"Rajkumariji" I was startled by Hira's voice and I snapped my eyes open and stood up. Who? Where? Rajkumariji? I looked here and there, before it sunk in.... She... Was... Addressing me.. I had to bite my sour lip to stop the smile that threatened to spill at being addressed with such reverence. There were seven more maids with her carrying various items, my eyes widened. "Hmm... Can we start your bath?" she asked. Oh Krishna! No way I am going to take bath around them. I am not used to, in river also I used to take bath wearing my clothes, now when I am having the privilege of hot water, I am not letting it go.

I can not take bath with them over here, it's not only because I am uncomfortable, but also because of Swami... My cheeks burned as my mind quickly hit a memory storm of yesterday night. No way.. They would see the marks. I looked at them. "Hmm.. I would prefer privacy, you can keep the bathing items here." I said pointing to the golden stool near the bath tub, "And clothes over there. Umm... Extra hot water can be placed here." I said pointing to places in the interior of the tent. "But Rajkumariji.. " one of the maids started but Hira cut her of, "As you please.." she said with a smile and I nodded my head. "Should I apply oil in your hair?" one of the maids asked and I nodded negatively.

She then asked the maid to add flower petals in hot water and keep everything as I said. I made sure they all went out and the curtains were fully closed before I started grinning. My life sure is turning out unpredictable. I quickly got rid of my clothes and got in the hot water. Almost a moan escaped my mouth at the feeling of hot water on my skin. It smelled wonderful due to the flowers. I was missing my sister though, she was the one who had told me about hot water. But I let that be and basked in the glory and warmth my skin was privileged enough to feel. I used the products to cleanse my body and hair. But even after the bath I didn't leave. Infact I added extra hot water and stayed there. I was unaware of when my eyes were starting to doze.

"Rajkumariji.. Rajkumariji ...are you okay? May I come in?" my eyes opened at Hira's voice, "No.. No.. " I screamed, "I am just coming." I said and got out and dry myself quickly and carefully opening the lotus petals, I applied the special healing cream carefully, especially in my cheek. Then I wore the beautiful pearl dress and I didn't mind anymore that it was blue in colour, I am glad for whatever I have. The blouse was very loose though, I slowly completed wearing my entire dress and went out and Hira came rushing towards me, "We are running late." she said and ushered me to sit in the chair near dressing table. She looked at me for a moment, "Rajkumariji, isn't the blouse very loose and your skirt too long?" she asked looking worried. "Hmm.. Yes.. But I can manage.. Relax." I said and she nodded, "I could have helped but we are getting really late. And you're really beautiful, inside out." she said and I couldn't help but blush at her compliment, "Thanks." my voice betrayed me and it came so low that even I couldn't properly hear, she chuckled and called a maid.

"Please dry her hair and make sure you put rose scent in it." she said and the maid started drying my hair with Rose petals put in the dhoop. Hira went away somewhere and I was experiencing guilt. Because of me, me a normal girl, so many flowers were plucked. But my thoughts came to a halt when I saw my hands, they were plain. Mehendi that is Heena was considered to be a symbol of a bride, and I am going to my husband's home without it. I was pulled once again out of my thought at Hira's voice, "Rajkumariji, you need something?" she asked so gently that I missed my sister so much at the moment. "That... I was thinking if I can get some Mehendi in my hands." I said and looked at her with hopeful eyes, she was staring back at me, "Umm... Actually no..this place doesn't have... Sorry.. " she said looking down and I felt guilty, "No, no, don't say sorry.. Please....bagini." she looked at me shocked and nodded and I knew I had really found a sister in her, she kept her hand in my head and smiled lovingly, I returned it.

"Which type of braid would you like Rajkumariji?" the maid's voice brought us out of our small reverie. "Hmm... Just the normal three strands one." I said and she started working on my hair. "Make it fast, we need to hurry up." Hira bagini ordered. "And, let me get you ready." she said and started applying some cream in my face, then she made me wear kajal and lali and by the time my hair was also done, "You have the best hair, I have ever seen." the maid said and I smiled kindly at her, many people said that to me. "Thank you." I said and she went away and after her exit, I saw myself in the mirror and I looked really beautiful. "Save this admiration... You're yet to wear jewels." bagini said mockingly and my face burned and as if on cue, four maids entered with a plate in each of their hand, which was full of the jewellery I hadn't paid attention earlier to.

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This chapter was a bit of luxury but with guilt and beginning of a bond that would see not only the sun shines But also the storm. Share your thoughts!!

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