Timeless: A MaNan Historical

Chapter 21: Monsoon

The people of Azianagar welcomed their new King and future Queen as they paraded the city on their Royal Chariot. Princess Alia was still accepting the fact that she was engaged to King Vedant. Her eyes travelled across the city streets as she thought of an alternate reality where she would be with Prince Manik. King Vedant placed his hand on hers and held it tightly.

King Vedant: Something this beautiful can be only mine. Don't you dare think of that Manik.

Princess Alia was surprised that King Vedant read her thoughts. Although she knew that people spoke highly of the then Prince Vedant's character, there was something about him that irked her. Nevertheless, being a girl and a dutiful Princess, she had to accept her fate. So, she looked at him and smiled politely to his comment.

After Nandini served lunch, she kept herself busy by practicing Bharadanatiyam on the porch.

Venkateshwara: Nandini, come inside, it looks like its going to rain.

Nandini continued to dance outside as droplets of rain washed away her pain.
Venkateshwara went outside and spoke to Nandini like a caring father would.

Venkateshwara: I know something is bothering you and you might not want to share it with me. Maybe go to your cousin's house in Vidyanagar (1) for a few days. You have always enjoyed spending time with her. The change of environment will help.

Nandini stopped dancing and thanked Venkateshwara Uncle for understanding her. Leaving Mangalnagar would prevent Prince Manik from finding me. I cannot meet him again, she thought. Within a few hours, the rain had stopped and Nandini left Mangalnagar with a few people traveling in the same direction as her.

The sun had set, and the cool monsoon breeze brushed Manik as he rode on his horse. Leaving behind what he thought was his destiny did not hurt him as much as not being around Nandini. He wanted to see her, hear her and feel her. She meant more to him than anyone or anything ever did. She enriched him with her wisdom and enchanted him with her graceful acts of bravery. How can a few days with someone bring about such a drastic change in me, he thought. He hadn't taken a break in the journey since the time he left Azianagar in the afternoon. Threfore, he halted by a river to let the horse have some water.

Nandini was sitting in a covered bullock cart with a few other people. Suddenly, one of the wheels got stuck in a puddle and the driver stopped the cart. Vidyanagar was close by, so Nandini decided to walk instead of waiting for the driver to fix the wheel. This was the first time she was walking from that specific point to Vidyanagar, so she enquired about the route with some village people in the vicinity. They directed her towards a narrow foot path along the jungle following the river. Nandini walked for what seemed like eternity until she saw something bright and felt a familiar warmth engulf her frame.

Slowly, Nandini opened her eyes and could see a tree above her and a man balancing the tree on his back, thereby protecting her from the impact.

"Nandini, are you alright? " the man enquired.

Nandini knew that this man was none other than the man she loved, Manik.
Nandini: Manik...

There is something about these jungles that bring us together! From the first time we met as children, the first time we met as adults and now. If it were up to me, I would destroy the lightning that brought down this tree. I will not let anything harm you Nandini, Manik promised to himself.

With some force, Manik pushed the tree up and let Nandini escape. The clouds mirrored Nandini's emotions with their countless tears. Nandini felt Manik's hands around her waist as she stretched her arms out to feel the rain. Although she felt safe with him, she didn't know if she could trust him again. After all, he deceived her when he clearly knew he couldn't be with her.  Before Manik could entice her further, she forcefully removed his hands from her waist.

Nandini: Why are you hear?

Manik: To see you.

Nandini: We are nothing to each other. Why would a Royal want to see a common dancer?

Manik: You are not a common dancer. You are a celestial dancer. The rhythm of your dance influences my heart beat.
Nandini: Manik, I didn't want to see you after...

Nandini stopped her sentence midway frightened by another bolt of lightning that hit a tree nearby. All her facial muscles contracted in response to her fear while Manik watched her in awe. Within seconds, she pulled him in for a hug. Without speaking a word, Manik picked Nandini up in his arms and started walking. Nandini dug her face into his chest and held on tight as the monsoon rain drenched them both. Manik walked into a cave and let Nandini stand on her feet.

Manik: I think we have to spend the night here.

Nandini: What! No, I cannot spend the night along with a man.

Manik never liked the monsoon season as it prevented him from experiencing the outdoors. However, this time he thanked the monsoon for forbidding his love from escaping his grip.

Notes:
(1) Vidyanagar is another town located in the Nagaram Empire ( South) and is fairly close to Mangalnagar.

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