15. Leela.

This narrative falls within the literary domain, distinct from the work authored by Aditi, which exclusively presents Dhrupad's viewpoint. In this context, Arjun serves merely as a representation of Rudra, embodying the complexities of his character and the emotional landscape he navigates.

Before his ascension to the throne, during the formative years of his youth at the tender age of 18, Rudranath found himself entwined in a romantic relationship with a captivating young woman named Leela. This tale intricately weaves around her essence, delving into the depths of their connection and the underlying reasons for Arjun's hesitance to embark on a new romantic journey.

**Rudra's Perspective:**

I find myself seated beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient tree, the uneven ground beneath me a reminder of the tumultuous path I have traveled. The moonlight bathes the world in a silvery glow, illuminating the remnants of my recent struggles. In my hand, I grip my Inferno blade, its surface stained with the blood of my adversaries—a testament to the battles I have fought and the victories I have claimed. I hastened to this secluded spot, seeking solace after my triumph in combat, yearning for the presence of someone dear to me, someone who has always been my guiding light, even in the darkest of times—my beloved Leela.

As I drift into a reverie, lost in thoughts of her laughter and the warmth of her embrace, I suddenly feel the gentle touch of two hands covering my eyes from behind. A rush of familiarity floods over me, igniting a spark of joy within my heart.

"Can you guess who it is?" Her voice, soft and melodious, dances through the air, wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. It is a sound that I have longed to hear, a melody that resonates with the very core of my being, making me wish to immerse myself in it forever.

With a tender smile, I carefully remove her hands from my eyes, turning to face her. The sight of her—radiant and full of life—fills me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love.

"Of course, it is you, my love. My Leela," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the fragile moment we share. "Look, I have triumphed in battle. I seek my reward."

Her laughter rings out like a chime, brightening the night around us. 

Her words felt like refreshing water in a vast desert, quenching a thirst I didn't even know I had. I looked into her eyes, those deep pools of warmth and encouragement, and felt a surge of hope. The thought of meeting her family filled me with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Would they see the man I was, or just the uniform I wore? 

"I hope they see me for who I truly am," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. 

She leaned in closer, her breath warm against my cheek. "They will. They care about me, and if I love you, they will see the goodness in you. Just be yourself."

Her faith in me was a balm to my worries. I had always been the soldier, the protector, the one who followed orders without question. But with her, I felt the possibility of being more—of being a partner, a husband, a man worthy of love. 

"What if they have questions?" I asked, my mind racing with scenarios. "What if they don't understand my past?"

She chuckled softly, the sound like music to my ears. "Then we'll answer them together. I'll be right by your side, holding your hand. You're not alone in this."

Her reassurance wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and I couldn't help but smile wider. "You really believe in me, don't you?"

"With all my heart," she replied, her gaze unwavering. "You've fought battles that most people can't even imagine. This is just another one, and I know you'll come out victorious."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words settle in my chest. The thought of her family accepting me was daunting, but her unwavering support made it feel possible. I could envision the moment—walking into their home, her hand in mine, and the warmth of their smiles welcoming me. 

"What if they ask about my service?" I ventured, still grappling with the uncertainties. 

"Then you tell them the truth," she said, her voice steady. "You share your experiences, your sacrifices. They'll respect you for it. You're not just a soldier; you're a man who has given so much for others."

Her confidence in me ignited a fire within. I could do this. I could face her family and show them the man I was becoming. 

"Thank you for believing in me," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "

Leela's Family Home, Late Evening

The sky's turning pitch black, with nasty clouds rolling in, casting an ominous shadow over the small, cramped house. Inside, the air is thick with tension, and Leela's parents are on edge, their faces twisted in worry and frustration. Leela, dressed in a plain but classy sari that feels heavier than usual, stands by the window, her heart weighed down with dread. The distant rumble of thunder mirrors the turmoil in her mind. I'm hanging by the door, eavesdropping on their conversation, and it's anything but normal.

