Confessed

“Ouch! It’s paining again…” said Andrew to his wife Sadhana. Andrew was suffering from migraine for the last 17 years. He was under medication all along but nothing seemed to help.

Sadhana turned and looked at her husband teary-eyed, "Oh dear! I can’t bear to see you wriggling in pain everyday. Why isn’t the anything helping?”.

Andrew was a man of few words. He was a gem of person, always smiling. If there was anything that anyone needed in their neighborhood people readily knocked his door. He had a daughter named Sarah. Sarah was 12 years old and looked up at her dad as a hero. She always introduced herself as, “Sarah Andrew” before she was finished she puffed up with pride.

Andrew said, "It’s okay dear, I can take it. Please don't worry? I will be alright in an hour or so. But with every passing second the pain seemed to go from bad to worse. He wondered, “why me?” . 

After about 5 hours the pain subsided and he calmed down.

“Hi, can I meet Sir? It’s very urgent. There are not letting my daughter write the exam…”, it was a shabbily dressed man standing near the door. 

The man was interrupted by a voice, "Mathew, come in. Why are you standing there? Sadhana, can you please get Mathew a cup of coffee,” asked Andrew. 

Sadhana walked towards the kitchen admiring Andrew’s patience.

Before Mathew could finish his story Andrew gave him money and said, "Pay up what you've the school, you can think of about other things later.” 

With tears fogging his sight Mathew thanked Andrew and walked away blessing him.

It was raining the whole day. 

Sadhana had gone to her mother’s place as she was not keeping well. So Andrew had to look after his daughter.

“Krrrrrr……” rang the door bell “Comingggg!!!”

As soon as he opened the door a pair of arms wrapped around his neck, “Good evening daddy!” 

“Good evening dear.” They exchanged a warm kiss.

Andrew went into the kitchen prepared her a drink, "Dear, what do u want to have…” He did not get an answer and so he looked down at her. 

She was looking at him without blinking. Andrew was surprised. He walked up to her, kept his hand on her shoulder and said, "Sarah…?”

Before he could complete his sentence,” Dada, I LOVE YOU,” saying so she planted a kiss on his cheeks.

A chill ran down his spine, his hands trembled, his eyes became red. He was sweating profusely. The migraine returned with a vengeance. He was feeling weak. He dropped to the ground unable to bear the pain.

Sarah stood frozen to the ground. She did not understand what had happened to her father Luckily, Sadhana was just back and helped him to bed.

It took him three hours to become normal. He laid there in his bed weak. He was lost in thoughts. His eyes were wet with tears. 

Sadhana walked in with her daughter by her side. She looked at him and said, "Andrew what happened? Why don’t you…?”

“Sadhana and Sarah, I need to tell you both, something. I need to confess,” without waiting for their reply he continued to confess his heart out. Words poured in rhythmic to the pitter-patter outside. 

“During my college days I lived by a river side in a small village. There was a little girl around 12, helping me with my household work. She used to call me dada. She had bright eyes and used to spend most of her evenings with me. One evening, the village was hit by a storm. From my college back to my room I had to take a boat. Since it was raining heavily Diana (the little girl) came searching for me. and bought me back to my room in her boat; even though there was a heavy storm that little girl managed with courage," there was a long pause.

He continued, "As we were nearing the shore the current became stronger. Right before my eyes, Diana fell in the water. The girl screamed and cried asking us to help her. But, the other people in the boat asked me not to and I was suddenly taken over by fear. The boat swayed under the weight of people in it. I looked at Diana. Her resistance and fight to survive slowly weakened. I saw her drowning. She disappeared. Seconds seemed to move like years. I could have done anything but I was just a silent spectator. I reached the shore dead inside," a tear fell with a thud. 

He again continued, "I was alive but, with a guilt so strong, a guilt that I let a child die. Realizing my mistake and recovering from the shock, I ran to the river wanting to save the girl but she was brought by another boat…DEAD.”

There was a long silence. Andrew cried. Sadhana and Sarah watched him, disappointedly. 

After a long pause, Sadhana spoke, “It is a terrible thing you had done to a girl of your daughter’s age. I will never be able to forgive you. But, for all that you are doing now to the people around you I am sure that Diana will forgive you. Forgive yourself.”

Both of them left the room leaving Andrew to himself. He knew his wife and daughter would never look at him the same way, but, at least now he could live in his own skin without feeling ashamed for hiding away from his past. He looked at the sky and said, “Diana, I know I have done something unforgivable but I mean it when I say. I AM SORRY.”

Andrew was back on his feet in a week and as for the migraine it never appeared again.

It left him wondering.

How to light a candle?

God created the world and decided to pour a magic potion into every creature he created. So he started pouring the magic potion called life.

He started with the trees, He looked at the Trees and said, “Listen, Oh mighty Tree! you have to go to every house on earth and give your fruits in return they will give you water and manure.”

He looked at the Mountains and said, “Listen, Oh mighty Mountain… you have to go around giving your stones and sand and in return after 25 million years you will be given a place to stay forever.”

He went on from one thing to the other and gave them his command. 

