I am planning an interview session with the characters. If you have any questions you wish to ask your favourite characters, type here. Let's see if they can answer.

---***---

"I knew you would come. But I didn't expect you this early." Ganesha spoke up as soon as Mayanshi entered his house. "Judging by your previous exit from my house, I thought you will return only after being shunned by everyone."

Mayanshi sighed. "Sriman Ganesha. Are you incapable of speaking respectful sentences?" 

"My respect for royals died with my king." He replied.

"Your king? My father, you mean? It wasn't just my father, who died fifteen years ago. I died with him. The consequences of his death might have disappointed you. But they had a much bigger impact on me. I was destroyed. My identity, my home, my dreams, everything... everything I love was snatched away from me." She paused for a moment to regain composure and continued. "I have only got betrayal and insults since I have returned. But unlike you, I haven't given up. I am willing to fight."

Ganesha scanned her from head to toe. "Fight for what?"

"To make Virata a better place."

"Why do you think Virata needs to be better? It is functioning. Don't you think?" He planned to test her for analyzing her nature.

"Yes. Virata is functioning. It is still one of the most prosperous lands of Bharatvarsha. The problem is, only the rich got richer in the past fifteen years. The poor are exploited severely. Our late King Vasishtha has only concentrated on increasing trade value which might have helped us establish dominance over other states. But our own people, are still suffering. Step out of your house once in a while and look around you. You will understand the situation."

"I do know what has been going on. My question is, how do you plan to change this?" He sounded mildly curious.

"By implementing my late father's ideas. He was a good king. He was flawed. But he was one of the best rulers. You can't deny that. After his demise, the law has been changed drastically leaving no scope to work on his development plans. I would like to revive that." She announced. "And to achieve this, I need power."

"Why do you need power to serve people? Service can be provided even by living in an ashram. You don't have to be the ruler."

"Let us just assume that I was born into a normal family living in an ashram, with no authority over the law. No matter how wise and efficient I am, do you think I can change this empire? No. The maximum I could do is to change my locality or my town. In an ideal world, what you said might be possible. In a practical world like ours, it won't work. Here, those who wield power get to make decisions. God has placed me in a position where attaining ultimate power is possible. I believe I make a good Queen. So, why should I give up? I won't." She said in a determined tone.

Ganesha was impressed by her reply. "Go ahead. Do what you planned to."

"I can't. Not alone. I need your help. I need your advice."

"Isn't that what I tried to provide few days ago? You didn't seem to like it." He pointed out.

"I still don't like it. There is no rule which says that I should like what you spoke." She made it clear that he can't dictate the terms of their meeting. "But I can't deny that you were absolutely right. Whatever you predicted, has happened. Help me." She demanded.

He chuckled. "Alright. What would you want me to help you with?"

"Samarjit seems to be everyone's choice. The Rudragiri issue has made it almost impossible for me to gain their trust."

"So, what do you propose?"

"There is only one way I could think of. Declare a war against Samarjit and conquer Virata with the help of Srimukha. That's what my foster father said last month. He was willing to lend his army to me." Her pain increased with every word she spoke. 

"War? No, you can't so this."

"Why?"

"Because if you decided to settle everything through battle, you wouldn't have come to me. You don't want war. That's why you are here. You need someone to tell you that this is wrong. You want to hear it from an experienced man like me. That, Yuvarani, is why you are here." Ganesha concluded.

Mayanshi smiled sadly. "You are right. War results in destruction. I can't hurt my people. They say Queen Kaushiki protected her subjects like a mother. I can't dishonour her by attacking an empire she loved."

"You still love your subjects? Even after knowing what they think about you?" 

"Honestly speaking, I was devastated. I thought they didn't deserve me. And then I remembered I have been away for fifteen years, while Vaishali and Samarjit were right here. It is obvious that they will believe them. I should earn their trust." She wiped the sweat off her forehead with the end of her saree.

He offered her some water. "You are exhausted, child." His voice carried certain concern for her well-being.

"I am fine." She lied though it was obvious that she was ill. "All I want to know is, whether there is a way for me to achieve my goal. Without a war." She emphasized the last part.

"There is. Currently our land is facing a threat from Avantipuram. The prospect of war has already frightened our subjects. And Vaishali can't bring any external help. Now is the right time to emerge as the saviour." 

