A Game of Fate
Documents
The golden hues of the evening sun filter through the window, casting a warm glow on the girl standing there. Her wheat-complexioned skin reflects the soft light, giving her an ethereal appearance.
She stands in quiet contemplation, a steaming cup of tea cradled in her hands. Her hair, a dark cascade, is swept up in a messy bun, with a few loose strands gently framing her face.
Dressed in a cozy sweater, she looks effortlessly elegant yet casual. The chill of December is hinted at by the light fog forming on the windowpane.
Her eyes, deep and thoughtful, are fixed on the horizon, lost in some distant.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
The records which are kept in archive are like puzzles just giving brief idea of what you have done.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
Nothing about how you did it?
Who were involved?
The room behind her is dimly lit, enhancing the serene, reflective atmosphere of the moment.
The scent of tea mingles with the cool evening air, adding to the sense of calm that surrounds her.
It was a normal day for everyone in Jaisalmer, but as evening transitioned into night, the temperature began to plummet, dropping to between 10°C and 5°C.
Shivangi is an archaeologist, currently delving into the history of the Raghuwanshi dynasty, one of the most powerful dynasties in northern India.
Her work had brought her to Jaisalmer, where she sought traces of the enigmatic past.
The last king of the Raghuwanshi dynasty, Agastya Indrajit Raghuwanshi, had left no descendants to carry on his legacy.
Shivangi stood by the window, her thoughts far away, maybe focused on the upcoming Geminids meteor shower.
Astronomy was one of her passions, though her everyday job involved uncovering ancient ruins and discovering historical facts.
Though he had a wife and several concubines, he never fathered a child.
Some whispered that he had loved deeply once, but the woman had left him, leaving him childless.
However, Shivangi had her own theories.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
King Agastya might have been impotent.
The night ahead was full of possibilities, both in the sky and in her research.
A knock at the door interrupted Shivangi's thoughts.
She opened it to find her colleagues, Meera and Raghav, standing there, holding a bunch of documents.
At that moment, Shivangi knew this was her doom.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
Come on in, I was just missing those documents - said sarcastically.
Raghav Kulkarni
Don't worry, these are some documents on the Rajvanshi dynasty, and look what I found out
Raghav Kulkarni
Looking smug
Raghav Kulkarni
Our hot, dashing King Agastya Raghuwanshi had someone he was fond of.
There was pause in atmosphere
Shivangi and Meera were stunned.
All the historic books stated that the king was someone who never showed emotion to anyone or anything in any situation.
Shivangi's mind raced with the implications of this new information.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
Are you serious?
Raghav Kulkarni
Absolutely
Raghav replied, spreading the documents out on the table.
Author
it's my first time to write it here
Author
So I hope it comes out good 😊
Geminids meteor
Shivangi's eyes scanned the ancient texts, her heart pounding with excitement. But as they delved deeper, disappointment set in. The documents still portrayed the same image of King Ekansh: an emotionless ruler, devoid of any personal connections or passions.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
ये पत्र हमें कुछ भी नया नहीं बता रहे हैं!!!
These letters aren't giving us anything new !!!
*frustration evident in her voice*
Determined not to give up, they began to sift through other documents, searching for clues hidden in Sanskrit quotes and old Hindi sentences. As the night deepened, they lost track of time, engrossed in their research. It wasn't until they glanced at the clock that they realized it was almost 10 PM.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
I’ll start preparing dinner
*while stretching her muscles *
Meera followed to help, while Raghav stayed behind, rearranging the documents on the table.
Raghav Kulkarni
क्या आप जानते हैं आज रात क्या है?
Do you know what's tonight?
*asked with hint of mystery in his tone *
Meera looked confused and glanced at Shivangi for help. Suddenly, Shivangi remembered.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
It's the Geminids meteor shower tonight
*exclaimed in excitement*
As they began serving dinner, Meera asked Shivangi to tell them about the meteor shower. Shivangi's eyes lit up as she began to narrate the story of Pollux and his brother's love connection.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
The Geminids meteor shower is named after the Gemini constellation.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
In Greek mythology, Pollux and Castor were twin brothers known as the Dioscuri. They were the sons of Zeus and Leda, but they had different fathers, which made Castor mortal and Pollux immortal. They were inseparable and shared a deep bond of love and brotherhood
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
When Castor was killed in battle, Pollux was devastated. He begged his father, Zeus, to let him share his immortality with his brother so they could be together forever. Zeus took pity on him and placed both brothers in the sky as the constellation Gemini, so they could remain side by side for eternity
Meera Deshpande
That's beautiful, A love so strong that it transcended life and death."
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
Do you want to join me to watch the meteor shower?
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
I was planning to watch it from Sonar Quila
Meera Deshpande
Yes, I'd love to!
*exclaimed*
Raghav, though a bit more reserved, decided to tag along as well. It took them almost four hours to reach Trikuta Hill.
