Chitra has changed into a light silk ghagra after a peaceful bath, it took almost an hour to wash away all the dirt from her hair and body. The chambers given to her were three times the size of her old room in Ramapur which made her explore everything inside the room. The Almirahs were already filled with different clothes and ornaments that she stood there trying to see each and every detail of those stunning ornaments. But it would have been more perfect if Arjuna was around, what would he be doing now.

" My Queen?" A maid peeped inside, she was slightly shaking. At first Chitra thought, maybe, the night's cold breeze was making her shiver but when she noticed the rolls of sweat on her face she understood that this shiver was different, this is one is from fear.

" Rajmata Padma will be visiting your chambers with the royal Ladies in some time, she wants you to look presentable."

"Okay," Chitra replied, it is normal for a new bride to be introduced around right? " But can you help me? "

The maid looked as if Chitra had just banished her from this kingdom.

After taking her own time she walked inside, standing in a corner near the mirror. Chitra did not force her much, she removed a simple cream colored Lehenga which had no designs but the maid interrupted her.

" I might be crossing my status by suggesting this but Rajmata Padma doesn't like it when a princess is too quiet or too simple. "

Chitra just wanted to jump over the window in her room and run into Arjuna's arms, if that was possible.

" Thank you for the suggestion." Saying Chitra pulled out a pink colored saree, it was easy to handle but elegant enough. She quickly pulled out different ornament sets and tried them with the help of her suggestion.

" So, do I look fine? And I almost forgot to ask, what is your name?"

She almost blacked out thinking when was the last time some royal had ever asked her name.

" Champa. "

" Nice name, our names are slightly similar if you notice, my name is Chitra. " Chitra said as she twirled around in front of the mirror making sure she looked perfect. " And Champa, do you have any suggestion?"

" Um, Just cover your face till our Rajmata removes it. "

~•~

Rajmata Padama walked inside so elegantly that Chitra had to hold her breath, this is what a queen looks like, perfect, perfect in every sense unlike her.

Few royal Ladies tailed behind her, almost curious to see the new bride. Rajmata slowly removed the edge of the saree with was covering her face and all the ladies looked impressed except her.

" What is your name bhau?"

" Chitra." She replied trying her best to be confident.

A displeased look crossed over her face as she said, " When someone asks for your name, you are supposed to say your full name."

Trying to cover her fear she replied, " ChitraLekha."

Making herself comfortable on a chair, Rajamata asked, "So what arts are you good at? Dancing or Singing?"

" I have never learnt those." Chitra said slowly, being careful with her words.

" What do you mean?" Rajmata asked as she looked terrified, what a shame it would be for the kingdom that their queen has no knowledge about any arts.Clearing her throat she asked again, " Then what are you skilled at? A sword fight or something like that? "

" No, women were not allowed to fight in our kingdom, but I am good at stitching-"

" So you plan to run this kingdom by stitching designs on your sarees?" Rajmata's voice boomed with anger, making Chitra remember her step-mother Sulekha and the room was filled with giggles of the royal ladies.

" You are not even capable of being called a princess! And I will never accept such a woman as the queen of this great kingdom! Never!" Saying she angrily made her way out leaving Chitra in a puddle of her tears.

How will she face Arjuna now? She won't be able to see a disappointed look in his face when she tells him about this. She knows for a fact that a man highly respects his mother's decision at any point of life and Arjuna is such a dutiful man that he might never go against his mother's words.

And just to increase her misery more, she was informed that Arjuna had something important to handle so he would be late.

Chitra cried herself to sleep, will he listen to his mother and leave her? Or worse send her back to her kingdom? She won't be able to survive without Arjuna. With all the gloomy thoughts in her brain she slowly drifted into a comfortless sleep.

She felt a moment near her neck which made her jolt up from her sleep.

" Relax! I was just removing these heavy ornaments for you." Saying he slowly helped.

" Why would you sleep in such uncomfortable clothes Princess? Just in case you didn't notice, I ordered the royal maids to fill your almirah with many comfortable cloths, just for you." And those sweet words made her cry again. How will she live without him?

Crying loudly she wrapped her hands around his neck, hiding her face in his neck. Almost immediately he pulled her close, patting her head slowly, consoling her about something he had no clue.

But just like last time she fell asleep in his arms. Smiling he slept, pulling her close to him. He should ask her about what has made her so upset. Did she not like his kingdom?

Chitra tried to stretch her arms as her muscles felt a little raw, but to her horror she found herself almost sleeping on top of Arjuna, but the scariest part was her saree rode up till her knees and her upper half saree was stuck with his golden chain.

She tried to untangle it slowly trying not to disturb his sleep, but before she could do anything Arjuna opened his eyes smiling as he saw her.

"Now, I never thought you were this bold?"

Blushing she tried to pull her saree from that stupid golden chain, but Arjuna pulled her down by her waist and samshed his lips against hers as a loud gasp left her mouth.

If only she could wake up every morning to this, she would give her everything away in a blink.

* * *

Chitra sat near the window waiting for Arjuna. He left in the morning right after they shared a kiss as he got an important call from the royal hall.

She could hear heavy steps marching forward towards her room and loud arguments.

" I know what is better for my sister Ratan, so stay in your place! " Arjuna shouted at Ratan, who looked frustrated as he was trying to explain something.

" But Arjuna, he is-"

" Get out! These are private chambers and you are not allowed here! "

Irritated, Ratan gave up and walked out with a scowl on his face.

" What happened? " Chitra asked after a few minutes making sure that he was a little calm.

He sighed as he rubbed his forehead, " Our neighbouring kingdom, Devampura is ruled by King Aditya. He has arrived today with his five years old son, to ask for the hand of Nandhini."

Now it was Chitra's turn to sigh lowly, should she just tell him about Nandhini's love before he takes some drastic decision?

" He has no wife, no concubines, his kingdom is flourishing with wealth. And most of all, his kingdom is a few hours travel! Which means we can visit Nandhini anytime we wish! "

Her heart tugged listening to those words. Arjuna was not trying to marry her off and remove her responsibly from his shoulders, he was trying his best to give her a good status, he was trying to keep his precious sister close to him so he could jump and save her in any crisis.

She moved close and pressed his forehead trying to soothe his headache and in reflex he pulled her close by her waist.

" I understand what you are saying Arjuna, but why don't you ask Nandhini about this? "

"Asking Nandhu? " He said as if that was the stupidest thing anyone could do, " She has the capacity to make even the strongest Prince of the world to run to the hills."

Laughing Chitra replied, " Then there must a reason right? Every woman dreams to be married someday but if she keeps rejecting that, there must be a strong reason."

"Maybe, I should ask Vikram to talk Nandhini into this. She is friendly with him."

-----

• Bahu - Daughter-in-law

•Rajmatha - king's mother.