"Saviour?"

"Think about it. You have the support of Srimukha and Rudragiri. King Raghuveera promised to lend you his army. Convince him to join hands with the forces of Virata. It shouldn't be that difficult. And Rudragiri already worships you. They will never say no to your request. If you somehow manage to get them to help Virata, the war will be won, you will earn respect of the courtiers and for the subjects, you will be the Goddess who saved them" said Ganesha.

"So I should gather an army? And after we win the war, I will be crowned the Queen?" 

"No. Not after the war." He shook his head. "You should become the Queen before the war starts. The result of the war might favour Samarjit. You can't risk it. You should act now." 

"Now? Why would anyone support my claim at this moment? They are convinced that Samarjit is their hero. It is only a matter of few days before his coronation. They are all on his side now."

"Then bring Samarjit to your side. Negotiate the terms of this alliance with him."

"And what do you think he will do? Step aside and let me be the ruler?" She asked incredulously. "He is convinced that he is the best hope of our land. And even if I succeed, he will always be a threat to me."

"That's the point. No one needs to step aside. This deal will not only benefit you, but also him." He smiled at her. 

Mayanshi understood what he was implying. She drew in a deep breath. "Thank you for your counsel, Sriman Ganesha."

---***---

"Lord Dushyanta, we are grateful to you for informing us the whereabouts of our daughter." Bhargavi thanked Dushyanta.

"It's my duty, Maharani. I hope Princess Mayanshi's health condition improves. If you need my help please do tell me. I will be happy to serve you." Dushyanta replied. 

Bhargavi was impressed. She was about to say something when the door opened and Mayanshi emerged from it. She rushed forward. Raghuveera followed her. 

"Maya, I know you are angry. You have every right to be. But please don't hurt yourself. Let's go back home. You need rest." Bhargavi pleaded with her. "I agree I have been selfish. But nothing matters to me more than you. You are my daughter. If I really wanted power so badly, why would I try to stop you from coming to this place? I have changed. Believe me, Maya."

"Mother." Mayanshi smiled mechanically. "It is not appropriate for the Queen of Srimukha to shed tears in a neighbouring empire. We can discuss our issues peacefully and resolve them through dialogue. You must be tired after your journey." She turned towards Dushyanta. "May I request you to escort my mother back to the palace?"

"As you wish, Yuvarani." Dushyanta bowed. 

"Go with him, mother. I have something to discuss with father. We will be back soon." She said in an authoritative voice. Bhargavi agreed.

Raghuveera held Mayanshi's hand and caressed her forehead.

"Did you know about this plan?" She asked him.

"Yes." He lowered his eyes. "I knew what she was thinking. But I was helpless."

"Helpless? Doesn't suit the King of such a powerful empire." She snapped.

"Maya, you have to understand. You were my child. She is not related to you. When she agreed to be your mother, I felt so relieved that I overlooked her lust for power. I didn't worry about her using you, as long as she looked after you. It's all my fault. I wish I could undo this."

"Well, you cannot undo what's been done. But you can still help me. Only if you are willing to, of course." She paused to see the effect of her words.

"Name it, Maya. Whatever you ask for, will be yours." Raghuveera promised.

---***---

"Mahamantri, we need to visit them personally. Just sending a word won't convince them to assist us." Jayendra tried to reason with Susharma regarding request for help from their northern neighbours.

"It will only be waste of time, Senapati. They won't help us. We have to start thinking of a strategy to win the war with the resources we have. We can't count on other kingdoms' assistance." Susharma said. Majority of the ministers agreed with him. "Nevertheless, we will send a request. But let us not hope for any miracles."

"Why are we forgetting that it is not just Avantipuram. But also Indrapuri. No strategy will ensure a victory over 45000 armed men with a mere 30000 on our side." Samarjit sounded frustrated.

"A small correction, Prince Samarjit. It's not mere 30000 on our side." Mayanshi entered the hall, followed by Raghuveera. The council stood up to greet them. 

"Yuvarani, you need not attend the meeting. You need rest" said Vaishali. She looked like she was about to object Raghuveera's presence in the meeting.

