Yami

Chapter 14 , Garden

At the distant end of the grand corridor, a vision in white caught my eye. A profound sense of recognition enveloped me, urging me forward into the unfamiliar. With each step, the world around me morphed, drawing me into a reality far beyond my comprehension.

In the presence of this mysterious woman, my mind became a battleground of questions, a tempest of uncertainties swirling within. She, a harbinger of revelations, seemed to hold the elusive key to the secrets that had intricately unraveled the fabric of my life. Despite the imminent promise of answers, a tapestry of maybes still lingered—a testament to the intricate complexity of the journey I had embarked upon. 

As the puzzle pieces fell into place, I found myself grappling with the paradox of loving someone who had shattered my trust. The pain, the betrayal, the confusion—all intricately woven like verses in a poignant poem. Amidst the turmoil, a decisive resolve took shape within me—a choice that would redefine my path. A choice to uncover the truth of the palace, regardless of how it threatened to dismantle my world. Thus, in that enigmatic hallway, facing the woman, I braced myself for the inevitable—the revelation of the secrets that had haunted me for far too long.

Perhaps, that's what resonated in her mind, for I heard her thoughts aloud, her lips remaining motionless. "Realm, Heir" I heard it loud and clear but  couldn't understand what was she saying, was she calling me The heir? 

"I don't get it, would you please like to elaborate?" I was thrown into a momentary confusion, navigating the intricacies of her revelations.

"Your grandmother didn't tell you? Oh, my universe, you have so much to learn in such little time, sweetheart. So, we'll start as soon as possible," she declared, prompting a surge of incredulity within me.

"What the hell?" It was the only coherent thought I managed to retain, considering my every thought suddenly started to echo in the hallway.

"What to learn?" I questioned, attempting to make sense of the overwhelming information bombarding my consciousness.

She led me behind the door she had been standing in front of, where the chaos of my thoughts ceased and the thought without the movement of the lips weren't echoing anymore. It was a control room of sorts, equipped with cameras and an all-female security team—an apparent hub for monitoring everyone within this realm.(as she said, who knew what and where i was, but it was still better than other things that had been happening in my life.)

She commenced her explanations. "You are the daughter of her highness Amara Singh , sister-in-law's daughter of her highness Aisha Singh  and the granddaughter of her great highness Aarna Singh. They weren't merely queens in your realm but in this one too. Your grandmother was my best friend."

I couldn't reconcile her words with my memories; my grandmother had never spoken of any such friend during her lifetime. I pondered if it was possible that such conversations had been lost in my childhood. But skepticism persisted—how could this woman, supposedly my grandmother's best friend, appear so young, and why had she not aged or passed away? The deluge of questions overwhelmed me, but I allowed her to continue.(i felt something really freaky about this place)

"This is Anartha, a realm with numerous secrets you will unravel in due course. Your Royal line governs this realm, known only to the females; men are forbidden from entering."

"Why?" I pressed for answers.

"Some questions are better left untouched, my child; they are not safe. You will learn many things here. Let me guide you further to witness your true home." She opened a concealed gate, and we stepped inside.

The scene that unfolded was beyond anything I could have imagined. The vast garden stretched as far as my eyes could see, teeming with butterflies, birds, and a few friendly animals. The warm sun embraced the surroundings. Turning around, a majestic palace greeted my eyes, and I realized we had exited through its back door. The palace, surpassing any I had seen before, boasted intricate and authentic carvings. As a princess, I could discern authenticity, and this place surpassed even my expectations. The sheer beauty of the surroundings momentarily distracted me from the woman's narrative. I couldn't appreciate the serenity and beauty of the place even if i wanted to.

I felt a sense of joy in that place, a respite from the complexities of the revelations. Amidst the splendor, I yearned to detach myself from her words and simply immerse in the tranquility, allowing the surroundings to wash away the remnants of my troubled thoughts.