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. And she was expected to give them an heir. Sumedha nodded, scared. Her eyes kept searching for one last glimpse of Ravi in the crowd but in vain. She hadn’t seen him since her wedding night but was sure that he had some hand in keeping Ishaan Dev away from her marital chambers. Now all alone in the strange land, she wasn’t sure who would protect her. Sumedha blinked away her tears and sighed.
Ishaan Dev’s heart sank a little as Neelambargarh approached and he could now see the fort’s walls, and gates decked up to welcome the new bride home. Did she order those? Did she actually feel nothing but hatred and bitterness in her? Adhiraja Ishaan Dev inhaled. His fist tightened around the horse’s reign, and he had to gather his thoughts now. This was perhaps all his doing. Vamsi Gupta galloped alongside him, observing his quiet posture. He cleared his throat indicating that he needed to speak and sought his permission. Adhiraja Ishaan Dev looked up.
“You should have brought Trishaan Dev along. He could have helped you with the administration.” His words made Ishaan Dev frown.
“I think the queen and I are enough.”
“No, of course, Your Majesty.” Vamsi Gupta nodded. “But…err… you will be busier now…” Vamsi glanced over his shoulder at the entourage. Adhiraja Ishaan Dev inhaled.
“I am not irresponsible if you are indicating so.” He spoke, as Vamsi looked taken aback. “My administrative work is a priority.”
“So is providing Suryapali an heir, as the Rajadhiraja keeps telling me to remind you.” Vamsi Gupta’s reply was met with silence.
Maharani Priyambada stared at her reflection in the mirror as Vrinda put on the garland over her bun. She eyed the girl busy fixing the flowers in her hair.
“Can you do something for me?” Vrinda’s hands stopped at her mistress’ words.
“Your wish is my command, my lady.” She nodded.
“Then serve the new bride from today. Urvi will look after me.” Vrinda was startled. Had she offended the queen that her position as handmaid was being demoted to that of the lesser’s queen’s maid?
“Did I do something wrong?” Vrinda looked pale. “Please don’t be offended.”
“No.” Priyambada shook her head as she stood up and faced Vrinda. “Not at all.” She cleared her throat and lowered her voice. “There aren’t many I trust here like I trust you or Urvi. I want you to be my eyes and ears in the chambers of the new bride. Do you understand?” Vrinda couldn’t hide her shock as her eyes went wide. She was a spy to the queen. Her brave soldier brothers wouldn’t believe it. They thought she was feeble in mind and strength. “Can I?” She looked unsure. Priyambada smiled. “If anyone can, Vrinda, it is you.”
“Your Highness.” A servant bowed. “They are here.” Priyambada inhaled.
Adhiraja Ishaan Dev’s heart made a fluttering leap as his horse galloped into the premises of the inner courtyard. His eyes fell on the figure on the furthest end of it. She looked fine. He could hear himself grunt inwardly. He wished she didn’t. He wished that from one look at her, he could figure her out. But when was Maharani Priyambada that simple?
Maharani Priyambada’s eyes travelled from his intended glance across to the entourage of the princess had a long line of maids and servants accompanying her. The drums stopped as Adhiraja Ishaan Dev took the cue to dismount from his horse and approach his queen. Her eyes didn’t leave the entourage. He stopped, on the stair below hers, inches away, wishing that the crowd, merriment and scene around them would melt away into oblivion. Wishing that she rebuked him, blamed him, called him names or perhaps even showed a little mercy for his deeds. Her silence, ignorance and lack of emotions were more dangerous for his now fragile heart. But he was glad to be home. Could she not see that?
“Urvi?” She glanced at the housekeeper like he didn’t exist, breaking Adhiraja Ishaan Dev’s chain of thoughts. His eyes didn’t leave her face. To be precise, he made sure she knew from his glances how much he had missed her presence. Her awkwardness made it clear that his message was received.
The housekeeper took the cue to walk up to the carriage and was greeted by the Princess’ maid in-waiting, Kausani. Urvi proceeded to remove the curtains to observe the stranger who had come into her mistress’ life for the first time, as a potential threat. The princess was fair, beautiful, timid, and definitely older and taller than her mistress. Her eyes looked unsure as she stared back at Urvi who smiled.
