Vansh and Riddhima 's bed chamber.

"I, as the to be crown princess is taking the charge and commanding my order into effect "

Riddhima blushed like a full grown tomato, as Vansh, mimicked her speech. She covered her face in embarrassment.

" Aarya'' .she moaned softly.

Vansh laughed heartily at his little wife 's antics .He lifted her in his arms.

"You were Outstanding Ranisaye! I am impressed.

Riddhima immediately hide her face in his torso and said ;

"So you were there when I was announcing the verdict?"

"I will always be with you, no matter what the situation is,even if i am not in your vicinity, Remember Ranisaye! I will always be there in your heart.

"You are my source of courage and confidence Aarya!" she kissed his nose adorably.

The terrace

And,my little crown princess! You are my pride.Vansh settled himself with her in the lap in the canopied terrace, adjacent to their bed chamber.

I am very happy,the way you handled the situation and did justice to your subordinates. You handled the unchained beast in me. You performed the duty of a wife and a queen simultaneously. You seem to be a little girl,but in reality, you are capable of much more than is expected from you.

Can I ask you something? She said,

" How could you never know that Sataskshi and Meenakshi were honosexua"l.

"You are right Ranisaye!" This I admit, Vansh replied in a displeasing tone.

" I should have been careful about them". You know what when I killed My uncle,it was not only shocking for me but tantalizing for them as well. Dadisaye was devastated to lose her two sons. I was trying heavily to cope up with the trauma. Had it not been Guruji,on my side, I would have sunk into drinking and sex. Mohini kept me busy and really in my whims Riddhima. "Kakisaye and their daughters were sent to Chunargarh, and I never really intervened in their matter,because I never wanted them to suffer for their father's wrong doing. I never expected that they would be involved in such malpractice. Had you not stopped me, I would have killed them.

Riddhima sighed. He was active in sex at that time. Men,she contemplates, might need that to channelize their energy or divert themselves.

"Will I be able to match up with the sexual appetite he needs"? She said to herself.

She was too naive to understand that, Love has all the evasive power to erode the trauma and the distress for which Vansh once had tried to take the escape route of sex.

Riddhima snuggled to his torso and snaked her arms around his neck.

"Did I offend you when I stopped you to kill them? You were so angry at them. I... she traces her soft fingers on his cheek....have no mercy and love for those women,but I do care for your honour and well being. Your reputation to the subjects was my utmost priority then.

"Vansh pressed his forehead to hers, and said

"Dharme sudasi Karme sumantre

Voje sumata Sayane su rambha

Priya ha Dharmapatni.

(A Perfect wife is that who helps a man in religious activity as a maid, as a counseller in administration,will feed like a mother and will pleasure like a concubine This is how a beloved wife should be)

**This is a regressive thought and the author is deadly against any regression*)

Do you know what it means?

Riddhima smiled

"Yes I know. "

"You didn't let me get distracted from my path. Riddhima,it's not always me who will protect you. You,in a way, protected me,when my anger overpowered my senses. You know how to make application of the books learning, into practical reality "

"Today someone was in a mood to praise me a lot'' .She giggled playfully.

"Don't you think I deserve to be rewarded for those good encouraging words,I told the sweet little thing you are?" He traced his fingers on her nose and kissed her temple gently.

Riddhima gently caressed his nape and latched her soft lips to his. She slowly nibbled and started sucking his lips. Tilting his head a bit, Vansh immediately settled her in his crotch and started reciprocating her. He was a believer in equality in all senses. Male of his stature was generally not very fond of women taking lead in sex. But Riddhima 's bold endeavors have always appeased him. He slowly started unpinning the hair pins of her braid,while kissing. The more her hair got untangled from her intricate braid, their kiss became passionate.

He was amused to see how her lips were still trembling ,and was a little open, as if a duckling had opened her tiny mouth to gulp the water. He could sense that her toes were curling,and nose flared a little red.

He wondered how one can be so pure and seductive at the same time.

"You like this place very much don't you?" He pulled her more to his torso. Riddhima kept her head on his chest and murmured

"I really adore this place. It feels so special here. The cool breeze, The midnight blue sky adorned with sparkling stars, This canopy and You. No one is here who will address as Rajasaye or Ranisaye! No one will judge us here for who we are! It feels so raw but soothing Arya. It's only about you and me and exclusively us.

