Mohini "s bedchamber

The special dinner-

When Vansh entered Mohini 's room. He was impressed. Mohini was looking ravishing, in a royal blue corset studded with pearl,emerald and silver. It was paired with a heavy silky emerald green skirt,along with a shimmery long veil attached to her slender waist and curves.

She adorned herself with jewelry of emerald and diamonds, a perfect match with her dress.

She was looking no less than a princess.

Her eyes were looking smoky, due to the kohl she had applied.

"You are looking beautiful Mohini, ''

Vansh appreciated her.

"Thank You Rajasaye.''She smiled.

It's an honour to serve you. I am so happy you granted my invitation and visit my place
"Pls have a seat. "

Vansh was looking around.

He was pleased to see the arrangement.

Mohini had changed the decor of the room. The walls and the door frames were garlanded with strings of Dalia, Chrysanthemum, and white roses. The palatial casements of the room were wrapped in fine white silk curtains.

Even the mattress that was laid was white. He could smell the soothing aroma of sandalwood and camphor. The dinner invitation she has planned, was really special

"A chess board that was made of white marble, was placed in the middle. The board pieces were new. They were made of black and white ivory stone respectively.

"This arrangement that you made is splendid." Am I forgetting something? Is there anything special today?"

He asked, as he stretched his body on the mattress.

"With you Rajasaye...Everyday is special. It's been a long time. We didn't have a competition. I just wanted to make the things special. I wanted to celebrate our partnership. I hope you liked it."

replied Mohini humbly.

"I liked it indeed''.

said Vansh and focused on the game.

It was yesterday morning, that Mohini sent him a letter, where she apologized for her previous behavior, and requested him to pay a visit to her room, for a fun chess competition, along with a luncheon. This was not a new thing for them. Rather there was more. He used to take her for hunting. They also used to enjoy picnics in the woods,located in the threshold of the village. Sex and Chess, used to be the chief attraction of it.

Mohini was intelligent, smart and fun to be around, when he was a bachelor. Vansh prefers someone with a substance,rather than those who will fulfill his carnal needs.

Lots has happened, in the past few days,in his personal life. Now he really needed his brain to be refreshed.

Vansh took a chess pawn in his hand, and sank into deep thought.

"Its been almost more than 4 days,Riddhima had challenged her to stop him. And indeed, He sighed, she had been successful. He,frankly,is not a person who will wage war against some Kingdom. Like his father, he too believed, A king should only wage a war, when there is a necessity. Vansh, though a Warrior prince,never nurtured the idea of Violence and bloodshed. He had heard about Lord Buddha and he was interested to visit one of his shrines to know more about the Religious Cult that was emerging in regions like Bengal and other North Indian states. He knew for sure, Riddhima had no ulterior motive to harm him, She was just protecting somebody and indeed the person was close to her heart. He sighed and glanced at the window again. He really hoped that, He would not have to take the stern measure of waging a war. He dearly wanted Riddhima to confess everything. If she would not, He would have to take her life, no matter how lovely, pretty and affable she is. Vansh 's heart panged with an unleashed pain, He is the ruler of this kingdom. He can't roam around as a love-sucking soul. To him, everyone, even if she is his wife, is equal to him.

His trance broke, as her melodious voice cooed.

"Rajasaye, I have prepared a special drink for you. Please have it, before we start the game."

Mohini poured a special juice in the silver wine glass and offered Vansh to sip it.

In very few moments, Vansh and Mohini get engrossed in playing. She meticulously kept serving the juice from time to time, as they continued to play.

Mohini glanced at him. The medicine will show its reaction soon. She smirked and continued to play her turn.

Flashback of Mohini -

"Do you think this is right?"

Vrinda murmured, with a tinge of fear and hesitation as Mohini was grinding some herbs in a black stone Mortar.
"Only Seven drops of this herbal tonic, and the blissful marriage of the Crown princess will be over".

Mohini smirked evilly.

"I don't think this is right Mohini Ji...If Rajasaye ever came to know of this. He will....
" Did I ask your Opinion Vrinda"?

