Maithili’s POV

Getting married, it was never something which was in my mind. Ever since I knew the world I have always seen everyone grant my wishes, no matter if it was to learn battlefield skills. Never in our Kingdom has any Princess had as much freedom as me. Whether the general people or my family, they have always adored me but now this is the time to repay them, how could I become selfish.

I agreed to this marriage at the time when everyone was present but currently, I am in my room with my friend Niyati who is braiding my hair, she has stayed with me since childhood, for outsiders she is just my maid but for me she is that person who knows me better than me.

I know her better than her and currently she is anxious “Maithili, are you sure?”

“No” there is no point lying to her

“Then why agree to this marriage? You have heard right what happened to your Buasa? What if same thing happened again?”

“This time it will not happen, last time what happened has already taken toll on both Kingdoms. This marriage is to undo that curse, Niyati.”

She sighed and spoke “Alright, but what I heard about their crown prince was scary. I heard that he is very furious in battles, he kills mercilessly, and if he finds any spy around him then he tortures them. He is always covered in thick blood with bloody eyes. He is heartless and God knows what. I am scared for you Maithili.” She said shivering a little

I smiled at her remarks “That’s because you are a scaredy cat.”

I heard footsteps coming inside my room “But what she said is right.” Gaurav Bhaisa entered

“I have fought opposite him in last battle, although I am not very pleased with that battle as we have lost because of me.”

“Bhaisa, -”

“No don’t worry, I am fine, but what I am saying is I saw him fight, he killed everyone without blinking however what I want to say is that it was a battle not just him everyone was killing each other including me. So do not create a judgement just because of this. Maithili honestly, I was very proud of what you did. I just want you to be happy in the future and remember that no matter what your brother will always be there for you. Hmm” he completed and I couldn’t hold back my tears

He has always been there, supporting me, teaching me. He taught me to fight, sparred with me when no one did because ‘girls are not allowed to learn what they should not’, this what the ministers in the court said to my father. I never liked this mindset and neither did Gaurav Bhaisa. Today hearing him say this I could not held back my tears.

“Come on, don’t cry now, let’s go I will teach you a new sword trick.” He said smiling widely and I nodded

All the worry that I had before disappeared instantly.

After having a small sword session with Bhaisa, he was called for urgent matters. I cleaned myself after entering my room and went to visit Badi Maasa as I know she must be more anxious than anyone right now.

As I was walking towards her room, I kept thinking of how Maasa would have felt if she was here. She died when I was four or five maybe I don’t remember it anymore but I know for sure that it was sometime after Buasa died. Both were very close like sisters, so when Buasa burned herself in front of everyone, my Maasa was the person who got affected by this the most. Her health deteriorated and after months of hanging by a thread of love and hope, she fell to death.

I remember when I went to wake her up one day, her hands were so cold and everyone were sobbing but when I looked at my Bapusa, he was silent. I went to him and asked him to wake my mother up.

“She finally went to sleep after pain, let her sleep Maithili.”

“Then can I sleep with her; she is so cold I will warm her up.”

“No, if you sleep with her right now, then you will feel cold. How about it you let her go and when she will become a star then she will never feel cold again.” He completed and I reluctantly agreed to it.

However, at night when I never saw her again, I would cry my eyes out that’s when Badi Maasa took me in her arms and sang lullaby for me to sleep. She would stay with me when I was sick and care for me like Maasa. Overtime I started seeing Maasa’s light on her.

Thinking about it filled my heart with warmth and pain.

After entering Badi maa room, I saw her sitting on the edge of the bed alone, she was lost in her own thoughts. I went near her feet and bent on the ground enough to put my head on her lap.

“I am sorry Badi maa, you are upset because of me right.” I asked

“No, Maithili get up.” She held my hand and pulled me up.

She gestured me to lay on bed and put my head on her lap. While massaging my long hair with her fingers as she has countless time before.

“I am not upset because of you but for you. However, I want to know how you feel about all this. Why did you agree so quickly, Maithili? Without any second thought.

You know right if you have only said that you don’t want to marry, then no one would force you.” She said worriedly

Hearing her say this, a smile lingered on my lips.

“Badi Maa, I never wanted to marry. I wanted to stay with you and everyone else. The thing was I heard about the marriage proposal before you all even said anything. I was outside the door. You know I thought I will say that I do not want to marry.” I said as I recalled it.

“Then why agree?” she said with tears locked in her eyes.

“I… When I came inside the room that time, I saw Bapusa, he was looking so old and weak Badi Ma that time I already decided what I want to do.”

“Maithili, I know that his health is not like before, but how can you sacrifice yourself because of it. I am worried for you. I am afraid that this time too, the people of Kaushalgarh will do the same. What if like last, they refuse this marriage at the wedding pavilion and then you will too-“ She said but her hands were shaking after remembering that incident.

I held her hand tightly and calmed her down.

“Badi Maasa, do you know me so little? Don’t you know that I will never go to that path.” I comforted her

“Really, you promise Maithili?” She confirmed and I nodded

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