“You might be wondering why I am here alone even after the Adhiraja arrived earlier this week, as you have seen.” Maharani Priyambada cleared her throat. “You see, he has been taken ill by a mysterious fever in the mountains and…” A gasp escaped everyone’s lips.
“Is he alright, Your Majesty?” Niranjan Verma asked. Maharani Priyambada nodded. “He is now. He is out of danger and…”
“Then why is he not here?” Vamsi Gupta’s tone was disapproving. The queen’s jaws tightened at his tone.
“First, he has been told to rest by the Royal Physician. Secondly, if he doesn’t want to attend court for any reason whatsoever, I think he’s not answerable to you, Vamsi Gupta.” She spoke intendedly. “Don’t forget you speak about the Adhiraja here, not your friend’s son.” Vamsi Gupta looked away, silenced.
“Can we pay His Majesty a visit with your permission?” The Minister of Trade spoke with genuine concern.
“Yes, of course. I will tell him you all want to see him and seek his permission as to when.” Priyambada smiled faintly. “But he has been advised to rest, and I think it will be wise if any of you refrained from discussing matters of the state there.”
“Yes, of course, Your Highness.”
“I suppose Her Highness is forgetting something.” Vamsi Gupta rose again. “What about an investigation?”
“What investigation are you talking about, Vamsi?” Niranjan Verma frowned at his words.
“As the Minister of Defence, don’t you think you should investigate this mysterious illness? Maybe his food was spiked by someone who would want him ill?” Vamsi Gupta raised his eyebrows as his bald head showed signs of precipitation. People were exchanging glances. Niranjan Verma eyed Maharani Priyambada, who was frowning at the man’s words. “Rajadhiraj should be informed. After all, he went to war where he was not needed and then Kumar Viraj…”
“Enough!” Maharani Priyambada rose from her high chair as he stood silent. “For the past few weeks, I have been noticing this behaviour of yours. If you want to accuse me of spiking his food or playing a role to keep him ill, say it to my face. Don’t you dare accuse my people ever again of being disloyal to the throne! Especially the man you named almost died in the same mission.” Maharani Priyambada exhaled. “If you have a problem with me, address it, and if you can’t, then resign.” She walked away as the ministers started talking. The rumour mills were indeed disturbing. Everyone knew Kumar Viraj was a friend of the previous royals. Were Vamsi Gupta’s accusations truly that baseless? And who didn’t like power and the throne? Maybe the princess of Neelambargarh got a taste of heaven and wanted more? Should Suryapali truly be informed of their heir’s safety issues?
“Who is she to make me resign? I will write to Rajadhiraja immediately.” Vamsi Gupta frowned.
“Vamsi.” Niranjan Verma held his shoulder in a friendly way as he spoke, dragging Vamsi Gupta away from the prying eyes of the Neelambargarhi ministers. “I hope you remember that Neelambargarh is an autonomous state as declared by Rajadhiraja himself. It doesn’t run under Suryapali, but it's heir apparent. They are allies. And as for Maharani Priyambada, at her age, she is more than capable of handling things efficiently. Adhiraja has faith in her.”
“Oh, the Adhiraja played a good political move, and now these people have done some black magic on him! Oh, and I know why you are taking her side. I guess the visit from her was fruitful in some way. Are you eyeing my chair too?” He retorted and left. Niranjan Verma shook his head and sighed. The man was blind with hatred and prejudice that he couldn’t remove.
Adhiraja Ishaan Dev opened his eyes as the sun's rays, escaping through the heavy curtains, fell on his eyes. He yawned awake and looked around. The servants had prepared his oil and bath already.
“Did I sleep too late?” His voice was still croaking. It made him cough a little.
It was his newly appointed Neelambargarhi Bodyguard Mallal who came to his bedside. “Your Highness, it is four hours into the day.” He bowed. “I am Mallal. Maharani appointed me to be at your vigil.” Ishaan Dev was half-seated on the bed and frowned at the man. He was around his thirties and appeared rather muscular.
