Her eyes stared in melancholy at him at a distance. He had ordered them to leave. It was not safe anymore at the fort or the villages nearby. The troops have witnessed rapid army movement. A war was inevitable. Just to make sure his family was safe, he had ordered his wife, Queens and children to move to Avadgarh with some trusted officials. It was time for they to leave with the rest of the villagers being evacuated from their homes. Her eyes fell on an old man wiping tears as he moved out of his house, and touched the soil to his forehead. She had seen it before, yet today, she felt like the losses were too personal. She walked up to him, standing in front of his tent, in silence. "Is this really needed... I..."
"We have discussed this once, Maharani." His voice of decorum rang a bell in her mind. They were in the public eye. It was the king of Mewar she was talking to. Not her friend. Or her husband. Not someone she can force to let her stay. They had argued over it too many times before. He was firm about it. She stared at the people leaving. And sighed at the man standing in silence. His eyes were sparkling. Hadn't he lost his home too? Far many times more than these people? Each time the enemy camped? Or a battle was lost? "I am leaving for Avad with everyone, Ranaji. Don't worry about them." She spoke almost like a whisper of disappointment and giving in.
"Don't worry about me." He said with a hint of a smile and relief in his voice, even when he didn't look at her. She stared at his face. She remembered all the times he had called her home. Today, she didn't want to leave. He knew that. But she must.
"Take care ... Of Mewar", her voice shook with uncertainty. He smiled proudly at her. This was exactly why she was home to him.
"I will see you soon, Ajab." His voice was full of confidence. Eyes met with worries and insecurities, all set to rest with a warm smile.
~ Suranya