The Royal patio

 "I never expected such callousness from you Jagruki "! "Riddhima,for the first time, was angry with her favorite handsmaid.

"Why didn't you inform me when you got to know that Somlekha and Kalyani had been missing along with Devika?"

"Ranisaye ! I didn't want to bother you. We thought that they must have gone to their home as a part of their  mid break routine. " replied Jagruki.

Riddhima sighed heavily.
"Now tell me from when they had been missing?" 

"Sunanda"!

Jagruki indicated the assistant maid in charge to answer her queen 's question.  Sunanda was temporarily in charge of  the recruitment, roaster,food and security of all the maids. Jagruki,though was their chieftain,had been assigned to look after Riddhima 's needs and preferences exclusively.
"Tell me everything in detail Sunanda".

Riddhima commanded.

"Ranisaye! Devika had been assigned to give food to Princess Satakshi and Meenakshi...Behind... the bars...sunanda was sweating,while  conveying  the truth. 
"She had not returned since she had gone to the royal prison."

"Riddhima's eyes widened in shock.
"What!" she exclaimed.
And what about Somlekha and Kalyani ? she enquired further.

"They also had gone to give them dinner prior to Devika. " Sunanda exclaimed .

"I cannot take this lightly anymore. I am sure that something grave must have happened. I will have to inform Raja...I mean Arya. "

" Jagruki! How could you be so irresponsible?"

Now Riddhima scolds her directly.

" I sincerely beg your apology Ranisaye ". jagruki  was ashamed of her negligence. 

"Send the guards to every nook and corner and do not forget to send them to the chambers associated with Rani Sulochani Devi and not even the under constructed areas of Rudra Bhavan. She ordered.

45 minutes later 

"Riddhima! Can you please sit for a while."  Nanda holds her hands to stop her pacing back and forth. 

"How am I supposed to do that Didisaye? It was my duty to have  a check if my handsmaids are safe not or not. "

"No, it's not entirely your duty. This is a huge palace. At Least 500 people work here in different segments. It's not an easy task to keep an eye on them. Jagruki didn't perform her part well and Sunanda too was careless. Stop blaming yourself, Everything cannot be in your hands. Sometimes things can be out of order and it's natural. "

" Rajsaye will think that I am incompetent ".she murmured.

Nanda smiled fondly at her cute little sister -in -law.  She pulled her cheek and replied 

"Competence cannot be proved in a single day's performance. You have just started learning these things. Mistakes can happen. No one here is free from faults. When I was new, I also used to  do miscalculations  in mixing the chemicals and ingredients in my medicine. Vansh, who is so perfect, had immense difficulty learning swimming, when he was 11. Even now,sometimes,we make mistakes,and you even haven't committed one ". 

"Agya Ranisaye! "A guard  appeared near Nanda's bedchamber.

"Andar aao (Come in) she said 

"Devika, Somlekha and Kalyani had been rescued from the dungeon behind the  royal storehouse Ranisaye..." 

Nanda and Riddhima both stood up in astonishment. 

The guard continued.

The royal guards sent by Rajasaye, upon your insistence,found them  in the dungeon. Rajasaye has asked you to take the further decisions  tomorrow as he will be busy in some state affairs ".  

Nanda dismissed the guards and smiled 

"Now you should go to Vansh!  You should stay near him when he is having his dinner ".

Riddhima and Vansh"s bedchamber 

Riddhima 's eyes widened, when Vansh clearly declared that it will be her who will decide  further in this matter.

"I honestly don't know how to manage this situation. Those girls were my responsibility. But I was so engrossed in my individual problem that Jagruki didn't inform me. Had I known about their disappearance Rajasaye!  I would have....But now thankfully, they had been rescued.  Mahakal knows How relieved I am. " Riddhima was chewing her nails and blabbering nervously. Vansh was  in a half lying position,grabbing  the side pillow,  smiling  in amusement.

"Will you say something or not Aarya?" She whined.  

He smiled and snapped  his fingers to her 

"Come to me and sit here'' .He said in an affectionate tone.

