We kept talking and laughing while Nandani helped the attendants braid a golden ribbon, lined in maroon strips, through my hair. It felt even heavier, but it looked beautiful.
“Kunwar Agastya will faint seeing you today,” Princess Aishwarya teased, earning a giggle from me.
After that, I changed into the outfit, but in private, because I didn’t want anyone looking at the bruises on my breasts anymore.
As soon as the fabric came in contact with my skin, my nipples hurt. Every painful itch reminded me that I’d be marrying Kunwar Agastya Dev Singh. My cheeks hurt from so much smiling.
After I got dressed, I stepped out and saw Queen Trisha and Rani-maa seated with the other ladies.
When Rani-maa noticed me, she rose from her seat with a smile.
“I didn’t know Suman could look like the most beautiful woman in the world,”
I giggled nervously as she cradled my cheeks and kissed my forehead.
“God bless you, Suman. Today marks an important day in your life. You will seek the blessings of all the deities and elders for the beginning of your married life.”
She held my hands warmly in hers and said,“I know you have your own experiences. You may even have many thoughts weighing on your mind. But, my child, you’re just twenty-five—and beautiful and powerful, and godly. Always remember that what others define you as is not necessarily who you are. The person you see when you look at yourself in the mirror—what you perceive in your own reflection—that is your true self.”
She then held my shoulders gently.“This journey… it will not be just fruitful and happy, but also filled with countless challenges and opportunities. Make sure you use them to support others. The place where you come from, you know better what women go through, and the place that you’re going to now, you will have the power to change that.”
Her words were so gentle, yet so profound, I couldn’t help but agree with everything she said.
“This union is not just a marriage, Suman,” she continued.“It is your gateway to getting on the path of standing up for women and standing strong. Do you understand me, my child?”
I nodded.“Ji Rani-maa.”
“Stand by your man like a shield and protect him from the emotions that could destroy him. Stand by your family like a virtue and protect them from evil. Stand by your elders like a safeguard and protect them from poor health,” she said gently but firmly, then looked at Nandani and Princess Aishwarya.
She gathered our hands together in hers.
“Remember, you three are the pillars of Suryagarh. These three brothers have done their duty, giving you the world as best as they could. It will now be your responsibility to secure the future of Suryagarh. The children you bring into this world are the future. Their blood may carry salt, but make sure your sweetness moulds them into human beings, and do not let the briny salt overpower the sweetness. Be with each other like arrows in a quiver. Never talk ill of one another, not even to your husbands.”
“Remember, Nandani,” she said, looking sternly into Nandani’s eyes.“You are the eldest and the queen. What you give to Aishwarya and Suman, they will return to you twice over.”
Turning to Princess Aishwarya, she continued,“You are the second daughter-in-law in the family, Aishwarya. Your opinions may differ at times, but be open about them. Communication will sort everything.”
Finally, she looked me in the eye and said,“And Suman, never let your fears overpower your love and compassion, my child. Fulfil each and every responsibility.”
Holding our hands together in a tight hold, she remarked,“Make Suryagarh, its twenty-three states, seventy-two villages, and the greatest empire history will ever know.”
We three nodded in unison. Rani-maa then kissed each of our foreheads, starting with me.
“God bless you. I don’t have one but four daughters,” she said, turning to Queen Trisha and kissing her forehead as well.
My heart swelled at Rani-maa’s words. She had always been like a mother to me.
“Suman,”
Suddenly, Kunwar-sa’s call caught our attention, and I quickly adjusted my dupatta over my head.
Everyone looked at him.
He wore the same colour as me—a pink kurta set and a maroon shawl settled over his shoulder.
His face was blank as he approached us and joined palms to greet everyone.
“Pranaam, Rani-maa,” he said, and Rani-maa greeted him back.
