44) Chapter

Lying motionless on the cold dungeon floor, Vishnu whispered to Adithya, "Stay still. Pretend we're dead. Trust me on this."

Adithya, already pale and trembling, hissed back, "Pretend? I'm already halfway there, Vishnu! My soul is already saying its goodbyes!"

Before Vishnu could retort, they heard the clinking of armor as two guards approached their cell.

One guard squinted at the motionless figures. "What in the seven hells? They're dead? How?"

The other guard, clearly the sharper of the two, said, "Impossible! The prince was supposed to be alive for the king's plan. Check if they're breathing!"

The first guard grumbled and stepped into the cell, leaning down to feel Vishnu's neck. The moment his fingers touched Vishnu's skin, Vishnu's eyes snapped open. "Bad idea, friend."

With one swift motion, Vishnu struck the guard's pressure point on his neck with the edge of his hand. The guard crumpled, unconscious.

Adithya, meanwhile, had a less elegant approach. As the second guard reached for him, Adithya let out a panicked scream and swung his fist wildly, accidentally hitting the man square in the nose. "Take that! And that!" Adithya yelled, smacking the man again for good measure before the guard collapsed.

Breathing heavily, Adithya looked at the unconscious bodies. "I can't believe that worked. I feel like a warrior! A hero! A-"

"Help me change their clothes," Vishnu interrupted, already removing the first guard's armor.

They quickly donned the guards' uniforms, adjusting their helmets to obscure their faces. As they exited the cell, Vishnu pulled Adithya aside. "Remember, stay calm. Follow my lead."

"Calm? My heart is louder than my footsteps!" Adithya whispered, tugging nervously at his oversized helmet.

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors, two more guards approached them. One of them, a burly man with a crooked smile, started laughing. "You hear the news? That Chalukyan prince, -Vishnuvardana- such a grand name-is rotting in our dungeon. Serves those arrogant Chalukyas right."

The other guard joined in. "Yeah, they think they're invincible. I bet their 'mighty prince' cries for his mother every night."

Vishnu's hand twitched, his jaw tightening.

Adithya noticed and quickly stepped in. "Oh, you're absolutely right my friend!" he said, forcing a laugh. "I hear he even writes poetry about his tears. Something like, 'Oh, mother, the darkness is cold, and my courage is sold!'"

The guards burst into laughter, slapping their knees. Vishnu, on the other hand, glared daggers at Adithya, who leaned close and whispered, "Relax, Vishnu, my lord. Do you want to blow our cover?"

Once they were out of earshot, Vishnu snapped, "You didn't have to insult me like that."

"I saved your royal head!" Adithya shot back. "You're welcome."

Their bickering came to a halt as they reached the end of the corridor. A solid wall loomed before them, covered in intricate carvings.

"What now?" Adithya groaned. "We walked all this way just to hit a dead end?"

Vishnu, examining the carvings, said, " Wait..These symbols... they're similar to the ones on the dagger Mekala gave me." He pulled out the dagger and began studying the wall.

Adithya leaned against the wall dramatically. "Well, while you solve your fancy royal puzzle, I'll just stand here and contemplate our impending doom. Maybe write some poetry myself."

"Adithya," Vishnu called, "stop whining and look for something unusual."

"Unusual? You mean like the fact that I'm dressed as a guard, sneaking around a dungeon, trying not to die?"

Ignoring him, Vishnu pressed the dagger into a specific groove on the wall. With a soft rumble, the wall shifted, revealing a hidden doorway.

Adithya's jaw dropped. "By the gods, you did it! Is there anything you can't do?"

"Keep you quiet, apparently," Vishnu muttered as they stepped into the passage.

The door silently closed behind them. The new room was massive, with high ceilings and ornate stonework. Sunlight streamed through narrow slits, casting intricate patterns on the floor. A spiral staircase led upward, toward the light.

Once they got in the wall close even without a single noise.

Adithya whistled. "Look at this place. Your enemy's palace is fancier than your own, Vishnu. Maybe we're the villains in this story."

Vishnu glanced around, admiring the architecture. "Buddharaja's engineers are remarkable. But let's focus. That staircase might lead to freedom."

