Mokshini defenestrated the flabbergasted court members and sauntered away. Her eyes oozed with rancor; just as excess water percolates a glass full of water, likewise tears slicked past her covetous eyes. Much to everone's dismay, the prince of Mewar, her son, chastzied her in front of the entire court. For whom? For What? A replacement of the runaway princess? An accidental queen whose status was nothing more than a grimy maiden?She thought.

Things were bestrewn by jealousy, anguish and new found affection by then. For Siddhant to support Kshitija this way, his debackle in supporting Mokshini, all added to his confusion. His mind shunned at the thoughts of what had been done yet he had no regret for it. The wide hallway echoed due to the clatter of footsteps alarming the gatekeepers. They bowed their head down and stood upright with their spears lined perfectly next to their shoulders.

'Everything is so perfect in Mewar, from the illuminating chandeliers, to the luxury that was far beyond my imagination. The huge red curtains were pined to a side, approximately twelve maidens and soldiers stood at the pavement. It was too good to be true. Just some days ago, I stood among them and now, next to him. The prince of Mewar. Although the situation was too severe but for me, I had butterflies in my stomach. Carefree is an understatement for me, since that moment, I forgot about the gravity of the situation. All I could do was, peep through my red viel and glance around at everything. We entered the room, actually a palace. It was magnanimous inside. Just the colour combination I always wanted, teal with a tinge of golden embroidery.'

Lost in her thoughts, she looked at everything like a little kid. Taking small steps, she strolled inside the room and accidently hit the small table and gasped timidly. Siddhant could notice her widened eyes that brimmed with fear through her viel. He couldn't help but smile. No sooner did Kshitija notice Siddhant grinning from ear to ear than she averted her eyes in embarrasment and looked down.

He saw me! What would he be thinking. And why isn't he angry? Did I not decieve him and the royal family of Mewar?

Siddhant realised his informal behavior, that he was a king.
A king deserves no love, must never love, must never feel- for emotions make him weak. It abstains one from fulfilling his destiny.

His smiling face diminished as he reverted back to his formal demeanor. With a slight cough he greeted her," This is your palace. There are ten maids outside to be at your service. Apart from that, five additional maids will be there always, incase you need anything. If anything causes a discomfort, you can approach them anytime, or inform me about it. Make yourself comfortable at Mewar since you're now its queen. I apologise for the rude behaviour of Rajmata in the court. She is sweet but law abiding and meant no harm."

Why is he apologising when he is my husband, moreover the king of Mewar. How should I answer that?

' I know you are unaware of the etiquettes of how aristocrats behave. For this, a personal tutor will help you. You don't need to be nervous around. You can talk to me which ever way pleases and assures your comfort.'

She was taken aback. Her eyes glimmered with gratitude. She folded her hands to a formal namaste and replied," Thank you so much for this respect and help. I will try my best to become an able queen and stand up to the ideals of the royal Mewars. And I also apologise for deceiving your country." The last words came out with a fearful trill which alarmed Siddhant.

With a soft smile which he couldn't help, he replied," It's not your fault. You were following the orders of your king and queen. It is impressive that you put your life at stake for your kingdom."

After a slight pause he continued," Why did Indravati fled from this marriage?"

His question irked her but it remained hidden, thanks to her viel.
'She did not wish to marry you...because there were rumors... that..' She fell silent.

"That king Siddhant is a heartless monster." He completed the sentence. With an expressionless face, he turned around, muttered a small, quiet 'good night' and walked out of the palace.

Kshitija was at the sea.

Was he hurt by what I said? Did I do something wrong? Hey mata rani, how would I get used to this behaviour. The code of conduct. If I communicate this way, it will not take much time for the entire country to get against me.

__________

'Namaste rani sa. This is Sati, your personal maid. Raja sa instructed me to help you with your jewellery and get comfortable. I would also introduce you to the fellow helpers and get you a glimpse of your palace.' Mustered a cheerful looking plump girl around the age of twenty.

She wore a white sari draped in an unusual way. Her hair was entirely covered by her sari making sure even a single strand was visible. She wore no ornaments, which was bizarre. Young girls in Mewar were decently ornamented. A red and golden beaded necklace for girls and mangalsutra for married women was a symbolic mark repressing womanhood. Her forehead had a white tilak over which was a black dot.

Kshitija removed her viel and passed her a faint smile. She bowed down traditionally folding her hands in a namaste. She gazed at the bemused maid who stared back at her with a mystifying gaze. She arched and took few steps back," Your highness. You don't need to greet a servile maid. I'm your servant. "

Kshitija shivered.
Damn! I bowed down to a maid. I'm so used to greeting everyone at Amber!

