Timeless: A MaNan Historical

Chapter 39: Proposition

Although Manik was worried that Venkateshwara would deny him the opportunity to work on the field, he asked him anyway. Venkateshwara's mind was still lost in thoughts about Manik and Nandini when Manik asked him if he could work on the field free of charge as a payment for learning sword fighting from Nandini.

Venkateshwara: Okay.

Manik was thrilled to be helping uncle and Nandini's family financially as he had decided that this place was his home, and they were his family.

Manik: I have never cultivated any crop before, so I would need assistance.

Venakteshwara: Nandini and I will show you how to sow the seeds and care for the crops until you are comfortable handing the land by yourself.

Manik: Thank you.

Venkateshwara: You probably haven't eaten in days, stay here until Nandini makes something to eat. Nandini, I have to go meet someone. I will be back for lunch, do take care of this boy's needs.

Manik smiled, remembering how Nandini brought him meals secretly every day and night. Nandini came to the entrance to bid farewell to her uncle. As soon as uncle left and Nandini closed the door, Manik pulled her close to him.

Manik: So, as instructed by uncle, take care of me.

Nandini: You were supposed to learn to cook from me. Now come.

Manik: No. Change of plans. We have to listen to what uncle said.

Nandini: Manik, Rishabh is at home.

Manik: So?

Nandini looked at Manik shocked by his statement.

Manik: I meant, I want some water first before I learn to cook.

He wants water, only water not a kiss. Nandini what has happened to you? Nandini thought.

Manik: What did you think I was talking about?

Nandini blushed and ran into the kitchen to fetch Manik some water to drink.

...

Why doesn't he realize that he just caused himself his own downfall. We are going to loose everything that I planned and worked towards for so many months. I had my husband killed, sent Manik away for good and made Vedant the King of the Indian Empire. I am not going to apologize for his mistakes. He has to deal with it. I have to remain the Queen Mother of the Great Indian Empire and that can happen only if Westpur stays with our Empire, Queen Mother Nyonika thought as she paced in her room. She ordered one of her female companions to summon King Vedant. Soon King Vedant walked into her room and she did something that she had never done before. Queen Mother Nyonika slapped King Vedant on his right cheek in the presence of Royal Guards, her maid servants and companions. King Vedant stood there with his palm placed on the spot his mother slapped him. In a few moments, he regained his posture and asserted his control as the King of the nation.

King Vedant: How dare you slap the King of the Great Indian Empire?

Queen Mother Nyonika gestured for all her maids, companions and guards to disperse. As soon as they retired leaving King Vedant and Queen Mother Nyonika alone, she retorted to his remark.

Queen Mother Nyonika: You will no longer be the so called King of the Great Indian Empire if this engagement is broken. You will have to apologize to Raja Bharmal and ensure that your wedding with Princess Alia will happen according to our original plan.

Vedant: I will do no such thing and give up my self respect.

Queen Mother Nyonika: Self- respect? If you want any respect for your self, do as I say.

King Vedant: Your role is not to command me, its only to advice me. So, stop being so dominating. (1)

Queen Mother Nyonika: So far my advices and plans have been correct. So, follow my orders.

...

In the Nagaram Palace, King Veeran was having a conversation with Sivanataraja, his Army Chief about logistics if the Indian Army attacks them again.

Sivanataraja: I have become old and cannot fight in battle effectively anymore. We need a young, trained and competent warrior to take my place on the field. Apart from that, we still need around 300 more men.

King Veeran: So, we still cannot match the size and talent of the Great Indian Army even after our recruitment and training?

Sivanataraja: Yes your Majesty.

King Veeran: We will have to figure something out quickly. What is the status of our borders? Is there any trouble from their side?

Sivanatraja: Nothing that I have heard of, but it would be good to heighten security in Mangalnagar (2), Vijaypur, Nilanagar and Veeranagar.

King Veeran: Ok, but discuss with Kanakku (Finance Minster) and then send some men to guard the borders.

...

Manik followed Nandini to the kitchen where she gave him some water to drink. Without any words spoken she then gave him a sharp cutting tool and the drumsticks that they had plucked. He took the knife and began scarping the drumstick in a motion that is often used to sharpen swords. Nandini held his hand to stop him and used his hands as her anchor to cut the drumstick into small parts. Within a few moments, together they finished cutting the drumsticks. She washed them in clean water and began making sambar. Manik stood behind her with his hands wrapped around her waist and his chin resting on her shoulder. For Nandini, him close to her both mentally and physically was a new but beautiful feeling. Manik broke their silent admiration of one another.
Manik: Your uncle accepted my proposition of helping on the field in lieu of payment to learn sword fighting from you.
What is he thinking? He knows nothing of how we grow our crops. Leave growing aside, he  doesn't even know the crop names. What if any respect uncle has for him vanishes in the process of him trying to help on the field? Nandini thought.

Note:

(1) Role of the Queen Mother: By virtue of her marriage to the former King, she still holds her status as a Royal. However, her position is not as powerful as it was during her husband's reign as King. As the Queen Mother (mother of the current King, she can advice the King on all political and personal matters. Nevertheless, the final decision is in the hands of the King. 

(2) Mangalnagar: Mangalnagar is the northern border town of Nagaram (King Veeran's empire) and the Great Indian Empire (King Vedant's empire). The town is also where Manik and Nandini are in presently.

I am travelling next week. So, my updates might not be regular. I will write as much as I can and post updates as soon as I get WiFi connectivity. ❤️