Vrinda's POV
As the morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold, I found myself standing at the entrance of the grand Kitchen of this palace fort, ready to embark on another day of work. My name is Vrinda, and fate had led me to this place where dreams intertwined with reality.
It had been a month since I started working as a maid in the palace, and each day had its own tale to tell. Not only was I toiling away to repay the hefty debt of 500,000 rupees, I owed to the palace owner, but I also called the maid quarters within the palace my home.
Stepping inside the palace, I marveled at its opulence. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, telling tales of valor and love from centuries ago. The polished marble floors reflected my image, reminding me of the small steps I needed to take on my path to redemption. It's been one month, I have been observing its grandeur, It still amazes me to the core.
Joining me on this life were my fellow maids, who had become more than just colleagues—they were my confidantes. We shared not only our workload but also stories of our lives, whispered in the hushed corners of the maid quarters. As I made my way to the pantry, I spotted Rina, a lively and warm-hearted young woman, preparing the morning tea.
"Good morning, Vrinda! Ready for another day of adventures in this magnificent palace?" Rina greeted me with a cheerful smile.
I chuckled and replied, "Good morning, Rina! Adventures indeed. There's always something new happening here. What's on the agenda today?"
Rina handed me a steaming cup of tea and said, "Well, the royal ball is scheduled by the end of the month, so the entire palace is buzzing with excitement. We need to ensure everything is spotless and ready for the event. Oh, and we have a surprise inspection from the head housekeeper this afternoon. So, buckle up!"
We both laughed, knowing that surprises were a part of our daily routine. As we sipped our tea, more maids joined us—Priya, Anika, and Leena. We shared stories, dreams, and hopes for a brighter future. These moments of camaraderie amidst our shared responsibilities made the challenges more bearable.
After a brief break, we dispersed to our assigned tasks, each with a specific area of the palace to maintain. I ventured into the Queen's chambers, delicately dusting the ornate furniture and arranging fresh flowers to accentuate the regal ambiance. As I worked, the whispers of conversations floated through the air, snippets of stories shared by the other maids during their respective duties.
Leena passed by, a mischievous smile on her face. "Did you hear the rumor about the hidden treasure somewhere in the palace?" she whispered, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
I raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Hidden treasure? Sounds intriguing. Do tell."
Leena leaned closer and shared, "Legend has it that a priceless gem, lost to time, is concealed within the walls of this very palace. Some say it's just a myth, but others believe it to be true. Imagine the wonders it could bring!"
We exchanged knowing glances, our imaginations taking flight, but we knew our primary focus was on our duties. It was a damn hell rumor. We all knew it. It was a escape route for us, indulging in these non-existing mere imaginary adventures. But this approach worked fine, and that was what, that really mattered. With newfound determination, I continued my work, keeping the palace in pristine condition.
As the day drew to a close, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the palace. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the bonds forged among the maids. We were not just ordinary workers; we were a sisterhood, supporting each other through the trials and triumphs of palace life.
With a smile on my face, I bid the palace farewell for the day, making my way back to the maid quarters. As I entered the cozy space that we called home, I was greeted by the familiar scent of warm spices and the sound of laughter. Priya and Anika were engrossed in a lively conversation, sitting on the worn-out couch, their voices filling the room.
"What's got you two in such high spirits?" I asked, joining them.
Priya grinned mischievously. "Anika just shared a hilarious incident that happened during her cleaning duty in the library today. You won't believe it!"
Intrigued, I settled down next to them, eager to hear the story. Anika began recounting her adventure, her animated gestures and infectious laughter filling the air. We couldn't help but burst into fits of giggles, our fatigue momentarily forgotten.
As the night grew deeper, we bid each other goodnight, retreating to our small but comforting rooms within the maid quarters. I made my way to the small washroom in the maid quarters, ready to wash away the dust and weariness of the day. The cool water refreshed my tired limbs, rejuvenating both my body and spirit.
Once I was refreshed, I couldn't resist the allure of the palace gardens calling out to meet. It was a everyday ritual. With the moon casting its gentle glow upon the landscape, I stepped outside into a world of mesmerizing beauty. The night air was filled with the scent of blooming jasmine and roses, as if nature herself had adorned the palace grounds with fragrant jewels.
As I opened my eyes, I noticed a lone peacock perched atop a stone wall, its iridescent feathers shimmering in the moonlight. I watched in awe as it spread its majestic plumage, as if inviting me to spread my own wings and soar up high.
Lost in the tranquility, I imagined the wind gently blowing through the garden, causing the flowers to shower their petals upon the majestic peacock. I raised my hand, as if trying to summon the breeze with a simple gesture. To my absolute horror, a burst of energy surged through my hand, creating a sudden and powerful gust of wind.
" Wha…What the fudging hell? "
Startled and panic-stricken, I stumbled backward, unsure of what had just transpired. The peacock screeched and fluttered its wings in response to the sudden gust, feathers rustling in disarray. My heart raced, and a mix of fear and confusion enveloped me. How could I have summoned such a force?
In a state of panic, I quickly retreated from the garden, my footsteps echoing in my ears. Questions swirled in my mind, and a million thoughts raced through me. What had just happened? Was it a mere coincidence, or did I possess some unexplainable power?
In a state of panic, my footsteps carried me through the maze-like corridors of the palace. My mind was still reeling from the sudden burst of power I had experienced in the garden.
As I wandered through unfamiliar passages, the air grew heavy with a sense of foreboding. Echoes of painful noises reached my ears, drawing me closer to their source. Following the haunting sounds, I found myself at a concealed door, camouflaged within the ornate tapestries that adorned the wall. My heart was beating fast. My mind pushing me to go back to the safety of my warm room. But, How could I?
Hesitant yet driven by curiosity, I pressed my ear against the door, trying to discern what lay beyond. To my horror, I overheard a conversation between two men, their voices filled with malice and intent.
"He's finally regained consciousness," one guard whispered, his tone laced with cruel satisfaction. "Hukam will make sure he pays dearly for his defiance."
'Lord'
The other voice chuckled darkly. "Yes, he has always been ruthless. No one crosses him without consequences. This traitor will learn that the hard way."
My heart pounded in my chest as I pieced together the fragments of their conversation. It was clear that someone's life hung in the balance, and the Hukam himself was the orchestrator of this imminent tragedy. My instincts screamed at me to intervene, to save an innocent life from the clutches of cruelty.
But I knew better.
I hurried back to the safety of the maid quarters, my mind buzzed with uncertainty. I couldn't fathom the implications of what I had experienced. The palace, once a refuge, now seemed like an enigma—a place of mystery and unpredictability and malice.
Fighting back the rising tide of fear, I closed the door to my room and sank onto the edge of the bed, trembling. The encounter with the unexpected had shattered the fragile peace I had found in the palace.
In the darkness of my room, I contemplated the choices that lay before me. Should I be ignorant, fearful of the unknown? For God's sake, My life is at stake.
I got up trembling, opening the drawer and getting my bottle of sleeping pills out. I had to end this day. This all had to be a dream.