Chapter 8
Aditiya was training in the gymnasium, relentlessly striking the heated sand with his clenched fists. His muscular body was drenched in sweat. Thoughts of his uncle's words and the Queen Mother's expectations kept circling in his mind.
He picked up a mace and continued his intense practice. Under the flickering flames, his muscles gleamed like fire.
Suddenly, thoughts of the competition—and then Dhananjayi—crossed his mind.
In a surge of frustration, he hurled the mace toward the door. At that very moment, Riddhim was entering.
"Brother!" Riddhim exclaimed as the mace landed near his feet.
Seeing him, Aditiya snapped out of his trance.
Riddhim stepped closer.
"What happened?"
"Nothing," Aditiya replied, still breathing heavily.
The two of them left the gym.
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A Letter and a Scheme
Aditiya entered his chamber. The southern side was open, and he stood there, bathed in moonlight. His striking figure seemed even more powerful under the silver glow.
Suddenly, he remembered the letter from Swapnili.
After searching for a while, he finally found it among his old clothes.
He opened it.
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The letter read:
> "Lion Prince Aditiya, I am your devoted admirer.
The day I first saw you… oh, forgive me—I did not truly see you, but I felt your presence. That day, our voices met, and so did a bond of gratitude.
Since childhood, I have dreamed of a brave and noble warrior as my husband—a man for whom I would gladly give my life. I would love him above all else.
And so, I write to you.
In all of Aryavarta, there is no one but you whom I can love and marry with all my heart. But will you accept me? My sister says there is enmity between Durgavati and Sumetra.
But if we marry, what enmity would remain?
If you refuse me, I shall remain unmarried forever.
But, O son of Shekhar, I wish for you to take me as your bride without war or conflict. I will remain your servant forever."
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Aditiya folded the letter and smiled—a victorious, calculating smile.
"So, King Marg of Sumetra… I have found the path into your iron fortress. Now I will crush you from within."
Laughing, he lay down on his velvet bed.
"You are walking straight into my trap, Maharaj Marg."
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Soumitra's Escape into Indulgence
Soumitra could not accept his defeat.
To lift his spirits, his friends brought him to a pleasure house—filled with music, wine, and youthful beauty.
Perhaps, they hoped, he would forget his humiliation.
A dancer appeared before them.
Her beauty was mesmerizing—teeth like pearls, a complexion like milk, lips red like blooming flowers, and hair flowing like dark clouds. Her ornaments swayed with her graceful movements.
Soumitra's sorrow began to fade.
One of his friends teased,
"Well, Soumitra? Would you like to spend time with her?"
Under the influence of wine, Soumitra's eyes turned intense.
"Yes," he said boldly, "I wish to spend time with her."
That night, Soumitra drowned his sorrow in desire.
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A Dangerous Decision
Meanwhile, Dhananjayi was practicing archery, striking target after target.
"Didi…" Swapnili called.
Dhananjayi turned toward her.
"You, up so early?"
Swapnili usually never woke this early.
"Have you forgotten?" she asked softly.
"Forgotten what?"
Looking around carefully, Swapnili whispered,
"Today is the worship of Goddess Basanti in Durgavati. They invited us."
Dhananjayi's eyes widened.
"No, Swapnili. Have you forgotten the conflict over the Chetana River? And you want to go there?"
"What if we go in disguise?" Swapnili suggested.
"If father finds out, we'll be in serious trouble."
"We're going to pray to God. There's no harm in that. Father won't object."
After thinking for a moment, Dhananjayi said,
"Alright… but what will you tell father?"
"We'll say we're going to Ambikapur—to our maternal uncle's house."
Dhananjayi nodded cautiously.
"Fine. But we return quickly."
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Into Enemy Territory
The two sisters set out toward Durgavati, telling everyone they were heading to Ambikapur.
As they approached Durgavati, Swapnili looked at Dhananjayi from inside the palanquin. Dhananjayi nodded.
Swapnili instructed the attendants,
"You all stay here. My sister and I are going toward that waterfall. Do not move until we return. If you try to follow or leave, it will not end well."
They then proceeded alone.
Before entering the kingdom, they disguised themselves as common women, covering their faces with veils.
Walking through unfamiliar paths, they realized they didn't know the way to the royal temple.
"Let's ask someone," Swapnili suggested.
"No," Dhananjayi stopped her.
"If we ask, they'll know we're outsiders. That could be dangerous."
"Then what do we do?"
"Wait… let me think."
After a moment, Dhananjayi pointed ahead.
"Let's go to the market. We'll buy offerings and listen to people. That way, we'll find our way."
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Following the Crowd
At the market, they bought flowers, garlands, and sweets.
They overheard conversations:
"This time the Queen Mother will host feasts for four days."
"Yes, the Akalbodhan festival was grand too."
"Well, there's a new bride in the palace this year!"
"That explains the arrangements."
"Come quickly!"
Realizing these people were heading to the temple, Dhananjayi and Swapnili followed them.
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The Temple of Basanti
At the foothills of Dhabali Mountain stood the royal temple.
Inside resided the stone idol of Goddess Dashabhuja.
Legend said that Queen Vishvabhama, wife of King Angajay, had once received a divine vision. The goddess revealed her presence at this very spot. The king excavated the land and discovered the idol, and a temple was built there.
For fifty years, the temple had stood as a sacred place. Devotees gathered here regularly, especially during the grand festivals of Akalbodhan and Basanti Puja.
Dhananjayi and Swapnili entered the temple.
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(To be continued…)
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