CHAPTER 65 Dawn of Nabhgadh and the Flower Blooming in Ashes
On the high towers of Nabhgadh palace, gold like sunlight was blooming. Where yesterday the black shadows of Andhak Void were hovering, today flocks of white pigeons were flying. The soot of war on the stones had now been cleaned by rain and hardworking hands, but somewhere deep, the marks of embedded arrows were still visible. Like the wounds of memories.
In the highest window of the palace, Akshansh stood. His hands rested on the railing, fingers feeling the cold of the stone. In front, the distant hills were visible where he had given his final farewell to his parents. Maharaj Prakash and Maharani Sheetal. A gust of wind touched his face, and his eyes closed automatically. He remembered his father roar. Fight, my son. For Nabhgadh. And his mothers voice. Return victorious, my son.
Just then, from inside the room, the soft tinkling of bangles was heard. A sound that felt like music in the silence after war. The corners of Akshansh lips lifted. He did not smile, just the hard lines of his face softened a little.
Vedika slowly walked and came to him. She was wearing a blue silk saree, rustling softly in the wind. The bindi on her forehead was red. For the first time after the war, she had adorned herself. Her eyes remained on Akshansh back, on the straight line of his spine, now slightly bent.
Without saying anything, she moved forward. She rested her head on Akshansh shoulder. A light, trusting touch. Akshansh breathed, and his arm automatically wrapped around Vedika waist, pulling her closer. His fingers dug into Vedika silk garment.
Wherever they are, Vedika voice was a whisper, they must be very proud today. Their son is not only alive, but has also saved their dreams.
Akshansh opened his eyes. His lashes were wet, but tears did not fall. You know, Vedika. His voice was heavy, as if it was taking effort to push the words out. When I was fighting Andhak Void, only one thing was burning inside me with every strike. Revenge. I thought killing him. Ending that black curse would bring me peace.
He turned and looked at Vedika. Today he is dead. I have avenged my father murderer. I have done what I was living for. But peace. He took a long, trembling breath. Peace was not found in revenge. It was found in standing with you in this window. In resting my head on your shoulder.
Vedika raised her eyes. In her large eyes was the reflection of Akshansh. Tired, broken, but now being rebuilt. She raised her hand and touched Akshansh cheek, her fingers passing through the soft hair of his beard.
We have lost a lot, Akshansh, Vedika said, pain in her voice that had now become old. My father. Your parents. This palace now feels a little empty. When I walk through the corridors, I hear their laughter. But when I turn, there is only emptiness.
Akshansh turned and pulled her completely into his arms. His arms wrapped so tightly that Vedika breath stopped for a moment. He bowed his head and gently kissed Vedika forehead. A soft, reassuring kiss.
This emptiness, Akshansh said, his voice now firm, is the foundation of our new beginning, Vedika. We will rebuild this Nabhgadh exactly as Mother and Father wanted. Where there will be no fear, only music. Where swords will only be raised for practice, not for war. Where every morning will be like this. Peaceful. And every evening like a festival.
Vedika blushed slightly. A pink tint appeared on her cheeks, as if the morning sun had touched them. She began playing with a thread of Akshansh tunic. Wrapping it around her fingers, then letting go.
And you, she asked, a playful spark in her eyes. Will you remain the same angry warrior who draws his sword at everything. Who makes servants tremble.
Akshansh laughed softly. A deep, hearty laugh that echoed in the closed rooms. This was the laughter that had not been heard for months. Now what need is there to draw a sword. My biggest enemy is in front of me, who has captured my entire world with one smile. What use is a sword to fight that.
Oh, so I am the enemy, Vedika turned her face away in fake anger, but the spark in her eyes betrayed her.
Akshansh gently turned her toward him. He held Vedika chin and lifted it, so her eyes could meet his directly. His tone became serious and emotional.
You are the light, Vedika, he said, stressing every word, without which I would have been lost in that dark gorge. When Acharya Neer left and Acharya Agni was in coma. When the entire burden was on my shoulders. Only you were there who did not let me break.
He paused and took a breath, throat feeling dry. You fought with me as a warrior. You covered my back, bandaged my wounds. And then. His voice became softer, became my beloved and healed my wounds. When I woke up screaming at night, you were with me. When I stayed hungry, you fed me. You reminded me that I am not just a warrior. I am also a human.
Tears filled Vedika eyes. Clear, shining tears that hung on her lashes. But they were not tears of sorrow. They were of relief, of being recognized, of love.
She placed her hand on Akshansh chest, palm feeling his heartbeat. Always, she said, her voice echoing like a promise. Whether the walls of Nabhgadh fall or the sky breaks. Whether another Andhak Void comes or a new crisis arises. I will remain your shadow. With you. Always.
The sun had now fully risen. Golden rays entered the window and fell on both their faces, bathing them in divine light. Outside, a flock of birds flew over the palace, and their chirping dissolved into the air.
Akshansh took Vedika hand in his. The same hand that used to grip the sword hilt so tight yesterday that blisters formed on his palms. Today that hand was soft, only raised to hold.
Come, Queen, Akshansh joked, but there was deep respect in his eyes. The people are waiting for their king and queen. Today we have to lay the first brick of the new garden of the kingdom. That garden where every flower will bloom in memory of Mother, and every tree will grow with Father strength.
Vedika smiled and rested her head on his shoulder again. As you command, Maharaj, she said in a light, playful voice.
They moved away from the window. Their footsteps in the corridors of the palace were no longer burdened. With every step, the rustle of their clothes echoed. The sound of a new day beginning. On the way, a ray of sunlight from a window fell directly on Vedika bindi, and it sparkled like a small diamond.
They were rising from the ashes and moving toward a new future. Where yesterday blood flowed on the battlefield, today workers were planting new saplings. Where yesterday screams echoed, today children laughter was heard.
Nabhgadh had taken its first breath of peace today. And in that breath, there were memories of sorrow, but those memories were now coated with a golden layer of love. A layer that does not erase wounds, but makes them beautiful.
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