𝙉𝙞𝙮𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙞

●Chapter 11● Decision ●

Niyathi used the hilt of sword and pushed him back, which ended up him landing on his stomach. He turned back, before he could reach his sword, the sword of Agnikanya was dangerously near to his pulse point.

She looked at him and said, "Yield." He nodded slowly and accepted defeat. He was disheartened but did he have any ill feeling towards Rajkumari. No he did not. He was happy that he was defeated by a good warrior. And this was not the end for him, hopefully he can improve his skills.

He thought the princess may belittle him. That thought itself made his insides twist. No way in hell he will let an arrogant Princess belittle him.

But to his utter surprise she held out her arm and helped him up. Adding to that she asked him for his blessings. She said that it was her honor to duel someone as capable as him. These words touched his heart. He blessed her whole heartedly.

Then came the voice of Maharaj Drupad, "Excellent strategy putri! I am so proud!" He looked at her with pride.

Niyathi grinned at him. So the main question is when did Niyathi forgive her father. Was it easy? Nah! Let me tell you how long it took.

The first few weeks Niyathi didn't even acknowledge him and his efforts. You know what they say 'Karma is a boomerang'. Well in Maharaj case 8t was the same. Well slowly Niyathi started responding. First it was acknowledgement, then non verbal answers then few forced words and then sentences and slowly she started talking to Maharaj Drupad like a daughter but Niyathi didn't fully trust her father.

Then came the annoying voice of her brother, "Haan choti it is an excellent strategy. But I wonder how did you formulate such a plan in your pea-sized brain?"

Niyathi glared at him fiercely and said darkly, "You better run Bhratha."

And how cannot Dhrishtadyumna avoid her warning. So he ran. The Palace echoed with the sound of both the siblings banter. It was peaceful for now.

Chandra Dev ascended the sky. Slowly the inhabitants of Panchala slowly left the streets and retired for the night. Here in the Palace the King of Panchala was checking some important scrolls and ordered the soldier to not let anyone disturb him.

As he was working with utmost concentration a soldier came and interrupted him, "Pardon me Maharaj, but--"

Drupad cut him off and said irritated, "Didn't I say not to disturb me?"

The soldier was shaking, he replied scared, "I am sorr--y for that Maharaj. But Rajkumari Niyathi is asking permission to enter the chamber and she said it was something important."

Drupad frowned. What was so importantly that his daughter came to his chamber to talk at this ungodly hour. Nevertheless, he asked the soldier to let her in.

As he was thinking about the important matter his daughter wanted to talk he was shaken by the sound of his daughters anklet. She was wearing a light blue coloured blouse and skirt. Her contrasting shawl was carelessly laid over her shoulder and the other end was wound around her right hand. The moonlight danced across her face and illuminating her features. Indeed she is Chandhini.

Drupad gestured her to sit and asked her, "What was the matter Putri? What do you want to discuss with me? That too in this time?"

Niyathi played with her fingers. She was nervous to say it to him. So she summoned all her confidence and said, "I want to go to Gurukul Pitashree."

Drupad mind was blank. He was processing what his daughter had said. He narrowed his eyes at his daughter and said, "What is the need for Gurukul putri? Your training here is going good. Even if there is need for Gurukul I won't send you to one. Many problems will rise. What will i answer the courtiersand ministers. What will the citizens say. How will the society react to your decision? Won't it spoil your name? Who will marry you then? Wont it spoil my reputation? Even if we tackle all this which guru accept you as student. You can only dream for some things putri but what you dream is beyond your reach. So leave this delusional thoughts and do your duty as the princess of Panchala. "