Sikva, Kavish

The marriage of Nakshathra Heramba and Dhruva Vinayakam took place at dawn. It was customary to the Lambodarans to tie the knot in the presence of both the sun and the full moon in the sky, for it was believed to bring balance in the marriage life of the new weds.

The Durga temple by the river was adorned with flowers and brightly lit for the ceremony along with the Durja and Kavish royal flags; yellow and red raised at the sides of the streets. The palace had compromised for a simpler wedding citing the current state of the country and the circumstances the ceremony was taking place. City dwellers gathered outside the temple to witness the royal wedding for the first time in years. Dressed in their best, the people patiently waited from midnight for the arrival of the bride and groom. Some climbed up the tree to get a view of the temple inside while some sat on top of roofs of nearby houses. It was a cacophony of chatters, merry and excitement.

The ceremonial music began to fill the ears of the guests; the nadaswaram and thavil carried the auspicious vibe, setting the wedding ambience to live. Moments later workers of the palace weaved through the crowd with baskets of sweets distributing among the people while hundreds of guards surrounded the temple to control the crowd. Royal wedding guests began to enter the temple one by one, adorned in their excellence with joy sparkling in their laughter.

When a bronze chariot stopped at the front of the temple stairs, everyone gathered around the temple fell silent and craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the bride, their adorable Kavi, their favourite Rajakumari Nakshathra getting off the chariot. Her hair was brushed to a updo with duke jasmine flowers adorning her bundle of hair. She wore pearls for necklace and earnings festooned with gold that sparkled with the thousand lit lamps.

Nakshathra ascended the stairs one step then another, slow and steady accompanied by her sister, Madhuvahini and behind them were Nakshathra's ladies-in-waiting. She halted her steps at the entrance of the sanctum, swept a glance over the guests observing her with gleeful look on their faces. She drew herself up and made her way into the temple, those watching her closely would have noticed her rigid shoulders. Nervous, whispered some with a giggle.

Inside the temple in front of the sanctuary, the Agni Kund, the sacred fire ignited. Holy chants reverberated as the priests recited mantras to invoke the Gods and Goddesses to bestow their blessings while adding ghee into the fire pit. Adjacent to the priests sat before the fire pit, the groom.

The Yuvaraja of Durja wore a dark shade of sunset coloured dhoti and a saturated shade of gold silk shawl with crimson floral embroidery lined the edges to match his bride. The shawl loosely hung over an arm and the other end on one of his shoulders. Dhruva chose to have Parthiban's friendship token adorned one of his writs complementing his other accessories along with his crown.

Nakshathra trod with grace to the centre of the temple where the Agni Kund blazing brightly. Her wedding saree was something to be behold, a symbolic representation of the two countries' union. Six yards of yellow and red tinted silk threads skilfully weaved with rich gold floral motifs.

With Nakshathra's arrival, Dhruva was asked to rise on his feet, his back turn to her as he expects his bride to take her place next to him. Traditionally, they were to stand as a pair, side by side for the first time before the statue of Goddess Durga prior to going around the sacred fire and greet their guests with their palms joined together. They stood by the Agni Kund, close enough to see each other, their eyes sparkled a little more but their faces remained inexpressive.

In the brightly lit sanctuary, a few standing around to the couple would be able to see their stony appearances or sense the alertness emitting through their constant scanning gazes among the crowd.

The ceremony commenced with the ring of the handbell by the priest, family members gathered around them leaving the front vacant for the rituals to be viewed by other guests. Despite the peace treaty signed by both the kings of Durja and Kavish on the previous day, the tension remained in the atmosphere. Nakshathra's brothers as well as Dhruva's guards were high on alert ready to jump into action if need arise.

The priests continued to chant mantras. As instructed Dhruva extended his right hand, palm upward while Nakshathra placed her right hand on his in the same manner. Madhuvahini was asked to place a betel leaf and a few betel nuts on Nakshathra's palm followed by tipping the purified water from the brass lota on their hands. The ritual symbolised giving the hand of their daughter in the presences of Gods and guests in marriage to the groom. Madhuvahini then pinched a generous amount of Kumkum (red powder made of turmeric mixed with slated lime), on the little puddle of water held by the betel leaf on their hands. She then stepped away after giving a small smile and a nod to Dhruva.

Opposite him, Nakshathra remained passive, eyes glued on their hands, her attention was however somewhere else. Anxiety of a threat that came early in the morning had instilled fear in her, a threat of destruction. A message in purple script greeted Nakshathra a couple of hours past midnight, securely enclosed in an envelope.

It read; Nothing comes easy. Without bloodshed there never will be victory. Today is the day to make all screamy. P.S.: Congratulations! I'll see you at the wedding.

The wedding was simply an entryway for the enemies to enter, Nakshathra had then guessed but it was too late to back off. Fear crawled in her, tightening her muscles and warming her skin, breaking into sweat.

Dhruva noticed her zoning out and tapped his fingers at the back of her shaky hand lightly before taking his hand away to apply the wet Kumkum on her forehead. He murmured, 'It's going to be alright.' Bringing her attention back to the ceremony.

