The news of Azael Aftaab Murzaan's departure for Indira reached the Chief of Army, Quila Kahan, and he immediately urged Emperor Aftaab not to take any rash action without reason. Emperor Aftaab shared how Quila Kahan was right about the Chandraprava, and that maybe they really had forgotten that they lived under the reign and mercy of the Murzaan Empire. Aftaab arrogantly stated, "I must set them straight, Kahan Baba." Quila Kahan played on Aftaab's sentiment, "what fills me with pride is, not my position as the Chief of the Murzaan Army, but that my Emperor calls me his Baba. And my King, know that I love you as my own child." Aftaab assured him, "I have never had a doubt about Kahan Baba." Kahan found the right tone, "then you must know that I am your greatest well-wisher, and I request you not to go to Indira like this." Quila Kahan tactfully bound Emperor Aftaab with his words and reminded him that such an act by the Emperor of Murzaan could tarnish their reputation among other Dynasties and Empires. Emperor Aftaab was not convinced, yet he assured his Kahan Baba, "it is decided then Kahan Baba. The Emperor of Murzaan will not go to Indira. Have I ever failed to listen to you?' Aftaab won his trust upon the subject and Quila Kahan was relieved to put the whimsical matter to rest.
But the matter had not ended there for Emperor Aftaab. He was indeed a madman and it was this madness that made him such a successful Emperor. Aftaab was known to travel in disguise through cities, states, palaces, prisons and even far-off lands, and learn all that he could about a place before waging a war! Just imagine the most ruthless king, a mad warrior, would move among the people in disguise, walk their markets, hear their talks, and study their land. He was a ruler who would gather his own intelligence and never rely on spies. Hence, he was invincible! And that night, the Emperor of Murzaan did not travel to Indira, but a common man with his closest aide and confidant, Zulfi snuck out of the Murzaan Palace from hidden, underground passages, made only for the Emperor and started their journey for Indira, without a word to anyone!
As Emperor Aftaab and his confidant Zulfi journeyed on foot in disguise, Zulfi gasped, "nothing will happen to you, but when your Kahan Baba will get to know of this, he will boil me alive in a pot of mustard oil!" Emperor Aftaab smirked, enjoying Zulfi's cliched worry and banter, "and I have complete faith in you, that you will be able to talk your way out of it Zulfi." Zulfi huffed in retaliation, 'everything is a joke to you! Like going to Indira. Do you even know of the fact that the people of Indira, the Chandraprava dynasty is a warrior clan? Their fighting tactics are known to be unbeatable." Zulfi was brains over brawn and Aftaab knew that well. Aftaab mocked Zulfi's worry to entertain himself, 'hence, this exploration! Maybe we will take up a few lessons from the Chandraprava royals." Zulfi was in disbelief with his King's casual attitude, "as always, there is no point in talking to you about my fears. A man with no heart, who doesn't feel love or fear, or anything it seems! Well, since you are not worried about anything, I must worry for the both of us. We would need a bunker, a safe place for us to retreat for the night at Indira. Something in the border area, or the forest." Emperor Aftaab was unbothered, "how many moons to reach Indira?" Zulfi glared at him annoyed, "my lord, I would appreciate it if we started planning for our stay now." Aftaab smirked and said, "I will be leaving my sword and you behind in your safe bunker." Zulfi was shocked, "no my King! I cannot let you go alone." Aftaab mocked 'I know I don't look like an Emperor right now, but I am still your King. It is an order, Zulfi." Zulfi finally let go of the conversation, "forgive me, my King". The two walked ahead in silence to Indira.
As the days led up to the Harvest Festival Bihuru, where the city of Indira came alive. The celebration was in full swing, with colorful flower decorations around the Indira Palace and along the market streets. Common folk sang and danced, and stalls lined the roads selling food, clothes, toys, and other goods for everyone to enjoy. A sacred pond was also decorated for the Royal Family's evening visit, where the Royals and commoners alike, came to seek blessings of Goddess Indira.
At Chandraprava Palace, the Royal Family readied themselves with festive attire and jewels. In his private chambers, the King, Raja Moti Chandrapava tried his outfit with the help of the finest tailors, craftsmen and his male attendants. As they worked, Queen Rani Roopai entered and exclaimed '...what a marvellous piece of embroidery! The Silver thread on that maroon silk!" Everyone bowed as she walked in, and the King gestured a sweep of his arm, and they all left the room, to offer the Royal couple privacy. The King, Raja Moti Chandraprava stood in front of a massive decorated mirror that was placed in the middle of the chamber. He enquired from his Queen, "what do you think?" Rani Roopai walked up close to him and fastened a pearl-like button on his outfit and she smiled in appreciation "my King looks wise in silver and maroon." Raja Moti smiled back in relief, when Rani Roopai added, "but I worry if the silver threads and the maroon silk have over-powered the father in you?" Raja Moti was well aware of his wife's worry, and he held his embrace and assured her, "I promise you my Queen, my wife. No matter what, I will always choose to be a good father first, and then a good King." Rani Roopai welled up in tears as she embraced him too and mumbled "but who would be good enough for our Veera? And to save Indira?" The two shared a look of unspoken worry.
