Vaibhav turn to see his sister in law walking in casually. She was still in officer attire but managed perfectly to look dignified and elegant. A grin spread on his lips.
"Greeting sister in law"
"Long time no see prince" Nandini smiled at him.
Both talked casually but the person on floor stilled with utter shock. Sister in law? That means the assistant officer is the empress? She followed the emperor here in Patchal? Clod sweat ran down on his back and Himat couldn't help but feel terrified. Pari tried to cause harm to the empress even tried to ruin her reputation? If this sins are going to count then wouldn't it be a death warrant lurking on their heads? To ruin the reputation of the empress is a crime which will execute his whole family as punishment.
Nandini looked at the expression of Himat then revealed a smile. She stepped forward slowly.
"Deputy minister do you really want this matter to end like this? Leaving you with nothing and all those hard work you have done to secure your position and connection to go in vain? Won't you regret in future while sitting in jail and counting days of your end?"
Himat shivered. He always thought this woman is not simple and her temperament is something that his well gained daughter couldn't compare. He tried to find reason behind that why Pari always fails when dealing with this woman. But now he can clearly see it why? This woman before him is not someone but the empress of Samrat. Being the empress is not only about the title or high position but it's also about merits and intelligent mind to get firm hold in the palace and emperor. It's looks like she always seen through all their plans beforehand.
"Your majesty please forgive me for being so unable see the truth" he knocked his head on floor near Nandini's foot.
"Deputy minister you should know that act of pleading does not work in serious matter. And as an official you have lots of experience and knows how the court work. Pleadings are considered as a act of low cast without any evidence of being innocence and looking through this situation I really don't find anything that can probably help you get out of this. Am I right?" Nandini asked with serious tone.
As an official and staying and fighting in the politics of court Himat knows very well what she meant. If he is not wrong then the empress is giving him a way out. And now he would like to use any bargain to let himself keep safe from this calamity. He is willing to do anything. It's better than dying anyway. But if he give in then....
Nandini saw the hesitation and smile. How stubborn!
"I have heard that the elder daughter has been sick" Nandini continued "it never happened before but how she suddenly got infected like this? Is it a some kind of poisoning?"
Himat's heartbeat stopped for a moment. Poisoning? He couldn't help but looked at Nandini with wide eyes.
That smile on the woman's face is somehow chilling. She continued to say "I heard deputy minister has been seeking for all those famous doctors to find a cure of young lady. But..." The smile on her face become wider "for a doctor to treat any illness it needed to understand the disease first. If they can't identify it then how will they prescribe the cure? Don't you think so?"
Himat trembled silently. How come she knew about Pari's condition and also know that he still couldn't find the cure? This matter has been concealed so strongly that even the mistress and Liya don't know about it while living under same roof. Then how come...? His mind stopped for a moment... She couldn't know this unless.... The poisoning was done by herself. The realisation hit him so hard that his face turned blank.
Nandini saw his expression and smirked inwardly "I hope deputy minister could find the cure soon. It's really pity that the condition is too serious. Though it won't threaten the life for now but it couldn't be said it won't in near future"
On the side Vaibhav pressed his lips in thin line. At first he couldn't understand what she was saying but now he got a clear view. He has witnessed how strong medical knowledge this woman possessed. She even cured his legs in such a short time that it still feels like a dream. And poisoning someone won't be difficult task for her. He really want to applaud loudly.
"Your majesty..."
"Deputy minister people had certain limit to endure and hope you know it clearly. To gain something you need to sacrifice in return" Nandini's determined voice stopped Himat from everything he was going to say.
Now the point is he loves Pari not only because she is beautiful and beneficial but it was also because that she is born from the woman he loved. Pari's mother was his sweetheart so after her death if it was not for need he wouldn't have married for second time. He treasured Pari more than Liya. He was never too warm nor too hard on Liya. He also given everything she needed, providing her with all necessary things that a young lady needs. But Pari is different and he has more affection on her. Now that he got to understand the situation he realised that there won't be anything if Pari dies in such a long age. The doctors failed to cure her. If the famous doctor couldn't find a way to cure then it only means that the one who can do it is the one who given the poison in the first place.
Just thinking about the effect of the poison on Pari he felt terrified. This kind of thing is something he has never seen before. Those acnes started to leave rotting smell and it was too bad that all the people serving Pari ran away. The condition worsening with passing days and he was so terrified previously. But now hearing it from Nandini he can almost guess everything. Everything that has already planned before like a trap just waiting for him to fell.
For all these years he has been deceiving the royal court and also the people of Patchal. All the reputation has gained through betraying them for his own profits. He never thought of the consequences but now he is regretting it. Regretting for everything.
"Deputy minister everyone does not have such free time to spend" Vaibhav's voice sounded in the room.
Himat looked up at the three people standing before him. All of them don't have any emotion on their faces. He clearly knew this time he couldn't ignore the truth and have to face it. Because this time his daughter's life is hanging on his decision. What will he do with these money and power if his loved one is not even alive to share it?
"Your majesty, I am willing to go for anything" finally Himat surrendered.
Nandini glanced at Ageratina who was standing at side. Ageratina nodded in understanding before disappearing inside the inner rooms of the residence.
"Deputy minister since you have made your mind you need to co-operate with us and give the information about the black business done in these past" Manik said sternly.
"Yes your majesty" Himat nodded bowing his head.
Just then Ageratina returned back to her earlier position. Nandini turned to look at Himat with a smile.
"Good works always gives good result deputy minister. You should always remember this from now on"
Himat couldn't understand and was about to ask when he saw a maid who serves Pari running towards him "master, eldest lady's face is recovering and the rotting smell is gone"
Hearing that he finally understood what Nandini meant. He was right it was the empress who punished Pari for her behaviours. It was also his fault that since young he has been teaching Pari she could get everything in this world but he never thought his small teach will cost them this heavily today.
"Bring Deputy minister back to the capital. The action will be taken in the court" Manik ordered.
Vaibhav nodded and gestured his man to take Himat away. Nandini sighed as the drama ended at last. Manik work towards her and smiled.
"You really know when you jump in"
Nandini frowned "your majesty I was helping you"
Manik chuckled "oh, I would like to get your help in some other matters too"
Nandini frowned when she couldn't understand his words. She looked at Manik who just smirked at her. Her eyes widened with realisation.
"Your majesty you are too much" then she angrily walked out.
Manik chuckled looking at her figure disappearing outside and he also followed the lead.
Finally the matter of Patchal settled down for good.
Note:-
Ooops~
Patchal episode is finally over 😌