No sooner had she climbed the bed than he pulled her in his arms. Riddhima immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, snuggled to his torso and lay her head on his chest, entangling her feet with him.

It feels so relaxed when he sniffs the aroma of her hair. The  smell of the kasturi and agar  from her  body makes his nerves  soothed .

He  kept playing his fingers into her    long hairs splattered over her back.

"Are you even listening to me? "Riddhima held his hand.
"No".he said, kissing her temple.

"umm! This is serious. Please! She pouts.

Vansh groaned in  disbelief. 

"Stubborn little wife of his!" He  sighed 

"You have all my ears and nose my Priye Ranisaye...'' he said, kissing her hair again.

 "I am sorry Rajasaye"....she apologized in a meek  tone. snuggling more to him.

"Your apology will not be accepted if you call me Rajasaye! "You know what you are supposed to call me? "

 He nuzzled his beard on her soft skin. He kept brushing his fingers  between the deep cleavage of her bralette. 

"Ummh! Mm Raja...Arya! "she moaned.

" I couldn't do justice to those girls. I failed. "She exclaimed.

"You already have done exactly what you should do''. And who told you that you have failed?" he asked, taking more close to her embrace. 

Vansh could feel her eyes are moist,

She seems like a butterfly outside, so colorful and vibrant, but she still in a stage of pupa inside, who needs  time to spread her wings.

"Riddhima it's ok! You don't  have to be bothered so much"

. He kissed her again.  His heart fluttered to cuddle with her more.

 
"No.. "!  Riddhima got rid of his  hold at once. She was damn serious.

She sat up and argued 

"Why are you not taking the matters seriously? You are the king. Aren't they your responsibility?"

"What if they are hurt or injured or even anything  serious must have happened to them?"

Vansh looked at her cute face and sighed 

"Riddhima! Vansh rolled his eyes inwardly. This girl!  He thought.

 He cupped her cheeks in both of  his hand and smiled, 
"It's true that I am the king...but they are technically your responsibility. It's my duty to rule and protect the country and you, being the crown princess,will be the one who will rule the inner circles of the palace.  You are prudent enough to do what is right or wrong." 

"You are not understanding the seriousness of the situation Aarya "! What if they had been harmed by Satakshi and Meenakshi ". she whined.

 "In that case You will be the decision maker of  the kind of punishment they deserved.  Riddhima! It will be you who will have the unquestionable authority from now on..You should never be dependent on me about such matters. It will be you whose decision will be the last word for all whoever may be the  person is! I might be busy with administrative jobs or I might  not be present in the palace due to wars. In that case,you will be the protector. And as far as I know you did the right thing sending the guards. "

Vansh put his head on her lap and sighed 
"Let me sleep Ranisaye! It's not my duty to solve the problem for your maids' '.

"Aarya!! "

Sometimes you become so incomprehensible!" 

.Riddhima scrunched her nose and carefully slid her head from her lap. 

Aarya! if you have forgotten my dear Rajasaye! Three girls have been   missing from the palace and all you want is to sleep ?How can you be so casual about it? How am I supposed to make a decision  all of  sudden? I have not been crowned yet nor have I had any experience.   and you are the one who wanted to entrust me with such a huge responsibility! Will you not guide me? 

She again started panicking. 

Vansh pulled her in his lap and settled her little frame between her thighs. 

"Stop grumbling and panicking ". He said

"I was only 15 Riddhima,when I was conferred the duty to rule this vast kingdom. It's true that the council of ministry guided me,but there was no one who would have shown me the right or wrong. I had to take the toughest decision of killing my uncle to end his tyranny.  
Be it war, or internal affairs of the state, the people,unchoiceably had to rely on me.
Be it Right or wrong, I was the one who had to take the charge of the decisions.

You are a royal Aarya!   you have grown up by your elders   and have been   trained in different ways. I know nothing of that. I have no training / experience. What if I make a wrong decision? She kept her head on the crook of her neck.  

