Yaksha's POV 

This might not be my actual home. But I lived here for whole two months. I had people beside my side who loved me dearly. I almost forgot what situation I am in when I was with them. I barely adjusted to this new environment with their help.

But I have to leave. I have to leave the place I thought was my home for months. I saw bua-sa approaching me slowly with a small wooden box in her hand. I looked at her with questioning eyes with tears continuously dripping down my cheeks. I don't even know why I am crying. I only cried silently without making any noise.I have known them for only two months. I will forget them in a few days. Won't I?

Bua-sa kneeled in front of me and place toe rings on my toe fingers from the box  on both of my feet. She stood up and told me to always keep wearing them and my nuptial chain,vermilion. And to not remove my bridal bangles for the first few days. I just nodded and couldn't say anything more.

Meena was gone to pick up my and her stuff with few other attendees. Since she will be coming with me I was a little less worried. 

My eyes fell on Rajeshwari. She was only looking at me with equally emotional eyes. We both looked at each other for a few seconds and before we knew it we both launched each other into a hug. She started crying in my arms while I consoled her back. If anything I am the one who needs consolation.

"Hum bohot yaad karenge tumko Yakshu. Samay mile toh humse milne aa jana." She said hiccuping a bit.
( I will miss you a lot. Whenever you get time visit me.)

"Aapne aap ko dekho Rajeshwari. Tumne toh kaha tha humein bilkul bhi nehi yaad karoge? Jhuthi kahaki." I laughed but sobbed immensely. 
(Look at yourself. You said that you won't miss me at all? What a liar.)

I laughed and she cried. It was indeed a sentimental moment. I will miss her the most. She was the one who barged into my room at any time and accompanied me all the time. Said every little detail of Yaksha so I could adjust. 

"Tell me one thing, how long does it take to reach there? Do you know?" I asked peeking through my veil a bit. 

As I did lift my veil up I looked at where the sultan and my father were standing. I could only see my father as sultan's back was facing. As he started to turn around I put down my veil hurriedly. I can't get caught.

"I have heard it takes about three days."

Three days? Really? Do I have to be in this heavy lehenga thrice my weight for three days or can I change. I really wasn't sure.

I nod gently.

Rajeshwari stood beside me holding my hands tightly. I don't know what it was. Some sort of reassurance that she is her for me? Or was it just wanting to spend some more time with me, as long as she could. I couldn't pinpoint the reason but I didn't leave her hand either.

"I know you will be a good wife and queen. I have seen you grow up. I know you more than anyone else. But despite all of this don't forget to be a woman. Fight for what's right and never give up for your own happiness. My blessings will always be there with you. Take care of you and your family."

Father said barely holding his tears. I could see how much he was struggling. He was patting my head and took my hand and placed it on the Sultan's hand. I could feel his big and rough hands on my skin again. It almost burned where he touched. Silly hormones.

"I have raised her like a baby but also as a warrior. Please don't be too hard on her and don't hurt her. If you ever feel like you don't need her or anything just give her back to me, I won't question anything. But hurt her and I won't care about the peace treaty anymore." He said with an authoritative voice to the sultan. 

"You don't have to worry about such things. I would be the first one to take any attack coming towards her let alone hurt her. She is and will be my wife."

That voice. I have heard it somewhere! Where could I hear it? I can't seem to pinpoint where but I heard it somewhere. It was so deep. Or maybe I just heard it on some podcast or reels. I always read too much into things. In this particular moment I am busy swooning over his deep voice.

"You should leave now. It's a long route."

I could feel my tears coming back as father mentioned about leaving again. Rajeshwari and bua-sa hugged me again and said some words of encouragement. 

Still crying I felt baba-sa hugging me and caressing my back.

"I will miss you baba-sa. Please take care of yourself and visit me whenever you have time. If you can't handle anything just leave it to the Sultan. Don't overwork yourself."

"I won't. Visit us too. Okay?" And I nodded.

I bid farewell one last time and sat on my carriage with Meena accompanying me. I could feel the tears running down. I am so glad there's a veil covering my face. I don't want to cry in front of her.Meena tried to console me but my heart was too burdened with all the emotions to be consoled at this moment. 

I can only pray that nothing bad happens because I have stopped hoping for good things.

-

Three whole days and two whole nights but the Sultan didn't visit me once. Talk about taking care of me. I thought he promised my father he will take care of me. Is this taking care of me in his dictionary? If it is he should burn such nonsense dictionary. He did send attendees to me to make sure I am having all the meals and wasn't facing any discomfort but I wanted him to meet me at least once. He is husband now!

