1 The Beginning

At 322 BC, the Kingdom of Abhati was rejoicing in joy and the celebrations were grand. The King had recently announced the

good news,queen chaya was pregnant. The chief astrologer had predicted that this child would create a storm in Abhati with his skills and charisma. But it was no doubt that

king Chandruhasa himself was an excellent ruler and swordsman. He was just and unbeatable in the Warfield .He had never lost a war in his

rule. But can this child excel that?! Chandruhasa was overjoyed when Chaya had revealed the good news. The celebrations for queen Chaya were to be held at the royal gardens. The common people were allowed to witness from a distance. As Chaya sat in her room getting ready she noticed that the sky appeared a bit cloudy. As the celebrations proceeded the good news was announced to the people of Abhati by King Chandruhasa himself. The people gave out cries of joy. But there was a huge thunderstorm in the sky during the announcement. The crowd was silenced...

The kingdom of Abhati was decorated with marigold flowers and lights. Chaya was welcomed into the ceremony with drums and sweet songs sung by her maids. As per tradition of Abhati turmeric paste was applied on her cheeks and hands by the royal family's women. She was pampered by Chandruhasa extremely.

He fed her milk sweets and drinks. He followed her everywhere. For a swordsman of such vigour Chandruhasa was completely drunk with happiness and emotions. He had always dreamt of having a child of his own and teaching the art he learnt to his child.

Chandruhasa was smitten by Chaya the moment he laid his eyes on her,when he was 8. Chaya was the neighbouring Kingdom Acala's princess. She had accompanied her father for a friendly visit to Abhati. She was wearing a red silk blouse,skirt and green shawl

With matching jewellery. She looked like a warrior princess. He slowly approached her as she kept playing with her sword . Their fathers had gone to the assembly room to discuss important military measures. She was practicing sword fighting in the garden. He walked towards her till he was only few inches behind her. The smell of jasmine and sandal swept him of his feet. She made a one eighty degree turn with her sword unaware of his presence. A startled Chandruhasa stumbled to the ground. Chaya had an anxious look on her face. "Pardon me I was way too immersed in the practice. Are you alright?",Chaya asked with concern. A frightened Chandruhasa got up and stammered,"I'm..I'm alright".

"I'm Chaya ,Princess of Acala. A pleasure meeting you".A flustered Chandruhasa replied,"I'm Chandruhasa,prince of Abhati".

This beautiful memory was interrupted by the sound of trumpets of the ceremony to welcome Chaya. Chandruhasa smiled warmly and approached Chaya. He felt a warm feeling in his heart when he saw her happy at the ceremony, playing with the royal family's children. She was seated in the middle of a raised stage as the maids entertained her with songs and dance. Chandruhasa approached Chaya, she smiled at him as her entire face turned red with shyness. Chandruhasa felt his heart ache whenever he saw her smile. Yes,he would murder anyone who tried to even think of harming her. Afterall she was the love of his life. He leaned and gently kissed her on the forehead.

He was seated next to her as the ceremony proceeded. The air suddenly turned cold and rain started to pour heavily. The ceremony had to be halted . Chandruhasa was escorting Chaya to their room. They suddenly heard the royal messenger approach them anxiously. "Sire,the royal astrologer has arrived. He says that he has an important news to be delivered".

To be continued