“Welcome to Neelambargarh, Rani.” Sumedha glanced at the warm smile and new title. She noticed how Urvi’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Let me take you to the Maharani.”
Rani Sumedha felt intimidated. She had for the past few months only heard of the different versions of this lady from everyone around her. Some like Rani Ratnawati thought Maharani Priyambada was cunning like all other Neelambar Garhi royals she heard of; others like Trinayani and Nayantara heaped praises on her administration and warrior skills, Ravi Varman was surprised at how his brother was challenged by this woman in many ways than one and failed to make her surrender to him, and her family had reminded her to be in the good books of the queen if she wanted a place in her palace. But here she was, trying to be a part of Priyamabada’s husband’s life and give him an heir. If Sumedha had little brains, she knew that she was already far from starting off on the right note with this lady. Sumedha looked up from behind her veil. She was a little surprised at the lady standing in front of her. She was smaller in stature and definitely younger than her. All the things she had heard made her imagine someone less timid perhaps. Priyambada smiled faintly. Ishaan Dev heard her approach and was quick to move aside as she stepped up to face Priyambada as guided by Urvi.
“Welcome to Neelambargarh, Rani Sumedha.” Priyambada’s clear voice made her look up. “This is Vrinda. She will be your handmaid from now on.” Sumedha eyed the girl who bowed.
“Thank you.” She managed with a small bow to the queen as she cleared her throat. “But I already have a …” She stopped as Kausani approached the steps. Urvi let out a small gasp. Not even a few minutes had passed and she was already opposed to her mistress. The sheer audacity of the lady. Priyambada inhaled.
“I am sure she is fine, but it is Neelambargarh’s tradition to provide maids and ladies to the queens. I wouldn’t let all of my ancestor’s rules go down because of …” Priyambada stopped as she realised Ishaan Dev who was standing by the side, still eyeing her suddenly had half a smile on his face. Priyambada cursed her tongue.
“Urvi, take her inside and show her around. The chambers are ready, just the way the Adhiraja wanted it for his wife.” Ishaan Dev’s smile faded as Priyambada looked straight at him, her face devoid of any emotions. Sumedha looked a little startled at her words as she seemed upset. Priyambada turned to walk away inside, followed by Devdoot in toe as she gave him instructions. Ishaan Dev watched her go as Sumedha was taken inside by the ladies.
“Mallal.” He addressed the bodyguard breathing down his neck.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Get a bath ready, I have had a long journey.” Ishaan Dev walked down the corridor. “And let Tarabai know I will see her tonight.” Mallal nodded, walking to the nearest servants to instruct them as Ishaan Dev entered his chambers. His eyes fell on the bed, and his inner mind wandered to instant flashes of a time he wished would never end even when he was so sick. He sat down on the bed as a servant removed his shoes.
Priyambada reached her chambers and dismissed Devdoot with instructions to put up the Princess’s entourage. She sat down on the carpet with a frown. Sumedha didn’t seem like a threat but she knew better than to trust people. She had to keep her guard up. Urvi walked in to declare that the princess was settled in.
“Get her dressed for the ladies' feast. I will go see her in her chambers soon.” Priyambada made her nod. “And…” She cleared her throat as she looked away. “Get the marital room ready.”
“Tonight?” Urvi looked surprised.
Priyambada glared, making her stop. “I apologise to Your Highness.” She bowed. Priyambada sighed.
“The sooner, the better. Maharani Trinayani Devi wants them to share a room. Like normal newlyweds do.” Priyambada looked up to see that Urvi had already left.
Rani Sumedha sat up as the guards announced the arrival of Maharani Priyambada. Priyambada entered the room, followed by Urvi, and looked around.
“Well, it looks good. Do you like the room?” Her informal tone made Sumedha nod.
“Yes… Thank you. The paintings remind me of… home.” She cleared her throat.
“Oh, your husband insisted on making you feel at home.” Maharani Priyambada smiled. “I have just followed through.” Rani Sumedha looked a little surprised at her words. “He instructed everything in this room, really. You should thank him for caring so much about you. He must be observing you for a long time.” Maharani Priyambada smiled as she inspected some of the things that had been added to the room upon Sumedha’s arrival.
