They reached Agnikosha by evening. As they passed through the streets, people spoke ill of her. No one stopped them. She was not upset by it—she had expected it.
The castle gates opened. Meera got down from the chariot first and helped Her Highness. All eyes turned toward her. They had not expected such beauty.
They entered the palace, where a banquet was held. She sat with her mother-in-law, not with the king. His first wife, Tara, sat beside him. She looked down on Rudra. But a mountain is not moved by a mere wind—neither was she.
Dancers arrived and performed.
During dinner, his aunt asked the princess to serve him. She poured wine into a glass and held it out to him. But instead of taking it, he held her hand and brought it to his mouth. He drank slowly, his eyes fixed on her face.
Her cheeks turned pink—not from shyness, but from anger. There were so many maids to serve, yet they chose her.
When the feast ended, her mother-in-law led her to the king's chamber.
"Rudra, though my son already has a wife, he has no child. I believe you will bring happiness to this palace."
She did not reply—she only smiled.
The Queen Mother left. She entered the room. There were no servants outside. She closed the door and searched the drawers and cupboards, but found nothing—only dresses, jewels, and paintings.
A knock was heard. She quickly closed everything and opened the door.
He entered and locked the door again.
"Why did you lock the door?" he asked.
"I was adjusting my dress, my king."
Another knock was heard. He opened the door. It was his first wife.
"I came as you told me," she said.
"Then let's begin," he replied, removing his outer garment.
"My king, then let me return to my chamber. I don't want to disturb you."
As she walked past him, he pulled her, then suddenly released her, causing her to fall. He crouched before her and lifted her chin to face him. Once again, he was struck by her beauty. All he knew was that no woman in Agnikosha could match her.
"I didn't allow you to go."
'I don't need your permission,' she thought—but aloud, she asked for his pardon.
"You may sit on the sofa. Your eyes should remain fixed here," he said.
She understood—but obeyed.
"My king, can I open my mouth?"
"To sing?" Tara asked.
"In a way. I won't disturb you. I won't speak ill of you. Will you allow me, my king… my queen?"
He was about to respond, but Tara agreed.
He removed Tara's jewels and embraced her from behind. Their moment was interrupted by a voice:
"Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat."
"O Divine Mother, our hearts are filled with darkness. Please drive away this darkness and fill us with light."
She recited every word with clarity.
They tried to continue. He made Tara lie on the bed—but they could not. Rudra's eyes were fixed on them, yet her mind was elsewhere. She sat cross-legged and sang softly—so softly.
A voice that could melt even stone.
They could not bear the pressure. At last, he let his first wife go.
She looked at Rudra with anger before she left . He walked towards her . She noticed and stopped. He held her arm , strong.
" Ah " it was a light sound from her due to pain . ( It would have pained for a normal girl ) .
He looked at her , her eyes filled with tear but refused to fall . She noticed her nose and cheeks turning pink which made him pity her .
He left her arm and raised her chin . They were close. She was still on sofa and he was leaning forward.
" Will you sing like this when we do it ? "
She wanted to laugh but held herself.
" My king , the waves meet the land , we praise it . The sun meets the moon , we like it .
Somethings are to be done out of love. And when we do that .. if we do that , out of love, I will begin with prayer , for the family we will create, to undertake responsibility . If it is just about lust , then marriage becomes unnecessary. ''