Luck helps the brave??

Capital, Chandragarh

Looking at the energetic people who were cheering in front of him, Prince Mahendra thought back to the discovery which occurred six months ago, leading up to the events of this day. It was the occasion of an elaborate naval exercise in the Saptsindhu sea. This was the same body of water which connected the Eastern zilla in Chandragarh to the Saptsindhu. The difference was that the nature of sea on Eastern zilla side was a lot choppier than in Saptsindhu.

Six months ago, Saptsindhu

It was a sunny day and wore a festive look because of the naval fleet's celebrations. While conducting the drill, the most experienced group of Saptsindhu divers were also showcasing their abilities in the sea. Suddenly, an officer came upto Prince Mahendra and whispered something in his ear. The prince looked at him in surprise and called an abrupt halt to the celebrations.

"I am afraid that there has been an unfortunate incident in the water. Several naval officers have been injured. We need the coast clear to carry out rescue mission. I request all the dignitaries to kindly go back. The celebrations have been cancelled upon the orders of the Prince," the conductor of the event announced somberly.

Once all the civilians and low ranking officers went away from there, the prince came up to the shore and waited for the full report.

Apparently, an abandoned cave was discovered accidentally by the large group of divers during the naval exercises just now. Since it was low tide, they were able to see and enter the place. Upon exploring the same, it turned out to be a long underground structure which stretched up to many kilometres. The divers who went in, resurfaced with the impression that this construction was really ancient. Probably, when it had been made, this area wouldn't have been under water.

Prince Mahendra furrowed his brows and asked, "Is that even possible? Hasn't the sea always been there?"

Few days later, the prince who was a proficient swimmer himself, went exploring this underground wonder. After returning from there, the prince ordered immediate construction of a door to this tunnel which opened out in the sea. He had just thought of an outlandish idea!

"Start recruiting as many people as possible from Eastern zilla in Chandragarh. I need a mole in the Suraksha Chakra team, also in the naval fleet at the Eastern coast and as many civilians as you can get your hands on. The budget for this is unlimited but I need people who have a lot to lose. Since I can't afford a leak, these people should be 'motivated' enough to betray their country and stay loyal to me," Prince Mahendra issued this command to his spy network.

Three weeks later

"The Eastern zilla chief, Sharada, has sent a message through our man. He… uh, she seems to be really keen on working with us but wants to meet you personally once," the strategy minister informed Prince Mahendra.

"Minister, make sure that you get your honorific right for someone who may become an important ally in the near future. Arrange for the meeting with her at Vayuprastha. The vigilance is easy to manage there," the prince replied.

The minister was thoroughly embarrassed but he still had another matter to report, "Princess Kritika seems to have been sighted along with her groomsman, near the mountainous border area which we share with Chandragarh. I have increased the border patrol and our men are trying to find out her exact location. It seems that she has plans to seek asylum with the Chandragarh queen."

Prince Mahendra frowned in displeasure. But then his expressions eased out. His stupid sister was banking upon the enemity between the two countries but she probably was unaware that Saptsindhu enjoyed an extradition treaty with both Himprayag and Chandragarh. Even if she managed to escape, he could always bring her back. She owed them for the humiliation caused by her actions!

Present time

Prince Mahendra looked sideways at the Eastern zilla chief with a sardonic smile. He had found it really easy to work with someone who held clear, unadulterated goals. Sharada wanted riches and had been doing a lot of underhand activities in the past to become wealthy. But in a country like Chandragarh where corruption was penalised harshly, not many people were willing to help further his cause at a bigger scale.

Prince Mahendra's offer came to her at the absolute right time and she had no compunction whatsoever in selling her patriotism to a generous bidder.

"Is there something on my face?" Sharada asked in a hoarse voice.

Pain was etched all over her masculine face but it was overshadowed by the determination to succeed. She was here to enjoy the fruits of her labour. It would be the biggest irony if she died before seeing the success or living the riches for which she had done all this hard work. Damn that spy!

Right then a rider came and informed them, "Greetings to the Prince! Prince Mithilesh has sent the message confirming that the queen is on her death bed. You can march ahead."

Listening to the report, Prince Mahendra nodded in satisfaction. It was all happening as per plan now.

Himprayag

"I wish to retire early tonight. We have a lot to do tomorrow morning," with that Ahilya walked into the sleeping chamber, leaving a forlorn looking Gayatri in the sitting area of her chamber.

"Make sure that there is no lax in the princess's security. Get some extra people to stand outside the chamber door tonight," Gayatri gave the instructions to the person in charge of Princess Ahilya's personal security and left from there.

Midnight, Princess Ahilya's room

The moon had been obliterated by the dark clouds tonight. Even the lamps in the chambers seemed to tire out early and were glowing feebly. A long shadow fell on the sleeping woman's body.