On the day of birthday feast, in Rose Palace Nandini was sitting before the mirror while her two maids helping her to get ready. Atropa picked the green emerald necklace and placed it on Nandini's neck.
"This necklace is so pretty. I admire his majesty's selection. He really do have great sense in choosing" she commented. Nandini looked at the gems which was sparkling brightly.
Ageratina frowned "what are you saying?since his majesty agreed to this marriage engagement with my lady, he already proved his sense of choice"
Atropa nodded "indeed, my lady is one of a kind in this world. There's will never be an alternative of her"
"And see how his majesty is treating our lady" Ageratina smiled "his majesty now visiting here 3 times a day and even gifted our lady this beautiful emerald set to wear in the feast"
Nandini eyed both of them through the mirror then said "you two are too noisy. Where did you learnt to gossip behind someone's back?"
Atropa covered her mouth then giggled while Ageratina pouted "my lady, we are not criticising but praising his majesty's efforts"
Nandini raised her eyebrows "you two learnt so many things since you followed me in this palace. Keep your mind clear and free from unwanted things which will become trouble if you are not aware of it"
Ageratina and Atropa looked at eachother before saying "yes my lady"
Nandini get up "is everything ready?"
"Everything is done according to your instruction my lady, second prince is also waiting for you as you asked him" Atropa replied.
"What about the Lili Palace side?" Nandini enquired again before moving forward.
"Things are silent for now, no movement has been seen at all. It's like everything is appearing calm" this time Ageratina said following her.
Nandini smirked "don't worry, all the calm exterior is going to explode after the feast"
The three moved towards hall and saw second prince Vaibhav sitting on wheelchair with two guard behind him. When he saw them coming, his face immediately lit up.
"Greeting to the Empress" he said when Nandini walked closer and two other man bowed behind him.
"I apologize for making you wait" Nandini smiled politely and waved her hand towards the soldiers. They bowed before retreating back. She walked behind and pushed the wheelchair forward.
"Are you happy about today's present?" She asked.
Vaibhav couldn't help but grin widely. He can't even express his gratitude towards her in words. People used to say miracles happens but he never believed in it. But now he witnessed it with his own eyes and couldn't deny the fact.
"I am rather exited" his reply made Nandini smile. When they reached in the hall, all the invited audience are already present. Empress Dowager was sitting on top with a little smile on her face. When she saw them she smiled widely and nodded.
"Empress has arrived and Second Prince followed" the hall keeper announced loudly. All the people looked at the the entrence all. All bowed showing respect. Once they reached Nandini stood on left side beside the empty chair and Vaibhav pushed his chair on side of Empress Dowager.
"Emperor has arrived" the hall keeper announced again and everyone bowed to respect the emperor. Manik stride inside with few official members following him. He walk towards Nandini and she bowed a little.
Manik extended his hand "let's wish mother"
Nandini smiled and accepted his offer. They both walk forward and bowed to Chityakanta "We wish mother to live long with happiness and peace"
"Both of you..." Chityakanta smiled "get up and take your seat"
Once the emperor and empress take the seat, one of the official announced to give gifts to the Empress Dowager.
Those who are invited in the feast are most valued and important people's and their families. The common people's are not allowed to get inside the palace. So Nandini offered a gold coin for everyone as harmony of the feast. Many peopled gifted numbers of valuable things to Chityakanta. Her maids has taken care of all this. Kumeka clenched her fist but put a smile on surface. She tried to take out Kashmin and make her attend the feast but failed. She got up and walk forward with smile.
"I wish the Empress Dowager to live long with harmony" she wished "there are already too many valuable gifts has given. I don't know if my gift will be valuable enough but this is not from me" she said and take the folded white cloth that her maid was holding behind "this present is made by Kashmin. She has been preparing for this for a long time. She was exited to offer her gift but due to some things she is unable to attend today so she asked me to give it myself. I hope it won't be offended"
Chityakanta looked at her then smiled "gift is not important but the dedication and hard behind it is the true meaning. I clearly understand the situation. Beside what is this present?"
