Dear Reader,
Thank you very much for stopping by! Years and years ago, Goddess Rukmini descended to the Earth as a mortal. Do take a peek into an evening in her life, and please vote if you enjoyed it.
From the moment she descends her chariot, to the long walk to her chambers, all Rukmini sees are new faces. Guards, chambermaids, attendants, messenger boys - she doesn't identify any of them. In her inner rooms, her mother is waiting for her.
"Where have you been?" The queen's fine face is etched with displeasure. "Is it true what we heard?"
Rukmini feels a sudden stab of terror for her teacher, her messenger, her sole ally who didn't make her feel like a criminal, like a backstabber, like an ungrateful daughter.
"Who are they?" She asks, eyeing the women dressed as her maids.
"They are the new staff."
"Spies of our new overlord." She says, and her mother's face darkens. "What have you done with our own people?"
"They are on their way to Chedi." Her brother says from behind her as he enters. "Awaiting your arrival in five days."
"What if I don't get there in five days?"
He makes a sudden movement towards her and despite herself, she flinches, though she knows he would not dare with mother around.
"I would worry about your teacher if I were you." He says. "The man you have sent to his death."
"You won't kill him." Her mother's voice is sharp, as is the frown that furrows her brows.
"You won't catch him." Rukmini says.
Rukmi looks from one to the other, a triumphant smile on his face. "Here it is, from her lips. Now, do you believe me?"
He slams the door as he leaves.
"What have you done?" Her mother whispers in the wake of his departure. "There is a word for people who betray their own brother, their own clan, the people of their soil, and I never thought I would have given birth to one such."
"I have not invited him to wage war."
"You have given him a perfect excuse to, and it is laughable to think he wouldn't use it. Or have you really put your trust in a complete stranger over your own family?"
Rukmini adjourns to the window and looked down at the grounds below where her swayamvar was supposed to be held. The pavilion that had been erected for the ceremony still stood, the banners still flutter, but the garlands have faded away, ruining the pleasing aesthetic.
"It wouldn't have come to this if only you supported me." A single tear rolls down her cheek, and she is careful to not let her mother see it.
"We do as always, but I don't expect you to see that, blinded as you are by desire! I hope," Her mother pauses at the door. "You realize your folly soon for I cannot wish a life of regret upon you."
The door closes again, but gently this time.
*
Four days. Four days and no reply. Maybe her message hadn't been received. Maybe it had been ignored. Maybe a reply was on its way. At least her teacher hadn't been caught. Yet.
The fishes in the tank are busy, traversing the length with speed, determination and purpose. She plunges her hand into the waters and follows them. Outside, the dusky orange sky turns a dull blue, then a light shade of grey, that turns progressively dark as night slowly draws her veil over the pink and gold clouds that dot the horizon.
