In Patan -

Maharaj Vallabhdev thanked the maid who brought him his milk which he consumed every night.

He sipped it and looked at the letter which he had received from Maharaj Bhojraj.

He had accepted the wedding proposal and had invited Vikram and Vallabhdev to Badami next to attend their annual fair.

They would work on the peace treaty and formally announce the engagement of Vikram and Kamakshi.

He smiled.

Things were going as expected. They would be visiting Badami soon.

He never woke up. The next morning he was found dead in his bed.

Vikram was crouching on his chair. He was in a meeting with all the advisors. The state was in official 14 days of mourning.

"You need to get crowned immediately your highness. The throne cannot remain empty." Said the chief advisor.

"My father died just yesterday. How can I sit on the throne immediately." Vikram said sadly?

"Your highness. The news is already out. Soon feudal lords and provincial leaders would start arriving. There might be rebellions from those who have been looking for an opportunity to rebel. For the sake of the realm, you must be crowned as soon as possible."

"Your highness you must also get married soon to seal your position. Maharaj had already received a consent letter from the Chalukyas. There are other princesses from many other kingdoms too who were shortlisted...If you wish...."

"No, I won't break the proposal. That was my father's last wish I will honour it. After the mourning period is over. I will visit Badami as planned. I am ready to get crowned as well if that's what you people want." Vikram said with finality.

********

"You know what I am not talking to you ever!" Chitra angrily glared at Shiv.

He was lounging lazily on the bed while she fussed looking at herself in the mirror.

"What have you done! How am I going to face anyone now?"

She replied checking out the love bites on her neck.

"What's there to be embarrassed about. I never hide your scratches. " He smirked.

He used to be shirtless half the time anyway. People in ancient India wore minimal clothes, especially during the hot summer. Their bodies were mostly covered with ornaments.

"Well, I am not shameless like you. Now get back to your bedroom I am calling in the maids. I need to get ready!"

"You can call them even now. I am going to sleep in." He yawned.

"Not while you are naked in bed! Get dressed and leave!" She threw his clothes on the bed and pushed him until he was up.

"Alright, I am leaving" he laughed.

She was already furious because of the delay due to their morning tryst. He didn't want to rile her up more.

Chitrangada was rushing towards her carriage making sure her heavy necklace was hiding the love bites which Shiv had given her earlier.

Hopefully, no one would notice.

"Oh! there you are" Chitra said looking at Poonam. "Why are your eyes so swollen and bloodshot? Is something wrong?"

"Its nothing your highness I couldn't sleep well last night. I was too stuffed in the feast." Poonam said.

Chitra accepted her answer though she often wondered where did Poonam disappear on some nights.

****

Queen Shubhlaxmi received the ceremonial welcome and she was escorted to the personal quarters of Queen Vijaya.

Every member of the royal family had their palace with several rooms, a kitchen, guest rooms, etc. Each palace was technically different wings of the huge central palace except Shivaditya and Chitrangada. They were still in the newly married phase hence they preferred staying together.

Chitra was summoned to the Queen's palace to present herself to the guest.

She nervously followed the messenger and reached a hall which was a personal court of the queen.

She saw a typical matriarch old yet grand. She had an aura of authority and she reminded her of Vikram's grandmother Vasantsena. Kamakshi and the rest of the court ladies were already present there. Chitra touched her feet with shaking hands.

Shubhlaxmi peered at her and said "So you are the girl who finally ensnared my Shiv. well, I am mighty pleased with your looks but why are you so thin girl? Vijaya pays attention to what she eats. She should be healthy enough to carry your family's child."

Chitra blushed crimson.

She continued "So girl what is your name?"

"Chitrangada," Chitra replied.

"Hmm, sweet name. I do know that Shiv was smitten by you. Vijaya why didn't you invite me to his wedding?"

Vijaya explained how their wedding happened in a little unconventional way.

Chitra feared her reaction. Instead, she burst out laughing "So Shiv took away the enemy's woman!"

Chitra wondered why they kept calling her that. She was Shivaditya's woman now.

"I am mighty pleased. Would have loved to see that wench Vasantsena's reaction." Shubhlaxmi chuckled.

Chitra looked at her surprised she was unaware that Shiv's aunt knew Vasantsena.

She rather liked his aunt she was loud and brash but she was quite lovable.

"Where is Shiv? Call him immediately I want to see them together."

Shiv came in after some time looking slightly pale. Chitra felt like a horse under scrutiny.

"Not bad, not bad at all...you two make a fine pair. Vijaya I approve of your daughter in law, but girl you should eat properly."

Chitra tried not to laugh and nodded she could not understand their obsession with making her fat.

Shivaditya rolled up his eyes irritated.

Shubhlaxmi pointed a finger at Chitra and said.

"Girl you are lucky that you got Shiv. My family's men are full vigour and valour. He is too much of a man and he will keep you happy" she said with a twinkle.

Shiv turned red like a tomato. Chitra was blushing profusely. She would have preferred if the ground swallowed her.

"Why are you so quite Shiv?" She asked.

Shiv replied, "Well I don't interrupt when elders talk."

"That is a very good habit but I noticed that you are limping and you know what they say when the bridegroom is limping it means..."

Shiv shouted "Aunty! Please! and I am not limping."

Kamakshi couldn't control her laughter anymore and burst into laughter. Even Vijaya smiled.

"These younger generations are so slow nowadays. So, I would be expecting a grandchild soon?"

Chitra and Shiv didn't know what to say. Chitra was carefully observing the patterns on the carpet afraid to look up.

He said, "Aunty enjoy your stay. I have some work I'll see you later."

He ran out of the room.

Chitra stood there alone facing Shubhlaxmi, "What are you doing here? Go after your husband. Dont you know a wife should always follow her husband."

Chitra nodded with relief. She had no problem in following this tradition.