The Triumph of a Queen

Chapter 16

I was wearing a blue blouse paired with blue dhothi and a blue shawl..  done in pure silk.. I  felt like Jasmine from Arabian nights.., the dress had patterns done in gold.. the borders had strings of pearls and I think the crystals present are diamonds. I had taken gold jwellery with diamonds and blue sapphires.. despite my best efforts I was adorned with numerous ornaments .., the maximum on my hair.. but it wasn't heavy as I expected but walking in a dhothi was awkward than I expected, one need experience to do it properly.. 'Kia concentrate on your food now'.., my stomach warned..

The platter was larger than what I expected and to my surprise ..., even the princesses who looked like they hit gym everyday, was having the big platter.., don't they follow any diet..?? .. hesitant I started my food.. and to my utter surprise.., they served non- veg too. Gayathri Ma , the queen mother , Queen Hemavathi and Supriya di were vegetarians but the others were having non veg food.. 

I wanted to taste the meat so I asked a maid to help me.. but then I saw everyone looking at me shocked.. I think Banu was also a vegetarian.. poor me.. Anyway it's my first time eating such a huge amount of dishes so I thought to try to finish it first.. maybe next time I can have meat.. 

The job was tougher than expected.. it was a complete balance diet with more than fifteen dishes.. the rotis, rice and vegetables were soft and well cooked but at the same time everything was spicy and hot, making it difficult.. for drinks, they had juices along with plain water boiled with jeera and some other leaves..  everyone was quick in eating and I couldn't match up with their pace.. I liked spicy but I wasn't a fan of hot food.. my mouth was burning but I couldn't show it.. all of them followed a pattern of eating which I don't know so I tried to copy everything that Supriya di ,who was sitting opposite to me ,was doing.. I embarrassed myself by chocking in between .. 'the typical clumsy me'..

Somehow I completed the meal.., after the main platter, dessert was served.. something  I needed most at the moment.. the dessert was kheer, loaded with much dry fruits and nuts.. some cut fruits were also there with that.. After what it can be called as a king's meal in all sense, I stood up.. not to say, I was the last. When I stood up , I really felt numb and doubted if I could atleast take two steps.. it felt like I was a heavy sack..

We decided to spent some time in the garden while the elders select gifts for the guests..

So we three along with Malathi, Kani and Sarika(Valandhara's hand maiden..) went to the garden ..

There were many trees, flowers of all colours , birds , rabbits, peacocks ,herbs , swings, pavilions made of white marble , small ponds and streams , light posts , statues and many more.. On one of the swings , we found the Rajmatha .. she was reading some scrolls while a maid was giving a massage to her legs which rested on the footrest.. She looked so regal..

"Dadi.." the other two seem so happy to see her here.., they ran and hugged her tightly..

"What happened to Dadi's favourite grandchild..?"
"She isn't even coming near you.." Avanthi and Valandhara teased.. I was standing like a rock.., even hesitant to go near such a regal lady..

"Because I'm special.. and my hug is also special.. it should be given separately like this.." I engulfed her in a tight hug.. It felt so good.., like I'm hugging my own grandmother which I never got a chance to.

"That's true.. my Banu is always special.." Dadi said cupping my face and giving a kiss on my cheeks..

"Oh.. Dadi and her favourite Banu.." they said rolling their eyes..

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"The mangoes are ripe.."

"I can feel the sweet juicy pulp in my mouth.." Valandhara exclaimed ..

We were standing below the big mango tree in the garden.., looking at the ripe fruits hanging on a top branch..

"Then why the delay.. Kani call someone to get us that.." Avanthi ordered..

"Why do we need to call someone else.. ?? we can get it ourselves.." I said.. I had climbed trees to pluck fruits.. I really loved to do it..

"How..?? with magic..?" Avanthi scoffed.. 'oh princess.. please be independent atleast when you can.. try doing something on your own..'

"You just wait here and watch.." it was more like a challenge now..

I removed my footwears and got hold of the lowest branch .. for some time I had forgotten where I was and what I was wearing... but now I can't back off.. its a matter of pride.

So leaving all thoughts aside ,I started climbing , my dress was getting scratches and dirt, my ornaments were also not doing good.. I felt a bit sad for ruining such expensive items but it's not like the only thing she owns.. this princess has trunks filled with cloths and ornaments.. 

"Banu.., what are you doing there..? you will get hurt.. I'll ask someone else to get you that.." It was Gayathri maa's voice.. 

"What were you guys doing when she is doing such a task.. are you paid to watch it.." She was scolding the poor soldiers.. 

"Calm down Gayathri.. she should not stand on the ground always.. she is for greater heights.." What a cool Dadi.. I want to hug her again..

"Catch it when I throw them down.." I shouted and plucked the fruits..

I reached down safely.. Kani and Malthi were standing with the collected fruits.. 

"We didn't know that our dear sister was a monkey .." Avanthi taunted..

"Even tigers and leopards also climb trees.." I replied with a smirk..

Before she can say something else I shoved a piece of the mango into her mouth ,that Malathi had brought.. Valandhara was already busy enjoying the fruits .., she had given a 'thank you' and a sweet smile in between..

I then offered the fruits to Dadi.. I really love this lady.. "Let you seize greater heights.." she blessed..

Next was Gayathri ma.. " Do you know in what state you are..? you look terrible.. is this how I looked after you.." she said scanning me from top to bottom..

My hair was a mess, there were dirt all over including my face.. tears on my cloths .., my ornaments were loose and not in place.. I'm not this clumsy.. it's all due to my attire.. it was giving me a really tough time.. "You can eat only after you get a bath and changed into something neat.." I pouted but from her expression I understood it's not going to work here..

I didn't want to go through that long bathing and getting ready procedures again.. it's too long and boring .. but I didn't have any other choice..

So that was the twenty seventh chapter..

Kia is having a tough time adapting ..

Can she blend in..??

Will someone suspect something..??

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P.S- This book is influenced by the Indian epic Mahabarath.., but not entirely based on it ..

Stay safe and healthy :)..