As they started ascending, Adithya grinned. "If we survive this, remind me to send Buddharaja a thank-you note for building such dramatic dungeons. Really sets the mood."

Vishnu sighed. "Just keep moving, Adithya. And try not to get us caught."

Adithya saluted mockingly. "Yes, your highness. Lead the way to glory-or doom. Both seem equally likely."

Their banter faded as they climbed the stairs, the light growing brighter with each step.

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The sun's first rays bathed the rocky plateau in a fiery crimson hue, setting the stage for a mesmerizing performance by King Buddharaja.

The king stood on the sacred stone altar, his tall, athletic frame glowing with the strength of a seasoned warrior, yet moving with the grace of an accomplished dancer.

His flowing robes, dyed in hues of saffron and white, caught the faint morning breeze, while his long hair, streaked with the wisdom of age, framed a face with his high jaws both commanding and strikingly handsome.

His sharp, dark eyes were closed in devotion as his feet rhythmically struck the ground, echoing his dance for Lord Shiva.

Each movement of his dance exuded power and charisma, his hands sculpting intricate mudras while his body swayed in reverence to the divine.

The sound of his steps mixed with the chant of sacred mantras, creating a hypnotic melody that held his onlookers-Bhaskar and Varuna-in silent awe from a respectful distance. Neither dared to interrupt; disturbing the king during his ritual was considered unthinkable.

Suddenly, a messenger climbed the rocky path, his face pale with urgency. Beads of sweat dotted his brow as he approached Bhaskar and whispered the news.

Bhaskar's eyes widened in calculated surprise, though he had already anticipated this revelation. Varuna, less composed, instinctively stiffened, glancing nervously toward the dancing king.

"This cannot wait," Bhaskar muttered under his breath, the weight of the situation pressing upon him.

"But disturbing him now?" Varuna whispered, his voice barely audible.

Bhaskar inhaled sharply, steeling himself. "This is no ordinary news. Vishnu vardana has escaped. If anyone can handle this, it's him."

The messenger hesitated as Bhaskar took deliberate steps forward, his boots clicking against the stone.

As Bhaskar neared the king, Buddharaja's dance suddenly stopped. He turned sharply, his piercing gaze locking onto Bhaskar with the force of a blade. In one fluid motion, the king unsheathed his sword and pointed it at his minister's throat.

"Do you value your life so little, Bhaskar?" Buddharaja's voice was deep and cutting, resonating with unrestrained fury.

Bhaskar didn't flinch, though his heart raced. "Forgive me,my lord. I would not dare to disturb your sacred ritual unless the matter was of utmost importance."

The king's eyes narrowed, his blade hovering ominously close. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he withdrew the sword, sheathing it once more. "Speak," he commanded coldly.

The messenger, trembling, blurted out, "Your Majesty, Vishnu has escaped the dungeon."

For a moment, the silence was deafening. Varuna shifted uncomfortably, glancing nervously at Bhaskar. Bhaskar, ever the master of performance, feigned shock. "Impossible!" he exclaimed. "We secured every route-every detail accounted for!"

But Buddharaja did not explode as expected. Instead, his lips curved into a faint, mocking smile, and his eyes gleamed with an unreadable expression.

He stepped down from the altar, his movements deliberate, as if savoring the moment.

"Very well Mekala" the king said softly, his voice laced with satisfaction.

Bhaskar, standing nearby, furrowed his brow. "What did you say, My lord?"

The king turned to him, his expression serene but tinged with mystery. "What we have to do, Bhaskar, is simple-nothing."

"Nothing?" Bhaskar's voice carried a note of disbelief. "Shall I not send soldiers to capture him again? We can close off the forest routes and-"

Buddharaja raised a commanding hand, silencing him. "No, Bhaskar. We will not chase him. We will not send a single soldier after him. Let him believe he has escaped by his own wit and bravery. Let him run to Vatapi.That is all we need."

Bhaskar's lips parted, but no words came. His sharp mind raced to grasp the king's deeper motives. "But, My lord, if we do nothing, there is no guarantee-"

"Everything will happen smoothly," Buddharaja interrupted, his tone almost dismissive. "Like the flow of a river, this plan will find its course. And when it does, it will drown the Chalukyan kingdom in chaos."

