The Fragrance of Champaka

 It was evening, when Shivappa Nayaka entered the fort of Bekal, He admired the huge imposing watchtowers and the moat at the entrance. He was to meet the dying King Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka. This fort was one of the King’s last works for the Keladi Dynasty. 

Once he entered the doors of Fort, on the right was the Hanuman temple. Although the fort was still being built, the temple’s construction was completed. He went in and bowed to Lord Hanuman’s idol. Shivappa Nayaka asked the King’s attendant, who was in the temple waiting for him, to lead him to the King.

Shivappa Nayaka and the attendant walked further into the fort. Most of it was still getting built. There were huge walls and watch areas being built around the fort. He was impressed by the size of the fort. This is definitely the biggest fort the Keladi dynasty has built. 

Shivappa Nayaka saw the King sitting on one of the watch areas, facing the sea. He could hear the waves crashing the rocks below. The sun was setting in the sea. The view was breath-taking.

As he approached the King, he hesitated for a moment. He was still getting used to King's frail form. Is this the same warrior King, everyone used to praise? The same king who defeated the Portuguese? He also had doubts in his head about the King. Is he the King, Shivappa Nayaka always looked up to? Oh, and what about the rumour?

The king's attendant announced the arrival of Shivappa Nayaka. The king raised and waved his hand and the attendant walked away.

Shivappa Nayaka walked and stood beside the King. He saw that King's eyes were reflecting the sparkle of the sun and water. After a moment of silence, Shivappa Nayaka spoke with a shaking voice. “So, were the rumours about you and the fisherwoman Champaka true? Was the Champaka Sarasi Lake built for her?”

The king’s eyes were still looking towards the ocean and the setting sun. Even though he was old and his health was failing, his voice was steady and clear. Shivappa Nayaka heard it despite the waves crashing loudly. “Why is it so important?”

Shivappa Nayaks’s voice crackled with anger. “Because those rumours stink like dead fish in Champaka Sarasi lake. I have heard stories people are weaving around you and the fisherwoman. Such unpleasantness. Does this not worry you?”

King’s eyes dampened a bit. Was it a tear or was it because of salt in the air? He smiled and spoke- “I wish the rumours spread like the fragrance of Champaka. Then it would cause pleasantness to those who inhaled it. I cannot control the rumours, just like I cannot control the smell of dead fish. My life has always been dedicated for Keladi. Whether it is Champaka Sarasi Lake for water conservation or this fort for defence. They are all for the benefit of Keladi. And, when my goal is clear, I do not have to worry about any of the rumours.”

Shivappa Nayaka's eyes shone with hope. “So, then the rumours are untrue?”

The King laughed. “Have you been to Champak Sarasi Lake? If you go there, you will see there are Champaka trees on the edge of the lake. And when Champaka flowers bloom, the air will be filled with the fragrance of it. Now, whether you choose to smell the fragrance of Champaka or the dead fish in the lake, it is up to you.”

After some months, the King died. The Bekal Fort was left incomplete. King’s grandson Virbhadra Nayaka succeeded to the throne. 

Shivappa Nayaka later visited the Champaka Sarasi Lake. And, on the edge of the lake were fallen Champaka flowers from the trees. He picked one, smelt it and smiled. 

Later when Shivappa Nayaka took over the throne of Keladi from the King's grandson, he completed the work of Bekal fort.

~END~

(Author Notes: This story was written as part of Creative Writing workshop exercise. We had to go to a historical place and write a story around it. I chose historical fiction, mixed with some real names. I received feedback on the ending. The ending didn't land properly, the last three paragraphs briskly moves through various timelines and plotlines, ending abruptly. Even I was not happy with the ending, probably in future will work on it. But as of now, it is what it is.)