But I couldn’t let anyone else step into my heart. I offered the rest of my heart to her. And she shattered it.
I took a deep breath, promising myself that no matter what happened next, I would never picture the two of us together, not even in my worst nightmares.
She called me a manwhore. That was true. I was one, but didn’t want to hear it from her mouth. She didn’t have to hurt me like that.
I closed my eyes, holding back tears. I would not cry for her, not for anyone anymore. No one could change that for me, no one’s love, hate, or demands. I was done with love in this life.
Maybe try in the next one.
My only ambition was to expand our kingdom and make our land the most powerful empire.
I tried sleeping, but she eluded me. Her thoughts kept me restless all night, and I woke up with a headache.
After getting into my warrior attire, I left Pratapgarh for Mehrangarh, only to find Eklavya already there. He had taken a break from Rashmika, fabricating stories about his grandmother’s death.
“Eklavya,” I called out as I spotted him where we had agreed to meet. He carried two bags and a few soldiers with him.
“Is everything ready?” I asked.
“Yes, everything’s prepared,” he stated before inquiring,“But what are you planning to do?”
I rolled my tongue over my lips, struggling with the thin air.“I’m planning to fuck these motherfuckers in my way,” I promised, and he thinned his brows in confusion.
“But what is your way, Agastya?” he chuckled softly.
I rested my hand on his shoulder and looked at the soldiers observing me. There were five of them.
“Listen to me very carefully,” I started, drawing everyone’s attention.“Keep this rope hanging in this empty well for seven days. Do not leave this place. I will come back to this rope soon. And,” I inhaled deeply and looked at Eklavya.“If I do not return in seven days, do not tell anyone until we win the war,” I ordered, and his expression changed immediately.
“But where are you going?” he asked.
“Just listen to me carefully, Eklavya,” I said, staring at him.“If I don’t return in seven days, take the lead and approach their army with trained archers. Hide behind the trees and kill the invaders immediately. Don’t leave a single one alive, understand?” I asked, and he nodded, looking at me.
I leaned forward and hugged him tightly.
“Jai Mahakaal42!” I cheered, and he responded with a determined, powerful voice.
“Jai Mahakaal!”
Looking at the soldiers, I nodded and ordered,“Hang the rope.”
I took one bag with me and walked toward the large group of soldiers waiting for me at the designated location.
I walked toward the wide, dry river opening I had discovered with Eklavya the other day and saw the soldiers waiting for me. Ashwin had appointed them all at my request.
“So, have you all had breakfast?” I asked, glancing at the soldiers with a hint of fear.
“Yes, commander,” one of them roared, and I appreciated looking at him.
“Bahut se yuddh lade honge aapne. Kintu aaj jo karna hai wo yuddh ladne se adhik mahatvapoorn hai. Chaahe jo bhi ho jaaye, koi bhool nahi honi chahiye, or thakna bilkul nahi hai,”“You all must have fought many wars. But what you will do today is far more critical than any war. No matter what happens, no mistakes should be made, and you must not tire until it is finished.” I said, and they all replied in firm voices.
“Jai Mahakaal!”
“Jai Mahakaal!” I replied in the same tone, and we all entered the cave.
Using the fire torches, I finally got to the spot where the cannons were. The sight shocked everyone, so I told them to tie the cannons to the ropes immediately.
I asked them to do ten cannons at a time. It took quite a while, and by the time a small group of soldiers arrived with food and water supplies for us, it was already evening. After the meal, we resumed work, and I helped tie the ropes to the cannon.