Mayanshi didn't let her speak further. "Thank you so much for your concern. I'm honoured to have a busy person like you care for me." She gave her an annoyingly cheerful smile. "But I can't rest. After all, Virata is my motherland."

"That's very kind of you, princess" said Samarjit. "But we don't think you can help."

"My apologies for whatever made you think that I can't help in this matter. The fact is, I do have a solution. We need not seek assistance from our northern neighbours, when one of the most powerful empires of Bharatvarsha is willing to join hands with us, increasing the exact number of armed men to 60000." She paused.

Jayendra gaped at her, while Vaishali gasped. Everyone else in the hall seemed to be in shock. They never expected Srimukha to help them after how they treated their princess. 

Raghuveera stepped forward. "Virata is my daughter's home. Whatever issues we have with this empire could be resolved later. At present, our focus should be on the war. Srimukha would fight alongside you, if you are willing to have us." He put forward his proposal.

Vaishali was too shocked to respond. Samarjit glanced at Mayanshi. She wasn't the same person he saw few hours ago. He could feel fire emanating from her eyes. 

It was Jayendra, who spoke first. "We have only heard of your generosity, Maharaja. We are fortunate to witness it today. We would be honoured to fight alongside your army." 

The council murmured in agreement. "We would forever be indebted to you" said Kashyapa.

"It's not me who you should feel indebted to. It's your princess. It was her determination to save her motherland, that convinced me. Wherever King Mahadeva is today, he must be feeling proud of his child." Raghuveera spoke carefully, stepping aside for Mayanshi to come forward.

The courtiers, who were against her until that morning, suddenly changed their demeanor. They were looking at her with eyes full of gratitude. "I can also speak with King Someshwar of Rudragiri. As they live in the southern border, their information about our enemies could be valuable." She offered.

"Does that mean you will order Lord Someshwar to submit to our rule?" asked Vaishali, despite knowing the answer, in a desperate attempt to turn the courtiers against her.

Mayanshi's smile widened. "King Someshwar." She corrected the Queen. "I think we all can agree that survival of our subjects is more important than our pride. After the war is won perhaps we could reach an agreement with the city and make them a permanent ally."

Before Vaishali could object, Samarjit agreed. "Sure. As the crown prince, I declare that Rudragiri will remain independent. And I also accept the gracious offer of the King. Let us have a meeting soon and discuss the strategies to be implemented." He dismissed the council.

He could have sworn that Mayanshi smirked at him.

---***---

"Yuvarani? What a surprise!" said Samarjit. "Glad that you came to visit me. Although I must point out that a young woman meeting a young man in his chambers will create unnecessary rumours."

"But the young woman in question has some important business with the man."

"What might that be?" He was amused that she remembered the exact sentences he spoke to her several days ago.

"A game of dice with you." 

He chuckled. "I can't refuse the saviour of my empire. Can I?" He ordered the servants to make arrangements. "You cast the dice first."

"I already did. It's your turn." 

"Yes indeed. Very well played. I'm impressed." He replied. "Are you expecting a counter-attack from my side?"

"I'm offended. I am extending handshake of friendship towards you. And you are planning a counter-attack?" She faked hurt.

"Alright. I apologize." He joined his palms. "Now, tell me. How do you want me to play this game?"

"Even if I told you, would you listen to me?"

"I am not in a position to refuse. In fact, I was waiting for you to come to me."

"What made you think so?"

He chuckled once again. "Because you didn't ask what you want in return, in the meeting. Hence I assumed, it must be something personal."

"Impressive." She sipped juice from her goblet. "Let me get to the point. You are very powerful within the empire. I can't defeat you here. And without my help the empire will fall. Because I can bring allies. You can't. Do you agree?"

"Yes"

"Then I think it is fair to state that while you are being benefited by this alliance, I must also get something in return." 

"Yes"

"I have been taught that bonds like this must not be made carelessly. They have to be sealed."

"I agree."

"I wish for this alliance to be sealed in matrimony." She announced.

Samarjit was confused. "Might I ask, which two parties does this matrimony concern?"

"You... and me." She looked into his eyes. "Marry me, Prince Samarjit." She proposed to him, leaving him utterly perplexed.

---***---

Mayanshi's current mood:

Samarjit's current mood:

Poor guy. I pity him. 

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