“What the hell are you doing here? Pandit ji is waiting for you,” he hissed lowly, and I clicked my tongue in frustration.
“Oh, all these rituals are necessary for my wedding now, but were nothing for yours,” I grumbled irritably.“Bhai-sa, please let me talk to her at least. Please be a little patient; I’m coming in a few moments.”
“Quick,” he gritted angrily.
“Okay,” I replied, and he left, closing the door.
I turned to her, and she smiled at me.
I cupped her cheek to lift her face and leaned closer to kiss her nose.
“You are looking beautiful,” I said, cupping her cheeks, and kissed her nose.“I’m waiting for you in the prayer hall; come soon. I cannot wait to introduce you as my wife to our ancestors and the deities.”
She smiled and hugged me tightly.
“No one is waiting more than I am to be yours, Kunwar-sa,” she murmured.
“Alright,” I whispered, stroking her head.“Bhai-sa has to leave for him to be back on time. So, I’ll see you there.”
She nodded. I stepped out of her chamber and looked at Bhabhi-sa, Daadi-sa, Queen Trisha, and Rani-maa, waiting outside.
“Are you done?” Nandani Bhabhi-sa asked, and I shook my head.
“Not yet,” I said.“I know you sent him inside.”
She rolled her eyes and sauntered into the chamber.
“Rani-maa, sometimes…” I said, clenching my fists.“I hate your daughter.”
She chuckled at my words and placed her hand on my head fondly.
“I know she’s impossible sometimes,” she responded.“But now, you are our son-in-law. No need to be formal.”
I smiled and made her sit on the couch.
“Can I call you Maa-sa, then?” I asked hopefully.“I’ve never seen my mother, and Bhabhi-sa does not always behave like a mother. Will you be my mother?”
She stared at me momentarily, then nodded, placing her hand on my cheek.
“You don’t have to ask. You can call me Maa-sa,” she said, and I hugged her tightly.
“Thank you, Maa-sa,” I murmured.“Does this mean I can complain about your daughters to you? I mean, yes, Suman is wonderful, but sometimes she forgets I’m her husband and gets so busy with her work. Could you scold her for that?”
She laughed, really laughed, her head tipping back as a tear slipped down her cheek.
I found myself staring at her. After the king’s death, I hadn’t seen her laugh so freely. It made me feel good, and without realising it, I smiled too.
“I will,” she said, mid-laugh.“I will scold her hard. Don’t worry. For now, go to the prayer hall.”
I nodded, stood up, and touched her feet.
I made my way to the prayer hall when something in the far corner of the garden caught my eye.
There, behind a tree, stood Eklavya—more like hiding—watching something… or someone.
I followed his line of vision and noticed a group of women. My brows creased, but the thought of catching him red-handed made my lips curve into a smile.
I walked toward him quietly and stood behind him. Inching forward, I saw a princess walking with her girl group, laughing.
