Important note:
"English isn't my first language, so there might be a few grammar hiccups here and there. Don't worry, I'll fix them as I go – if you're cool with that, let's dive into the story!"
"The areas and pictures? Oh, they're from Pinterest and Canva – because who doesn't love a good online treasure hunt?"
"Heads up, there might be some colorful language and a few scenes that are a bit... gory. If you're still in, let's roll with the story!"
enjoy reading....
CHOLA EMPIRE
Sridevi's pov:
Honestly, I think I might be the unluckiest person in the world. Not only I am blind, but I also can't even see the world! Imagine being the princess of the Chola Empire and still being the only one in the family who can't seem to support her father and brother. I mean, come on, give me a break! Even though I can't see, I have this superpower of sensing emotions and feelings.
.
Oh, and guess what? I'm not allowed to go outside the palace. So, guess where I spend my time? Ahh...., stuck inside all day, mostly hanging out in the garden. Honestly, it's the best place ever. I mean, who needs the outside world when you have flowers and a bunch of trees that feel like heaven? Haaaaa... Life's tough, but at least it smells good here!"
My thinking is interrupted by a maid " prince karna veer and maharaj asked you to come to the meeting hall ilavarasi"(princess)
I have never been called to the meeting hall all these years, but why am I being called now? As I pondered, I stood up from my place and walked 15 steps to the door. Well, I've lived here for 20 years, so I know exactly how many steps, turns, and breaths it takes to reach it. Hehe... I know everything. With that thought, I reached the meeting hall, where I could sense more than 50 higher authorities gathered.
I am welcomed as "ilavarasi valga"(hail princess) and "here ilavarasi"( princess). One of the minister said.
I extended a hand to the maid, and she guided me to the chair, where I was asked to sit.
"The council shall now begin," my father commanded. "Raja, we have several disputes in the north, primarily with Gwalior regarding the surrender of the empire and the trade of exports and imports. Currently, the situation has become increasingly serious. Based on our analysis, war could break out at any moment." One of the minister said.
I was shocked upon hearing this. What? A war? I've learned that with war, many lives are lost, and there will be countless orphaned children and widows. If we are defeated by them... what will happen next? I can't even imagine that. I Thought.
Oh, I think this is the reason I am here. Okay, I'm ready to show my skills. These years, I've been waiting for this moment to prove myself to the world. I may not be able to see, but I am not paralyzed.
"After careful negotiation and deliberation, I have decided to marry my daughter to Uthama Cheran, the second prince of the Chera Empire. This should take place before any potential war could happen. I have also negotiated with Rajendra Cheran, the king of the Chera Empire, and they have agreed to arrive here in two days for the marriage and the subsequent rituals.:" my father concluded his speech.
What... What am I even hearing? Ah, marriage? I thought it was something else, but... I can't comprehend what's happening, and now I'm stuck.
"But Maharaja Uthama Cheran is already married. I think we need to reconsider the decision, Raja," my brother said. After hearing this, my heart pounded even harder. What in the world is happening here?
"There will be no further reconsideration; the king's decision is final. Prepare all the arrangements for the wedding. The meeting is adjourned," a harsh voice roared in the hall of my father. A heavy silence filled the air.
I can sense the members in the hall are leaving, but I can't even get up from my place due to the sudden shock. I know the prince will have many wives, but my emotions won't leave for being a second wife of someone . After several hours, I said to the maid, "I want to speak to my father. Please send this message to him".
Suddenly, I felt soft hands wiping my tears. It was my friend Manjula. 'Don't worry, Sri. I will be with you in any circumstances,' she said, and my tears flowed like an ocean. She is my childhood friend who is always with me in all my darkness.
After calming myself, I went to meet my father. 'Ilavarasi Sridevi is coming,' the guard announced. A few seconds later, I was allowed to meet my father. I sensed that my father and My brother were already discussing something. And I greeted My father respectfully.
"I will not allow my sister to marry that bastard. I have heard troubling things about Uthama; he has been involved in heinous acts, including the assault of many women and even human trafficking. I am strongly opposed to this marriage, Father," my brother Karna angrily exclaimed, and I shuddered upon hearing this.
"Uthama, no one else has come forward to marry my beloved daughter due to her disability. He is the only one who came forward to marry her, and I have never heard of the things you're describing about Uthama. How did you come to know this?" my father said.
"I understand, Father, but I cannot reveal my source. However, I am strongly opposed to this marriage. My sister is like a flower, and we have kept her hidden from the outside world. They are unaware of her beauty and her exceptional swordsmanship abilities," my brother said. I interrupted him, saying, "Brother, I am okay with this marriage." Both of them were shocked by my words.
"Really, Akka?"(Sister) my brother asked.
Yes, I know that these two people are suffering because of me, and I understand that my father believes he is protecting me from the war. But still, I don't know the duties of a wife. I have learned six languages and with Sanskrit, and economics with help of my teacher, yet I still don't understand the responsibilities of a queen towards the kingdom. I cannot burden them any more than I already have. Gathering all my courage, I said, 'Yes, I'm ready to get married.'"
"Don't be afraid, Sri. We will always be there for you, so don't worry. Even after you get married, I will always support you, my dear. Please don't be upset with me; I am doing this for your well-being," my father worried.
I turned on my heels towards my father and hugged him tightly. "I know, Father, but I also want to participate in the war. These years, I have trained to protect our kingdom, and I believe I can do that. Please, let me do this one thing for my country. Please, Father," I requested, tears streaming down my face.
"No, my dear. These skills are for your safety, and I cannot send you to war. You are my precious child, and I cannot bear to see you in a war with bloodshed and injuries. I will never allow that in my life. The skills are for your defense, so that no one can harm you. Please, do this as a favor to me, dear," my father pleaded.
"But marrying Uthama, I can't accept, Father," my brother said, furiously.
"I will cross-check that, but the marriage will happen no matter what." Father concluded.
After a long conversation, I went to my chamber with a trembling heart, wondering how my life would unfold after marriage. Would they accept me? So many questions filled my mind—what if they don't accept me? After a few hours, the guards announced, 'Prince Karna veer is coming.
With hope in my heart, I ran to my doors. "akka appavidam keten anal avar visaritha pothu entha thagavalum uthamanai patri varavillai" '(Akka, I asked Father to investigate Uthama, and not a single alibi was found against him,' he said. 'I think they have concealed the alibi).'"
"'Even if I find a single alibi against him, I will definitely stop the wedding,' he said.
'No, no, Karna. If that happens, the Chera Empire will turn against us, and it will be a great insult to them. That cannot be happen. I can live under any circumstances; you can trust me,' I said."
"But, Akka..." my brother began. I interrupted him, saying, "It's okay, I will live with whatever is in my fate, Karna. Don't worry about me; I will be fine."
Karna and I hugged each other, and then we went to the garden to remember some peaceful memories.
what will be happen next??😉😉stay tuned for twist and turns...
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