She responded with a blink as she chewed her inner cheek. They repeated the ritual this time with Dhruva's hand on hers while Prithvi took the place of Madhuvahini. She heaved a tired sigh, completing the first part of the ceremony. Despite Prithvi's lively nature, Nakshathra took a glance at his equally tensed demeanour and it was not only her brother-in-law but Dhruva and her brothers were all the same. They have been so from the time they received her message.

The painstakingly long half-hour rituals concluded soon after they exchanged garlands and circled the sacred fire three times with vows. Turning to face the crowd, the royal couple joined their palms and bowed. Rain of flowers showered on them, a sign of blessings from the elders.

Cheers erupted outside the temple. The announcement of the completion of the ceremony spread like a wildfire. Dhruva and Nakshathra stepped out of the temple to grace their guests and the sound of shared joy rippled with more flower rains. As the sun rise up the horizon, they both glowed in the morning light. After the long hours of anxiety, at last Nakshathra's face break into a beautiful smile which instantly put Dhruva at ease for once. Nakshathra took his proffered hand and descended from the temple together.

Behind them the kings of the two countries embraced, a fellowship has been forged with the marriage. As for the queens, they simply bowed to each other with a tight-lipped smile.

*-*-*-*-*

The chariot ride back to the palace was dead silent but a merry affair to the people celebrating their marriage. Nakshathra had her hands tightly clasped together, her legs shaking and constantly avoided Dhruva's gaze. Somewhere in the city, someone was waiting for her cue to disrupt their peace but where? How will she guess? Those thoughts kept her on her toes as she impatiently waited to be in a closed place so she could share her thoughts and possibly come up with some kind of protection for the people.

A warm hand held her trembling ones, tight enough for her to let go of her disturbing thoughts. Nakshathra closed her glazy eyes and let her head drop on the shoulder of the man now she calls her husband. The journey to palace seems too far for the first time.

Dhruva squeezed her hand and moved closer. "Don't let her mere threat spoil your day," he whispered.

"How do you know it's an empty threat?"

"Instinct. I told my boys to scout the city for any unusual activities and there isn't any report of danger from them. I am sure your brothers have sent a team of their own as well."

"I see..." Her words trailed off as the chariot rolled past the palace gate.

*-*-*-*-*

Just as Dhruva had guessed, Alli had purposely sent an empty threat. How did he find it? Nakshathra let out a huff at it. Her desperate need to call for help blinded her. She had ignored the Roa ink blotted on the purple script. A kind of ink only be visible with the help of natural light.

When they reached the palace and attended a small welcome ritual, Nakshathra had rushed back to her chambers with Dhruva in tow. The first thing she did was to find the note. He had read it line by line numerous times and finally brought it out to the balcony. The sunlight reacted to the ink and the lines came visible.

If you are reading this line, I hope it had made your day a little distressed.

The fact, Alli manage to send terror through a piece of script, infuriated her. She must have had fun witnessing Nakshathra's anxiety that morning. Had she had the power to strike, Nakshathra would have bolted to Alli's chamber and drag her out to the prison to accompany her accomplice.

But how does she know where to find her.

*-*-*-*-*

The wedding took place with limited number of guests as oppose to how a royal family often hosts a wedding. Royal guests from across Lambodara would attend the wedding with expensive gifts and large number of guests. It was considered an occasion to strengthen their friendship but Nakshathra and Dhruva's wedding did not accommodate to such gathering. First the date was fixed in such a short span of time and second for the safety of other rulers and their retinues. The amalgamation of the two former foes could bring unprecedent war if matters go uncontrollable thus, Bavaneswaran had personally written letters to the rulers of other countries with the thought in mind. The kingdom however received congratulatory messages from the rulers of the seven other countries and wedding gifts for the couple.

Dhruva and Nakshathra sat on a raised platform with their family members flanking either side of them in an open ground under a large canopy. The palace had organised a feast and a celebratory event in occasion of the union. Lit by thousands of lamps the ground illuminated grandly. Local artisans were invited to sing and perform while people of Sikva relished on the feast prepared by the palace.

While the feast took place, Dhruva and Nakshathra ambled around the ground with Dhruva's Yujyagana behind them. They used the opportunity to interact with the people and receive gifts like sculpted tablet with the couple's portrait, flower garlands, paintings and knitted shawls they have brought for them. Among the guests the couple stumbled upon an old farmer and a son whom Dhruva had a chance to offer his help, Nachimuthu and the son among those who were the reason for him to step in to Kavish, Manickavasan.

They then came across Achi Mangalam, sat in silent in a mandap with her eyes closed and a small smile on her face. Her face had more lines than the last Nakshathra had seen her. Had it been so long? She wondered as she minced her way to the old chiromancer with Dhruva following behind.

"There you are, my child," Achi Mangalam said, her smile broadened as her eyes met Nakshathra then Dhruva.

"Achi, where have you been? I did not see you here for so long." Nakshathra engulfed the old lady in a tight hug. "

Achi laughed. "Oh dear, did you miss me that much?" she asked as she smoothen the princess's hair.

"I guess so."

