Gotta pack my bags now. I have a train to catch in the early morning. The Next Update will be on 28th June 2024; it will not be dead tired.

Chapter 24 ~ The Chamber

Trishalini's POV

"Come, let me show you your chamber," Queen Nandani's voice caught my attention, and I could not help but feel slightly uneasy. It was past midnight and, ironically, my first night after the wedding.

Lowering my gaze, I silently walked away from them, and Maasa and Daadisa joined me.

The way my anklet bells pierced the silence of the night and dueted with the noise of night insects made me feel scared. I hated to catch attention, and everything about me was now getting attention.

I could feel the maids' and soldiers' eyes on me as we walked through the galleries. I could not see the wall, but I knew it was strong and heavy enough that it would never let my inaudible cries escape.

Our shadows were huge and moving every time we would pass the hanging light torch.

The gardens filled with roses of different colours were exceptional. It was perfect to make someone feel at best despite the thorns poking beneath them.

It resembled the kingdom's current situation. The roses settled like everything was perfect and delicate, but what I had just seen a few moments ago reminded me that even roses were meant to bite if not held right.

The relationships among people in the Kingdom were tearing apart. And I did not know what sides I meant to take.

"This is your chamber, Trisha." I heard Maasa's voice and lifted my gaze to notice a massive palace before me. It was a thousand times bigger than the cottage I was brought up in. Even its stairs were spread wide like the roots of a tree.

I gulped and looked at Maasa with nervousness.

"Come on," she said and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Do you know it was my wedding, too, when I first stepped into it? And, like you, I was not really happy," she said, and I lowered my gaze, hiding the beds of the river I had shed through my eyes.

"This is beautiful," I could not help but say. Appreciation was the least I could do for them.

As the three of them supported me, followed by a group of ladies workers, I climbed the stairs, and the enormous doors of the chamber opened wide before the soldiers standing outside.

I wondered if they were allowed to sleep or sit or stand up, which was their only job.

"They do not rest?" I asked, looking at Queen Nandani. She smiled and shook her head.

"The shifts change three times a day. They work at night and sleep in the morning. While the new group attends in the morning," her voice was low, only audible to me, and I nodded.

"It's a hectic job," I could not stop saying they laughed a little.

I lowered my gaze with slight embarrassment and noticed my red-inked feet stepping inside. It felt cold. The temperature was lower here.

The floor was covered with thick, mush carpets. It was way softer than my sleeping arrangement ever felt to me. And it tickled me a little.

"It's soft," I muttered, noticing them smiling and looking at each other.

"I mean, the carpets," I said, inhaling deeply, knowing that I was making it evident that I was awestruck.

"We will get this chamber arranged as per your taste soon. You can decide whatever colour you would like, the curtains," she said, and I looked at the curtains. They were drawn over the vast windows and flowing a little with the wind. "Draw the curtains," Maasa ordered, looking at the maids, and they began to work. I saw them pulling the thick fabric apart and tying them with the iron hooks engrossed in the walls. The moon looked whiter than ever from here. It was huge, and the stars spread like the ocean.

I could not stop myself from smiling. "The view is beautiful," I commented, and Daadisa replied. "We are glad you liked it,"

"Light the chamber," Maasa ordered the attendees, and in only a few moments, they brought fire torches with them and began to light the fire lamps. A chandelier resting on the floor was filled with oil and cotton thread. The attendees lit it, and the chamber immediately glowed brighter.

My eyes shone seeing it. It was huge. I could run from one end to another. There was a substantial low-height bed covered with a layer of thick curtains. It was in the middle and over a place with the height of two stairs. And I shivered all of a sudden, hearing the screeching sound of iron clanking.

My eyes immediately noticed the attendees pulling the chandelier up. As it reached the height of the ceiling, I noticed the carvings in it. There were floral designs among the mirror pieces. I could see myself in it. When light reflected in it, it spread across the whole chamber, taking my attention to every wall.

It was shaped like a heptagon. Every wall had a massive door. It was like a chamber in the shape of a circle, covered with thick curtains. When the curtains were drawn to the sides, we could see the windows and doors.

Suddenly, it was as bright as an evening.

I raked my eyes around the chamber, noticing a table with a mirror in a corner and a pair of royal sofas before the bed with a table in the middle.

"Do you like it?" Maasa's voice caught my attention, and I looked at her, all stunned. Surprised was the right thing to say.

And suddenly, Queen Nandani's anklets caught my attention, and I noticed her walking towards the bed. She signalled the maids to help her draw the curtains aside.

I inhaled deeply when my sight fell on the maroon coloured bed sheet, the vast round pillows and the duvet like silk.

There were windows near the bed, which had tiny holes in them. It must be for the air conditioning.

She clapped twice, and my sight fell on a group of attendees walking in with a massive plate of rose petals.

"The roses will help you feel at ease," Maasa said, and I could not help but feel timid. I knew what they were doing, and it was scaring me.

Queen Nandani helped the attendees cover the bed with rose petals. Not a single spot was left without them, and she playfully scattered them over the chamber, too.

"Dim the lights and only let a few burn," Daadisa said, sitting on the couch and caressing her knees. "I am tired now," she exhaled profoundly, and I noticed the attendees blowing half of the lights on the chandelier with a hollow rod.

The light in the chamber turned dim, and I felt Maasa's hand on my shoulder.

"Come, let's take some rest," she said, and I gulped nervously. I stepped forward towards the bed, climbed the two stairs, and placed my feet on the bed's floor.

It was covered with similar maroon-coloured carpets, and I looked at the bed. It looked even more significant with the closeness.

"I shall bring a glass of milk for you," Queen Nandani said, and Daadisa called for her.

"Nandani, leave me to my room too," she asked, standing up, and Queen Nandani replied to her. "Ji, Daadisa,"

"Alright, sleep tight, Trisha. Do not dare to stay awake. He can wait," she said, and I immediately lowered my gaze with the blush.

