.
The maids couldn't contain their laughter, especially when Princess Anya, distracted by their giggles, almost lost her balance. She wobbled dangerously on the ladder, and for a moment.
"Princess, please! You're going to hurt yourself!" one of the maids called out, rushing forward to steady the ladder.
"Honestly, Your Highness," another maid chimed in, her tone half-scolding, half-amused, "you're making more of a mess than you're cleaning up!"
Princess Anya waved them off, though her cheeks were tinged with a light blush. "I'm fine! It's just a few cobwebs... how hard can it be?" she muttered, clearly frustrated by her lack of success it was a clumsy move.
Varun couldn't help himself; he burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the temple. It was such a stark contrast-this elegant princess, known for her wisdom and poise, now struggling with a simple household chore. His laughter was infectious, and soon, the maids were laughing too, their voices ringing out in the serene temple surroundings.
Princess Anya, still trying to maintain her dignity, huffed in mock annoyance. "Why are you all laughing? I'm doing my best here! And what are you doing here Advisor Varun?" she called down, her voice a mix of exasperation and amusement, tired wiping off her sweat from her forehead "yuk! the dust got in my eyes."
"Your best might get you hurt, Your Highness," Veena teased, moving forward to help her down from the ladder. "Maybe you should leave the cleaning to us?"
Princess Anya reluctantly allowed herself to be guided down, dusting off her saree as she tried to look composed. "I'm supposed to be doing this, you know. It's part of my... task," she explained, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely successful with her 'task.'
Varun, still grinning, approached her. "Princess Anya," he began, still amazed by what he had witnessed, "why are you doing this? And why are you dressed like... that?"
Veena, who had been watching the exchange with a knowing smile, stepped in. "It's a bit of a royal secret, Advisor Varun," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "but since you're a friend of the princess, I suppose I can tell you."
"Veena he is not my friend!" Anya whispered out but was easily ignored by Veena.
Varun leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "Go on, I'm all ears."
Veena glanced at Princess Anya, who was now busy instructing the maids on how to polish the temple floors, her hands moving with determination despite her earlier mishaps. "Princess Anya... well, she's being punished."
"Punished?" Varun repeated, shocked. "What could she possibly have done to deserve this?"
Veena sighed, her expression softening as she looked at the princess, who was now kneeling on the floor, her elegant fingers awkwardly trying to wipe away dust. ".........Princess Anya......had an altercation with Crown Prince Arjun and, in a moment of distress, struck him"
Varun's eyes widened. "She did what?! Why?"
Veena's smile faded slightly, and she looked at Princess Anya with a mixture of affection and sadness. "It's a long story, but to put it simply, she was defending Princess Indu. There was a misunderstanding, and in the heat of the moment, she struck the prince. The queen witnessed it, and though Princess Anya was acting out of concern for her sister, she felt terribly guilty afterward. She accepted this punishment without complaint."
Varun shook his head, trying to process the information. "And this is her punishment?"
Veena nodded. "Yes. For 15 days, she will be living like a commoner-dressing simply, taking care of the temple and all the rituals, making garlands, writing chants a thousand times,making diyas and many more chores. Earlier you saw Princess Katha sewing dress for Krishna and Radha Ji its her way of helping her sister, Princess Anya will also be having a simple diet and she is very serious about it............... It's her way of making amends. Prince Arjun is still hasn't talked to her yet."
Varun looked back at Princess Anya, who was now trying to sweep the floor with a broom that seemed far too large for her delicate hands. Despite her struggles, there was a quiet dignity in the way she carried herself, a determination that shone through her clumsiness. Even in this humble setting, dressed in the simplest of clothes, she didn't seem resentful.
"She's really serious about this, isn't she?" Varun murmured, more to himself than to anyone else.
Veena nodded, her expression and mixture of pride and sadness.
After finishing her sweeping, Anya walked over to Varun, who gave him a thorough once-over. They were in a stunning temple The serene atmosphere was occasionally interrupted by the playful chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves.
"So, why is the prince's closest confidant and advisor here with the birth chart, couldn't a mere soldier send this over to us?" Anya asked, her curiosity evident.
Varun folded his arms and leaning back against a pillar. "I'm not just here to deliver that. There's a greater danger approaching that we need to discuss," he said.
Anya looked puzzled, but before she could ask more, Varun continued, "I'll wait for the king and queen to arrive before we discuss this further. But regarding you, I always knew your words were quite harsh but I didn't expect you to confront the crown prince so directly. Aren't you the cool headed one?"
Guilt washed over Anya's face as she looked down. Varun alarmed by this tried to comfort her. "Well I guess........Your brother is quite impulsive; I nearly lost an eye dealing with him. I can't deny I had the urge to reprimand him too."
Anya looking up slowly chuckled slightly. "Is that supposed to make me feel better? Knowing others want to reprimand my brother doesn't ease my guilt," she said, watching the temple's peaceful surroundings with a small smile.
.
At that moment, a maid hurried over and whispered something urgently in Anya's ear. Anya's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly followed the maid towards the pantry after asking for her leave from Varun.
Varun, curious about the sudden commotion, turned to Veena and asked, "What's the emergency?"
Veena sighed, clearly stressed. "The milk we needed for the kheer has spoiled, and people will be arriving for the prasad at lunchtime any minute now. We don't have much left to work with. Princess Anya was going to make kheer, but that's out the window now."
Varun joined Veena in the pantry the "rasoighar," was a bustling hub of activity. The kitchen was wasn't a grand space, like that of the palace but with few Large earthen pots and clay ovens lined the walls, while fires made of wood and dried cow dung crackled, providing the heat needed for cooking, they all were scanning the shelves for any usable ingredients. The pantry, usually well-stocked, now seemed almost bare, with only a few basic items left. "What do we do now, Princess? Should we call for help from the palace?" a maid suggested, her voice tinged with panic.