The next day, the entire Chandraprava Royal household, dressed in their finest attire, jewels and swords, assembled at Indira Palace. The men gathered at the Palace entrance with ministers and guards, while trumpets blew to welcome the invited kings and princes as they arrived, one by one. A royal announcer proclaimed each guest's name, dynasty, and kingdom in a loud, formal voice, "Raja Parimal from the Eastern Hill of the Naga Dynasty. We welcome you to the Palace of Indira!"... "Princes Vinaya Vanayaka from the Bohoran Dynasty, Welcome to the Palace of Indira!"... "The King of Galabhramaan, please accept our heartfelt welcome!" In the outer balconies, the jharokhas, the women folk of the Palace, adorned in their jewels, eagerly watched the arrivals. They whispered, teased, and subtly admired the handsome Kings and Princes and their mighty stance. Both Princesses were there with their personal aides and daasis, and Rani Roopai stood among the elder women of the Palace and the King's sisters, who instructed the younger girls to stay composed and not get too chirpy. The atmosphere was lively, jovial and filled with hope. Then, a dashing, young, tall, dark and handsome, newly crowned King of Kalaneel Dynasty appeared! A striking man rode into the Palace on horseback. "The newly crowned King of the Northern Lands of the Upper Continent, Raja Maniket Manan, from the Kalaneel Dynasty", the announcer declared! Rani Roopai glanced at him as the younger women giggled and complimented his charm. Rani Roopai broke into a smile with intent. As the Chandraprava Royals welcomed their hopes of standing against Azael Aftaab Murzaan, the man himself was already wandering the outer streets near the Indira Palace.
Emperor Aftaab walked into a large food stall, right outside the Indira Palace, with seating arrangements and sat at one of the tables laid out. One of the servers sized him up and snapped, "hey, you! You can't take up the entire table. These are for paying customers with big families." Aftaab glared at him, and the man barked, "what are you showing me your eyes for? I said, go away." The owner of the stall intervened, "...stop it!", he said, walking over, his massive pot-belly made its presence felt. He glanced at Aftaab, then said to the server, "It's Bihuru time, and he looks like a sadhu." ( a holy man who renounces worldly life for a spiritual journey, living with minimal possessions, clad in simple saffron robes, relying on alms for their sustenance.) He turned to Aftaab and said, "Come here, dada (brother). Sit here." He offered him a small seat next to the cooking area. Aftaab stayed composed, thanked him, and sat down. When asked about his whereabouts, he said he was there for Goddess Indira. Emperor Aftaab, disguised as a sadhu, ate the plain food offered to him, and he skillfully drew the talkative owner into a conversation about the festivities and the happenings of the Palace. The owner shared, "rumour is, Raja Moti Chandraprava has organised this festival on such a grand scale because he's seeking a groom for his eldest daughter, Princess Veera." Aftaab, in disguise, casually enquired about the Princess and learned about her beauty, and how well-read she was, and how she was a skilled warrior as well, and that that wasn't all, she was a master of court politics as well. The owner shared, "If she wasn't a princess, she'd probably be ruling Indira herself! It is not going to be easy for Raja Moti Chandraprava to find a suitable groom for such a talented Princess like our beloved Princess Veera!" Emperor Aftaab was intrigued to hear of a woman skilled in politics and warfare- it was unheard of! But soon the talks turned to the Murzaan Dynasty, and the opinion was far from kind- crass, mannerless, inhumane, without order, ruled by a mad King raised by helpers. The owner spoke with disdain, "...Azael Aftaab Murzaan was a monster from the day he was born. They say his own parents left him because they saw the evil in him." Aftaab's blood boiled, but he masked it well. He thanked the man for the meal and wandered into the crowd.
That night, Rani Roopai waited impatiently for her King, her husband to visit her boudoir. Raja Moti arrived excited, and announced "my Queen! I found just the man for our Veera! Raja Maniket Manan, from the Kalaneel Dynasty! He too mentioned about the troubles he has been facing with the Murzaans and he doesn't seem like he is looking for an alliance with the Murzaans, but probably wants to rule the Southern Lands himself!" Rani Roopai enquired, "but is that even possible?" Raja Moti shared, "Kalaneel Dynasty has been known for its wealth and kindness, and Raja Maniket is a young blood. He wants to challenge himself and his Kingdom, and I must say, he should! He has travelled across seas to arrive at the festival." Rani Roopai was hopeful after hearing this. Raja Moti stated with surety, "Princess Veera would be a happy Queen, and Chandraprava Dynasty will gain a powerful ally, who might just rule the Southern Lands in due time." Rani Roopai was elated to hear of this, when the King worried about Veera, and if Veera would accept Raja Maniket as her groom. Rani Roopai immediately thought of a resolution and confidently said, "leave that to me, my King." Raja Moti smiled being well aware of his wife's skills at petticoat politics.
