Heartbeat

There was a certain beauty in the forests. The rustling of leaves. The birds are chirping. The moon shone in its crescent shape, and the stars were slowly becoming visible as the sky grew a shade darker. She parted the curtains of the caravan. The light of a torch was visible at a distance. The dusk had just set in, and they were almost there. Or so she was told. On any other normal day, she would have noticed the rustling of leaves or admired a bird's song. But today was not any other day. Rumours were flying. She was summoned immediately to this hideout after ten days of the war and waiting. She had travelled alone, leaving the family behind in the Bhil village where they had set up camp. Her heart beat increased. Was it bad news? She said a soft prayer as the caravan stopped. Ranima." She heard her son outside the curtains. Come with me".

The curtain parted, and her teary eyes met his disappointed face. "Where is he?" He had barely managed to point at the cave when she ran inside. A sign of relief swept across her face as the chiefs lowered their heads and left their king in privacy. With bruises and bandages all over his hand, body, and head, he was half seated upon the mattress and managed an assuring nod as she rushed to his side.

They said they... They killed..."

Ajabdeh," he smiled faintly. I'm here." She had hugged him in an impulse. Like her whole world was restored to existence. He could feel her hiding her fears as she shivered a little in his arms. He smiled and held her closer. Some battles were lost. But some losses gave such precious moments that made him stronger. He held her hand as if she gave him all the strength he needed.

"I have come to stay with you. I am not going back to the hideouts. I will be safe wherever you are, there to protect me."

"So you knew I was fine?" He asked, surprised. Always," she wiped away the coming tears.

"How?" He helped her with the smudged Kohl.

"Because my heart is still beating." She smiled, leaving Mewar's bravest speechless.

© Suranya