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 relief was on its 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 had been 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 assess some losses. She started tidying up, without waiting for the maids to arrive, murmuring to herself about the mess. Her eyes stopped at a scroll on his reading slab. It was addressed to him from the queen of Neelambargarh. She frowned slightly. Priyambada wrote to him and not her? She had a sudden urge to know what was in it, and couldn’t help wondering what the Adhiraja would think of such letter exchanges with the man who perhaps still loved her. She picked up the scroll. Then decided against it. She placed it down and arranged the papers, and quickly walked away before she changed her mind and peeked into someone else’s private letters.
Kumar Viraj arrived to realise his room had been cleaned. That was not unusual. What was, however, was that his reading papers had been meddled with. His keen eyes didn’t escape how the scroll was folded unevenly, as though in a hurry. He frowned. The sheer audacity of servants to touch royal orders and letters. He flared up.
“Smriti?” He walked out of his chambers looking for her. “Smriti?” He looked around to find her in the garden, making garlands with the freshly picked flowers in her basket. She looked up at his agitated face, rather cluelessly.
“Who messed with the papers on my desk?” He asked. Smriti stood up, a little pale.
“I swear I will dismiss the servant who dared…”
“It was me.” Smriti blurted it out like she didn’t want to say it. Kumar Viraj stopped, a little alarmed. “I was cleaning up and…”
“Smriti.” Kumar Viraj shook his head, “You are no longer the housekeeper here. You don’t need to…”
“I didn’t read through any of them, I swear on my Lord.” She spoke, a little scared. Kumar Viraj sighed. “I just found that Priya…the Maharani wrote to you…” He looked up at her words. “I didn’t know you exchanged letters with her. I thought it was only with me.”
“Actually, she once wrote to me on behalf of the Adhiraja. The formality in her tone prompted me to ask about her well-being. It's been so since.” He stopped, thinking for a moment why he was explaining himself and his actions to her. Smriti looked up as if she could read his thoughts.
“It is alright, I shouldn’t have asked.” She turned to leave promptly. “I overstepped my boundaries. My apologies, Kumar.”
“Smriti, wait!” He held her by her wrist, surprising Smriti a little. Anyone could see them, did he not know that?
“Did you decide what you want to do?” He asked as she shook her head. “The money is enough to buy some property and start over.” She looked up at his words. “If you want, I can suggest a few alternatives.”
“I suppose so.” Smriti stepped back as Viraj let go of his hand, suddenly aware of his action. She looked upset.
“But I wouldn’t want you to go.” Kumar Viraj spoke in a hurry. If he had learnt anything from Priyambada over the bunch of letters they exchanged, it was that both the Adhiraja and she felt that Smriti was perfect to be his wife. Her approval was important. More important was to accept his feelings for Smriti. A wounded bird is often scared to fly again. He was no different. Smriti looked up at his words, taken aback.
“What did you say?” she fumbled.
“That I don’t want you to leave.” He spoke again, clearer than the last time. “You can do whatever you want to do with your inheritance, and stay here with me.”
“But… if I am not your housekeeper, what will… how will I stay here?” She asked as Kumar Viraj smiled slightly.
“Marry me.”
Maharani Priyambada had walked into the courtroom to spot Adhiraja Ishaan Dev already in the high chair. She ignored his glance following her move up the aisle as she took her seat, and he ordered the proceedings to begin. She had expected him to skip court or perhaps arrive late, given what the palace rumour mills had to say about the previous night. He must have been very occupied. Priyambada stopped her thoughts from wandering as she concentrated on the matters at hand, duly ignoring even a glance to her right side.
Rani Sumedha was glad that when she stepped into the royal kitchen alongside Kausani, who reminded her of her ancestral tradition of cooking on the first day at her new home, Maharani Priyambada had gladly agreed to respect her traditions. But she was surprised to find the elder queen in the kitchen herself, supervising.
“Wasn’t she in the courtroom this morning?” Sumedha almost whispered to Kausani, who looked displeased.
“Oh, she is everywhere, my Lady.” Sumedha’s glare made her stop as she approached Priyambada, whose back was to her.