"It's the place where we get to know each other, for the first time. " You are special Riddhima and this place makes you more special.

Some day or other I will make love to you here. He said pinpointed.

Riddhima 's cheek blushed like a beetroot and she hid her face in his chest.

Vansh wanted to take things slow.Riddhima, though was feisty and brave, she still is a young maiden. He was a passionate man. He sometimes had been rough and aggressive, with his concubines,but not to the point where it would not be painful for them. He believed that sex should not be imposing,but consensual. He was quite ahead of the time of his contemporaries.

Riddhima was feeling extremely content in her husband's arms. This was the time when she

finally could shed off all her worries and sorrows. It was exclusively the time tine of "them".

Riddhima was very fond of this place. She recalled how she played and spent some lovely moments with her husband.

"Riddhima! sleep! It's almost a wee hour of the night. We will have to set out for the Mahakal temple tomorrow in the morning.

"Why "Is there any ritual tomorrow? "She asked innocently

Vansh pulled her in his arm a little more, and replied,

"Our coronation will be held in the next full moon after our RudraAvishek. He turned towards her,holding a loving but desire filled gaze on her.

"We will be the King and the Queen of the state.

Riddhima smiled and immediately hugged her

'Ok! She said...I will sleep but only if you tell me stories "

Riddhima's side has always delighted him. On one hand,she is so mature and prudent and on the other she is too Innocent and childlike to be true. She must still miss her childhood, Vansh knew,it's not in his hand to bring it back. But he was sure that he would do every possible thing that would give her happiness.

Kissing her forehead affectionately he asked

"And what kind of stories do you like?" he asked her,pulling her cheek.

"Tell me about the wars you fight. the strategies you make to serve your people,your bond with your horses and elephants. I want to know all about Rajasaye".

"Well then! He ruffled her hairs and said

'Let me tell you how I was once attacked by a group of tribal people in the Jungles of Urjawa,and how they became my beloved friends and how One of them,Manivadra became my personal spy.

As he continued,how the tribal people misinterpreted him as an enemy, and then how he learned to use poisonous arrows to kill the enemies. How he exempted them from all their taxes,upon seeing their impoverished condition. Lastly, when we concluded that he included the people of Urjawa as a part of his espionage system, Riddhima was in deep slumber,clutching his arms peacefully.

Vidyut "s chamber

The matter is very surprising. The man was here till yesterday, but now he is gone. He was informed that all the workers would be paid today for the repair of Rudra Bhavan. Then why did he clearly not show up today. Palakshin informed about Rudra 's sudden disappearance to VidyutVadra.

" When did he join?"

Vidyut vadra sipped his drink, and asked his assistant.

Probably, that day, when Ranisaye was abducted. He was the one who had saved her.

Was he a skilled labour or unskilled labour?

"Unskilled"
said Palakshin,But he was doing well. He had made good rapport with the other lsburs and had a habit to help them in different menial tasks. The labourers liked him.

Vidyut furrowed his brow.

Was he intentionally befriending others, so that he can extract information about Uday Kshetra ? Was he a spy ?

I want to know his name,location and sketch.

Vidyut demanded.

"His name was Ajay,he met Rajasaye once. He originally hailed from Bengal. But I apologize to inform you chief, The man has no sketch with us.

" What "?Vidyut yelled in agitation.

Don't you know the protocol that no worker's profile is complete without a sketch?

How did you people recruit him to work without making a complete check up of his identity?

Don't you know, Rajasaye, would never tolerate this kind of careless behavior. It's a rule of Uday Kshetra,that be it skilled or unskilled labour, every worker should have a proper sketch to the head of the security Officer, That man definitely had lied about his name and address. His picture would have been the only mark of his identification.

"I beg your apology Chief ". Palakshin hung his head low and muttered.

" God knows What information he must have collected so far?" I will have to inform Rajasaye.

Palakshin's face got ashened and pale listening to him. He well knew that there king might be very jovial and kind hearted, but he never tolerated any kind of dereliction in the duties of his employees.

His wrath would know no bound,if he is informed about the same.

"Vidyut Vadra! Palakshin uttered in a hoarse voice.

"Is it necessary to inform Rajasaye about this to Rajasaye! I know I couldn't perform my duty appropriately. But please try and understand. My wife has not been keeping well for weeks, and my little daughter is also unwell. I was not in a proper frame of mind to perform my duties. Please excuse me for this one last time.