Raghav's mood soured when he found out they would have to climb the hill to reach the Golden Fort.
Meera Deshpande
Come on, this climbing is worth it
*stated while giving a full blown smile*
Raghav grumbled under his breath as they began their climb.
The path up Trikuta Hill was steep and winding, but Meera's enthusiasm was infectious.
Shivangi led the way, her mind filled with thoughts of the upcoming celestial event and the historical mysteries still left to unravel.
Warrior
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
Just think about the view, Raghav
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
सोनार किला उल्कापिंडों की बौछार देखने के लिए एकदम सही जगह होगी
Sonar Quila will be the perfect spot to watch the meteor shower
Raghav Kulkarni
Yeah, yeah
Let's hope it's worth it
*Mutters with hope *
The climb was arduous, but the anticipation of what awaited them at the top kept their spirits high. The ancient steps, worn smooth by centuries of use, seemed to whisper stories of the past as they made their way up
After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached the top. The Golden Fort, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, stood majestically before them. The fort's sandstone walls shimmered in the night, living up to its name as Sonar Quila.
Meera Deshpande
Wow, It's even more beautiful than I imagined.
*taking in the breathtaking view*
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
This is perfect. Let's find a good spot to set up.
They settled on a high terrace that offered an unobstructed view of the sky. As they laid out their blankets and settled in, the first meteors of the Geminids began to streak across the sky.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
*Heart swelled with awe as she watched the celestial display.*
Raghav Kulkarni
Look at that...
Raghav Kulkarni
Incredible
*pointing to a particularly bright meteor*
They were deeply invested in the meteor shower, mesmerized by the celestial spectacle. However, Shivangi couldn't shake a feeling of unease. She stood up abruptly, causing Meera and Raghav to look at her with concern.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
I need to walk around a bit.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
I'm not feeling well.
Raghav Kulkarni
It's nighttime, and everything is dark around here. You shouldn't go alone.
*opposing her Idea*
Eventually, both Meera and Raghav were convinced, and they all decided to explore the fort together. They started roaming from room to room, their flashlights casting eerie shadows on the ancient walls
Despite the darkness, they made jokes about each other, their laughter echoing through the empty corridors, lightening the mood.
As they moved through the fort, the grandeur and mystery of Sonar Quila enveloped them. The ancient rooms, with their ornate carvings and faded frescoes, seemed to whisper secrets of a bygone era. Shivangi's unease slowly dissipated, replaced by a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, they heard the sound of something falling. The loud crash echoed through the silent hallways, making them all freeze in their tracks.
Meera Deshpande
वह क्या था?
What was that?
*voice trembling*
She was already scared of haunted movies, and this real-life scenario wasn't helping her nerves.
Shivangi's heart raced as she strained to listen for any further sounds.
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
यह अवश्य ही कोई पुरानी और नाजुक चीज रही होगी, संभवतः इमारत का ही कोई हिस्सा।
It must have been something old and fragile, maybe a part of the building.
*trying to sound clam*
Raghav Kulkarni
Let's go check it out. It might be nothing
*Raghav puffed his chest like the fort was his kingdom. His voice cracking just a little... Little*
Meera Deshpande
Oo..hk
*as curiousity got best of her*
A loose stone slid down somewhere behind a ruined wall with a kharrkk.
Raghav Kulkarni
See? History. It’s… settling
*said as he flinched*
Meera Deshpande
Yeah, same as your confidence.
*mumbled to herself while looking around*
They walked ahead, crunching on dry leaves. A bat suddenly flew out from an arch and whooshed past Raghav’s ear.
Raghav Kulkarni
AAA—
Ahem. Just… clearing my throat. Battle mode.
*instantly turned it into a cough*
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
You almost entered heaven mode.
*raised her one eyebrow*
They passed an old carved doorway. A bit of plaster fell and landed right near Raghav’s shoe.
Raghav Kulkarni
I knew that. I was just… testing my reflexes. Very warrior-type
*He did a tiny jump, then froze like a statue from 1523.*
Meera Deshpande
Warrior from which kingdom? Cartoon Network?
*grinning*
A squirrel ran across a broken step.
Raghav Kulkarni
Strategic position.
*Raghav immediately moved a step behind Shivangi.*
Raghav Kulkarni
You’re the shield. I’m the… royal advisor.
*added quickly*
Shivangi Gaikwad (FL)
So basically, you’re the scared minister.
Another stone clinked somewhere deeper in the fort
Raghav Kulkarni
Okay, final plan. If anything comes—ghost, bat, Mughal, British—
Plan A: I protect you both.
*swallowed. Clearly scared*
Meera Deshpande
And real plan?
Raghav Kulkarni
हम सब दौड़ पड़े। बाहर निकलने की तरफ। साथ-साथ। किसी देशभक्ति फिल्म के क्लाइमेक्स की तरह।
We all run. Towards the exit. Together. Like a patriotic movie climax
*grinning sheepishly*
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