Mohini looked up at her glaringly. Your job was to bring it from the Apothecary, and I have paid you more than enough, You are capable of. She indicated the solid gold bangles Vrinda was wearing.
"Now keep your mouth shut and leave ".

"I still suggest Mohini Ji...Please think again."

"Yuddh mein aur Saryayantra mein sab uchit hai ".

Everything is fair in war and conspiracy ".

Mohini gave a sinister smile.

"I am just doing what I am told."

End of Flashback.

Riddhima "s Bedchamber

Aur fir Saptarathi ne Avimanyu ko charo taraf se gher liya. Avimanyu ; Sirf sola sal ka tha....Par us mein apni pita arjun sa bal aur sahash tha...Woh dara nhi, jhuka nahi, data raha....Usko ghere huye sapta rathi mahabhir the.....
Dronacharaya, Ashwathama, Karn,Duryodhan, Shakuni....Apni hi putra saman, apni hi sishya ki santan ko vadh karte huye unka hriday nhi kaanpa.....

( And then the Saptarathi entrapped Abhimanyu from all the sides. He was only a kid of 16.But he was as strong and brave his father Arjuna,He didn't get scared, neither he bend, He was firm in his place.The saptaRathi was standing encircling him,Their heart,for once didn't fell weakened to kill a boy whos like their child, who was their own blood

Riddhima 's eyes filled with tears, when She recites the verse to Jagruki, Toral, Visakha and Archana. It was their daily routine. Riddhima used to read different mythological verses to her maids. It was mandatory to attend this session after luncheon. Her maids were more than happy to accompany her. After a long day 's work, they used to enjoy their Ranisaye 'company . Sometimes they used to tell her the stories of their childhood. They used to gossip,sing and chat. They never thought, their Ranisaye, will bo generous and kind to them.

"Rajkumari Nandavadra requests her presence for you Ranisaye "

The guard informed, interrupting the session.

Riddhima immediately dismisses her chapereons. She tied her loose red corset tight and bun her hair.

She was not very fond of wearing jewelry while relaxing. Nandavadra entered along with her chief handsmaid Dharatri

"Pranam Ranisaye "! She folded her hand in courtesy
.
"You can call me Ri...I mean Ragini".

Nandavadra arched her brow.

"I know who you are...And I have heard you have made quite an impression in the hearts of our maids."

Riddhima looked at her. She looks exactly the younger version of her grandmother. But fairer than her. She has a calm countenance over her face. Nandavadra was wearing a simple orange saree embroidered with gold threads. Only with her minimal jewelry and marital signs. She was working in her apothecary that she usually does.

"Please have a seat Didisa" I shall arrange some refreshements....Nanda cut Riddhima 's word in the middle and announced.

"I have not come here to share pleasantries here ". That could be done later. I want all your maids in a queue. My handsmaid will search for them". Nanda 's voice was calm but serious..

"But what happened Didisa ". Riddhima asked her humbly. Gone was the lethargic atmosphere around the room, The scenario was tensive.

"Will you please elaborate what happened Didisa "?

Riddhima asked her, anxiously.

" A large amount of herbal medicine from a particular herbs has been stolen". Nandavaadra informed.

The thief must have thought that I would not keep any vigilance on my medicines. She stole it in a very little amount, rather than stealing it in bulk. She thought, I will not notice that.but I have my ways to put a check on them.

"How can you be so sure that the person is a female? What are the names of the medicines?.Are they dangerous?"

Nanda sighed and replied -

"No male except Vansh and SomDevji our husbands,would be allowed in the Antarmahal. I am pretty sure, it has been done by some maid ". And the names, if you asked me,
An amorous amount of Kesar, Silajit,Shatavira and Gokshura has been stolen. I have also been reported that some sedatives are also lesser in amount in the storage.
Riddhima 's eyes widened in shock..

"I presume they are used for increasing sexual appetite ". She murmured,

"You are absolutely correct."

