Kashibai had butterflies in her stomach as she stood before her mother-in-law. Radhabai, the mother of Bajirao was a formidable woman. As a highly efficient matriarch of the household she ran a tight ship. She was both feared and respected. Her conduct personified the status of a ruling Peshwa's wife. Her approach to the upbringing of both her sons was a combination of compassion and discipline. An avid scholar, she was well versed with the knowledge of administration and she  single-handedly managed the affairs of the state during her husband's involvement in battle campaigns. No one dared to invoke her wrath. Her sons were wary of the severe verbal lashing they would invite from her for any mistakes made. "Even a small error of judgement can imperil the political future of a state!" She would warn them.

"Baisaheb, Matoshree Saheb commands your presence in her chamber!" The maid conveyed the summons. Overwhelmed by the Garbhadhan rituals that had continued well into the afternoon Kashibai the novice was busy unwinding with Rakhmabai, the child bride of Bajirao's younger brother Chimaji. Rakhma was the newest member of the family since her wedding four years ago. Naturally she looked up to Kashibai who showered her with much affection. "Tai, you better hurry up!" She said. Even at her age Rakhma knew that it would be indiscreet to keep the matriarch waiting. Kashibai hurriedly checked her appearance in the looking glass and gathered her brocade shawl about her as she walked toward Radhabai's chamber.

"Sit down Sunbai, now that you are standing at a milestone in your life it is only proper for us to share some insight and give advice to prepare you for your life ahead!" Radhabai was not given to beating around the bush with smalltalk. She dismissed her maids who were hovering nearby and asked the guards not to disturb her until Kashibai stepped out of the chamber. Even though Kashibai was expecting a sermon she felt nervous. "We speak to you as your mother-in-law and as your mother too. Listen carefully and mull on our words, they will help correct your perspective. As you are aware, no marriage is complete unless it is consummated. Rau and you will now begin to live together, may it help to cement your marital bond. Physical attraction will be natural but as a couple you have responsibilities beyond your marital bed." 

Kashi blushed at the mention of the affectionate name for her husband. In her mind she would address him as Rau although to his face she always used the honorific Swami. Ignoring her reaction Radhabai continued to give her counsel. " Marriage brings an obligation of loyalty, both toward one's spouse as well as to the family. A wife must ensure that her husband's goals are integrated with those of the family. As the Kulvadhu your role will be much larger- to take care of everyone including the staff and also to fulfil religious and social obligations. You also have to be a guardian to Chimaji, his wife and their children and are in charge of hospitality offered. The ideal Kulvadhu ensures harmony among the clan members because a family divided will fall like a house of cards, shattering any dreams of a glorious future." 

 "The goal of consummation is to ensure progeny. As the wife of the future Peshwa it is your responsibility to beget healthy children and to bring them up with the values appropriate for potential rulers. Never forget that fidelity is vital to marriage, the intimacy a couple shares is sacrosanct, there cannot be another contender for the same. What happens during a couple's nighttime sojourn is intensely private but it is important to fulfil each other's expectations. Disburse conjugal favours well lest the man looks for gratification elsewhere. If he does so you will not have a moment's peace after that. Hence it is your foremost duty to keep your marriage together. I hope you are listening!" Radhabai paused and looked at Kashibai whose eyes remained glued to the ground.

"Yes, I have heard and understood, Sasubai Saheb!" Came her meek reply. "It will soon be time for bed, have an early dinner and eat lightly. The first time may be a bit challenging, it may bring some physical discomfort but that will pass in time. Go now, and may you beget valiant sons!" Radhabai muttered blessings as Kashi touched her feet in obeisance. As she retreated from the chamber her heart was beating wildly. "Disburse conjugal favours well!" Her mind kept playing Radhabai's words in a loop. What did those words mean? She wondered. She could never dare ask anyone what she was expected to do. The only older married woman in the house was Radhabai. Asking the maids was too undignified and her co-sister Rakhma was barely ten years old.

She felt anxious. How was she supposed to behave with her husband that night? She had heard whispers about how lust drove men to keep mistresses because their wives were unable to satisfy them. Courtesans were well trained in the art of mesmerising men. They sang and danced sensuously and played with their patrons in bed, although Kashibai imagined such behaviour to be sinful. It was highly inappropriate for a cultured wife to behave seductively. Rakhma noticed that Kashibai was lost in thought and barely ate during dinner. "Tai, relax, everything will be fine!" She assured her and Kashibai smiled at her innocence. After dinner the maids came to prepare the initiate for bed. Kashi washed, donned fresh clothes and wore fragrant flowers, taking care to dab on the perfume her husband had gifted her.

The maids gave each other knowing looks and smiled unnecessarily as they led her into the chamber, with a glass of saffron milk in her hand. Her hand shook a little as she placed the milk on an ornate table. She stood demurely near the bed not knowing what else to do. Before she realised it Bajirao entered the chamber with brisk footsteps, marching confidently toward her. "You look beautiful!" He smiled, taking her hands into his own. "You remembered to wear the perfume we got you, we feel privileged! Come, sit down next to us!" He reposed on the bed. "Are you not going to say anything? We are your husband, don't forget!" He could sense her anxiety. "We heard about your campaign to Delhi, it made us feel very proud!" Kashibai made an attempt to break the ice even if her mouth was dry.

