Kaurwaki pov :-

I woke up early before sunrise.  Ahankara was still sleeping . I shook her and woke her up ," what is Kaurwaki ?" She asked with a pout still in her sleep mode. 

" Ahankara , get up . It's time . Hurry up or we will late ."
Her eyes widened in realisation before she could ask any further questions a knock interrupted .

The maids entered.  " Samragi , samrat has ordered us to get you both ready for the  pooja.  " We nodded . They guided us to the palace pool.  My mother in law was already there waiting for us. She greeted and we were told to bath. After that we both were dress like a commoners.  It was simply and I like it.  I was going to apply Sindoor on my forehead when suddenly a my mother in law stopped me," your husband will do that today ." I nodded .The  Maids applied kohal on my eyes.  

" Let's go , it's already late . " With that Rajamata lead the way.  Ahankara clutched my hands tightly as she was scared . I nodded at her assuring every thing will be fine . We walked forward to the main hall of the palace to see our husbands was there already.  Ashok looked handsome as always.  How can god create such perfection in the exterior while the interior is the most flawed place . We directed to go and stand infront of our husbands by Rajamata . U looked at him in the eyes to see him giving me a sharp look.  Even though I was scared I maintained my posture.  He took the Sindoor from the tray which the maids carried and applied on my partition looking at me.  I closed my eyes as his fingers came in contact with my skin.   I felt a foreign feeling engulf my heart.  I felt complete when he applied the Sindoor.  I never felt like this and my emotions were taking control over me.  I can't let that happen.  I needed to stay away from him.  You can't fall in love him kaurwaki.  He killed your dreams your freedom.  He is crule. 

I took a step back away from him . It was time to take blessings from him.  I bent down and touched his feet.  He quickly stopped me and told me to get up. 

"  Maa , she is my equal.  " He said to his mother . I could see her smiling him and giving him a nod.  This confused me.  Earlier that night he treated me like I was his mistress and now he treats me like I was his equal.  He surely know how to put on an act to impress his mother .

" Well them let's start our journey.  Remove your footwear ." The Purohit said and we did as we were told.  The maids came and applied Alta ( it's like a read paint ) around our feet.  Our mother in law have us the diyas . We had to carry it without the fire being put off. 

I looked at Ahankara and nodded .  with that we start our journey towards the temple......
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The sun was just coming up and people in the city were waking up to do their morning routines.  They all looked at us wide eyed.  Not knowing why two girls are walking bare foot with Diya in their hands and why royal guards following them . Their samrat and Rajkumar rode closely behind them with there horses. 

Seeing them they bowed in respect but they still were.  People started whispering among themselves . I held my head high and moved forward. 

The climb to the mountain was not hard as I thought.  I moved first to avoid Ahankara from stepping in any sharp stones and hurting herself.  The stone pierced my feet as I walked but I held a strong face holding back the tears and moved forward . I kicked off the stones that had hurt me so that Ahankara ' s feet were not injured. 

Thirst filled my throat as I became tired . My vision became blurry but still I kept going.  I took steady steps trying not to stumble and put off the fire it's considered as bad omen.  The sky was beautiful with an orange glow as the sun came up.  We were close to the top , I suddenly stepped on a really sharp stone and it cut my feet really badly and blood oozed out of the my feet mixing with the Alta that adorned my feet.  I closed my eyes and trying not to hiss in pain.  Thankfully didn't lose my energy and reached the top of the hill.  The temple bells rung inviting me as the priests started  chanting their morning hymns.  My mind refreshed at the smell of agarbhatti (fragrant stick that burns . )

I walked towards the main shrine and stood with diyas.  I closed my eyes and prayed to God that no one started this year and for the prosperity and happiness of people.  I could feel Ashok's presence besides me as he prayed. 

" The ritual is complete. " The priests said once we placed that Diyas down infront of the holy fire.  Our fast was broken by the kheer ( a sweet dish) given by the temple , I was also given a small vessel of cold water which I gulped down immediately.  I washed my face and the cold water soothed my skin.  The sun was up now and the day was clear today. 

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