The following evening marked the main event of the Harvest festivities, Bihuru. The Chandraprava Royalties, their ministers with their families, and commoners all gathered at the sacred pond of Goddess Indira. The Royal Family, escorted by guards, walked together towards the sacred pond. Rani Roopai told her daughters, the two princesses, "...this is a sacred moment. Pray with a pure heart for what you truly desire. They say if you do so, a visual of your future will flash for a moment in the waters of this sacred pond, that you will see your future, your destiny!" The younger Princess, Princess Rekhaha joked with her mother, "I hope for a dashing groom like Raja Maniket, mother." Rani Roopai scolded her, "your turn will come soon, Princess Rekhaha. Patience. Girls these days have no shame." She turned to Princess Veera, "...and you? What will you pray for?" Princess Veera's voice hardened, "...all I want is the head of Azael Aftaab Murzaan." "Veera! Do not speak his name at this sacred place and time", Rani Roopai snapped, recalling Mayaila's awful premonition about Veera marrying a Murzaan king. But Veera pressed on, "What could be better than that for my future, mother? All I want is to see my sword at his throat." Rani Roopai was about to scold Veera when the moment was interrupted with Raja Maniket's arrival, and he approached the Queen and greeted her, "good evening, my lady. Thank you for inviting me to this very personal prayer with your family." Rani Roopai then introduced Princess Veera to Raja Maniket from the Kalaneel Dynasty and asked him if he could escort her to the sacred pond for her prayers. Princess Veera was caught off guard, and she realized her mother's intent to set her up with the young King, Raja Maniket. With a side glance at Rani Roopai, Princess Veera walked away with Raja Maniket toward the water. As the two approached the sacred pond, Emperor Aftaab too, in disguise, arrived in the crowd! He watched the Royalties and muttered to himself, "so much money wasted on their gods. No wonder this Empire is left with no wealth." His gaze then shifted and his eyes caught the sight of Princess Veera at a distance, "Is that the Princess they speak of?" He moved closer trying to get a better look at Princess Veera. Unaware that he was approaching the woman who would change his fate forever, Emperor Aftaab, disguised as a sadhu, walked towards Princess Veera. Just then, the winds picked up, hinting at a coming storm. Raja Maniket took Princess Veera's hand to help her sit at the edge of the pond, their eyes met and he sighed, "...you are the most beautiful Princess I have ever seen." Princess Veera teased him, "is that why you travelled across the Zaleela, the treacherous sea?" Raja Maniket laughed out, "a woman with beauty and wit! I wish I could say 'yes', but unfortunately, my journey concerns the Murzaan Emperor. His cruelty grows worse by the day, not just with trade restrictions, but in the way he has treated my men. I believe it is time someone taught him a lesson." Princess Veera's eyes lit up hearing this, "a noble thought, and I agree, a much-needed one! I shall pray for you and for your Army's victory against this monster." The two shared a moment of bonding as Princess Veera stepped into the sacred water, waist deep and folded her hands, and closed her eyes in prayer. Raja Maniket tried not to stare at the gorgeous Princess Veera in the water. Emperor Aftaab too, now nearer, stared in awe at Princess Veera, mesmerized! But just as she began her prayers, the sky darkened, thunder struck, and lightning cracked overhead as the storm engulfed the pond! "Princess Veera!", Raja Maniket called out to Veera and extended his arm. Princess Veera opened her eyes abruptly from her unfinished prayers and in the flash of lightning, she saw Emperor Aftaab's disguised face in the water, his reflection, for the first time! Princess Veera froze, her gaze locked in the water as the visual of Aftaab faded away. Confused as to who she saw, she turned around but found Raja Maniket. The moment was interrupted, as commotion broke when people ran for shelter. Princess Veera too rushed off with Raja Maniket and the crowd, but her anklet slipped off. Rain poured and the sacred pond emptied of people, except for Emperor Aftaab, who stood drenched, staring at the spot where Princess Veera stood moments ago. Slowly, he walked to the same place, picked up Veera's anklet, and inhaled its scent deeply, "Veera…! Princess Veera! You are, indeed, a priceless jewel." His eyes darkened with lust as he whispered, "You don't belong here in Indira. You belong in Shesh-a-Baad, in my harem. I must have you, Veera!" Emperor Aftaab smirked like a maniac lusting over Princess Veera!