Chapter 12 - Torn Disciple

The soft embrace of Leela's palace enveloped Rama as he awoke to the gentle rays of dawn filtering through the window. It was a moment of serenity, yet beneath the calm exterior, a storm of conflicting emotions raged within him.

"I must focus on reporting to Parshurama."

Last night's victory over the formidable boar replayed in his mind. It was a significant step toward gaining Parshurama's formal acceptance as his disciple, a crucial milestone on his journey to free Karelaputra from the Chola.

However, thoughts of Leela proved hard to dispel. "She's unlike anyone I've met before... I can't deny these feelings."

Leela's presence had evolved into something that tugged at his heartstrings. But these emotions were tangled with the vow of celibacy that governed his life within Parshurama's ashram.

As he dressed, the thought of causing Leela pain was almost unbearable. Yet, he couldn't forsake his dedication to his mission. "I must find a balance between my duty and the growing affection I feel for Leela."

With a sigh, he secured the straps of his sandals, preparing for the day ahead. The mission was a long-term endeavor. As he stood up from the edge of the bed, Rama was aware of the tightrope he walked, poised between his kingdom and his heart.

Casting a final, longing glance around the room, he turned towards the door. But as his hand reached out to slide it open, a sudden presence on the other side made him pause. His keen instincts detected something unusual—the rapid beating of a heart, unmistakably Leela's, resonating through the door.

Grief momentarily flashed over his face as he considered the complexities of their relationship. He knew the unspoken truths that hung in the air between them. Nevertheless, he chose to open the door with a cheerful demeanor.

"Leela! Good morning. What are you doing here?"

Leela shuffled nervously, her eyes briefly avoiding his gaze before she replied, "I came to invite you for breakfast."

Rama understood that Leela could have easily sent a servant with the invitation, but he decided not to mention it. Instead, he smiled warmly and said, "I appreciate the gesture. Lead the way."

Together, they made their way to the garden, where the morning sunlight bathed the surroundings in a warm, golden hue. Just as they settled, a third presence joined them. It was Sevika, who held a report in her hands, neatly prepared to be sent to the Lord of the province, Shivam.

Rama, intrigued, turned to Sevika and inquired, "Who is Shivam?"

Sevika replied with respect in her tone, "Shivam Suvarnagiri, The Great Lord of the province, under King Taliapa Ahavamalla."

As Sevika presented the report, Rama's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of an offering—a set of intricately crafted bangles and a sturdy wrist guard, both made from the tusks of the boar they had hunted. A subtle understanding crossed his mind; he knew that a Provisional Lord always received a share of the spoils from the land.

This realization deepened Rama's curiosity about the Lord of Suvarnagiri and his potential ties to the Chaulukya Empire. He had dealt with troublesome border disputes with them before, often requiring his personal intervention. The King himself was familiar with Rama's face, and it could spell disaster if Taliapa discovered that Rama was in Suvarnagiri.

In an attempt to maintain his anonymity, Rama leaned towards Leela and proudly declared, "Leela, when you send this report, please use my full name—Rama Raviraj." This was a false name Rama had adopted to avoid drawing Taliapa's notice, and it was a necessary deception to protect himself and his mission.

After Rama's request to use the false name, Leela agreed with a nod and replied, "Of course, Rama Raviraj it is."

She then turned to Sevika and instructed her, "Sevika, please make the necessary changes to the report. I'll meet you in the office for a final review."

Sevika nodded in acknowledgment and left to make the adjustments to the report. As Leela and Rama sat down for a light breakfast of tea and fruits, the tension of the moment began to dissipate.

Once breakfast was finished, Rama excused himself, stating, "I need to visit Chetak."

Leela's heart rate spiked suddenly as her face brightened. She had been hoping for more time with Rama. Yet, the thought of seeing Chetak brought her comfort, and her shoulders, initially tense with longing, relaxed slightly. She replied, "I need to go to the office as well. The rewards and the report must be dispatched."

Rama understood the weight of their responsibilities. With a warm smile, he said, "I too must return to Parshurama and report that the boar has been slain. We both have duties to fulfill, but we will meet again, Leela."

With that, they went their separate ways, each carrying the weight of their respective responsibilities and the shared understanding of the path they walked. The moment had arrived to face Parshurama.