Silver bursts in the dark sky when the clouds roared and battled against each other. Their collision brought whips of lightning, which lathers the atmosphere, promising the wrath of heaven. Heavy downpour graces the thirsty land, filling its belly with satisfaction. Where the world quacked and quivered beneath their covers, he stood fierce, like a mountain facing the storm, over the terrace of his regal abode. The drops of heavenly nectar weren't gentle but sharp and punishing as they strike against his naked torso and shoulders. Only in pants, displaying his marvelous figure, he glared at the thundering welkin calmly. The gloomy king dwells in the shadows of lonely castles. A cold statue of mystery with a broken soul, yearning for a touch of yonder to satiate the endless hunger clogging his entrails.

Though he was master of a potent personality, the hollowness of his eyes punctuated a different tale. The empty optics were home to secrets that might shatter the coldest iron with a single revelation. The horrors within high walls of this majestic fort, a cage to bind a beast have left the beholder vulnerable. He wished to become one with the night sky, camouflaging the raging monstrosity inside him with it and giving it the name of stardust.

Staring in nothingness through an empty heart, a stark contrast to his red-rimmed eyes, all his musings stilled when a glimpse of a diamond-faced damsel broke at the back of his mind. It killed him a little more and breathing became a burdensome phenomenon. Unknowingly, a lone tear slipped from his eye. Its saltiness mix with the sweetness of rain. His zeal towards life atrophied long ago, now he only thrived to contain the rage pulsing in his veins.

The cold drops fell like a salve on burning pride and hid the weakness dripping from eyes, creating a misinterpreted illusion. In the end, his unyielding shoulders bowed, his conscience screamed to give up, searching for a soul to rely on. Will the help ever come?

No one can predict Niyati, the inevitable.

Can you rely on it?

Think sometimes!!

But only the Kaal knows...

MAYUR PALACE

After a year of mourning and decades of bad luck, the grounds of the mighty fort once again bathed in ceremonial cheerfulness. Lengthy, colorful, and sparkly curtains hung from the high tops followed by masterfully designed flower decorations. A row of golden LED strings fell from tall walls, giving the fort an appearance of a veil of an Indian Bride.

Magnificent

All who saw wondered in delight.

If not that, the tune of blowing clarinets accompanied by beating drums energized the atmosphere with enthusiasm. It brought a smile to brooding lips that didn't open to express in years. The arms which mostly carried orders and stood guard to royalty, today carried materials to adorn the premises more, showcasing the riches of warrior blood.

A group of bards occupied lavish verandah, singing the Parnet (song sung at the time of marriage) and Banna- Banni (songs based on bride on groom). The songs are transmitted through oral traditions and are related to rich and glorious past of culture, a simple form of creativity distinguished by its spontaneous performance. A bunch of women danced in a circle, collaborating on the instruments and melodious numbers. Their traditional outfits and silver jewelry encouraged excitement among guests from abroad. People took pictures, appreciated the art of locals, and complimented the organizers. Most business partners conversed at corners over a glass of wine, disregarding the ongoing show of a royal wedding.

For servants, it was a busy day. With long strides, they paced the marbled floor, conducting multiple tasks at once, making sure to fulfill the requirements before time. A long spell of grieving has passed and happiness was once again knocking on their doors. Every poor heart mustered infinite mute blessings over the new couple.

But among the hustle, there was one such mind whose thoughts were not able to destine towards a particularity.

Gauri stood by the window. Her elbows rested on the window sill and one palm supported the chin. Her full lips were in sync with Krishna Ashtakam chanted by her religious grandmother in the background. A habit she harbored ever since she was a child whenever she felt distressed. Today her hair was open and shyly played with the gentle gusts of wind. The afternoon sun shined dazingly, stealing the influence of last night's storm. Long lashes caressed her cheeks whenever she blinked.

She was still contemplating the recent occurrences which seemed too fast to be a coincidence. Horses of her mind dawdle through the course of events happening one after another, from her being a usual carefree girl to transforming into this timid damsel she barely knew. This left her rather confident personality ashamed. Ever since she arrived here, a foreign yet pleasant sensation kept her chest warm. In unfamiliar and intimidating surroundings, the strange feeling comforted her to a proportion, supplying her ossein with much-needed courage to stand firmly and not fall on her knees. For a naïve girl grown in a village, the proposal from royalty was a stressful puzzle. Bitter and chaotic.

The thought of a husband always brought nervous jitters down her spine. But this was about a man she never met before or seen. This was not a man who own a farm or livestock. He wasn't a merchant or moneylender. The supposed groom was a king. How was she going to present herself in front of him or talk without feeling self-conscious? He must be interested in politics and dine with billionaires, not a pitiful storyteller like her. But the queen mother did supply, how she doesn't have to perform any wifely duty for now and focus on her education first. She can get to know him with time. They were forced into holy matrimony but the elders were considerate enough to not force them into wedding bed. God knows what she must have done. Possibly flung herself from the tallest minaret before he could have even lifted her veil.

This was not supposed to happen, right?

One second, she was comfortably sitting with her grandmother, listening to Vedas and Upanishads, and on the other, she got an invitation from the palace.