After 25 million years God came down to earth to see how things were going on. Only a few of them were doing things assigned to them, all others were wasting their time doing nothing. God was very upset so he cursed them and made them immovable. The world came to a standstill. There was no life and everyone was suffering. Finally when God's anger subsided, he decided to punish them by making them dependent on each other.

He created Man. He poured life into him and gave him six senses. Now he was very close to God for he could even pour life and take away life at his will. The only thing that separated GOD and HIM was his compassion for his fellow creatures. Man was loutish in his motive and his work was to get the job done and so he would take up every approach. He started using the bulls to pull the cart, the trees to shed its fruits and so on.

One day, after his day’s work he was walking home when saw a boulder. He stood there for some time looking at it and then quietly walked home.

The next morning all the creatures woke up when they heard an ear-piercing noise. All of them rushed out and saw the man hitting the boulder with a hammer. The boulder was screaming in pain…

All the creatures cursed the man and they called him a fool. They were really upset for they could not understand what he was up to; he was madly striking his tool against the rock. All the creatures gathered and decided that only God could save them from this plight. So they finally went to God. God came down and questioned him as to what he was doing, but the man was really busy and so he did not answer GOD.

God got angry and left the place in a huff.

Things went on like this for some years and… everyday creatures saw the man hitting madly at the rock.

Surprisingly there was silence that night and all the creatures were eager to know how the man left the rock for today there was no pleas and screeches from the rock.

The next day all of them rushed to the same place but in front of them stood a beautiful statue. It was carved out beautifully.

God and all the other creatures appreciated man for his effort and love.

God looked at him and asked, “Man, you could have told me that you were doing something for the good of the rock… why didn’t you tell us?”

Man looked at god and replied, “I saw this stone and felt that there was something really special about it. So I decided to hammer it.”

God smiled.

The man smiled and said, “If I had told him that he was special, the rock wouldn't have believed me. He might not see, what I saw in him.”

By the time the principal finished the story George had tears in his eyes.

Dawson looked at the kid with compassion and said, “Dear George, when someone reprimands you and hurts you they don't realize that they are in the process of making you. Just like the sculptor who beats the rock to bring out the best your adversities and problems try to bring out the best in you. You should not judge anything while it is in the making… You are in the process of being made… It might hurt but trust me, you are special. Be thankful to them for they are spending time for you and are helping you to come out with the best. Not everyone is criticized. Only people who have something special in them are criticized. Doing something for the sake of appreciation – is called PANDERING, and I don’t think you have to do that. When you are criticized remember one thing.

 “All the worlds’ water cannot sink a ship until it gets in.”

So never let the water in. Do not let the words of criticism and words of depreciation pull you down. They attack you because they cannot attack the idea. Be glad that you have an idea when there are many who have none.”

George went closer to his teacher and said with tears rolling down, “Thank you.”

When George was out of sight Dawson looked at the teacher and said, "Edward, I understand that you wanted to bring out the best in him but realize one thing. When you are lighting a candle you should not try it in out in the open air. The wind will blow out the candle you have lighted and all your effort will go in vain. Take it to a corner where no one sees it being lit. When it’s done you can bring it out.  Here when I say candle I mean a kid, every kid likes to be appreciated in broad daylight but when it comes to criticizing you have to keep it personal for you might blow them off, though you do not intend to. We need to mold and not break, so attack the issue not the person.”

Edward looked at the principal and said, “I understand that my words are valued like the strike on the rock… every strike has its own impact. My intentions were to bring out the best in them for I was sure that they were much more capable but… I was not bothered of the way they took it now I realize that it has its own impact. Hereafter I will be careful for I am here to make them not break them!”   

Love's Singe - Final Part

Love's singe - A warrior's story (Final Part)

Final Part

MADAME… 

“Go ahead and set the table,” replied Cinda.

She turned her back to Andrew and asked him, “Why haven’t you drawn the eyes, Andrew?”

“I don’t want to. It was only her eyes that I saw and I don’t want anyone else to see the eyes I own,” replied Andrew.

“Then let my eyes substitute hers…” replied Cinda eagerly.

“Your highness I am not a great artist. It’s the love that I have for her that has got me into painting her. I don’t think I would be able to…”

“It’s my order Andrew,” demanded Cinda.

“Okay Madame, I shall. After you are done with your dinner,” replied Andrew.

She quietly walked away leaving Andrew with thousands of questions unanswered.

When the princess was out of sight, “Now why did she not reply to the question I asked her about Tony,” wondered Andrew.

As she was walking Cinda slipped and fell from a sand dune. She hurt her leg; the guards helped her get back to the castle.

Cinda was waiting for Andrew and he finally arrived. She looked like an angel. She had a cloth in her hand that she had carefully folded. He slowly took it from her hand and it read:

For me to see him is a dream,

To own him is greed.

Which I can never receive,

Let mockery make its melody

With my tears as drums to beat.

There is so much of pain and so much of love in those words.

"Is she missing Tony? Or is it someone else?” wondered Andrew.

