THE TEARS OF KUMARI KANDAM
THE CHAPTER 20

The breezy spring breeze gently blew Haala's untouched golden hair ribbon, the dangling tip of Daxraj's blue robe, as well as the frail apple leaves onto the crumpled cloth. Seen from a distance, precisely under one of the most fertile apple trees, Haala and Daxraj were eating lunch together.

Haala's views are still reluctant to switch from Daxraj, since the first time they met in his chaotic past. No matter how many times he wanted to be observed, the beautiful man who was busy biting Tandoori* in front of Haala at this time, really did not deserve the status of a wandering tribe leader.

*Tandoori* is a chicken dish originating from the Punjab region. Tandoori has existed since the time of the Mughal sultanate in South Asia and even spread to Central and Southeast Asia. Tandoori is made from chicken meat soaked in a thick, sour milk batter with Indian masala salt, condiments, and pepper*.

There was no hint of pretence on the face of the man who next week would tie a promise of life while with Haala, nor was there a danger signal that should sound alerting him. And really, there's nothing to be sure about anymore, because the man with the most brazen good looks was clearly not in the middle of a show.

"Is that crazy woman bothering you again?"

Haala did not answer. "I thought if your weird attitude today wasn't caused by the books you read a lot, it must have been because of it" Daxraj said.

"I only know one crazy woman in this world."

"Then it must be him" said Daxraj.

"His Majesty the Queen?"

Spontaneous Daxraj looked at Haala, puzzled. "His Majesty the Queen?"

"The only crazy woman I know is Queen Kumari Kandam."

Daxraj remained silent for quite a while staring at Haala, staring increasingly confused. "Kumari Kandam doesn't have a queen yet, Haala."

"What's? So you also lost Queen Jihan? How many people did you lose? And what's your goal in eliminating them?" asked Haala in a slightly high tone of voice.

"I can't believe you called that crazy woman the queen. If she hears it firsthand, I'm afraid she'll really want to be queen."

The breeze of the spring breeze slowly gushed forth, as if representing Haala's shock. Not only is the Haala family revived and the existence of Murat Iskender remains a mystery. Queen Kumari Kandam's throne is still empty. And Haala just realized, if the atmosphere in the kingdom is so quiet.

"Where are the concubines?"

"Consieur?" Daxraj asked Haala.

"Don't tell me you've also lost the concubines."

Daxraj nodded hesitantly in response to Haala. "Maybe you could say that."

"Why did you do it?" Haala asked again in a high voice.

"Isn't that your proposal? In order to avoid the seizure of the queen's crown, despicable diseases, and to give an example of loyalty especially to men, you said it would be better if a man only had a woman. I presented your proposal to His Majesty the King and He agreed to it."

Haala was surprised. "I don't think if he knew you were the one who made the proposal, you wouldn't have to wait for our wedding day to get your dream horse" Daxraj added, laughing.

DEG! DEG! DEG!

Haala's heart suddenly thumped, although it was not clear the purpose of the beating. Either because of the new fact about the crown of Queen Kumari Kandam who has not perched on the head of any woman, or the harem that was impaled, or the laughter of Daxraj who he had just seen for the first time, he said, Haala only felt her heart continue pounding uncontrollably.

DEG! DEG! DEG! DEG!

And a friendly touch of Daxraj's thumb rubbing the leftovers on the corners of his lips, making Haala's heart pound more wildly. Daxraj's human-like figure began to tremble a space in Haala's heart. Whether what space it is, but one thing is certain, the ambiguous debate has enough opportunities to shift Braheim's position.

"Ah, I remember wanting to tell you something."

Haala threw away her sight. "About what?"

"Your father. At first I thought it was just my feelings, but there was too much evidence."

Haala looked back at Daxraj. "What do you mean?"

"Laasya's disease, I'm sure it's your father."

"How is it possible? Tell me more clearly" said Haala enthusiastically.

Daxraj smiled in response to Haala's enthusiasm, moving on and saying that the person they were talking about came at an inappropriate time. Seen from a distance, a man in a blood red uniform with matching colored sword twists on his waist was riding a horse towards the apple garden.

"Is Tandoori still left for me?" asked Haala's father while jumping from the horse.

...¤○●¤○●¤○●¤...

It has been four days that Haala has lived out her days in the past that felt like the future. Too much has changed until not enough has been recorded in just one or two books. Especially the Daxraj changes. A handsome man is not a play who is now actively making his face as a spectacle that is really like a reborn man.

It did not feel the slightest bit of threatening, stripping, cornered aura from Daxraj who was the leader of the wandering tribe. Instead, Haala only felt a weak human aura. Daxraj Natesh in the new Haala past, definitely not Daxraj Natesh who has the power to conquer Ghinauna*, Chhota*, nor the giant lion.

*Ghinauna*giant fish guard Lake Baadal*.

*Chhota* or Faot is a half human half fairy and half bull*.

Honestly, Haala's confusion is not needed here, because the fate of the world that has certainly survived is only a matter of days. Yes, because in less than a week Haala and Daxraj will have a wedding. But somehow Haala was agitated. Because for Haala, big changes will definitely have an impact that is no less big.

The mystery of his father, grandfather, and grandmother who rose from the grave, the fate of Murat Iskender, and Jihan who instead became the daughter of a dairy farmer, was really successful in mixing the contents of Haala's head. Not to mention the words of Daxraj that always ringing, about the father who seems to be the cause of the strange disease suffered by Laasya.

"May I ask you something?"

As usual, Laasya was silent, and only interested in looking blankly ahead. "Before you're gone, the day before your friend disappeared. Could it be that you intend to find your friend?" ask Haala again.