I think I can protect myself. He frowned. “Where is she?”
“She is holding court, Your Highness.” It was Devdoot who entered the chambers and spoke with a bow. “I hope you allow the servants to arrange for a bath before the Maharani arrives with breakfast.” Ishaan Dev nodded. He eyed Mallal again as Devdoot spoke.
“Your ministers showed some concern about your security.” Ishaan Dev frowned at his choice of words. “So the Maharani gave me the liberty to appoint a bodyguard with immediate effect. I hope you approve of him.” Ishaan Dev nodded. He didn’t have the strength or the voice to argue now. He let the servants help him out of bed as Devdoot took Mallal to a corner and explained his duties. Ishaan Dev’s eyes fell on the wrinkled blanket and bed sheet on the bed. There was something else there. Something very familiar. He picked it up. It was Priyambada’s drape from the night before. He must have slept on it, leaving her with no option but to leave it there at dawn. A faint smile formed on his lips.
“I hope it is not too bland,” Priyambada said as she tasted the soup. “Once he got his voice back, he started complaining.” Urvi eyed her as she spoke of him as though he were a child.
“Your Highness.” Devdoot walked in and bowed. “The Adhiraja is ready.”
“Very well.” Priyambada nodded. “Urvi, send the breakfast to the room and make sure the drink is ready right after. He shouldn’t skip that. It’s improving his throat infection.” Urvi nodded, addressing the serving maids to take the food up as Priyambada walked away. She turned the empty corridor and frowned. If even one of the ministers was not trusting her intentions or capabilities, her morals told her to step down. But she couldn’t. Not when he needed her. And no matter what Vamsi Gupta accused her of, she knew the truth. She knew how loyal Kumar Viraj was, how much she cared for Ishaan Dev’s health and why he had chosen to leave. She closed her eyes and inhaled.
“Prithvi, I hate to admit I am not as diplomatic as you assumed I was. I am scared I will fail you.” She took a deep breath, forced a calm face and walked towards the chambers.
When Priyambada entered the room, the servants and dressing men left with a prompt bow and Mallal stood alert.
“You must be the bodyguard.” Her words made Ishaan Dev glance over his shoulder at her as he sat on a tufted chaise, right before the open verandah. Priyambada’s eyes fell on him, and she immediately frowned.
“Why are you out of bed?” She asked.
“I…”
“Aren’t you supposed to be resting for seven days? It's only been three.” She frowned.
“But…”
“The fever has nothing to do with how weak you are.” She snapped.
“Listen…” Ishaan Dev frowned as Priyambada promptly went to the bedside table and picked up the chalk and board.
“You are not supposed to talk, choke and cough.” He sighed.
“Priya…” Priyambada gestured that she wasn’t listening, holding her palms to her ears. He shook his head as he wrote down what he had to say.
“I don’t need a bodyguard, I can protect myself.” Priyambada read aloud, standing beside his chaise.
“Not until you are fit and fine.” Priyambada frowned and shook her head. “Off to bed, now!”
He wrote something down again.
“Stop commanding me.” Priyambada sighed. “Well, you said I have autonomous command over whatever happens in the inner palace. Your words, not mine. Off to bed.”
Ishaan Dev glared at her. Priyambada smiled an intelligent and victorious smile. He got up as she stood out of his way and walked back to the bed rather reluctantly.
Soon, the maids walked in to lay the food down on a table that they put over his bed.
“Get me a chair,” Priyambada asked the servant. Ishaan Dev frowned. He patted the side of the bed she had taken for the last two nights and raised his eyebrows. Sighing, Priyambada sat down and dismissed the maids.
“You can argue even if you can’t talk.” She snapped. “It’s irking me now.” Ishaan Dev smiled faintly at her words. He looked up at Mallal, who was the only man present in the room besides them.
