"Ah! shit. I missed again. Seems like my bad day today"exclaimed Sitaara in dejection as she failed her third try to catch the fish in net. "It seems that fishes has got to know you by now and they are trying their best not to be caught in your trap after looking at your horrible face" teased his elder brother Advik who had caught four fishes already and was showing them proudly to others. " Stop already! You both are always fighting. There are children here too. Don't set a bad example for them" scolded their eldest sister Saanvi. "I have collected all the wild flowers needed for the medicine. Let's return. It's already getting dark" ordered Saanvi and Sitaara and Advik had to do nothing but to follow her.
"Why are you so tensed. They are not children anymore and believe me as long as they are together, nothing can harm them" queen Ahalaya said to her husband and the king Surya pratap as she saw her looking out of the window worriedly. He replied "No matter how old their child grow up , a parent's heart can never stop worrying about them and after that childhood incident...". "Shh..! It seems they are here" queen signalled the king to stay silent as she heard some noises from outside. "Mother!Today it seems my luck was spending a luxurious holiday somewhere. I was unable to caught even a single fish"complained Sitaara as soon as she entered. "It's okay dear.."consoled her mother as her father filled her in his arms. 'It's nice to have someone to hug you with smile spread on their face when you come home from a bad day' thought Sitaara.
She was pleased to have such a caring father and a loving family. Being the youngest in her family she was used to be pampered by all. But what's unusual was this love from all didn't made her stubborn or lazy but a supporting and strong person who was ready to do anything that takes to protect her family and loved ones from any harm. She started learning various martial arts techniques since she was a child. She was always ready to help anyone in need. Due to this not only her family members but the whole Satyagarh* used to praise her and give her examples to their children. No wonder her father used to call her man of the family though she was only seventeen. But of course she was not milk washed*. Although she used to stay strong in front of others so that they can trust her and rely upon her, still sometimes she used to feel the need to receive some support from others also. She used to believe that it would be better to have someone to talk to, to share honest feelings with them about how she feared what will happen if she will lose her loved ones. To talk about what perspective she had about life and to know others opinion about that. But as she had created the image of hers as a person who was strict and serious, she never dared to change her image. Thus she used to crave for someone who she could have a heartfelt talk to. Though she used to play a lot with her elder brother who was two years older than her and converse with her sister and the eldest daughter of the king, Saanvi , still she never felt she had met someone who could fill that empty space of hers.
"Hey! How long are you gonna hug me like this" the king's voice broke her long array of thoughts."And don't forget to get yourself prepared for the tomorrow's meet. This has to be a great event and not even a minor mistake can be neglected. Leaders of different states will come here for the grand discussion tomorrow so make sure not to displease anyone". "We'll take care father" said Sitaara as she left the room wondering how her next day will went considering her bad luck today.
*Satyagarh is a village where king Surya pratap used to reign.
*Milk washed means being extremely pure.