"But, I bet this filth would not have waited," she said, teasing Queen Nandani, and she cried. "Daadisa! It was not like that,"

I smiled a little, hearing them.

"Yes, I know," Daadisa teased her even more, and I noticed both of them walking out.

"Come on, sit down," Maasa said, and I lifted my heavy dupatta and sat on the edge of the bed. She lifted my lehnga a little and helped me put my feet up, too. I immediately held her hand.

"Maasa," I said, and she looked at me with a weak smile.

"I am sorry," I said. She lowered her gaze, and I gently pulled her hand to make her sit before me.

"Why are you sorry? Trisha," she asked, and I shook my head.

"It was because of me. I should not have hid things from him. Otherwise, he would not have done whatever he did. He would not talk to his father like that," I said, and she chuckled a little.

"He is at that phase of life where everything would seem wrong to him. His inner self is confused and broken, and whatever he is doing reflects his feelings. Whatever he said to his father is not what he meant but a bit of his expectations of himself. He wanted things but in the shadow of his father. And he has been like this only since childhood. He would grow impatient and frustrated when his demands would not be fulfilled. Do not worry. The father and son love each other. They will sort it out. That's why I do not interfere much between them," she said, and I nodded.

"Also, they are not just father and son. They are a King and the next King. Their fights are based on their opinions, and trust me, two Kings can never agree on one thing. One always desires to make the other feel low. It's an order of things," she added, and I smiled a little.

"He is very childish many times," I said, and she laughed.

"I am glad you know about it," she said, and I laughed even more.

"But Trisha, Raj was not wrong when he said that the throne will not accept you. My baby, your life is a literal definition of hard work, but now it will be hard work, smart work and judgements. Every step of yours will be overseen by thousands. The Kingdoms might seem safest, but they are vulnerability at its best. The maids, the attendees and the soldiers are the observers of the realm. They notice us, judge us and sell the information outside. Even the night you will consummate will be known to everyone," she said, and I lowered my gaze timidly.

"It's scary," I said, and she placed her finger on my chin and made me look up at her.

"It is your life now," she muttered. Her eyes held power, truth, and years of experience. "You are not the same person you were yesterday. You are different now. Every word of yours should be of a Queen, not a regular lady. You must not bend before anyone except its goodness, peace, and the desire of your heart," she said, and I knit my brows with confusion.

"He must be your husband now," she said, and I blinked nervously, hearing her. "But that does not mean he owns you. He deserves to realise his mistakes. You know what I am talking about," she said, and I held her hand.

"I am afraid he would not like it," I said, and she questioned.

"So, what?"

I immediately looked up at her.

"To make your child sit on the throne, you will have to become a Queen first," she said, and I closed my eyes. This was not why I was here.

"This is not the option I am giving you," she said, her words feeling like sharp blades.

"It is an order from a Queen," she said, and I immediately looked into her eyes.

"He is your son," I said, and she looked into my eyes.

"And you are my daughter,"

Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I immediately leaned in closer to hug her.

"Do not let him touch until you want," she said in a slow voice, and I asked.

"But the King desires a grandchild," I said in a slow voice, and she caressed my back gently.

"Let his destiny decide if he deserves to see the grandchild or not," she said, and I could feel the pain in her voice.

She pulled slowly and kissed the side of my forehead. "You called me, Maasa, right?" she asked, cupping my face, and I nodded.

"Then let me be one," she said, looking at me.

Suddenly, Queen Nandani's voice caught our attention, and I looked up at her, walking inside with a glass of milk.

"Here, this is for you, Bhabhisa," she said, smiling and sitting near Maasa. I looked at the big glass of milk, and I chuckled.

"This is too much, Jiji," I said, calling her, and she shook her head.

 "You need a lot of energy for tomorrow," she said, and I knit my brows in confusion. Then I looked at Maasa.

"We will do Kul Devi's Pooja tomorrow," she informed me, and I nodded.

"Our Gods will be happy to meet their new bride," she added, and I smiled.

"Come on, drink it," Maasa said, and my cheeks grew flushed.

"Um, I think you both should also take a rest. I will drink it," I said, and they looked at each other.

"Alright, good night, Bhabhisa," Queen Nandani said, standing up first. Maasa smiled before standing up, too.

They both walked out, and I heard the door closing.

Once alone, I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, palming my face. Everything was making me nervous. It was too much.

Especially this heavy jewellery and attire. I tried to move, but the glass was about to fall. I immediately held it.

I thought of drinking it first. But it was too much, and I could not even have half of the glass. I kept it on the side table so that it would not fall.

The sleep was nowhere around for me, especially in such a vast place where I was alone. I wondered where Yuvraj would be.

Noticing the mirror in the chamber, I put my feet down. I had never seen myself in the mirror. I wondered how I looked.

When the rose petals fell off the bed, I glided down. The Lehnga felt way too heavy even to walk. Lifting it, I marched down the stairs and reached near the mirror. Two light lamps were burning around it.

As soon as I stepped in front of it, my gaze met mine through the reflection. I stood stunned. I could not recognise myself. All I could see was my face, jewellery, and red attire. My eyes were brown. And I could see the tint of haldi on my face. I was not that short.

And then my sight fell on the nose ring. It was brushing against my lips, and I took my hand closer to it. It was disturbing me. I gently pulled the ends off and placed them over the table. I had a mole near my lips. I never knew that. Seeing my lips, I could not help but remember when his mouth was closest to me.

And, seeing the nose ring, I could not help but remember that he accused me of seducing him for the money. I did not have a heart for money or luxury. All of this was making me uncomfortable at best.

The gold wrapped around my neck choked it. Its weight made me feel like a buffalo tied with chains. I inhaled deeply, pushed the dupatta down my head, and reached the knot. It took me a few moments to unhook and remove the heavy choker necklace. I placed it over the table, too, and looked at my neck. Finally, I could breathe.

Another necklace was hanging on my neck. I pulled it up through my neck and kept it on the table. I only let the plain gold chain hang on my neck. It was from my father.

