Tanvi's arms trembled from the force of his blows, but she refused to back down. "You underestimate me," she said through gritted teeth. "That's your first mistake."
She fought with everything she had, her mind racing to anticipate his moves. It wasn't about strength—it was about strategy. And Tanvi had spent her whole life strategizing.
Finally, as he swung his sword in a wide arc, leaving his side exposed, Tanvi saw her opportunity. She sidestepped his attack and drove her blade into his chest, just as he had left himself vulnerable.
The leader's eyes widened in disbelief, and he stumbled back, clutching at the wound. "You…"
Tanvi stood over him, breathing hard. "Never underestimate a woman who knows how to win."
With that, the leader collapsed to the ground, defeated.
Around the hall, the remaining enemy soldiers, now leaderless and confused, began to retreat. The palace guards, regaining their strength, quickly moved in to round up the stragglers.
As the battle came to a close, Tanvi lowered her sword, her body trembling from exhaustion. Mira and Rahul rushed to her side, their faces pale but relieved.
"You did it," Rahul said, his voice filled with awe.
Tanvi nodded, though the weight of what she had just done was only beginning to sink in. "We did it," she corrected, her voice soft. "We protected the kingdom."
But as they looked around at the destruction and chaos that had once been a celebration, they knew that while they had won this battle, the war for power and survival will never over in this world.
The morning sun streamed through the grand windows of the palace, casting warm rays on the gleaming marble floor. Tanvi and Rahul stood before the King, their faces a mixture of pride and uncertainty. The royal court was filled with courtiers, nobles, and ministers, all murmuring in admiration of the two heroes who had saved the kingdom from a disastrous coup.
King Vikram rose from his throne, his eyes filled with gratitude. He approached Rahul first, a broad smile on his face. "Rahul, your bravery in the face of danger was commendable. You fought with the strength and honor of a true warrior."
Rahul bowed respectfully, a faint flush of pride on his cheeks. "It was my duty, Your Majesty," he said modestly, though the excitement of the moment was evident in his eyes.
The King clapped his hands, and a servant stepped forward, carrying a large chest. "For your valor, I bestow upon you these gifts—gold, jewels, and the finest weapons in the kingdom. But more than that, I name you a warrior of the royal guard, should you ever wish to serve."
The court erupted in applause as Rahul accepted the chest. His eyes flickered toward Tanvi, who stood silently beside him.
The King then turned to her, his expression softer but still kind. "Tanvi," he said, his voice more reserved. "Your actions were courageous as well. You have a sharp mind and a strong heart, qualities that are rare in many."
Tanvi bowed, waiting for what would come next. Her heart fluttered with a mix of hope and apprehension.
The King gestured to another servant, who came forward with a beautifully embroidered royal dress and a box of gleaming jewelry. "For you, I offer these gifts—a gown fit for a queen and jewels worthy of a noblewoman. Someday, you will make a great wife for a lucky man."
Tanvi's stomach twisted at the words. *A wife?* That was what the King saw her as? A future wife for someone, as if her only worth was to be married off? She forced a smile, but inside, her heart sank. It felt like a dismissal of everything she had done, everything she was capable of. She had fought, planned, and risked her life just like Rahul, but here she was being honored for her potential as someone's wife.
The court clapped politely, but it was clear who they thought the real hero was. Whispers echoed through the hall, and Tanvi heard snatches of conversation as she and Rahul made their way out.
"Rahul, the hero of the kingdom!"
"Such bravery… and Tanvi, well, she's lucky to have been saved by him."
The words stung like poison. She walked silently beside Rahul, her jaw clenched, unable to voice the anger burning inside her.
A week passed, and the whispers of the court hadn't stopped. Rahul was hailed as the hero everywhere they went, while Tanvi was barely acknowledged. Even Mira had noticed the difference in how they were treated, but Tanvi remained quiet, trying to suppress her growing frustration.
One morning, a royal messenger arrived at their shop, summoning both Rahul and Tanvi to the Queen's chambers. They exchanged puzzled glances but quickly made their way to the palace.
Queen Alisha received them graciously, her calm and regal presence commanding the room. "Tanvi, Rahul, you both have shown immense bravery and skill," she began. "The King and I have discussed a new position for the both of you."
