The Last Princess (18+)

3.0 Royal Reminiscence

"Aj kal toh Samrat zyada samay nayi Baisa ke kaksh mein hi guzar tein hain," one of Sugandha's personal maids commented to which the others giggled. Sugandha smiled sitting on her bed as the maids sat around her. (Nowadays king spends most of his time in the new queen's chamber)

"Aapki Baisa hain hi itni pyaari," she commented, resuming to brush her hair. (After all your queen is so pretty)

"Baisa talwar chalana bhi jaanti hain aur Samart unhe Raj guru ke pas bhi le gaye,"  (she knows swordsmanship and king even took her to train)

"Ab kaha hain woh?" (Where is she now?)

"Aapne kaksh mein thi thode samay pehle, hum dekh aaye?" (She was in her chamber a while ago, should I check?)

Sugandha motioned her to go with her eyes. Plotting to have some conversation with her feisty daughter in law, who had been making her son dance on her own tunes.

Anika was fixing her veil when the maid Sugandha had reached her chamber.

"Barri Baisa ne aap ko bulaya hain," (the elder queen has called you)

Anika nodded, slightly confused. Did she have issues regarding her practice? Why did she suddenly call her? Did she want her to discontinue her practice? The mere thought angered Anika. She would never let it happen. First her son married her forcefully, well apparently she did not want to marry him, but whom was she even kidding?

Ever since the first time she had seen him in her maternal castle, she had had indescribable feelings about him. Things escalated when she started dreaming about the certain hazel eyed king, dreams she was too ashamed to share with anyone.

How could she possibly tell anyone that she was dreaming of having his hands on her body, his lips tracing the contours of her face? That she wanted to drown in the fiery passion his eyes reflected? That she found his scent drowsily intoxicating? That she wanted to weave her fingers trough of hair which looked softer than silk? That she wanted to offer whatever she had to him?

She shook her head sideways, trying to not allow herself get carried away with these lustful desires. Whatever she had wanted, or dreamt of, was right beside her, within her reach. Yet she couldn't go  and claim it, due to her honour. Every night he came and laid beside her, her heart beat frantically, maybe he would make a move!

She wanted to smack her head against the wall! What was she even thinking of! All this time she had been restraining, containing herself from giving in, all due to her pride and honour. How could she? If he didn't want her, which he evidently didn't, then she didn't too! He didn't show any interest in her all these days, nor did he before but could the burning passion in his eyes be mistaken? Was she mistaken?

A tear rolled down her eye. Did he not want her? Did he really want her sister? A weed of jealousy bloomed in her heart. Avanti had always the better looking, tall, curvy and charismatic one. While Anika was petite, average looking, shorter than her sister. These things never bothered her. She did want to be a mere king's wife, she wanted to be a true queen, a warrior. Her father never objected to her love for weapons but when it came to the kingdom's honour, she was to be sacrificed.

But now, standing in front of the mirror which was situated inside her chamber which she shared with her husband, Anika couldn't help but feel insecure. Was she not enough? Didn't she attract him the way she should?

Anika was beyond frustrated. Why did he have to be so confusing? If he didn't want her then why did he marry her? He could've refused to and none would have opposed him, wouldn't have dared to. He was willing to marry her, then what about this coldness? This lack of interest in her?

At that moment she just wanted to barge into court and demand answers, but she was well aware that the consequences wouldn't be favourable. It would hurt his nang and namoos. His honour and dignity. Well, technically, also her honour and dignity.

Taking a last look at herself through the mirror, Anika proceeded towards Sugandha's chamber. When she entered the front garden, Sugandha's maid rushes to her chamber, informing her of their Baisa's arrival. Anika touched her mother in law's feet, taking her blessing. Sugandha blessed her, wishing her a happy married life.

"Aapne hume bulaya, maa sa?" Anika asked. "Ji,bete. Hume aapse acche se baat karne ka mauka hi nehi mila," Sugandha smiled at her daughter in law. Her son surely did have a good taste. She was beautiful. (Did you call me, mother?) (yes, dear. I haven't gotten the chance to speak with you properly)

Anika gladly took her place beside her mother in law when she motioned her to do so. The giggling maids sat in front of them, whom they didn't bother to excuse.

"Mahal mein kaesa lag raha hain aapko? Koyi pareshani?" (How're you feeling in the castle? Are you facing any problem?)

"Ji nehi, maa sa," (no, mother)

"Ekant!" Sugandha orders the maids to leave them alone as their sly giggles and smiles made Anika visibly uncomfortable. (Leave us alone)

"Anika, hume aapse kuch vishesh baat karni hain," Sugandha almost hesitated for a moment. Anika nodded politely, confusion floating in her eyes. (I wanted to talk to you about something important)

"Hume acchi tareeke se maloom hain ki kin haalaton mein aapka Samrat se vivah hua hain," she paused. "Aapke mann mein sawal, shiqayet, narazgi hona jayez hain, par Anika, aap unki raani hain. Jitna haq aapka unke upar hain, utna hi unka aapke upar hain. Ristein podhon ki tarha hotein hain, nazook. Unko waqt dein, unpar yaakeen rakkhein," Sugandha advised. Hearing her Anika not only felt angry but also melancholic. Was he even her husband? (I understand that you both got married under different circumstances. You are bound to have issues, complaints, anger and questions. But as much as you have rights on him, he does too. Relationships are like plants, vulnerable. We must give them time and believe in them)

However, she nodded in affirmation. Before she could say anything, a maid interrupted them. Letting her know that the Samrat was in their chamber, expecting her soon. Sugandha motioned Anika to go.

Before entering her chamber, Anika's eyes watered. She had been reminiscing Sugandha's words while on her way back. A sudden, horrifying thought crossed her mind. Was desiring Shivaay cheating Avanti? 

But didn't she leave on her own will? Was she wrong in having feelings about the man who was supposed to be her brother in law, her sister's husband? Anika felt breathless, but wasn't Shivaay her husband now? Her husband, not her sister's. But still, was she wrong in wanting him in a way a woman wants a man?

"Saari raat yahi par khaare rehne ka irada hain, Rani sa? Shivaay whispered in her ears, making her jerk in her place. Her heart threatened to come out of her chest as she placed a hand on her chest. A smirk graced Shivaay's face, as he slipped his rough hands around her milky, petite waist. (Are you planning to stand here the entire night, queen?)