"My prince." Achi stretched out her hand to him. As he held her extended hand, she pulled him to sit. "I told you, didn't I? 'The further you go, the closer you will come'." She quoted a reading she had said to him months ago.

Dhruva and Nakshathra shared a glance.

"You were right, Achi. But to be honest, I still have the fear. Fear of losing control over a situation. I don't think I can handle if anything goes wrong."

Achi nodded and grabbed a bag laid next to her. "You are more capable than you think you are, son." She dug into the bag and fished out two stones. "My wedding gifts for you both."

Mangalam placed the stones in each of their hands. A purple stone polished to its finest, faceted to reflect most lights in the shape of a round. An amethyst in a size that fits their palms. "It's the stone for healers, the Varhinsas. Use this to call me, I may take time but I'll reach you." She caressed Nakshathra's face. "You will need me in the future, my dear."

As if they understood the meaning behind her word, both nodded and tucked it safely in each other's dresses. Behind them, a folklore play was being performed on the stage, laughter echoed in the ground. From the other side, a group of men and ladies strode in their direction.

They bowed in curtsey and one of them spoke. "Your Highnesses are requested to return to the palace. His Majesty's order."

"I think it's time. You should get going and be careful, children. The coming phase may be a little rough but you will make it through. Kavi, be cautious with everything and take care of each other." Achi Mangalam placed both her hands on either of their heads. "Also, don't keep thinking about solving the problem. The problems will always be there, at least for the time being divert your focus on each other." She flashed a gleeful smile and sent them off.

*-*-*-*-*-*

There was a knock on the door. Prithvi sneaked into the bath chamber and sat by the edge of the bath. "Privacy, please. Thank you," Prithvi said to the lords-in-waiting who have been in charge of Dhruva's general affairs.

Half sunk in the bath filled with warm water infused in floral fragrance and flower petals, Dhruva kept his eyes closed. After a long day, the warm bath helped him relax for a bit.

"I've got a news," Prithvi said. "I overheard our dear sisters talking. They have begun plotting already, Dhruva."

"Plot what?"

"Against my sister-in-law." The young prince rolled his eyes as if Dhruva asked the obvious. "If she doesn't bear a child in the next three or four months, my mother is ready to find you another bride."

"What?" His forehead furrowed, agitated with the news of a new conspiracy. "If she is so determined then why did she even agreed to this marriage?" Dhruva asked, irritably. "Did she do it for a reason?"

Playing with the water with his finger, Prithvi shrugged. "Maybe she still holds a grudge on the country. I think she might have let go of the idea of attacking the nation and decided to focus on the family itself. I don't know, just a guess."

Dhruva sighed and tilted his head up. "We are not done with one and here comes another."

"That is but you can fix this problem even before it becomes a problem." Prithvi's eyebrows dance as Dhruva stared at him. "Give the queen a grandkid and we can concentrate on hunting down Alli."

Dhruva groaned and sunk into the bath completely, holding his breath for as long as he could. In all honesty, he had no intention of making it as a deliberate action like they did for the marriage, he wished it to happen at their own pace. And he could only hope no one pressures Nakshathra on the same.

*-*-*-*-*

The night was still young for the folks of the city as more singers continued to sing and entertain the audience while one by one the royal guests set to retire for the day. It had been an early start, an exhausting but an interesting day, memorable and historical too.

The guest quarters of the palace bustle with movements as some headed to their chambers while the night owls crammed in one of the rooms to indulge in drinks and card games.

Alli sat in the balcony of her chambers with a glass of firewater. She laid back on the soft cushion admiring the bright full moon. Part of her danced in merry, she had successfully caught the fish she had been waiting for years and another part of her growled in anger.

"Such a fool. A failure." Alli murmured. When she learnt of the attack lead by Ranganathan, she was furious almost lost her mind. They were supposed to work on attacking Kavish together but he betrayed her. It was only after she had arrived in Sikva, she found out about his history with Kavish. Enraged for being used for his own agenda, Alli barely held herself from barging into the prison and strangle him to death.

He had wasted her resources she had been saving for years but come to think of it, she might have overdone with paying Shoolin for armies that could never defeat Kavish. She reflected on the stories told to her on how the princes and princess cleverly emerged victory. Alli huffed and gulped in the firewater, warming her body.

As she leaned against the window sill, her eyes gleamed as a corner of her mouth lifted. Why need a battalion when I can use that one princess to conquer an entire country. This country and the treasure hidden somewhere in its boundary will all be mine, soon.

While she dwelled in a dream of victory, a pair of hands snaked around her waist, pulling her out of her imagination in an instant. Despite startled, she regained her composure as quick as a blink of an eye.

"I kind of like it here. A change of environment." The owner of the hands, her husband breathed at her ears.

She nodded in agreement and leaned her back on him. No matter what happens in the future, she would always be grateful to her husband. The man who had been her sole reason for her to be in the royal household and hold an important title. Alli giggle as he left peppery kisses on her neck.

"Today is the wedding night of crown prince and princess, not ours, darling." She tried to push him lightly.

"That is true but that does not stop me from making love with my wife. Afterall I am the king and you are the queen of Durja," Yogathepan's voice muffled against Kumudhavalli's hair.

*-*-*-*-*-*