“Mallal will taste everything before you touch it,” Priyambada spoke, making Ishaan Dev frown. Mallal walked up to the table at her words and nodded. Ishaan Dev looked at the soup and wrote down, “You made it?”
“Yes, I did.” She nodded.
He gestured at Mallal to stop before he tasted it. Priyambada frowned.
“He doesn’t need to taste what you made.” Priyambada looked a little pale as she read it out loud. Did her eyes sparkle a little? Did she fight back tears? Ishaan Dev frowned. Something was wrong.
“I am afraid he has to.” She looked away. “Your ministers fear there has been foul play about your health.” He frowned at her words. He clapped his hands, dismissing a rather surprised Mallal. Priyambada looked up at his face with questioning eyes. He instructed her to serve him, and she got up to do the same.
“Your ministers wanted to see you, I said I will ask you. But you need to promise me not to discuss work if you want to see them within seven days.” Ishaan Dev nodded as she got busy with the food.
Ishaan Dev looked up at her. Her braid was falling over her shoulder, to the side of her hip, and the drape she wore was yellow like the morning sun, semi-transparent, making her features quite visible. Ishaan Dev gulped to realise his throat still hurt and looked away. He dreaded being caught looking at her like that. The lust in men’s eyes, as Tarabai often put it, was the first thing women got. Of all people, Priyambada wouldn't be flattered by it. If anything, she would feel humiliated. Ishaan Dev dreaded making her feel so again.
“You have to drink the kadha again, thrice.” Priyambada smiled, amused as the servants took away the plates. He narrowed his eyes disapprovingly as she conveniently ignored it. “I was going to ask, should I inform the Maharani of Suryapali about your health?” He shook his head and wrote down “Why bother her?”
“I was thinking the same, but I was told… maybe it is better if …” She smiled faintly and stopped as he frowned. “I have some work to do. Letters to write. Should I ask Smriti about …” She stopped, alert. Adhiraja Ishaan Dev studied her face. He took a key from his table and handed it to Priyambada. Priyambada looked a little shocked.
“It is the access key to the royal seal.” She said with a shake of her head, “Only you can use that.”
Ishaan Dev shook his head and wrote down. “Use the seal and send an official letter enquiring into Kumar Viraj’s health and their situation on my behalf. Omit my health issues.”
“I can’t use your seal.” Priyambada shook her head firmly again. “You write to him when you are better. I will ask Smriti.” She handed the key back to his palm as her fingers touched his. She frowned and promptly felt his forehead, worried. Her soft, cold hands felt like a soothing balm on his forehead as he almost closed his eyes.
“Good lord.” Priyambada sighed. “Mallal.” The man walked up to her. “Call the Physician. He feels warm again. His health is relapsing.” He nodded and left. Priyambada looked visibly stirred as she instructed the maids to fill the bowl with cold water. She checked the medicines again. Ishaan Dev observed the frown on her face.
“I am fine.” He managed.
“Stop talking!” She snapped, almost agitated. Something stirred in Ishaan Dev. He had never seen his mother, Tarabai or Advika, who was moved by a fever. Whether it was because Priyambada faced what she had faced or that she was young and inexperienced, he couldn’t tell. He saw her hand shaking a little over the bowl.
Ishaan Dev held her wrist, making Priyambada stop. For a second, he thought he had offended her again. Priyambada stared at his face and exhaled as their eyes met. Devdoot came in and bowed, making him remove his hand from her wrist as she looked away. Devdoot, who had caught a glimpse of it, cleared his throat.
“The Physician is here.”
Maharani Priyambada stepped away as the man inspected Ishaan Dev.
“It is alright, nothing to worry about. The fever isn’t coming back,” he reassured. “He is weak, and his body is fighting the fever. Make sure he is rested. And it's okay to talk a little, even if he coughs,” he smiled. Priyambada sighed in relief as Ishaan Dev looked happy. “So I can talk?”
“Only if you don’t exert yourself, Your Highness,” the man reminded him.