I turned around and noticed my long braid. There were golden ornaments tied to it, too. I began to unbraid my hair and carefully removed those, too. My head felt lighter. I was on the verge of passing out. I could never sleep with these on.

Suddenly, the golden bangles in my hand stuck in my Dupatta, and I sighed deeply and frustratedly. I began to pull the rings out first and unhook the Kangans. I glared at my henna, and Mahavar inked my fingers. My hand looked different—more feminine.

I also did the same with my other hand and removed the armlets. I straightened my hand over my head and felt an ease. Finally, I could feel the blood flowing in my veins. It was not even a day, and I felt done with being married.

I took the dupatta down my shoulder and noticed the heavy waistband around me. I looked down to find its hook and took it off. I felt a kilogram lighter.

And, then suddenly, my sight fell on my forehead. I noticed the vermillion in my hair beneath the Maang Teeka. I gulped, staring at it, and lowered my gaze while removing it.

Closing my eyes, I replayed the moment when he filled the partition of my hair with vermillion. He claimed me as his—not only my body, but he captured my soul and heart with it. Despite my discomfort, I could not forget that he was my husband now. And I had no reason to keep him away from me.

But there was no reason to stay near him, either.

We got married to bring the grandchild of the King into the world. And I would be free after that. I had no intention of becoming a Queen.

Every piece of my attire reminded me that I had to become one. But I could not force myself. I kneeled down to remove the anklets from my feet. They weighed too much, and I was not capable of bearing them.

And, while taking them off, my sight fell on the toe rings. They were big for my tiny toes. Nothing could be smaller about being a royal. I knew they held important significance in marriage. But, I could not settle my thoughts around marriage. It was an order of the Prince.

I pulled them off of my toes and stood straight. Lifting my gaze, I looked at myself, without a piece of his money or luxury.

I was startled all of a sudden when I heard the noise of the door opening and then closing after a few moments. My fingers froze, and I grabbed my dupatta to keep it over my shoulder. I noticed his faded footsteps while tucking one end of it to the side of my waist, covering myself.

"You are still awake?" His words made me lift my gaze off the table and turn around to look at him. He had changed into white, plain attire, and his face looked as if he had just taken a bath.

I followed his gaze, noticing the jewellery on the table and looking at my face.

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Chapter 25 ~ How Many Times

Trishalini POV

I followed his gaze, noticing the jewellery on the table and looking at my face.

"I made your work easier," I said in a slow voice and walked towards him. Do not worry; I will not steal anything," I added. He gulped, looking into my eyes. And, as I stood before him, his gaze softened, lowering to my lips and then lifting to my eyes again.

"Trisha," he muttered and "Shhhh," I hushed him down.

Lowering my gaze to his hand, I took it and turned towards the bed. I climbed the stairs to the bed, and suddenly, he pulled my hand slowly and made me look at him.

His gaze looked into mine with the questions, and I asked.

"Suhaagraat nahi manaenge?"

"Would not consummate?"

He clenched his jaw, and I smiled immediately.

"Hum beth jaate hai,"

"I should sit," I said, sitting on the bed. I pulled my knees closer to my chest. He tried to pull his hand back from mine, and I looked at him.

"Aaiye naa... Yuvraj,"

"Come here... Yuvraj," I said, and he sat beside me on the edge of the bed.

I noticed his gaze lowering down my feet, and I gulped nervously before saying.

"Hum late jaate hai,"

"I should lay down," I said, and he immediately looked into my eyes. I did not know why he was uncomfortable. Wasn't that what our marriage meant?

"Stop it," he said, and I breathed. "Why?"

I intertwined my hand with him while lying down on the bed. My heartbeats raced with fear and anger. His presence was nothing but a reminder of who I was for him.

I followed his gaze, lowering down our joined hands. I slowly pulled my fingers out of his and placed his hand on my belly. His hand felt warm and equally frightening.

My breath hitched when he gently caressed my stomach a little. My body shivered intensely, and I immediately tried calming myself down when he looked into my eyes.

My fingers fisted on my skirt, hiding from his sight when he placed the tip of his index finger to push my dupatta aside from the navel. His gaze never left mine.

And I could not help but look away.

My heart beat raced with fear, and suddenly, he stood up to leave.

I immediately held his hand and closed my eyes. But no more words came out of my mouth, and he did not turn around to look at me. The game was dangerous, and I knew I was playing with fire.

My confidence in my bones weakened, as did my hand's hold on his. I quickly turned to the side, hearing his footsteps as he approached the door.

It opened, and after a few moments, it closed. I lay alone and finally breathed in calm.

It was so close. I would faint.

I could not even look into his eyes as a wife. This made me feel nervous and weak. I did not know how it would happen.

I pulled my knees closer to my chest, cocooning up.

It took me a long time to calm my racing heartbeats before I finally fell asleep.

But, even in my unconsciousness, my mind kept replaying the moments of our wedding, his words, his sharp words and how they ripped my heart.

The desire he had and the condition I kept in the middle. And, amid all of this, the order of the Queen for me to become a Queen.

It was all disturbing.

I could not sleep well because the bed was way too soft for me. I kept tossing and twisting in it. Unlike my cottage, this was very ventilated. I was habitual of sleeping in a congested place, and many days, I would sweat while sleeping.

And this temperature was not making me feel at ease.

I could not help but step down from the bed. The first thing I noticed was the time of day.

It was yet to be sunrise. And I did not know what I should do.

If I were at my home, I would be milking the cows. Somewhere in my heart, I was missing them.

They must be missing me, too and thinking that a smile appeared on my face.

I walked around a little in the chamber before my sight fell on the attached doors.

I wondered what they were for. Stepping towards the first one, I gently pushed it open. The fire torches were lit there.

It was a huge gallery and well decorated. The carpet was there, and it had pillars on either side. It was open. After walking for a while, my sight fell on a garden.