“I… don’t know. He never…” Rani Sumedha stopped unsure. Maharani Priyambada’s hand stopped at a vase as she looked up at the queen’s words. Rani Sumedha looked awkward as Maharani Priyambada frowned a little, wary of the presence of maids, and guards around the room.
“Let me set some ground rules here.” Her jaws tightened. “I have no interest to talk of or interfere in your personal life. I am here for my people. So as long as you stay out of my territory and not interfere in administration and social work, I am least bothered with what you do with your husband and we can peacefully coexist.” Her words were harsh as Rani Sumedha looked intimidated.
“I apologise.” She was quick to speak. Suddenly Maharani Priyambada remembered how scared she was the first time she walked into the palace of Suryapali. If not for Maharani Trinayani Devi she would have never found her way. Priyambada inhaled.
“Look.” Maharani Priyambada approached her to hold her stone-cold hands on her own. “I know you are scared. We are new people in a strange land.” Rani Sumedha looked up at her words. “I have been through worse. And I want you to feel at home. But without crossing the boundaries we should have between us. Do you understand?”
Rani Sumedha nodded. She couldn’t help but admire how mature and understanding Priyambada came across as, she wasn’t even half of it. Perhaps because her life had always been pampered and sheltered. “If you need anything you can approach me through Urvi,” Maharani Priyambada reassured. “Come down to the feast when you are ready. You need to be introduced to the noble women. And don’t be upset if their comments aren’t flattering.” Maharani Priyambada turned to leave.
“Jyestha.”Rani Sumedha made her stop a little surprised. She had tried in vain for three years to teach Priyam Dev to call her Jyestha but he always ended up calling her by her name. Here, a stranger, a threat, called out to her in a similar way, It made Priyambada freeze.
“I never had anyone to confide in or protect me after my mother passed away. I come here with good tidings hoping to find a sister I never had.” Rani Sumedha looked up as Priyambada didn’t turn or move. She nodded slightly, glancing over her shoulders at Sumedha and left, followed by Urvi.
“What did you do, Rajkumari?” Kausani spoke almost in a gasp. “You can’t expect her to be your sister.”
“Why not? Both of us have nobody else here. Both of us are here because of our fate. She will understand me.” Sumedha looked hopeful as Vrinda observed Kausani shaking her head at her mistress’ naivety.
Adhiraja Ishaan Dev paced his room after a feast with his nobles. The full moon was shining on the Talab overlooking the windows of his chamber and the clear night sky had a veil of stars wrapping itself around the darkness. He had instructed Mallal to get Tarabai yet she wasn’t in his room when he arrived. Surprised at this breach of the order, he had sent Mallal to inspect. He stopped pacing as Devdoot arrived reluctantly at the threshold.
“What is it? Where is Tarabai?” Ishaan almost rebuked.
“I seek forgiveness, Your Highness, the Maharani had instructed…” Devdoot stopped as he looked more perplexed.
Priyambada sat on the window sill, her hair undone, in a simple maroon drape across her shoulder as she inspected some papers for the court the next day. His footsteps made her stop, aware, as she was quick to grab the embroidered stole around herself. Moments later, he was at her threshold. He nodded at the maids, as she didn’t look up from the paperwork, prompting them to leave.
“What is going on?” He asked, making his way up to the window and crossing his hands across his chest. Priyambada looked up at Ishaan Dev’s frowning face.
“What is going on?” She asked with a shrug.
“You told Tarabai not to follow through with my instructions.” He said it like he didn’t believe it. “And she listened to you, over… me?” He looked perplexed.
Priyambada suddenly had a hint of amusement in her eyes as she stood up to face him.
“What exactly is your problem here? That Tarabai didn’t come or she followed my orders?” She asked with another shrug. Ishaan Dev inhaled. He looked into her kohl-smudged eyes and took a step forward as Priyambada seemed unnerved and stood her ground, eyes fixed on him.