"Indeed the signing of the Mughal-Maratha treaty was a proud moment for the Maratha Empire. The Mughals were forced to accept the sovereignty of our Chhatrapati and even agreed to the conditions of the Sardeshmukhi and collection of the Chauth revenue. It felt even better when Shrimant secured the release of Chhatrapati's mother Yesubai. We escorted her home to Satara finally after she spent twenty years in Mughal captivity. You should have been with us, it was a heady feeling! We learnt a lot from this campaign." Bajirao gently squeezed her hand. "You can take us along during your future campaigns!" She said, sounding considerably relaxed. "On diplomatic missions yes, but not during combat. Speed is of essence then, women and children become a liability during war and have no place in it. Unless you are an excellent horseback rider and a swordsman too!" He smiled at her mischievously.

"We were not brought up to be a warrior, we were trained to manage a home and children!" She bit her lip immediately. "Are you trained to be a wife too?" Bajirao smirked at her. "What does Swami mean?" Kashibai wanted to look into his eyes but failed to do so. "That glass of milk, is it supposed to sit over there?" He smiled to see her go pale. She rose to her feet and offered him the warm beverage. "You forgot to sweeten it!" He told her. "They have added enough sugar, Swami need not worry!" She replied. "Why take a chance? We want you to taste it before giving it to us." She recoiled at his words. "But how is that possible?" She asked, sounding agitated.

"Did Shabari not taste the jujubes before offering them to Lord Ram? Did that make her any less devoted? You have read the Ramayana, haven't you?" He had her cornered. "It is not the same thing!" She whispered. "Not even if we command you? We shall not drink it unless you taste it first." He raised his voice slightly. She was in a quandary now. "Please understand our predicament!" She begged him. He lifted her chin and looked deeply into her eyes. "Kashi, do you know what is expected of us tonight? We are supposed to abandon our inhibitions before our bodies and minds unite. If our touch makes you so nervous how will we get anything done?" He placed the glass aside and took her in his arms. "Swami..." She uttered nervously.

"It is our first time too! Don't be afraid. We have waited for this moment for years!" She drew in a sharp breath as his lips brushed hers lightly. "Too many pieces of jewellery, and we don't even know how to unclasp them!" He muttered. She sat up and began unfastening her jewels, one piece at a time. When she was nearly done he pulled out the gold pins from her hair and unfurled her tresses. Together they placed her jewels aside. He threw aside his waistband and untied his barabandi tunic, sweeping it off. She gasped at the sight of his lean muscular body. The Peshwa men and boys worked out at the gymnasium each morning to ensure stamina and agility during battle. "You don't have to steal glances, your husband is the only man you may look upon without hesitation!" Bajirao was amused to see the blush tinting her fair neck and cheeks.

"Your eyes are greenish grey while mine are jasper black. It suggests you have European ancestry." He teased her. "We don't have foreign blood in our veins, we are truly Konkanastha, just like you!" She bristled. "Quite likely that your forefathers blood mingled with foreign blood!" He grinned. In her vulnerable state tears streamed down her cheeks and he was taken aback to notice them. '''Kashi, please don't cry, we were just pulling your leg!" He took her in his arms. "Swami should think before jesting!" She whimpered. "We don't understand women yet, give us some time!" He said, closing his lips over hers. Her body went rigid at first. She had never experienced a kiss before. The sensation was enough to sweep her off her feet and she savoured every moment as he continued to caress her.

Undressing her was another tedium. The Peshwa women wore a waistcoat over a modest long-sleeved blouse before draping nine yards of silk around themselves. "Too much work!" He remarked as he patiently removed her upper garments. She immediately clasped her palms on her face, blushing furiously. "We don't understand why you hastened to cover your face as another part of you was unclothed." He smirked once more. The sight of her ample bosom had the desired effect on his manhood. "Do you know that we have to chant sacred hymns as we move ahead step by step? The priests who invented the idea must really have a sense of humour!" He laughed as his fingers tried to figure the right way to undo the folds and knots of her saree.

The next morning when her eyes opened the sun had already risen. She stood up, rearranging her clothes. The crumpled bedsheet gave enough evidence about what it had witnessed. There were scattered flower petals, a few broken glass bangles and red blotches from her sacrificed maidenhead. The man who had deflowered her in the night was already gone, she knew he would not miss his gym routine for a single day. She stood before the mirror and blushed to see her own reflection. Her vermilion and kohl were smudged, her hair was awry. There was soreness between her legs but it hardly mattered. For the first time in her life she was glad she became Bajirao's wife. His touch had been everything- soft, cajoling, teasing, tormenting and challenging. She could not wait for night to fall so she could be in his arms again.