Bhoomigadh — Pratha's Invisible Pain
The air in Princess Dhara's chamber was fragrant with jasmine, carried on a soft breeze that danced through the latticed windows. Sunlight streamed in, catching the dust motes in golden beams. Dhara sat at her ornate writing desk, a scroll of fine parchment laid out before her. Her brow was slightly furrowed in concentration, her quill held delicately as she composed a message. Every word was carefully chosen, every sentence a whisper from her heart. Just as she was about to dip her quill again, the door creaked open, and her younger sister, Pratha, slipped inside.
Pratha:
"Didi,what are you writing? You look so serious!"
Dhara instinctively covered the paper with her hand, as if caught with a secret. "Nothing, I was just... writing nothing important."
Pratha floated closer, her eyes sparkling with playful curiosity. "Oh, don't hide the truth from me! I'm your sister. What's there to hide between sisters? You're doing wrong, Didi."
Dhara hesitated, then sighed, a small, secretive smile touching her lips. She moved her hand slightly. "Alright... I was writing a message."
Pratha leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And who is it for?"
"For no one, Pratha," Dhara said, but a faint tremor in her voice betrayed her.
Pratha tilted her head, peering into Dhara's eyes with a knowing look. "Fine, don't tell me the name. But just tell me this much... is it for that prince? The one from the Gurukul days? The one you used to stay up talking about at night?"
A deeper, more tender smile bloomed on Dhara's face. Her eyes grew distant, seeing a cherished memory. She nodded slowly. "Yes, Pratha... it's him. I'm writing to him."
Pratha's eyes lit up with mischief. She tried to peek at the parchment. "So tell me, Didi! What are you writing? A poem? A song? Or just straight from the heart?"
Dhara protectively gathered the paper to her chest, laughing softly. "No, I am not telling you that. Now go, or I'll never finish this letter!"
Pratha laughed, a bright, tinkling sound. "Alright, alright, Didi. I'm leaving. You write your message to your dream prince." She turned and skipped towards the door. But as she left, she cast one last glance over her shoulder—a glance that lingered on the pure, hopeful joy illuminating Dhara's face, a joy Pratha had never felt in her own heart.
The moment the door clicked shut, Pratha's cheerful smile dissolved. It didn't fade; it simply vanished, like a snuffed candle flame. She leaned back against the cool stone wall of the corridor, her eyes closing. In the darkness behind her eyelids, a face swam into view—Prince Vayansh's face. Memories of their Gurukul days flooded back, days when she had trailed behind Dhara, her own heart skipping a beat whenever Vayansh was near. But she had never spoken a word. Because Vayansh's gaze, warm and focused, had always been reserved for Dhara.
---
Pawangadh — Vayansh and the Queen
Vayansh returned to his chambers from the armory, the scent of oiled steel and polished leather clinging to him. His hands bore fresh calluses from sword practice, and a fine layer of dust coated his training clothes. A knock sounded at his door.
A guard entered, bowing, and presented a sealed scroll. "Prince, a message has arrived from Bhoomigadh."
Vayansh's eyes brightened instantly. He reached for it, but just then, Queen Madhavi passed by the open doorway. Her sharp eyes noted the guard and the distinctive scroll.
Queen Madhavi:
"Whose message is that,soldier?"
The guard bowed again. "Your Highness, this message is from Bhoomigadh."
Queen Madhavi:
"Bhoomigadh?For whom?"
Guard:
"It is from Princess Dhara,Your Highness. Addressed to Prince Vayansh."
A knowing, gentle smile spread across the Queen's face, smoothing the lines of her regal composure. "Ah, I see. Very well. Deliver it to the Prince at once, but you need not mention that I inquired about it."
Guard:
"As you command,Your Majesty." He handed the scroll to Vayansh, who took it, his fingers tingling with anticipation.
Alone again, Vayansh broke the seal with careful haste. His hands trembled slightly. Unfurling the parchment, he was greeted by Dhara's elegant, flowing script.
"My respectful greetings, Prince.
How are you? I am well, yet I find myself missing you greatly. Have you forgotten me? You do not even write to me.
When will you come for me, Prince? I await your arrival. These nights have become difficult to endure. Even in my dreams, it is only you who appears.
Yours,
Dhara."
Vayansh's heart thudded against his ribs. He read the words once, then again, and a third time, each syllable sinking into his soul like a precious balm. A slow, profound smile curved his lips, a smile of pure, unguarded happiness he seldom showed. With reverence, he folded the letter and slipped it beneath his pillow—a hidden treasure, a secret promise.
Queen Madhavi went straight to the King's council chamber.
"Maharaj,I believe the time has come to formally settle our son's marriage."
King Vijayendra:
Looking up from his maps,surprised. "What brings this thought to you so suddenly today?"
Queen Madhavi:
(Her smile returning)"A message came for Vayansh today. From Bhoomigadh. From Princess Dhara herself."
King Vijayendra:
"Truly?"
Queen Madhavi:
"Yes,Maharaj. I believe the alliance we spoke of in their childhood is now ready to blossom into its true purpose. The formal agreement should be honored. Their hearts are already one."
