One month passed quickly and the preparations for The Annual fair and the harvest festival was in full swing. It also meant the palace was ready to welcome Maharaj Vikram of Gurjar-Pratihar.

Devburman's proposal for Poonam had been sent to Navsarika.

Poonam was now a royal consort, not a lady in waiting.

"Your highness I think we should decorate the entrance with yellow flowers instead of red," Poonam said to Chitra.

"Chitra, my name is Chitra. You are supposed to call me by name Poonam. We are sisters now." Chitra replied.

" I am just not used to it but I will keep trying Chitra," Poonam said though nervously.

"That's better. Let's make it a combination of red and yellow." Chitra replied.

Vikram was supposed to arrive the next day and Chitra was nervous about it. It's not like she would be interacting much with him but things had not ended on good terms.

This was one of the first diplomatic visits in 50 years so naturally, it was extremely important. She barely slept that night.

The sound of drums and conch shell announced the arrival of Vikram in the palace. When kings used to visit anywhere they didn't go alone. They arrived with an entourage of the army, guards, servants, and other staff.

The entire guest wing of the palace was refurbished for king Vikram.

Chitra shifted uncomfortably in her seat at the court. Vikram was going to present himself in the court. This was the formal way to welcome another king.

"Maharaj Vikramaditya, the Ruler of Gurjar - Pratihar is arriving."

The sentry announced.

Vikram walked in majestically.

"Welcome Maharaj Vikramadiyta, hope you are comfortable with our arrangement."

Bhojraj walked down from his throne to welcome Vikram.

"Thanks for such a warm welcome Your Majesty," he said to Maharaj Bhojraj.

They embraced, he looked at Chitra and their eyes met.

Vikram stared at the woman who was his life's greatest possession once. She had evolved into a beautiful woman. Vikram smiled at her.

Chitra was relieved to see him smile. Her misgivings melted away. Perhaps he had forgiven her.

After the formalities celebrations started. Vikram was seated next to Bhojraj as per his status.

The Nagarvadu and other Ganikas started their performance.

It was late night by the time Chitranagada was free from the festivities. She was brushing her long hair and thinking about Vikram.

"I must talk to him and clarify things." She thought.

Shivaditya arrived shortly after.

"You are back so soon?" She asked.

"It's almost midnight Chitra how long do you want me to stay out?" He replied.

"Did you talk to Vikram? How is he? Is he upset?" She walked toward him.

"Yes, we did have some conversation after you left. He seems fine. We are going to have a formal meeting tomorrow with father, and the council of advisors regarding peace negotiations." He replied taking off his accessories.

She hovered around him arranging already sorted jars on the vanity table.

"What is it Chitra? You want to say something?"

"I want to meet Vikram. I need to clear things up. Can I meet him? You won't mind ?" She said.

"Of course Chitra. You can meet him anytime he is your old friend after all. Why would I mind?"

She grinned at him.

"Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me Chitra." He replied and kissed her forehead.

********

Vikram received a message from his attended that the crown princess Chitranagada would like to meet him and had invited him for evening refreshments in the Palace garden.

He smirked.

She didn't change at all. She still loved spending time in the garden.

"I am delighted by her invitation. Please reply I have accepted and would see her in the Gardens." He replied to the messenger.

Vikram walked towards his window and looked out. The Palace was beautiful and very secure. He had already seen the 5 layers of walls and sealable gates around the palace. The Chalukya was a prosperous empire with beautiful women. He smiled recalling the skilled lovemaking of their Nagarvadhu.

*******

Chitra was waiting in the garden when Vikram arrived.

"Welcome your majesty."

She bowed.

"Chitra you don't have to be so formal just call me Vikram" he grinned.

Chitra smiled.

"How are doing Vikram. I am sorry about Maharaj. He was like a father to me."

He was silent for a moment.

"We can't do anything about fate Chitra. Some things are destined to happen. It was a big loss for the kingdom. I hope I can fill his shoes. Your parents miss you a lot btw."

Chitra bit her lips feeling guilty. She had been so caught up with her new life that she had forgotten all about things back home.

There was an awkward silence for some time.

She broke the silence "Vikram I am sorry for whatever happened. It was not my intention to hurt you or your family. But the circumstances were such that I couldn't help it. I am sorry for everything."

Vikram said "I am fine now Chitra. You and I were probably not meant to be together, I am sorry for my behaviour as well. I had misbehaved with you. I was blinded by passion Chitra. Please forgive me."

Chitra was relieved as well as surprised. If he meant his words it indicated, he had become wise and mature.

"Let's forget those bad memories and make a fresh start Vikram. Kamakshi is a very nice girl and she is beautiful. You are getting a much better wife than me. Have you met her?"

He grinned and shook his head.

"I will arrange for a meeting." She said.

"That would be nice. So Chitra are you happy here?"

She nodded.

"Never thought of visiting Navsarika?"

She looked down "Things were busy here and I wasn't able to plan a visit to Navsarika. I do write to them regularly."

"Uncle Kirtiveer was devastated after my father died. He was very depressed. You should visit him."

Chitra's eyes glistened, "oh Vikram! I must visit my father. I have been a very irresponsible daughter."

Shivditya arrived to join them and he saw a tearful Chitra.

"Your Majesty! Welcome to my humble abode. I see you have already met Chitra." He said.

"Your highness thanks for the invitation. I am sorry, I seemed to have upset your wife."

"Oh no! It's not your fault Vikram. I was just upset about father" Chitra said.

"What happened to him? Is everything alright in Navsarika?" Shiv looked concerned.

"Yes, everything is fine. I just want to visit my parents. I haven't seen them in months. " Chitra replied.

"Of course dear, I will arrange for it soon after the annual fair." He said.

Vikram observed their interaction. He didn't show any reaction though.

To be continued...