“Thank you.” Priyambada nodded as Devdoot showed the man out. Her faint smile caught his eye and disappeared.
“I will go see the lunch preparations.”
“Tell the ministers they can come and see me.” She stopped at the threshold at his words. “I promise not to talk about work.” She nodded and left.
Ishaan Dev was lying in his bed, utterly bored with staring at the ceiling. His throat tasted funny, a credit of the drink he was forced to have, and Mallal stood breathing down his neck, irking him more. The man was like a robot. He didn’t move or talk and stared with cold eyes. He made Ishaan Dev feel that he liked Devdoot more. He had never had bodyguards in his entire life. He wondered what the conversation about his security was that prompted Priyambada to take such measures. Was she hurt? He couldn’t ask.
“I want to go out, Devdoot. Ask the medicine man. I am sure I can be permitted one walk per day.” Ishaan Dev spoke as Devdoot smiled faintly, “I am afraid I can’t do that, Your Highness. Her Highness would hang me. She strictly said not to let you out of bed until you are fit again.”
“But I am fit, Devdoot.” Ishaan Dev snapped. His agitated voice made him cough as Devdoot ran to offer him water. Ishaan Dev could feel he was not fine. Priyambada walked in nonchalantly, followed by Urvi and the serving maids, as her eyes fell on the drape on the couch.
“Urvi.” She said, “Take that back where it belongs.” Priyambada avoided looking at Ishaan Dev as she spoke. Urvi noticed the awkward faces and smiled inwardly, nodding at her words.
“I hope Mallal isn't at my night vigil today.” Ishaan Dev spoke as she served the food. Priyambada’s hand stopped. She eyed Mallal standing outside the door, his back to them. The room suddenly felt too empty.
“I… haven’t thought about it yet.” She spoke, mixing the rice in a bowl.
“They still can’t understand me.” Ishaan Dev shrugged. Priyambada eyed him.
“You will be fine in a day or two.” Her voice was emotionless. “You won’t need vigil after that.” Ishaan Dev suddenly wished he was not fine that soon, as Priyambada brought the shell full of rice close to his lips to feed him, and their eyes met briefly.
The ministers walked in after Priyambada fed him lunch. She had retired to her chambers for a much-needed nap as she was sure the ministers would keep him occupied enough to tire him out for the evening. He would sleep while she wrote the letters and oversaw the administration before dinner. Sitting down on her desk, Priyambada eyed the royal seal with her name on it and wondered. Ishaan Dev was ready to trust her with his seal. Why? What was the situation he was referring to? She intended to ask.
“How are you, Your Highness?” The ministers enquired. Ishaan Dev nodded.
“I hope you have no complaints,” he said. “About the administration.” He eyed them.
“Well, things have been going on here without your knowledge. The painting…” Vamsi Gupta stopped as the others eyed him.
“What painting?” Ishaan Dev frowned.
“Never mind. I was telling Niranjan Verma that we need an investigation, Your Majesty.” Vamsi Gupta spoke as everyone else frowned at him.
“Vamsi.” Niranjan Verma warned, “Please don’t start.”
“What Investigation?” Ishaan Dev, half-seated on his bed, surrounded by the ministers, frowned.
“About your mysterious illness. What caused it!”
“I suppose the mountain weather.” Adhiraja Ishaan Dev smiled reassuringly.
“What if your food was spiked or some kind of black magic…” Vamsi Gupta intended to put a seed of doubt in the mind of the Adhiraja.
“Vamsi.” He sounded irked. “If you sought this meeting to complain about someone, I will not entertain you.”
“No, I…”
“I am not done yet.” The Adhiraja spoke firmly. “She is your queen. Don’t forget that. I will not tolerate such audacity from a minister to point a proofless finger at my wife. You all may leave,” he closed his eyes as the ministers followed his cue and left. Vamsi Gupta looked agitated.
“If he doesn’t listen to me, someone at Suryapali surely will.” He spoke under his breath. “He is not safe here.”
