Meenakshi and Aditya got married in a small Shiva temple near the outskirts of his kingdom, against her family's wishes. Her father wanted a grand ceremony for her while Meenakshi denied everything saying that all she wanted was something simple and intimate for herself. Aditya had no qualms to fulfill her wishes and he gladly obliged for whatever she wanted. Filled with the mere presence of people like their parents and her guru, Meenakshi and Aditya became a man and a wife in complete sense.
A grand feast was organized for the subjects of both the kingdoms on the joyous occasion of their marriage. Meenakshi's parents insisted that they stay with them the following night and leave the following morning with gifts and presents, but Aditya firmly denied them saying that they would leave now. Aditya had also politely denied any gifts that were offered saying that all he wanted was her. Nothing more, nothing less.
Since it was getting dark, Aditya insisted that they take a carriage instead of riding to his kingdom which was now theirs. Meenakshi compiled. "This is the first time I am traveling by a carriage." She said, as they set off to their new home.
Aditya smiled at her and took her hands in his. He softly kissed them and held them close to his chest. "You are a queen now and even more, my queen. Anything and everything you want and need will be at your disposal. I promise to treat you like the queen you are and love you like the princess who has captured my heart." Meenakshi blushed and slowly pulled her hands back, only to be at a fail. Aditya smiled and got up to sit by her side. She smiled to herself and slowly placed her head on his shoulder. His hand instantly went to wrap her shoulders and pull her close. For once, Meenakshi lowered her guards and surrendered herself to his love that had always made her feel safe and secure.
They had reached the palace by dawn and Aditya got down the carriage first. He offered his hand to her who gracefully accepted it. They were welcomed by his father, who was standing on the entrance gate with a few maids around him with flowers and a lamp. Aditya and Meenakshi bowed and touched his feet seeking his blessings for their new life. His father whole heartedly blessed them and lifted them up to their previous positions. "It's good to have you here finally. I am glad that my son and daughter have returned home." Meenakshi smiled at his words. He then ask the woman, the head maid, to do their aarti. He then swiped a small pinch of the vermillion paste and first applied a small dot on Meenakshi's forehead. He then applied a few grains of rice on top of it. "There has never been a woman in this family to do this dear, hence I am here welcoming you. But now that you are here, I hope I can hand over these duties to you from now on." Meenakshi could only nod softly at her father-in-law's words of hope. He then did the same to Aditya and welcomed them into their new home.
"I know you would have been quite tired from your journey, but one small ritual before I leave you two to your privacy." Her father-in-law added. Both of them looked at him expectantly. "Your pehli rasoi." He said, making Meenakshi whispered a soft sure.
"We shall get ready and come down to finish making food for us Maharaj." Meenakshi bowed her head and spoke.
"Call me father dear. You are a daughter to me, call me father like he does." His father said, making her smile at his words.
"Yes father." She repeated.
Meenakshi and Aditya bid him a bye and went to their rooms to change into something and become refreshed before continuing their day here.
Aditya led Meenakshi towards the corridors as they headed towards his room. "This is your room. And mine, if you remember, is a bit ahead. I shall ask the maids to shift your belongings back into this room from mine."
"Are we going to live separately?" She asked, unhappy about his distance. They were just married and he was already separating them.
"I want to give you your privacy first, Meena. That is all I want. There is no compulsion to live like what is expected of us always."
"But is this necessary?" She asked, again.
"Do you suggest something?" He asked, trying to ease her.
"We can use the same room and give each other space wherever needed. And this room, which is claimed to be mine, can be a study room where we can discuss and talk about our kingdom." Aditya smiled at her words. "What?" She asked, unable to comprehend his smile.
"You said 'our' kingdom." He said, making her shy away. She walked ahead and went in to his room taking in the feel and look of it. She had been here once, when she was Maheshwar. Now that she was Meenakshi and more so ever Aditya's wife, it felt way too different and intimate.
"This room was mine so it was customized in some sense for me. But now that you are here and we share this, I want you to change it according to your tastes too. Make this yours too." Aditya said, leaning on the doorframe of their room.
"It's perfect the way it is, Aditya. I don't want to make any changes at all. And if I want, I shall know what to do." She smiled, assuring him her comfort.
"I know that you know the ins and out's of this place, but I would still like to give you a tour in the evening, once we are well rested." Meenakshi nodded and helped herself to the bath to get ready for her new tradition.
She headed to the bathing chambers where fresh hot water was ready for her, technically for him, with powdered soap nuts and sandalwood on the edge of the tub. She stripped out of her clothes and put on a thin cotton robe. She lowered herself in the tub letting the hot water cascade through her body, soothing her aching muscles. She reached out for the soapnut powder and lathered it on her body, scrubbing of the remaining dirt and dust from their travel. Washing off the paste on her body, she then layered herself with the sandalwood paste, letting it sink in to her skin before washing it away. She stood up from the tub reaching out to the towel that was placed by the side and wiped herself.
As she stepped out of the tub, she heard footsteps outside. Meenakshi paused as she listened to the sound of the footsteps coming closer. A knock was heard. Meenakshi answered with a yes, skeptical about the person on the other side. "Meenakshi, it is me." Aditya's voice rang through.
"Yes?" She asked, the question in her tone evident.
"Your clothes are here. I shall be in the chambers while you can change here in the changing room. Do you need any help? The maids are here if you want." He asked from the other side.
"Thank you. Umm..no. I shall be fine."
"Okay." Aditya's footsteps retreated as they had come.
"Aditya!" She called out, from inside.
"Yes?" His voice boomed back.
"Is there a specific way I should dress up? Now that I am your wife and as the queen?" She asked.
Aditya chuckled. Quickly composing himself, he spoke. "Yes there is. Just the way you always do." He walked away leaving a smile on both of their faces.
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Aditya is a charmer. I hope I find a man like Aditya.
Sorry for the delay. I didn't know that this chapter didn't go up at all.
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