Oormila told, "It's just that Kaushal is also not yet married. As a mother I know how worried your parents would be, that's why I asked".  Kalindi's lips uplifted in a small smile, on understanding the target of her so-called mother-in-law.  Ruthira entered her chamber and then the other two departed.

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The next day, Abhyuday was getting ready for the court and Kalindi was helping him with his ornaments.  Seeing her hands wandering on his chest after fixing his clothes, he asked, "What happened to my wife? Suddenly so much love on your husband?".  Kalindi looked at him and said angrily, "Why? You never saw my love? Huh".  Abhyuday chuckled at her face and said, "I have seen but only at nights".  He said the last words in a seductive whisper near her ears, which got him a desired reaction from her.  Kalindi's breathing quickened at his intimate whisper and she bit her lips to control her breathing.

"I was just cherishing my husband's new look today with my choice of ornaments", Kalindi replied.  Abhyuday smiled at her and suddenly they were interrupted as a maid informed them, "Yuvraj and Yuvrani, Princess Ruthira is waiting for Yuvrani in her old chamber".  Kalindi nodded at the information and then Yuvraj went to the court but not before kissing his wife roughly.  Kalindi looked in the mirror at her blushing face and cleaned up her smudged lip paint and then went to her old chamber through the bathroom door.

Princess Ruthira stood up to greet her and then both settled down in their seats present in the hall.  Kalindi asked, "Is the accomodation upto your liking, Princess?".  Ruthira replied, "Yes Yuvrani.  There is nothing to complain about it".  Kalindi nodded and ordered the maids to bring snacks for them.  Ruthira said, "I wanted Princess Nitara also to join us but the Queen had stopped her saying, she has some other works regarding the preparation for engagement".  Kalindi nodded at her words and took her tea. 

Taking a sip of her tea, Ruthira continued, "I was not sure about meeting you here, since I didn't know if you have any other work.  I'm sorry if I had disturbed you, Yuvrani".  Kalindi replied, "It's no problem Princess Ruthira.  I usually attend the court but sometimes I assign my maid to narrate the happenings".  Ruthira smiled and said, "Infact, when I came here, I got to know that you don't reside here but in Yuvraj's chamber.  But then I got to know that Yuvraj doesn't allow any guests in his chamber.  So I waited here".

Kalindi didn't comment anything on that and just smiled at her.  Ruthira continued, "Yuvrani, can we go out and rest for sometime in the garden?".  Replying in positive, Kalindi went with her and also showed her own garden and explained details of some plants as and when required.  After an hour or so, they settled down on their seats under the shade.  And they heard some clinking sound which was coming from Shastrasala.  Ruthira asked whether they can go and watch the practice, to which Kalindi agreed and they went towards the shastrasala. 

Yuvraj was supervising the practice as the court was over.  Just then Rekha whispered in Kalindi's ear that it was time for her to take some juice.  So Kalindi asked Ruthira to return along with her but the Princess refused as she wanted to watch the practice session more.  So Kalindi left her there and went to her chamber for rest.  The day went on as usual and Yuvraj returned back to their chamber.   Kalindi talked about some court affairs regarding the zero custom duty for goods from Khamboj for the next few months as the King needs those items from there. 

Kalindi asked, "Yuvraj, I think this is not good for Rakshatra.  Importing is ok but zero duty is not something welcoming.  And this will attract more traders from Khamboj to sell their products here at lower prices and our indigenous products and traders will suffer loses".  Abhyuday sighed and replied, "I told the same to Maharaj but he seems to connect it with the personal relationship which is why he is reluctant to change his decision.  So let it be, anyways its for a few months only right".  Kalindi nodded at him and they slept quickly.

When Kalindi woke up in the morning, She didn't find Abhyuday in bed which was not something new as he has the habit of waking up early and praying for sometime.  Smiling Kalindi touched her stomach which didn't show any bump as of now and thought, "Baby, You should also get these good habits from your father and become a good human being".  Then she went on to depart for sword practice to which Rekha and Lekha join enthusiastically. 

