Warrior Princess; Her Quest to the throne

Till the age of 17, the education and basic needs for all children were a responsibility of Chandragarh. Though it was a capitalist economy, the welfare program of the country was really strong. Since the time of the first queen, it was decreed that only if the seeds were healthy, would the sapling be strong enough to turn into a sturdy tree. In the existing system, half of the taxes collected from all zillas were rolled back into the country's treasure. The other half were divided further into two parts, one for the zillas to work towards their development and the other bit was to be added into the Capital funded free-of-cost programs. The policy to pay minimum wage to all homemakers was also a part of this manifesto. Men or women whose main work was to take care of the household were paid a fixed amount every month to ensure their well-being, incase there was no other source of livelihood or support from the partner.     

Due to his superlative performance, Shaurya was officially inducted into the spy network team within two years' time, and was assigned duties under the supervision of a senior. He was growing rapidly in the Spy world.     

As was the norm, Tarangini knew nothing about this side of his life. Because of the need to maintain secrecy, he had always maintained that he was working in a store to earn some money so that when he completes his education, he would have a nest egg ready when he found a stable job for himself.     

Soon, it was Tarangini's fifteenth birthday and Shaurya had been feverishly trying to juggle between the school assignments and those given by the Administrative team. He was reporting directly to Prithvi at this stage. Apart from this, he had taken up working for few hours in the market. All of this was to buy one gold bangle which he wanted to present to Tarangini on her birthday.     

As per the tradition of Chandragarh, a young girl only wore a silver bangle, irrespective of the economic status that she belonged to. Wearing a gold bangle signified that she was no longer unattached. When Tarangini had told him about her birthday bash being organised by her father, he had thought about making his declaration of marrying her by buying a gold bangle for her birthday. Since then, he had been fretting over accumulating enough money to be able to afford one in time.     

Tarangini had been given special permission to celebrate her birthday with the family as they were local residents in the capital. Her father had thrown a big party for all her friends at his house and Shaurya was now on his way there. He struggled to keep his heartbeat normal but his hands were damp with perspiration and there was a strange, nervous buzzing in his ears.     

The celebrations had already begun by the time he entered the courtyard where the party was being held.     

Standing on an elevated platform, Tarangini caught his gaze and gave him an uncertain smile. She seemed to have been on a look out for him. His eyes soaked in her graceful beauty. She looked radiant in a bright red dress, almost like a bride. Thanking his stars for bringing her into his life, he made a move towards her.     

"Excuse me, are you Shaurya?" asked a timid voice.     

At the nod of his head, a young girl handed him a parchment and ran away swiftly. A drop of cold sweat ran down his tailbone, looking at his name on the scroll. A loud cheer from the direction where Tarangini stood, made him pause in opening of the letter.     

"Thank you all for coming this evening to shower blessings on my daughter. It is a joyous occasion for all of us. I want to take this opportunity to share the happy news which has taken place a few moments ago. There is going to be a matrimonial alliance between our family and that of the Western zilla's minister. We welcome Ranvijay into our family from today as the future husband of my daughter, Tarangini," announced her father.     

Ranvijay had been Shaurya's senior by two years in the Gurukul.     

Shaurya's body froze upon hearing this and he looked at Tarangini for an affirmation. Her lowered gaze told him the story which he didn't want to hear. His hopeful heart waited a beat in case he had misunderstood the situation. As per Chandragarh's laws, no person could be forced to marry against his or her wishes. If Tarangini wanted, all she had to do was say it out loud. Was the letter in his hand a cry for help? He opened the letter hastily.     

Dear Shaurya     

You may hate me after reading this letter. I know that we professed our love for each other and promised to stick by one other forever. But life in the Gurukul is like a cocoon, warm and isolated from the surrounding reality. When my father mentioned the possibility of an alliance between Ranvijay's family and ours, he showed me the possibility of a bright future for my younger brother and an increase in prestige for my parents.     

Please do not misunderstand. I haven't taken this decision purely out of filial obligation or any sort of martyrdom. It is my own choice to take the easy path of belonging to a secure, prosperous household.     

You and I were probably meant to walk together till this point only. I thank the stars for bringing you into my life. The kind of pure love and devotion which you held for me is something that I don't expect to receive in the future. I know your heart would only hold best wishes for me and my future. In return, It is my sincere desire is that you find a person who is worthy of your affection as well.     

Undeservingly yours     

Tarangini     

Raising his eyes from the letter, he saw the same shy expression on Tarangini's face right now which she had worn when she had taken umpteen number of walks with him in the past two years. But this time, that expression was being elicited by someone else. Seeing her get an ornate gem studded bangle from her future husband, Shaurya held the thin plain one in his hand and mangled it.