Oil Lamp

[Based on Devdas]
Mehendi is not just a design put on the hands of brides, it is a name. It is her name. She lit an oil lamp years ago and never lets it go out, but it seems as if it doesn't want to go out, anyway. The reasons for doing so are unknown, though her mother thought it had something to do with Divya running off with a man who eventually sold her to a brothel. However, the town was recently raided because of the war that has been going on with a neighboring kingdom for years now. She now seeks shelter in the palace, planning to serve as a tawaif for those on royal grounds. Prithviraj is the soon-to-be rajah of the old kingdom of Gurjara Pratihara. However, before he becomes king, Prithviraj must marry. Of course, the idea of this appeals to him, but not every girl in the royal court wishes to marry him. Some do, such as those like Divya, but those like Mehendi do not. But that is not their decision to make.