“Don’t do anything stupid and jeopardise your position, Vamsi.” Niranjan Verma warned in vain.
“Devdoot.” Ishaan Dev summoned him, “What painting was Vamsi Gupta talking about?” Devdoot looked reluctant “I am not sure whether I should tell you, Your Majesty.”
“It’s an order, Devdoot. She doesn’t need to know.” Ishaan Dev was reassuring.
On a quiet Suryapali morning, Maharani Trinayani Devi smiled at the first letter she had received from her son, with the seal of the king of Neelambargarh on it. She couldn’t be prouder as a mother. He had written that he was on his first successful mission and resting for a week before going back to Neelambargarh, and he had left Priyambada as head of administration. His letter also hinted at how efficient she was. Was he taking a liking to her after all? Trinayani Devi sighed. It's been over a month since they left. Her spies informed her that they stayed in separate bedrooms. That was concerning. The idea of a second alliance hadn’t left her mind ever since it was spoken of. Rajkumari Mandakini walked into her room, and the Maharani folded the letter back.
“Admiring his seal?” She smiled as Trinayani Devi nodded.
“They are doing fine.”
“Oh, are they?” Rajkumari Mandakini Devi’s voice had a hint of taunt, “When are we getting the good news then?”
“You know… these things…” Maharani Trinayani Devi stopped at her cold stare.
“Instead of making excuses for that girl from Neelambargarh, I think you should concentrate on your son’s future. He needs an heir to succeed Rajadhiraja on the throne. As per rumours, Ratnawati is already looking for an alliance for Ravi.” Trinayani Devi sighed.
“What do you suggest?”
“What about Rajkumari Sumedha?” Rajkumari Mandakini raised her eyebrows.
“You mean… Ratnawati’s niece?” Maharani Trinayani Devi frowned “Why her?”
“Well, if we can reassure her father that she will eventually be chief queen, Ratnawati’s maternal side will be in our favour instead of Ravi’s if there is any war of succession…”
“Our children would do no such thing, Rajkumari.” Trinayani Devi shook her head.
“Speak for your child, Maharani, not others.” Mandakini smiled faintly “He will be a fool to not fight for it, though.”
“But… Ishaan’s chief queen is…” Trinayani Devi started as Mandakini cut her short.
“She is the only queen now. If Rajkumari Sumedha catches his attention and heart, as a dutiful wife should, and provides him with an heir, sooner or later, he would be drawn and compelled to make her chief queen while that childless blood of an enemy would fade into oblivion.” Mandakini retorted.
“I see you don’t like her, but I have seen her leadership skills. He needs her.” Trinayani Devi spoke.
“What he needs is an heir. And Rajkumari Sumedha is a perfect alliance. Should I talk to Ratnawati?” Mandakini asked.
“Let me ask Ishaan once…”
“Nonsense! Nobody asks the groom or the bride. You order him, and he will follow.” Mandakini shook her head “However, traditions do say you need the first wife’s permission if you call her that.”
“Of course. I wanted to write to Ishaan before I asked Priyambada.”
“You have already told him once. He didn’t disagree. So send her the letter and tell Ratnawati.” Rajkumari Mandakini was persuaded.
Trishaan Dev was intoxicated in the arms of a concubine when a messenger knocked on his door late at night. Frowning at the letter, Trishaan Dev dismissed her. It was from Vamsi Gupta. He feared that the Adhiraja’s mind was completely corrupted by the new queen. The Neelambargarhis had control over the land. Worse, he feared that Ishaan Dev had taken a liking to her. Trishaan had feared this. Ishaan’s broken heart made him vulnerable. The girl must have seized the opportunity. He needed to look out for his friend. But how could he? He wasn’t allowed to go there. Trishaan Dev corresponded with Vamsi Gupta. He now trusted the man to be his eyes and ears in the place.