Vansh by then, had unpinned Ridhima's corset loosely. 
He could only feel the heaving of her chest, as he brushed his fingers over the erected nub of her  nipples under the corset. He was in no mood to hurry. What he always wanted with Riddhima was gentle love-making.

With his concubines,when he was  a bachelor, he used to be  rigorous and passionate. But she....is different. She is special.

Closing her eyes, he knew she was  enjoying her husband's touch.She occasionally was scrunching down her knees to control her wetness. 

 Vansh lifted her chin and looked into his eyes  passionately. He smiled fondly at him.

"Experience does not happen overnight  Ranisaaye! ! '' he kissed her nose and said, 

"And do you really  think I never made a mistake?Indeed I have done a few, but I have learned from it.  You eventually would do the same." He kept ruffling her hair,twirling her nipples side by side. 

  "Keep your eyes and ears open, and have confidence in your thinking or intelligence. And who told you that I will not guide you. I will always be there whenever you will be in need of my support. "

"I know you will ". she cupped his cheek in one hand, and kissed his forehead.

"Come and lie down on my lap.".She urged. 

I know I bother you a lot....  Isn't it.

Vansh lay his head on her lap and  take her hands indicating her to ruffle his hair.

"Stop this non -sensical  self blaming Ridhima! Don't spoil our lovely moments and answer my question  like a good little girl!  

I know,  even if you are not a princess, You have  grown  up in a royal family, you must   have seen and learnt    how a queen manages her Antarmahal right? Then why are you so worried. I will make sure that you are provided Arthasastra and Manusmriti so that it can guide you in future decision making.

No arya! I didn't learn anything that way. But yes! I have read some parts of Manusmriti and Arthasashtra,when I was in Manyabhum. 

But no books can substitute a practical lesson. Vansh was impressed. Indeed she is  right! He was surprised to think that, How thoughtful  and wise she is, despite being so young. Then Why?.he wondered, she lacks confidence! 

Riddhima massaged his head gently, with her soft hands and continued, 

Maharaja Kabir Bhadra's mother died at a very young age. Princess Ragini and I were young then. It was his grandmother's and Aunt, who took care of the palace. Everything changed, when...Riddhima  paused for a while, and thought,if she should tell him or not. 

" Riddhima! You can tell me!  he assured her 

Everything changed when Maharaj brought Mandakini and Rudra from Vaishali. She indirectly took charge of the Antarmahal.  

"Isn't Mandakini  a concubine? Vansh asked with displeasure in his tone.

"Yes she is! She sighed and contemplated sadly. Rudra is her brother. 

They had always tried to control us.  The andarmahal - Riddhima"s eyes dazzled in indignation,  as she recalled how Rudra used to harass the women in Manyabhum and always got scot free due to Kabir and Manda. 

Had he been in Uday Kshetra,  Rajasaye would have chopped his head off against a single complaint.

Only I know how I saved Princess Ragini from that witch ! she murmured,  Arya! I wish I could tell you the truth! 

Vansh 's Pov( Soliloquy) 

I  should have understood this  earlier, that Kabir Bhadra is upto some  conspiracy. Maybe Ragini's life is in danger in some way,which is forcing Riddhima to maintain silence. 
Was this just a mere  marriage proposal to form new bonds between the territories or there must be a deep conspiracy behind it. 

Kabir Vadra never really revealed any plan or sought any help for me,which he easily could have done!  Is he at all aware of the fact that her sister had not got married to me. I will have to send Manibhadra behind him.

 to keep an eye on Kabir Bhadra.

Maybe Riddhima and Ragini are just  a part of his heinous plan. They are to young and naive to understand such dicey things.

"Riddhima!"He called him affectionately.

"Do you have any idea about any kind of enemies or opponents against Kabirbharda? " Tell me the truth if you know.... You need to trust me this time. 

Riddhima bent her lips and kissed his forehead.

"I trust you with all my heart and soul Aarya ". Why did you ask this question?Is there any problem?she asked 

'No! he replied, ''As of now everything seems perfectly alright". But this information will be useful for me in future. If you  have any idea about anything...tell me now!'