“GENERAL…”

“Shhhhhh…. The queen is sleeping. I don’t want anyone to disturb her,” whispered Andrew.

The sentinel gestured Andrew to come aside and said, “GENERAL THE QUEEN HAD HURT HER FEET AND HAD BEEN WAITING FOR YOU!”

“What…? Why didn’t you call me? How is she now? Is everything okay?” screamed Andrew.

“YES GENERAL THE FAMILY PHYSICIAN ATTENDED TO HER.”

“Why is she here? She must be in her bedroom!”

“SHE WAS WAITING FOR YOU.”

“Me…! Why…? Oh My!!! The eyes…” Andrew was talking to himself.

“Okay. You can leave. I will take care of this,” said Andrew to the sentinel.

He tiptoed to Cinda’s side and sat there beside her, he just could not take his eyes of her, “She is a maze… there is something unsaid about this lady…” thought Andrew.  

Suddenly the wind blew heavily and the vase on a table fell down with a bang.

Cinda was awakened with the sound. She looked straight at Andrew. He was sitting beside her looking at her.

“When did you come, Andrew?” asked Cinda trying to get up from the seat.

Andrew helped her and said, “I just came in Your Highness!”

“And doing what?” asked Cinda with a grin.

Andrew stood there quietly.

“How much does Tony mean to you Andrew?” asked Cinda.

Andrew was confused with the question, “He is everything to me! Everything!!!” stressed Andrew.

“Everything?” asked Cinda in a cynical tone.

“Yes Your…”

“Do you value him more than that girl!” asked Cinda on a lighter tone.

Andrew was taken back with this question. He looked at her wondering what to say. He did not want to reply.

“Answer me Andrew!” asked Cinda.

“No your Highness, he isn’t.” replied Andrew.

“You’re a brave man Andrew!” replied Cinda admiring him.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” replied Andrew

“Now when are you going to paint my eyes?”

“Right away…” replied Andrew.

“Okay,” replied Cinda.

With her permission he carried her to the riverside, not once did he dare to look into her eyes when he carried her, but she did not take her eyes off him.

He sat there painting her eyes when suddenly he heard someone calling out.

“GENERAL ANDREW, KING TONY HAS COME.”

He left the picture half complete and said, “Look after the queen. I would be back in a few minutes…”

He rushed to the castle leaving behind the disappointed Cinda.

After Tony’s return, Andrew was never seen with Cinda again.

One night Andrew was sitting on the same shore thinking of the girl he had seen that night, when Cinda walked him.

“What are you thinking General Andrew?” asked Cinda.

“Nothing your highness… It’s just that girl, the same girl who sucked every drop of my life. It’s the same girl,” sighed Andrew.

“Ha ha…” laughed Cinda.

“Why are you laughing Madame?” asked the irritated Andrew.

“What is so special about that girl? What makes you hunt for a girl who cares a damn for you?” asked Cinda.

“She is an entrapment, Your Highness. I have been trapped in her eyes forever. She is my love; I have loved her with all my being. It would be a crime to denounce her beauty. Each facet of hers whether it is physical or that of her character is an ensnarement from which there is no release. But I do not wish to be released. I wish to stay entrapped forever. With her I want to live.”

Cinda quietly looked at him and said, “A man who had all these years considered women to be articles of beauty, today, loves a girl as a woman. That sounds great! Good for her.”

He meekly looked at her and said, “That was the dark side of me!”

“Okay… Now what do you want from her?” asked Cinda.

“I want to live with her,” replied Andrew.

“Then go ahead and live!” said Cinda with a smile.

“But where is she?’ asked the confused Andrew.

She handed him the painting that he had left half done. The eyes were drawn, “I know her!” said Cinda with a smirk.

Andrew looked at her wide-eyed.

“I know her and she is with me… the girl you saw that night collecting shields and swords, is with me. I will get her to you if you promise me something. I will promise you a kiss from her. You keep your promises, I know you do. So now you get to decide what you are going to do,” replied Cinda.

“I will do anything you ask me to Your Highness!!!” replied Andrew eagerly.

“I want to avenge for my brother. I want to kill all of them who put my kingdom to shame. Now, Kill Tony…” she said with smile.

Andrew was shocked, thoughts were pouring in and he was getting all the more confused with what he was hearing. But, he had to decide. “You don’t love Tony, Princess Cinda?” asked Andrew.

“No I don’t.” replied Cinda firmly.

“Okay Princess I would do that!” replied Andrew.

As they were conversing Tony saw Andrew and Cinda conversing personally. He mistook his friend and got furious with his friend, rushed at him with a sword.

“Andrew, look out” screamed Cinda.

Immediately Andrew drew his sword out and sent it razing into Tony's body. Tony dropped at the feet of Cinda screaming in pain.

Andrew smiled at Cinda, gave her the sword and kneeled in front of her, and said, “I have kept my promise your Highness, Can I meet my girl?”

She smiled at him and said, “No you haven’t General Andrew. There is one man behind this entire massacre! One man who caused all this.” she said with a smile.