“She perhaps is more intelligent in worldly matters than you are,” Priyambada spoke, almost like a taunt. Adhiraja Ishaan Dev fought back a strong urge to grab her arms and embrace her tightly. “Your wife is waiting in the chambers.” Priyambada broke eye contact as she stepped back and looked away. “It will be an insult to her if Tarabai came here while she waited for you. I can’t let that happen to a princess under my watch.” Ishaan Dev looked up at her words as she stared out of the window to the horizon. The moonlight reflected on her face and her eyes sparkled. How many such times had he been in the arms of Tarabai, deriving pleasure while Priyambada cried in her chambers? He couldn’t tell. Instead, Ishaan Dev stepped back. But didn’t leave. A smile curved Priyambada’s lips.
“I told you I rule the inner palace. Everyone has to do as I say, even you.” She made him look up at her face, Priyambada eyed his stare for a mere second as he shook his head and sighed.
“Oh, right. As you say then, Your Highness.” Priyambada’s heart skipped a beat as he stormed out of the room. She could hear his footsteps recede towards the room where Rani Sumedha waited. A teardrop trickled down her cheek as she wiped it away and sank back down on the cushion by the window.
Rani Sumedha froze in her position in the middle of the bed as the door to her room flung open. She had been praying that he didn’t show up but now it was all in vain. Adhiraja Ishaan Dev looked around the decorated room, lit up with lamps and chandeliers and decorated with canopies of scented flowers. He shut the door behind him making her look up, a little pale. He walked across the room, to the window overlooking the Talab. The moonlight danced on the ripples of the Talab. Rani Sumedha kept staring at him, fixed on her spot. In a flash, she remembered all the rumours she had heard of his indulgence in wine and women. She was scared as she held the ripples of the bedsheet with her painted hands to ease her beating heart.
“I don’t know what you have been told about me or … Priya.” He cleared his throat as Rani Sumedha looked up. She opened her mouth but nothing came out of it. “I appreciate you wanting the alliance, but I didn’t have much of a choice over what my mother decided.” She looked a little surprised at his words. “I have had no interest or intend on having a wife or starting a family soon. And I hope I am clear about it here. You will be honoured as a queen but don’t expect to be my wife any time soon.” he eyed her as she nodded. “I know you have been told about the need for an heir and I am aware of my duties. But…” He stopped, “This stays in this room. To everyone outside it, we are a normal couple. So speak accordingly.” Rani Sumedha looked up at his words. What did he mean? He wanted her to lie to Maharani Priyambada. But why would he do that? Unless… Ishaan Dev turned to leave.
“Can I ask you something?” Sumedha found a voice as he stood at the threshold. “Are you refusing me because you are in love with someone else?” Adhiraja Ishaan Dev froze for a moment as Rani Sumedha kept waiting for an answer.
“Have a good night.” He walked away, as Sumedha walked up to the threshold to find his silhouette disappear into the darkness of the corridor.
Ishaan Dev was startled awake from his nap as he found himself half reclining on the chair in his room. The first light of dawn was peeping in through the drawn curtains and the birds chirped. Nothing to alarm him. He frowned, rubbing his neck as it hurt from his posture. He soon understood what woke him up. The sound of the Veena rang through the silence of the morning. He walked up to his threshold and opened the door of the chamber. The sunlight hit his face as the music became clearer. The music was soulful, sad and restless, as it picked up the pace. Ishaan smiled faintly as it reflected the feelings inside him. His eyes travelled to the corridors leading to her room.
Sumedha was woken up at dawn by an eager Kausani as she hurried to her chambers. She stopped at the sound of the music and looked up at the corridors. The music was coming from the queen’s chambers. It was melancholic.
“She plays!” Sumedha spoke, almost impressed. Kausani looked down at the corridors on the other end of the courtyard. She gulped at the sight of someone.
“I guess he likes it, Rajkumari.” Her words made Sumedha’s eyes travel to find him there. Everything made sense to her, all at once.
“Get my bath ready, Kausani.” She ordered as the maid left her alone. She glanced over at the closed doors of the queen’s wing and his figure in the corridors below it. She needed to tell Ravi that perhaps their way would be easier than they anticipated. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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