The Triumph of a Queen

Chapter 12

After six months....

Banu was sitting with Badhra  in her room when Avanthi entered ..she was panting heavily and had a wide grin on her face..

Badhra had just returned from Dwaraka.., she had gone there to attend the naming ceremony of the first born of the next generation of her family.., her Dau Balarama's and Bhabhi Revathi's son , Nishatha.. She was telling how she had spent time with her Sathya di and Rukmani di who is now her sister in law.. , how Rukmani di eloped with her brother from her wedding and how her jyest Krishna had shaved Prince Rukmi's head with his Sudharashan chakra.., Banu was hearing this story for the umpteenth time.., all these happened months ago.., but still Badhra repeats it whenever she gets a chance.. 

"There are letters ..." Avanthi declared happily.. There were three scrolls in her hand.. and she gave one to Badhra and Banu each..

The three sat on the bed and read their letters ...

"It's Supriya di's wedding.." Banu and Avanthi shouted together ... they couldn't contain their excitement..

"We'll leave next week.." Avanthi squealed with joy

"Maa has also mentioned that there is a surprise for me.." Banu said, trying to guess what it is..

"What about you Badhre.. ??" 

"I don't know .., nothing is said clearly .., it tells that , Dau had sent people to take me.. so I'll have to go with them.., they'll be here anytime ,maybe today or tomorrow .." Badhra looked disturbed..

"Might be Sathya di's wedding .. they would have thought to give you a surprise.." Banu tried to cheer her up .

"Yeah... you know Sathya di  .., even your brother also likes surprises.. it's nothing to worry.. just get ready to enjoy.." Avanthi too joined.. Both Banu and Avanthi had felt something odd but they didn't want Badhra to worry.. They didn't feel good when they read the letter from Dwaraka..,  This wasn't the usual way of letters from Dwaraka.. Badhra was expecting to hear about the antics of her little nephew but it was also missing..

Banu and Avanthi stayed with Badhra till she was tucked in the bed , they told her various stories to calm her disturbed mind... Badhra being a smart and intelligent girl had felt that some danger had approached Dwaraka.. and not a usual prank by her brother or Sathya di..

*********************************************************************************************

Avanthi and Banu had just got ready for the day when they heard a knock at the door, opening it , they found Badhra outside..

"They are here.." she informed panicked

"Relax Bhadhrae.. there wouldn't be any problem.. take a deep breath.." Banu consoled her..

"And we promise you.., both of us will pray for you to Narayan daily.. I'm sure he won't let anything harm you or your family.." Avanthi's words seem to bring a relief to Badhra..

Both of them accompanied her to the entrance.., at the gate ,they saw the troupe from Dwaraka, her cousin, Sathyaki was talking to a security guard.. as soon as they saw their princess, they stopped and took their positions.Satyaki was avoiding Badhra's questions and only gave some short and formal replies..

Badhra looked one last time at Banu and Avanthi before climbing into her palanquin .., her face was worried and they gave her a reassuring nod with a small smile..

***********************************************************************************************

A week had passed.., Avanthi and Banu.. had just reached the Kanchi royal palace at it's capital city Rajgriha with Dharmasen who had came to take them ..