Then she looked with her eyes turning red with wrath and screamed, “It’s you Andrew… It’s you Andrew Arthur. Kill yourself.”

Andrew looked at her in dismay. He was shocked and hadn’t expected this to happen. He looked at her unable to believe what he heard.

“Yes Andrew… you are the person responsible for rending so many of us homeless, you killed every man! You shattered our lives. Do you know the value of life? I care a damn of everything now! Kill yourself, let your blood flow in my country, and let your blood quench a land that you have fed upon.”

“So it was Your Highness who devised the plan for the war?” asked Andrew.

“Yes it was me!” screamed Cinda.

Andrew looked at her quietly, still kneeling, “Your Highness! You know I keep my word. I would surely keep my promise. But then can I see the girl?”

She pulled a black cloth that lay on the sea shore and tied it around her face leaving her eyes uncovered.

Andrew was stunned. He looked at her without a word and said, “I love you Cinda! I don’t want to kill myself for one reason because I want to live with you. Since I had given you my word, I have no choice. My death should be a lesson to every man who falls in love. Every man who falls in love should realize that he is sending an invitation to his death. Cinda, The very first day I saw you, the pain in your eyes said it all. I knew very well that you were hunting for something but I failed to realize it was me. I have heard that love kills but today I know it really does.

“Everything is fair in love and war.”

I am a Warrior and I do not repent killing so many, for that’s what I love to do and will continue to if given another chance, but, if that was the reason why I could not live with you, I swear never to do it again.

Whenever I looked at you my heart skipped a beat but I failed to realize that this beat could mean a lifetime of tears wasted on something I knew I could never have. The only thing I did was, I failed to realize what you were.

“Love is blind.”

It’s only my body that loses its identity in this world of illusion. I would continue loving you… as I do now. I love you beyond death.”

She looked at him without a word, after a few seconds she went close to him and kissed him.

Andrew drew his sword and said, “For the one I loved…” and sent the sword across his neck… his head went rolling off.

Cinda stood there looking at her lifeless love.

“Is everything okay dear?” it was Gendine the King of Tideland.

“Yes father. I have avenged my brother and my countrymen. Andrew, who was feeding on humans, the man behind it Tony, and their King all are no more.” said a triumphant Cinda.

“I am proud to have you as my daughter, Cinda. You devised it so well, that I knew nothing would go wrong. I must admit, it is really difficult to put love for the country before the one we love and am glad that you did,” said Gendine.   

  

“I have been a Warrior from the day I was born. I fell in love with this man when I first saw him that night! I loved him with every passing day, I loved him every second. I was stopping myself from forgiving him. I loved him so much that every second I spent with him was a life by itself. This one week I spent with him will remain etched in my hearts room forever. He was a man of my dreams… He would remain as the one I loved. He would remain as the only one I loved,” said Cinda with a tear falling with a thud.

She continued, “Where he used to be, there is a hole in this world of mine. In this I would find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling in at night.  I know I will be missing him like hell.”

“Good that you won my dear,” it was Paul the old man.

“Yes I did Uncle Paul. I have avenged for all those men out there who have lost all theirs to this blood thirsty man!” replied Cinda.

“Yes Princess Cinda, I still remember that night, 4 years ago, when he killed my son. I knew I would never be able to kill him on my own and that’s why I decided to help you. But I must admit…Andrew Arthur is a difficult man. We had two weapons that played the game well… One was that he kept his word and the other weapon I never knew would come handy - “Love” Even wise men become fools when they fall in love. Andrew Arthur was one man who lived life the way he wanted and still managed to taint thousands of lives,” replied the old man.

“Not just taint, Uncle Paul, he has left many a heart with a scar, after which I am sure none of them would ever remain the same,” said Cinda with an unknown pain that was murdering her.

Her father put his hand around her shoulder and took her away. She carried his sword and memories of moments that she had spent with him inside of her so that she could live with them forever.

  

Far away the waves were still hitting the shore searching for something, searching for someone…

Inscrutable and barbarous are the ways of love. Love’s singe prevails.

Love's Singe - Part IV

Love's singe - A warrior's story (Part IV)

Part IV:

IN SHINIGAMI:

Tony received the message that Andrew had won the war and that Cinda was on her way to Shinigami meanwhile the chariot reached Shinigami. 

Tony was dressed in a magnificent attire. He looked more than just a Prince, he looked happy. He walked up to the carriage and held his hand out for the Princess. She looked at him and pushed his hand away from hers and quietly walked in. She walked around the room and then looked into his eyes.

He kneeled in front of her and said, “I am Prince Tony Tendon.”

Without even glancing at him she asked, “Was this room designed for me?”

Tony's heart skipped a beat in her voice. He got up, looked at her and said, “Yes my dear! Everything in this castle is yours' including me! Everyone here is will be at your service including me.”

“You can call me Cinda…” replied Cinda in a stern tone.

“Princess Cinda…” hesitated Tony and then continued, “I love you!”

She looked at him and asked, “Am I to say, “I love you too” now?”

“No…Princess Cinda. I love you, and I could not imagine a life without you and that’s why I had to bring you here by force,” replied Tony meekly.