Anya shook her head firmly, determination in her eyes. "It's too late for that. The lunch would already be prepared there, and it would make me look incompetent I cant ask for help,using my Princess authorities" she said, her voice steady despite the situation.
Varun glanced at the sparse ingredients, his mind racing for a solution. "Does Princess Anya know how to cook?" he asked Veena, looking at the ingredients.
Veena nodded confidently, a small smile playing on her lips. "Of course, she can make chappan bhog," she replied, her tone filled with pride.
Anya took a deep breath, with determination. "Alright, let's see what we can do with what we have. We might not have milk for kheer, but we can still make something delicious," she declared, her voice filled with fear resolve breaking . "Do you all have any other ideas?" she asked, looking at the maids, who were playfully avoiding her gaze as if someone asked them a test question.
Varun, rolled up his sleeves, a confident smile on his face. said, "Your Highness, sometimes less is more. Have you not seen how people make quick meals when their kitchens are empty?" he remarked, a playful glint in his eye.
The maids and Anya turned to him, their faces showing confusion is he forgetting he was speaking to a Princess Anya, who had never seen an empty kitchen, looked especially puzzled. Varun chuckled at this when he realised. "My apologies, Your Highness. If you permit, let me assist you ladies," he offered sincerely.
Anya, adhering to royal protocol, objected, "A foreigner cannot enter the royal kitchen." She knew as a respected princess, she had to uphold them. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration. Why did everything have to be so complicated?
Undeterred, Varun continued "Princess Anya can be the witness herself and watch. Everything will be done in front of her," he assured, scanning the pantry for ingredients. His eyes lit up when he spotted rice flour and jaggery. "Why don't we make Adhirasam?" he suggested.
The maids and Anya exchanged confused glances. Seeing their bewilderment, Varun elaborated, "You see as a part Prince Ivaan's crew I've traveled to many places in the south, and Adhirasam is a dish from there that I'll never forget. It's made with rice flour and jaggery, and it's absolutely delicious."
Anya, intrigued by the idea, nodded. "Alright,Please elaborate let's give it a try," she agreed, her curiosity piqued. She couldn't deny that Varun's confidence was infectious. Maybe this would work out after all.
Varun carefully heated the jaggery in water, stirring it with a practiced hand. "This reminds me of our time in keranad, Your Highness. The locals there make this dish with such ease," he said, his tone light and playful.
"Do you know how to cook?" Anya asked, feigning worry but with a playful glint in her eye.
"Now you're hurting me, Princess. I'm known to be one of the best cooks," Varun replied with mock indignation.
"Among whom, exactly?" Anya pressed further, her curiosity piqued.
"Right now among the three of us for sure because I'm the one who know the recipe," Varun said pointing between him Anya and Veena, which made everyone chuckle.
Anya, still intrigued, watched closely. "I've never seen this dish before. Are you sure it will turn out well?"
Varun gave her a confident smile. "Trust me, Princess. It's going to be delightful."
As the jaggery melted, Varun added the rice flour, mixing it into a smooth dough. "Now, we let this rest for a bit. Patience is key," he explained with a wink.
Veena, with a hint of sarcasm, added, "Patience is something our Princess has plenty of, right?"
Anya shot her a playful glare. "And now you're testing the limits, Veena."
Once the dough was ready, Varun showed how to shape it into small discs. "See, just like this. Not too thick, not too thin," he instructed, his easy confidence evident in every word.
The maids tried their hand at shaping the dough, laughing at their initial clumsiness. "It's harder than it looks!" one of them exclaimed.
Varun chuckled warmly. "You're doing great, my dear, but we need to speed up a bit. Now, let's fry these."
As the adhirasam sizzled in the hot oil, the kitchen filled with a sweet, enticing aroma. "Smells wonderful, doesn't it?" Varun said, glancing at Anya with a knowing smile.
Veena's eyes gleamed as Anya nodded, careful not to seem boast him too much. "Indeed, it does. I can't wait to taste it."Veena added.
Varun placed the adhirasam on a light cloth to drain the excess oil. "There you have it," he declared. "Fresh adhirasam, ready to be served."
The maids eagerly presented their adhirasams to Varun for his approval. With a playful critique, he offered advice and encouragement, laughing all the while. To one maid, he said, "This one is a bit too thick; try flattening it more." To another, he remarked, "Very good work, but maybe use a bit less oil next time."
Anya, too proud to seek his approval directly, hovered nearby, hoping for his acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Veena approached Varun with her own creation. "What do you think of mine?" she asked.
Varun bit down and grinned. "Excellent, Veena. "You got a hang of this." Veena prodded Varun and gestured toward Anya, emphasizing why wasn't he complimenting the princess
Varun offered a kind grin "you think so? She looks fine?" but veena gestured otherwise Varun went ahead reached over and took a bit from one of the Adhirasam in Anya's basket which was placed beside her, he was standing right behind her and patted Anya's head startling her "If I must say you did wonderfully as well." Anya's refused to look behind her as she knew he was right behind her and would realise her cheeks that had turned pink slightly with his appreciation she immediately resumed her orders shifting away from him picking up the baskets for serving.
Varun glared at Veena, who had pushed him to compliment Anya, only to be ignored by her.
..................
ð In the air, I love writing domestic fluff, tho drama is coming up.
Hope you Liked the Story!
Vote â for the story and Thankyou every one who does it regularly as soon as I update a chapter you all are the best ð I already recognise your user names as i see the voted for the chapter notification.
I'll be tagging you all next chapter ð
So thankyou ð
Have a Happy Weekend and I'm going to go sleep my weekend off.
Ps : was writing this in between a presentation they thought I was making notes on lol ð good thing no one was sitting behind me.