It had grass, trees, and a pond, and there was a Stoney road in the middle connected to another chamber in the front.

A few awake attendees noticed me standing there, and I immediately turned around. I did not know if I should be here.

And, suddenly, a womanly voice caught my attention.

"Princess, do you need anything?" She asked, I asked.

"Princess?"

She stood silent before me. She looked similar to my age, and I said.

"Only Trisha is fine,"

She looked at me with confusion and shook her head.

"I am afraid Yuvraj would not like it," her words made me lower my gaze, and then I asked.

"Then, please address me only as Baisa," I said, and she thought for a moment before nodding.

"Ji, Baisa," she muttered, and I asked.

"Who are you?"

She smiled and walked towards me a little.

"I am Meenakshi. I will be your headmaid. Let me know if you need anything, be it bathing water, lunch, dinner, or even any personal work," she said, and I bit my lips.

"And, what will I do?" I asked, wondering if she would do everything, then what did I mean to do.

She turned silent and nervous again and replied. "Take rest, get ready, talk, and do whatever the Queen will ask you to do," she said, and I sighed deeply.

"It will be boring," I said, and she looked around momentarily.

"What are your interests?" She asked, and I blinked silently for a moment.

"I can cook, farm, and milk the cows and... run a home," I said, feeling slightly embarrassed about it.

She smiled. "I am afraid then it will get even more boring for you," her comment made me laugh, and I asked.

"So, what should I do now?" I asked, and she walked me back to the chamber and replied.

"Well, you can take the bath and get ready until everyone wakes up," she took a slight pause and added. "And then you could see the dance of pigeons,"

"Dance of pigeons? Is it a new art form?" I asked, and she chuckled.

"You will see," she said, taking me to the bathing area. It was through one of the doors, and unlike the garden gallery, it was closed.

I stood amused, seeing the arrangement before me. It was beautiful. There was a huge pond in the middle, a smaller one but enough for the ten people to sit inside. Thin white curtains hung around it. It smelled like roses and sandalwood.

"Do you like it?" Meenakshi asked, and I nodded.

"It's beautiful," I said. And the scent?" She asked further, and I nodded.

"It's mesmerising," I accepted it.

"Where can I wash my clothes?" I asked, and she laughed, shaking her head.

"You cannot," she said, and I looked at her in confusion. "The attendees will do it," she said, walking around me and taking the dupatta down my shoulders.

I felt timid and embarrassed a little with her touching me.

"Umm, I can do it myself," I proposed, but she muttered.

"That's okay, Baisa. You can trust me." Her words made me stand still, and I felt her undoing my blouse.

"So, the Princesses and the Queens bathe before the attendees?" I asked, and she nodded, sliding the blouse down my shoulders.

"Yes, it is said that the maids know the Royals better than their spouses," she said, immediately making me laugh.

"That would be so embarrassing," I said, and she stood before me.

"Do not worry. I will not make you feel embarrassed," she said and lowered her gaze when I took my blouse off. She brought me a thin white cloth, and I immediately pulled it closer to my chest.

I felt her hands moving to the knot of my skirt, and I gulped nervously when she pulled it open, and it fell to my knees.

"You can wrap it around you," she said, looking away, and I immediately wrapped the cloth around me.

"You can see," I said in a low voice, and she turned around to look at me. She suddenly clapped twice, and I noticed a group of attendees walking in with plates in their hands containing different things. There was bathing paste, a jar, flower petals, and maybe fragrant oils.

I had never known that it took these many things for a royal to get ready.

"I think we are overdoing it," I said in a slow voice, and she shook her head.

"Trust me, this is the least," she assured me, and I did know why but I feel comfortable with her. It was like she knew and understood my discomfort.

Upon her request, I stepped into the pool and felt the cold water touch my feet first and then slowly soak into my bathing cloth.

It turned slightly transparent, making my tanned skin visible.

Two attendees came near to me and began sorting my hair.

"Princess, why did you wake up so early? Was Haldi not strong enough?" One of them asked, and they giggled.

I looked at Meenakshi with confusion.

"Esa kehte hai ki jab tak Dulhan Ko Haldi poori utarti nahi hai jab tak usse bhot neend aati hai,"

"It is said that until the bride's Haldi is not completely removed, she sleeps a lot," She said, and I lowered my gaze.

"I did not know that. Also, it's really uncomfortable to sleep on the bed," I said, and they hummed in unity.

I felt them applying the soapnut mixed in water to my hair, washing them and the other two attendees applying the paste on my hands. The many touches were making me uncomfortable.

But, there was this one touch that burnt me. And, it was his.

I remembered last night when he moved my dupatta aside from my navel. I felt ticklings in my belly. It was a manly touch, and it did something to me.

It was like in that moment; he was not the friend he used to be, and he was not Yuvraj either, who married me for the child. But it was just him.

There was a restraint in him, too. I wondered if he was nervous about it or if I disgusted him.

I had a question in mind. And I did not know to whom I should ask.

I could not ask for it from Daadisa, Maasa, or even Queen Nandani.

So, Meenakshi seemed my best option. But as Maasa suggested, I should be careful enough about what I say in front of them.

Once they had applied the paste to the exposed part of my body, they emptied the jugs of water on me to remove it.

And before giving me the final round of them, they applied different scenes on my body and hair.

I felt like a flower, smelling too much fluorescent.

Once I was done taking the bath, Meenakshi took me to the attached room, which was used for getting ready.

"Your clothes for the day will arrive soon. Until then, you can slip into this," she said, offering me a cotton dress that was long to my feet. It was pretty explicit and translucent.

I really hoped that no one would see me in this.

The other stood outside while I changed, and after that, they asked me to sit before the mirror.

"Meenakshi will do it; you can go and take a rest," I suggested to the other attendees, and they bent a little before walking out.

We were alone, and I looked at her.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked, and she nodded with slightly interested eyes.

"Are you married?" I asked, and she nodded.