Nanda Bhadra was really impressed by her sister -in -laws intelligence.

"But how did you know this?"

Ridhima blushed and hung her head.
"I have read about it ". But Why would someone steal it "?

"And how you will find it ".

"That I will show you.

Can you arrange all the maids in a line. You only are authorized to do so." said Nandavadra.

All the maids were summoned in the vast backyard of the terrace. Nandvadra sniffed their palms and ascertained that none of them.was the culprit

"Where is Vrinda "? pointed out Jagruki.

"Who is Vrinda?" asked Riddhima curiously.

"She is the chief handmaid of Mohini".

Nanda gritted her teeth.

"Find her and bring her under my feet now".

Nanda usually was a calm and polite woman, but if someone ever tried to tell lie or harm her family, She could be as perilous as her brother is.

Vrinda was shuddering in fear, like a lamb, who is yet to be slaughtered.

Nandavadra sniffed her hand and confirmed her as the culprit ".

"Out with it ". Riddhima yelled at her.

"Dare u lie to us Vrinda "

.Nanda growled.

Vrinda revealed everything,at once.

"Why would Mohini conspire such a heinous move like this against him"? Nanda was confused.

"Didisa,!! Riddhima 's voice choked in fear and anticipation.

"Will Rajasaye be safe? Will he be alright?.To what extent can they be harmful"?

" They are not very harmful but, if consumed with alcohol. It will create a long lasting sedative effect on Vansh, It may turned him to a sex addict and its quite possible, he would  not leave her room for days. Contnious sex and sleep, in such an aromatic room, can make him prone to addicted to Mohini's body. "
Nanda looked at her sister -in-law and her heart ached with pain,

"Don't worry Riddhima ". Vansh will be fine. I have sent my men to inform him about this conspiracy. And even if he had consumed anything, I would prepare some antidotes for him.

"I cannot let this happen to Rajasaye ". Riddhima ran towards her casement, she opened it, and took a silver dagger in her hand . She ran towards Mohini's chamber pushing Nanda and the other maids.

Little she was, her power limited, but what she knows, her life was dependent on the man.

"You cannot go there. Princesses are not.....But before Jagruki could stop her, Riddhima disappeared from her vicinity.

All the guards lowered their eyes, and left the place immediately. They were shocked to witness their Ranisaye wrapped only in a flimsy veil, hair bun loosely, quite dishevelled, running crazily.

Mohini's Bedchamber

Riddhima stopped in her tracks, huffing near Mohini's chamber. She pushed the door forcefully and barged in the room. Her feet stuck in the ground, when she saw the scene after her. Rajasaye was standing near Mohini, with eyes shot like red fireballs. The chess board,the glass, food plates were scattered here and there. Mohini was trembling like a leaf. Her face was ashened and colorless. All the pride of her beauty was gone.

"How dare you?"

Riddhima shuddered and her dagger fell in the ground, when he growled.

"What are you doing here Riddhima?"

He asked her, gripping her wrist tightly,

"Don't you know the protocol?" You are not supposed to come here!!"

" I...I...thought...you are in danger....I wanted to save you...I...I...she couldn't form words properly. Vansh, pinned her towards his chest and gripped her tiny waist

"So my feisty little minx came here to save me!! So what was your plan Ranisaye?"

He tucked a loose hair behind her head. He was talking to Riddhima, Her blazing eyes, were fixed on Mohini.

"So you want me to save her from Mayajal by this petite little dagger " Oh that 's so courageous! He laughed, and mocked her. Riddhima 's eyes filled with tears.

"How can he be so heartless?" She came running to save him and here , He is mocking her?'

Riddhima gulped her tears and said

" I...just wanted...to...

"Pick it up Riddhima!"

Vansh growled menacingly.

"Chop her tongue and eye off with this dagger now "! Show her how a betrayer is punished. You know right! I have indeed shown you those glimpses! Didn't I?'

Show her what a betrayer faces as a consequence when he or she is caught. ".

Vansh jerked her hands off and strode to Mohini. He dragged her hand and pushed her in front Riddhima 's feet.

