The Betrayal Story - Part 28

Ratan was worried. He had promised his brother to look after the kingdom in his absence. He hadn't expected he would fail miserable in fighting the enemy. He thought about how his brother would feel if he heard the ill fated news. He had miserably managed the affairs of kingdom. 

"Ratanji , what are you thinking? We have no time.", Roopali spoke. He got back to reality. "Yes, I will send some of my men with you while I finish these miscreants attacking here. Once I am done, I will arrive there too.", he said.  He quickly ordered some of his men to accompany her towards the safe house. He watched them leave while he continued fighting with his guilt inside and enemies outside.

When they reached the safe house, few of soldiers distracted the enemies from their breaking in activity. Roopali headed towards the back door. Suddenly she turned behind to see how the soldiers were progressing with the attack. She was dumbstruck. It seemed like the enemy were winning over them. 

These sights led her to flashbacks of her past. Suddenly anger burned inside her. She ran towards the enemy while the soldiers accompanying her followed her in pursuit to stop her. Nothing could stop her. She was in fire. She grabbed a sword from dead soldier lying on the floor and slashed the enemy  fighting the soldier in front of her. 

She killed many and wounded few enemy's men in fury. The queens and few of royal members watched her from the corner. They had sneaked out of back door to check on Roopali. But they were surprised to watch her fight. They wondered how a common girl knew nuances of sword fighting. She fought like a brave princess.

Ratan arrived at the scene with his army. He declared in loud voice that the enemy have been defeated and Vijay Singh has been captured. Hearing this news, the enemy soldiers stopped fighting and ran back to save their lives. However they were captured. The war ended but the questions about Roopali's existence pondered in people's mind. 

(To be continued)

The Betrayal Story - Part 27

One of Ratan's soldiers who was tasked with getting information about the enemy, bought new information. "Sir, Vijay Singh has united with Rashid Sheikh. Those are Rashid Sheikh's soldiers.", he said. Ratan was furious. "Traitor ! How can he stoop so low? He has united with his own country's enemy to attack us.", he growled and ordered his army to stay firm and fight the enemy with all the strength they had.

Vijay ordered his army to pace forward and attack. The infantries marched towards the city's main gate while Roopali guided the citizens of Rawalgarh containing womenfolk , children and  senior citizen towards the palace where they would safeguarded. The queens joined with her on this mission. The war began. 

The soldiers assigned at the gate, controlled the onslaught of Vijay Singh's infantry. But they couldn't sustain for long due to large number of infantry from enemy's side. The enemy broke into the city, burning houses and shops on their way. Several men died. They had almost reached the palace when rain of arrows were shot on them by archers stationed on the top of the palace.

Some of enemy soldiers tried to break into safe house where Roopali, queens ,  royal members and the citizen were located. Every time , the soldiers tried to break the door, people cried in fear. An idea struck Roopali's mind."Is there any back door ?", she asked. Perplexed Satyavati replied, "Yes ! But why are you asking?" "To notify Vijay Singh's soldiers.", Gayatri said. Roopali stared at her in shock like a thief who was caught red handed.

"Gayatri ! Not again ! If she really wanted to inform the enemy, she wouldn't have helped us or the people.", Satyavati reprimanded her. "There is a door backside." , she said while showing the door to Roopali. "Ok! I am sure Ratanji has no idea of enemy attacking us here. I will get some more people with me to attack them.", she said. "Take care, Roopali!", Satyavti said.

Roopali smiled weakly as she sneaked out of the door. She hid from enemy while she looked out for Ratan Singh. She found Ratan ordering some of soldiers.  "Ratanji", she called out. Ratan turned towards her side and looked at her in shock. "What are you doing here? You were supposed to be in the safe house.", he asked. "People need you. The enemy is trying to break in.", she said urgently. She got more tensed with passing of every minute.

(To be continued)

The Betrayal Story - Part 26

Vijay Singh was euphoric after being appointed to lead the war against his arch rival. He had waited for months for this opportunity. He was given ten thousand  powerful army which included great warriors and infantry. He had fool proof strategies devised after hours of discussion with the military expert. With absence of Amar Singh Rawal, the victory seemed easy.

Rashid’s most trusted aide , Abdul wasn’t happy with his decision. “You shouldn’t have given him the lead, your highness . How can you entrust him  with this responsibility? He is naive and can be easily defeated even by weakest solider of Rawalgarh. He may spoil the efforts we have put into this mission.”, he said.