"Do you have children?" I asked further, and she nodded with knit brows. "A boy of four and a girl of two," she replied, and I sighed deeply with relaxation.

"So, you know everything about children?" I asked, and she nodded confusingly.

"Well, I think," she said, and I inhaled deeply.

"Do you know how long it will take me to conceive?" I asked, and she looked aside for a moment.

"Well, it can take long," she said, still confused with my question.

"I mean, how many times should Yuvraj and I sleep together to have a baby?" I asked, and she looked at me with raised eyebrows.

"Ohhh," she sucked on her lips. "See, Baisa, sometimes it can happen the first time. Like the woman can get pregnant after the first night, and sometimes it takes years," she said, and I gulped with fear.

"Years?" I asked. "How many?"

"Well, you know it's mostly God's blessings. You never know when it can happen, exactly. However, the physicians say that one must try again after two weeks of menstruation. They said woman are most fertile in those days, and when they are fertile, they look tempting to their men," she added. "And, it happens,"

I immediately lowered my gaze. "Oh, ohhh, I did not know that," I said, and she smiled suddenly while combing my hair.

"Do you not think you should enjoy the early days of marriage instead of planning to conceive already?" she asked, and I immediately shook my head.

"No, I was just asking casually. I do not intend to," I said and shook my head. "I mean, I do intend to fall pregnant so early," I added, and she nodded.

"I understand you want to caution," she said, and I nodded.

"Yes, caution," I repeated.

"So, you must avoid sleeping with Yuvraj for a few days after two weeks of your menstruation," she said, and I nodded.

"Thank you so much,"

Suddenly, the faded noise of the chamber door opening caught my attention, and I rose from my chair. In a few moments, I saw Maasa walking in with a group of attendees.

"Maasa," I said, walking closer to her to touch her feet.

"Pranam," I said, and she smiled and nodded.

"Did you sleep well?" She asked, and I nodded.

"Ji,"

"Good," she muttered and signalled the attendees to walk forward.

"We had only a little time, so we could only prepare the three pairs for you. The royal stitcher will make more very soon," she said, and I looked at the red, pink, and yellow attire.

"Wear red today," she said, and I nodded.

She looked at me from top to down and asked. "Where are your toe rings?"

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Chapter 26 ~ Sorry

Abhinandan POV

The bed, once a place of comfort, now felt like a prison. Just a few steps away, her proximity felt like an impossible distance, amplifying my unease and restlessness.

The source of my unease eluded me, a puzzle I could not solve, a feeling I could not name.

And the moment I saw her standing before the mirror, with every piece of jewellery torn, I realised she was as broken as I was. Her gaze never felt that empty. It used to have empathy and smile for me, but tonight, it had nothing.

Her words pierced my chest, and I could not help but feel guilty about how it had happened. I did not want to marry her like this, but she left me no option. I could not see her getting married to anyone else.

But I could not see her like this either.

The moment she held hushed me down, I understood how mad she was. She never cut me off. And the way she took me towards the bed, ready to do everything, made me feel weak. I could not touch her, not like that.

I could not make up my mind to be near her.

And, when she broke eye contact, I just could not sit there. I came back to my chamber and palmed my face.

I did not know how I should feel toward her. I did not know if I should appreciate what she did for my father or be angry with her for not telling me about his proposal, his health, or how he took off his turban before her.

The turban was everything for us. It was our pride and power, significant in every clan. Putting it down meant kneeling before someone. I did not expect him to do that, especially for me. Somewhere, I felt responsible for everything that happened.

If I had not gone away, he would not have done that after knowing that I felt pity for him as much as anger.

Now, I knew why she had accepted and hidden his proposal from me. And what I did in exchange was hurt her.

I hated myself. I hated everything I did.

And it was eating me. I could not even look into her eyes. It held anger for me, and it bothered me.

I could not sleep the whole night, so I left the bed when it was time to get ready. After freshening up, I walked out into the garden to breathe fresh air.

The pigeons began landing in the open land, and I asked the attendee to bring their grains. Seeing them, I felt at ease. I sat down on the stairs, and they would wish me morning. I could not help but smile.

One of them sat on my knee and looked into my eyes. "How are you?" I asked, rubbing my finger on her head. She walked away a little and ate. Only in a few moments did thousands of pigeons arrive and start making their morning noise. I saw them fight over the grains, run behind each other, and play. Some of them were enjoying themselves in the pond.

Suddenly, I saw Trisha standing on her side of the garden with a group of attendees.

I could not help but lower my gaze. I knew she was angry with me. But she had to understand that I had my reasons. I told her not to marry Shantanu, and I was right. I could not bear any other woman in my life.

But it seemed like I could not even bear her now.

I did not know how I would even talk to her, let alone have sex.

Sex?

No!

But it had to be done.

But not until she was angry. If I could not look into her eyes, I could even go near her. I closed my eyes, feeling utterly stupid. What the hell was I even thinking?

"Yuvraj," suddenly, an attendee's voice caught my attention, and I looked up at him.

"Yes?" I asked, and he informed me.

"Maharani has asked you to get ready to leave for the temple," he said, and I knit my brows.

"For what?" I asked, and he replied.

"For Kul Devi's Pooja,"

I sighed and nodded.

Yes, the acceptance of Gods was necessary. But, the acceptance of her heart was prime.

"Okay," I said, and he went away.

Once I was done feeding the pigeons, I got ready in the white pair and wore the cream-coloured overcoat. Maasa sent it to me.

After getting ready, I went to my wife's chamber and found her having breakfast. She immediately stood up, seeing me.

"That's okay. Sit down," I said, noticing her pulling her dupatta on her head. She looked beautiful in red. It was different from her wedding attire. It was more attractive, and the jewellery was making her look enchanting.

"Yuvraj, shall I bring your breakfast here?" the attendee near her asked, and I noticed that she was only having fruits.

"That's okay; I shall have only a few slices of fruit, too," I said, signalling the attendee to leave us alone. She lowered her gaze and sat on the couch, and I walked closer to sit beside her.