“Yes… bring me here after a massacre. A man is one who fights for the women he loves and not the one who sends his friend to fight for him,” said Cinda sarcastically.

Tony hung his head in shame.

“Ha ha and the man you sent seems to trust you a lot. Take my word a fool he is,” said Cinda on a lighter tone.

Tony was extremely unhappy to hear the ear piercing words from Cinda.

All this while Paul was standing outside the room, when Tony walked out of the room dejected, Paul called out, “Prince Tony…”

“Good Morning General Paul!!!” greeted Tony.

“Good Morning, Son! Time is the best healer, give the Princess sometime to learn who you are,” replied the wise old man.

“Hmmm… sure General I would wait for her, all my life,” replied Tony.

“It should not take that long Prince Tony…” smiled the old man.

Tony smiled.

IN TIDELAND:

Andrew was searching every street and every house for the girl he had seen the other night. But it seemed as if she was an illusion. He was very disappointed. How could he lose a girl he finally fell in love with?

It started raining and he stood there in the rain. Warm drops of rain fell and trickled down as tears and now he knew what he longed for… it was her, his unattainable and inconceivable.

He now had a doubt if he was imagining this girl or did he really see her. How could he search for her in this unknown land, who would guide him to her? Who would tell him where she was?

He sat on a rock and thought, "You broke me, you broke my heart, and you broke everything! You turned my world upside down and inside out, BUT I know it is worth it. You put me through all this torture and all this pain and all this misery. You know that I’m hurt inside. I am dying inside because of you. My knife gleams with my blood. Every time I remember you I lose control and I am broken. I am losing my mind, and I am at a loss of words. Will these words forever remain unsaid?”

Days turned into week’s… but Andrew could not find out where she was. 

Nobody knew what happened to him and he did not respond to any of the messages that were sent to him.

IN SHINIGAMI:

“Son… It has been weeks since Andrew left Shinigami, we haven’t heard anything from him. I want you to look for him Tony,” said the King in a concerned tone.

“Yes father! I was preparing to leave… I would come back with good news, father,” replied Tony.

He walked up to Cinda and said, “Princess Cinda, I owe my life to Andrew for had it not been him I would never have had the opportunity to meet you. Now Andrew needs me, I need to be by his side. I would be back as soon as I can.”

She looked at him and said, “I understand Tony!!! I would like to accompany you.”

Tony’s joy knew no bounds. He was happy that the Princess would be by his side and readily agreed.

Both of them left for Tideland.

IN TIDELAND:

When Tony saw Andrew he was shocked. He rushed to his side and asked him, “Andrew…Andrew… what happened? What happened to you man?”

“Women… Women! Tony, in revenge and in love, women are more barbarous than a man. I have realized that the heaviest object to carry is the love for a woman. I know I'm searching for her, something so undefined, that it can only be seen by the eyes of love in the middle of the night. Women are at their worst when a man loves them, they make us run after them and when we do, they run further down the lane.” said the thwarted Andrew.

“There is so much of sense in what he says…” thought Tony.

“Love and Andrew…” asked Tony, “Okay. Don worry we will find her out. Now come have something, you seem to be drained out of every drop of life.”

All the while Cinda was standing at the corner of the room looking at both the friends conversing. 

Tony turned and looked at her; she quietly gave a sly smile and walked away.

After a week’s bed rest Andrew was back on feet. He started his search all over again.

Andrew and Samuel used to go around the city hunting for the girl but it was of no use.

Tony rushed to Shinigami leaving Andrew and Cinda at Tideland when he received the message that his father was ill.

Andrew was gloomy all the time he would always take ample care of Cinda but never spoke a word with her.

Cinda admired Andrew and his way of life. One day Cinda was out for her evening walk when she saw Andrew drawing something sitting on the banks of river Wendy.

She went up to him and stood behind him silently.

“Yes Your Highness!!! Is there something you want me to do?” asked Andrew.

“No nothing…” said Cinda.

Andrew continued painting without a word after that. This hurt Cinda a lot. She looked at Andrew – 

A man he was!!!

Cinda was carried away in her thoughts as she saw Andrew, “Now I know why women throng him! Andrew is a bundle of contradictions and extremes. He is mystical and practical, a dreamer and a pragmatist and he is capable of planning grand strategies, yet pays attention to the minutest details. He paid careful attention to his image and it is very difficult for us to separate fact from propaganda. His soldiers adore him, as did most who would meet him. He is handsome, courageous, and intelligent. He is tireless in the field, able to out-work almost everyone around him. Yet, he is also a dreamer, given to fits and moods. He has visions. In short, he is everything a legend should be but still longs for a girl who cares a damn for him…”

There was something in this man that every girl longed to own. A man, who was loved by every girl, loved a girl who did not seem to exist. His love was too good to be true.

“GENERAL ANDREW A MESSAGE FROM KING TONY,” it was the sentinel. After the sudden demise of his father, Tony became the king.

Andrew quietly read the message.

“Andrew…” called out Cinda.

“Yes your Highness!!!” answered Andrew.

