His Only Wife

On the dusty road leading to Ambikapur, a horse was running like wind leaving the clouds of dust on its trail. Its rider was a young man who was wearing a white tunic and a white pant made of cotton and there was a sword tied on his waist. His hairs which reach up to his shoulder are fluttering in the air and giving him a pleasing look. Under the sunlight, he looked weary but his determination can be seen in his eyes.

Veer has been riding for more than three hours and he has already covered almost one-third of the distance to Ambikapur. Now his horse is losing its energy and slowing down and there is no way it can be urged to run faster.

Veer felt helpless and he stopped his horse. He got down and held the reins in his hand started walking forward. He could not torture a meek animal due to his own anxiousness. His speed which was like a hawk suddenly plummeted to that of an ant and it made him feel helpless.

He is a prince but due to leaving hurriedly, he did not carry any coins or identity symbol with him, so he can not even make any trade with any passerby. Few small villages were in the way but now when he is walking he could not find any sign of a village even after walking for almost one hour.

Suddenly he heard the sound of the hoofs of horses coming from behind. He turned his head and saw around fifty riders moving on the same path as him. It is difficult to know who those riders are in the dusty clouds rising. Their speed is extremely fast.

Some travelers left the road and stood on the side to let the soldiers pass. Veer also left the road and stood on the side. Veer was already exhausted and did not have the interest to see who these riders are. He turned his face to a side to avoid dust getting into the eyes. Riders almost passed him and then suddenly there was a voice from the front of the group "Halt".

All the riders pulled their reins and stopped in next few steps. Eyes of all the riders followed the movements of their leader. The leader of the group jumped from his horse and walked in front of Veer and squealed "If I didn't know what you were wearing, I would have missed you. Ha ha ha" It was Bhim Singh who came with the Veer's bodyguards to follow him. He was definitely delighted with his own observation and senses.

Veer turned and looked at Bhim Singh and sighed "Are you very happy?" Seeing the look on Veer's face and knowing about Priya, Bhim Singh felt guilty and said in lowered voice "I am sorry. But I felt really uneasy since you left so suddenly."

Veer looked at him and nodded in understanding with a weak smile. seeing the look on Veer's face, Bhim Singh did not feel like stopping and talking about rules to Veer, so he said after few moments " We will follow you wherever you wish to go. Please let us accompany you."

Veer looked at the pleading face of Bhim Singh and despite feeling sad could not help but smile and nodded. Bhim Singh took the reins of Veer's horse and guided him to one of the few available horses. Veer looked toward the other riders and smiled at them. They bowed and said in unison "Crown Prince!" which made many surprised travelers look toward Veer.

Veer without delay ascended on the horse and urged it forward, Bhim Singh and other bodyguards followed. Except for eating their lunch which was packed hurriedly and drinking water, this group did not stop anywhere. This group reached at the gates of Ambikapur city entrance before sunset and by inquiring there about the last rite of princess Priya, they found that funeral was organized at the banks of Renuka river and it will happen at sunset today.

Veer stayed with the group and Bhim Singh inquired the other details with the watchers on the gate. A group of soldiers was not too eye-catching for the common people, because this was the main entrance of Ambikapur capital city and soldiers will frequently pass from here. So common people also didn't mind the Veer's group and their discussions continued.

Veer's ears perked because he knew discussion was going on about the death of Ambikapur's Princess. "Finally they are starting her last rite in evening. Princess Priya's death is very suspicious." One person on a roadside shop said.

Another person said "Don't say anything without thinking. For royalty nothing matters. They can do whatever they want. A princess of her stature is same as us common people, just with some more money and respect. They don't even have freedom like us or authority." Veer listened and felt pricking in his heart. Because what that person said was right.

The first person said, "They said she died due to snake bite."

Another person who it seems is a passing traveler, interrupted him and whispered only for few to hear "Don't say anything. The situation is sensitive with authorities. Don's assume anything. If they said it, then it is correct." Veer was just standing nearby with few bodyguards by him and rest standing a bit far keeping vigilance. Veer's eyes sting due to forming of tears. He forcefully closed his eyes and forced the tears to stop. He couldn't understand such type of family who forced their daughter to her death and then falsifying the facts. Priya suffered too much and he did not know, this caused his heart to ache for her.

