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Gauri, a young village girl holding firm views about morals a...
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"It is time."
A beat of reticence passed and Sumitra exhaled tortuously. Her frail hand reached to squeeze a twinge in her chest. Kishan deduced that the moment was consequential and tensed.
'Time for what?'
It was time to pay the debt.
"After the demise of his first wife- Kirti, King Yagyavardhana has mourned for an entire year. Her highness- Queen Mother Vasundhara thinks it is the right time to bring happiness to King's life once again. Though he has all the riches in world, none can bring the satisfaction a woman can. The Queen Mother wants him to marry again, and this time she is looking for a suitable bride herself. While going through various pictures of eligible girls, your daughter caught the sharp eyes of royalty and after noting her ethereal appearance and compatible horoscope, they are eager to know her in person. You have got an invite from Rana Fort. You've got a proposal from the Royal Family."
Kishan's jaw dropped. The ground beneath his feet spun. Sumitra's hold on the cane tightened. She gulped and nodded thoughtfully.
"A proposal from royalty, you say. Is the Queen Mother aware of our status? We are poor farmers, not rich landlords. My granddaughter isn't a princess. I don't live in a bungalow. Luxurious cars aren't lined on my porch. We come from a different caste. How come the royalty thought of this? Are you playing games with me, Damodaran?"
Sumitra quipped wickedly, slowly burying her worries at the back of her mind. The moment demanded her sound mind. She will wallow in suffering on her pillow later. Her family needs her support. Damodaran passed her a sad smile. His wise eyes read the conflicts behind her foggy ones.
"I'd never play games like this. It is a pressing verdict. Whether you like it or not, your daughter has caught the eye of high in commands. If the status mattered to them, I wouldn't be sitting here. The queen mother is simply looking for a girl who takes care of his highness with utmost compassion."
One look at Kishan told Sumitra the queries in his mind.
"What do you suggest, Damodaran?
She leans towards him for a piece of advice.
"If I were at your place, I'd downright rejected the proposal."
A smile broke on Sumitra's face. He has always been like this. Honest and straightforward. Just like her granddaughter.
"But these are Royals. They might take your rejection personally. What you see as a wise choice might bring the wrath of Vasundhara Devi to your doorstep. I won't say much, you know better. As the eldest member of this family, it is upon you. To solve your queries, this is just a proposal, not the actual marriage. The Queen Mother has yet to see Gauri in private and test her. There's no guarantee, she will pick your girl to be the next queen."
Kishan bit his lip, refraining from jumping at the opportunity. He has always wanted to see the Palace. Now the dream was a breath away and only his mother had the authority to put a stamp on it.