Rashid smirked and said, “I know. I want to keep the Rawalgarh busy with him while my spies in disguise of soldiers take note of all the secret passages that can help us defeat them . My army will be defeated and unlike these patriotic Indian kings, most of them will come back with fresh information of everything that can help me defeat them.”

Roopali broke down when she got to know about the impending attack from Rashid’s spy whom she had bribed. She felt restlessness and paced around the house , thinking what she could do to save Rawalgarh and it’s people. She prayed for the early arrival of the king. 

It was early morning when Ratan Singh Rawal, the new commander appointed by Amar Singh was woken up by reluctant guard. “Sire, Prince Vijay Singh has arrived with his army to attack us.”, the guard said. Confused Ratan asked, “Didn’t we get the news that he was dead ?” 

He headed towards the vast balcony of the palace which stood like fort on the hilltop to get the view of Vijay Singh and his armies. He was stunned. He wondered how he could possibly get such mighty army in such short span of time. 

(To be continued)

The Betrayal Story - Part 25

Amar Singh Rawal stood in front of his two wives while they performed aarti to safeguard his life and provide him victory in all the battles. After the little ritual, he bid goodbye as he left for the war. The prince of a neighboring kingdom had taken over his father's throne by murdering his father and now was causing havoc in his kingdom. His father was Amar's close friend - Pratap Chauhan who had helped him in all his battles.

Amar was indebted to him. When he got the news of his friend's demise, he immediately declared war against his friend's evil son. His heart was filled with vengeance. He quickly gathered his troop and devised a fool proof plan with his general to attack the evil prince within a week. He took the blessings of God and headed towards the battle.

He almost reached the gate of his city when Roopali arrived and stood in front of him and his army. "Your highness, I need to talk to you alone.", she said. The army looked surprised. He assumed that she was anxious of his safety. "Don't worry. I will be fine.", he said. "No your highness ! It's not about you. I am anxious about the kingdom. I will feel someone would use your absence as opportunity to attack your people and kingdom. It would wise if you send someone else with your troop and you stay back.", she said.

"Why do you think the city will be attacked? Even if it happens, I have kept my trusted commander and some of my able troops here to safeguard my people and kingdom. I know you are tensed but you don't have to worry.", he said. "But... your people needs you.. I need you.", she begged him to stop. "I can't. I have given my friend my word that I would seek vengeance on his death. I can't betray my dead friend's trust", he said as he left.  

The word betray stung her heart. She felt guilt emerge from her. She had betrayed him by hiding her motive and past. He had given her hope and identity while she had misused his kindness. She walked slowly towards her house , silently praying that Rashid doesn't use this opportunity to invade the kingdom.

"What a great news !", Rashid exclaimed. He threw small bag of precious gold coins to his spy. "Did you hear, Vijay? Our way is clear. You wanted to attack Rawalgarh badly to avenge your brother's death. Well! I give you the opportunity. Go and seize the kingdom.", he said. 

(To be continued)

The Betrayal Story - Part 24

Rashid began to worry. Vijay was right. What if his most trusted aide betrayed him ? She did give him all the updates on her progress and it was impressive. “What if she hid something from me? What if Vijay is right ?”, he wondered. With every question arising from his mind, he felt restless. He   had lost many times while trying to attack Amar Singh’s city. He didn’t want to lose this time. She was his only hope. “Oh Mariam ! Hope you don’t betray me !”, he whispered.

Next day , he sent a spy as a messenger to check on Mariam. The spy travelled to Rawalgarh where Mariam was posted . When he reached, he found her holding  King’s hands. Mariam was none another than Roopali. It seemed like she was wishing him good wishes and luck for his battle. Her eyes were filled with love as well as a pain. She didn’t want the king to leave. She wished he could stay a little longer. But he was a king and had duties to perform to safeguard his kingdom and people. She hid her pain though it reflected in her eyes.

As the king left, the messenger came out of his hiding place and arrived at her doorstep. She had almost turned to leave to get back to household work when she noticed the messenger. She immediately recognised him and asked him to come in. She looked around for any suspicious activity before closing the door. “Why did your highness Rashid sent you? I have already given the updates few days back ”, she whispered.