“I am Cinda and you can call me by my name.”

“No I cannot Madame; you are the wife of King Tony and I am his General. A General cannot call the queen by her name Madam.”

“Wife… You must be hallucinating! I think it’s high time you took some rest,” mocked Cinda.

“I am not Madame…” replied Andrew, and quietly handed the message to her.

It read: Marriage would happen on the next full-moon day.

There was only three days for the full-moon day.

“What…?” whispered Cinda trying to hide her shock.

“You must be really happy Madame as things are turning out the way you wanted,” replied Andrew in a forlorn tone.

“Yes I am…” replied Cinda thoughtfully.

Andrew continued painting leaving Cinda in a confused and depressed mood.

Andrew suddenly looked at Cinda and asked, “Are you happy with King Tony Madame Cinda?” asked Andrew in a serious tone.

Cinda was taken aback with the way Andrew shot the question. She looked straight in his eyes trying to find out what he hid behind it, but the moment they interchanged looks she melted like ice. She stood there looking at him quietly. He was something different from every other man.

“How is it that he shoots the right question at the apt time, he knows what he has to ask and when he has to ask,” thought Cinda.

“I asked you something Madame…” stressed Andrew.

She quietly looked at him and smiled.

“GOOD EVENING GENERAL ANDREW AND GOOD EVENING MADAME CINDA. DINNER IS READY,” it was the sentinel again interrupting their conversation.

“Take Madame for dinner I would be in late,” replied Andrew turning his attention back to the painting.

To be continued...

Love's Singe - Part III

Love's singe - A warrior's story (Part III)

Part III

The letter seemed to be stained with tears. “If it isn’t tears it should be wine. But, Tony does not drink…” contemplated Andrew. 

He felt an urge to reply to it as he could sense Tony’s life in danger so he decided to reply. 

Dear Tony,

I have fought many a war but this one is special, it is my gift to you for the friendship we share.  So take my word, I would bring her back. She will be yours' forever. Don’t lose hope. She was and will be always yours. It’s just a matter of time. I have no other friend except you so I will do everything I can, to just have you as a friend forever. Trust me. Hold on, Cinda will be your, soon.

Forever your friend

Andrew

When he finished the message, he tied it, handed it to the girl and asked her to leave. The girl was confused and looked at Andrew and asked, “Is everything Okay General?”

“Yes it is...” said Andrew and walked away leaving the girl in state of confusion.

As he walked alone he found too many meaning to all that was happening to him. First time he had denied a girl, first time he was not himself.

As Andrew was walking along the seashore he had a gut feeling that he would find an answer to all his questions if he walked into the city. This was the first time he had an urge in him that begged his attention. He denied the feeling the attention it wanted and continued looking at the waves trying to shoo it away.

“Why am I feeling so much of someone else in me? Who is this who seeks my attention? Why is it that I hear a voice in me?” wondered Andrew.

“General is there something that is bothering you?” he heard a voice; he turned, and saw Paul a ninety year old man known for his wisdom. Andrew never paid heed to this old man because he had a feeling that this man was too old for his young ways of life. But, the King insisted Andrew to take Paul with him. This Andrew did, but never did he listen to him.

“No… No… there isn’t anything…” after a long pause, “Yes! Can I have a word with you?” asked Andrew.

“Yes General Andrew. I would try my best to help you out!” replied the man with a smile.

“I don’t know what this feeling is, I feel a voice in me! I feel too many questions. I don’t understand what this is I am going through… I feel lonely.” replied Andrew helplessly.

“That’s because of the way you lived General Andrew. Nothing makes us as lonely as our secrets,” replied the wise man.

Andrew looked at him befuddled and asked, “Why am I feeling lonely?”

“We're all lonely for something we don't know we're lonely for. It’s the way of life Andrew, we can never question it,” replied the man thoughtfully.

He looked at the old man without a word and turned his attention to the waves.

The old man continued, “Lonely men seek companionship. Lonely women sit at home and wait. They never meet. Inscrutable are the ways of life, everything we need in life is just around the corner, but, without realizing it we walk to the end of the world with empty hands.”

“You are right Paul. But I don’t know what I need, nor do I understand what the ‘me’ in me seeks,” replied Andrew.

“Loneliness is a gift not many are blessed with. Only when we are alone do we think of others and pay heed to the voice in us. Remember one thing son, in life there is always someone who dreams of your smile and finds in your presence that life is worthwhile, so when you feel lonely remember it’s true, that someone somewhere is thinking of you.”

Andrew gave a deriding look.

“Do I make sense Andrew to you? I might not for the voice of life in ‘me’ be able to reach the ear of life in ‘you’; but I believe you will soon,” assured the old man.

“I understand,” he still wasn’t sure of what he felt.

“Are you in love Andrew?” inquired the old man.

“Love…” after a deep breath he continued, “Love can sweep a man off his feet and carry him along in a way he never knew before. But when the ride ends, he ends up feeling lonely and bitter. I will never chose a women,” they were not just words, they were expressions. They imbibed with them the heart of a man about whom no one knew anything.

