My Days in Indraprasth - Subhadra

Part 32

"Mysteries are not meant to be solved, but to be felt; for in their silence, they reveal more about us than any answer ever could."

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"Bhadra, wake up! We're going to be late!"

I opened my eyes at the sound of Arya's voice. The first thing I saw was him standing by the mirror, fully dressed in his angavastra, ready for the assembly.

I yawned and sat up, my left hand automatically reaching up to brush my hair behind my ear.

"Good morning, Arya!" I muttered, still half-asleep.

"Good morning, Bhadra!" He whispered, his voice warm with affection.

It was almost a moment later that my senses started to return and I noticed something strange. I had raised my left hand- the one I had injured the day before but wait... injured?

I blinked several times in confusion. There was no sign of a wound on my wrist. Shocked, I gasped at Arya, who was now going through some scrolls in a drawer.

"Arya, where's my wound?" I asked, as though I had lost some jewelry. He lifted his gaze to meet mine, his brows furrowing briefly.

"What are you talking about? When did you get hurt?" He asked casually.

"Yesterday! I almost cut my wrist. How could you forget?" I asked, my voice rising in disbelief.

"Bhadra, why didn't you tell me?" He replied, looking flustered as he dropped the scroll and rushed to me. Taking my hand in his, he searched for the wound, and then narrowed his eyes at me.

"Okay, but where's the wound? I don't see anything!" He said, letting out a tiny chuckle. I tossed my head, staring at my hand before I felt him lightly peck my forehead and return to his work.

"I'd love to give you more time and attention, Bhadra, but the ministers from Trigarta are here and we cannot afford to be late. And did I not tell you yesterday? Panchali is sick and Brata has instructed us to make sure that they feel welcomed in Indraprasth."

"But.." I whispered, my words fading as I saw him whisper something to himself, as though analyzing something in the scroll.

I slowly got out of the bed, my mind still preoccupied with everything that happened the previous night- those green eyes, my injury, and also how I could barely move my left hand because of the pain.

"And listen, I bought a new dress for you. It's on the table. You'd look really beautiful in it." Arya said, gesturing towards the table. I followed his direction and nodded absentmindedly.

"I will have to leave now, Bhadra. Meet me in the court." He said, quickly leaving the room with one scroll in his hand.

I now turned to look at myself in the mirror. I looked fine, like every other day. As my eyes mundanely stared at my reflection, my mind processed Arya's words.

I had to quickly leave to the court where he was waiting for me. I knew I had to make a move but I just stayed there, silently staring into the mirror.

Suddenly, something changed and I blinked twice to register what was happening. My reflection- it was changing. I didn't know how but the brown color of my eyes were replaced by a deep unnatural shade of green. A green that screamed an unsettling fear. Almost like those pair of eyes etched in my mind.

I gasped in fear and before I could stop myself, staggered behind, knocking over a flower stand beside.

As the vase fell to the floor, breaking into pieces, I shook my head, trying to dispel the image I had just seen. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself and with trembling hands, found myself look at the mirror once again.