part 5

In the first hour of the night, the sound of the door opening was heard. Immediately, the sound of anklets and the gentle voices of female voices began to resound. Princess Leelavati had entered the temple of the goddess. As the princess removed her ornamental blouse and placed it on a marble stone slab, the radiance of the lit lamps seemed to fade. It was as if, when the moon rose in the sky, the brilliance of the stars dimmed. A maid extinguished all the lamps except the one placed on the goddess Chamundi's altar, but the temple still glowed brightly. The temple was even more luminous than before, thanks to the radiance from the jewels on the blouse. The worship of Goddess Chamundi began. King Vikram, upon witnessing the beauty of Princess Leelavati, listening to her voice, and admiring her dance, was astounded. The princess looked even more beautiful and attractive than what he had heard about her. King Vikram, entranced by the dance and music, completely forgot his purpose.

Princess Leelavati and her companions continued to worship Goddess Chamundi through dance, music, and songs all night. As the last watch of the night approached, the princess said, "After the final dance and song, we will take the dust from the goddess's feet and return."

Entranced by the dance and music, King Vikram suddenly remembered his purpose and called upon the Yaksha Betal. As soon as he thought of him, Betal appeared and spoke, "Master! Please give your command."

King Vikram said, "Friend Betal! The dance and songs are still ongoing in the temple courtyard, and the blouse is placed there. Once the dance and songs end, before the first rays of dawn appear, you must bring that blouse."

Betal responded, "Master! Your command will be followed."

The worship of the goddess ceased, and Princess Leelavati and her companions exited the temple. The attendants were waiting for the princess with the vehicle. The princess, along with her friends, set off for Kanchanpur. The vehicle rose into the sky as the attendants sat inside.

Suddenly, one of the attendants asked, "Has all the baggage been placed in the vehicle? Where is the princess's blouse?"

All the attendants expressed their ignorance. Anxiety spread among them. The chief attendant, Praveena, said, "The blouse is studded with jewels, and its value is immeasurable. It is with its divine light that the worship of Goddess Chamundi is conducted. If it is lost, surely we will all face the death penalty. Do you not remember the wrath of Princess Leelavati?"

Upon hearing this, some of the attendants began to tremble with fear. One of the attendants said to the charioteer, "Brother! Turn the vehicle around and take us back to the temple of the goddess."

As the first rays of dawn touched nature's expanse, the night queen, along with her starry children, had already departed. Birds flew freely in the sky and chirped merrily. The first rays of the sun touched the lotus flowers, causing them to bloom with joy. However, the doors of Goddess Chamundi's temple were closed. One of the maids pushed the door, but it did not open. Surprised, she called out, "Who is inside?"

But no answer came. The maid then called out again, "Open the door! We have urgent work to do." Still, the door did not open. The maid, with a louder voice, said, "Princess Leelavati of Kanchanpur has forgotten her blouse, and we have come to retrieve it. Whoever is inside must open the door immediately."

This time, King Vikram's voice was heard from inside, "If you want the blouse, you must give me a promise in return."

The maids were startled by the male voice, and then, cautiously, one of them asked, "We cannot give a promise without knowing what it is. We are royal attendants, and we cannot violate our code of conduct. Who are you?"

King Vikram replied, "What does it matter who I am? But trust me, I will not compel you to do anything immoral. If you want the blouse, you must give your promise."

The maid responded, "If you don't want to compel us to do anything improper, then why hesitate to tell us what the promise is? It is impossible to give a promise without knowing what is required of us."

King Vikram replied, "Then listen. If you want the blouse, you must arrange for the princess to meet me."

The maid responded, "No, this is impossible. The princess does not meet with anyone."

King Vikram said, "Don't speak falsely. If she does not meet anyone, then why are many kings, princes, and others suffering lifelong imprisonment?"

The maid replied, "Allowing her to speak with a man is at her discretion. We cannot force her."

King Vikram said, "Then go back. Accept the punishment the princess Leelavati gives you. For this serious crime, she may even sentence you to death."

To be continued.