Paul looked at Andrew and thought, “This man is not just another man; he is a book of experiences, written with blood.”

Paul smiled and said, “You’re wrong Andrew… It is the women who choose the man who will choose her; we are just helpless beings to what they do to us.”

Andrew looked at Paul and the very look at his eyes made Paul comfortable for it was very much evident that Andrew agreed to what Paul said.

Suddenly Andrew looked at Paul and in a deep tone asked, “Paul… who were you?”

Paul smiled and said, “Andrew… I was what you are now - The General of Shinigami.”

Andrew was astonished.

“The urge you have for war, the love you have for blood, the lust you have for land are all that I shared. But in course of time I realized that there wasn’t anything that gave happiness as much as this solitude did.”

Andrew smiled.

Paul continued, “Okay… now tell me what was that question that was seeking your attention?”

“I have this urge in me that wants me to enter this city. But, why I don’t know,” replied Andrew.

“Why don’t you go and find out for yourself?” asked the old man.

“Why should I?” argued Andrew.

“Because, you need to know if your gut feeling makes sense and if it does then the next time it happens again you can pay heed to it but, if it doesn’t you can ignore it the next time,” replied the old man with a smile.

That was a good reason he could give himself, “Okay. I will go and look for myself,” replied Andrew.

Paul looked at Andrew and said, “Son, treat this as a warning: Distrust all that that pulls your attention upon a very slight acquaintance and without any visible reason. For they are depths of despair disguised as women or pleasure.”

Andrew smiled at the old man and said, “Do not worry Paul I will take care,” saying so the Andrew galloped away on his horse leaving the old man behind.

He reached the city and it was covered with blood and corpses that screamed vengeance. The smell of blood filled the air. Andrew was surprised when he did not find a single human around. The place seemed quiet and there was a deep sense of sorrow that seemed to have engulfed the city.

Andrew slowly found his way into the city. He saw a wolf feeding on the flesh of a man and remembered a women telling him, “You are a wolf, you only know to feed on human flesh but know nothing of the heart it holds.”

He shook his head and thought, “Enigmatic are the ways of women.”

Something in the dark caught his attention suddenly; he put his hand on his sword and craftily went towards it. He looked around in the dim light and it was quiet with no one in view.

He continued walking around the city, entering every house and every street. Dawn was soon approaching and Andrew was very disappointed as his searched turned out to be futile.

“Now I know this gut feeling is nothing,” thought Andrew.

He fastened his horse to a nearby tree and decided to check the battlefield one last time.

The sun lit his path making way to the approaching day.

Suddenly, at a few feet away from where he stood he saw a young girl picking up swords and shields from the war field. She was dressed in black and her face was covered with a black cloth. From what he saw he felt that she was searching for something desperately.

Andrew could only see her eyes, they were captivating. He looked at her and it was very much evident that she was in a hurry. She had collected enough weapons and had saddled them on her horse. Andrew’s heart pounded really fast. He had never had this emotion. It was something new. He had never heard his heart speak volumes but now it did.

He murmured to himself, “What’s this I feel? I knew not of its existence.”

He stood there frozen. He wanted to run to her, fly with her, swim all the worlds’ sea with her; all at the same time, but he was frozen to the ground and could not move a step forward.

“I've looked at many a women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart’s chamber and have had women by my side, but I have never wanted a women as much as I do now,” thought Andrew.

Suddenly, the lady turned around and found Andrew standing there majestically. It was a feast to any women’s eyes; Andrew was handsome man. For a few seconds she stood where she was standing and lost herself in him. But then in seconds she pulled herself to reality looked at him one last time, jumped on to her horse, and galloped away.

Andrew did not expect her to gallop away; he was lost for a moment. Before he realized what he was there for he saw her moving away from him. Andrew ran behind her but missed her in thin air.

He was gasping for breath but she was no more in sight, “Do I love her? Do I love her because she is beautiful? Was she there in person or am I imagining things? Is she true for a woman? She is too perfect to be true? Or is she the sweet invention of my dream, or is she really as beautiful as she seems to be?” questions were pouring in.

Andrew was feeling really happy. He was tranquilized in her beauty. “Her soft glance has the power to turneth away my wrath,” thought Andrew.

Suddenly Andrew realized he was standing in the kingdom of an enemy with whom he was at war. 

He now had questions popping up in his mind, “What was she searching? Was it her brother, father or friend? Was it her love? I still see that burning desire and pain in her eyes… I still remember that… that inexpressible something in her eyes, which pulled me to her,” pondered Andrew.

With thoughts painting his day he galloped back to his camp, where all his soldiers were waiting with clear signs of concern.

He assured them everything was fine and walked back to his camp to undress himself.

“Son…Can I come in?” it was Paul, the old man.

“Yes Paul, nothing to worry. Am fine!” replied Andrew in an assuring tone.

“You aren’t Son… You are in love. I can see it your eyes,” replied Paul in a tone that tried to warn him.

Andrew looked at the old man, astonished.

