The Triumph of a Queen

Chapter 20

Banu's / Kia's P.O.V

I was standing at the entrance of King Chitrangadha's or my 'Pita's' chambers.. My mothers and brothers were present there with him, engaged in some conversation.. It was night and the programmes and dinner were over , the groom's family had returned and the guests have retired to their chambers ..

'Why are they looking at me like that.. Is something wrong..' I scanned myself and found nothing out of place.. I had just asked 'May I come in..?'

"When did you start being formal with your family too.." Mata asked with a question face..

That gave me a strange warmth ..

"Looks like our Banu has learnt some good manners.. we can now proceed with the proposal.." Prince Sagara was saying something..

"Proposal..??" I enquired cluelessly

"Yes, you have got a marriage proposal.. we were talking about it.." he replied casually

"Proposal..!! I don't want to get married now.." my eyes were wide like saucers.. I have heard that in ancient India girls were married off at a very young age.. the idea of marriage itself scares me..

"You know what, your groom is a king .. Even though he is double your age he will suit you.. he can be quite annoying at times but not anyway more than you .. don't you want to know how he looks like??.." he asked pausing his rant..

Couples with huge age differences aren't a rare thing here.. girls were married to men of their father's age.. anyway I don't want to be one of them.. but what if it happens..

"You are curious to know.. I know.. " He came and put his hand around my shoulder

"He is bald and his head shines under sunlight.. even though he has a potbelly , he is strong .., he had lost two of his front teeth while hunting , you can be proud of that and his left leg is shorter than the other from birth and he lived all his life with that..., a true warrior.. you are happy right.. and I forgot, there is something more.."

"No , I don't want to hear anything.." I said closing my ears.. all this had scared me enough..

"Is it true that a proposal came for me.." I asked my eldest brother and he agreed..

"See, now do you believe me..?? So he is.." before he could complete , a hand caught his ears..

"Really.. such a proposal came for her and we didn't know.. so what is your decision ?? are you going to arrange her marriage ??.."

"Sorry Ma.. sorry.. I was just joking.." he whimpered

"It is true that a proposal came for you but that is from a handsome prince.." Mata spoke

"I wish I had a sister.." I prayed loud as I sat beside my father..

"Then your wish is getting fulfilled.." Mata commended excitedly..

"Really.." I eyed both Maa and Mata trying to know who is carrying..

"Your thoughts are running wild.. we are going to get a daughter in law.." Mata announced stressing on the last part..

"Yes Banu, I'm getting married to the princess of Trigarta, Savitri.."Jyesht Bagdatta informed.. that's a great news but time for some drama..

"And you are informing me now !!.. I understood , everyone forgot me when I went to kanyakul.. I'm really offended and sad.." wow Kia , you are so good at this.. "Pitashree, you too ?? "

The king was caught off guard for a moment ..

"No , it's not like that.. we wanted to give you a surprise.. " jyest Bagdatta consoled ..