Bhishmani

Prelude (Background)

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

"Trust your beauty to shine from your eyes and into the souls of that deserve you."

― Melody Carstairs

.・✭・゜・。・..·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·..・。.・゜✭・.

Joyous celebrations have erupted throughout the bustling city of Kashi, with its inhabitants bursting with excitement and anticipation for the day's festivities. The streets are alive with vibrant colors and sounds, as people of all ages come together to revel in the occasion.

Within the chaos, fishermen can be seen scurrying about, their nets brimming with the day's catch, destined to be prepared for the upcoming feast. Meanwhile, the royals are busy directing the preparations for the grand event, ensuring that every detail is attended to with the utmost care.

One can see the energy coursing through the crowds, as people throw colorful flowers onto the ground and pigments into the air in a joyous display of celebration. The palace provides a remarkable vantage point to witness the vibrant energy coursing through the crowds. One cannot help but be struck by the sight of joyous individuals tossing colorful flowers onto the ground and pigments into the air. Their shared celebration is a testament to their deep love and admiration for their beloved prince and his new bride.

Amidst all this activity, Princesses Suravi and Kaushalya sit patiently on the ground, their delicate fingers deftly pulling apart the petals of flowers to be used in the decorations. Today is a day of immense significance for the Kingdom, as it marks the long-awaited return of the prince with his newly-wedded wife, Rajkumari Madrika, from the Kingdom of Madra.

"Jiji, do you think she will be kind?" The younger princess inquires, her voice trembling slightly. "Jyestha won't forget us, will he?"

Suravi looks up, surprised by the sudden question, and sets aside her task. "No one has the power to take our brother away from us." she reassures.

Kaushalya nods in agreement, shaking off any doubts that may contradict Suravi's comforting statement. Both princesses return to delicately pulling flower buds, keeping themselves busy.

However, the older princess cannot concentrate on her work. She is closest to Kashya out of all her siblings, as they were raised by the same mother. Her joy for her brother overpowers her doubts, yet unease wouldn't leave her alone.

"Kumari! Kumari! The Yuvraj has returned! They are entering the gates of the Palace!" Alka exclaims with a broad smile, beckoning them to stand up.

The princesses nimbly rise from the ground, shaking off the dust from their palms. Their hands are colored pink from the petals, and strays cover their clothes. They have no time to waste though, both sisters are extremely excited to meet their new bhabhi. Kaushalya watches attentively as Suravi takes charge, leading the group out of the courtyard. The younger sister follows her every move, carefully avoiding the colorful decorations strewn across the path.

Suravi feels a sense of trepidation. Despite her expertise in leading others with dignity, she knows she cannot compare to Sumitra. Sumitra was her father's golden child, renowned for her diplomatic skills and domestic prowess. She was the apple of his eye and had she not fallen for a man beneath her station, her father would have arranged a grand swayamvara for her. However, fate had other plans for her. She had still managed to find a perfect match and luckily had imparted her wisdom to Suravi prior to her wedding.

Today, Suravi was tasked with warmly meeting the Kulvadhu of the royal family. Sumitra would have done it flawlessly, getting into the new member's good graces without a word, but Suravi was not so sure of herself.