Viduyt's eyes softened immediately. He patted Palakshin's shoulder.

'Why didn't you inform me beforehand?" I would have arranged someone in your place. Your leave would have been granted. See! I will have to inform you about this. I cannot keep him in the dark, this will not be in favor of our state.

Vidyut himself knew that it is very difficult to replace an employee like Palakshin, because One who is in charge of keeping records,cannot be substituted every now and then. Such kind of negligence might bring trouble for the well being of the state.

He looked at Palakshin assuringly.

"I will take care of the fact that Rajasaye doesn't get angry with you. Do one thing: arrange a meeting of all the construction laborers tomorrow morning. I will personally ask them what exactly they have revealed to that man or if they have noticed any unusual behavior in him. Along with that,arrange a sketch artist, We will be requiring his sketch to find out who he was!

"As you order my Commander'.Palakshin left Vidyut 's chamber with a sullen face.

The terrace
As the dawn broke, the soft glow of the sun touched the skin of her beautiful face. Vansh gently put her head on the pillow. He stretched his muscles. His shoulder was weary,as she soundly slept on it, last night. Vansh tightened his dhoti and stood near the casement.

His dream of having a life partner,who will love him to the heart's content has turned into a beautiful reality. Weeks ago, she was a stranger for her, but from today she will step onto the path of a new journey of being her Ardhangini. Ardha means half and Aanga means a part of the body. Riddhima,in all sense, will become his Better Half.

Manyabhum

As she walked,swaying her hips lightly, through the corridors of the patio, her chamber in the early hours of morning, Mandakini, was pulled in a shabby and desolate corner,by a strong pair of arms.

Who are you! What do you want? Mandakini yelled at the person,who was still veiled in a jet black blanket.

How dare you touch and pull me like this? She spat, jerking off the man 's hand forcefully.

The man shed his blanket off,and Mandakini still was confused. Who had the audacity to intimidate like this?

How are you My dear little sister? asked Rudra,arching his brow.

"Rudra? Mandakini was shocked to see his face.

"Is it really you?" What the hell has happened to your face . How did you get hurt. Her face was ladened with grief.

"That's a long story dear." He said.

"But I am glad that you didn't recognize me ". If my twin sister has failed to recognize me,then,I am sure none in Udaykhetra had as well. I had to injure myself and scarred my face, shave my hair off,so that no one could recognize me there. And well! Indeed none was successful ,not even the intelligent man like Vansh. But yes! He recognized that I am from Bengal.
Of course there was a reason. He was too busy to handle his pretty little wife. Otherwise, I had a huge chance of getting caught. Ridima,in a way saved me actually.

Mandakini happily hugged her brother and replied

"Riddhima? But how?"

"I will tell you everything,but for now arrange some food for me. I am hungry.".

Mandakini displayed a multi cuisine platter to her brother that consisted of mutton, Fried fish ,steamed rice and raw mango chutney. Rudra was the only one whom she loved truly from the heart, but some way or other her crooked mind beat for Kabir whom she had served for years as a concubine.

Rudra ravished his food, and explained to Manda,in detail, how he kept an eye on Udaykhetra,and took the chance of Palakshin 's carelessness. He admitted himself as an unskilled labour in repairing work of Rudrabhawan and how he slowly befriended the workers,and remained observant to the activities of the people.

The king was in love with his wife,which was a sure thing. He had accepted her with her reality. This surprised Mandakini a bit,but she smirked inwardly,chalking out her next move. She also came to know that Vansh 's grandmother loathes her grand -daughter -in -law. She was extremely happy with the information she has got. Rudra,indeed, did a splendid job of utilizing the chaotic situation that prevailed at Uday Kshetra at that time. She was thankful to Mohini, who fed Rudra some internal secrets in lieu of money and may be due to a revenge unfulfilled.

This piece of information,actually, was important to her. She was a woman,who knew very well what and when to utilize in her favor. Mandakini murmured,

"Now you will know Riddhima, what I am capable of".

She indicated Rudra to follow her,as he finished off his food.

What? I am very tired and I want some sleep. Rudra yawned.

" I have a surprise for you ". She smiled.

As both walked passed several corridors,they reached an enclosed chamber.

A young woman was lying on a soft mattress. Mandakini indicated her fingers towards her.

Rudra peeped into the room and was shocked as hell

"What?" He shouted in excitement.

