The king's courtesan wife

C H A P T E R 1 6

The past

When they came at the entrance door where Abhimaan was waiting for his bride, Sandhya dared to look up.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Sandhya could not see the immense love seeping from Abhimaan's eyes but rather she imagined a dark, lonely future and she shivered to the core.

Nandhini made an announcement. "My sincere greetings to the king of Maheshwar, Abhimaan Rudra Singh. I did not welcome you properly earlier, for that I apologize. But I am sure, you will understand the emotions of a caring mother. However, before giving away my daughter to you, I have some conditions and with your men as witnesses, I'll say this. First condition, my child should always be happy. Since her childhood I always ensured her happiness and made it my priority and I will not let her happiness to be compromised. Secondly, she is going to marry you, a king. I don't want her to be any less respected than you by anyone and if ever she is, you will have to stand up for her. And thirdly, keep in mind that you are not marrying any ordinary girl. Even if you want or not, the title of being a courtesan will always be attached to her. Even though, this title does not bother us because it is included in our identity, this cannot be said for others. I don't want her to be defamed because of us. So, this is why, I am banning her from entering this place ever again and meeting us. As you take her with you, she won't be related to us anymore. This is to ensure some extent of peace in her life."

Sandhya's tears would not at this point. She was sacrificing her whole family for the sake of love, and it did not sit well with her because her emotions and feelings were all over the place. Abhimaan became worried for Sandhya at this point.  Sure, he was very in love with her, but he knew her happiness lies within her family, and he was not selfish to snatch this away from her.

"But-" Abhimaan tried interfering, but Nandhini raised her hand to stop him.

"I am not telling you this. This is my order. I rule this place and my words are the final verdict here. I don't want anyone from your royal household within my premises. Sandhya included."

Nandhini turned her face to glance at Sandhya and her eyes softened.

"But, the respect, the opportunity that you are giving to Sandhya for that, all of us we will always be grateful to you. For ages we have been frowned upon, men love to visit us in the darkness of the night, but these men only tarnish our reputation in the broad daylight. We are treated as a malicious object by the society, but today by marrying Sandhya, you are giving all of these girls a chance, a ray of hope that they one day also can have a family."

"Sandhya is yours from today. My blessings and prayers will always be with you. Take care of my child, Maharaj. Sometimes you will believe that she is the strongest person you have ever seen but from inside she as delicate as a flower petal." Nandini said, her emotions taking a toll on her.

"Maa." Sandhya cried and hugged her mother tightly. Both mother and daughter cried in each other embrace as they cherished this last meeting.

"Go, Sandhya. Your new life awaits you."

PRESENT DAY

Loud footsteps awoke me from my sleep in a jolt. I rubbed my eyes to see a guard walking towards the cell with heavy steps. 

"Attention! Her highness, Queen Bhavna is arriving."

Soon after the guard made the announcement I could see Bhavna aproching with a few maids behind her.

Bhavna's eyes shone with pure evilness and venom as she came in the cellar.

"Today is my mother's birthday." Bhavna started and Sandhya lifted her eyes to stare at her. "I have made all the arrangements to make this day the biggest day for her. The whole kingdom is going to celebrate the birthday of the queen mother who once during her reign was very deserving of the queen title unlike you." Bhavna stopped and a wicked smile came on her face.

"There is only one thing I forgot to arrange though and I am hoping that my dearest sister in law will help me. Surely she will." At this point Sandhya was glaring at Bhavna.

Bhavna turned to one of the maids and grabbed something from her. Sandhya frowned but the moment the object made sound, she knew exactly what it was. Bhavna threw a pair of ghungroo in Sandhya's lap.

"You will entertain the night." Bhavna announced.

Sandhya huffed and said, "You think you can insult me by making me do this? Yes, I'll dance. Not because, I am accepting your order but because dance is a talent gifted by Shivji and to refuse to dance means to disrespect his blessing."

Bhavna rolled her eyes and turned to a maid.

"Make sure she is ready for tonight. If she tries to escape or refuse to dance. I'll cut your head." She threatened and left with heavy steps.

"Rani sa." The maid said, not daring to look up.

Sandhya lifted a hand to stop her to end the poor maid's misery. She got herself dressed for the night.