TRIP (End)

It was almost midnight when they got back home from the lake. Raj suggested the four, stay the night there itself. He has already sent a message to the king about their stay and the return. So being tired and left with no option, they stayed back at the lotus village.

The next day, early in the morning before sunrise, the four took blessings from the old couple and started their journey back to the palace.

On the way to the palace, they enjoyed the sunrise, talked about how they liked the village fair and the lantern festival. Amidst their talks, they've reached the palace. Later taking some rest, they gathered for breakfast.

"How was the trip? Did you guys enjoy it?" King Chanukya asked.

"Yes grandpa. We enjoyed it a lot", Ashmita replied while eating.

"The trip was really good, grandfather. We enjoyed it thoroughly", Maira said with a smile.

"Yes, it's the most memorable trip", Abhi commented.

"Yes, we enjoyed it a lot. Also, it was quite surprising to see a village so beautiful and well developed. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about how to improve our villages back at my place", Rishi commented.

"Prince Rishi, we are honoured to show you around and thanks for your genuine comment. If you want, my ministers can assist you to understand the things easily", The king offered to Rishi.

"Thanks your majesty", Rishi thanked with a smile.

"Great. That's great! Please enjoy your breakfast", King said with a smile.

"Where did you go for this trip?" Yashoda asked who has been very busy lately, studying the medicine using which Maira cured Oak. Everybody at the table was eagerly waiting for the answer but their faces changed after hearing the name of the village.

"Lotus Village", Maira replied.

"What?" Ashmita's team cried at a time.

Everyone looked at them with confusion.

"What? How could you do that Ash?" Pratap broke the silence.

"Yeah exactly! How could you do this to us?" Vijay asked the same.

Kartik, Shilpa and Veda also looked at Ashmita with daggers in their eyes.

The team had been planning to go to Lotus village with Ashmita for a long time but now she went alone and that too without informing them.

"It's not my plan. Actually my horse you know, Killer he took all of us. You know how Killer can be. He always does what he wants", Ashmita said without looking into their eyes.

"I remember that you informed us before leaving that we are going to some place which is the main attraction of this kingdom", Rishi commented and started eating his breakfast after adding fuel to the fire.

'Thus dumb annoying man! I know he did this intentionally. Humph!' Ashmita sniffed internally. She felt some strong hatred towards him and nervously turned to her team while gulping.

"I didn't do that intentionally. It's grand.. grandfather's idea to not inform you guys saying that you have some important missions to go on", Ashmita throws the blame on her grandpa.

King chanukya who is eating suddenly coughed violently. Maira passed water and patted his back. "You lass! How can you blame this on me?" the king snapped back.

"Hehe.. Yeah, I am full. I have to go feed Killer. Prince Rishi, I will take you to the evening market of this kingdom where most of our marketing happens", Ashmita hurriedly informed and flew off the place.

Everyone at the table laughed by seeing Ashmita's antics and resumed their eating.

"You must have met Raj grandpa and Sangeetha grandma?" Pratap asked eagerly.

"Yes we did, in fact stayed the night there. They are very friendly and nice people", Maira said with a smile.

"They sent some gifts for all of you and we too brought some presents. I will give you the presents after we're done eating", Abhi said while wiping his mouth elegantly.

"Presents..! That's great, please give my present first", Pratap exclaimed happily.

"There is no need to buy gifts. We all are family so no need for such formalities", Yashoda said while looking at maira.

"But please accept it for our satisfaction", Maira pleaded. Everyone nodded and started eating but suddenly Vijay said an interesting matter.

"Thanks for bringing presents. The old couple are sweet and nice but be careful with Raj. He is the best matchmaker in our whole kingdom", Vijay said.

"Yes yes. He is the one who introduced your grandmother to your grandfather Maira", Shilpa said with a chuckle.

"Yes, but don't worry. What he says won't always come true", Pratap said.

"How come?" Rishi asked with a frown.

"Because he said Kartik and Shilpa will get married and likewise, Vijay and Veda. We know that's not happening. We're all like best siblings", Pratap said. But everyone's expressions changed and all were freezed.

"Well, this is going to be interesting", the king said with a chuckle. He knows Raj very well.

"What about you then?" Abhi asked.

"He will marry a ghost", Kartik said mercilessly.

"Hey how come you slander me like that? That is why I don't believe what Raj says", Pratap sulked like a child.

The hall echoed with their laughter till the breakfast ended.

Later everyone attended the court, listened to the complaints and discussed the things needed to be done. Suddenly a messenger barged into court.

He is panting heavily and kneeling down on the floor. Everyone startled by the sudden appearance and waited for his information.

The guard handed some water to him and after that he informed, "Your majesty. We are in trouble. That kingdom is preparing for a war."

"What? Which kingdom ?" King asked while scrunching his brows.

"Rose.. Rose Kingdom your majesty" the messenger informed the king.

Everyone's eyes widened with shock.