Tanvi listened carefully, a flicker of hope sparking inside her. Perhaps now they would be recognized equally, as a team.
"We would like to offer you both the prestigious title of royal sweets chefs," the Queen continued, her tone warm. "Your sweets are already famous throughout the kingdom, and we would be honored to have you in service to the royal family, ensuring that your talents are displayed at every grand event."
Tanvi felt a surge of disappointment, though she tried to hide it. Royal sweets chefs? They were being offered a position that would confine them to the palace, limiting their reach to only the royal court. While it was an honor, it wasn't the recognition she had hoped for. She wanted to continue growing her business, reaching out to people far beyond the palace walls. Being tied to the court would stifle that dream.
Rahul, sensing Tanvi's hesitation, was the first to speak. "Your Majesty," he began respectfully, "we are deeply honored by your offer. But we feel that our talents would be better served outside the palace, where we can continue to grow our business and share our sweets with all of the people."
The Queen regarded them for a moment, her expression unreadable. "I understand," she said finally. "You wish for more freedom. Very well. You may decline the offer, but know that the royal family will always welcome you."
With a polite bow, they excused themselves and left the palace. On their way out, they ran into Commander Arjun, a decorated officer of the royal guard.
"Rahul!" the Commander called, striding toward them with a broad grin. "There's the hero of the hour!" He clapped Rahul on the back, his eyes shining with admiration. "Your bravery at the festival was the stuff of legends. We could use more men like you in the royal guard."
Rahul nodded humbly. "Thank you, Commander. It was a team effort."
Arjun barely glanced at Tanvi before turning back to Rahul. "Yes, yes, of course. But you were the one who led the charge, no doubt. A real warrior."
Tanvi had been silent throughout the conversation, but now, she could feel the frustration bubbling up inside her, threatening to spill over. *Enough was enough.* She had played a crucial role in defeating the attackers, yet she was being treated as if she hadn't even been there.
"Commander," she said, her voice tight, "I have a question."
Arjun raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
"Why is it," Tanvi began, her voice trembling slightly with the force of her emotions, "that only Rahul is recognized as the hero? I fought alongside him. I helped save the King and Princess. Why is my role diminished just because I'm a woman?"
The Commander looked at her, surprised by her outburst. He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "It's not that your efforts aren't appreciated, Tanvi," he said slowly, as if choosing his words carefully. "But… you are a woman. And in this kingdom, it's the men who are recognized for their bravery. It's just the way things are."
Tanvi's heart sank. She had expected as much, but hearing it said out loud was devastating.
"You may have helped," Arjun continued, his tone condescending, "but in the eyes of the court and the people, it's Rahul who will be remembered as the hero. You're not from the royal family, and you're not a warrior. In society's eyes, you're… well, you're just a woman."
His words hit her like a punch to the gut. Just a woman. *Just* a woman.
Without another word, Tanvi turned and fled, her vision blurred with tears. She ran through the streets, not caring who saw her, not caring where she was going. All she knew was that she needed to get away, away from the palace, away from the people who saw her as nothing.
When she reached her home, she slammed the door behind her, locking herself in her room. Sobs wracked her body as she collapsed onto the floor, her heart breaking under the weight of her unspoken anger and frustration.
All her life, she had worked hard to be recognized for her abilities, for her mind and her strength. And yet, here she was—reduced to nothing more than a future wife, her efforts overshadowed by the simple fact that she was not a man.
Tears streamed down her face as she buried her head in her hands, her mind racing with all the things she could never say aloud. She had fought, she had risked her life, and still, it wasn't enough.
But deep down, amidst the pain and the heartbreak, a small fire began to burn. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but it was there. Tanvi wasn't done fighting—not yet. She had come too far to let this be the end of her story.
As she wiped away her tears, she made a silent vow to herself. She would not be silenced. She would not be reduced to nothing. And one day, she would prove to them all that a woman's strength was just as powerful, just as worthy of recognition, as any man's.
But for now, she let herself cry, knowing that her battle was far from over.
"I want to go home." She cried out loud.
Mira tried to talk to her, but she didn't said anything, wasn't in the mood to talk.
Rahul said, "For now leave her it would be better for her."