Sojourn : Tale Of An Immortal Love.

Chapter 65 : The Fire within

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Five years had gone by, and the main problem I encountered was Sindh's interference, blocking our routes once more. Feeling crushed, I decided it was time to wage war against Sindh. I had a blessing that could prevent my death. I preferred Parpaksha to handle internal matters rather than participate in the war. It took almost three months to defeat Jayadratha in battle, with thousands of soldiers losing their lives once again.

As I returned to my kingdom, exhausted and battered from months of relentless war, I could barely keep myself upright. The drums of victory that accompanied my entry into the palace rang hollow against my fatigued body. Bruised and wounded, I longed for rest and solace. But as the gates swung open, the triumphant beats faded into a chilling silence. My breath hitched, and my heart raced when I saw none other than Dussassan standing in the grand hall.

I had not seen Dussassan in years and had hoped never to see him again. Why was he here? What had brought him back to my kingdom after all this time? My mind swirled with questions, each more troubling than the last. But then I noticed something even more disturbing—my mother weeping and my sisters bound as prisoners. Anger surged through me, momentarily replacing my exhaustion.

"How dare you, Dussassan!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the silent hall. "How dare you enter my kingdom without my permission!"

Dussassan's laughter was a sharp, mocking sound that grated on my nerves. "Your kingdom?" he sneered. "It was your kingdom."

His words struck me like a physical blow. "What?" I managed to say, confusion and fury battling for dominance within me. My thoughts raced to my brother. Where was Parpaksha? He would never have allowed this to happen. "Where is my brother?" I demanded.

Dussassan's grin widened. "He has gone to Hastinapur," he said with a casual shrug. "And he asked me to be here in his place."

Stunned, I could hardly believe my ears. Parpaksha, my stalwart brother, had left without a word and placed Dussassan in charge? The idea seemed ludicrous, a cruel joke. I had faced countless dangers on the battlefield, but this betrayal, this deceit, was a wound far deeper than any sword could inflict.

The palace, once filled with the bustling life of courtiers and servants, was eerily quiet. Not a single sound penetrated the oppressive atmosphere. My kingdom, my home, was now under the shadow of Dussassan, and the fear he instilled was palpable. How had it come to this?

Dussassan seemed to revel in my dismay. "Parpaksha has asked you to come to Hastinapur once the war is over," he said, his tone laced with satisfaction.

Confusion clouded my mind. Why would Parpaksha go to Hastinapur? What could be so important that he would abandon our kingdom without informing me? My exhaustion weighed heavier than ever, and the enormity of the situation began to sink in.

I looked around the hall, seeing the fear and despair etched on the faces of those I had fought to protect. My mother's tears and my sisters' bonds were stark reminders of my failure. Yet, beneath the fatigue and sorrow, a resolve began to form. I had fought too hard and lost too much to let Dussassan's treachery go unchallenged.

"Why is Parpaksha in Hastinapur?" I demanded, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Dussassan's eyes gleamed with a cruel light. "You will find out soon enough," he said. "But for now, you should rest. You look like you could use it."

His mockery only fueled my determination. I would not rest until I had uncovered the truth and reclaimed my kingdom from this usurper. Despite my weariness, I knew that the battle was far from over. There was more at stake now than just land or titles—my family, my people, and my very sense of justice demanded that I fight on.