Bhim Singh returned to the group and informed Veer about the last rite of Priya and they don't have to enter the city to go to the place of the funeral. Renuka river is few kilometers outside the city and royal family has already departed with the body of Priya. The last rite will happen in next one hour during sunset and they can reach there in half an hour.

Pier on the river bank was not in a deep canyon and was easily accessible. When after sometime Veer and his group approached, they moved from the higher land to the river bank, he saw that funeral pyre was already arranged and Priya's body clad in a white dress was already kept on the pyre.

Some people and priests were already doing before funeral activities related with homage and other rituals. The royal family was standing nearby. Few groups of soldiers were guarding from a distance on in all directions. Out of the perimeter made by the defending soldiers, common people were also present to see the departure of one of the princesses.

Priya was known as a commoner princess and many people liked her. Many people interacted with her and didn't even know that she was a princess. Some of the common public gathered due to the news of the death of their adored and most humble princess. Their whispers and discussions were centered around her.

"I have met her once and she was alone with just one maid and I didn't even know that she was a princess. She really did not deserve to die so young." One person lamented sighing.

Another person said "Nature is so cruel. This saying is really true that good people don't have a long life."

"Many people have seen her from very near and they said her lips were curled like a smile. What could have happened that death made her happy?" One woman recounted her thoughts.

Another person sighed "She was so humble and innocent. How could she survive in such type of climate of politics and treachery? Looks like God made a mistake by sending her and so took her back."

Veer and his group moved forward, whispering stopped and all the common people made way for them and they moved slowly until they were stopped by the guards. Being asked who they were and why did they come, Bhim Singh came forward and said with a solemn face and resonating voice "Crown prince Veer Raj of Ratanpur has come to pay his respects to Princess Priya."

Many ministers and even people from the royal family of Ambikapur were aware of Veer's and Priya's love story and when they heard the voice, they felt surprised and looked in that direction. Everyone has different expressions on their faces.

One of the ministers who was standing near to King Mahendra Dev, sneered "He is the reason for all this. To think that he is arrogant enough to come here." This minister who knows the frame of mind of his king did not want to miss the chance to flatter him.

Many other ministers looked at this minister with the look of anger and contempt. Of course, this is not because he said the wrong thing, but most probably because they were jealous of his fast speed in taking the opportunity.

King Mahendra Dev looked at his ministers and then his Queen Devyani and daughter Shri who were nearby. He said with a serious face and said "We have to look at the larger picture. There is no harm in allowing him to be present. We can even get some benefit due to our broad-mindedness ." Then he mentioned toward the nearby soldier to allow Veer to join them. The soldier left to convey the permission.

Bodyguards of Veer stopped at the perimeter and Veer stepped forward with Bhim Singh and 2-3 other bodyguards. When he looked at the faces of the royal family of Ambikapur, he didn't find them feeling sad but he only saw the indifference, anger or sneer in their gazes. He looked at all of them and he could easily identify her mother. She was the only person and her two maids who really looked sad from Priya's departure. His eyes met with Priya's mother and he gave her a smile of encouragement.

The first person Veer acknowledged was her mother, it really made many feel uneasy. Then Veer looked at the King Mahendra Dev and said with a slight bow "I have long heard about your majesty's intelligent and foresight. It's my fortune to be in your presence."

Many people sneered and they knew Veer was mocking the King and blaming him for Priya's death but not many can make the meaning as they were not aware of his relation with Priya. Many really thought that Veer was praising King.

One person even said "Prince Veer sure is humble and good with his praise. He really is a great scholarly person." And this sentence stopped those who wished to say anything against Veer. They could not start fighting in front of King and show their differences. They could only see that person with hateful gazes.