“ The king has a message for you. He asked you to quickly finish your work. He can’t wait any longer to began his attack.”, he said. She became anxious. “Fine, I will. Tell your highness Rashid that only when I give you a signal that I finished my work, then only he can begin his battle. Ask him to be patient .”, she said.

As soon as he left, she began to think what she was going to do. She restlessly paced her living room. She had to tell the king about the past she had hid from him. The past which haunts her even today. An identity which she had discarded as soon as she stepped inside Rawalgarh. She almost accepted  she was Roopali. She had forgotten that Roopali was just a trap set by Rashid to distract Amar.

She was princess of not so big kingdom. Her father wasn’t as strong as Amar Singh. Rashid defeated him easily as he plundered their treasure and bought her sisters and her in his harem as they weren’t courageous to do Jauhar to protect their honour. She had tried many times to kill herself but she had failed. Finally she accepted her fate and became Rashid’s favourite concubine. She had given up hope  until she found hope in Amar Singh Rawal.

(To be continued )

The Betrayal Story - Part 23

Vijay Singh was frustrated. It had been months since he had planned to attack his arch rival - Amar Singh with help of Rashid. He was irritated by lukewarm approach of the crusader. He had heard stories of his aggression and evilness from people but he was surprised to see no action from him since many months. "What is he doing?", he wondered every night. 

Every morning he would wake up with sheer determination to speak his mind out to Rashid. But his courage would evaporate when he would see Rashid's terrifying face. He knew he hated people questioning his actions. Vijay kept quiet while his mind was filled with anxiety and frustration of when he would watch whole city of Rawalgarh burning in fear and grief.

One day, he mustered courage to speak to Rashid.  He walked towards Rashid's study room. He was enjoying the evening breeze at the wide balcony. His eyes were closed as he felt the breeze kiss his scarred face. It was tingling feeling. He recognized there was someone behind him from his footsteps and swiftly turned to see who it was.

"My dear friend, what brings you at this odd hour ? Probably to give me company to enjoy this relaxing evening !", Rashid spoke casually. He noticed there was some stress in his friend's eyes. "What happened ?You seem disturbed.", he asked. "Hmm... I.. I am not able to rest with thoughts of my enemy enjoying peaceful life at his home, bothering me. The soul of my dead brother taunts me every day , asking me when I will avenge his death.", Vijay Singh said , finally opening his heart out.

Rashid peeked at him for several minutes and said, "We will ! We will , my friend. One day, we will surely attack. Have patience!". He offered some rose sorbet and said, "Here, have some sorbet. It will cool your mind.". Vijay unwillingly took the glass and had a sip. "I am keeping my patience. But my mind is not able to stay stable.", he said.

"You  Indian kings always take things to your heart. You failed because of this. Be patient. My spy is working and it is still not right time to attack. When she will tie the bell on our cat, that's when we will attack. So be patient. She is the best and she has never failed.",Rashid said firmly. "What if she fails? What if she falls in love with the cat?", Vijay asked. Rashid cast an angry look on him and growled, "I will behead her."

(To be continued)

The Betrayal Story - Part 22

Gayatri was shocked by king’s reaction. She had never seen him get angry at Satyavati. Satyavati was  the wise one among them. She gently rubbed her head, wondering what is so special about Roopali that has made the king blinded that he doesn’t want to listen to his wise wife - whose words he always listened to.

She knew love is blind and now she had seen the proof. She had to do something to cure her husband’s blindness. She didn’t want to be Satyavati - always sacrificing for betterment of others. She wanted her husband’s attention back on her. She was selfish for his love and wanted his undivided attention.

She watched Suryavanshi stomping out of room and Satyavati had rushed behind him to cool him down. The king was still seething in anger. She knew it wasn’t right time to speak to the king. She walked out of room too while planning her mission. She remembered what Suryavanshi had found out through his spies - Roopali isn’t whom she claims to be.

Next day, she met Suryavanshi at the army training ground where he was supervising the progress of army’s training. He greeted her though he wasn’t fond of her presence. “If you are here to speak on behalf of the king and to belittle me for my doings , then I am in no mood to listen. I have already my share of my hearing from my sister.”, he said firmly.

“No ! You are wrong. I believe your word. I always knew there was something wrong in that girl when she arrived.”, she said. He was slightly surprised. He knew Gayatri was insecure about the new girl in king’s life but he never thought she would be so open about it. “Can we speak in private? There are many king’s men snooping on our conversation.”, she said. He agreed.