Her fingers were slicing the mangoes, which looked beautiful and painted in red, and Henna.

She silently pushed the plate towards me and put the sliced mangoes in it. Leaning forward, I inhaled deeply and tried to ask.

"Did you sleep well?"

"No," she answered immediately.

"Oh, why?" I asked, looking at her a bit, and she turned to look at me.

"I did not know if I was supposed to sleep last night. I thought we would... make a baby," her voice was as angry as it had been last night. I sighed deeply and nodded.

"What's the hurry?" I asked in a slow voice, and she lowered her gaze.

"It's your father's wish, not mine," she said and looked up at me. "And, we married each other only to fulfil it," she added, and I nodded.

"I know that. Do not remind me," I said, and she looked up at me.

"I just got to know that if we consummate after two weeks of my menstruation... I will have a great chance to conceive," her words made me close my eyes, and I clicked my tongue with frustration.

"That means it will be just a week away," she added, and I opened my eyes to look at her. Her gaze was piercing, and I leaned forward to take the knife from her hand.

"Trisha," I said, and she stood up suddenly.

"And I should be healthy, no?" she said, and I called.

"Trisha, hamari baat suniye,"

"Trisha, listen to me,"

She ignored me and walked past me.

"I should also seek Maasa's help in that. Her tips would help me," she said. I immediately held her hand before standing up and pulling her closer to me. She piqued my anger, and I looked into her eyes.

"Stop saying all of this," I warned her, and she knitted her brows and shook her head.

"Why?" she asked, and I twisted her hand behind her waist. She flinched, and I gritted my teeth, asking her.

"Is it so easy for you to sleep with me?" I asked, wondering what she could talk like on the first day of our marriage.

"Should it be difficult for me?" she asked, and I noticed her lips trembling, and I nodded.

"Yes, it's making me uncomfortable," I muttered slowly, and she lowered her gaze.

"I am sorry," my voice broke, and she immediately took the knife from my hand and kept it on my neck. Her flaring eyes looked into mine. My heartbeats raced, and I could not move an inch closer to her.

Shaking her head, she muttered, "Do not," and the tears rolled down her cheeks. "Just be done with me already, and let me be at peace," her words pierced my chest, and I closed my eyes.

"You wanted to know why you should marry me. I gave you the reason," I tried to say, and she pulled the knife back and took a step away from me. I immediately pulled her back and hugged her from behind. She protested, and I did not lose my hold on her this time. I collected all my courage to press my lips against her ear.

"I am sorry," I breathed, and she tried even harder to push me away. I held both of her wrists in one hand and held her bicep with the other. She tried to pull her hand away from me, and I could not help but lean in closer, making her face lean sideward until she could not move an inch.

"I am sorry... I am sorry... I am sorry," I repeated, whispering in her ear. After the third one, she had a few moments of unsuccessful struggle, so she gave up. I could feel her uneven breaths.

The bangles in her hand tickled. Her fragrances enveloped me in no time: Roses and sandalwood. The mistaken touches of my lips down her ear made me something in my heart.

"Trisha," but suddenly, Maasa's voice caught my attention, and I immediately left her. She also walked away, and I closed my eyes in embarrassment.

"Ji Maasa," she turned around hesitantly to look at her and walked past me. Her voice was uneven, and I knew my Maasa would have seen us.

I bit on my lips when I heard her saying.

"Chalo Abhinandan, Pooja ke liye deri ho jaegi. Trisha ko tang mat karo,"

"Let's go, Abhinandan, or we will be late for the Pooja. Do not bother Trisha,"

She made me feel even more embarrassed, and I turned to look at her. "I am not," I said in my defence, and she glared at me.

"Come with me," Maasa said to Trisha, and I did not know how I would make it up for her if they kept disturbing me like that.

I followed them silently until we reached the kingdom's exit. The convoy and the troops were ready.

"Remember that only you and him will do the trek to the temple alone in ordinary clothes. I have everything packed for you," she said, and I heard her.

"Alright," I said and bent down to touch her feet.

"Take care of her. If I get a single complaint about you, I will not leave you," Maasa said, and I looked at Trisha.

"And you would not say the same to her," I asked, and she smiled, kissing her forehead.

"She does not need warnings. She is sensible," she said, and I rolled my eyes.

"I cannot believe you are my mother," I said in blabber, walking past them to near my horse. No one told her that her daughter-in-law kept a knife to her son's neck on the first day of the marriage.

But this two—to three-day trip meant that we would have alone time with each other. We could talk calmly. And, thinking about it, a tiny smile appeared on my face.

But, as soon as I turned and noticed Daadisa sitting with Trisha, that smile burnt up.

It seemed like they needed her more than me. I sighed deeply, and in a few moments, the convoy began to move.

We walked out of the Mahabaleshgarh border and began our journey towards Devi's Temple, which was in the mountains.

We kept moving until sunset, and I asked the soldier about it.

"We will stay here for the night. Do the tents," I ordered, and I turned to see them putting the Palanquin down. I also stepped down the horse and stretched my arms. The weather was pleasant, and I noticed Daadisa stepping out of the carriage.

I thought I would go there, but Trisha walked out and smiled at Daadisa. She did not even look at me. Forget about it.

After some time, the soldiers finished fastening up the tents, and I noticed the two royal tents and at least ten ordinary ones.

One would be for Trisha and me, and the other for Daadisa.

I was dying to talk to her. And I raked my eyes around to find her.

"Have you seen Trisha?" I asked one of the soldiers, and he bent before me and nodded.

"The Princess is with the cooks," he informed me, and I bit on my lips.

Why the hell was she with the cooks?

I immediately walked towards the cooking arrangement and found her sitting among the dozen other ladies kneading the dough.

"Abhinan," Suddenly, Daadisa's voice caught my attention, and I looked at her.

"I was searching for you," she said, and I rolled my eyes.

"Aapke to pero me dard tha?"