Priyambada was in the Lord’s temple offering her gratitude. It's been two more days, and Ishaan Dev did look fitter, and the fever hadn’t come back. His voice had improved, if not fully, and he had discarded the chalk and board the previous night. His cough sometimes came back in spells, but that too would improve in a few days. Although she had slept on the couch the last two days, Priyambada was alert throughout the night. That made her feel tired and prompted her to take afternoon naps while he rested. For the past few days, Priyambada had no time to do her things, play the Veena, meet her friends, or even take a stroll in the gardens, but she liked being busy and liked taking responsibility for the kingdom. In some odd way, she felt connected to Prithvi and her father in that way. She had no idea what conversations took place in Ishaan Dev’s room, but she had not found it difficult to run the court in sole authority ever since. She wouldn’t lie that she enjoyed the power. Priyambada sat staring at the Phallus.
The first time she set eyes on Ishaan Dev was in front of the Lord. To think that almost a year had passed and that they had travelled so far was surreal. As much as she hated to admit it, she had feared losing him. She only hoped that he didn’t know that. His sickness had made her realise that he was the closest she had to a family, no matter how weird that sounded. Something in her told her that he could sometimes read her inner thoughts. The illness had perhaps mended the bridges. Perhaps she could be friends with him, without disrespecting Prithvi in any way. Would he have wanted that? Would her father have liked Ishaan Dev if he weren’t a Suryapalian? But he was. Her chain of thoughts was interrupted by the sound of someone approaching as she glanced over her shoulder to spot Devdoot.
“Please come with me, Your Highness.” He urged, looking helpless.
“What’s wrong?” She asked. She had checked on Ishaan Dev before coming to pray; he was sleeping.
“His Highness says he is bored; he wants to take a stroll. Neither Mallal nor I can stop him.”
Priyambada sighed. What was this childishness?
Ishaan Dev was ready to leave the room. He had put on a nice robe and jewellery, after four days of sickness and boredom and decided a stroll would do him good. He knew she wasn’t on the palace premises, so he could steal this very opportunity. He was intercepted at the threshold by a very stern-looking Priyambada. Urvi followed her a few steps behind with a wooden box, and Devdoot came soon after. Ishaan Dev gave a dead, cold glance at the man. He looked away.
“Don’t threaten him. Where do you think you are going?” She asked.
“I was bored.” He shrugged. “I am fine now.”
“The medicine man will decide that.” She snapped. “Urvi, keep the box down near the couch, and you may leave him to me.” Urvi hid a smile and did as she was told as Ishaan Dev looked helpless. Priyambada gestured at him to sit down on the couch as she took the chair across from him. Ishaan Dev did what he was told rather reluctantly. Priyambada opened the box and laid down the game of Pasha on the table. He looked up at her. Priyambada felt his gaze on her, as she had noticed for the past few days and ignored it.
“Let’s play.” She handed him the dice.
“What is the fun without bets?” He asked, a little amused.
“You want me to gamble?” She frowned. “That’s a sin.”
“No, not gamble. We keep bets. Things we hold dear. And that will make the game more competitive.” He shrugged.
“You took my country, I have nothing else to offer.” Priyambada snapped. Ishaan Dev’s smile faded as he looked away, and Priyambada looked up at him, regretting her impulsive conversation.
“Why not make it a little more interesting?” She said, making him look up. “I tell you what you will bet, and you tell mine.” Ishaan Dev nodded.
“Vidyut.” She smiled. Ishaan Dev raised his eyebrows. “You know he doesn’t listen to anyone else.”
“We will see about that!” She smiled.
“Fine… I want access to every secret passage and room you kept from me. No more secrets.” Priyambada looked up at his words. Could she trust him? She remembered the royal seal. She smiled with a nod. “Deal.” Dice were thrown, and pawns were moved. After an hour, Ishaan Dev’s pawn toppled Priyambada’s.
“When am I getting the tour?” He asked with a victorious smile.
“As soon as you get better.” She nodded. “Next round?”