"Leela, you need to get it through your thick skull. Rudra might be brave, but his background... we can't just ignore that. Our ancestors have stuck to these traditions for ages," her father barks, his voice rising with each word, echoing off the walls like a warning bell.

"But Dad, Rudra is a good guy. He's fought for our kingdom like a champ. Why does his caste even matter?" Leela shoots back, her voice trembling with a mix of defiance and desperation. She can feel the weight of her family's expectations pressing down on her, but her heart beats fiercely for Rudra, the man who has shown her kindness and courage.

"Leela, we have a duty to our family and society. Our decision is set in stone," her mother chimes in, her tone final and unyielding, delivering the final nail in the coffin of Leela's hopes. The words hang in the air, heavy and suffocating, as if they are sealing her fate.

Leela's heart plummets as her dreams shatter, the vision of a future with Rudra slipping through her fingers like sand. She feels a lump forming in her throat, a mix of anger and sorrow bubbling just beneath the surface. Just then, a loud bang on the door breaks the silence, and the tension in the room thickens like fog, wrapping around them all.

"Who the hell could that be at this hour?" her father snaps, his irritation flaring as he strides toward the door, the creaking floorboards protesting under his weight. Leela's pulse quickens; the unexpected visitor could be anyone, but her instincts tell her it might be Rudra, come to fight for their love.

Her mother shoots a worried glance at Leela, and for a fleeting moment, their eyes lock, a silent understanding passing between them. 

"Who could possibly be at this hour?" her father exclaims.

Rudra:

The door swings open, and I stride in, my expression contorted with anger. My gaze, typically warm when directed at Leela, now burns with an intense fury.

"Why do you turn me away after all I have sacrificed for this kingdom? Do you believe I am inferior because of my lineage?" I confront her father, my eyes filled with indignation.

I had always recognized that her family was among the most esteemed in the Court, yet I never anticipated such blatant discrimination based on birth.

Leela's parents maintain their composure, though a hint of fear begins to show on their faces. Leela is such a kind-hearted girl; how can her parents exhibit such rigidity? They seem no different from the other citizens of this kingdom who judge based on caste, religion, and lineage.

"It is not a matter of personal feelings, Rudra. We hold you in high regard, but our traditions—" her father attempts to explain.

Traditions? I have sacrificed for this land! I have endured battles so that you may find peace! And yet, you refuse me the one thing I yearn for?" I exclaim, my voice rising in intensity.

Leela steps forward, attempting to soothe my agitation.

Leela (softly):

"Rudra, please. Let's find a way to resolve this. There must be an alternative."

However, overwhelmed by rejection and my own turmoil, I am beyond reason. I brandish a torch, its flames flickering ominously.

Rudra (in a cold tone):

"If I cannot receive your blessing, then no one will. I will obliterate everything that stands between us!"

I hurl the torch to the ground, and in an instant, the flames begin to engulf the house. Leela's parents cry out, desperately trying to escape, but the fire spreads too rapidly.

Leela, her voice filled with anguish and tears streaming down her cheeks, cries out, "No, Rudra! Stop! What have you done?!"

The crackling flames drown out her desperate pleas as they consume their home. Rudra stands frozen, the weight of his choices beginning to settle upon him.

With a blend of horror and heartbreak, Leela turns to face him, her eyes burning with a fury that rivals the blaze surrounding them.

Leela, her voice quivering with rage, declares, "Do you really believe that you can compel me to love you by annihilating everything I cherish? You are no honorable man, Rudra. You are a monster!"

She takes a step back, maintaining her gaze on him, and begins to walk away from the inferno that was once their home.

Rudra, in a desperate tone, pleads, "Leela, please wait! I did this for us, for our future!"

Leela, cold and resolute, replies without turning back, "There is no 'us' anymore, Rudra. You destroyed that along with my family. I would rather marry anyone else than you!"

As Leela fades into the darkness, leaving Rudra amidst the flames, the once proud general comes to the painful realization that he has lost everything—his love, his honor, and his very soul.

The scene concludes with Rudra collapsing to his knees, the fire mirroring the anguish in his eyes, as the repercussions of his actions begin to engulf him.