Bhaskar looked puzzled, almost frustrated. "But how can you be so certain? Shouldn't we-"

"Today is a good day, Bhaskar," the king said, cutting him off with a rare note of cheer. His piercing eyes softened ever so slightly. "A day for celebration, not scheming. Besides," he added with a sly grin, "I find that patience is the greatest weapon. Let them believe they hold the advantage, and then watch them crumble."

Bhaskar hesitated, still struggling to understand the king's confidence, but he knew better than to argue further. "As you command, My lord."

Budhharaja turned, his robes swirling gracefully around him. "Come. Enough talk of escapes and battles. The forest awaits. Let us go hunting. The day is too beautiful to waste on worry."

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In the dimly lit private chamber of Subadra, the famous and powerful merchant of Kalachurii kingdom, a tense atmosphere lingered as he and his wife the mistress, Sumithra devi, sat across from each other.

Subadra, his age evident in the lines of his face and the quiet gravity in his voice, turned to his wife.

"Sumithra Devi, you must understand the danger we're in. This girl-Madhavi-her origins are unclear. We cannot afford to let anyone else know she's here. If the wrong people find out... it could bring ruin to all of us."

His eyes bore into hers, his tone filled with the weight of years of experience. "What i am afraid most is if she might be an illegitimate child, according all we know so far, and well.. her very existence could spark trouble that we cannot control."

Sumithra, who had already come to care for Madhavi as though she were her own daughter, listened intently, her heart aching at the thought of turning the young girl away. "I understand, my lord. But look at her," she said softly, her voice tinged with affection. "She's not just any stranger. She reminds me so much of my late sister. Her eyes, her grace... I can't help but feel that she's meant to be here. She's like family to me."

Subadra's expression softened, but there was a sharpness in his gaze that would not waver.

"I know how you feel, Sumithra. I've seen it in the way you care for her. But you must understand, emotions aside, we are walking on dangerous ground. Her beauty alone could draw attention, and we have no idea who her parents are. Until we know that, we cannot afford to make any mistakes. And her being pregnant only adds to the complexity." His voice dropped, filled with a note of caution. "If anyone gets wind of her being with child... and of the uncertainty of her lineage... it could create chaos. You know how these things work."

Sumithra looked away for a moment, her thoughts a tangled mess of emotions. She had no children of her own, but the love she had for Madhavi was undeniable.

The young girl had come into their lives like a breath of fresh air, offering warmth and a sense of connection she hadn't realized was missing. But her husband's words rang true, and they had to proceed with caution.

"I know,my lord" she whispered, her voice tinged with sorrow. "But she's so lost, so confused. She doesn't even talk about the father of this child. Every time we bring it up, she changes the subject. There's something about her past that she's hiding, but I can't help but think... she's alone. She doesn't have anyone. No family. Nothing."

Subadra sighed deeply, rubbing his temples as if to ease the pressure building inside his head. "I know. But that's exactly why we need to know more. We cannot afford to be blind to the dangers. There are too many questions, Sumithra. Too many unknowns."

He paused, his gaze shifting toward the hall where Madhavi had been moments before. "Where is she now? I thought I saw her just a little while ago."

Sumithra stood up quickly, a sudden worry crossing her face. "She went outside for a walk with maids. I told her to stay close, but... well, she loves the gardens. The fresh air helps calm her mind."

Subadra's brow furrowed, his wisdom and concern sharpening. "That's not good, Devi. The forests and parks are dangerous this time of year. Too many young men and royals hunting in those areas. I've heard rumors of unscrupulous dealings happening there. The last thing we need is for her to be caught up in something she cannot control."

Sumithra's breath caught in her throat at his words, and without hesitation, she moved toward the door. "I'll send a messenger to find her. I'll have them bring her back immediately. You're right, it's too risky for her to be out there."

Subadra nodded grimly. "Do it quickly, Sumithra. Don't waste a single moment. We cannot afford to take any chances. Not with her... not with the situation we're already in."

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In the serene gardens of Merchant Subadra's house, Madhavi, along with her two maids, Rakshi and Nalini, enjoyed the tranquility of the afternoon.