Laasya is still silent. "Speak, brother. What exactly happened back then? Why are you so far away in the woods? Why don't you wear a piece of clothing? Does it have anything to do with Dad?" Haala kept asking.

Spontaneous Laasya turned to Haala, with a face holding back tears. "I'm sorry for being too curious. Truly, this time there was no healing potion from the wandering tribe. So the only way you can heal is by uncovering what happened to you at that time" Haala said, hugging Laasya.

"As I promise you in the future, you'll heal and get your life back, my sister." Haala hugged Laasya tighter and tighter.

From that day on, Haala was more eager to watch her father's movements than to prepare for his wedding. Haala also insisted on unmasking Daxraj's play despite realizing that her future husband was not wearing a mask. Haala is busy accepting new changes, while digging up hidden facts.

"We fucked in the cornfield all night. Looky. Here's the proof." Jihan showed artificial red marks all over her body.

Haala fell silent. Still do not believe the elegant figure of Jihan who is now only wrapped Saree* simple. "Why are you quiet? Quickly cancel your marriage because I'm the one who should have married Daxraj" Jihan added.

*Saree* or shari is a type of fabric that women wear in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.Saree or shari consists of sheets of unsewn fabric, which is not stitched, variations vary with a length of 4-9 meters worn on the body with various styles*.

"It's nice to see the look in your eyes that's still pure."

Jihan sneered, "Why are you suddenly speaking politely? But it should be because I'm older than you. Listen carefully to the words of this old man. Quickly cancel your wedding. Understood?"

Haala smiled in response to Jihan. "If my servant could do it."

"Stop speaking politely you frustrate me. But what did you mean? Could it be that you were forced into marriage by your parents?"

"Either this is called coercion or duty" Haala replied as she passed.

"Hey, wait. I'm seriously asking you to cancel the wedding. Give Daxraj to me, and then welcome the love of His Majesty the poor King."

Spontaneous Haala stopped her steps. "I've been wanting to say this for a long time, but I know you who are very stubborn won't just believe it. You know, His Majesty the King comes to visit you every night" Jihan added.

"What?"

Jihan pointed at Haala's room. "He always stood there, and returned an hour before dawn."

"Are you sure it's His Majesty the King?"

"of course. Although he wrapped his entire body in cloth, the aura of a king would still radiate" Jihan replied.

Haala held her legs together as if she was ready to run towards Braheim. But for what. Haala is steadily returning to the past by leaving behind her sweet memories with Braheim. So it does not matter what the reason for Braheim's night visit is, because right now his only duty is to try to love Daxraj.

Jihan continued. "And how do I say this? This is the hardest part to believe, even for myself. Whether or not you will believe this, but His Majesty the King always cries for a moment before leaving."

DEG! DEG! DEG!

...¤○●¤○●¤○●¤...

Since her conversation with Jihan yesterday afternoon, Haala's heart is still beating as she pleases. The contents of Haala's head are increasingly mixed, because they are unable to accept new changes that are getting increasingly strange. Not yet complete Haala revealed the truth about the incident that hit Laasya, now even another new change appears.

A new change in Braheim that most likely still remembers all future events. For no other reason can explain the purpose of Braheim's silent visit other than his memory which still clings to him. There is no other reason to explain why Braheim cried than the pain of love.

Although his heart was desperate to be sure, Haala refused to obey, in order to save the world from destruction, and to avoid returning to the magnificent stage of Tamaasha*. Every visit to the kingdom to take Daxraj and his father's lunch, Haala as much as possible avoid crossing with Braheim. Yet.

*Tamaasha* is a giant beheading tool often used to punish criminals*.

"Long live, and be bound always, the sun of Kumari Kandam" Haala said, bowing respectfully to Braheim.

"I pass this road in a hurry."

Haala was silent, trying to digest Braheim's words. "I think you need to know considering lately that you've been avoiding me" Bheim added.

"Puni servant, Your Majesty."

"No problem. I understand you who may hate me" said Braheim.

"The servant has no reason to hate you, Your Majesty."

"Is that so? I gave Daxraj a lot of work even on the day before his wedding. It certainly makes you not have time together, and makes you hate me. Isn't that enough to be an excuse?" ask Braheim.

"It's not like that, Your Majesty."

Bheim laughed as he continued his steps. "You're so stiff."

"Your Majesty, there's something I want you to ask."

Spontaneous Brahim. "It's surprising that you have a question for me. Say."

Haala did not immediately ask, because of the sudden hesitation held her tightly. Time seemed to be rolling very slowly, although it was clear that it was only Haala's feelings. Haala's heart kept encouraging, but her logic kept reminding her of the death penalty. The two fought fiercely to seduce Haala's playful tongue.

Damn, Braheim also looks faithful waiting for Haala even though he previously said he was in a hurry. Haala did not lift her head once, but she knew that Braheim had not given up his glare. A sharp gaze that seemed to be able to hear the fierce battle between logic and his heart at this moment.

"Punish the servant for wasting your precious time, Your Majesty. It seems like what I'm going to ask isn't important."

"Whatever concerns the people closest to my advisor must be important" Braheim replied.

"Really just an unimportant question, Your Honor. Then servant retreat, please continue your journey." Haala bowed respectfully.

"Looks like you wanted to ask me why I visit you every night."

Spontaneous Haala stopped her steps. "Eitherway. There's no sure reason. I was just walking around because I had trouble sleeping, and that's when I found something calming, which was a light in one of the rooms in your residence. Weird, right?" braheim.

"Then why are you crying?"

Bheim was silent for a moment. "That light sometimes feels soothing, but sometimes it squeezes my heart."