Ch-61: Dreams and Delight
Parambadur, deeply respectful of Vijay, understood the gravity of the situation, but he also knew the importance of Vijay's well-being. As he spoke to his young master, he maintained a composed demeanor, his voice carrying a sense of urgency but also reassurance.
"Young master," Parambadur began, "the situation is indeed concerning, but it is not yet at a point where we require your extensive support. Our 500 soldiers are well-equipped and well-trained. When the enemy first attacked, our troops efficiently repelled the initial wave. However, it seems the enemy forces have now decided to set up camp in front of our city walls. They appear to be biding their time, waiting for the right moment to launch another assault."
Parambadur paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on Vijay, who was clearly fatigued and in pain. "I understand your eagerness to assess the situation firsthand, young master, but your health is of utmost importance. You've already endured a grueling journey and faced the enemy head-on. Rest and recovery are essential. Our soldiers are vigilant, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely."
With a respectful nod, Parambadur made his exit, leaving Vijay to contemplate the unfolding events and the delicate balance between his own well-being and the needs of Hampura.
Malini sat by Vijay's side, her fingers gently massaging his forehead as he lay weakly on the bed. The room was filled with an air of concern and tenderness, a mother's love and a son's fatigue mingling in the silence.
"Vijay," Malini began softly, her voice carrying a sense of curiosity, "do you like the princess?"
Vijay, despite his weakened state, couldn't help but facepalm lightly. Not this topic again. His mother had a way of circling back to this question, and it always left him slightly flustered. With an innocent expression, he replied, "I don't know, Mother. I don't have a clue what you're talking about."
Malini couldn't help but chuckle at her son's response. "No clue, huh?" she said with a hint of sarcasm, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his forehead. "Then why did you give your consent to her parents for the engagement?"
Vijay sighed, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I did it out of a sense of responsibility," he admitted. "It seemed like the need of the hour, and I didn't want to create any more tension."
However, his response didn't seem to appease his mother. She continued to probe, her tone still gentle but persistent. "Okay, that's a valid reason," she conceded. "But then, why didn't you demand to cancel the engagement when the King declared the marriage? Your father mentioned that there were no signs of you opposing the order."
Vijay's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment and yelled. "Why did Father have to say that?" Then suddenly something struck him as he muttered under his breath, realizing that he had walked right into a trap. He had spent the whole time with his father, and they hadn't discussed anything related to the marriage.
Malini observed her son with an amused grin. "So, you did have your consent for the marriage," she stated matter-of-factly. "And now it seems the wedding date has been decided this time. You're quite the handful, my dear. But I'm glad that you'll have someone by your side when I'm not around. Ah youth"
Vijay blushed even deeper, feeling a mixture of emotions. He couldn't deny the truth of his mother's words, and as he looked at her, he couldn't help but smile. She had a way of seeing through his defenses and getting to the heart of the matter, even when he tried to avoid the topic. Their conversation, while filled with a touch of humor and embarrassment, was a reminder of the bond they shared, a bond that went beyond words and spoke of love and understanding.
As Malini continued to massage his forehead, Vijay closed his eyes, feeling a sense of warmth and security wash over him. In that moment, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he had the unwavering support of his family, and that was a comforting thought indeed.
------------------------------------
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the night began to cast its shadow, Vijay found himself feeling a little better. The weariness from their journey and the recent events had taken its toll on him, but the comfort of being home and surrounded by family brought a sense of solace.
The family gathered together for a late meal, one that they had missed due to the day's unexpected turn of events. Plates were piled high with food, and they began to devour their meals with an eagerness born out of hunger and relief.
Amid the clinking of utensils and the hearty laughter that filled the room, Vaishakhnandan took the opportunity to recount Vijay's recent achievements in the Royal Capital. He spoke passionately about how Vijay had emerged as an unsung hero of Vidya, his words painting a vivid picture of bravery and valor.
The entire family was captivated by Vaishakhnandan's storytelling, and they listened intently as he wove a narrative that made Vijay sound like a true superhero. His eyes sparkled with pride as he described his son's courage in the face of adversity, the ingenious plans that had turned the tide of battle, and the unwavering determination that had seen them through.
Vijay couldn't help but blush at his father's exaggerated retelling of the events. While he appreciated the praise, he also knew that the reality had been far less glamorous. Still, he couldn't deny the warmth that swelled in his heart at the sight of his family's admiration and love.
As the lively conversation continued and the family shared their thoughts on Vijay's recent exploits, it became clear that each member of the household was intrigued by something different.
Rudra, Vijay's younger brother, was utterly fascinated by the idea of using wildfire as a weapon. The concept of eliminating enemies with a raging inferno seemed like something out of a thrilling legend, and his imagination ran wild with thoughts of fiery battles and daring escapes.
Shruti, Vijay's younger sister, couldn't help but be smitten by the image of her brother as an enigmatic and heroic figure on the battlefield. In her mind, she pictured him leading troops with unwavering confidence, a symbol of strength and valor. Her admiration for her brother had grown immensely, and she couldn't be prouder.
Nandini, the oldest sister in the family, had always been a bit skeptical of her brother's abilities. However, it seemed that his recent achievements had slowly begun to change her perspective. She found herself considering the possibility that maybe, just maybe, her brother was capable of extraordinary feats. Her doubts were giving way to a newfound respect for his capabilities.
Malini, Vijay's mother, was a bundle of excitement and anticipation. She hadn't been listening too closely to the intricacies of the story, but one thing had caught her attention: her son was going to be the king of the empire. The prospect of having a beautiful princess as her daughter-in-law filled her heart with joy and eagerness. She couldn't wait for the upcoming marriage, and her mind was already overflowing with ideas for the grand celebration.
As the night wore on and the family's discussions continued, it was clear that Vijay's recent adventures had left a lasting impact on each of them, sparking their imaginations and reshaping their perceptions of him. In that moment, the bonds of family grew stronger, and their love and pride for Vijay deepened even further.