Chapter : 19; Talk between Kalyani and Durgawati (1)
Next Day,
Night Within the Royal Palace Eating Area Kalyani was seated on a chair before Queen Durgawati, her eyes fixed as she studied the queen's strange expression.
"Hmm…!" Kalyani let out a sigh and finally ended the silence.
"I never anticipated that we would get to this moment, Durgawati…!"
An unfamiliar feeling resonated in Kalyani's voice while she spoke, a blend of nostalgia and regret. Durgawati, nonetheless, did not reply right away. She just took a bite of her meal, chewing gradually, her gaze fixed on Kalyani as if nothing occurred.
The gentle sound of silver-plated cutlery resonated in the royal palace corridor, but neither woman took notice of it. Kalyani let out another sigh, her fingers shaking a bit, revealing the discomfort she experienced.
At last, she began to speak.
"You haven't changed a bit, have you, Durgawati?" Queen Durgawati finished her mouthful and glanced at Kalyani with a knowing smile before answering, "And still, you have."
"Who transformed you… your spouse or your child?" Kalyani grinned, although her face showed no amusement.
"Individuals must adapt when they lack alternatives." Durgawati gave a gentle laugh.
"Really?" Thus, I believe I was compelled to change as well when I traveled to the Yadu Kingdom in search of collaboration between my father's kingdom and theirs, to oppose the Mughal Empire. I was even ready to be his concubine if that ensured his backing.
Her tone became icy as she pressed on, "Explain to me, Kalyani, why didn't he assist me at that time?"
"Reclining in her chair, Queen Durgawati's piercing stare locked onto Kalyani, challenging her to respond. A short pause ensued. Even the faint noises of eating had stopped. Kalyani gazed at Queen Durgawati with a blend of astonishment and
"You have a misconception, Durgawati." "My husband cannot come here… as he has been incarcerated."
A brief glimmer of astonishment appeared in Queen Durgawati's eyes, but it was swiftly concealed. She examined Kalyani closely before responding.
"locked up?" "By who?"
Kalyani breathed out gently, her grip firming around the table's edge.
"The Mughal Empire."
"Wow…!" Queeen Durgawati exclaimed.
Kalyani inhaled deeply, her eyes unwavering as she faced Queen Durgawati.
"My spouse, Pashupati Yadav, was deceived by someone in his own court," she started, her voice reflecting the heaviness of sorrowful recollections. A group within the Yadu Dynasty plotted against him, worried about his increasing power and influence. They perceived him as a danger, and when the Mughals approached, they betrayed him rather than supporting him.
Queen Durgawati stayed quiet, paying close attention.
"The Mughals exploited this treachery," Kalyani went on. "They took him prisoner in a fight, aware that without his guidance, the Yadu Dynasty would falter due to internal conflict." Since that time, he has been incarcerated, kept as a captive to manage what is left of his devoted troops."
Durgawati's fingers gently tapped on the table. "And what about you? What transpired for you following that?"
Kalyani's mouth twisted into a sardonic grin. "I narrowly escape away with my son, Ayush, and some peoples. Many wished for our demise, viewing us as an unresolved threat that might someday seek revenge. However, destiny had different intentions. We endured, and my son has become resilient."
Queen Durgawati breathed out, a mixed look appearing on her face. "Thus, your son is not merely here for resources… he is getting ready for battle."
Kalyani acknowledged with a nod. "Not merely conflict, insurrection. The Mughals will not cease with my realm, nor yours. "Without immediate action, we will all ultimately be subjected to their authority."
A thick silence enveloped the hall. Queen Durgawati, lost in contemplation, gazed at the dancing candlelight.
"You have provided me with a lot to think about," she finally remarked. "However, Kalyani, explain to me why I should think your son will achieve what many have not?"
Kalyani's gaze sparkled with serene assurance.
"HE has the ability to turn the history…!"
Queen Durgawati squinted at Kalyani's remarks. "The ability to alter history?"
