บท 17: Samyukta's Choice
Samyukta were unaware of these events, she was in her chamber thinking about whom to choose as her life partner. She was looking at all the portraits of the suitors, none of them moved her heart. Her marriage became a necessity for her to ascend the throne. It was no longer a matter of heart, it became a political necessity. She was not happy with this, but she had no other option. Magadha was more important than her personal life. But she couldn't ignore her heart completely, she had feelings towards someone really special.
The only person who could stir her heart was Pinaka....She never realized till her father asked to choose someone that she had feelings for Pinaka. She always thought that he was a good friend who drifted away, but now she knew how important he was to her.
It was impossible, how much ever her father liked Pinaka, he would never accept him as a son in law, he was a slave and she was a direct descendant of the Chandra Dynasty. Thinking about a future with him was a waste of time. She went, washed her face with cold water and went to stroll in the Royal garden. The only two places where she felt happy was the Royal garden and the stable where her horse Chaitanya was .She also liked to spend time with her pet parrot Vidusha.
While she was strolling in the garden, her mother came to meet her. She went near her daughter and hugged her, 'I am very proud of you my dear.. you will make a great empress.. ' and kissed her forehead. She looked at Samyukta's countenance, something was wrong. What was it that was bothering her, she understood her concern, 'are you worried about the betrothal dear? 'Samyukta didn't answer, she just looked at her mother and hugged her. She felt little better, then suddenly there came a guard who said that the emperor summoned the princess and the empress.
They went to the chambers of the emperor, there were a group of people standing together, Samyukta has never seen them. Pinaka was standing near the emperor, he looked as if he was immersed in his own thoughts. Samyukta's heart beat faster looking at him, but she didn't let any of her feelings reflect on her face. She looked at the emperor and bowed to him, Empress Padmini didn't understand why the emperor has summoned her and why there were so many people in the chambers of the emperor.
The emperor said, 'gentlemen.. please wait outside, I need to speak with my family. ' everyone bowed and left, when Pinaka was about to leave, the emperor said, 'son, please stay back, I need you to be present., 'Pinaka stopped and looked at the emperor. He saw Samyukta come in, but he didn't admire her appearance, his state of mind was a mess. His roots were shaken, he didn't know what was happening.
The emperor said, 'my child Samyukta, three days back, the gentlemen you saw earlier met me.... ' the emperor told everything that he knew about Pinaka's past. Samyukta's eyes were wide open with surprise, she was staring at Pinaka. She always felt that he had an inherent noble bearing which she has never witnessed in other family members of the Veera dynasty. Though every member of Veera dynasty was courageous and brave, they never exuded such nobility. Why was the emperor telling all this to her.? What has she got to do with this..?
The emperor studied his daughter and his wife. Both were stunned to hear Pinaka's truth. It was truly surprising, Samyukta knew about the history of Gupta empire and the down fall of emperor Surya Gupta, but she didn't know anything more than that. Then the emperor cleared his throat and continued, 'Samyukta, you might not have understood why I summoned you urgently to speak about all this. I need you to accompany Pinaka to Gupta empire and help him take his true place. '
Everyone was shocked, why was this happening. There were many people under the command of the emperor who could accomplish this task, why was he asking Samyukta to accompany him. Before Samyukta could open her mouth, the empress said, 'great emperor, I understand your concern towards Prince Pinaka Gupta, why don't you send General Rudra or Prince Deepak with him? ' the emperor shook his head, 'my beloved, Samyukta and Pinaka are in love with each other, '
Samyukta felt her heart shaking badly, ...how did her father know this? she never shared this with anyone..she was trying to bury her feelings ..hearing her father say this she felt she would collapse, she steadied herself, took a deep breath and looked at the emperor with utter disbelief in her eyes..
She herself has realised her feelings towards Pinaka very recently. ...How did the emperor know, and what more did the emperor say..Pinaka was in love with her? ...how is it possible, he stopped speaking to her long back.. what was happening.... Empress Padmini was shocked, she looked at the emperor, then she started staring at Samyukta and Pinaka wildly.. 'what is happening.. how come I was never told about this before.. were you both planning to elope? how come the emperor is aware of this? you might be a Prince Pinaka, but you swore your loyalty to Chandra dynasty.. how come you could betray us.. 'The emperor raised his hand and signalled her to stop.., 'Empress Padmini, there is no need for you to worry.. they never confessed their feelings to each other, it is I who told them all this.. ' the empress couldn't believe her ears, 'then how come you got to know about this my emperor..? '
The emperor laughed and said, 'my beloved, when I asked Pinaka to help Samyukta in training, for the Royal contest, I saw them practising. I felt as if they were one mind and two bodies, as a father, I could understand that Samyukta looked was deeply in love with him, the way she looked at him while he didn't notice gave her away, I studied them for some more time, Pinaka too looked with love in his eyes, I even understood that they have not confessed to each other and don't plan to confess in the future.. I know how fiercely loyal they are towards me and Magadha.. now dear Samyukta, choice is yours, do you want to accompany Pinaka to Gupta empire or do you want to wait here.. '
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