Her scrutinized orbs wandered across the Mayur palace allotted to her family. No doubt it was magnificent and had advanced facilities, but it lacked the comfort and warmth provided by the haystack roof of her home back in the village. She never thought that a headstrong liberal like her will end up being caged inside this golden stockade. The palace was cold and mechanical whereas her hut, despite being small and made of mud was much livelier and more diligent. Her senses felt drained.

Suddenly she got startled by noises coming from outside her chamber. Although she was feeling drained, dragged her feet to open the door, only to find the Queen mother approaching with calculated steps. Today she wore a golden banarasi saree with modest jewelry.

The confident aura of Vasundhara Devi reflected mystery with a hint of darkness which didn't sit well with Gauri. Brushing her non-sensical thoughts, she bends low to touch the feet of her soon-to-be mother-in-law, who in return smiled at values of the village girl and nodded in affection. But did Gauri read a hint of pain in that smile?

She internally scowls at her detective brain.

What could bother a Queen with all the power she enjoys?

Next to impossible!!

On the flip side, the Queen mother was left astounded by the brilliance adorning her would-be daughter-in-law's angelic face. It cast a pure spiritual devotion. Burdened by the past's foolishness and the repercussions on her son's life, she silently raised her head in prayer to the eternal Shiva for forgiveness. Beholding the lady's smitten features regarding their daughter, Kishan and Rukmani felt spellbound. If that was not enough, large patens filled with gifts of good omen lined behind the queen surely made their eyes open wide. But, the experienced eyes of Sumitra saw right through the inner turmoil of the matriarch. Then she noticed a dutiful maid, somewhat of the same age as Vasundhara waiting at the entrance unbothered. She was wearing all black, a color Sumitra despised. Even the widows of her village don't wear it, calling it a veil of a night. They preferred faded and mostly white, signifying the purity of their faith after the demise of their better half. The hollowness in maid's eyes raised goosebumps on her wrinkly flesh and in a joyful atmosphere, she caught the claws of uncertainty. Now, she wanted to know everything about this suspicious person in the sea of party lovers.

"I hope the journey wasn't troublesome and, in my absence, the staff provided their efficient services. Due to attending an urgent matter, I wasn't able to welcome you all personally."

She intended to be polite but the stress of events has infuriated her to a point of exhaustion. It came out charging to cut the silence like a knife. The visitors gawked in monotone at her stern face. Clearing her throat awkwardly, she breathed deeply before proceeding with the main purpose.

Sensing the tense environment, a hesitant Sumitra Devi decided to reciprocate the formalities.

"We are humbled by your hospitality and generosity, your highness. It may sound odd to be welcomed in your place but please have a seat."

With a curt nod, the lady adorned with expensive jewelry took the royal cushioned chair right below the chandelier and faced the family. All the other present took their seats next.

"It pleases me greatly to see you all respecting my wishes. Despite the sudden and conflicting events, your thoughtfulness has won my heart. As a parent, I am very well aware of the insecurities one feels regarding their child's safety. But you shouldn't worry yourself over such issues because Gauri has become my daughter now. No harm will come her way as long as I live. She will be treated with the same respect I command.

Secondly, as you see, marriage in a rich household isn't a normal matter. As much as I am keeping this affair private, we can't oversee the list of business associates and other royal families attending the functions. Some of them are the King's partners, big investors, politicians, and celebrities. I am not offended by your attires but it would make Gauri's stance easier if you wear better clothes to mix with the crowd. You're standing out may raise questions and fingers might be pointed at my son's reputation. People would like to know my daughter-in-law and her family. It would be appreciated if you maintain the decorum of the palace and perform the rituals decently. The Ranas of Rajvansh wouldn't tolerate a slight spot on their ages-old rank."

A moment of silence passed as the shell-shocked family took her words in. The words irked Gauri. If they wanted people clad in the finest garment and heavy jewelry then they should've searched such horde. What could you possibly expect from a poor farmer? A fabric without any holes in it was their finest asset.

"My apologies, Queen mother. I agree we are incomparable against your standards. Though we poor don't have the daintiest indulgences, we keep our morals in high esteem. My granddaughter is soon going to be your daughter-in-law, that's why my religion prohibits me from taking anything from you. That would be a trade. I am not here to sell my daughter but to give her away happily. Please understand my dilemma. We wouldn't dare come in front of your guests unless needed. You can dress Gauri according to your wishes but the rest of us will not touch anything which might raise questions on our values. I am well respected in my village because of my righteousness. What am I going to tell them? That I strolled around a palace in expensive clothes given by my granddaughters' in-laws? It will bring shame to our name."

Sumitra replied firmly, ready to take further measures if Vasundhara disagrees.

A darkly dressed Ambika, who was standing at the doorstep of the big room passed an ugly scowl. The audacity of this old hag!! She was about to intervene but was stopped by the raised hand of her highness, shutting all advances much to the maid's dismay.

The beliefs of the old woman made her elated from the inside, but she refused to show it. Holding the eyes of Sumitra, she nodded.

"I respect your decision and hope you will withhold your words. The ceremonies will start tomorrow and your presence is mandatory. As soon as this function is peacefully concluded, I wish you a safe journey back to Shivpuri."

Vasundhara Devi ordered and gestured towards the maids to hand the gifts to Gauri.