Chrysalis

15

Rajmata Damini advanced towards them with the traditional holy platter, followed by an elegant Manmayi.

Abhimanyu stepped forward to seek their blessings. "Hold on, dear." Rajmata Damini prompted, "Let me welcome my new daughter."

She gestured Tara, "Step on the vermillion milk and enter your palace." Tara proceeded the way she was told leaving behind her bright red footprints.

"Now, may I?" Abhimanyu grew restless eventually earning a glare from his mother. Whilst Tara hid her grin seeing his simplicity.

"Did you see sister, how naive our Maharaj is?" Manmayi flashed a toothy grin towards Tara. Chandana and Nimrat followed her cue.

After going through all the rituals, Tara was finally shown her new chamber. The enormous verandah hugging the eastern side of it. Fresh dark pink bougainvillaes fell through the verandah, the green leaves climbed their way up the outer wall. She inhaled the blue roses carefully put on the porcelain vase.

"Maharani, please call us if you need anything." The handmaidens of Indrapuri curtsied and took their leave. Chandana and Nimrat, too left for their quarters after settling her belongings. They, too needed a long awaited rest.

Tara tried her best to take a nap but the unfamiliarity of the new room though magnificent was distracting. Her explorer self was hard to control. With a heavy heart, she sat on the swing in her verandah overlooking the sprawling royal garden. Some women carried platters of mud and humus on their heads. The gardeners were busy carving the lush green bushes. Eventually, she was lost in her thoughts, reliving her childhood and how she loved gardening.

The dawdle steps behind her went unnoticed. Her slow swings and the occassional breezes made her drowsy. She was on the verge of closing her heavy eyelids. But was awakened by the soft feathery touches along her cheeks as soundly sat beside her. Her lips curled up in reflex enjoying his soft caresses.

"Is the Maharaj of Indrapuri jobless? I heard he goes for hunting white tigers and here he is gawking his sleepy wife."

He retreated his hands but the faint smile never left his lips. He played along placing her hand in his. "I came to tell you something." She turned towards him. He straightened his brows. "There will be a formal feast at your honour this eve. Make sure the Maharani accompanies the Maharaj."

"As the Maharaj wishes." She held out a soft chuckle. How she would love to love him, but alas! She couldn't.

The Royal Court of Indrapuri was aback as Tara set foot on it. Her bedazzling aura made all the heads turn to her. The heavy blows of the trumpets played silent noises to her jawdropping entrance. The royal court had witnessed precious swords and blades but none ever adored the arms of a Queen. Her long, untamed brown traces swayed in dominion to the disgust of skeptical, ancient ministers.

Abhimanyu's heart brimmed with pride for her better half.

The lion throne was graciously occupied by the royal couple before gesturing the court to proceed. Several courtiers, wealthy merchants offered the best of gems and fineries to the Queen. Platters of silkenth robes were put forward in her honor.

Abhimanyu introduced each of his ministers, patrons and their wives to Tara. She nodded at times, smiled in utmost elegance. She made her mind to imprint the names  in her mind as their figures mingled in the glittery crowd.

Eventually the night grew old, serious issues were far from being discussed. Most of the ladies were admiring the new Queen, a few were disgruntled criticising how uncanny her beauty was.

Tara keenly observed the new court, the heavily built commanders, the battalion chiefs who seemed to be loyal to their King. Contrariwise, some young ministers took soft chances to secure their ranks praising the royals arbitrarily, pleasing the Queen. She shook with mirth revisiting their shortlived conversations.

The Minister of Indrapuri belonged to the skeptical group of ministers but only the difference was that his shrewdness was expertly masked in his sarcastic choice of words.

"Our battalions are at par with that of the Mughals, Your Grace. You needn't adorn yourself with harmful ornaments." He chided. His specious guile was directed towards Tara's sword.

"That is impressive, Mahamantriji. But my 'ornaments' mean no harm without my consent. It adorns my strength." She replied.

Mahamantri Padmabhushan was acutely taken aback. The prying eyes on Tara stood out more stiff than before.

The dinner was laid as scheduled. The affair was constricted to formal talks. Revant, the Commander-in-Chief of Indrapuri was a relief to all of it. His jovial demeanor was appreaciated by her. Perhaps, Abhimanyu regarded him as his brother figure and naturally they had a lovely friendship.

Manmayi looked after the women welfare of the state, educating girls, the children. One of the most respected ladies of the kingdom she was.

(Manmayi)

"What are you saying? Revant is her husband?" Tara questioned.

Abhimanyu nodded while gulping his food.

"They are never seen together." She furrowed her brows.

"Will tell you later." He replied in a low note.