Samudra reached Tanisi's hut followed by her. She was quiet, and did not utter a word. She went ahead and opened the door ushering him in. Samudra found her body language distant. She behaved as though he was a stranger. He sighed and sat down at the place shown to him by her.
She gave him a little water to drink. All through this time he kept observing her and didn't like the changes he saw in her. He asked, "How have you been Tanisi?"
Tanisi: "I am doing good Your Highness.."
Samudra: "You don't want to talk about your ordeal isn't it? I know that people have been treating you very badly. The rumour has spread everywhere. But I hope you haven't lost your trust in me.."
Tanisi: "Please don't worry about me your Highness, I know my place.."
Samudra: "And where is that?"
Tanisi looked at him and couldn't answer. It was as though her tongue was not in her control. She opened her mouth and closed it a few times trying to say something but the w
Samudra entered the hut, washing his hands and feet sat down while Tanisi got busy preparing food. Samudra had nothing to do hence he kept watching Tanisi who initially fumbled due to his attention but slowly became engrossed. It was a lovely scene to lose oneself. Soon the aroma of delicious food filled the hut. Samudra’s mouth started watering given that he was starving.Quickly Tanisi spread the dishes and beckoned him for dinner. He ate to his hearts content and Tanisi was satisfied to see things slowly back to normal. The moment was peaceful, but little did they know the storm that was brewing.After having food Samudra lazily lied down on Tanisi’s bed lost in his thoughts. He was exhausted emotionally. The days spent in her absence were a punishment for him. He wanted her to be around him always. He was getting concerned as it appeared, he
Tanisi came across the news that Atul had moved out and bought a place of his own. She was astonished. She had expected him to be punished for misbehaving with her. But it looked as though she had suffered while his business had flourished indicating that he never received any punishment. This left her angry. As usual, the next day she went to Samudra’s chambers to handle the accounts. But instead of diligently working as she always did, she sat cross legged with her arms folded with eyes spitting fire. Samudra who was in a better mood came into his chamber. He sat opposite to her on the table and was about to start his work when he saw her angry. His eyes softened for a moment before turning mischievous. Samudra: “My lady, you seem angry. What happened?” Tanisi: “Tell me is it fair if a person who is in fact a victim is punished while the perpetrator is not only unpunished
The next few days, Tanisi did not turn up leaving Samudra baffled. He could not hold himself any longer. He sent summons to her through his royal guard. Tanisi came to meet him at the discussion hall. She looked weathered. He did not understand why she was so. He motioned her to sit which she did not. She politely declined and stood. Samudra said to her, “Tanisi, I asked you to sit. Do not defy me. I as the Samrat can punish you for that and the sentence is as per my whim. So says the Nyaya Samhita. You would not even get a chance to raise a trial or request another hearing. I can do however I please.” Tanisi sat down and asked, “Why did you summon me my Lord?” Samudra: “You were to come to the Palace and help me keep the records. You never turned up. I had to summon you invariably.” Tanisi: “I was not keeping well Your Highness. Hence could not come. I did not see anyone a
Padma was getting desperate. She was now in the Old Palace. Aarna was always lost in her own world. Pradyumna who had seen her bad mouthing Tanisi, had distanced himself from her. She had to fend for herself and needed a job for that. Daily she would leave the Old Palace and go around doing odd jobs. Sometimes she helped florists to prepare garlands. Sometimes help the clothing merchants fold the clothes and keep them back neatly arranged. She finally found an old lady who used to sell vegetables who needed help to get the vegetables to the market and to take care of her. Her only son had gone to the war and never returned. She was paid a huge fortune by the Emperor for her son’s service. But she was a prideful woman to simply use the money given to her. So, she had taken to growing and selling vegetables. But was now too old to manage everything herself. Her vision had blurred, and her body had grown weak. She took a liking to the honey laced words of Padma.
After months, Samudra returned. He was slightly injured. This worried Tanisi. He specially asked for her for taking care of him. Tanisi genuinely took good care of him. Samudra recovered very quickly and one day before Tanisi could meet him and discuss Padma with him, he had left for the court due to urgent matters.In the court, there were many cases pending which needed lawful closures. Samudra became very busy. Tanisi could hardly meet him.One day she got to know from Vishwa that Padma had filed a complaint with the Emperor that Bhavabhooti had misbehaved with her in full public view. Tanisi was worried but Vishwa could not divulge more details as the case was directly under the purview of the Emperor.Even after knowing this Tanisi could not speak to Samudra as his schedule was packed. Then Vishwa brought the news that Padma was going to compromise with Bhavabhooti. He also got the news
Samudra appeared angry but he continued to speak, “I have an announcement to make after which the culprits can be sent to complete their sentences”.He paused and then with a bright smile continued, “After the recent wars, I have come to the point where my life feels very lonely. Hence, I have decided to get married. The announcement about my bride would be withheld due to security concerns of the concerned Kingdom as this could invite the wrath of the Kaingityas which would prove expensive to us. As a gift from me, all the taxes for this year are waived off. Also, I would apologise in advance, but the wedding is decided to be a low-key affair due to threat from the enemy as they could use this occasion to hatch sinister plans. After the wedding, a grand feast would be organised to which everyone in the capital would be invited.”The court burst into congratulatory salutations,
Shourya and Bhavya had arrived. Next day Samudra summoned them along with Vishwa and Naksha to his discussion hall. Naksha was angry but Vishwa was puzzled. He directly spoke before Samudra could even open his mouth. He said, “Samudra, what are you upto. The wedding is the day after and there is no news from any of the Kingdoms? Who are you marrying? And why is it so silent?”Samudra said, “As I already told you there is a threat of Kaingitya’s attacking. So, everything is to be done in secret. Now have you readied everything for Tanisi?” Vishwa quietly nodded.He turned towards Shourya and said, “Her groom is a very important man. Make sure your gifts are upto his status.” Shourya simply nodded, while Bhavya and Naksha did not even look at him. He sent them all away.Bhavya and Naksha immediately went to Tanisi and started chatting to
Samudra came down to find Vishwa waiting for him. He beckoned him closer and with an arm on his shoulder pulled him towards the Royal Food Hall. They both sat down waiting for others.All the grudges, anger etc., had now withered away. Vishwa and Naksha were the happiest to see Samudra marrying Tanisi. Vishwa looked at Samudra and saw a contented man. He decided to tease his friend.Vishwa: “So… How’s life?”Samudra: “Amazing, astounding, marvellous, stupendous. Words cannot describe it. I did not know making love feels this ecstatic!!”Vishwa closed his ears and said: “Lord Ishvara, Samudra spare me the dirty details.”Samudra: “You asked for it…” and grinned his most wicked grin.Vishwa: “How is Empress Tanisi’s life?” and wi