“Jyestha.” Priyambada turned to see Sumedha, all decked up in royal attire and jewellery, glowing with a smile, as she spoke. “I am here to cook… the first meal.”
“Oh yes, I was supervising the things you need around here. Come, I will show you.” Priyambada offered. Sumedha obliged as Priyambada instructed her, “ I have taken the liberty of noting down some of his favourite foods so that you can cook them. He likes extra spices and sweets too.” Priyambada spoke, her eyes still on the servants helping make the spices and vegetables, as Sumedha looked up at her words.
“You know him so well.” Priyambada’s jaws stiffened as Sumedha spoke.
“No, I don't. I am sure you will know your husband better in no time. Good luck here. Urvi will help you if needed.” Priyambada made Urvi nod as she left the kitchen.
Sumedha’s eyes fell on a bowl. “Who made that?” She asked as Urvi stepped up.
“That is for the morning offering to the Lord. Maharani always makes it.” Sumedha nodded.
Maharani Priyambada walked down the empty corridor with a frown on her face. She had observed Rani Sumedha today. Vrinda had come to inform her that when she came to duty in the morning and helped the new bride dress up, she was gushing about her first night, yet … something made Priyambada feel uneasy. Something was not right. Rani Sumedha looked well-rested. She grunted inwardly at her own thoughts. Their personal lives were not her business. She should be happy and relieved, writing to Trinayani Devi to expect what she wanted soon. Yet, her heart sank a little as she sighed, hearing Vrinda inform Urvi in detail what the new bride had shared. She looked up to find Adhiraja Ishaan Dev hurrying down the corridor, lost in thought. Priyambada instantly felt conscious. Ishaan Dev looked up to spot her at the other end of the corridor. But before he could approach her, Priyambada took a turn and disappeared into the painting room. Ishaan Dev stopped in his tracks. Had they drifted away so much that she didn’t even want to cross his path? He wondered.
He sat down for lunch as a platter of different varieties of food was arranged in front of him.
“This looks like quite a feast, Urvi!” He looked impressed as the queens walked in. Urvi eyed her mistress, who nodded at her.
“If I may inform you, Your Highness, it was the new queen who cooked for you today.” Sumedha smiled a little uneasily as Maharani Priyambada walked past him to her side of the dining area. Rani Sumedha followed.
“Why don’t you stay here and serve me?” Adhiraja Ishaan Dev’s words stopped her midway as Maharani Priyambada sat down on the other side of the veil and frowned.
“There are servants for that.” She spoke as she gestured at one of the maids to lay down Rani Sumedha’s dishes with hers.
“I think I would like to be served.” Adhiraja Ishaan Dev looked up at a perplexed Rani Sumedha.
“Sure, Your Highness.” She smiled faintly and grabbed one of the bowls. “I will serve Jyestha too.” A frown formed on Ishaan Dev’s face as he looked up first at the new bride and then at the one she had called so informally. They were bonding so soon?
“Very well, hurry up, I am hungry.” Maharani Priyambada inferred as she was served.
“Jyestha helped me a lot with the process.” Rani Sumedha spoke as she served. When Adhiraja Ishaan Dev took the first bite of food, it melted in his mouth. Instantly, he remembered the first day Priyambada had served him. He glanced across the veil to see her look for his reaction while she quickly concentrated back on the plate. He smiled inwardly.
“The food is delicious. You cook well.” He complimented his new bride. “Better than any I ever tasted.” Maharani Priyambada’s hand stopped at her morsel.
“That is kind of you.” Rani Sumedha smiled faintly.
“The curry is especially delicious,” his words prompted Priyambada to taste the curry. Did he find it delicious? Some more salt could do. She frowned.
“But I liked the pudding most.” Rani Sumedha’s smile disappeared at his words as Priyambada looked up from behind the veil.
“But… I didn’t make that.” She fumbled.
“Oh, the cook did?” Adhiraja Ishaan Dev looked up at Urvi, who shook her head and glanced across the dining hall. Of course, it was the pudding Priyambada had served him many times before. He bit his tongue at the blunder. Maharani Priyambada smiled inwardly as Rani Sumedha came to join her for the meal.