“You want to lose again? Okay, let's up the game!” He spoke like a challenge.
“Your Sword.” Priyambada smiled. Ishaan Dev’s brows shot up. His sword was gifted to him by his father and was the sword used by generations of the heir apparent in his family. It bore the emblem of their royal flag and was one of his priceless possessions. Did she know that? He was suspicious.
“Your Veena.” He said. That was the most priceless possession she seemed to have. Priyambada smiled. “Does the Adhiraja want to learn the Veena now?”
“Can’t he?” Ishaan Dev frowned. Priyambada rolled the dice. She was more determined with her moves. He could see that. Whether it was to win his sword or save her Veena, it was hard to tell.
After an hour and a half, Priyambada smiled victoriously.
“Hand it over to me.” She said,
“Now?” He frowned.
“Why? Do you feel scared of being defenceless in front of me?” Priyambada taunted. Ishaan Dev looked up at her words.
“I can be defenceless in more ways than one, in front of you.” He could see her face turn a little pale as she looked away. Ishaan Dev walked up to his boxes and took out the sword in its gilded sheath. He touched it to his forehead.
“To anyone who owns it, I will have to pass on the knowledge of its history.” He said as she frowned a little. “This is a family sword passed on from heir to heir. I got it from my father, my father from my grandfather; it's over five hundred years old, and my parents wish I could pass it on to my heir.” Eyes met briefly as Priyambada shook her head. “I can’t take that. I apologise, I didn’t know.” She shook her head.
“ Oh, you can. I gave you my word.” He spoke.
“But I didn’t know…” She shrugged.
“I did.” Ishaan Dev spoke, “And I realised over the last few weeks how uncertain life is. I saw Kumar Viraj fight for it, and I took ill myself. We were lucky. We will not always be this lucky. Someone needs to be there if we are not.” Priyambada’s eyes widened at his words.
“But… I… don’t think I can…”
“If anyone can, it is you. I suppose you know I will not declare my half-brother or friend as an heir if I…” Ishaan Dev stopped as Priyambada looked uncomfortable.
“This is your country, they are your people.” He spoke intendedly. Priyambada stared at the sword and inhaled. She took it from him and touched it to her forehead. Ishaan Dev smiled.
“Well. There you go, you did what none of your forefathers could. You took the sword of the heir from a Suryapalian.” She looked up at his amused words with a faint smile.
“Can I ask you something?” She said, unsurely. He nodded. She glanced over at Mallal, keeping vigil.
“For God’s sake, dismiss him!” Ishaan Dev shrugged as he clapped his hands “Vamsi Gupta won’t tell you how to run the palace. Would he?” Priyambada looked up at his words.
“You knew?”
“Of course, I knew!” Ishaan Dev shrugged, “Niranjan Verma likes you quite well.” She smiled at his words.
“He said I remind him of his daughter,” Priyambada spoke. “Anyway…”
“I assume you have questions about the mission?” He interrupted.
“No. I was going to ask about the situation.” She shook her head, gathering the dice and pawns to be put in the box.
“What situation?” He asked, coughing a little. Priyambada promptly got up to fetch him water and spoke again. “You said to mention in the letter to update you on some situation.” She raised her eyebrows. “What is this secret you have with Kumar?”
“Oh, that!” He shook his head, “I was going to tell you. What do you think of Smriti?” He asked as she raised her eyebrows.
“She is my best friend. I would be biased.”
“Even if I ask what you think of her for Kumar Viraj?” He asked as Priyambada’s jaws dropped.
“What?” She asked as though she had heard wrong.
“The thing is, I observed them when I was there. And like you said, Kumar has no family except Neelambargarh. So, isn’t it our duty to…” He stopped as Priyambada looked surprised.
“You think you observed and understood them?” There was a hint of taunt in her voice, “And their emotions?”
