𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀

CHAPTER 27

By the time Manvendra came followed by Dhisana, tents were ready. Ashwasen went towards them, he had a young girl with him who was holding garments and jewelleries in her hand.

"Aryaputra, this is my daughter Bela. She was living in Varanasahrya these days. Ketki will be happy in serving Rajkumari Dhisana." Ashwasen said introducing his daughter.

"No problem." Manvendra said and went to his tent.

Dhisana frowned, what happened to him so suddenly ? She wondered. She shrugged her worries off and looked at Ketki, a simple looking girl she was, but maturity could be seen in her eyes.

"So you will be helping me ?" Dhisana asked.

"Yes, Aryaa." Bela said humbly.

Being addressed as 'Aryaa' a wide smile appeared on the face of Dhisana, she always wanted to be called that, to be seen as a noble woman with high values. She became so elated that she forgot all the worries.

"You have called me Aryaa, but I do think I lack the qualities of the women of your kind. I will be indebted if you'd also teach me ways of Arya women." Dhisana said.

"Certainly." Bela smiled a little.

-----

Dhisana was in the tent, her hair was being steamed by Bela. The princess of Mlecchas was wondering about the behaviour of her husband. He was fine this morning then what happened at the river ?

'Maybe because he got uncomfortable because we're not familiar ?' Dhisana wondered, 'Maybe I have to win his affection first.' She thought.

"Bela ?" She looked at her handmaiden, "How do I win my husband's heart ?" Dhisana asked.

"Why do you ask ?" Bela questioned.

"Our marriage happened in odd circumstances. And I don't know how to win the affection of an Arya man." Dhisana said.

"To win the heart of an Arya you must be a true Aryaa. You need to be noble and virtuous in your conduct." Bela said.

"Elaborate, please." Dhisana told.

"To win your husband's heart, you should act in conformity with his wishes as if he were a divine being. You should keep the residence well cleaned, and arrange flowers of various kinds in
different parts of it. Moreover you should revere the sanctuary of the Household Gods." Bela said.

"Will this make me win his affection ?" Dhisana asked.

"Yes. Nothing so much attracts the heart of a husband to his wife as a careful observance of the things I just mentioned. When he sees how devoted you are, he too shall become devoted to you." Bela said.

"I see. But where do I begin ? There isn't much hope in the middle of the jungle." Dhisana muttered.

"We have plenty of time to think. My father said they won't be back until dinner time." Bela said.

"Dinnertime ? That's it ! I'm going to make food for everybody." Dhisana said standing up.

"E-Everybody ? But princess, there are thousand Ashwarohis. You can't cook for a thousand hungry men." Bela said.

"If I start now, I sure can !" Dhisana said enthusiastically.

She rushed outside and Bela followed her behind. Dhisana scurried around the tents before locating the temporary kitchen, where some Ashwarohis, who were well-versed in cooking also, were chopping vegetables and meat.

Seeing the wife of their prince, they left everything at once and bowed at her with respect, their gaze fixed on their feet.

"Salutations to the wife of Yudh-jeevi. How may we serve you ?" One of they asked.

Dhisana was taken aback for a moment, seeing their courtesy and the respect she was getting by the Aryas for being the wife of Manvendra. She had never gotten such respect from Mlecchas, even while being the sister of their king.

"I wish to cook for everyone." Dhisana said.

"Princess, you don't have to trouble yourselves. Besides cooking for thousands of men is no easy task. We do this everyday, we'll do it today also. Don't worry." A soldier said.

"I insist on it, noble one." Dhisana tried to persuade them.

"With all due respect princess, why don't you just cook for Yudh-jeevi ?" Another soldier insisted.

"As far as I have seen your respect for him and his fondness for you all, I don't think he will be happy that he gets to eat a different meal than you all." Dhisana said.

The soldiers looked at each other, they couldn't say 'no' to her. She was the wife of Manvendra, the one they respect deeply. Hence they should respect the wants and wishes of her as well.

"Well, if you'd let us help, you may cook." A soldier said.

"Alright !" Dhisana beamed with joy, "What were you guys cooking ?" She asked.

"Just meat and rice. The usual." The soldier said.

"I am sure you all must be good cooks. Now allow me to give you a taste from my culinary skills." Dhisana said.

And so the princess of Mlecchas, began cooking. She wanted to prepare a meal from meat, rice and vegetables, because that was all available to them. But she was going to give it her own taste, so the soldiers will get to eat something special.

The Ashwarohis who were assisting her, were quite impressed by her cooking skills and the efficiency of her movements. They could tell, just by seeing her, that she was an experienced cook.

And the smell was enough to tell anyone, that the food was going to be delightful.

□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□
A/N

Okay... Dhisana cooking for Manvendra's Ashwarohis gives the vibe of Mata Parvati cooking for the Gan-jan of Mahadev ✨