RAABTA

  Aswar was a small yet prosperous kingdom, on the western side of Neelambargarh. Although most of Neelambargarh was bordered by the natural river Maya, the Heemdev range and of course Suryapali, Aswar in turn was bordered by the smaller states of Anantanagar, Maanwari and Mait all of which were Suryapalian aides.  Its rugged terrains depended largely on external aides, especially for the water of the Rivers Ananta and Gandak which originated in the Heemdevi and flowed through the flourishing plains of Mait and Anantanagar. Through the ages, Aswar had successfully maintained its sovereignty by staying out of the politics of the three large kingdoms, Chandramer, Neelambargarh and Suryapali none of which shared borders with them. That was until, the Princess of Aswar, Surachana lost her heart to the prince of Neelambargarh. When the young prince had asked for her hand, Aswar had very little say in it. Madan Rai, the younger brother of the princess, had seen the alliance more pos...

Rani  Sumedha was shocked to find Ishaan Dev in her room, with his sword out. He looked enraged as the maids shrieked and Kausani ran away. Sumedha found herself on the edge of the bed, helpless as fear gripped her limbs.  “You betrayed us.” That was all he said before he swung his sword. Sumedha closed her eyes in fear. The maids shouted. Ishaan Dev stood in utter disbelief as Priyambada’s hand bled on the edge of his sword as she stopped the blade with her bare hands. Blood ran down her hand and dripped on the carpet through her elbow. His sword was red. Priyambada didn’t wince. Instead, she placed herself between him and Sumedha making the Rani look up at her figure. “Jyestha!” “ Are you insane?” Ishaan Dev roared. “You could have gotten killed.” “She doesn’t deserve to die.” Priyambada’s voice was firm “She did nothing wrong.” “Please. Please don’t kill me. Please. I am with child.” Ishaan Dev and Priyambada suddenly froze at her word.  “Whose child is it?” It was Pri...

  “You can’t go in there.” The guards stretched their spears in a criss-cross manner and stopped the woman from going down into the captive chamber. “Do you know who you are stopping?” She asked, with a smile on her face. “No, but our Adhiraja ordered that only he can go inside, if anyone else tried to communicate he would behead them.” “So be it. Tell your Adhiraja that his mother has not followed his orders.” The guards looked a little taken aback as they stepped back, unsure. Trinayani Devi walked into the dimly lit corridor leading to the room where Priyambada was kept. Urvi was looking out of the window at the soldier's movements.  “Are we going to war?” She frowned. “Impossible. That will be a suicide mission.” Priyambada’s jaws tightened. “He knows better than that.” “Yes but it seems like troops have been assembled.” Urvi pointed. “Are we under attack?” Priyambada’s face turned pale. “Priyambada?” For a second, Priyambada felt like she was hallucinating her saviour. Ma...