King Vijayendra:
Thoughtfully stroking his beard."You speak wisely. However, we must still speak with the Prince on this matter. It is his life, after all."
Queen Madhavi:
Her eyes held a mother's deep understanding."You misunderstand, Maharaj. They are already conversing, heart to heart, through these messages. This direct, personal communion can mean only one thing—love has taken root. This is no longer just politics; it is the soul finding its match."
King Vijayendra considered his wife's words, her intuition often seeing what statecraft overlooked. He nodded slowly, a decision firming in his mind. "Very well, Maharani. I concur with your judgement. We shall speak with our old friend soon and bring this matter to its rightful, joyful conclusion."
---
A Few Days Later — A Meeting in Bhoomigadh
Maharaja Anilraj of Pawangadh arrived at the court of his old friend, Maharaja Pratham of Bhoomigadh. The two friends embraced warmly, their laughter filling the hall as they settled down to talk. Soon, Dhara entered, graceful and composed, joining her hands in a respectful pranam.
Dhara:
"My respects,Uncle."
Maharaja Anilraj:
"May you always prosper,my child. Look how you've grown!"
Maharaja Pratham:
(Laughing)"My friend, it's been too long! How are you?"
Anilraj:
"I am well,my friend. I have come to discuss a matter of great importance with you."
Pratham:
"Of course,speak freely."
Anilraj:
"I wish to speak to you about our daughter,Dhara."
At that moment, Pratha also entered the hall, perhaps under some pretext. She lingered near the doorway, her expression growing taut.
Pratham:
"What is it,friend?"
Anilraj:
"I wish to discuss the marriage between Prince Vayansh and Princess Dhara."
Upon hearing this, Dhara's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Overcome with shyness, she quickly excused herself and left the hall. But Pratha remained rooted to the spot, as if roots had sprouted from her feet and anchored her to the floor. Her breath hitched, her eyes widening.
Pratham:
"Regarding their marriage?"
Anilraj:
"Yes,my friend. Are you not pleased with this union?"
Pratham:
"I am delighted,friend. We had more or less decided on this match in their childhood itself. But... is Dhara agreeable to this marriage?"
Anilraj:
"Let me tell you something,my friend. The Prince and Princess have been exchanging messages. My Queen witnessed it herself."
The two kings shared a hearty laugh, their eyes twinkling with shared understanding and paternal joy.
Pratham:
"Truly,children grow up so fast. We should finalize their marriage."
Anilraj:
"Yes,my friend. That is precisely why I have come to speak with you."
Pratham:
"Good,now come, let us eat. Many delicacies have been prepared for you."
Anilraj:
(Laughing)"Lead the way, future samdhi!"
Chatting amiably, the two friends moved towards the dining hall, the matter settled with warmth and tradition.
---
Pratha's Solitude
Pratha walked slowly back to her chamber, each step heavy. Once inside, she closed the door and leaned against it, her strength leaving her. She slid down to the floor, her back against the wood. Silent tears began to fall, one after another, tracing cold paths down her cheeks.
Pratha:
(Whispering,her voice thick)
"Why,God... why have you destined Didi to marry him? It is I who loves him... that smile... that voice... I never told anyone... because he was always meant to be Didi's..."
She buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. She had always known Vayansh never saw her—his eyes, full of admiration, were forever fixed on Dhara. Yet... a foolish, fragile hope had flickered in a hidden corner of her heart. Now, it was extinguished.
After a long while, she wiped her tears and looked at her reflection in a nearby mirror—red-rimmed eyes, downcast lips. She took a deep, shuddering breath and walked to Dhara's chamber.
Pratha:
(Pushing the door open)"Didi..."
Dhara:
(Rising happily)"Pratha! What did Father say? Did Uncle agree to the marriage?"
Pratha fought to keep her voice steady. "Yes, Didi. They have agreed to the marriage. But..."
Dhara:
(Worried)"But what, Pratha? Is something wrong? Are you alright?"
Pratha:
(Forcing a bright smile)"No, Didi. That message you were writing... it was for Prince Vayansh, wasn't it?"
Dhara:
(Blushing)"Yes, Pratha."
Pratha stepped forward and pulled Dhara into a tight, desperate hug, so fierce it surprised her sister.
"Then congratulations,Didi. Your marriage to Prince Vayansh is settled. You must be very happy..."
Her voice cracked. The tears came again, and this time, she couldn't hide them.
Dhara:
(Pulling back to look at her face)"You're crying, Pratha? Why?"
Pratha:
(Quickly wiping her eyes)"No, Didi, I'm just happy. These are tears of joy. My Didi's marriage is fixed... I'm just so happy..."
And before Dhara could ask anything more, Pratha disentangled herself and hurried out of the room.
Back in the solitude of her own chamber, Pratha closed the door and sank to the floor once more. This time, no tears came. There was only a hollow emptiness, a pain she could never share with anyone. She knew this was her battle to fight, a silent war waged within the walls of her own heart, invisible to the world celebrating a union that felt, to her, like an ending.