Everyone was astonished hearing Niyathi's oath. They thought either she was very confident or foolish enough to take such oath. Didn't she realize the gravity of the oath? Nevertheless they waited for the reaction their king.
Drupad was shocked would be an understatement. He didn't expect this drastic step from his daughter. He thought it was one of her childish wish which she would get over soon. But it seems it was not.
Niyathi's oath terrified him. He thought she will chose to stay here. But when he saw the fierce determination that shone in her eyes, he knew he underestimated his daughter so much and he knew that her daughter had won over him.
It was bittersweet for him. He was amazed by Niyathi's determination but he was bitter that his plan was thrashed by his daughter who is just a year old. He learnt his lesson now.
Never ever ever underestimate his youngest daughter.
He saw his youngest looking at him and he knew he have to announce the decision now. And he have to deal with his other children. He groaned in his mind. It will be a long day.
He let out a sigh and stood up. The whispers died down. He announced in a booming voice, "Rajkumari Niyathi will be going to Gurukul on the next full moon. As she has taken an oath, she will not be allowed inside Panchala till she completes her education. She will given a horse and some basic necessities alone. No one will help her after she leaves the Kingdom. She will be on her own. And neither will she ask for any help."
He said the last looking at his daughter. She just nodded at him accepting his conditions. She didn't want help from anyone. She knew her brother and sisters will come running if she calls for help. She didn't want that. This is her journey, she will face it alone.
"Please bless her victorious in her journey. Thank you all. The Court is adjourned!"
He nodded looking at his courtiers and left the Court swiftly. The courtiers left one by one after murmuring to themselves about the things happened today.
Everyone but Niyathi left the Court. She was still standing near the torch where she took the oath. She was contemplating the last few minutes of her life. She wonders where she got the guts to take an oath which could change her life forever. If she didn't fulfill that she can't enter Panchala ever again. It pained her so much but it was this or her dream. So she chose the latter.
She had faith that she will succeed in this journey of hers. She will succeed in it. Nothing will stop her. Nothing. Not even her emotional attachment towards her siblings and homeland.
The torch swayed a little bit and touched her hand faintly. She gasped when it touched her but it didn't burn as it was supposed to. It provided her warmth. Warmth of a father she was yearning. Niyathi knew her spiritual father will always be with her no matter what.
She smiled and murmured looking at the fire, "Thank you Father."
The day of Full Moon
Weeks passed and the day for Niyathi to depart for her search also had come. It was not easy for Niyathi to convince her siblings.
The whole fiasco happened in the court spread quickly and reached her siblings. They were rightfully angry and hurt but Niyathi being the charmer coaxed them into agreeing.
A grand puja was organized for the safe and victorious journey of their Princess. Their Princess who had only shown them kindness and respect. They all prayed for her well being and success.
Atlast the time for Niyathi's departure came. Honestly it was a tearful farewell.
All the Panchala siblings were shedding tears while playfully teasing each other while their father stood watching them from far.

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𝙉𝙞𝙮𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙞
Historical FictionJust before he went for the war, he pulled me by my waist and whispered in my ear, "Just because of this small separation, it does not mean you and I are not destined to be. There is no end to our story." Niyathi, the youngest Princess of Panchala...