" Yes my brother! Mandakini twirl a string of his hair trace by his fingers, and ask

"Do you like surprises?"

Rudra laughed -

"Absolutely" said he

"What are you going to do with her, he asked,

" Quite a lot of things . She is my " Ace of spade "now and I will turn everything upside down.

"I think it's time that we should send an invitation to Rajmata Trilochani Devi about the Gangaur festival and Maharaj's birthday. She laughed.

" I will make all the arrangements,'' said Rudra.

"And I....Mandakini paused, will write the draft of the letter on my own. I just want you to entrust the fact that The grandmother of our king of Udsykhetra received the invitation letter, sent by me.

Mahakal Temple

It takes a whole day,when Vansh and Riddhima along with 20 maids, two cooks, Vidyut and Jagruki reach Nahargarh temple for Rudra Avishek. Guru Mallyaswami was waiting for the couple. Vansh and Riddhima were advised to take rest for the night, separately, as the Pooja would take place with the breaking of dawn.

This probably was the toughest job for him, Sleeping with Riddhima,taking her in his arms,was his habit. It was so normal to him,that he never thought, that there could be an exception to it

"Does it mandate Gurudev"? He asked bluntly.

Jagruki hid her face,suppressing her laugh.

Riddhima blushed like a beetroot and murmured
.

"Hey Mahaka! Hey Ma Dharitri, apni bahen khole aur mein usmein sama jayun!

Mallyaswami chuckled and replied.

Its only a matter of a night, Vansh! I hope you will manage!

It was the first time both spent a sleepless night without each other's warmth. While Riddhima, sat near the casement, kept blushing by recalling their adorable moment, The feeling that the king who rules the territory has a heart for her,made her flutter. She never thought,that she once an ordinary chaperone ,would enjoy a marital bliss with a man full of so much vigor and passion.

He is so tall. She pouted.

"I need to grew up very fast,to at least match up the height of his shoulder. She contemplated.

I know nothing about pleasuring a man. That too he is a king. She bit her lip.

Shall I start reading Kamasutra and some romantic novels like Raghuvansham,where the authors have given vivid descriptions of erotica or should I just be myself? Will he not consider me incompetent if i fail to satisfy him?Her eyes watered,just by the thought of getting separated from him.
'I dont know anything about marriage and sex Rajasaye, she murmured.

But all I know is that I cannot share an ounce with someone else. I cannot see any other woman by your side. All I know is that my heart revers you, adores you and loves you. My body and soul is meant for you.
She clutched the pillow and murmured

"I love you Aarya and I am missing you.".

Vansh kept changing his side right to left and kept thinking about her giggles,her words, her lovely face. He laughed out mentally to recall how she came to rescue him only with a small dagger in her hand, how her face got pale seeing the poisonous snake,how dedicated she was,while doing the pooja in Mahamaya temple.

Vansh wondered how he fell in love so soon with Riddhima, He had seen his sister and his brother in law. They shied away for a pretty long time and gradually fell in love. Both of them were very reserved and slow paced in their relationship. But,in his case,things changed drastically,after Mohini bid adieu to them. Even Mohini 's beauty failed to entice him. He felt irrevocably attracted to Riddhima, as if a river is eager to find its way to sublime in the ocean. He felt as if she was the source of his energy. A fire to warm, water to quench,air to breathe and soil to till.A magnimonius sky to fly. Why,he tried to contemplate....

May be his heart always wanted to fell for such a girl like him or maybe her boldness,her unflinching loyalty for Manyabhum princess, her compassion for her maids and her matured yet innocent soul beguiled him.He took out her waist chain, and kissed it

"You are mine Ranisaye! Only mine! he said, kissing the waist chain again.

Glossary - Urjawa is a fictional tribe.

Nahargarh is located in Jaipur,but Here it is used as a fictional temple. Hsusalpura is a fictional village.

Precap - Riddhima and Vansh got engaged in some extremely intimate moments. They perform Rudra Maha Abhishek successfully. Vansh received two letters. Each of them can change his life . On their way to Manyabhum , Riddhima expresses her concern about women's safety. Vansh and the prince of Gandarvipura met in the village of Hausalpura Will this embark a new friendship?

I am overwhlemled with the response you are endowing to this story. So,I will try to update more regularly. There will be no deadlines of votes for next two chapters.

Shower inline comments and votes as much as you can.