Rakshi, the bolder of the two maids, gave Madhavi a playful nudge. "Madhavi, tell us-how do you manage to look so perfect all the time?" she asked with a mischievous smile. "Are you secretly a goddess, or is it just the magic of the garden?"

Madhavi grinned, twirling in the sunlight. "Oh, I'm no goddess, Rakshi. But perhaps this garden has cast a spell on me, making me look like one," she replied with a wink, tossing a handful of petals in the air.

"Maybe I should start charging for my beauty tips," she joked, her voice light and teasing. "A great price for a divne beauty, don't you think?"

Nalini, ever the more reserved of the two, shook her head, laughing softly. "You two are impossible," she teased, "but I think Rakshi's right-there must be some enchantment in the air. I've never seen anyone with skin as flawless as yours, Madhavi."

Madhavi laughed, holding her hands to her face dramatically. "Oh, Nalini, flattery will get you everywhere!" she said with a playful tone. "But don't go too far, or you might convince me truly i am divine!"

Rakshi shot Nalini a teasing look. "I told you, she's too humble for her own good. She should know she's the most beautiful woman in this kingdom!" she teased, poking Madhavi's side.

Madhavi rolled her eyes and laughed. "Alright, alright, enough flattery," she said, stepping away to collect more flowers.

"But if you insist on calling me beautiful, I won't argue. After all, who could resist this?" She struck a playful pose, putting her hands on her hips and lifting her chin with a dramatic flair.

The maids burst into giggles, unable to contain their laughter at Madhavi's antics. "You're a natural performer, Madhavi," Nalini said, wiping a tear from her eye. "Perhaps you should take the stage instead of wandering through forests. You'd make the most captivating queen of any court."

Madhavi grinned mischievously. "Oh, trust me, Nalini, I'm far too wild for a stage. I'd be too busy running off to find adventures in the woods. Besides," she added with a wink, "I think I'm already a queen in my own right, don't you agree?"

Rakshi raised an eyebrow. "You're a queen, alright. A queen of mischief," she teased. "You've got all of us wrapped around your little finger."

Madhavi laughed, spinning around once more, her laughter filling the air. "Well, you two are my loyal subjects, of course," she said, grinning widely. "And I shall take good care of you, my dear maids, as long as you keep me entertained with your jokes and flattery."

Nalini, shaking her head but still smiling, gave a mock bow. "Your Majesty, we are but humble servants, ready to serve your every whim. But please," she added, her tone playful, "don't send us into the woods alone. You're the only one with enough sense to keep us safe."

Madhavi winked. "I promise I'll keep you both safe-unless we encounter a wild boar, of course. In that case, you'll have to protect me."

Rakshi gasped. "A wild boar? What if it has tusks? What if it charges at us?"

Madhavi laughed again, the sound like music to their ears. "Then we'll have to outsmart it, of course. And if it's too dangerous, I'll just distract it with my beauty while you two escape!"

"Always so confident," Nalini teased. "You'd talk your way out of anything, wouldn't you?"

"Absolutely," Madhavi said with a wink. "But seriously, I've always wanted to see what's beyond these gardens. I think we could have some real fun out there."

Just as the words left her lips, a blood-curdling scream suddenly pierced the calm of the garden, coming from the direction of the nearby forest. The three women froze, the atmosphere shifting in an instant.

Madhavi's playful expression vanished, replaced by a deep concern. "What was that?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

Rakshi's face paled. "It came from the forest," she said in a whisper, her voice trembling. "But... no one should be out there. It's too dangerous."

Nalini clutched Madhavi's arm. "We shouldn't go near it, my lady. It could be a wild animal-or worse, someone in danger who's trying to lure us in."

Madhavi's eyes narrowed as she gazed toward the forest. Her curiosity and sense of duty pushed her forward, despite the warning from her maids. "I have to see who or what it is," she said with a firm voice. "Someone might need help."

Rakshi and Nalini tried to stop her, their faces filled with concern. "No, Madhavi, please. It's too dangerous!"

Madhavi gave them a playful smile, her mischievous spirit not completely subdued. "Cowards," she teased with a wink. "If you don't want to help, I'll go alone."