The king's courtesan wife

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Sandhya was walking through the corridors in the direction of her mother in law's chamber when she stumbled across Chief General, Rajat.

"Greetings, Rani sa." Rajat said crossing his hand in front and bowing his head in a respectful gesture.

"Greetings, bhai sa. How are you?" Sandhya asked and Rajat smiled at her.

"Very well and you?" Rajat asked politely.

"I am doing just fine. Any news from Maharaj?" She inquired.

"Yes. I was about to come to you. This morning itself his letter for the palace came. He mentioned that he is doing well and his trip is going smoothly also." Rajat informed and Sandhya nodded. She was a little disheartened though because there was no personal letter for her. "He sent this for you." Rajat said, handing her the beautifully carved wooden box that was in his hand. Instantly a bright smile came on Sandhya's face.

"Maharaj sent this for me?" She asked in joy. "Yes." Sandhya smiled at his answer and ran her hands on the dark wood.

"Um-Bhai sa, will you do something for me?" Sandhya asked as something popped in her mind.

"Yes of course, please just order." Rajat said.

"Will you give this box to Akshara and tell her to put it in my chamber. I'll see what is in here later. Actually the thing is, I yet have to meet Raj mata and I intend to have breakfast with her." Sandhya said with a heart full of hope.

"Okay, I'll give it to her." Rajat answered. Sandhya handed him back the box and then told him, "She is in the private garden right now." Rajat nodded and with a head bow, he left. Sandhya smiled and went ahead in Raj mata's chamber.

"Greetings Maa sa." Sandhya said entering her mother in law's chamber.

"Sandhya, come on in." Raj mata said with a smile. Sandhya walked closer and took her blessings.

"Remain happy." Padms caressed her daughter in law's head lovingly.

"Sit down here." She said patting the seat beside her and Sandhya took a seat.

"Let me see this smile and radiant face that returned after so many days. It's the effect of Abhimaan's gift isn't it?" Padma said turning Sandhya's face in her direction who blushed and giggled.

"You love my son a lot right?" Padma asked getting emotional and Sandhya nodded, tears filling in her eyes as well.

"Always love him and be his support. " she requested and Sandhya took Padma's hand in hers.

"Maa sa, before I lived an empty life with no mission or plan of the future. But when he came into my life, he filled my life with happiness and love. Now I only live for our love and breathe in hope of having a bright future with him. My whole life is dedicated to him." Sandhya said and Padma nodded, the tears she was trying to hold back falling from her eyes.

Sandhya hugged her. Now her tears also were flowing.

~

After breakfast, Sandhya headed to the room and saw Akshara arranging fresh flowers in the copper vase, while it seemed that her mid was wondering around and a sweet smile was adorned on her beautiful face.

Sandhya cleared her throat trying to gain her attention but nothing. She shook her feet to make sounds from her anklet but then again no reaction.

"It seems Rajat's magic worked on you." Sandhya said loudly, this time gaining her attention.

Akshara gasped and turned around to see Sandhya. She clumsily got up on her feet and looked truly embarassed.

"Forgive me. I-I did not see you." She stumbled over her words.

"How you would have seen me, while there must only be Rajat's image and memories in your eyes?" Sandhya teased her.

Akshara blushed and smiled.

Sandhya sat down and also started arranging the flowers in the water.

"Now, will you sit down and tell me what happened?" Sandhya said wriggling her eyebrows.

Akshara sat down. "You sent him on purpose right?" She asked.

"No. No at all." Sandhya lied.

Akshara giggled, catching Sandhya's lie.

"Did you say what was in your heart?" Sandhya asked and Akshara nodded shyly.

"Hmm. I said everything. I told him, that I love him and I don't expect him to return the love but I did not want to suppress my love in my heart and one day regret it. And he said-he said that he also loves me, have been loving me since he first saw me years ago but even being such a brave warrior whenever he saw me, he did not know where all his bravery vanished and feared to confessed his love to me, scared that I would reject his love." Akshara said and Sandhya smiled.

"You see? If you would not have told him maybe he would also have suppressed his feelings." Sandhya said almost in a scolding manner. And Akshara nodded.

They were both busy in talks and were laughing when a maid entered the room.

"I apologise for interrupting, Rani sa but Rani Bhavna summoned Akshara to her chamber." She informed and a frown came on both friends face. What did Bhavna want from Sandhya's attendant. Akshara glanced at Sandhya who nodded silently telling her to go.

Akshara got up and left the room along with the maid.

Sandhya being left alone, decided now to open the box that came from Abhimaan earlier.

She took the box from the table and settled down on the bed before letting her fingers trace the wooden piece of art. She unlocked it and a small gasp left her mouth.

There was a letter and gifts for her. Glass bangles, necklace, earrings, nosering, anklets, hair piece, and a bottle of perfume. She opened the bottle and inhaled the scent, rose and jasmine mixed, the scent Abhimaan loves the most on her. And what warmed her heart more all of this was made from the locals and his subjects. The simplicity and hardwork behind these jewelries reminded her of her old days when she used to adorn herself with these. Albeit, she was brought up with endless of luxuries she loved enjoying the modest lifestyle. And now after being adorned with gold and precious stones for months, this gift of his was nostalgic  and unintentionlally considerate which transfered her to a land of memories. Tears of happiness stung her eyes, blurring her vision.

Instantly, she removed her heavy jewelries she already was wearing and changed into the ones that were sent to her.

She then took the letter, her heart clenching. She took in a deep breath and slowly released it to calm her racing heart.