An awkward silence followed the rest of the meal. It was interrupted by the arrival of a messenger, as announced by the soldier.
“A letter from Kumar Viraj.” Made both the Adhiraja and Maharani look up.
“Who is it for?” Urvi asked, approaching the messenger.
“The Adhiraja and the Maharani.” Urvi looked confused as to whom she should hand the letter over to. Priyambada was quick to leave her meal and walk over to the messenger. The messenger bowed, handing over the letter to her and left promptly. She eyed the royal seal and looked up at Ishaan Dev, who nodded. She took the scroll and left the room promptly.
“Who is Kumar Viraj?” Rani Sumedha asked as Urvi served her lunch after Ishaan Dev finished and left.
“He is an old friend of Neelambargarh. And our deceased prince.” Urvi spoke uninterested in providing the new bride with any further information.
“Ohh.” Sumedha nodded. “Umm… Urvi, can you help Kausani get me some letter supplies?” She asked the housekeeper, who nodded. “I need to write back home.” She said, almost murmuring to herself. She had promised to write to Ravi in great detail about her daily life and activities in Neelambargarh each week until they could finally meet in person. She would address it to the house of one of her maids, and Ravi’s spies would take it from there to avoid tracing back if caught. Sumedha smiled at the thought of Ravi Varman worrying for her life amidst these people. She was lucky to have him.
“Good news, I suppose.” Adhiraja Ishaan Dev walked into the courtyard where Maharani Priyambada sat on one of the stone benches with a smile on her face. Her drape had loosely fallen off her shoulder, exposing her drape wrapped around in a bodice, and her hair looked a little dishevelled in the breeze. Aware of his presence, Priyambada was quick to draw the drape closer to her bosom. Ishaan Dev frowned.
“Yes.” Priyambada handed the scroll over to him and sighed happily. “Finally.”
She was a little surprised as Ishaan Dev sat down beside her, in rather a proximity, going through the contents of the letter.
“I told you. This is all my doing.” The hint of pride in his voice made her frown. “You suspected I ruined things.” The informality in his tone came naturally as he read through again with a smile. “You should write to him on our behalf and wish him the best.”
“I want to visit Smriti.” She said in a rather flat tone. Ishaan Dev frowned.
“You can summon them here.” She looked disappointed.
“I have never been to…”
“It is not safe to be at the borders.” He cut her short. “Summon them here if you want.”
Priyambada inhaled, trying to control her tongue from running, irked by his controlling tone.
“We will see.” She concluded. Ishaan Dev smiled.
“I got them together.” He repeated.
“No, you did not!” Priyambada shook her head. “After you told me about your little adventure, I… I mended things.” She stopped as Ishaan Dev frowned.
“You exchange letters with Kumar?” He said in a tone that was hard to decipher. It ranged between disapproval and astonishment. Priyambada looked up at his words. All of a sudden, she remembered everything that had happened since Kumar Viraj came back into her life. “Since when?”
“Since… you… We were at Suryapali.” She stammered a little, unsure.
“And you never bothered to mention that to me?” Ishaan Dev rose from his seat. “I wonder why.” His accusing tone made Priyambada tighten her jaw as she stood up to face his tall and intimidating figure.
“What are you implying?” She retorted. “Why will I tell you everything I do? I am not answerable to you.”
“ Yes, you are.” Ishaan Dev looked unnerved, folding his arms to his chest. “Otherwise, it can be treated as treason against the state.” Priyambada looked at him wide-eyed in disbelief. Ishaan Dev watched her getting irked by his banter. But he didn’t care. It meant they were at least having a conversation. It didn’t matter to him what it was. Priyambada inhaled and shook her head.
“My private life is not in the interest of the state.”
“Oh, private life? Is it?” Ishaan Dev gave half a smirk that made her blood boil. He was irritating her beyond her tolerance.
“Just like you chose not to tell me about your marriage plans, I choose not to tell you whom I write to.” Her words came out harshly as his smile disappeared. He was no longer amused at the banter. Ishaan Dev inhaled.
“It is not the same. I was going to…” Priyambada held out her hand and stepped back, making him stop.
“I don’t even want to…”
“Only if you listened once.” Ishaan Dev shook his head.
