A LOVE IN FIRST SITE

The night draped itself over the world, a velvet cloak embroidered with the glittering poetry of stars. A profound tranquillity settled, a balm to weary minds and bodies, inviting the heart to find its steady, comforting rhythm. Night, in its quiet majesty, offered a reward, a moment of respite to soothe the soul.

This particular night, in the heart of a crisp December, held a unique significance. It was the eve of Christmas, a holiday newly embraced by a France still reeling from the throes of revolution. The air crackled with a tentative sense of peace, a fragile truce in a land accustomed to tumult. For Alexander, a Persian king, merchant, and seasoned traveler, it was a moment of quiet reflection before embarking on another journey.

Having shared a simple, heartfelt dinner with his beloved daughters, Tracy and Stella, Alexander prepared to set sail for Hindustan, the land we now know as India. Unlike Vasco da Gama, who arrived by sea in 1497, Alexander had ventured to India by land in 1327, facing formidable challenges. His initial attempts were fraught with hardship; his soldiers succumbed to illness and homesickness, forcing a retreat. However, Alexander, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a keen business sense, returned, this time navigating the sea route through the Indus River, conquering parts of the Deccan region.

His initial land expedition had been a baptism of fire, a clash with the king of Deccan, a region encompassing modern-day Pakistan. The Deccan king's war elephants, formidable beasts of war, had sent Alexander's troops reeling, leaving many dead. The experience had taught Alexander the value of diplomacy, leading him to forge a peace treaty and establish lucrative trade relations. His jewelry and antique business flourished, thriving amidst the shifting political landscape of a post-revolutionary world.

The tumultuous era of the French Revolution, with its internal conflicts and the fall of monarchs, had instilled in Alexander a deep appreciation for peace. His focus shifted from conquest to commerce, fostering the growth of burgeoning business organizations. Yet, his heart remained tethered to his daughters, Tracy and Stella. The loss of his wife, Catherine, when the girls were young, had left a void he could not fill, preventing him from seeking another marriage.

Raising his daughters while managing his vast business empire had been a Herculean task. Though a loyal maidservant provided assistance, the weight of both responsibilities rested heavily on Alexander's shoulders. Now, with his daughters blossoming into young women, the time had come to consider their future.

As his ship cut through the waves, Alexander's thoughts turned to King Pratap of Hindustan. He envisioned a potential alliance, a marriage between his daughters and Pratap's sons, Rudra and Prakash, or his daughter. These young princes, known for their skill and character, seemed ideal partners. The prospect of solidifying the peace treaty through marriage appealed to Alexander's strategic mind.

After a week of travel, Alexander's ship reached the shores of Hindustan. He made his way to King Pratap's palace, presenting himself as a merchant seeking to expand his jewelry trade. King Pratap, impressed by Alexander's demeanor and the quality of his wares, readily agreed to a trade treaty.

Alexander's business thrived, his profits exceeding his expectations. He began to immerse himself in the vibrant culture of Hindustan, savoring the rich traditions, the delectable cuisine, and the warmth of the people. He observed the workings of the court, noting Rudra's expertise in exports and security, and Prakash's talent for jewelry design and marketing.

He regularly presented his daughters with exquisite jewelry samples, each piece a testament to the artistry of Hindustan. Rudra, curious about the recurring gifts, inquired about their purpose. Alexander explained that they were for his daughters, a way to share the beauty of his travels and promote his business.

Tracy, in particular, developed a keen interest in the jewelry designs, her curiosity ignited by their intricate craftsmanship. She and Stella eagerly listened to their father's tales of adventure, dreaming of the day they could explore the world themselves.

One evening, after a shared meal, Tracy and Stella pleaded with their father to take them on his next voyage. Initially hesitant, Alexander relented, agreeing to bring them to Hindustan. The girls, sheltered and accustomed to the refined life of Greek society, were about to embark on an adventure that would change their lives forever.

Upon their arrival, they settled into a guest house near the palace. Nearby resided Aakash Sharma, a skilled goldsmith from the Sunar community. Aakash, secretly a member of the Black Dragon Group, a cabal steeped in dark practices, harbored a deep-seated vendetta against King Pratap. His father, a former member of the group, had been killed for failing to spread greed among the people, leaving Aakash orphaned and consumed by a thirst for revenge.

Aakash, a master of both martial arts and black magic, saw in Tracy and Stella an opportunity to further his sinister plans. He was particularly drawn to Tracy, captivated by her ethereal beauty. While Stella was equally lovely, Tracy possessed an allure that held Aakash spellbound.

He began to showcase his jewelry designs, mesmerizing Tracy and Stella with their intricate beauty. Stella, drawn to Aakash's handsome features and captivating eyes, secretly harbored feelings for him. Tracy, however, remained aloof, her admiration limited to his artistic talent. She yearned for a partner who embodied the strength and wisdom of her father.

The palace gardens, visible from the guest house, offered a sanctuary for the girls. One day, while strolling through the gardens, they encountered Rudra and Prakash, who were relaxing beneath the shade of the trees. The garden, a riot of colors and fragrances, held them captive.

Suddenly, a bird plummeted from a tree, an arrow piercing its wing. Tracy rushed to its aid, as did Rudra. Their hands met as they reached for the arrow, their foreheads colliding.

"Hey, Mister," Tracy exclaimed, "I found the bird first, so I will heal its wound."

"I found the arrow first," Rudra retorted, "and I should heal it."

This chance encounter, a clash of wills and a spark of attraction, would set in motion a chain of events that would shape their destinies. The story, recounted through the pages of Rudra's grandfather's diary, revealed the past lives of the protagonists, a tapestry woven with love, intrigue, and destiny.