Guys,

Above I have attached a picture of the Shiva temple consecration ceremony which happened yesterday on 9th of June, 2022. Thanks for all those who contributed and those who wished. Thank you all

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It has been a day since Yuvraj has departed from the palace with the soldiers. And a letter from Yuvraj confirming that they have reached the borders well ahead of the enemies, came to the palace after another half a day as the travel from the palace to the border is not simple. Just then Ranasa received the news that there is another attack from the other direction and it once again gave them some time to prepare as they had already anticipated the attack and scrutinized the boundary much more in the past two days. So as they had already discussed Ranasa took the remaining army with him to defend his Kingdom. Before leaving, he also took a look at his grandchildren and went to take blessings from his mother.

The war was going on for two days from both directions. Through Ranasa's letter, Yuvraj got to know that their suspicion about the distraction from enemies was correct and that another war was going on the other side. And this made him want to finish the war as soon as possible before they use some cunning methods outside the battlefield. Also Malhar Rao has sent a message that he will reach the battlefield by tomorrow and join Ranasa on the other side. So Pratap felt that nothing would go wrong but still there was this uneasy feeling which was there since he left the palace. All he could do was pray to God for the safety of his people and his family.

In the absence of Ranasa, the ministers looked after the state affairs as in managing the revenues and sending resources to the battlefield and so on. Other matters are postponed for some time and the ministers avoided disturbing Anamika unless important. Ranisa still didn't warm up to Anamika even after knowing the deeds of her beloved friend who is in the prison with her daughter. Though she visits her grandchildren more than one time every day, she couldn't come to terms with accepting Anamika. May be it's her ego which is stopping her from apologizing to her Bahuranisa and reconcile with her? She herself doesn't know.

It has been a week since Yuvraj left the palace and the first letter is yet to come from him or Ranasa after the acknowledgement letter they sent once reaching the battlefield. King Malhar Rao had already joined on Ranasa's side as asked by Yuvraj. Anamika is still resting in her birthing chamber and eagerly anticipating her husband's letter. In her previous life, whenever he wrote letters, although it was always addressed to her, it only contained details about the situation in the Warfield, the estimated time for the war and the resources required for them. He would also ask her reply about the existing state affairs and any issues they face in his absence. Although he didn't ask about her wellness in his letters, she couldn't hold a grudge against it even in her previous life, because he neither asked the wellness of his second wife or other family members.

While Anamika was immersed in her thoughts about her previous life, a maid suddenly came barging in her chamber and stood catching her breath from running. Before Anamika could scold her, the maid continued, "Bahuranisa, the messenger from Yuvraj came but he is already dead and the horse just brought his body here". Anamika was shocked to say the least but she couldn't just come to a conclusion. "We retrieved the letter from Yuvraj and handed it to Ranisa", hearing the maid, Anamika didn't think much and went out of the chamber towards Ranisa's chamber. Since Anamika was resting in the birthing chamber, the guards submitted the letter to Ranisa.

Anamika reached Ranisa's chamber and she was shocked to see Anamika at first. Later she didn't enquire much owing to the situation. Once she came in, Ranisa handed over the letter which she already read. Anamika read the letter which stated that they are losing the battle on Yuvraj's side as the enemies had outnumbered their soldiers. It further stated that Since Malhar Rao had reached Ranasa's side, they will not have any problem at that direction. It also stated that the war will end in at most one more day either with surrender or death, as they will not be able to resist after that with less soldiers.  And the letter ended with a hopeful note that they believe in God Mahadev and fight till their last breath.

Ranisa ordered the maids to bring the lady who is the keeper of Jauhar kund.  (Jauhar - Women commiting mass suicide by falling into the large pit full of fire, after dressing up like a bride. Jauhar kund - The large pit where fire will be created is always constructed within the palace or fort . It will be locked always unless necessary) The said maid was also shocked and tears welled up in her eyes. If the enemies were just another Hindustani King then this might have been avoided. But invaders neither have sympathy for children nor ethics towards women. So keeping a stone heart, the maid went to call the old lady who is the keeper of Jauhar kund. Soon the news spread throughout the palace as well as the subjects and all the maids had gathered outside Ranisa's chamber to get further orders.

