An intense gush of wind blew away the loose strands dangling down my face, behind my head. My eyes reflected an image of the playful moon which shimmered translucently in the early evening sky.

It really was a privilege to be surrounded by nature during a beautiful time of day; alone.
However being alone, sleeping alone with no one beside me, not having anyone to talk to was slightly depressing. Ashok hadn't seen me for a month.

I turned round, realizing I had work to do and I stopped abruptly at the sight of Maharani entering my room.

"Here's a glass of milk, its helpful for the child." She placed it on my side table.

"Do drink it." She turned back around to specially say this.

I watched her go and walked towards the glass.
Something didn't feel right.

I left it as it was, waiting for it to odor.

I couldn't take any more chances, not that my child was with me now.

"Princess?" A knock on the door made me jump out of my thoughts.

"Yes?" A servant was at the door.

The maids vanished behind the curtains and drew back the first layer. The translucent layer just about revealed the shape of a messenger.

"Princess, a message has been sent from Rani Dharma, saying there is a special welcoming ceremony for Prince Ashok as he is coming back from a prestigious competition. You should expect to see him tonight at the ceremony. You should be ready for it. A large feast has been arranged for the kingdom."

I got up from the foot of my bed and I almost pinched myself to see if it was a dream.

Ashok would be coming back after a month! I had so much to do! I needed to get out my jewelry, my ornaments, my scents, my clothes....

The list was endless and my hands hovered around until I cringed at how gullible I was being.

"Oh Kaurvaki." I muttered to myself.

My smile couldn't seem to disappear from the corners of my mouth and every so often, I found myself letting out giggles from my loose lips.

I looked at my gleaming face in the mirror and sighed.

I would finally meet him. Alone.

I turned to go towards my cupboard when I glanced at the glass of milk again.

I ignored it and got out my clothes which I was to wear that evening.

Suddenly, I bumped into Rani Dharma.

"Ouch!" I squealed.

"Are you okay?" Rani Dharma looked me up and down in worry.

"Yes yes, I'm fine." I laughed.

"Hmm, someone seems excited." She smiled.

"I'm meeting him after such a long time." I sighed.

"Yes. It must be a splendid feeling indeed. Anyways - get ready soon and I'll meet you down at the dining court where the feast will be served as soon as Ashok comes."

"Alright." I nodded and she left.

I ensured my face was clean after a relaxing, refreshing bath in milk and herbal substances. My jewelry glistened in the moonlight and the candles of hope were lit in my bedroom.

The beautiful fragrance of my freshness surrounded me and I felt spiritual; almost supernatural.

The blissful aroma of the ripened mangos growing outside my window reached my nose yet I didn't dare my head even a bit; too afraid to dislocate my nose ring that had been settled delicately amidst the roots of my hair.

I walked down the corridor, leaping with excitement within, but I tried to contain it from the outside.

I appeared in the Dining Hall and the whole family was gathered.

Ashok wasn't here yet.

I patted my hair down once more and went over to talk to Rani Subhrasi.

"Rani Dharma, do you want me to go and call over Ahankara from the other mansion?" I exhaled heavily.

She frowned.

"No, the reason for this is that this function is specially for you. Her exclusion is merely for the sake of your privacy with Ashok. You heard what the priest said right?"

"But...."

"No. And that's an order." She concluded.

"Oh, uh - Kaurvaki, would you mind giving these to Rani Subhrasi for me please?" Maharani handed me a heavy platter.

"Wait, I'll take it." Rani Dharma picked the heavy platter up.

"Take care and stay safe from these chores, okay?"

I shook my head with a smile.

The time was ticking; the sky was dimming, the owls were chirping - yet no sign of Ashok.

"Where could he be?" I muttered.

"Don't worry. He'll be here." Druphad came and sat next to me, sensing my worry.

I hugged him.

"Alright, err - we'll have to begin. The auspicious time is going and Prince Ashok is not present?" The high priest picked up his robes and stood up from his seat.

"Oh.... uhh- please, priest. Sit down, please begin your feast. We urge you to stay." Rani Dharma said quickly.

Just then, I saw a messenger come from behind a pillar.

"Yes?" Maharani attended him.

"Maharani - Prince Ashok said to begin the feast without him. He's stopped at Ahankara's palace as a break from his journey. He won't be present." The messenger nodded and left timidly.

Everyone turned their heads in shock and chattering amongst the people began.

"You heard it for yourself, Dharma. Your son has..... has totally nailed it, hasn't he?" Maharani smirked tauntingly.

Rani Dharma lowered her head in disappointment.

I felt tears swelling up in my eyes.

"Please, at least have your food priest."

"I beg your pardon but, the feast without Samrat or Prince Ashok is impossible for us. Come on folks!"

All the guests left no matter how much we begged them to stay.

Silence filled around the hollow room.

"Mother, why did they all leave? If they didn't want any more ladoos they could have given them to me?" Dhrupad tugged his mother's arm.

"Dhrupad, shhh!" Rani Subhrasi whispered.

"But - does that mean Brother Ashok isn't coming?"

I looked towards him in worry.

"He will, darling. Go to your room now. It's past your bed time."

Dhrupad headed off leaving us amidst the evening noises of the leaves rustling.

I slipped down onto the sofa and gripped the cloth underneath me tightly. I sat staring into space for an hour.

"Kaurvaki dear, you should go to sleep now. Don't wait for Ashok."

"No, I'm fine."

"I want some privacy." Rani Dharma blurted.

I jerked my head up and looked at her for a few seconds.

She avoided eye contact.

I got up obediently and went towards my bedroom, a thousand things rushing into my head.

Ashok went to meet Ahankara instead of coming here, when he knew there was going to be a grand celebration...

I rested my head on the pillow and the cold air of the peaceful night gave me goosebumps on my bare arms. I sighed heavily.

Hi guys👋🏼 how's the story so far? Anyways - checkpoint timeeee
I've heard from a few of you that you would like me to follow the 'bajirao mastani' type plot and I know where you're getting that from cuz like a man with two wives and.... all that. I will try and incorporate some events that are similar but I also want this to be unique so I'll try my best to balance it out x and btw BM is my fav movie so I'm fine with that suggestion lmao xxxxx anyways bye bye