"You had knee pain?" I asked, and she playfully slapped my shoulder.

"I could not stop myself from travelling with Trisha. I already love her so much," she said, and I nodded.

"Oh, do you?" I whispered and heard Daadisa say.

"See, how down to earth she is,"

Her words made me inhale deeply, and I could not help but stare at her from afar. The thick bangles in her hands were causing her problems in kneading the dough. She sat on the mat, and I could not help but appreciate how amazingly she was melting with them despite her heavy attire.

She was pulling the bangles up repeatedly but was not stopping.

"Now, I know why you were so mad about her," she said, and I bit the inside of my lips.

"She is caring. It did not take her much time to accept all of us as her family," she added, and I replied in my heart—except me.

She had not accepted me yet.

"Could not you figure out earlier that you wanted to marry her? You did not have to do all the drama," she asked, looking at me, and I lowered my gaze.

"I did not know that. I still do not know that," I said in a low breath, and she sighed deeply.

"You are like your grandfather. Till the day he died, he could not tell me that he loved me. Foolish him," she said, and I smiled, looking at her.

"You miss him so much," I said, wrapping my arms around her and nodding, leaning her head against my chest.

"I miss talking to him. No one talks to me like he used to speak to me. He would keep listening to me, even if it would irritate him. But I feel like Trisha is a good listener, and she would be interested in knowing about me," she said with the brightest smile, and I lifted my brows.

"That's why I have her bed arranged in my tent," the moment those words came out of her mouth, I rolled my eyes.

"You cannot do this to me, Daadisa," I said, looking at her, and she thinned her brows in confusion.

"But, you said you do not know if you like her. I feel like you only wanted to protect her, and you did," she said, and I shook my head.

"I know you all women are planning something against me. I can feel it in my bones. I know you are traducing her against me," I said, and she made her innocent face.

"Why would we?" she asked, and suddenly, an attendee caught our attention.

"Yuvraj, the dinner is ready. Shall we bring it in your tent?" she asked, and I asked her in response.

"What is Trisha doing there?"

She lowered her gaze and replied. "I am sorry, Yuvraj, but we asked her to take the rest, but she kept denying it and said to cook by herself for Daadisa,"

"Awww, my lovely dear granddaughter-in-law," Daadisa said. I could not help but feel my irritation increasing.

"Ask her to bring my dinner in the tent," I said, and Daadisa showed me eyes, but I ignored her and walked into my tent.

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Chapter 27 ~ Dinner

Trishalini POV

"Baisa, Yuvraj asked you to take his dinner into his tent," Meenakshi informed me, and I lowered my gaze to the plate I was setting up.

"Okay, you all should have dinner and rest well," I said, standing up to take the plate to Daadisa.

He did not marry me to be his actual wife. He only married me to be his child's mother. Why should I take his dinner to the tent?

Disregarding Meenakshi's words, I made my way into Daadisa's tent. There, I found her perched on the edge of the bed, her face etched with lines of wisdom. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

"Daadisa, shall I come in?" I asked, and she signalled before smiling at me. "Come in,"

I did and placed the plate before her. "Umm, it smells delicious," she said, and I smiled.

"I could not stop myself from taking the kitchen," I said, and she laughed a little. I thought that after the Pooja, I would ask you to cook something for everyone as the first kitchen ritual, but you already did for me," she said, and I smiled.

"Where is your plate?" she asked suddenly, and I gulped silently before shaking my head. "I am not really hungry," I said, and she knit her brows.

"Why? Is something wrong?" she asked, and I lowered my gaze.

"I never ate before my father. And I do not know how he is doing. I just do not feel like eating," I said, and she smiled weakly, looking at me. What if he was thinking the same? And do not worry; Kunwar Agastya is there until you visit him. He will be doing great," she said, and I nodded weakly.

"Here, take it," she said, tearing a bite for me, and I immediately shook my head. "No, no, Daadisa, you are the elder, and you must eat before me," I insisted to her more, and she shook her head, taking a bite.

"You are such a stubborn child," she said, and I sat with her until she ate. She told me about Yuvraj's childhood and his silent and arrogant personality. According to her, he never used to talk to anyone straightforwardly except his family. He was a frustrated child who did not like sunlight, wanted to eat salty food, and would deny sleeping if the bed sheet was not his favourite colour. He would not eat if dinner were not served on time.

When she told me about it, I lowered my gaze. He must be waiting for the food. But I was not that kind of wife.

I was a different kind of wife.

Also, I did not find it suitable to stand up until Daadisa finished eating and stopped telling me her stories.

"God bless you," she said, burping louder once she finished. "It was delicious that I could not stop," she added, and I chuckled a little.

"What? You did not think we could burp?" she asked, and I shook my head.

"Wait, see again," she said, burping even louder, and I burst into laughter.

"Hahahahah, Daadisa," I palmed my mouth, and she laughed with me.

"Alright, you should go now and see your husband. He must be going mad," she said, and my laughter vanished. Unwantedly, the moments of last night, when he touched my belly for a moment, crossed my brain. It was lightening.

I did not know what would happen tonight. He must be mad over what I did in the morning and what I did now. But I was mad, too. His sorries could not change anything. If he wanted to marry me, he could have told me earlier, given me a good reason. It was like I would deny it if he had talked to my father.

But no, he had to come up with something that would hurt me. He only knew to hurt others if he was hurt. He was not trying to understand my point of view. But there was no point in discussing it now. I redeemed my mistakes by marrying him. Also, the way my father lost his trust in me and did not even bless me wholeheartedly was non-forgetful to me.

"Good Night, Trisha," she said suddenly, and I was out of my thoughts.

I smiled weakly and nodded, taking the plate aside and helping her unfold the duvet.

"If he irritates you, come over here and sleep with me," she offered, and I smiled, nodding.

Once she closed her eyes, I found Yuvraj standing outside her tent. His hands were crossed over his chest, and I rolled my eyes.

"I thought you slept," he said, and I walked past him, ignoring him.

