Hello Readers and my dear Friends!

Oh, can you all believe it it's already December!
Now, Back with another chapter.
Say yes if you liked the chapter.!

4th December 2020

"They Are Not Monsters"

Roshni's pov

My eyes fluttered open when a cool breeze hit my skin.
I sighed hearing the chirping of the birds from their nestle.
And like everyday, I walked upto the tall window, I looked out at the Himalayas, my Home!

To tell you the truth there is not much settlements apart from the Singha castle and a few villas around me. Yet despite the absence of our regular village scenes, I find a strange peacefulness here. The Extreme climate that surrounds us puts huge strains on those living here but it is commendable that even after facing such difficulties how these jungle creatures, or say the Prides stand for each other.
They always work for each other... It's like... One for All....and All for One!
And I strongly feel that they have been blessed by the mother Nature and goddess Parvati to survive the hardships.
The Goddess has provided many minerals and natural resources to nurture themselves. Like river Ganges and these tall rocks to protect them from any attacks.
If Ganges is their mother, Himalayas is the father to these Prides. One nurtures and nourishes, the other provides and protects.
And these Prides, In return serve mankind and the valley.
It's all a full Circle.!
The Himalayas are a holy land, dotted with sacred lakes, divine peaks and blue glaciers that gleam and soar and provides for all of us. And I am blessed to become a part of this.

When I was forcibly brought here, I was too gloomy to see the blessings around me but now after spending some time here, I feel may be all of this is not that bad.

These people have welcomed me with open hearts no matter how distant I behaved.
There is no denial that Adhikshit and his family has been kind to me too.
Yes, they had been persuasive most of the times but if you think from their point of view, they just want to survive and keep themselves and the valley safe from any possible danger.

They know that they need me..more like my powers!
But that's not the only reason, why they want me to stay....they want me to stay for their Legend Singha!
They care for him so much!
But deep down, I know Adhikshit deserves all this love & care!

And I would say, staying here won't be that bad after all!

May be I should give this a chance!

Yes, recently my Heart and my Brain have been giving me hopes that may be I can survive this... May be I can work along with these people... Creatures... No... People... Oh whatever!

And not to forget what happened yesterday.... Aadarsh Bhai!
I think there is more to my existence.
And what grand ma said suggests that me being the chosen one is indeed right.

And I have a certain responsibilities towards the Prides.
Many warriors have sacrificed their lives against the Nandinghas and their sacrifices should not go waste.

So, I had decided I will give this a chance!

And what about Adhikshit?? - asked my inner voice

What about him? - the other voice asked

Don't deny the facts Roshni!
You know he is your chosen partner!
Also, don't say that you are not attracted to him! - the first one said

And I blushed! I felt my cheeks warming up against the cold weather.

Yes, things have been changing... I... I.... Am beginning to know more about him.....and he seems a nice guy! - replied the other one

So, what are you waiting for?
You should mate with him! - spoke the first one

What the Hell?
Mate, with him??
He.. He is not even my Husband.. How can I just have such intimate relationship with him? - I mumbled to myself lost

I was so lost that I didn't even realise someone heard me and replied too -

But this is the way the Prides work!

I turned around to see a girl of my age..may be a year or two older. I narrowed my eyes... Don't know why but She somehow seemed familiar.....?

I have seen this girl somewhere!

Yes, you might have!
As I am also from Malana.! - she replied grinning

What? Did I speak that loud? - I mumbled again

And she laughed - Yes, you did Roshni!

Who are you?? - I asked her

We haven't met officially Roshni but I know you! - she replied smiling

A lot of people here know me, all thanks to that Principal Singha! - I mumbled frowning

Oh Roshni! You are really cute!
Samar was right, you are good for The Legend King!
Hii, I am Sugandha, samar's mate! - she spoke shyly

And just like you I am a human too!
But before you ask me did he take me against my will, my answer is a No.
I love Samar, always have!
He is the one for me!
And I have accepted him with all his hidden secrets.! - spoke the girl softly

So, yo.... You mated with him? - i could not stop the words

Sugandha turned beetroot and shook her head - Not yet!
We... We are taking it slow!