Kalindi smirked at both of them who were all ready by the time she changed her dress.  "I know the reason why you both are coming with me even when I told you that only one person is needed.  Refrain from giving a white lie that you are coming to help me.  We both know that it's not true", Kalindi told them.  And the maids blushed lightly as they followed her to the forest.  Gopi was already there to accompany Kalindi as Yuvraj didn't come for practice today.

That day evening, Ruthira once again visited Kalindi and had a chitchat with her regarding her gardening skills.  And then asked, "Yuvrani, Yuvraj loves you so much.  Doesn't he?  I have seen during breakfast, how he put many items in your plate.  So caring".  Kalindi smiled at her words and said, "Yes but he never tells that he loves me.  And even I prefer actions more than words".  Ruthira heard her words amusedly and asked, "Had he never said it even once?". 

Kalindi shook her head in no and Ruthira made an 'O' face.  Then Kalindi asked, "What did you do from the morning?  Yesterday you came by morning itself but today only in the evening?".  Ruthira laughed at that and said, "Actually today I visited all the places that we had gone together yesterday.  So it went quite well".  Kalindi nodded at her words, although she found it somewhat weird as she went over to the same places again.

Ruthira stayed there till a maid came to inform Kalindi that Yuvraj came back to his chamber and asked for her.  Ruthira smiled embarassingly for spending more time and went off.  Kalindi came inside their bedroom and Abhyuday asked her the reason for the Princess' visit.  Kalindi told that Princess Ruthira came here to spend sometime as Nitara was busy.  Yuvraj thought to himself in mind, "I think this Princess is not as good as she shows off.  Today after the practice session in shastrasala, she even came to me and started praising my skills when all I did was just teaching the soldiers.  I need to track her closely". 

Kalindi looked at him expectantly as he was deep in thoughts but he decided to keep his analysis to himself as he doesn't want to stress his pregnant wife.  They had their dinner and slept off as they were advised by the Vaidh that it is not good for them to engage in intimacy till the fifth month.  On the other hand, Princess Ruthira couldn't sleep as she kept thinking about the day.  First time, she talked to him after crushing on him for more than five years with the picture she got from one of the travellers who sold his picture which showed him as a valiant warrior.  She went to the canvas where the picture was kept and talked to him, "Yuvraj, it has been two days since I came here and saw you for the first time.  And finally today I had the chance to talk to you even though it was baseless.  I liked how caring you were towards your wife.  That got me to think that when I become your wife, you will also care for me like that". 

Ruthira thought of something and pouted saying, "Today I waited in Yuvrani's chamber till late because I wanted to see you again.  But you just called through a maid.  Moreover I couldn't even enter your chamber as it is prohibited for even maids".  After a few minutes, she said, "It's ok.  I still have time.  I will definitely win your heart".  She smiled while looking at Abhyuday's picture and then went to sleep.

In the following days, Abhyuday had more work as he had to check the reports of various spies which indicated movements from enemies' side.  While Kalindi got to spend more time with Ruthira as the latter would come to their chamber most of the time and sometimes even during dinner.  Once Ruthira even asked if she could join them for dinner and Kalindi found it awkward that she didn't understand the couple's privacy.  So Kalindi denied her request without any hesitation saying that it is their private time and they wouldn't compromise on it.  Ruthira's face lost the smile at her reply but nodded and went away.  Soon the day of engagement came as Kalindi entered her fourth month of pregnancy which couldn't hide the glow on her face as well as the small swell on her belly.

Glossary:

Maharaj - King
Maharani - Queen
Yuvraj - Crown Prince
Yuvrani - Crown Princess
Rajkumar - Prince
Bhai - Brother
Bhabhi - sister-in-law
Vaidh ji - Doctor
Chacha - Father's younger brother
Shastrasala - Godown of weapons with practice arena
Gurudev - Teacher

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Hi guys,

Do vote and comment if you like the chapter.

We are nearing the climax when the mysterious part will be revealed.

Thanks,
SM.