The next morning Samudra woke up earlier than Tanisi. He quietly removed his embrace and his uttareeya and sat up. He kept staring at her as a hungry wolf. He remembered her naked self and then closed his eyes and murmered "Lord Mrityunjaya, help me control myself around her. I am losing my self to her. Or give her to me as my wife so that I don't have to regret these days and actions of mine." As warm and bright sun rays hit her face, she stirred. Samudra quickly and quietly turned away from her. His posture was such that he was guarding instead of staring at her. Tanisi opened her eyes slowly. And saw Samudra's back towards her. She felt a kind of warmth looking at him. She had started to rely on him and trust him. He was extremely handsome. And his demeanor was affecting Tanisi. She had felt her heart flutter at his sight. She got goosebumps when he used to smile at her. She was afraid she would fall for him and was praying silently they reach the others as soon as possible. Prox
Tanisi and Samudra took rest and the rest of them prepared lunch for all of them present. They were 30 people totally. The wounded and scouts were absent. The rescued moderners were all there except Atul. He was hurt during the rescue operation and hence was taken in urgency to the capital to provide him with a Vaidya(doctor).After surviving on wild fruits and root tubers, Tanisi felt she was in heaven when she could wash her hair, take a bath, change her clothes and eat properly cooked delicious food. She silently thanked God for the provisions.They were to camp there that night and on day break they were to move to the next point. By that time more reinforcements would have come along with chariots to take those who needed rest or medical attention back.They slept peacefully with second batch of warriors guarding them at night. The next morning they woke up early and after quick washup left the place and proceeded further towards the Capital.After w
Amongst all this, one person was very unhappy to see Emperor Samudra. Vikas had his eyes set on Tanisi. Seeing the attention she was getting from the Samrat(Emperor) he used to feel jealous and angry. But since it was the Samrat himself, nothing could be done. Yet he tried his luck again.The current terrain was very close to the border village of Nishantha. Once they entered the village the Samrat would have his contigent stationed there. This terrain was 2 days from the village. Also it was along the river. The river and her banks were inside the Nishantha territory. However, it was a difficult terrain to defend. On the other hand 30 feet from the farther bank of the river, it was the Kaingitya territory and it was a vantage point for them. If the Nishanthian's were attacked now, they needed a miracle to survive even a small group of 30 men from the Kaingitya's side. Vikas didn't want to lose this. He would ask Tanisi as his reward from the Kaingitya Prince. Even if she
He immediately summoned his men. Since they were trained, he asked the moderners also to pick their weapons.He said in a clear and commanding tone: "This territory is treachrous. We cannot be relaxed here. The Kaingitya's have been humiliated. Hence they will be looking for us to save their pride. All of you are to defend."He then gathered the women folk and provided them with weapons. And said, "You will also have to fight to defend us. We cannot predict the number of men on their side but I have a hunch that they would atleast be 70 or more men from their side. After all its their prince who stands humiliated."He then explained his formation to them. Vikas was to stand at the forefront. Five men behind him at a distance of around 7 feet and 7 men behind them. He then asked the others to spread out and hide in the bushes. He marked high points available only on the Nishantha's territory for the women and three other archers. He took the spot next
After an hour's resting, they started their journey and reached the border village of Nishantha the next evening. Since they faced a battle, none of them wanted to stop and they kept moving at a brisk pace. This was possible as they kept riding the horses in turns giving all of them rest in between.By the time they arrived at the village they were completely exhausted. Shourya had already made arrangements for their arrival. Hence as soon as they entered the village, they were led straight to their respective resting areas. Since an army battalion was always stationed there, there was a permanent place for the men from the battles. Hence they had ample accomodation to spare to these additional men and women. All of them shared their chamber with one other person.The Emperor and Shourya took the main chamber. Aarna and Padma shared one, while Varidhi, Bhavya and Tanisi shared a slightly bigger one. Pradyumna and Ashish shared one, while Shirish shared the cham
The Acharya gave him a broader smile and said, "Blessings my son! Well if you have noticed I always sit here and am always looking at the entrance. What made you think I knew you would come?"Samudra laughed lightly and said, "Acharya, I know you can read me better than myself. I came to ask you something. Infact I came to confirm somethings to my own self".Acharya: "You seem to be in a pleasant state of mind. Are you in love?"Samudra was taken aback.Samudra: "Acharya, I thought you wanted my good. You are eager to see me in love?! You want me to lose my senses?"Acharya: "Oh! Don't talk rubbish. Love is the form in which Lord Mrityunajaya is present everywhere. By insulting love you insult the Lord! Its not a crime to fall in Love. That is why women are better than men. Women can give love to so many around them. We men can love only those whom we consider as ours.."Samudra: "You mean the women who can love. But aren't they some who are
The next morning after washing himself in his personal bath under his chambers the Samrat got ready to visit the Old Palace and later to attend his court. Vishwakeerthi came to personally escort the emperor. He was still skeptical about the Samrat's reaction on seeing the Old Palace. He was very well aware of Samudra's painful memories of the Palace. This was where the royal family had lived till the death of Queen Chandramathi. Queen Chandramathi loved Samudra the most. She always said that her love for him was as big as a Samudra(Ocean) and had hence named him so. After her husband Marthanda's death, her love for Samudra had kept her sane. She wanted to give the best she could to her only son. As a boy of twelve Samudra had screamed like a wounded tiger when his mother's death was announced. In Vishwa's mind the scene was etched, when his dearest friend and the crown prince had suffered. The mighty, courageous, confident, smart and ever smiling Samudra was shattere
Naksha lived in the palace quarters of Samrat Samudra. Since Prapta was sent on his mission, Samudra had ensured Naksha had access to best of facilities in his palace. Tanisi was to be in Samrat's palace almost the whole day to take care of Naksha. This gave Samudra enough chances to meet Tanisi. Tanisi was introduced to Naksha by Vishwa. Naksha already knew her task and she was excited. She was looking forward to Tanisi's company. Tanisi started first day of her task and with a smile left her chamber and entered the pathway to Naksha's chambers when she almost bumped into Samudra. She was greeted by a wicked grin on the Emperor's face. Samudra: "You seem to be in a hurry. Do you like taking care of people so much or is it reserved for specific people." Tanisi: "Your Highness, I do any task assigned to me diligently and honestly. And by the way I met Padma enroute and she is doing very well. I just thought you might be concerned about her!"
It was quite dark when the task at hand was done. He looked at the hourglass besides his bed and exclaimed, "Oh its quite late. Let us have our dinner. We can work on the rest of them tomorrow. Tanisi I will ask Naksha to send you a bit sooner." So saying he got up. Tanisi closed the account record which she had finished and got up too. She slowly spoke in a low tone, "I have worked on these for the first time. Your highness should probably check my work once. I might have made mistakes." Samudra looked intently at her. She was again avoiding his gaze. He said, "Hmm.. I had that in mind. You seem to think like I do. Come lets go to the food hall. I am too hungry, and might eat you if I don't get food quickly". Tanisi's eyes shot up with a horror filled expression. Samudra wanted her to look at him and was pleased. He said, "Don't know how you would taste, I have never eaten human beings before" and laughed.She lowered her head and stood silently. Samudra moved first an