The Triumph of a Queen

Chapter 15

I called the maids in and asked them to help me with the bathe.., I didn't get a chance to talk to Malathi while the bathe or dressing up... after everything, I said I wanted to go for the puja .

I asked for Malathi alone, finally both of us were on our way to the temple alone.

"I'm sorry for being rude.." I said to break the awkward silence between us.. it was really a genuine apology..

"Oh Princess, please don't apologise to me.."  each time she called me princess, I felt really awkward .. may be because I'm not used to it..

"Can you please stop calling me princess.." I asked politely..

For half a minute , she stared at me as if she just saw an alien..

"But Princess.., what else will I call you.."

"You can call me Banu like everyone else.."

"But I'll be in trouble if someone hears that .."

"Well.., atleast when we are alone.." I asked expecting a yes and she nodded reluctantly..

"Can I ask you something.." she asked..

"Go on.." I replied .. looking at the amazing cravings and portraits on the wall..

"What happened to you..??"

I stopped on my tracks.. did I already mess it all..?? did she get any clue..?

When Malathi saw that I had stopped, she turned back and said.." Nothing serious.. just some changes here and there.., I noticed it from the time you returned.. after all ,it's been three years.." she smiled

I returned the smile and joined her.. "Tell me the latest rumours and gossips.."

She gave a wide grin "King Dharmendhra of.."

"About the Kurus of Hastinapur.." I cut her off in middle..

"About the Kurus.., the princes have returned from the gurukul last year .., a competition was held for them to showcase their skills and I heard that all the princes are very strong and smart especially the Pandavas and the first three- four Kauravas.., Angaraj Karn also participated.., then Angaraj with the help of the Kuru army went to battle the king of Anga and defeated him. I also heard that the eldest Kaurava prince is a very dear friend of Angaraj and thus accompanied him for the battle even though the elders opposed.." I felt I was listening to a radio.., but then I got all the necessary information .., things were different from the original version.. and much hasn't happened.. 

We talked many things.. my main intention was to know everyone and everything happening here.. 

Finally we reached the temple .., it was near the private palace for the Kashi royal family, was inside the palace premises itself but had a wall separating it from the rest.. this isn't the only temple here.. there were other temples at different spots within the palace compound.. I made a mental note to visit them.. I always admired the ancient palaces , forts and temples..

The temple was made of stone with many cravings on it ... it was a marvellous example of stone carvings.., even minute details were done with such attention.. It was five storeyed , I guess.. I wanted to stand there longer to admire the wonderful art but I couldn't ..

Malathi didn't step inside the gate as they aren't allowed.. there was a large group of servants and guards outside and Malathi went with a girl named Kani who was waiting for her.. Princess Avanthika's hand maiden.., I guess..

Inside the walls.., there was a beautiful garden with some trees surrounding the temple..

I removed my footwears outside and entered.. A girl was doing the arathi around the Idols kept there.. it was a Devi Sarswathi temple.. she was also singing hymns in her melodious voice.. I couldn't see her face but from the back , I could say that she was wearing a heavy dress with many ornaments.. I stood at the back in order not to disturb them..