"Look at her. She is the crown princess. She is my wife. And I told you repeatedly, that I cannot have sex with you as I have promised her, That my loyalty rests for her..its my duty to restore that, but You Mohini, whom I cared and considered as a close one....tried to backstab me?" And what kind of a fool you are. Who thought you would mix aphrodisiac in my drinks, and I will not be able to trace that?"

"I have thousands of ears and eyes behind me. You thought to befool me? I deal with serpents like you....in the battlefield. I am the future ruler of this state...And you conveniently thought that you will kept me sedated and drunk, engaged in sex, so that I broke the promise and betray my wife?"

Mohini's throat was parched. She stood up with staggered feet.

"I.....I.....She tried to explain.

Vansh put his finger on his lips and indicated to her to sushed up.

"What kind of a fool you are?.You asked your maid to steal the medicines from the apothecary of the palace?."

Vansh smirked at her.

"Do you really think I kissed your hand to express my affection? No!I knew Nanda 's tactics for sniffing the hands. She mixes Kasturi in every medical herb she uses. And no matter what effort you have put, the smell of the flowers couldn't hide it."

"But how it didn't show any reaction in your Body Rajasaye ". Riddhima pointed the glass that was half empty.

Vansh smiled and sat on the mattress ,and snapped his fingers towards Riddhima , and indicated to her to sit on his lap . Riddhima blushed profusely .
"Gal of this man !
How can he place such a salacious demand when another woman is standing near them. She walked slowly near him and sat beside him .
I have ordered you to sit on my lap!

He raised his voice.

Riddhima , finding no other option, sat on his lap .
I practiced Kumbhak My dear little Ranisaye ! he said. I drank it . But I control my urges , by the tactics I have practiced. I don't fall prey so easily to my desires .Mohini ! I deal with more dangerous things than this . How could you think you will dupe me with such lousy tactics? Mohini hung her head low . Riddhima looked at him with eyes filled with innocence . A questioning bug was bothering her .

What is Kumbhak Rajasaye ? She asked, scrunching her nose .
Vansh arched his brow with an amusing smile at her . He whispered in her ears .
"That I will never do while we make love in the future. He told her , pulling her cheeks lovingly.

Riddhima "s cheek turned beetroot red ; as she understood his suggestive remark .

Kuch bhi bolte hai ! Zuban pe na lagam hai na haya haii . She murmured .( He has no control on his speech neither he has any shame ) .

Riddhima wondered how he could be so calm , she couldn't match that predatory gaze that was spitting fire a while ago , and now he is in his usual jovial mood.

Mohini ! he said , in her sonorous voice , while caressing Riddhima 's hair .

"I have countless enemies in my life . But friends , closed ones , unfortunately are very few. You till date had been the one , I trusted you , I came here to have food and play dice with you . You were the one with whom I shared bed for the first time. You have always been in a special place in my life. I more hurt than angry with you ,

"Why on earth you played such a vile game with me". You know very well , that I hate betrayers . Then how could you weave such a heinous ploy against me . ?

"I was told to do so ."said Mohini . Tears flowed down from her eyes .

"Who was the person ?" Who was so important in your life that you broke the years of loyalty and partnership against me .

"I cannot reveal that name. You will not trust me . I did it by the person's instruction. But my motive was to harm her pride ,"

Mohini pointed her finger towards Riddhima.

"Respect ! Mohini ! Don't you dare ...She is your queen and you are just a maid to her ."

Riddhima jolted back , in his lap as his voice turned to a menacing growl again .

Mohini lowered her head in shame .

I could have killed you for what you have done . But You served me for a long period of time . So i will not take your life . But you will be punished .

You will serve the leprosy patients in the royal dispensary. You will clean their litter and sewage. You will feed the cow and the horses alone without any help . After that , You will live Udaykhetra forever. All your rights to be a chief concubine are annulled . You will be given minimal cash and you will leave my state , and earn your living by yourself. Udaykhetra will bear no responsibility of yours . You can leave and vacate the royal chamber for the chief concubine.