Kumeka smiled "this is hand made embroidery work" saying this she unfold the cloth. The crowd curiously looked at the cloth. There was a beautiful small flowers are embroidered and in the middle there was a picture embroidered. Looking closely it was clear that the picture is of Empress Dowager's. Everyone gasped.
"Wow, this picture is truly beautiful"
"It looks really life like"
"So beautiful"
The crowd started to discuss.
Chityakanta was amazed by the present. She knew that Kashmin is a master in embroidery work. And what was presented before her is something admirable. The hard work and efforts can be seen clearly on it.
"It's is really beautiful. Princess Kashmin is really thoughtful about it. Her present is amazing" Chityakanta praised while Kumeka smiled. She is proud of Kashmin's embroidery hand work, there is no match for this skill. Her gaze fall on the side where Nandini was sitting and found her drinking without any care.
She smirked then gave the present to the maid of Chityakanta "today is a very auspicious day, everyone has given so many valuable gifts. And since it is Empress's first time holding this feast, I am curious about what Empress prepared for Empress Dowager"
Nandini looked up hearing her. She raised her eyebrows then put her glass down "I did not know her highness is quite interested in me. It is kind of rare to have such honour. I must say Princess Kashmin's gift it truly valuable and nothing can compared to it"
Kumeka smiled "empress is exaggerating. My daughter is just wanted to make Empress Dowager happy. Though she is unable to attend this feast for some reason, she couldn't hold back what she has been giving all efforts"
Nandini smiled "I admire such great thought" then she looked at Chityakanta "I apologize mother in law for being late in offering my gift"
Chityakanta smiled "it does not matter"
Nandini nodded "thanking Mother in laws patience. I have already presented my gifts. I have already brought my surprise with me when I walked inside this hall"
Everyone looked at her with confusion. It was clear that Nandini did not brought anything she fist walked in. Even her maids did not have anything in their hands but Nandini was saying she already brought gifts.
Kumeka looked around before smiling "oh, I also want to see what gift the empress has prepared"
Manik sipped on his wife before glancing towards Nandini. Infact he was too curious about her gifts"
Nandini smiled "I have gift and that gift is..." She suddenly pointed towards Vaibhav who was calmly sitting on his wheelchair.
Kumeka followed the direction then almost laughed "how come second prince become the gift? Is empress playing with our curiousity?"
"When did I said I am in mood to joke your highness?" Nandini replied seriously "her highness's use of words are quite provocative"
Kumeka's smile slowly disappeared as her face turned serious "empress must not take my words in heart. It was slipped mistakenly"
Nandini smiled "the important matter is gift" she did not even show any respect before looking at Chityakanta again "Mother, my gift is simple. Second Princess has something to show you"
Chityakanta frowned and looked at Vaibhav. Vaibhav smiled at her before suddenly he moved and slowly stand on his legs. Everyone present in the hall gasped loudly. Manik's eyes widened with shock then a smile appeared on his face while Chityakanta stared at Vaibhav with wide eyes, unable to utter a single word.
Vaibhav's eyes are moist as he smiled and walk forward with small steps and called out "mother"
Chityakanta brought back to reality as she looked Vaibhav from head to toe. Her eyes filled with tears as she got up and almost ran towards Vaibhav.
"Vaibhav...you can stand? No..no..no....you can walk" she uttered as she looked at his legs then to his face.
Vaibhav grinned "mother look at me. I can stand, walk and even run. I can do everything"
Everyone couldn't believe in their eyes. Is it really the second prince who was crippled for years. And today he can suddenly walk? Is it real?
"I...." Chityakanta couldn't utter a word as she chocked and hugged Vaibhav crying. Vaibhav hold her in his arms as he rubbed her back.
Manik looked at them with smile then shook his head while Nandini stared at the emotional scene with a small smile. Her gaze shifted towards another person behind the mother-son who was standing with shock.
With blessings there is always a curse.