Don't you find it awkward that you two are not even bound together with Holy mantras? And still you two are adviced to indulge in intimacy! - I asked frowning

It's not like that....the Prides follow a certain set of customs and after completing a few documents, they are treated as man & wife and after those formality, they mate with each other.
But yes, for us human A matrimony is Holy!
I can understand where you are coming from, but we don't get everything in our life. I have accepted him already as my man and I have his potion infused. So I think married or not, I know he is the one I want for the rest of my life. Just know Roshni, They are not monsters!

You need to understand, they have to follow certain customs in order to keep everything balanced.
I know you are scared of these changes and the expectations around you but trust me, Adhi... Er.... legend Singha is a nice man!
If marriage bothers you so much, please open up about your feelings in front of him, I am sure he will acknowledge them and will support you.
You are lucky that you are his mate!
A lot of girls from around this valley would go on their knees for him but he has his eyes only for you.

So, give him a chance??
Besides you both look so cute together! - wow this girl is really convincing

I will think about it Sugandha!
I feel much better after talking to you.
And I would like to be around you, so friends? - I asked her smiling

She grinned -  Sisters For Life!
Friends For Forever!

And we both giggled.

She then excuses herself and I also began with my daily routines.
Yes, my daily routines which is by the way nowhere close to what you all are thinking!

Tasks have been assigned to me!
Can you believe that?

Well, I can't!
But who listens to this poor girl!
So I have to follow this routine ever day.

I have to start my day with fight lessons!
Afternoon, I have to study Legend History!
Evening I have to meet the Prides!

And this is from nine other than the Vijay Raj Singhal, my Adhikshit's father!

Wait!
What the hell!
My Adhikshit??
Since when???
I am loosing my mind!

Sighing I quickly had my breakfast and proceeded towards the Dangal.

It is a centre to train the girl warriors.
They teach you various fighting skills so that when you are in danger you can at least defend yourself.

And i really like that part!
A girl must be strong!

And so Currently I am learning Archery!

I went to my station and concentrated at the aim.
My trainer is a tough old man, Adhikshit once told me he was the oldest fighter from the Prides and he was his coach too.

I tried a few arrows and I was no where close to the target.
And there I saw girls practicing like pro.

I shook my head and concentrated again but then my ears perked up.
I heard a group of girls gushing over Adhikshit. I did not like them thinking about him that way!
But anger rushed through my veins when I heard One girl say - Have you seen our legend king?
Oh! he is a perfectionist and look at her!

Poor thing can not even aim at the dummy!
Only goddess Parvati knows what he saw him her! - that girl was talking about me

Oh! She just didn't!

I walked upto them as quitely as possible and then spoke -

Any problem Girls???
I see you have quite a fascination about my mate!

I would have filtered my mouth if I were you, But guess what?
He has eyes only for Me!

So it's better if you back off, don't forget who you are talking about!
I am your Legend Queen! - I smirked

Er... Q.... Queen!
S.. Sorry!
We did not mean anything vicious!
We are truly sorry!
Please forgive us, we will make sure to serve you right! - one sensible girl spoke stuttering and I mentally smile

Good!
Now disperse! - I ordered and they all left quickly

And that really felt good!

And my inner self grinned evil!

After that, I was roaming around the garden, and then I saw my mate!
The man who has created a havoc in my heart and mind!

To my utter surprise, He was gardening!
Can you believe it??
He was doing something in the green house!

I walked in and asked - Never seen a Lion who loves gardening!

He was caught off guard but then our eyes met and I smiled.

Planting a few saplings in soil he spoke - This gives me peace!
You know, when I was a child, My dad and I, we built this green house together!

And Later, he gifted me this Green House!

It's beautiful! - I said looking around the green house

Glad you liked my Queen! - he playfully bowed
By the way, what are you doing here at this time?? - he asked

Uff Adhikshit, stop being my Principal!
I came here because I wanted to explore the Prides.! - I whined

And he laughed but next second he frowned when I moved closer to him.

