RAABTA

  The rainy season extended its stay over Neelambargarh for a few more weeks. The river Maya swelled in pride as it ran through the plains, with its branched-out distributaries, flooding both its banks, in Suryapali and Neelambargarh. Unlike people, it didn’t respect borders. It treated everyone equally. The flood reliefs were on their way and vigil increased over the loss of cattle and harvest. In this mayhem of nature, making the river restless, some hearts were perhaps more restless than hers. Ever since the day the letter arrived from the capital, Smriti was in distress. She now wished she had never opened her mouth to Priyambada in the first place. With a hefty amount under her name, and no need to work for a living, Smriti found herself in a dilemma, looking for the things no wealth could buy; a purpose and a home. Trying to divert her restless mind, Smriti had walked into Kumar Viraj’s messed up chambers after he had left to attend the meeting in the nearby village to access...

Rani  Sumedha was overwhelmed. She was about to enter an alien land with a man equally alien to her. She peeped through the turquoise veil of the carriage pulled by two horses to catch a glimpse of the majestic fort of Neelambargarh on the horizon. Ahead of her entourage of maids, soldiers and trunks of belongings, was the king himself, galloping ahead on his horse. It’s been two days since they left Suryapali and two weeks since the marriage. Neither had he ever made an appearance in her room, much to her relief, nor had he ever had a conversation, much to everyone else’s disappointment. Rani Ratnawati ranted at her disappointment as she filled Sumedha’s ears with a list of things that pleased the prince before she left. Time and again she was reminded of being wary of the elder queen of Neelambargarh. The Queen Mother had called her to her chambers, to get two clear messages across. She was to abide by Neelambargarh’s rules, and what the king and his first queen instructed her. A...

Priyambada stood at the Shrine of the Phallus God, at dawn, with a proud smile as the priest handed over the flowers to bless her. Urvi took the flowers and offerings from her as Priyambada turned to face the anticipating crowd and address them. Niranjan Verma smiled with a nod. “Should I address them, Your Highness?” He asked. Priyambada shook her head and stepped out to face the crowd. “It is my pleasure to announce today that anyone who has been a victim of the unfortunate constant wars inflicted upon commoners or incurred losses in the process, in any kind of manner, will be compensated for the same with monetary benefits from the state.” The crowd stared at her in disbelief and silence. “I know the loss of lives or dignity is not enough to be compensated with money but I hope to help in any way possible. Such a scheme is unique in nature, and I am happy that both your Adhiraja and I can take care of your losses in this way. The details will be available at the administrative quart...