" Those are daring assertions, Kalyani. However, audacious assertions do not secure victories, tactics, power, and partnerships do."
Kalyani inclined herself a bit, her tone steady. "That is precisely why Ayush requests your assistance."
"He does not demand unquestioning belief, nor does he anticipate confidence without evidence. He is ready to present you with results. But please tell me, Durgawati, what makes you hesitate? "
"Is it really due to your doubts about his strength, or is it that you perceive a reflection of your past within him?"
Durgawati's face darkened for an instant, her fingers halting their steady drumming on the table. "You believe you understand me completely," she whispered.
"I understand what it is to struggle against destiny," Kalyani responded.
" You once were ready to do anything for your kingdom, even offer yourself as a concubine to create an alliance. That opportunity was taken from you, and now, years later, you find yourself on this throne, reigning alone. You know better than anyone that survival is unattainable without powerful allies."
Queen Durgawati's lips formed a narrow line. "Still, you want me to gamble my kingdom's future on the aspirations of a dethroned prince."
"The Mughals are observing, and Bijapur is too. If I align with Ayush, I could be bringing ruin to my community."
Kalyani let out a sigh. "Now, Durgawati, speak to me, if you take no action, will your people genuinely be protected?"
"Or will they just collapse later, when they are too frail to resist?"
Quiet.
Queen Durgawati's expression was inscrutable as she looked at Kalyani. After what seemed like a lifetime, she finally uttered words.
"I won't dismiss your proposal completely," she replied deliberately.
"However, if your son seeks my assistance, he needs to demonstrate his worth. Demonstrate to me that he is more than mere words."
Kalyani inhaled deeply and gazed straight into Queen Durgawati's eyes. "I acknowledge your worries, Durgawati."
" Yet you have consistently been a woman of insight. You understand that remaining inactive will not guarantee the security of your kingdom."
"The Mughals and the Bijapur Sultanate are observing, anticipating a chance. And when that moment arrives, will you stand by yourself?"
Durgawati did not reply right away. She drummed her fingers on the chair's armrest, deep in her thoughts.
"Ayush is more than just another fallen prince pursuing an unattainable dream," Kalyani went on.
"He stands out. He is creating something bigger, something capable of transforming the future of Bharatvarsh(Whole Indian Subcontinent)."
" However, he is unable to accomplish it by himself. He requires allies, and he needs a person like you, someone who comprehends power, strategy, and survival."
Queen Durgawati let out a sigh and reclined.
"And you have such strong faith in him?"
Kalyani agreed without any doubts.
"Certainly, above all else. I have seen the his fire in his eyes to create his own empire. And as mother of him, how could I not support him."
A long quietness ensued. The atmosphere in the room was heavy, yet Kalyani's steadfast stare caused Durgawati to hesitate.
Ultimately, the queen emitted a soft laugh.
"You have always been headstrong, Kalyani."
"Alright, I will give your son an opportunity. However, my assistance will not be given willingly. He needs to demonstrate his value."
"Demonstrate that his aspirations are more than mere words. Should he be able to accomplish that, I will work together."
A slight grin appeared on Kalyani's lips. "That is everything we request."
Durgawati responded with a solid nod. "Now, let us determine whether Ayush Chandra Mourya is indeed a person capable of making history."
Kalyani's grin wavered a bit at Queen Durgawati's subsequent statement.
"If we are going to collaborate, Kalyani, I require more than mere words."
"I require a marriage alliance." Durgawati stated, her keen eyes fixed on Kalyani's.
For a brief instant, the hall was enveloped in silence.
Kalyani was caught off guard by this request, and she sensed the significance behind that statement.
A marriage alliance signified more than mere collaboration, it represented entwining their destinies.
Kalyani inhaled deeply.
"An alliance through marriage…?" "What do you mean…?"
Durgawati leaned a bit forward, her face impassive. "Your son, Ayush, is required to wed someone from my royal lineage."
"That is the sole method I can use to guarantee that his interests and mine stay in harmony. To build trust among us, a stronger connection between our realms is essential."