It had been nearly three weeks since Devika had left for Sivi.
She also told me how she'd gone to Hastinapur on an urgent matter. When I enquired, through the letters we exchanged nearly every three days, she said that it wasn't her secret to tell.
I could imagine her smirk. Hers wasn't like others though... Everyone's smirk hid either naughtiness or mirth behind it. Hers held genuine amusement and joy. Perhaps it's what differentiated her from the others. She would never belittle anyone.
Which is why, when mata and pitashree called me down to the main hall, my eyes couldn't leave the spectacular beauty that Raajkumari Devika is.
She stood there, in the middle of the raajsabha, a blue and pale pink saree that adorned her, while white jasmine flowers that drew attention to her long and dark hair. She had her signature smirk on, one of her best features. The one that made me fall in love with her....
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"Pranipat Maharaj. Pranipat Raajkumari. "
"Pranipat... Yuvraj Ajatshatru. " She greeted politely.
" While we are incredibly honoured to have you hear Maharaj. What is the purpose of your visit? " My father asked.
"Maharaj, I am here to propose the hand of my elder daughter, Devika to your son Ajatshatru. " He announced and I looked at them with wide eyes... She did what?
" Wh-that is a truly wondrous news. We are profoundly grateful that you trust our son to hold your daughter's hand and support her in her life ahead. " Mata said, her joy glinting in her amber eyes.
" Devika, putri, do you have anything to add? " Her father asked, gently.
" Yes, only that his sister be a part of my procession, not his." She asked. I looked at her with surprise.
"Why so? "
"Well, she's my friend. "
"She's my sister first. "
" Well, you're wrong about that. " She muttered.
"Putr, where's the harm. It should be fun. You can take Yuvraj Yudhishthir on your side." Mata advised, with eyes that said, 'you better listen to what I say or we'll be having some choce words later'. Honestly, do all mothers have these eyes?
"Ji mata. Alright. Sagarika will be on the bride's side.. That is if she agrees. " Ha. She's my best friend... She won't leave my side....... Right?
" Wonderful. Pitashree, may we go into the gardens... I'm sure the Yuvraj and I have some important details regarding marriage that we'd like to discuss. " She said..
"Avashy putri, as long as Maharaj and Maharani don't mind - "
"Absolutely. Putr, take her with you. " Father said.
