It was a pleasant afternoon. The sun was casting its golden rays upon Gajasaharya, illuminating the glistening raindrops that was still clinging to leaves and flowers. The air was crisp and invigorating, carrying the scent of damp earth and blossoming flowers.

Manvendra had brought Dhisana to the banks of the Yamuna river for sporting. They were surrounded by maids and servants, who were happily serving them.

Dhisana was gracefully wandering amidst the vibrant tapestry of nature. The sun's warm embrace highlighted her dark locks tied in a loose bun. Some hair srands fell on the side of her face and neck, cascading like a radiant waterfall.

She extended her dainty hand to pluck delicate wildflowers that swayed in unison with nature's whims. Her eyes, radiant pools of innocence and wonder, sparkled as she collected the most captivating blossoms whose sweet fragrance was filling the air.

Manvendra who was sitting underneath the shed of the tree observed every movement of hers with eyes filled with adoration, while sipping the excellent wine.

As Dhisana turned to meet her husband's gaze, the love that shone in his eyes ignited a spark within her own. With a smile on her face she rushed towards him, taking her rightful seat over his left thigh. She looked at him with a grin, while being elegantly perched on his lap.

"Aren't they beautiful ?" She asked, showing him the flowers she picked. A smile adorned her face, a smile that could light up his darkest of nights.

"Yes. Just like you." Manvendra said as his arm encircled her waist.

His eyes then fell on the gem studded chalice in his hand, filled with shimmering crimson liquid. Thinking she'll enjoy it, he brought the wine to his wife's lips. Dhisana looked at it and then at him. He gave her an assuring smile.

Hesitant, yet trusting in her husband's intentions, Dhisana obediently took a sip, her lips pressing lightly against the rim of the chalice. But as the taste touched her tongue, a barely perceptible grimace flickered upon her face for she simply couldn't find pleasure in the bitterness of wine.

Observing her subtle reaction, Manvendra could't help but chuckle softly. Understanding her distaste for the drink, he gently placed the chalice aside.

"It seems this wine has disenchanted you. But fear not Dhisaney, because if you allow I shall bring joy to your lips once again." Manvendra said.

"Not in front of all." Dhisana said.

"I'll ask them to leave then." He said, his voice laced with mischief.

She playfully swatted at his chest, her laughter bubbling through the air. Manvendra smiled at her joyful spirit shining through. He tenderly brushed away a stray lock of her hair, nestling it behind her ear.

"Sorry to disturb the prince and the princess in their quality time." A man said coming towards them, "I come as a messanger from Hastinapur." He said.

"What is the message ?" Manvendra asked looking at him.

"The news has reached the capital that Rani Kunti and Pandavas are alive. The five princes have obtained Panchal-Kumari as their common wife." The messenger said.

"A common wife ?" Manvendra raised his brow.

Dhisana looked at him confused, for he looked more surprised on the fact that they all married one princess, instead of the fact that his cousins are alive.

"Yes. Ved Vyas himself felicitated their wedding." The messanger said.

"Oh. Then it must be for a good cause." Manvendra said while Dhisana kept staring at him, trying to find any hint of joy but failed. A realisation then dawned upon her, that he didn't seem grieved at their demise also.

"What is the message for me ?" Manvendra asked.

"Maharaj Dhritrashtra calls you to Nagasaharya to discuss upon this matter." The messanger said.

"Monsoons are for rest, I shall come to Hastinapur after the season is over." Manvendra said assertively.

"But you are the prince entrusted with kingdom duties. You must come when Maharaj calls you." The messenger said.

"Maharaj has 101 princes of his own. If he admits that they are up to no good, then I shall come immediately. Of course the kingdom duties cannot be taken lightly." Manvendra said with a small smile.

"Very well then." The messenger said, supressing his smile. He bowed to Manvendra and then left.

A part of Dhisana became relieved and happy that her husband will stay with her for some more time. But another part of her was still confused as to how unbothered he seemed by the news.

"Raudra, weren't you and Pandavas close ?" She asked, unable to curb her doubts.

"We are." He said looking at her.

"Then why aren't you happy that they alive ?" She asked.

He stared at her for a moment before turning his gaze at the maids and servants. He raised his hand, gesturing them to leave. They humbly obeyed his demand and walked away. Once they were out of sight Manvendra looked back at her.

"I already knew it." He said in a whisper.

"What ? You did ? Since when ?" Dhisana frowned.

"Since always." Manvendra said simply.

"And you didn't tell me ? You don't trust me, is it ?" Dhisana asked, a tinge of sadness evident in her voice.

"I understand your concerns, Dhisaney, but please understand that this affair involves matters that shouldn't go beyond the boundaries of our palace walls. I did it for Raj Dharma." Manvendra said.

At that Dhisana fell silent for a moment, for she had vowed to support him in fulfilling his duties, no matter what.

"If it's for Rajdharma I won't say anything." She said simply.

"Thank you for understanding, Dhisaney." Manvendra smiled as he caressed her cheeks.

Dhisana also smiled shyly at him. She leaned on the chest of her husband, resting her head next to his heart, revelling in its soothing and assuring rhythm.

But the smile on her face started to disappear as she began pondering about how for one year he had kept this information to himself without telling anyone. Secrets can be hard to keep, she knew that. How many more hidden truths could there be, burdening him and adding to the pressure of his responsibilities ?

The grip of her hands slightly tightened around his garments as she imagined the immense pressure her husband must've been carrying and will carry. The fear that her husband, whom she loved dearly, was bearing these burdens alone, without anyone to share his worries with, deeply troubled her.

"What happened ?" Manvendra asked seeing her stiffened stance.

"Raudra, I am getting worried just by imagining how many more secrets you must be are holding inside you, and the amount of burden they must be creating inside your mind." Dhisana said looking at him.

Manvendra fell silent as he diverted his gaze, staring into nothingness while contemplating the weight that burdened his shoulders, the accident that took place four years ago, the struggle of his which was hidden away beneath a facade of calm resilience.

'Should I tell her ?' He pondered over this question again and again. But his steps towards divulging this truth faltered, for he feared the ramifications it might have on their delicate relationship. He feared that revealing his secret would only cause her distress and cultivate pain in her heart.

"I am plagued by it." Dhisana said bringing him out of his thoughts.

"What ?" Manvendra looked back at her.

"I am plagued by the thoughts of the amount of secrets you must be harboring. It must be tough." She said, her eyes showing the worry they carried for his mental and emotional well-being.

"I have kept many secrets, yes. I carry a labyrinth of concealed truths, each brick meticulously placed to shelter the deepest, most profound aspects of my being. It sometimes weighs heavy on my conscience." Manvendra said.

Dhisana looked at him concerned, his voice and face had gotten extremely stoic, yet she could see the turmoil in his eyes clouded by a distant look. It was consuming her by worry and uncertainty.

"But it is all worth it. For the kingdom, for the people, for you and for us." He said, it was a sacrifice he believed necessary to protect her from the relentless torment of his affliction. 

Dhisana said nothing, she could see enigmatic shadows veiling her husband's soul. She desperately desired to help alleviate Manvendra's pain, to share in his burdens and worries. But she didn't want to move further with the conversation, thinking it will make him more grim.

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A/N

Let's see when will the secret reveal itself 🌝

Btw, what do you think will Dhisana's reaction be when she finds out about the curse ?