Next Morning – At Ashoka's Chamber
Skand was just about to enter the chamber when he saw something disturbing: two soldiers were carrying out a lifeless body covered in a blood-stained cloth.
Soldier 1 (quietly to the other):"If that man had just controlled his tongue, he might still be alive today."
Soldier 2 (grimly):"His mistake was refusing an assignment given by Emperor Ashoka. And now… this is the result."
Skand (thinking nervously):Sometimes… Emperor Ashoka is terrifying.
He took a deep breath and stepped into the chamber, bowing respectfully before the Emperor.
Skand (humbly):"Greetings, Your Majesty. This humble servant awaits your command."
Ashoka (smiling faintly):"Ah, there you are. I've been expecting you."
Skand (cautiously):"What task may I serve you with, Your Majesty?"
Ashoka let out a quiet laugh.
Ashoka:"I knew you'd say that. I want you to go to Kalinga as our envoy. Convince them to allow us access to their port and put an end to the disturbances along our shared border. If they don't cooperate, the consequences… will not be pleasant."
The room fell silent. Skand seemed to freeze for a moment, trying to fully grasp the weight of the mission. Then—
Skand (anxiously):"Your Majesty… I'm afraid I cannot carry out this task."
Ashoka's expression sharpened, his gaze turning cold.
Ashoka (slowly):"Are you refusing a command from your Emperor?"
Skand (panicked, recalling the corpse outside):"No, no! I don't mean to refuse, Your Majesty. I only meant… I'm not experienced in politics. I've never even been part of a diplomatic mission. How could I manage something so sensitive?"
Ashoka (smirking darkly):"A man who can persuade the Chief Queen to stand by his side—with barely any effort—shouldn't find this task too difficult."
Skand (thinking anxiously):It's clear now… the Emperor is holding a grudge. Just because I convinced the Queen, he's determined to test me—or punish me.
Skand (with a heavy heart):"As you command, Your Majesty. When do I leave?"
Ashoka paused… then smiled slyly.
Ashoka:"Weren't you just on a blind date yesterday? How did it go? Was the match successful?"
Skand (still in a daze):"In a way, yes. The families will soon meet to finalize the marriage date."
Ashoka raised an eyebrow, then gave a mock-thoughtful nod.
Ashoka:"Very well. Consider this a gift from your Emperor—I'll relieve you of the Kalinga assignment… until your wedding is done."
Skand (thinking in disbelief):What…? Is he sparing me because he doesn't want my bride to become a widow before the wedding?
Ashoka turned toward the door and left the chamber.
Ashoka (casually, as he exited):"By the way—congratulations on your engagement."
At Skand's Haveli
Suvana and Draupadi were seated in the drawing room with Utkarsh, chatting warmly.
Utkarsh (gratefully):"If it weren't for you, none of this would've been possible. We owe you everything."
Suvana:"Oh, come now. It was Skand who helped me in a time of need. And let's not forget, the hard work was yours."
Suddenly, Suvana's tone shifted. His face turned serious.
Suvana (clearing his throat):"Actually… I came here today for something important."
Utkarsh (thinking nervously):Finally, he's getting to the point. But why does he look so serious?
Suvana:"Skand and my daughter Draupadi recently went on a blind date. At my suggestion. They've gotten to know each other and expressed mutual interest.So I've come here today to propose an alliance between our families—to strengthen this bond.Tell me, would you accept this marriage?"
For a moment, silence fell over the room. Skand's mother and Utkarsh exchanged surprised glances, processing the sudden news.
Then—
Utkarsh (shocked and irritated):"So Skand chose a girl, went on a blind date… and didn't tell us a thing? Just wait till he gets back—I'll deal with him properly!"
Skand's Mother (overjoyed):"At last! He finally chose someone!"
She turned to Draupadi, beaming.
Skand's Mother (to Utkarsh):"Look at our fortune! She's beautiful, cultured, and comes from such a good family. Girls like her are rare these days."
Draupadi (blushing, thinking):Everyone here is so warm and welcoming. I worried for nothing.
Suvana (smiling at Utkarsh):"So… shall we fix the wedding date?"
To Be Continued…