[ CHAPTER XXIX ]
The distribution ceremony was set in the Pilam village which was an hour journey from the center City. Pilam village was the also the nearest village which connects the city and other villages. The royal reached early in the village where all the preparation were done. Many villagers has already waiting in the distribution camp. As planned Ehanya followed Somakshya closely helping her now and then. Mayurakshi was also there to check on the situation. Before the sun reach higher the ceremony started. Thr guards piled up all the needed goods for the distribution.
"There are still many people lining up. Your highness why don't you rest for a while? Sister and I will handle the rest of the distribution" Ehanya suggested when Biuja wiped the sweat on Somakshya's forehead.
"Yes mother, today's weather is quite hot. Besides this camp shade is not helping either. If you keep standing like this it will tire you more" Mayurakshi also joined in agreement.
Seeing both of them insisting Somakshya sighed, "I personally wanted to distribute everything. But since you two are this concerned then I will leave this matter to you two"
"Leave the matter to us your highness, your presence is enough to show the people about your concern" Ehanya assured before continuing the distribution.
Nandini stood at side watching them from little afar. Jeia broke the silence between them, "mistress aren't you going to help? They looked like trying to snatch an opportunity from you"
"There's no need, they wanted to help so why should we bother with their good intentions? We should boost them more, afterall it is their hard planning"
"But they has ulterior motive for doing this"
Nandini turned to look at her maid.
Jeia was startled by the sudden stare. "Well that's true". She pursed her lips not knowing whether her mistress was angry or not.
Nandini smiled, "who doesn't have ulterior motive? You, me, all of us does have one. They are not an exception. Everyone needs something from others. Closeness and distance depends on the intention they has in mind"
"Mistress aren't you worried?"
"What's there to be worried about? Worries are caused by the feeling of being threatened and in this situation there's none. Besides it's not like there's only one way to achieve a goal. You just need to open your mind a little and let yourself see the vast things around you" she said and she started to walk towards them. Jeia followed behind her silently.
"Grandmother you looked tired, are you alright?" Nandini put on her innocent smile as she stood infront of Somakshya.
"I am fine but standing there for a long time I am little exhausted" Somakshya replied with a smile.
"Oh, I see. Mother and Princess Ehanya is already here to help you" Nandini said glancing at Ehanya intentionally rising her tone a little so that Ehanya could clearly hear her words. "Princess Ehanya also said before she is quite experienced in charity work. I have seen many more villagers are still approaching for food" then she turned to Somakshya, "grandmother I have come to take you to the temple. There are priests waiting for your arrival. His majesty sent me here"
"Oh the priest are already here?" Somakshya rose from her seat looking happy.
"Yes, let's go now. We shouldn't let them wait" Nandini nodded.
"Yes, yes, let's go" Somakshya agreed then both of them left.
Ehanya secretly clenched her fist. That tricky woman again pushed her into work while sneaking away. Now she had to bear the distribution not getting a chance at all.
In the evening the ceremony was done for the first day. Nandini accompanied Somakshya as she led her
Out of the temple. It was 'Mahakaal's Temple' where small distribution for the priest community was held seperately.
"I can finally take a sigh of relief" Somakshya said as she sighed.
"Grandmother has really worked so hard today, it's your birthday yet you didn't get to rest for a while" Nandini complained with a slight pout.
Somakshya pinched her cheek, "you helped me a lot during the ceremony or I wouldn't be able to complete it smoothly. I never knew you know thing about such matters so well"
"Grandmother is praising me too much" Nandini said with a smile. Through the corner of her eyes she saw Ehanya and Mayurakshi was walking towards them. Their expressions were haggard.
"Is everything done?" Somakshya asked them.
"Yes, for today no one left empty handed" Mayurakshi was the one to reply.
"You two worked so hard today. If it weren't for you two I wouldn't be able to perform other duties freely. I must thank you for helping me so much" Somakshya's vice filled with gratefulness and gratitude.
"Your highness's words are flattering. This is of course our duty to help you. Please don't thank us like this, it would feel like strangers" Ehanya smiled.
"Grandmother Princess Ehanya is really kind. She really lived up the rumours of her kindness" Nandini boosted more.
Somakshya agreed nodding her head.
"Princess is appreciating too much. It's my duty to help"
"It's great, Grandmother princess Ehanya promised to help you. Now you don't have to worry about tomorrow. She will help you to deal with the distribution matter"
Ehanya clenched her fist glaring at Nandini. What is she doing? Doing the charity work means she has to endure another day of trouble. She was already so tired because she has to stand there almost whole day. Now she has to do it again.
Somakshya surprisingly turned towards Ehanya, "Princess Ehanya are you sure? You have already worked so hard today. It's not good for health to force yourself to do such work. You must be tired"
Mayurakshi nudged Ehanya a little, Ehanya gulped down her anger and forced a smile on her face, "your highness it's fine, I am habituated with such work. Your highness shouldn't tire yourself stressing so much"
"Princess you're really impressive, your courage and patience is really admirable"
"Your highness you're flattering me" Ehanya smiled.
"Princess Ehanya please take care of yourself or grandmother would be worried" Nandini smiled at her.
"Thank you for the concern princess" Ehanya nodded but her expression was somewhat cold.
Nandini ignored her look and continued to say, "of course I had to be concerned. I heard tomorrow will be double the amount today. It might take longer to finish the ceremony"
Ehanya's eyes widened. Double the amount? Unconsciously Ehanya almost fell but Mayurakshi quickly held her. She was a princess afterall, raised with delicacy and love. Though she used to do charity work it was only for few minutes. The rest were handled by her maids. How could she do such hardwork all of a sudden?
Mayurakshi whispered in her ear, "stay focused, don't ruin the impression yet"
Ehanya quickly calmed herself down then looked at Nandini who was giving her a mocking smile, "please don't worry about me, I will handle it"
"Then I must thank you for helping grandmother to such extent" Nandini smiled then her attention shifted to Somakshya, "grandmother, it was fortunate that princess Ehanya is here to lend a helping hand. She is really admirable"
Somakshya agreed with a smile, "truly, princess I am glad you're here at this time. Such a kind hearted girl to help like this is really rare. Your parents raised you so well"
Ehanya was surprised by the complement. All the anger she felt earlier vanished into thin air. She was glad at least Somakshya could see something good in her, so all the efforts she put wasn't a waste totally. With a smile she thanked Somakshya, "it's my pleasure to be able to help your highness"
After spending some more time with Somakshya Nandini decided to return to her room. The return journey back to the hotel was smooth. She was tired shd wanted to take rest before the dinner but all her plan were destroyed by the arrival of the person sfe don't want to see.
Why is here again? Nandini's mind questioned herself.
"Why are you here your highness?" She asked feeling annoyed.
Amey stood at the door step waiting for her. He wanted to talk to her but couldn't get the chance.
"I was looking for you, I want to talk to you about
something" his reply was fast. It's like he was waiting for her arrival to start a conversation.
She frowned, there's no dealing between them then why this man behaving so weirdly these days? This has left the unsettling feeling inside her heart.
"I don't believe there's anything to talk your highness. I am tired already, can you please leave now?"
Amey looked at her with disbelief. He just confessed about discussion yet she is waving off the matter like nothing. She didn't take his words seriously. He couldn't help but scold her, "what are you doing all day? Are you being naughty running around?"
The question felt like an insult to Nandini. Her face hardened as glared at the man infront of her. "What do you want to prove with such remark your highness? Do you think everyone is as idle as you who got nothing to work? Or is it that being overpowered by the laziness you started to visualise everyone as a part of your character?"
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