“I did. When you told me all the things your wife needs for her comfort. Have a good day.” Priyambada walked away briskly as he stood transfixed in his spot.
Tarabai was happy to finally have Ishaan Dev in the room with her. She noticed the bags under his eyes to realise he had not been sleeping well. She walked inside the chambers, trying to strip off the robe from her body, only to realise he hadn’t been quite attentive to her foreplay.
Tarabai stopped as she kept the robe untied, enough to tease him with glimpses of her body as she sat down beside him. Ishaan Dev looked up.
“What’s troubling you, Your Majesty?” Tarabai asked. “Nothing Tarabai can’t fix, I suppose?” She asked, running her long, painted fingernails over his rugged chin. Ishaan Dev smiled faintly.
“I guess I am just too tired.” He shook his head. “I know I asked for your service, but…” He stopped as Tarabai’s hands trailed through his bare torso further down. Ishaan Dev inhaled, getting aroused by the teasing.
“I must serve you,” Tarabai said as she went down on her knees. “Let me. You relax.”
Ishaan Dev surrendered. But his mind was wandering. To Priyambada’s accusations, the hurt in her eyes, and the way she helped Sumedha. Sumedha? He groaned. Tarabai assumed it was in pleasure and proceeded to undo his clothes completely.
She had even befriended Sumedha. She was now the elder sister. Did he even imagine Priyambada getting along with her? Ishaan Dev groaned again. This time, because Tarabai’s explorations hurt his sensations. He looked down at her. Instantly, he remembered something. He moved back, away from her, making Tarabai stop, confused.
“Why did you not come to me yesterday?” His question was more of a rebuke. “I ordered you to.” Tarabai gasped for breath and sat up beside him.
“Maharani…” She cleared her throat.
“You don’t serve her. You serve me.” He rebuked again. “Have you forgotten that?”
“The inner palace is still her authority. I cannot insult her orders.” Tarabai spoke, trying to be reasonable.
“I am still the king.” He sounded like he was sulking.
“And she is your queen.” Tarabai looked startled as he pulled her by the neck, closer, almost choking her. She could feel him breathing deeply. “Why are all of you against me? Why are all of you siding with her?” His eyes looked restless. Tarabai frowned. She didn’t know what he meant by that, so she kept quiet. He let go of her neck and looked away.
“First you, now Sumedha.” He shook his head.
“Is that the name of your new bride?” Tarabai’s question was met with silence.
“All my ministers, the state, its people. Everyone seems to be on her side against me.” Tarabai laughed. If it were anyone else daring to laugh at his troubles, Ishaan Dev would have slit their throat. But he looked perplexed at his concubine. Tarabai stopped laughing as his cold stare caught her eyes.
“What is so funny?”He rebuked again.
“Adhiraja, even if it seems like an audacity on my part… may I point out to Your Highness…” Tarabai suppressed her smile “That you and she are on the same side.”
Ishaan Dev looked up at Tarabai as if she was stripping him naked, in a way more dangerous than her actually doing so a while back. He felt vulnerable, conscious and aware. He cleared his throat and looked away as Tarabai observed him, smilingly.
“I don’t know what you mean,” he spoke as if to tell himself.
“I have known you for a long time. There was nothing in the world, no worry or feeling so great for you that would make you stop deriving pleasure from Tarabai’s beauty.” She said in a rather low voice as he looked away. “Until she came along.”
“Don’t make up stories in your head.” Ishaan Dev got up abruptly as Tarabai smiled, leaning back on the bed “I have been busy… with my new wife.”
“Of course. Your new wife.” Tarabai smiled. “I heard the palace rumour mills. Maharani must have to.”
“What on earth are you implying?” He asked, glancing over his shoulder. “I hate your riddles, Tarabai.”
“Let’s just say Tarabai knows more about everything and everyone than she lets on, Your Highness.” Tarabai tied her robe back in place. Ishaan Dev turned to watch her gather her things. “And she has tricks up her sleeve when it comes to certain things.”
“Don’t leave. I want to talk.” He commanded as she dropped her belongings and sank back on the bed with a lingering smile.
“We have all night.” She made him sit down on the chair facing the bed.