“I think I observed how moved Smriti was with his condition, and I conveyed the same to Kumar Viraj” Ishaan Dev sounded like he was proud of himself. “So that he doesn’t hurt her feelings.”
“What have you done!” Priyambada sank back on her chair with her palm on her forehead. “You can’t tell a man a woman’s feelings if she doesn’t want to!”
“Why not?” Ishaan Dev asked.
“Because then she might feel he is sympathising with her feelings, even if he reciprocates.” She shrugged.
“Why is it so complicated with women?” he asked aloud, as Priyambada looked amused.
“I thought you had quite an experience.” She taunted. Ishaan Dev ignored it and sat down on the chair. “I just wanted to make sure he didn’t hurt her.”
“I know Smriti. I know how self-dignified she is.” Priyambada defended.
“Oh, do you? I think people change all the time.” Ishaan Dev sank back on the chair as Priyambada frowned. “What makes you say that?”
“Nothing in particular.” He shook his head. “My point is if he does feel like it…”
“I will be so happy for both of them,” Priyambada spoke as Ishaan Dev looked up at her words. She picked up the box and was about to leave when she noticed him observing her.
“What is it?” She asked with a frown. He shook his head. He was wrong; he could admit it at least to himself now, about Priyambada’s feelings towards Kumar Viraj.
Priyambada stopped at the threshold as one of the guards ran to get the box from her. There is something else… but it can wait…” She nodded.
“Are you bothered about something?” he asked, needing to be occupied, I can help,” he offered “I will die of boredom one of these days.”
“So I was boring you, all this while?” She asked, turning and returning to pick up the sword and put it on her waistband, surprising him.
“Are you going to go about, flaunting that?” He asked, surprised.
“Why? Will Vamsi Gupta complain to Rajadhiraja?” She asked. Ishaan Dev shook his head.
“That I don’t care.”
“ I was thinking of a scheme and needed your approval before I could tell Vamsi Gupta or the others to look into the technical aspects of it,” Priyambada spoke, sounding confident.
“Go on.” Ishaan Dev urged.
“ Well…” Priyambada sat down on the edge of the bed facing his chaise. “You know how people like Smriti… lost family and land and jobs to the war… There are so many of them that we don’t know who are always directly or indirectly affected by war.” She cleared her throat. He nodded.
“Of course, we can’t compensate for everything in cash and kind, but we can support them through certain schemes to rebuild their lives, unite with lost family members or get a job?”
Ishaan Dev couldn’t help but admire her idea. “I know that it's not something that is usually done for war victims, but…”
“Let us be the first to do so, then.” He reassured her with a nod. “I will speak to the ministers myself. The scheme will be named after you.”
“What?” Priyambada looked wide-eyed. “Oh no, I just wanted to…”
“It’s done then.” Ishaan Dev cut her short and nodded, “ Let Neelambargarh be a pioneer for war victim schemes. It will show that we care for our people.” Priyambada was happy that her dream project was accepted so easily by Ishaan Dev without a hint of doubt. She didn’t expect that.
“Also. I have decided to hold a ritual and offering at the temple on this day of the Lord, to… thank him. I would like it if you were there.” She said, rather unsurely. Ishaan Dev nodded.
“By then, I will be out of this prison, and of course, I have to keep the invitation of the Maharani of Neelambargarh,” he nodded. Priyambada looked up at his words with a formal nod. The moment he used her title, she was suddenly reminded of why they were being cordial in the first place. The nation, the people, and their welfare.
“I… will go check the dinner preparations.” She got up to leave. “And I will be moving back to my chambers since you are perfectly fine now. Mallal will still keep vigil, just in case.” He looked up at her words as she walked away. Ishaan Dev closed his eyes and breathed in. He didn’t mean he would be formal enough to accept an invitation, as he knew she predicted. But he also knew now that even a cure came with prices one had to pay. But was he ready to let her go that easily? A part of him was scared of offending her, and another was longing for a little more attention from her. Ishaan Dev knew this was a battle he would lose either way.
