"Well instead of our priest I want his wife to do the ritual along with you." She finished her line taking a breath of relief.

"This can't happen. This ritual is done by father and priest otherwise only priest. In both ways, this ritual is finished by a male. We can't change it suddenly." Hidimba replied bewildered at her sudden request.

"Why not there is always the first step towards a change. This is going to be ours first step towards a change. Well grandma I am very clear with what I want if a woman can give birth and raise a child alone then she can also do this. Also as a mother, it is my sole right to decide who is going to be my kid's godparent. I chose you and I am firm on my decision." She stated confidently looking at Hidimba making her realize that she will not take her stand back. Hidimba knew that she maybe is a naïve looking girl but at the same time she is confident and headstrong too. If she put her mind into something she will not back out from her decision. She decided to try for once.

"Little one, we can't do this. This is a very old custom and it can't be changed in a single day. This is not the right thing to do. Drop your stubbornness dear. Let it be the way it is. "She completed her plea keeping a hand on her shoulder.

"Why not? There is not any fixed time to bring a change. Grandmother don't you think with changing dynamics we need to change a few things too. We are the tribal people who live in a jungle far from the cultured society of the privileged humans. Such rules are set and followed by them where whole year women get tortured only to get worshipped on certain occasion suddenly turning her into Goddess. Grandma, we live in a jungle where we aren't defined by such norms and beliefs. We not only say but believe in equality too and I am thankful that we are outcasted at least here men do not believe that women are superficial slaves whose sole purpose is to serve them to get a respected life and illusion of love. Unlike these cultured societies where they are raised with the theory that they are superior and they can dominate a woman. Grandmother, we always followed equality so our rules should also set according to them. I believe it's high times we should change those set of rules who give superiority to a certain gender. A change begins from us our one step. This is my first step towards that change. I truly believe everyone will accept this rule all I need is your support." The young princess finishes her speech and takes support from the nearby stone feeling a little dizzy and breathless.

Hidimba gave her a proud watery smile. She finally saw the future queen of Kamyaka in her and can't herself from complimenting her

"You will be a remarkable queen. Kamyaka will be proud to have you as their queen."

"Can't help I learned from the best." She replied chuckling making the situation light.

"Fine get ready we will talk about your wish after our meeting today. It time to leave so hurry up." Hidimba said realizing that subjects must be waiting for their arrival.

Kamyaka accepted the decision of their princess consort with open heart and honor with a round of applause. Both the ladies are overwhelmed with the way their people are accepting and understanding. While returning towards their home they decided to take a stoppage at their ancestral temple. Sitting on the tomb outside the temple Harshini requested Hidimba to continue the next part of their story. Hidimba started with a nod.

"I was sure that I am followed from the cave till here. My brother won't take any risk especially after my today's action and I have very few moments to warn them of it. I never thought one day for a human family I will risk everything to save them. But now is not the moment to contemplate my moves it's time to act. I was thinking they must have been either sleeping or worried about my sudden disappearance. They must have been looking for me. Suddenly I felt a wave of weird sensation and I am sure something is wrong. I knew I have to face something heartbreaking but I wasn't aware of what is coming? Thinking of all possible scenarios I reached the cave. The scene in front of me gave me an answer to all my questions. Their gestures and expressions gave the ongoing dilemmas in their mind."Hidimba finished her statement shaking her head with a slight smile. Taking a deep sigh she continued

"The anger was visible in their eyes but it's not only anger there is disappointment, betrayal and so much more lies in those eyes. I never felt worse for anything before this than I was feeling at that moment. Brothers are standing in front of their mother like a shield with a questioning glare. Before I spoke anything he roared

"She is a demon. She was betraying us from the moment she met us. Her motive was to kill us. I told you guys this girl is not right but nobody listened to me. Thankfully today we came to know her true intentions otherwise we are walking directly into a death trap. I have had enough of her drama now I won't listen to anybody."

"Argh! Humans and their earlier assumptions are always a deadly combo. Do you guys give chance for others to speak or just decide everything on your own?"

"Look at the girl's attitude she is at fault still she is talking like this. You are lucky that you are a woman if a man dared to harm my family he would be got his answer from my mace till now. You should be thankful that after your such betrayal you are standing in front of my family that too all fine." He answered in his angry voice making me tremble. My heart broke a little looking at his face. Hurt, betrayal, and disappointment are written on his face and I wasn't able to handle this but I have to for his safety.

"My apologies I know what I did is wrong but I am changed now. I accept in the beginning my intention was not right but I have my reasons but you guys changed me for good. Now I want only good for you guys. Pardon me for my past mistakes and come with me I know a short way out of this jungle."I replied as calmly as I can though my heart is racing thinking of the consequences.

"Why would we trust you? You were betraying us since the beginning and suddenly you have a change of heart. What if this is also a trap? "This time it was Arjun. Now they are slowly getting on my nerves here I am trying to save them and they are busy in interrogation testing my patience in the process.

"Shut up and listen to me carefully your life is at risk so before my brother comes and ruins my entire hard work just moves from here. You can interrogate me further on the way I assure you I will answer all your questions truthfully."

"We aren't fools to trust a demon and if you are so changed now then answer all our questions here," Bheem questioned me getting impatient with each passing moment.

"Your trust issue is an issue. First of all, I am just a tribal princess whose people are banished from your land by the great Kuru prince Bhisma. Like any other time, the innocent subjects have to pay the price of a decision made by their rulers. Second yes I lied to you guys that too for my people. My brother let his demons win over him and this is the only way to keep him in line. I have to bring him, humans, to save my subjects. They are innocent people and as their princess, I can't risk them. But you guys help me got over this fear. You all taught me to fight my own battles, the importance of family, and love. But right now your lives are at risk so come with me without any more questions. My brother can be here at any moment and he will kill all of you. Come with me now" I replied closing my eyes to draw strength from within. After all, my next move is about to change the whole course of action.

"What will happen to you and the other people after we leave?"Ma Kunti asked suddenly making me halt at my steps.