The Triumph of a Queen

Chapter 8

After 1 year,

"Di, don't worry, he'll recover soon and your brother won't be able to conduct your wedding with that stupid old idiot..".. We were in Rukmani di's room which she shared with Sathya di.. A message had arrived from Vidharba, her kingdom,  informing her of her father's deteriorating health and her brother's plan to get her married to Shishupal, the king of Chedi.., through the letter , her brother had asked her to get ready for the wedding which will take place soon after she reached the palace..

"Banu, I'm not worried.. you people are simply overthinking.. look at my face , do you really feel I'm upset.. And what was the language..? you can't disrespect someone like that..at least he is older than you.." what she said was true .., no one would say that a storm of emotions are inside her.. 

"Di, you may succeed in hiding your feelings from others but not us.., remember, we are sisters by heart.." we pulled her into a bone crushing hug.. even though she didn't say anything , we understood she was overwhelmed..

"And he is really a stupid old idiot.., his foolishness is famous and he has off springs older than us.., did you forget , that his youngest daughter , Karenumathi is of the same age as our Bhadhra, so if he marry you, then you'll be their step- mother.., do you want that..??" I know I sound rude, but I don't want to respect that old man..

"Come with me to Dwaraka.., you'll be safe there.." Sathya di , who was in some deep thought , suddenly said looking into Rukmani di's eyes..

"No Sathya, I can't, my father's life will be in danger if I do that.." She looked back into her eyes...

"Let's go to the woods.." I jumped in and received weird looks.. "Tomorrow after the puja, everyone would be busy with the performances.., I heard some local artists and priests are also coming, so the gate at the back yard will also be opened ..,we can sneak out easily through that.. as the puja is at early morning.. we can spent time and return before lunch.."  Surprisingly , everyone agreed instantly and so that was decided..

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Next day after the Sarswathi puja , we did as planned..,  after getting out of the kanyakul premise , we walked some distance before running and soon we reached our spot, we had came here many times before. It was one of our favourite places.

This place is so peaceful.., it's just nature and us.., the lush green grass under our feet still had the morning wetness.., we were sitting under one of the many tall trees..   Rukmani di's hands were gently stroking Badrae's head which was on her lap..Badrae was saying something looking at the sky.., Avanthi was searching for some herbs to make a new poison and Sathya di was telling me about Dwaraka and her family there, she was so excited to meet them after a long time.. but there was someone who was lost in her own world.., even after we all noticed it.., 

"Priyae.." Avanthi cooed.. while Supriya di looked startled.., we all burst into laughter...

"No Avanthi , you can't call her that.. only someone very special can address her by that name.. you have other names to call her" I said, emphasizing on 'someone' while playfully hitting her.. Supriya di officially had two names , the name Supriya was given to her by her parents when she was born and all her dear ones called her by that.. her other name was Vrushali which was given by a holy sage on her naming ceremony.., it meant Prosperity and one who give happiness.

 But only one person called her Priyae ...,the former prince of Utkala ,who had given up his title and luxuries due to all the insults that he had to face.. he had left the palace years ago to obtain knowledge and become the greatest warrior like he dreamt.