Send Off

"Jasmine Kingdom had been one of the most powerful kingdoms and all the kingdoms maintained friendly relationships with Jasmine. No one dared to challenge Jasmine kingdom because of its mighty army strength. It had great wealth and also it was the main supplier of most of the raw materials to other kingdoms. All the Kings who ruled that land were well praised by the people for their kind rule. They won the hearts of all people by eradicating poverty and ensuring safety in the kingdom", Maira started explaining the meaning behind Abhi's words.

"Coming to Jasmine's market, the prices are up to the buyer's and sender's satisfaction. The quality of goods sold here is the most desired among all the markets making Jasmine Kingdom more popular. Rose Kingdom also used to have the same qualities as Jasmine until Surya became the King. When Surya came to the throne, he started investing more on the army thereby increasing the prices of the most demanded goods which are solely available in the Rose Kingdom. That way he maintained consistent wealth and this led to his bad reputation. But Surya takes good care of his kingdom's people so the people still trust Surya even though they know he is a devil in disguise". Maira explained everyone about the information she gathered.

"If they know he is a devil, they can rebel against him right? Why can't they do that?", Karthik asked.

"No they can't do that because after he became king he treated people kindly and at the same time he punished those who disobeyed him or did anything wrong. So people slowly started thinking that whatever their king is doing is correct and they kept believing in him. After the war with Jasmine their wealth increased, their power increased and they held a steady ground in everything. The people's lives in that kingdom changed and their trust in Surya increased. But it has to be noted that he is good at deceiving people with his words" Abhi cleared Karthik's doubt.

"Yes. Whatever Maira and Abhi said is true. After the war, everyone's hope in defeating Rose Kingdom wavered. No one dared to go against him", King Chanukya slowly added.

"I am also hopeless. I know Shivraj's courage and I witnessed it with my own eyes. I was desperate to help him after the war but I did not want to risk my people's lives for my selfishness. I asked Shivraj before the war about sending my army but he simply rejected the offer and I didn't insist him further as I knew, the strength of my army is not that great considering Shivraj's Army. After the war, there was no point in sacrificing my people's lives so I waited for a chance to rescue them but still didn't get it." King Chanukya said while wiping his tears.

Yashoda consoled the king and added something, "After Aaradhya went missing, a disease broke out in a remote village of Jasmine Kingdom, so the King sent me to that village to help the people. When I asked him about Aaradhya's health, he told me not to worry and that he will take care of that. I trusted his words and left. It took me more time than I expected to come back. As I arrived back, Aaradhya was in her 7th month and the atmosphere in the kingdom had changed. All the army is alerted and everyone is preparing for a war."

"When I asked about this, Aaradhya said that the neighbouring kingdom, Rose is preparing for a war .That disturbed me a lot and I always stayed beside Aaradhya and looked after her until her delivery. But when her date was approaching, the war broke in the kingdom and it was torturous everyday for her. After 5 days, Aaradhya delivered and we lost the war", Yashoda said as tears flowed down her cheeks.

"Did mom tell you anything Yashu ma?" Ashmita asked eagerly.

"Nothing dear. She just gave me the pendant which you are wearing and asked me to take care of you", Yashoda said while wiping her tears.

"So this pendant was Elsa's gift to our mom?" Maira asked.

"Yes. Also Oak said that it is given to our mom to safeguard her from all evil", Ashmita said while caressing the pendant.

"Ok now we need to strengthen our army to fight with the rose kingdom. Even though they are the most powerful, we are no less to them. We will definitely win this war and get back what we lost!" Ashmita declared.

"Yes but before that, we need to destroy the Rose Kingdom's confidence. Also we need to gain our people's loyalty and replace their fear with hope", Maira said while planning something in her mind.

"But we have Lotus People's loyalty right? So again from whom do we need to gain it?" Prathap asked confusingly.

Abhi smiled and stood up from his seat. He went near Maira and said, "So we are not declaring war on Rose Kingdom?"

Maira smiled and nodded her head.

"Wait.. If we are not declaring war on Rose then how can we destroy them and get back your parents?" Vijay asked.

Maira and Abhi smiled at each other and turned towards everyone. She said with a smile that sent shivers to all of their spines, "We are going to acquire Jasmine Kingdom."

Everyone dumbfounded and looked at Maira with confusion in their eyes. Maira understands them and starts to explain the meaning behind her words but before she continues, a guard knocks on the door.

Everyone looked towards the door and the guard politely greeted the King.

"I ordered not to disturb me.What is the reason behind this act?" King asked coldly.

"Apologies to Your Majesty but there is some important news", the guard answered politely.

"What is it?" King asked.

"Prince Rishi wants to speak with you. He is waiting outside for you", Guard informed.

"What?? Send him in", King said hurriedly.

After a few seconds Rishi entered, greeted the king and sat down near to him. He nodded and looked at everyone but his eyes stopped on Ashmita. Then he felt something was wrong there.

While Ashmita kept looking at Rishi, she saw that something was bothering him. His eyes were dull and she had a feeling that they are apologising to her for some odd reason.

"What is the matter Prince Rishi?" King asked.

"Your Majesty, I need to leave this place. I just received a message from my father, asking me to rush back home. So I am leaving tonight", Rishi said.

Ashmita's eyes widened and her heart twisted. She doesn't know what is wrong with her. She must be happy that this annoying person is leaving but something is not correct. Her heart is in so much pain but she doesn't know the reason.

"Why so suddenly, Prince Rishi? Any problem? Can we help in any way?" King asked.

"Thank you but nothing serious, Your Majesty. Some things raised which need my attention so I had to leave. Thanks for your hospitality. I enjoyed the last few days. Thank you everyone for helping me and taking care of us", Rishi politely thanked everyone. Everyone smiled and nodded their heads.

"If you don't mind. Can I ask you something?" Rishi asked after sensing the atmosphere.

"Yes please", the King said.

"Is everything okay? I feel that something is wrong here?" Rishi asked while looking at everyone.

"Haha nothing serious. We are just discussing some issues in the kingdom. Don't stress over it", the King said.

Rishi knows that it is a lie but he didn't insist. "That's great. Please let us know if you need any help. I am taking my leave, your majesty", Rishi said politely.

"Well, sure young man. Have a safe journey. We will make arrangements for your departure. Hope to see you again soon", King said, patting Rishi's shoulder.

Rishi smiled, gave a glance at Ashmita and said, "Me too", before he left the room.