She nodded her head. Sati offered helping Kshitija change into something comfortable as the last prahar of the day had finally been announced. Perhaps she needed to sleep for she had an uncoming function to be a part of.

Kshitija agreed. She was tired of all the ceremonies, precisely the long journey to Mewar.

"How long will it take to finish my hair? I'm very tired." Added Kshitija lazily.

"Just few more minutes your highness. After that, please come with me to chose your jewellery and outfit for tomorrow's function."

"What function?" Asked Kshitija.

"The function to celebrate your coming and crowning. It is conducted in order to reveal the face of the newly-wedded bride to the family members and the nobility as well as the people." Explained Sati.

Not that heavy Lehgna again!!!

"The traditions of Mewar are unknown to me. Can you get me a little familiar with them Sati."

With a smile, Sati responded," It would be my pleasure, rani sa."

"You seem just my age Sati. Don't call me rani sa. Call me Kshitija. Rani sa makes me feel like an old women." Replied Kshitija causually.

"But... I'm your servant.. I should.. "

Before Sati could finish with her words. Kshitija turned towards her and intervened," I was also a servant at Amer. But I understand that you're following the code, a servant is supposed to follow. To free you of this, will you be my friend? This way, it wouldn't be a problem for you, to call me Kshitija."

"Your kindness enchants me. But I can't accept it, your highness." She replied hesitatingly.

"Then I command you to accept my wish. Accept my proposal of becoming my friend." Smirked Kshitija.

Being a queen is fun!

Sati was gobsmacked. Adhering to what Kshitija ordered. She agreed.

"Thank you so much your high... sorry.. Kshitija. I haven't had a friend in ages."

"Huh? Why? You seem sweet." Kshitija finally turned facing her. Caressing her hair gently she looked at her with a confused look.

"I'm a widow. My husband died when I was ten, few months after we were married. Since then, people abstain from making friends with me. Widows are considered impure."

What rubbish! What is her fault in her husband's death!

"But what was your fault in your husband's death? Why are you not allowed to make friends? This is unfair."

Sati shivered hearing Kshitija question the law. She added," It is the law your high... I mean Kshitija. Widows are made to wear white clothes. They can't attend religious or royal ceremonies. We eat plain food and live a life away from people. Because my husband was a soldier in the royal army, I was accepted as a maid here."

"What about your parents? Didn't they feel unhappy about it? They must have retaliated."

"Law is above all. No one can retaliate against it. Every one is compiled to follow the rules except the king, since he is considered above the people."

"But this law is unfair. It is unfair to young girls like you who are made to suffer the cruel plans of destiny. How can people avert their eyes from such an evil policy and follow it because it is called a law! Does raja sa know about it?"

Sati stared quizzically at Kshitija, admiring her intellect. She also agreed to the fact that the law was meaningless. Yet, who cared about what a maid thought! She sighed and passed a faint smile.

"He does know about it but Raja sa never goes against Raja mata's orders. This rule was facilitated by her.

What an orthodox woman! How can she agree to something like this especially being a women herself. This is repulsive. So many things need to be changed.

"I will talk to raja sa tomorrow about this. He seemed sweet and genuine. He will surely do something about it."

Sati stood expressionless. Kshitija talked about the same king who beheaded a child mercilessly. The one who killed his own brother callously. Her face filled with sadness. She continued to narrate stories of Siddhant that frightened Kshitija.

How is this possible? He was so sweet with me.

Kshitija averted her eyes and ended the conversation and asked Sati to leave her alone for the moment. Sati agreed and left. Kshitija took a deep breathe and walked around clipping her long untied hair to a bun.

'Is it true about king Siddhant that he is heartless. He didn't appear to me as that. He fought for me in the court, showed genuine care and courtesy. It is hard to believe Sati talked about the same 'Raja sa'. What a puzzled place!'

She exasperated. Mewar was marvellous. Its grandeur was not unheard yet witnessing it face to face, was something that blew her mind. A major part of the hour went into the discussion with Sati that she decided to explore her humongus palace herself. Night at Mewar was exceedingly cold yet pleasant. The cool winds that came inside from the longevous balcony lured her. She couldn't help but move towards it and breathed in the intoxicating air of the divine land. Her hair swiveled strangely yet beautifully as she arched her back to feel its freshness.

_______

"She is beautiful..." He exclaimed.

_______

Author's note : The book will be re-continued again.