Paul continued, “Son, I repeat: Distrust all that that pulls your attention upon just the very slight acquaintance and without any visible reason. For they are depths of despair disguised as women,” leaving Andrew all the more confused.

That morning things started off again the Rabidians suffered their heaviest losses in retreat. The Tortians army and Andrew took off after the King of Tideland, but couldn't catch him. Andrew assembled troops, attacked all the remaining chiefs of provinces, exterminated them one after another, and thus won the battle for Shinigami.

This time every move Andrew made was not his way of skirmishing, but he shot the bull’s eye. The King of Tideland lost his son Robert in the war and he fled for his life leaving his subjects at the mercy of Andrew.

Andrew was beaming with a sense of satisfaction that he had never felt. Though Andrew loved war this one wasn’t for his love for war, it was for his friends love. He still was searching for answers he had within him. He wanted to know who the girl he saw the other night was.

Andrew was informed that Princess Cinda denied Andrew’s invitation to Shinigami. He blind-folded himself and walked inside the castle among men and women who stood there admiring his grandeur and majesty.

“My Greetings to thee, Princess Cinda…”She was standing there looking outside the window, she did not even care to look at Andrew.

He continued, “I am Andrew Arthur, Army General of Shinigami. I am at your service Madam; I am here to take you to the abode of Prince Tony Tendon. He is awaiting your return.”

“What makes you think I would come?” asked Cinda in a low but demanding tone. Her voice seemed to sink deep into him.

For a moment Andrew faltered and said, “Princess you would know that the kingdom is under King Samuel of Shinigami… all that belongs to this Kingdom is his… including…” he stopped. He did not want to complete the sentence.

She turned and looked straight at Andrew and asked, “Including me…?” sarcastically.

Andrew was silent.

“Why are you blind-folded?” asked the Princess.

“Madame… Prince Tony is in love with you. He wants to be the first person to set his eyes on you. I am his best friend. I have promised to bring you to his abode, blind-folded. I am keeping my promise.”

“Promise… Love…” she mocked, “It’s a pity to know that these words nest on your lips. Do you think that this is the reason he had asked you to blind-fold yourself? No, that’s not the reason. He does not trust you! Your friend doesn’t seem to trust you! He feels that if you see me you might fall in love with me and might have me for yourself.”

Andrew calmly said, “May be Your Highness… I keep my word.”

“Ha ha… she laughed loudly, but softly… it was like the wind rustling under rose petals. “You haven’t General Andrew…” she said.

“Haven’t… what Princesses Cinda?” asked Andrew.

“You haven’t kept your promise and you will never be able to General,” said the Princess and walked off to the chariot.

Andrew stood their stupefied with what the Princesses said. He quietly followed her, walked up to the chariot, turned facing his soldiers, removed the cloth from his eyes, and commanded his soldiers to take the Princess to Prince Tony.

“General, aren’t you coming?” asked one of the soldiers.

“I have something to know. A pair of eyes has been haunting me for the last two days… I need to find whose it is…You go ahead and tell the King I would be back very soon.” said Andrew

“General Andrew… would you like to have me with you?” it was Paul.

“No Paul… I would manage on my own. The King needs your company,” replied Andrew and galloped-off on his horse.

Cinda turned and looked at him disappearing in the dust and sand that left no trace of his path.

The chariot started off…

Cinda was quiet for some time. Curiosity got the best off her and she asked a girl who was sitting beside her, “Who is this Andrew Arthur?”

“You’re Highness!!! Andrew Arthur is the Army General of Shinigami. Men fear him and women love him. There isn’t a girl in Shinigami who hasn’t adorned General Andrew’s room. He is treated very much as King Samuel and Prince Tony are.”

Cinda listened keenly, “Who waged this war?”

“Not just this war, General Andrew wages every war Shinigami is involved in and he always emerges victorious,” replied the girl.

After a moment of pause the princess asked, “Is he in love?”

The girl laughed, “He never was and I don’t think he will ever be. Many queens and Princesses have sent him their proposals but the General has politely denied them all. He never looks at women as women, but, as articles of beauty,” replied the girl.

“That’s not the way he should treat women,” replied Cinda furiously.

“May be it’s not the way, but that is what makes him different from other men and that’s why he is loved all the more by women all over the world,” replied the girl.

“What makes you tell that women from all over the world love him?” asked Cinda in a stern tone.

“Your Highness!!! The Princess of Holland, Maria Fedrina had sent the General a proposal asking his hand in marriage but General Andrew flatly denied it,” after a short pause, “But there is something the General seems to be bothered about, no one knows what it is” said the girl thoughtfully.

Cinda looked at the girl and said, “The truth is that the finest moments of our life are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for truer answers and that is what your General is doing. Let him search… Let him search till he finds the answer, but I believe it will be too late…”

“Whatever it is we the people of Shinigami know, our General will never love a woman,” said the girl confidently.

Cinda smiled at the girl, turned, and looked at the direction in which Andrew galloped and said, “It’s a pity to know that the people of Shinigami tread the paths of life with your assumptions. It’s good to guess things about life but don’t assume things. Take my word, Your General will never be the same again.”

To be continued...