Invitations flew to kingdoms far and wide. He visited me frequently, Very much frequently to be precise. The layer of icing between me and him gradually melted and I was trying to stop hiding on seeing him. But no matter how much I try, when I hear his footsteps I make sure I am out of even his peripheral vision. He is a very good person and we share similar interests. Well, anyways I just hope that I don't disappoint him.

My mother-in-law, his foster mother, his mother's sister, Devi Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī had summoned me for a small chat prior to our marriage. The very thought of marriage sends me the shivers. I gathered some courage and left to meet her following the messenger and pledging all the way to stop blushing. I was taken aback when I entered the chamber. The entire elite of the Kapilvastu royalty were in front of me and not just the maharani. My eyes instinctively searched for him but only received deceit as he was nowhere around. I realised that this meeting would not be a gossip session between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law where the guidelines of running a happy family would be spelt out but rather something else, and that too concerning him.

I gulped as I found various pairs of eyes getting fixed on me, the king's, the queen's, the prime minister's and the royal priest's. The queen smiled an assuring smile to make me feel better. The king opened his mouth to speak but sighed and turned to face the minister. I gulped again and this time it was evident. The queen Devi Gautami was the one who broke the silence

"Yashodara, my daughter you are going to get married to Shakya and we are more than pleased on the very thought but there are things we want you to keep in mind and strictly adhere to."

Shakya, I loved the way she called his name with concern and love. Shakya! The name withheld love coupled with respect. Shakya! I quickly broke out of my reverie and nodded an aggressive yes saving myself from the blush which was trying to return.

"So these are a few facts we want you to believe without questioning. You trust us don't you?"

Believe without questioning! Alright I can do that for him. Well if they had stated the facts as it is I would've believed it but the very statement believe without questioning made the curiosity in me build up. Still after a small battle between Shakya and my curiosity eventually Shakya won and I nodded again.

"Good! Now once you are married you will come with us to our palaces. This one is just built for special guests like you. There are three seasonal palaces where you will live with Shakya. All palaces are built according to seasonal demands and there will be no discomfort and even if there is any you can feel free to contact me. Well, there is mere oblivion outside the palaces. People don't stay there, around it. So you may not leave the gates for any reason. I hope you will not go out"

Whoa so many facts to digest. Firstly this amazing palace which caught my breath right away was just a guesthouse. Oh my goodness! There are three palaces for him, which means three entire palaces for us. And then still she hopes that I won't leave the premises. Is she kidding? What else would I ever want? Why would I ever go out? From the early days of my childhood I had been given whatever I wanted even before I could demand it. I never had the need to go outside for any purpose except to breathe some fresh air and spend time in nature's embrace. But here even for that I need not go out as the gardens and lush green lawns would sure be present to serve the purpose. So naturally and technically I was extremely happy and hence nodded even vigorously before replying.

"Still one question, why would I ever wish to leave the compounds when I get practically everything I would ever ask for here?"

"Oh my daughter! You are the perfect bride I could get for our dynasty."

I smiled as I was pulled in a motherly embrace. I left the room to share whatever happened to my mother but decided otherwise. Would they like to have their personal matters given out? Since when did I become theirs? When I was walking pondering absent minded about the changes coming on me I dashed onto him again.

"Oh Shakya! I am extremely sorry. I should have focused on the path."

"Shakya? Since when did you start addressing me Shakya? Or first of all when did you start addressing me?"

Before I could go on with my series of apologies he continued, preventing me from opening my mouth

"It feels good, hearing that from you. Anyways where was your attention? Looks like it is still fixed on me? You are still standing, wow that is an achievement as you would have been on your heels right after you see me"

Yet again I turned deep crimson and did what I do always, what he just taunted me for, took to my heels. He just stood there and laughed.

I strode to my room thinking about everything that happened today. The beads of perspiration that trickled down their faces, when I said that I wished to ask a question didn't go unnoticed by me nor was their instant relief ignored by me. I didn't give much importance to it, though. I was extremely happy as I will still get to live my life as it was earlier, not having to move even a strand of my hair by myself.

But I didn't know at that time that, in a much later course of life I will repent this dependence and grief, anxiety and tension coupled with fear will attack me many folds more than the trifle amount of joy I acquired and enjoyed presently.