HARIHARESHWARI 14 : CHANDRA CHAYAYAM SINGHASANAM

CHAPTER 65

As Dilip made his way back to his chamber, his heart heavy with the weight of his impending journey into the forest. His eyes were moistened, but he didn't even let a single drop escape.

But as he stepped into his chamber, a wave of emotions crashed over him at the sight of his beloved wife, Aarvi. Clad in simple, unadorned attire, she stood before him, and it struck a deep chord within his soul. The absence of her usual regal garments and the sparkle of her ornaments pierced his heart like a thousand tiny thorns.

He had always loved to see her bedecked in the finest jewels and silks, a vision of beauty and grace that never failed to take his breath away. Seeing her standing there, stripped of her royal finery and ready to accompany him into the wilderness, Dilip's heart ached with a pain he had never known before.

Witnessing her sacrifice, her willingness to forsake the comforts of the palace to stand by his side, stirred a tempest of conflicting emotions within him. The tears that he had fought to hold back for so long finally broke free, cascading down his cheeks, for he could no longer contain them.

"Arya..." She went towards him as he shut his eyes, lowering his head. Aarvi gently held his face in her hands, her dainty fingers wiping away the tear.

"Tum aise nahi chalogi." Dilip said in sobs, "Tum Rajkumari ho, tum meri patni ho. Tum rajsi-thaat ke saath chalo, apne abhushano, angrakshako aur daasiyo ke saath chalo."

Aarvi smiled sadly, as she got on her tiptoes to embrace him. Burying his head on her shoulders, Dilip sobbed while she caressed his hair.

"Maa Sita ne bhi toh sabhi sukh tyaage the, Shri Ram ke liye. Woh toh hum Streeyo ke liye prerna hai. Aur jab aap Van ka kasht bhogenge, toh mai Rajsi-sukh ka bhog kaise kar sakti hu ? Yeh ashobhniya hai, Aryaputra." She said.

She made him look at her, and with determination etched on his face she said, "Aur vivahit stree ke liye uske saubhagya chinnho se badh kar kaunsa abhushan hota hai ? Aapke naam ka sindoor, mangalsutra, chudamani, kangan aur bichiya ko chhod..... Sabhi anya abhushan mere liye maati samaan hai."

Dilip felt a wave of emotion wash over him as he looked into Aarvi's eyes, filled with love and unwavering support. He wiped away his tears, for it did not befit him to fall weak at this moment.

He then went towards the bed, taking off his glory crown, silently renouncing his position as the Yuvraj of Avanti. Seeing this Aarvi's eyes brimmed with unshed tears. She knew how much this decision weighed on him.

As Dilip glanced back at her, Aarvi forced a smile, her eyes betraying the sadness she felt deep within. She knew that this was his choice, but it didn't make it any easier to see him give up his birthright.

Dilip removed his other ornaments and regal attire, ready to leave behind the trappings of royalty for the unknown journey that lay ahead.

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As they made their way through the palace gates, they were met with a heart-wrenching sight. The citizens of Mahishmati had gathered on either side of the lane, tears streaming down their faces as they bid farewell to their beloved prince and princess.

The air was filled with the sound of sobbing and lamentation, the citizens were confused, they were perplexed, no one knew why their crown-prince was retiring at such a young age. They couldn't even imagine in their wildest dreams that this day would arrive so soon.

Dilip and Aarvi too were deeply saddened by the thought of leaving their kingdom and the people they had devoted their lives to serving. But they held back their tears, determined to show strength and resolve in the face of their departure.

Atop the palace, King Jayasen, stood with glistening eyes, watching the procession with a heavy heart. The weight of the moment was heavy on him, as he knew that the kingdom would never be the same without Dilip and Aarvi. He was burdened by the knowledge of his sons' misdeeds, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down upon him.

Beside him, Maharani Rajadhidevi wept uncontrollably, her sorrow echoing through the halls. Her maids tried their best to console her, but the departure of her son like brother-in-law and sister-in-law was a wound that seemed impossible to heal.

Meanwhile, Vinda and Anuvinda, stood off to the side, wearing smug smiles as they watched their uncle and aunt leave. They relished in the departure of their perceived rivals, reveling in the satisfaction of their own twisted victory.

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A/N

Itihaas gavah hai ki Chakravyuh apne hi rachte hai 🌝
Aur yeh toh hai hi Mahabharat 🌝🔥

Can you all guess what will be the fate of Dilip and Aarvi ? 🌝

Btw you all shall get double updates from now for this book ✨
Reason ?
I've finished it 😂