All this while Anamika was re-reading the letter again and again as she felt suspicious even though the handwriting was same as Pratap. Ranisa called the maids inside and announced that they have to prepare for jauhar and be ready to go for it as by the end of today they will perform it. She said,"This letter reached us today means Yuvraj has written it yesterday. So today is the last day. If Ranasa needs more time, then the enemies will enter from the side of Yuvraj. We cannot withstand being humiliated by these barbarians, so it's better to accept death rather than being captured by them and lose our dignity". She then turned towards Anamika and said, "Bahuranisa, you don't need to participate in this. You take the children and go through the secret Tunnel and be safe at your mother's place till Ranasa comes back or if the situation was not reversed, then just stay there and secure the heirs who will later take back what was theirs". Although in her previous lifetime, King Jaivardan and Meenavathi got to know about the secret tunnels after Saudamini marriage through their daughter as all the royals will be told about such things for emergency purpose, Anamika still feels that they should be careful.

Anamika looked up from the letter and said,"No Ranisa. I'm not going anywhere and no one is going to perform jauhar". Ranisa looked at her like crazy and the maids were confused. Anamika continued, "This letter is not written by Yuvraj". Ranisa asked impatiently, " Are you in your right mind, Bahuranisa? I know that it's Yuvraj's handwriting. Don't waste time here. The future heirs are important". Anamika stood her point saying,"Yes it is Yuvraj's handwriting. Whoever has copied it, they have done well. But the way they have written is simply not Yuvraj's way of writing. For example, he always takes God's name at the start of the letter. And before placing the seal, he would always write that anything for our people. But both these things are missing. So surely this letter is tampered by some intruders. Infact we should reply them as soon as possible of this imposter."

Although the maids chose to believe Anamika, Ranisa didn't completely agree with her. While Anamika continued, "Even if we choose to believe this letter, then there is a possibility that if we can buy some time till Ranasa comes back, then we need not sacrifice our lives". Ranisa asked, "But how will we survive with only the palace guards?". Anamika replied," The women army. Although they are not fully trained to participate in a battle, they can very well ensure our safety for some time which may give Ranasa enough time to reach us. It's just some possibility which need to risk". Ranisa was also about to agree when a guard came and said,"Ranisa, we were keeping an eye at the battlefield through telescope to see our flag. But now, our Flag was removed and the enemies flag is flying in our pole". Now everyone was scared and Ranisa immediately ordered for Jauhar against Anamika's persistence regarding some foul play. Anamika went back to her chamber.

Anamika immediately called for one of her trusted ministers and ordered to block all the tunnels from the palace side to avoid any intrusion. And then She took the blank scroll which Yuvraj gave her and filled it with her order of locking the Jauhar kund and also mentioned that whatever order Ranisa gives, it will all be overruled by her orders until Ranasa or Yuvraj comes back. On the other hand, after Anamika left Ranisa's chamber, Dadisa entered her chamber where only the two of them were left. "Since you have already decided that we will be performing jauhar today, then hear out the truth behind your life before leaving this world". Ranisa was shocked at first to see her mother-in-law in her chamber and hearing her words, she looked at the old lady cautiously. Dadisa continued,"You took a blank Promise from my son and denied him of his love by using it for your selfishness. But remember what you asked. You simply asked that he should not take another wife after you". Ranisa nodded at that with no regret for her being selfish because it's just her way of survival and ensuring herself and her son, a secured future. But She forgot that she already snatched someone else's life and securing it means nothing.

Dadisa continued with a smirk,"Why do you think, you are the first wife of your husband?". At her remark, Ranisa forgot breathing for a moment and let out a gasp.

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Hi guys,

This is the longest chapter in this second book.

Do vote and comment if you like the chapter.

Thanks,
SM.