"This is a matter of great shame and regret!  Mahakal would never forgive me for bad mouthing against my King. But you are my husband. I will not hide anything from you. Aarya! She addressed Vansh! 

Our subjects in Manyabhum are extremely dissatisfied with the king. There may be rebellion any day. It's exactly the opposite of how you ruled Udaykhetra and It's a shame I am saying such negative things against my king. But he is a total misfit to the throne,tarnishing the glory of our state.

Most of the times, he is either engaged in drinking or having sex with Mandakini. He is only in his sane mind, in the morning in the practice sessions of the weaponries.

Many villages have been washed away in  floods  in the last two years. But he took no initiative to mend it. Only the wishes and the whims of  Mandakini are being fulfilled. That is the only thing  that keeps  the maharaja enlivened.

 I never let Ragini understand this. Our king is under the control of his concubine. "

Tears fell on his cheeks, as she blurted out the truth. She never felt so ashamed in her lifetime. 

Vansh got up from her lap and pulled her in a tight embrace.

"You will not shed an ounce of tears for that...Dont worry. Now when I am with you,  there is no need to get worried and feel sad. I would see into it.

You are my brave little princess! And my baby punishes the demons. She is not a damsel in distress.  Riddhima wrapped her arms around him and sobbed 

"What if things go  out of my hands tomorrow". 

"I will take charge of the matter then ". He kissed her hair.

"You know what Aarya ?"  Love shapes you to a better person or it may destroy you. I am lucky to have my love who will always enhance me to the light. But unfortunately our king is in love with a woman who will destroy him." 

Vansh took her soft petals in his rough ones, and kept sucking it passionately, until she stopped crying and started reciprocating his advances. He lay himself  on the pillow along with her. Soon her eyes drooped in heavy slumber.  A peaceful smile played in her lips, as she finally had got a secured arm to rely upon. 

Morning 

"You will tell me each and every truth, Devika. " Riddhima glared at the evil twins,  who were standing near her in chains.

Devika gulped her saliva in fear. 

"Tell me the truth now'' .Riddhima growled like a lioness.She herself was taken aback about the confidence that built up in her.

I, Somalta, and Kalyani were assigned to give food to the princesses. But we were not allowed to return back to the palace.  By the order of Queen Sulochini Devi we were  kept in the secret dungeon 

 so that the princesses can....Devika paused,  as Meenakshi and Satakshi were indicating her to shush up by shooting menacing looks  at them. 

"Dont be afraid Devika! Tell the truth ".

Rajkumari Satakshi is a lesbian and Meenkashi is bigamaous. We were kept there so that they can have sex with us.
Somlata, who was the most courageous among the three, revealed it. 

Riddhima was numb and mute for a while.

"They did what?"  She cried out in disgust and indignation.

That was it for Devika and Kalyani. They both burst out in tears and hold Riddhima 's feet.
" Somlata enjoyed it " But was kept in the secret room, so that no one could know the truth. But we were forced for three consecutive days to execute the malpractice

"Does your Rajasaye know about this"! 

Not Ranisaye ! Somlekha replied.

If he finds out, he will cut the throats of the princesses in two at once . He hates homosexuality. In Udaya Kshetra its punishment is death.

"They should be sentenced to death ".She growled  . You both not only tried to harm me and an innocent unborn,but had been practising something,which is against the law of nature.

Now I will have to inform Rajasaye. 

Jagruki! She summoned her chief handmaid. She handed over a parchment  to her.

Meenkshi was crying hysterically,while Sataskshi  was begging, holding her feet. Sulochani Devi tried to convince Riddhima repeatedly,but all was in vain.

When Vansh came to know about this. He was livid.He took his sword from his health and rushed to the twins. 

Vidyut vadra,Somdev and others tried to stop him,in his way, but  Vansh gave a deaf ear to all. He was maddened with an urge to conduct a blood bath for them. His veins popped as blue, as he was seething in anger.

"Stop him.! A terrified Trilochani Devi begged  Riddhima, who was standing along with Nanda, on the spacious  ground where Vansh would have detached their heads from their body.

