The Triumph of a Queen

Chapter 6

After lunch,I rushed to my room,  we had decided to meet under the big tree near the pond at the back lawn of the private palace..

Reaching the room, I quickly changed into the cloths that Malathi had arranged .. it was a set of ordinary cotton tunic blouse ,angavastram and a long skirt.. After checking my disguise for any flows , I discreetly exited my room and found my way to the spot.. there were no much servants at the corridors as it was noon time..

Around fifteen minutes later ,we were walking through the market streets .., my eyes were happily exploring each and every thing...I inhaled deeply the fresh air filled with the fragrance of cotton threads and local snacks . The place was not much crowded and most were women who were on grocery shopping... while I was enjoying my little picnic .., my brothers had taken the opportunity to know about our society , kingdom and people... walking on my either sides , they would at times talk about something they noticed or a change they would like to implement to improve certain condition... even I expressed my opinions on matters that I understood.. we walked  till we were outside the market..

"Are you tired?" one of them enquired.. my legs were aching but I didn't voice it.. I didnt want to return yet..

"Let's go to the banks of Mahanadi.." Mahanadi was a river which flowed from the Udayagiri hills to the borders of our kingdom ..you have to cross Kadhambini, the nearest village to reach there..

"Are you sure" 

"Yes" I nodded enthusiastically..

"Who are you, we have never seen you here before.." we turned to find a group of young boys behind us... they were around our age.. 

"We are new here.., these are my siblings and our father is a trader.. we came with him ." Jyesht Sagara immediately covered up ..

"mm.. you can leave when this girl gives us her expensive ring.." the biggest one among them probably their leader said pointing to me.. the ring that he was referring was the diamond ring that my father gave me when he returned from one of his voyage.. he had personally bought it for me and since then I have never removed it from my finger so there is no way that I'm going to give it away to this bully.. 

"That's not possible.." I shouted..

"Seems like this young lady loves her ring even more than her brothers.." one of them said in a sarcastic tone..

Rage was building inside me..

"Hey, you silly girl, better give that to us before we beat and tie you three to the tree near the cemetery.." one of them ordered or rather threatened us.. 

I did what came to my mind first.. grabbed a stone lying near and throwed it .. my aim was right and it wounded the leader itself.. this angered the whole group and they raged at us.. some of them had sticks and stones also ... my brothers immediately hid me behind them..

But something unexpected happened.. A man came in between the group and us .. it was as if he came out of thin air.. even though I couldn't see his face, I found him familiar... "Stop it...is this how the kids of Kalinga are raised.. , with no manners and values.., is it why you are attacking these helpless kids.." as soon as these words left his mouth, I identified him.. 'Pita' more than shocked , I was scared.. my brothers' state were also the same.. "now kids , go to your homes before I call anyone.." after shooting a final look at us , the kids left.. I looked around and found my Mata standing at a short distance.., that's when I noticed.., even though not very close.., there were many guards around us.. all of them disguised.. even my parents were in the robs of commoners.. 

"So, Banu, would you like to give an explanation" Pita asked sternly.. so he figured out that I was the one behind this sneak out..

"Actually.. I wanted to see the.. countryside.. that's why.." I stammered.. 

"Why did you throw the stone..?" my father interrupted in between..

"I was angry.. I didn't like his comment.." I complained..

"So..??" I looked up at him .."So , you just attacked him.. showing that his words have an effect on you.. that's all what he wanted and you allowed him to win.. so easily.." Pita paused and looked at me before continuing... " I hope you understood what I meant.. don't allow others to win so easily at least give them a tough competition.. you are a princess , don't fail so easily.." Pita said in a sarcastic tone..

I nodded my head.. 

"May I ask why you are here" it was my eldest brother..

"The question can be returned.., and as your answer we are here to know the public opinion about the new tax reforms.." Mata replied..

"Anyway , do our dear children have any plan to return to their palace.." Pita was in a mood for sarcasm today..

"We were planning to visit the Mahendra bank.." I replied before anyone..

"Fine , then we are not ruining your picnic.. we will also accompany you.. only if you don't have any objection.." 

With that the five of us left for the river..

A pahar would have passed since we left the palace.., we were on our way back.. with many memories.. it was really fun..  "Maa would be sad when she comes to know that we had a picnic without her.." Jyest Bagdatta said when we reached.. that's when I remembered that I'm late for my dance class... so I ran leaving everyone behind.. 

The next day arrived and soon it was time for me to leave.. as expected everyone was so emotional eventhough I didn't shed any tear ,my heart was really aching.. I would miss my Mata's strictness, Maa's care , Grandmother's love, Jyest Bagdatta's concern , Jyest Sagara's drama , my little brothers' affection and above all my father.. with a heavy heart I got into my palanquin to start my journey to a new phase of my life..