Gosh even saying that word makes me feel weird and....tingled. Okay stop. 

It was almost morning now and I could see our carriages reaching a palace. Oh boy! If I thought Ratangarh palace was big, I made a huge mistake. It was like twice bigger than that palace. I peeked through the curtain to get a more accurate view of the place. I only see what I saw in historical movies. 

I was equally excited and nervous. Can I really do this?

My thoughts were instantly interrupted by loud trumpet noises and some other noise. People were rushing around. Loud trumpets were played.Probably to welcome the King and his new queen. Which is me. ME!!

"Baisa, we have to get down. Come I will help you." Meena helped me get down from the carriage . 

I started to think about it as I got down the carriage. What will happen tonight? I am definitely not letting hin anything to me. I should take some kind of weapon with me. I know I am being a hypocrite. Calling him my husband but at the same time behaving like this. But you can't blame a girl for being extra cautious.

As I got down I felt him standing beside me and holding my hands once again. He long fingers calloused over mine and that's all it took.All the stupid feelings again make their way in my stomach. Ugh! Maybe I shouldn't take some weapons. 

I swear I wanted to run away the moment. All of these, it's too much. Too many responsibilities. I can barely wake up for classes and be a queen.

He leads me to the entrance and I see people standing there. Probably to welcome us. 

"Bhaijaan! Aa gaye aap. Bhabi-jaan Assalamualaikum. Khushamdeed. Hum Saad, aapki devar aur humari choti behen,aapki nand Aaliyah." He said pointing at himself and than a girl younger than me. I still couldn't see anything accurately but just saw his hand movements. 

(You are here. Greetings Bhabi. Welcome home. I am Saad your brother-in-law and this is your sister-in-law Aaliyah.)

"Bhabi ko pareshan maat kare aap log. Safar se thak gayi hain woh. Jo bhi guftgu hain baad mein kar lena. Aaliyah inko kamre le jaiye aur Saad aap humare sath aaye." 

( Don't bother her. She is tired from the journey. Whatever conversation you have to do with her do it later. Aaliyah guide her to the chamber and Saad come with me.)

I heard a faint yes from Saad and they left. He was probably disappointed to get scolded by his brother as soon as he arrived.

"Come Bhabi-jaan. Do you know how excited I am to finally see you in person. I have only heard about you and all those things only made me want to meet you more! You can lift your veil here, no one will see you here." She said as we entered the more inner part of the palace. 

I finally left out a breath as I lifted my veil up. We entered the room and Aaliyah smiled at me. 

"You are more pretty than I heard you were. My brother is surely a lucky man." 

I didn't know how to reply to her comment. I wasn't a person who took compliments well. I always brushed it of or just denied it.I have seen better, good looking women growing up, I am nothing special. 

So I just muttered a small thank you. 

"Okay I won't bother you anymore or bhai-jaan will scold me again. Take a good rest bhabi-jaan. I will visit you again in the evening to get you ready."
I nodded and watched her leave. I finally got the time to look at the chamber. Just like the palace the chamber is twice bigger than my old chamber. Upon entering the room I could see the big bed just middle of the room with curtains around it. There's a large space and a balcony after that. Two-three windows. And there were more rooms attached , I couldn't figure out what rooms they were it is and was too tired to do so. 

"Baisa. Let's get you freshen up. Then you can take a rest." 

"Yes please! I am so tired. I feel like all part of my body is sore and aching! I need a nice and warm bath with all of my favourite scents." I said throwing my dupatta on my bed and stretching my arms.

"Is there a reason why you are smiling and looking at me like that Meena?" I asked as I felt her eyes staring at me with a mischievous look. She is surely thinking some nonsense. 

"No it's just I am thinking you are already so tired and sore, I wonder how you will survive tonight. You know what tonight is right? And by the look the sultan looks very strong."

My face instantly went red. Where did that come from? And why is she noticing how strong my husband is! 

Wait. My brain is stupid on an another level.

"You have become really naughty, isn't that right Meena? Should I teach you a lesson? And from where do you even know all these? Aren't you too young?" 

"Too young? I am sixteen baisa! I am old enough to carry a child! And I have my sources you see."

This kid! I wonder what sources she is talking about.

"Just give me a bath and let me rest!" I said flushed and entered the bathing room. Even this room is bigger. 

As Meena was helping me I could only think about one thing. What will happen tonight?