Abhimanyu is spending most of his time with his sisters during the day, as he is going for Gurukul tomorrow. It is not everyday that all his siblings are with him. After their marriage, it is only during some special occasions that they visit the palace and that too not all together. So Abhimanyu wants to make the most out of this time. Whereas his parents and grandmother are happy to see them together and pray that they stay together like this.

Almost all of his sisters have children, except the oldest and the youngest sisters for different reasons. The youngest sister who is not older than a few months compared to his age, is still not matured physically to bear a child. While the oldest sister couldn't get pregnant even though they are trying for a few years.

Soon the next day came and the last minute preparations for a week long long travel to Gurukul, was going on. There is nothing much that a student should take for Gurukul as it is forbidden to take any kind of luxury from their homes. The preparations are only for the travel to keep the prince and his companions(some soldiers to accompany till they reach the Gurukul and some same aged boys of the ministers) fed.

Now everyone is standing in front of the Palace entrance to send off, Abhimanyu. First it was Anamika to put Tilak(Holy smear) on her son's forehead to wish him success. Abhimanyu touched her foot and got her blessings. Anamika is a little bit sad regarding the separation but she knew that he would transform into a better man and better warrior at the end. Next, Abhimanyu moved to his father and got his blessings and said, "I will prove my worth to be the crown prince, Babasa."

Pratap smiled at him and hugged him. After Anamika's advice, Abhimanyu did kept his resentment for his father away and always tried to be a good son just like how his father is being a good father. Whenever he talks to his father, he kept the thought of his parent's relationship away and just think of him as a father nothing else. May be that could change if he comes to know about the abandonment of his mother.

Abhimanyu was sceptical about getting blessings from his grandmother and looked towards Anamika, who nodded her head for him to take blessings. Still he didn't touch her feet like he did with others, instead just folded his hands with bowed head. His grandmother was happy to get at least some attention from him.

After taking blessings from all his sisters, Abhimanyu started his journey towards Gurukul. After his departure, the sisters were about to leave for their own house but their father asked them to stay for one more day which they couldn't refuse.

They all spent some time together before dinner and after dinner, the sisters went to their shared chamber. But Ragini, the oldest was restless so she went to meet Anamika who is her mother figure.

When she reached Anamika's chamber, a dasi informed Anamika about her arrival and she was allowed to enter. After the initial greetings, silence filled the room which was broken by Anamika. "What is it dear? Anything you want to discuss?", Anamika asked her seeing the gloomy look on her face.

"I don't think I will be going back from this palace, badi Maasa", Anamika could guess the reason behind her words. "I have been married for thirteen years now. But still I'm not able to conceive a child. It was only the law and fear of Babasa that kept my in-laws from doing a second marriage for my husband. Now mutually we came to a decision that he will relieve me from the marriage before he marries again."

Ragini continued, "You know badi maasa, when I came to know the reason for the coldness between you and Babasa is none other than the one who gave me birth, I didn't really think much of it. I thought what is wrong with being a second wife. But now when I'm in a situation to see my husband with another girl, I am going mad. He is desperate for a child and never thought about me. They even chose the girl already and she is living in my house, waiting for me to leave. I felt the humiliation every second when someone compares her with me, especially when my husband does that. He even said that, he would have been considerate and kept me with him even after his second marriage, if only the law is not there. Then I felt that being childless and alone is better than staying in a polygamous relationship."

Anamika smiled at her and said, "Understand one thing Ragini, Marriage is not everything in life. It is a part of your life. Your husband is not everything, you have your parents and siblings with you anytime. The Laws might have looked childish when it was created and even some women might have felt that it was ruining their marital life because they didn't care about howmany wives their husbands want. But all I can say is, it was a blessing in disguise. And I'm glad that you chose your self respect above anything else. "

They both hugged each other and Ragini asked Anamika whether she can stay with her for the night, to which Anamika agreed. While they are laying on the bed with eyes closed, Ragini asked, "Badi Maasa! How can you treat us normally without showing any hate? Because our mother did many things which hurted you right. And moreover we are the daughters of your husband, but with another wife."

"I'm treating you well not because you are my husband's daughter but because I see you any other child out there", Anamika replied and nobody spoke anything else thereafter. The night went by and the next morning came.

All the sisters started their journey except Ragini as she told everything to her father. And then it was decided that Ragini will take over the management of the Ashram(Orphanage) where those women reside who were left by their husbands or widows. Till now, Anamika used to manage that but now she felt that Ragini will feel better if she is immersed in some work.

While Pratap was in his chamber thinking about his daughter, a guard came and informed him, "Ranasa! Head maid of Ranisa is asking permission to meet you". Pratap said, "Let her in". Head maid Kamala came in and greeted him and said, "Ranasa, I came here on the command of Ranisa, to check whether you will be able to join her in the garden during the evening". Pratap knew that if Anamika asked for him then it must be really important. So he replied, "Sure, I will join". The maid went away.

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I tried to give two updates since Friday was a holiday but Ganesh chaturthi preparations came along with my second vaccination. So only one update today.

Do vote and comment if you like the chapter.

Thanks,

SM.