"Good luck. I am not. Do you want to consummate now?" I asked, and he clicked his tongue. He followed me to the place where dirty utensils were kept.

"I am hungry, Trisha," he said, and I sat down to make a plate for myself.

"So?" I asked and lifted my gaze to look at him.

"You do not know how to serve yourself?" I asked, and he sighed deeply before clenching his jaw. "Never mind," he spat, and I looked back at the plate.

He went from there, and I closed my eyes for a moment. My father did not teach me to keep someone hungry.

So, I quickly set up his plate too. Also, his family was really nice to me, and I should not do this to him.

Taking both the plates, I stepped into his tent. He was lying on the bed, covering himself with the comforters.

"Yuvraj," I said, walking closer to him, keeping the plate in front of him, and sitting on the other side of the bed.

He did not say anything, and I pushed the dupatta down my head. All of this jewellery was making me uncomfortable.

"Your dinner," I said, but he still did not reply with anything.

"Fine," I said and stood up on the bed.

I could not breathe in this waist chain and necklace. I put my hand behind my neck, and suddenly, he shifted to look at me.

"Ab kyu laayi hai aap?"

"Why have you brought it now?" he asked, and I threw the necklace between our pillows.

"Ab laaye hai to kha lijiye,"

"Eat if I have brought it now," I said, and he glared at me.

"Stop glaring at me," I said, lowering my fingers to untie the waist chain.

"You are being so rude," he said, and I inhaled deeply, gritting my teeth. "And you are being too stubborn," I said, sat on the bed, and pulled my plate towards me.

He shifted a little and put his head on his hand, supporting it with his elbows.

"You never talked to me like this," he said, and I tore a bite for me.

"And, you never married me like this and for... this," I said, and he shook his head.

"I thought you were different," he said, and I lowered my gaze.

"I thought you were different, too," I added, avoiding him to eat a little. I was feeling hungry. I had one chapati, but he did not even begin. He was just staring at me, and I looked at me.

"Khana kha lijiye,"

"Eat your food," I said, and he stared at me silently and muttered in a slow voice.

"Feed me," I immediately looked away from him and stepped down the bed.

"This is not happening," I said, keeping the plate on the small table.

I looked around for something to sleep on, but there was nothing. I turned to look at the bed. He was still staring at me, and I looked at his already cold food.

He was way too stubborn and childish. I rolled my eyes and walked to the bed again.

"Eat it, and keep it on the table. I need to sleep," I said, warning him, and he sat up. I thought he would, but instead, he stood up.

I hated him. I hated him so much.

"Stop," I could not stop myself. I could not leave him hungry, especially since we had to make the trek the next day.

He stopped, and I sat up. Leaning forward, I grabbed the plate from his hand, and he sat back beside me.

"This is the first and the last time I am doing this," I said and gulped, tearing a bite. He was making me even angrier but showing me his not-so-innocent face.

Opening his mouth wide, he waited for me to feed him, and I sighed deeply, pushing the bite inside his mouth.

He chewed it slowly and nodded.

"It's delicious," he said, and I tore the another bite.

"How old are you?" I asked, feeding him another bite, and he replied in a ruffled voice.

"Twenty-two," I fed him another bite while saying.

"I think those twenty years did nothing to your stubbornness because you behave like two,"

He glared at me and took the bite silently. I did not say anything afterwards and fed him six chapatis. And he just ate.

"Enough," he said, and I finally put the plate down.

"Now," he said, and I looked at him angrily. "What? I had a bite in my mouth," he said, and I clenched my jaw.

I began feeding him again, and he ate another two chapatis. It seemed like he only wanted to irritate me.

"Alright. I am full," he said, and I looked up at him. His lips glistened with the oil, and I thought to take my fingers closer to wash it away but stopped myself.

I was not that kind of wife for him, I reminded myself, and I stepped down from the bed. After putting the plate on the table, I washed my hands and looked at him, pulling the curtains and covering the bed in a few moments.

I looked away for a moment.

"Um, I think I should sleep with Daadisa," I said, and he remained silent for a few moments and then said.

"Am I eating you?" he asked, and I rolled my eyes.

"You cannot," I said, stepping forward near the bed and parting the curtains to sit on one side. He was looking at me, and I tried not to look at him.

"I am sorry, Trisha," he said. I immediately lay down, facing his opposite side, and covered myself with the comforter.

I did not want to hear his sorry.

After a few moments, he shifted closer to me and pulled the comforter down my face.

"Trisha, suniye na,"

"Trisha, listen to me," his words made me feel a lump in my throat. Did he ever listen to me? Why should I?

"I did not know that he did it because he was sick, and I did not know he took his... turban to plead you. I know I made a mistake. But I told you I cannot see you marrying anyone else. But, you did not listen. Tell me, what else should I have done?" he said, and I immediately turned to look at him. He was one foot away from me.

"You won. I am your wife now. I do not think you should be apologising or feeling sorry for me. I got my own Karma. I betrayed you, and you punished me," I said, looking into his eyes. He lowered his gaze momentarily and brought his hand closer to mine.

I inhaled deeply when he touched my hand. I tried to pull back, but he shifted closer, and I asked.

"So, we are going to sleep together?"

He immediately closed his eyes and pushed his face into the pillow.

"This is not how we sleep together. If you keep saying this, it will make me uncomfortable," he said, looking up at me. I noticed his hair falling on his forehead.

"Why? Did I seduce you enough?" I asked, and he glared at me intensely.

"Trisha, if you speak about yourself like this one more time, I swear you will regret it," he said, and I clenched my jaw.

"I am sorry for whatever I said. I was angry, and you did not give me any options. Why are you not understanding it? And, what is wrong with marrying for the baby? Do people not have babies after the marriage?" he asked and I looked away for a moment.

"Then have a baby with me and leave me," I cut him off.

He closed his eyes with the frustration and turned his face to the other side.

"Do not talk to me," he said and I looked at the other side. I would never.

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