BHARAM ~ An Illusion

2. Nikrishta

(Nikrishta ~ Abominable)

"Who told you to come here.....?!"
Suddenly a harsh voice boomed inside the dining hall of the Raipur palace.

And now everyone's eyes were on the sending and receiving end.

The Rānī sa of Raipur was looking furious.

However, there were only a few servants working here at this time so she could speak as she wanted otherwise she was obliged to maintain a royal demeanour.

"R----Rāni mā.... That ------"
Khwābida fumbled badly due to this loud voice.
"I didn't -----"

"I called her, mother......"
A sweet voice came from behind making both of them look in the direction.

It was the younger daughter of Rājā Sāwant Singh and Rānī Suhāsini, Rājkumāri Aartikā.

"I called her downstairs. It was the time for dinner, anyways."
She stood beside Khwābida who kept her gaze low.

She was wearing the traditional Muslim attire with a scarf covering half of her face. A big nosepiece could be seen hanging below the veil and touching her luscious lips.

"It's her marriage in a few days. She shouldn't be seen hanging around casually like this. She's ought to remain in her chamber."

"Oho Maa, it's a damn four walled room, not some chamber. How can she just remain there everytime she comes to her own home ? Moreover..... The marriage still has a week. She can follow all these customs once the rituals start."
Aartikā turned towards her younger step sister.
"Khwāb...... Just go and sit on your chair."
She told her.

Khwābida one looked at Rānī sa as if asking for her permission. But seeing her hesitation, Aartikā herself held her hand and took her away from the scrutinizing gaze of her mother.

"Don't bother yourself. She was always that strict, and you know that."
Aartikā consoled her.

Khwābida couldn't say anything.

She just sat there on her seat once Aartikā was seated. She was thoroughly taught about the royal protocols and heirarchies.

And after a few minutes more members of the royal family had started coming in.

Aartikā and Khwābida were obliged to stand as all others were elder than them.  Khwābida being the youngest of Rājā Sāhab's children.

Soon Yuvrāj Shāntanu and his wife along with their one year old child also came their. The siblings were always kind towards Khwābida. And so was Yuvrāni Sandhyā, Shāntanu's wife.

She smiled at Khwābida, to which she also replied with a Salaam. And not after very long all the three kids, the heirs of Mālwā also came along with their attendents, as one of them was holing the youngest one. Seeing Khwābida sitting their, the elder two stormed towards her, ignoring the chairs reserved for them by their grandmother.

"Avantikā......! Aadavan......!"
Rānī Sāheb called out.

"We are sitting there, Nāni Mā......"
Aadavan replied running towards Khwābida.

And before anybody could say another word, the kids sat beside Khwābida on either of her sides.

She talked to them in a hushed tone admist all that hustle bustle of the dining  hall.
"You should be sitting there. That's where your father will sit."
Khwābida signalled towards the head chair on the other side.

"No, Father shits wheyele we shit, Khwāb...."
Aadavan replied in his cute little voice.

"Yeah, definitely."
Avantikā rolled her eyes at this 'shit' word.