Mohini left the chamber . Anger and sorrow engulfed her eyes .

She closed her eyes and vowed

"One day you will have to pay for this Riddhima ". She murmured and left the chamber dragging her body exhaustingly .

Riddhima stood up from his lap .

"Thank you Rajasaye ! Riddhima smiled at him and tried to set his disheveled hair ."Vansh instantly held her hand and stopped her . His face was expressionless . He replied in a icy tone

" You don't need to thank me. I did what was right ". She should know the place where she belonged . And you indeed must know it as well ". I punished every single soul who betrayed me, Riddhima. No matter who the person is ! You will not be spared after seven days if you fail . You must remember that well .".

Riddhima"s Bedchamber

Riddhima was sitting near the large window . So much had happened some hours ago .... Did Rajasaye pretend by showing affection towards her in front of Mohini ? Was it just an act ? Or was it his real feelings for her? She recalled how she ran like a crazy with that dagger to protect him. She laughed at herself. Was it not a stupid thing done by her ? She is just a powerless woman in front such a staunch warrior who can behead a band of army in a wink of an eye . He is no less powerful than Arjuna in Mahabharata. She instantly felt very inferior about herself. She is just like a small ant in front of a towering personality like him. Tears pooled into her eyes . She saw the sun is setting , spreading the pinkish colour all over the sky . The birds are returning to their nests . A soft smile crept in her lips watching the chirping bird flying gleefully.

"So my Cute courageous Ranisaye was reading AvimanyuVad of Mahabharata? Her reverie broke as she could hear his voice . She stood up and came near to him

"If you wish you can punish me for my audacity?" I broke the protocol and barged into Mohini's room. I am ready to accept any punishment you wish to give". I will bear it " she said.

Vansh discarded his Stoll and grabbed her waist in one go .

"There is no need to punish actually....I just want to ask you one thing ".

'How come you thought to protect me from any evil just by a dagger which is as little as u." . Riddhima smiled sadly ,

",You can surely mock me Rajasaye ....I know I am just a little bug in front of a huge personality like you. But I find it right ...It was the least I could do for you ...I am your wife . I felt the need to protect ....her eyes filled with tears , and her voice choked . Vansh lifted her chin , and wiped her tears lovingly. He cupped her face and latched his lip on hers . He sucked it slowly. It was a gentle soothing kiss.

"I sometimes feel like Avimanyu... who was mercilessly killed by those people who were his own blood . I felt very helpless Rajasaye". I wish Avimanyu could know the way out of the Chakravyuh". Riddhima said , amidst the kiss .

You want to perform the duty of the wife ...But don't you think you always skip the chief duty of a wife ?" Vansh took her face in his hands in his palms and said

"A wife should never hide anything from her husband. But you choose to keep your promise Over our relationship. I guess I still couldn't take the place of Ragini in your heart ," Pandavas mercilessly killed the five Nishad brothers and their Mother in the Jatugriha Riddhima... Avimanyu - the innocent paid the price of those innocent souls . "

Vansh picked her up in his arms and laid her on the bed . He put a duvet on her and said

"Everything comes with a price, Riddhima . You have to pay for your actions and bear the result of what you have sown".

Precap - Sulochani Devi and her daughters returned to Udaykhetra. Riddhima revealed a glimpse of her past.
Kumbhak - An act or a yoga that is practiced tocontrol sexual desires

Aphrodisiac -Herbs that increase sexual appetite.

Kasturi - A highly aromatic fragrant that is found in a deer"s stomach.

Avimanyuvad and Nishad vadh had been written in simple language by the author.

The era depicts the spread of Buddhism in India.

It is perhaps the longest chapter I have written. Almost 3500 words.

It feels very humiliating to beg for inline comments. So i will not beg for it. I hope you will enjoy it.

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I dedicate this to Paracosmic_Soul

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Hope to give more interesting chappies soon.

In next chapter some more past will be revealed. So keep hooked with King"s wife.