Our faces were inches apart.... Our breaths mingled with each other.
One could tell the increasing sexual tension around us.
Ro....wha.... He was whispering but I cut him off and put soil on his cheeks and ran away laughing.

You!
Roshni!
Wait!
You will pay for this! - he shouted running behind me

We will see about that Principal! - I teased and ran back to the castle

Roshni's pov ends here.

Writer's pov

The tall mountains soon were covered by yellowish.....orangish.... Pinkish sky!

The evening time was always a fun time for Adhikshit!
He used to spend time with the little kids of the prides. They always had something fun to do.

And right now, he was in the kids library with a bunch of enthusiastic kids.

Singha Legend, please read us the Moon Goddess story! - a child pouted

Adhikshit smiled at him and they all sat around him with kimba, on his lap.

He took out the Book and began reading -

Ok kids and cubs!
You know moon goddess is my favorite!
I have just the right book to read to you all!
There are many poignant legends about the moon goddess, but among them all, this one touched me the most.

So, listen up quitely and I hope you all will like this.!

He began reading -

In the ancient Greek mythology, the moon goddess Artemis, was the sister with the god of the sun Apollo.
It goes without saying that She was very beautiful, and also was a very powerful archer who was in charge of the hunting and drove a silver carriage in the sky every night. Her carriage represented everything in the dark including cold, lonely, and the souls' road. And she was the patron saint of unmarried girls in the Greek gods.

Poseidon's son, Oleg Weng, was very fond of archery too. Moreover, he was a very good hunter, and liked rushing on the sea every day. Once, he met with the Artemis, the moon goddess and as a result of their common hobby, they admired each other and fell in love quickly. They often hunted together in the jungle and flew above the sea.
But the goddess's elder brother Apollo hated Oleg Weng very much, and did not approve of his sister being with Oleg Weng, and so he was determined to kill Oleg Weng.

And he laid a vicious Trap!

One day, when Oleg Weng flew above the sea, Apollo fell the golden light on Oleg Weng to hide him, so that no one could see him, and then went to encourage his sister, moon goddess, to take aim at the golden light. Goddess, of course, did not know this was her brother's plot, shooting an arrow just at the head of Oleg Weng. When learning what she shot at was her sweet heart, she plunged into despair, crying day and night.

In order to treasure her love forever, she requested Zeus to raised Oleg Weng to the paradise, wishing to see him when she was driving the silver carriage.
The kind Zeus accepted her request and so Oleg Weng became the constellation - Orion.

The moon goddess swore that she would never get married and she would always accompany Oleg Weng in the night sky.!

So children!
This is the power of Love, if your love is pure you will be with them forever, no matter in whichever ways! - spoke Adhikshit in a daze

Unaware to all, all this while, Roshni watched Adhikshit from the door and she was spell bound by his charisma!

And remember, love will always find it's way to your Heart! - Adhikshit concluded and the kids applauded but remained awed with his charms and the story and then they heard a clapping....that's when he saw Roshni!

His mate!

With eyes filled with Love!

The kids began their clapping too and Singha like true king he was, appreciated each one of them and when he looked towards his mate, she was Gone!

He looked for her and finally found her near the terrace. He stood behind her, holding her by her waist and husked -

Thinking about me Nightingale?

Roshni shivered first at the contact but then relaxed as she knew he meant no harm.
She turned around and said -
That was marvelous back there!
You were so fine with your reading Adhikshit!

Are you always this perfect? - she asked

He smiled at her in a boyish way and spoke - Well, I try to be perfect almost most the times, but I think these days you, my little Nightingale, have been my distraction!

And holy Ganges!

Roshni blushed!

I want to learn more about your Prides! - she whispered

Nightingale, Not yours, ours! - he smiled brushing his shoulder with hers

And there, she blushed again and he pinched her cheeks muttering Cute!

Roshni tried but could not look into his eyes and reply back.

Someone save Me!

I guess Sugandha was right!
This Singha is not a monster! - these were the only thoughts in her mind

So, finally Roshni is choosing Adhikshit as her mate!
Adhikshit could not be any happier!
Well, atleast they are on track!

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See you all soon!