Then Veer ignored all other people and looked toward the high priest who has also stopped and asked "Why is everyone stopped? Please continue." And then he turned his head toward everyone and said "I'm apologetic to come unannounced and have caused a disturbance." No one said anything and rituals continued.

During rituals, princess Shri moved and stood beside Veer and introduced herself with a sweet smile "I am princess Shri. I am the older sister of Priya." Veer looked at her and from her expression he could feel the vibe of a scheming woman. He is not new to the schemes in the palace and can guess something from her. He looked toward Priya's mother and when he saw her expression looking at princess Shri, he could make the head and tail of what is this princess trying.

Rituals are almost complete and now is the chance to lit the funeral pyre. Veer looked at the face of Priya which has already lost its glow and only was preserved for two days using herbs. He felt twitching in his heart and could not stop feeling overwhelmed from the sadness. She was supposed to be his wife. She was born to love him. She was his only love and she wanted to be his wife. She died trying to find a way to reach him.

Veer overwhelmed from his feeling could not stop himself, he looked at the King moving to lit the pyre and asked "What does King has to say if I wish to lit the pyre" Everyone was shocked from Veer's outburst. Veer looked at the changing facial expressions of King and continued "Of course I will agree to any demand of yours in return."

The women who are married and they die, their husbands lit the pyre. If married women's husband is not there, their eldest son or daughter are given the right to lit the pyre. If a woman is unmarried, their father or mother is required to lit the pyre. That is why Veer's demand made people hateful, angry and they thought he was trying to make himself Priya's husband. This was an insult to the royal family.

Everyone thought that king might get angry but King Mahendra Dev fell silent. He looked at the expectant gaze of his beloved daughter Shri and then he sneered at Veer "Empty words cannot be used as proof. What promise can Prince Veer give us?" He wanted him to marry Shri and he knew it was not easy but Veer has given him a chance.

Veer thought King will say no directly. But when he saw his expression and then heard him, he felt sad for Priya to have such type of father. But he finally thought "I am the one who loves you most. So, it's given that I lit your pyre. I will be your husband from now."

Veer looked at the King and then looked around and saw one scribe who records events of the royal family with paper and pen. He mentioned him to bring the paper and pen. Scribe brought him a paper and pen.

Veer, without delay, took the paper and wrote: "Crown prince of Ratanpur promises to marry the princess of Ambikapur." Then he turned to Bhim Singh who was looking at him and spread his palm. Bhim Singh asked hesitantly "Prince! shouldn't you think about this?"

Veer smiled at him, his eyes filled with tears and he whispered "Do you think I did not think enough? I will make Priya my wife with this. That is enough." Then he raised his tone and said sternly "Pass the seal". Bhim Singh sighed and gave the seal. Veer took the seal and stamped the paper with crown prince seal. He gave the seal back to Bhim Singh and Paper to a minister nearby who felt surprised by seeing what was written. Minister passed the paper to his King. That minister seems to be proud of his King. Veer sneered in his heart on these heartless people.

The King Mahendra Dev looked at the paper in his hand and felt surprised. He looked at the confident face of Veer and felt satisfied and he then passed the paper to his brother for safekeeping.

King Mahendra Dev then turned toward everyone and announced "Crown prince Veer has liked Priya and wished to marry her. Priya also wanted to marry him. Sadly she passed away before I could know or do anything about this. As per the last wish of my daughter, I want crown prince Veer to lit the pyre."

Many people felt surprised. As only two-three people know about what Veer has written, Princess Shri and Queen Devyani looked at King with complaining gazes. Many ministers felt skeptical about King's decision. Some who knew about Veer and Priya's relation, thought that King is trying to win over Veer. Bhim Singh looked at his prince and thought "No doubt he is called a great scholar and thinker. I did not even know what was happening." Some people have already started whispering among themselves.

One person said "Oh, that is why he is here. I thought what was the reason for a prince of another kingdom to be here."

"To think that even if they were not married, he is acknowledging her as his wife. Her soul really will feel at peace due to his love." another one said.