Riddhima ran towards him, and  blocked his way. She was looking like a tiny doll against his towering figure,that was shaking in anger and disdain. The beast in him was unchained, and only one person, in the world, could stop him.

"Riddhima! Don't you dare stop me! He growled. Enough is enough! 

I have endured a lot of their barbarism and injustice. Today I will kill them and purify the blood of my family. They have played with the dignity of my subjects in my palace.I will chop off these  Mother and daughter right here right now. 

 No, you won't go anywhere! Let's go to the room! You are not in your own sane mind at this time. I cannot let your hands be smeared by the blood of your own family members. Riddhima literally dragged her to their bedchamber by her tiny hands.

Nanda heaved a huge sigh of relief.  She glanced at her aunt and sisters.

"You are alive today by the grace of the one,taking the life of whom was your only goal.Now do you understand Why she is different from others?" 

And you, Dadisaye, if you still do not understand how good and important Ridhima is to us, then I will say that you have lost your mind." 

Trilochani devi gritted her teeth in disappointment and anger. Her control over her grandchildren was slipping. Her anger and hatred raised two fold more for Riddhima.

"Nanda!  Let's go. Don't get hyper. It's not good for your health. Somvadra took Nanda to her room and left.

Vansh and Riddhima "s Bedchamber 

Riddhima! Don't stop me. Why are you even doing this. Don't you know this is a sin. They have violated the rule of the law and they must get punished. Vansh stood up from the mattress and  tried to move from the room towards the outside. It was not easy,but Riddhima made her calm down a bit. 

"I agree Arya!" She said, 

And I will not stop you from punishing them, But all I am saying is dont kill them. They after all are your family and moreover they are women. "This will not be good for the image our subjects have for you in their mind."

Dar nayi Praja ki dil mein aap ke liye aadar hona chahiye.
(Your people shouldn't be scared of you, but they should adore and respect you).

"I will not give any concessions to them, because they are women. In my eyes, all criminals are equal. They should be sentenced to death for attempting  murder against the crown princess  and practising  homosexuality. And the whole Udayakshetra knows that everyone is equal in my eyes. "

You are very angry,at this moment,  which is forcing you to make such a tough decision. According to the Manu Sanhita, death penalty is not recommended. This will bring disgrace to the people of the state. And you told me that being a crown princess I will have the power to make the final decision. Isn't it.? She reasoned carefully.

Vansh looked at her  for a while. His stern muscles softened and he laughed out loudly, forgetting the anger that had engulfed him earlier, He pulled her in his torso,grabbing her waist.

"You little thing! You  have got quite a nerve!  You are right. It should be you who should decide their punishment. Well, let's see how you do justice to the victims.

Let their hair be removed for good.  cut off their fingers and throw them out of this state. Though they  will not be expelled from the state as they are the  members of the royal family, they will be closely monitored for  twenty four hours.

From today, they will  lead their lives begging in the ancient temple of the palace! And they will have no relationship with the royal family. No sexual offence against any of my royal employees will be tolerated. Rajasaye would have killed them,but I as a to be crown princess, is taking the charge and commanding the assistant commander -in -chief  to make my orders in effect. 

Vansh was watching her from afar . He smiled satisfactorily. 

"Now I can proudly call you my better half My love! he said to himself. 

You not only protect  me by stopping the unleashed beast from within,but you did the perfect justice which will be exemplary to all. I am proud of you, Riddhima. 

Disclaimer

The story is written on the pretext  of 750 A.D. This was a time when Homosexuality was considered sin /forbidden and against the law of people as well as the cycle of nature. The punishment that has been  cited as a part of the story was prescribed in Manusamhita or Manusmriti. 

As a writer I only portrayed the darkness of the royal secrets. But as a woman,I am totally against any kind of violence that is practiced to trouble the homosexual individuals. Sexual Orientation, is an individual"s preference. No violence or atrocity is acceptable.

Precap - Rudra returns Manyabhum.  Kabir sent an invitation to Udaykhetra. Vansh and Riddhima went to Mahakal Mandir for Rudraavishek. Hot romance ahead!! 

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