They headed towards a scheduled place which wasn’t too far from the ground. He could still see the view of the ground from there. He waited for her to speak while she gathered her thoughts. “I would like to proceed with the investigation . I don’t trust this Roopali. We need enough proofs to prove her guilty.”, she said. “What do you mean by we?”, he asked. “I can’t do this alone. I would need your help.”, she replied. He smirked, “Fine! I will help you out.”

(To be continued)

The Betrayal Story- Part 21

The pain was unbearable for Gayatri. She watched her husband who was once smitten by her spend his whole time with another lady. There were times when she wanted to chastise him for his actions but he was a king and no one dared to question him. He had done this to his first wife by bringing her home as his second wife after exhausting war he had fought on behalf of her father who had betrothed her to him as token of his gratitude.

She remembered the times when he had spent all of his time with her instead of his first wife. Now it was her turn to take the back seat as the king would bring his third wife soon. Just like Satyavati, she had to ignore her emotions and welcome his decision because he was king and he had the right to marry as many times he want.

Her heart became heavy as she thought about the king and his new interest. She wept silently during lonely nights. Mornings were difficult. She sometimes wished she wasn’t alive. The king’s radiant smile and reason for that smile burnt her heart. But she hid her miseries from everyone as she knew they would console with the same reason.

Days passed by. Her miseries increased. She stayed awake whole night while nursing her broken heart. Suddenly , one fine day, something struck her. She was spending lazy afternoon with Satyavati and her brother. While she stayed quiet , they spoke casually. The conversation suddenly directed to Roopali and her lineage. She wanted to get up when something Suryavanshi  spoke got her attention, “I had checked about Roopali through my spies. The village she said she is from doesn’t exist. I feel there’s something hideous about her.”

“Why would she lie about her village ?”, Satyavati asked. “I don’t know but my spies wouldn’t lie.”, he protested. “Then I will speak to king about this.”, she said. She immediately headed towards the king’s chamber with her brother and Gayatri where he was busy signing some bills to be passed. He looked up at her and smiled.“What brings you here, Satyavati? You bought your whole troupe here. There must be something serious.”, he said. She asked the guards and  ministers to leave the room. When they left, she spoke, “Your highness, there is something I need to share. My brother, Suryavanshi, has found something alarming about Roopali from his spies. He says that she had lied about her village. The village she spoke about doesn’t exist.”.

The king rose up from his seat in fury. His eyes turned red. “I didn’t expect you to do this. I had made it clear that everyone would accept her as rightful citizen of this kingdom. Who is Suryavanshi to spy on her without my authorisation.”, he growled . Suryavanshi stared angrily at the king. Satyavati signalled  him to cool down by pressing his hand.

(To be continued)

The Betrayal Story - Part 20

Roopali realized he shared the same feelings she had for him. His eyes revealed his true feelings for her. "Your highness, you stare at my eyes with great intent. What do you see in my eyes ?”, she whispered softly. “I see .. it is filled with immense love and affection and I wonder what did I do to get so much love. Why do you love me so much ?”, he said.

She blushed. Her cheeks became red and her gaze shifted from him to cold floors. He lifted her chin so that he could continue to stare those mesmerising eyes. Someone was staring at them while hiding behind the bushes that was few distances away. He was the same spy working for Gayatri.

He tried to get closer view by crawling over dead leaves. He forgot to keep his movement still. His silly mistake alerted the lovers. They looked around for the source of noise. But they found nothing and assumed it was an animal. The king decided to call it a night.

He kissed her forehead before leaving. Her heart skipped a beat but she hid her excitement with a smile. She felt as if she had whole world in her hand . As he left, she euphorically jumped into her house. Finally she had a good night sleep.

The spy shared his findings to Gayatri. Her heart broke into pieces when she learnt about the king’s infidelity. Her eyes were red with anger and pain. She tossed the coin bag to the spy and dismissed everyone out from her room. When she was alone, she screamed furiously and slowly fell down to the floor.

The king was swept by the wave of new found love. He was like an overexcited teenager , always waiting for day to get over soon so that he could spend the night , watching the stars with his beautiful lover. When the day ended, he would sneak out of his palace to meet his lover while Gayatri  watched him with painful heart.

(To be continued)