One of the scholarly person standing nearby said "To think they loved each other so much. As she was being married to someone else. It explains why there was a smile on her face when she was dead." Looks like he was unaware of political conspiracies going on.

"I am really feeling sad due to this tragedy to them. I am feeling like I have not loved my wife wholeheartedly. What if we are separated like this someday. Looks like I have to decide priorities of my life" Another one said.

Lady Mandakini felt like crying again. Her daughter's love was being acknowledged by people. Her tears started falling. What is the use now when her daughter is gone? But at least some will be able to guess why her daughter died. She looked at Veer with her gaze filled with adoration and thought "My daughter did not love the wrong person. He has made her his wife."

Veer's gaze met with her mother and he nodded and smiled. There was sadness in that smile and there was the determination as well. Veer moved forward and extended his hand toward king Mahendra to take the burning wooden stick which was revered by mantras and to be used to lit the pyre. King Mahendra smiled and passed the stick to Veer. Veer felt disgusted for such a father but felt content thinking that Priya would love what he is doing.

He took the burning stick, he encircled the pyre with the Mantras being chanted by priests. After three circles as per the indication of the priest, he put the burning stick into the pyre and the woods in pyre which were treated with ghee, blazed up.

Veer stepped backward and stood watching her face until her body was engulfed in the flames. Then he looked up in the sky which was orange in color due to sunset on the horizon. There were white clouds in the sky. His eyes teared up and he mumbled "Are you watching me? See, your husband has come to perform your last rite. Are you feeling happy?"

Pyre burned until it was almost the end of twilight. Veer looked at the ashes in front of him. There she was turned into ashes but her smile, her voice, and her love were not there. He felt sad and knew it was only her body and she has already left, so no need keep standing and he turned and looked at Bhim Singh and his bodyguards and mentioned them to prepare to depart. Many people have already left. Only the royal family, ministers, priests, soldiers and Veer's group remained till now.

King Mahendra Dev came toward Veer and said "We have met for the first time and Prince Veer has really impressed us highly with his demeanor. Why don't you give us a chance to provide you with our respect and hospitality." Princess Shri was standing beside her father and said smiling "Prince Veer must want to know where Priya used to live and know about her family. I will be your guide for the tour of Ambikapur."

Veer felt anger surging in his heart when he looked at this father and daughter but he kept his appearance solemn. He looked at the Lady Mandakini standing few steps behind them and replied in a calm voice "This is not a time to enjoy someone's hospitality. And the place where she did not wish to remain and thus she left, why would I wish to visit there?" Princess Shri and other royal family members including King felt shocked.

The only person who felt a bit of happiness in overflowing sadness was Lady Mandakini and her tears could not stop. Veer looked at her and said "Mother". Lady Mandakini could not control herself and ran into Veer's arms and started crying.

Veer consoled her and then wiped her tears. He said in a determined voice. "She was my wife and will remain so. No one will ever be able to take her place in my life."

"Prince Veer! You have promised that you are going to marry our princess." King Mahendra's voice came from the front. Lady Mandakini got startled and looked at Veer questioningly.

Now everyone understood what has Veer written on the paper before. Veer felt like this is the time to respond to these people in their language. He smiled at Lady Mandakini and then looked toward everyone present and said calmly "I know and the promise of the royal family of Ratanpur will stay. Of course, your princess will become the wife of the crown prince of Ratanpur. But Veer has only one person as his wife."

There was a smile playing and also tears on Lady Mandakini's face. Veer has told everyone that he will leave the Rights of Crown Prince but he will only love Priya.

Veer smiled at her mother and walked away toward his horse. Bhim Singh and his bodyguards followed. Veer climbed his horse and smiled at Priya's mother and said "Mother! please visit me if you feel like it sometime." and under stunned gazes of the royal family of Ambikapur, Veer's group departed.

Lady Mandakini who was overwhelmed with sadness now has a look of pride like she has won a battle. She looked at the departing figure of Veer until he became invisible in the cover of night. Her daughter was gone but she felt at peace because her daughter's love was not gone in vain. Her daughter loved the right person and will be known as his wife even if she was gone.