The Woman

The woman who sparked the war was a stunning beauty, cherished by the people of Kubja. She was Nalini, the wife of Kubja's ruler, Daivya. Her captivating features included dusky skin, light brown eyes, and luscious hair that cascaded down to her hips. Her full lips, straight nose, and melodious voice only added to her allure.

The Nripati of Kanyak, consumed by his own desires, couldn't resist the temptation. He kidnapped Nalini and imprisoned her in his palace, sparking a chain of events that would inevitably lead to war.

The records provided a clear understanding of the war's events, a familiar tale of a man fighting to reclaim his love. Having grasped the context, my translation work became somewhat easier. Feeling the need for a break, I stepped out of the vast library and wandered through the palace, eventually finding myself in a breathtaking garden.

My gaze fell upon a woman adorned in white silk, sitting on the ground with jasmine flowers woven into her hair. A young boy, around 7 or 8 years old, giggled as he placed another flower in her locks.

..."Nalini!"...

A voice called out from behind. With a warm smile, she rushed towards the woman standing behind her, dressed in a red garment that draped her body and covered her head. The woman held a boy in her hand, and it became apparent that the two boys were twins.

..."Mr. Abner!"...

Ashiyane's voice echoed from the first-floor window.

..."I've brought you some Panaka, only to find you here!"...

..."I'll be right there!"...

I called out, already feeling a bit flustered. As I turned, I caught sight of the woman in a crisp white garment, her face lit up with a gentle smile as she walked towards me. She held the hand of a young child, who gazed up at her with wide, curious eyes. Her soft, melodious voice was laced with kindness as she asked, her tone hesitant yet sweet, as if unsure of interrupting.

..."The Orientalist from the West, I presume?"...

I smiled, trying to play it cool, but feeling my face heat up.

..."It seems that way,"...

I replied, attempting to sound nonchalant.

..."At this rate, Mr. Abner, I doubt you'll ever finish the translation,"...

She said, her voice dripping with dry humor. I looked down, chuckling awkwardly, feeling my embarrassment deepen. Little did I know, the evening had more surprises in store, ones that would leave me utterly speechless.

I was mid-bite when the words hit me like a ton of bricks

..."I heard you had met Lady Nalini this evening."...

My food lodged in my throat as I choked. The evening I spent with the Nripati of Kanyak, sharing a meal and conversation, was when it finally hit me. The women I had met earlier was incredibly, the same one I had read about in the records.

Nalini, the woman whose beauty had unknowingly ignited a war that had left deep scars. Nine years had passed since the Battle ended, and Kubja had claimed victory.

But as I lay awake that night, I couldn't shake off the questions: What kept her here, in this place? And what about those children, with eyes that seemed to hold a thousand stories? Their faces haunted me, and I couldn't help but wonder what their lives had been like, all these years.

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