Queen of my heart (continued)

The wedding

Raja Vishalam was angry at Devika. A lot of times he had wished she wasn't his blood, that she may go away for good but then what his preached didn't contain abandoning own daughter. The great minds of the kingdom, the council members, the numerous astrologers that he met had said, "it is her fate, and you cannot undo it even if you want to. We are mere propellers of the destiny that she is to meet. It is also your fate, Maharaja, to bear with it until its time..." 

So, he was frightened of the curse but then he never ignored Devika's needs.  She was still his beloved though his attempts to show affection were in vain. One thing would stop him always, the curse. He knew he would have to play the role of Ruler before the role of Father. It was like a parched throat coming near a pond after walking for long hours only to find it poisoned.

When the doorman announced the arrival of Devika and Maharaja Ashwini, he didn't know whether he should be happy for Devika had returned or should be sad that Devika had returned!

Devika and Maharaja Ashwini arrived hand in hand, which the Raja didn't let go unnoticed. He was at peace for the fact that even after the situation that Devika had just created, Ashwini was still as eager as before to tie the knot with her.

"Devika, what were you thinking my child? " He said in a pained voice and Devika touched his feet. Raja hugged her.

"Father, my apologies for doing something against your wishes. I was afraid. " Devika replied as she held onto her father tightly.

" Afraid of me? I am a bit less savage than all those savages in your father's forest, we just met with. I didn't know you fear me more than those savages. " Maharaja Ashwini said in his rough tone making fun of his to-be-wife.

Now I have to live, listening to all the taunts he has to throw at me... Devika though

" Ha ha ha, Maharaja, your valor and spirit is something that can make people go weak. You are a fierce warrior yourself. It is only true for anyone to be afraid of you...ha ha." Raja Vishalam tried to lighten up the environment.  

" A warrior princess herself must not be afraid of me ...I believe." Another good point shot at the warrior princess and Ashwini smirked.

Devika could say back a lot of things to Ashwini, but she knew she had boundaries to respect. When the right time comes, I'll tell you Maharaja, what this warrior princess is capable of, she thought to herself.

"Ha ha ha. Maharaja, let bygones be bygones. Now please tell me, how can I repay you for saving my daughter? " Raja Vishalam intervened and joined his hands in front of Maharaja Ashwini. 

"By completing something that was left uncomplete, Rajaji." Ashwini smiled and moved his gaze towards Devika.

Vishalam seemed to sense what Ashwini indicating to. The static wedding preparations.

The mandap was decorated with red and yellow clothe with jasmine flower woven into them. Four earthen pots stood at the four corners of the mandap with a coconut as lid. In the center laid the fire bowl. A pried sat in front of the fire bowl. He ignited the fire into it. And in front of him sat the beautiful couple -yet to- be -married. The hall was decorated with golden ornaments and flowers. Camphor and incense smell groped the atmosphere. The priest pronounced mantras while the couple took 7 circles around the fire. Devika's mother's eyes had their own will as they watered. Devika looked ravishingly breathtaking though the veil of her saree now covered her face. She peeked up at Ashwini when the priest was busy doing rituals and found herself enchanted by the striking being beside her. Ashwini too was very curious. When he slid her veil to put vermilion on her forehead, he was struck with the most beautiful diva blossoming in front of him.

All in all, they were smitten by each other. For once the fear of the curse evaporated from their minds just like ghee evaporates from fire.

Hermits were excused from this wedding!

*********

"Sarkar, the savages failed, none of them survived. "The messenger informed me.

"How is that possible? " I shouted at him and punched the wall.

"Sarkar, Maharaja Ashwini rescued the princess " my messenger replied in almost pleading tone, like he was at fault, scared of my wrath.

"Then, I believe Ashwini wants to get into a bigger trouble, you may go now." I spoke.

********

The palace of Northern seas was being decorated for the princess was going to arrive with her new husband.

The sixteen sisters, eight brothers, numerous minor queens of Ashwini's father and two mothers of Ashwini stood at the palace gate to welcome the newlywed couple along with the maids and servants. It was after all Maharaja's wedding.

His mother had a thali in her hand bearing turmeric, incense stick, flowers, sandalwood and vermilion.

Ashwini rode a horse back to his kingdom while Devika was brought in a palanquin. When they reached the palace to, he sounds of drum and trumpets, Ashwini hopped down the horse and went to the palanquin to take his Queen out. He took her hand, and she came down of the palanquin. Her face was covered by a veil. The couple walked closer to the royal family hand in hand.

Ashwini's mother insisted on unveiling her face to which Ashwini made no fuss to remove it himself. Devika looked stunning, she was indeed very beautiful, the new mother-in-law thought.

| We are one entity. We live together, laugh together, face difficulties together from now on. We help each other and nurture each other|